Sam walked down the halls of Casper High. He hadn't spoken to his friends since the previous night when he accompanied them to Nasty Burger for their date.

His gaze traveled further down the hallway. He saw Dani standing at her locker. Talking to her was an African-American, but this person looked to be a boy. From Sam's point-of-view, Dani responded excitedly to something the boy had said.

The look on the Goth's face briefly twisted into a scowl. So focused was he on the conversation - the subject of which was still a mystery - he didn't even notice the finger tapping his shoulder.

"Hey, there!"

The boy would've leapt out of his skin if not for gravity, so jumping a couple of inches forward would have to suffice. He turned around and stared daggers at the offending tapper:

"Takeisha!", he growled in a whisper.

"What are we looking at?" The girl peered at Dani conversing with a boy. A sly look appeared on her face. "Oh, I see."

"What?"

"You're jealous."

"You're delusional."

"So Dani is talking to some guy."

"Some guy I've never seen before."

"Did you ever consider you're being a little overprotective of her?"

Sam said nothing as he continued to watch. "Where do these guys come from?!"

"Well, when a Mommy and a Daddy love each other very much…" Before Takeisha could finish, she saw that Sam was no longer beside her. He was stomping toward Dani, who was now by herself and waving.

The brunette turned slightly and nearly bumped into Sam.

"Oh, hey, there."

"Hello, Dani. So…what was that about?"

"What, you mean…?" She jerked her thumb down the other end of the hall. "Vince was just catching me up on last night's history homework. I was kind of exhausted after last night." She rubbed her neck. "Flying Tuck home gave me a nasty kink."

"By the way, how did the date go?"

"Surprisingly well, considering that Dacia masterminded it. Dexter and Darrin were pretty nice."

"Wait, Darrin?"

"Long story." Takeisha had caught up to her friends.

At that moment, Dacia walked up to them, looking quite confident. "Hey, girls. How did it go?"

"It went well." Dani shrugged. "Who knew you cared so much about us?"

The blonde laughed a little. "Care? About you? That's really nice."

"No, really. Those guys you set us up with clean up good."

"No." Dacia shook her head. "I was assured that these guys were socially green; that they were absolute dorks."

"Have you ever seen the chess club?"

"Of course not. Those guys are losers."

"Why", Sam started in. "…'cause they're not on the same wavelength as the high and mighty head cheerleader?"

Takeisha put her hands on her hips. "You know, you're something of a humanitarian, now."

"Once word of this gets around, people are going to be seeking you out for help."

"Yeah." Dani counted on her fingers. "Band geeks, science club nerds, yearbook staffers…what a photo opportunity that would make."

Dacia paled a little at hearing this.

"Of course, we're willing to forget about this if…"

"If what?"

"High school's hard enough to get through without being hassled. Leave us be, and we'll forget about your matchmaking service."

The cheerleader sighed deeply. "Fine." She turned and stomped down the hall.

Dani exhaled. "I can't believe that."

"Neither can I. We could've ridden that wave for the next two years. Dacia would've done anything for us to keep quiet."

"It'd get pretty pointless after a while." The three teens start down the hall.

"Atta girl, Dani. Stick to the high road." Sam couldn't help but smile.

"Although, that would leave Dexter and Darrin. I mean, they never promised to keep this to themselves."

Takeisha pumped her fist, while Sam rolled his eyes.

The gesture did not go unnoticed by Dani. "What? Just because she's a cheerleader, she thinks she owns the school?"

"And she wouldn't even be the first to think like that…here, anyway. The school's founder, Archibald Casper, had a daughter - Melinda - who was a cheerleader. Technically, we're looking at a legacy."

"It's frightening that you know that. Truly."

Dani shrugged. "Though I'm kinda going to miss the fun times we had with her."

XxXxXxXxX

"Let's see if I have this correct: you want to be a cheerleader?" Dacia glanced across the table in the gymnasium. "Why?"

"Why not?"

"What experience do you have?"

"What experience do you have?"

"Well, I'm just a naturally spirited and kind person. Now get the hell out or get that bony butt moving." She turned to the Asian-American girl sitting next to her. "Hit it, K."

"You got it, D." 'K' pulled out an iPod and set it on the table. The melody that poured forth was rich in synthesized beats and a maddeningly catchy hook. The girl started moving to the music, gyrating and pumping. She topped it off with a flip followed by a cartwheel.

She exhaled and outstretched her arms. "Ta-da!"

The brunette leaned over to the blonde. "She's pretty good, Dacia."

"Yeah. Too good, Kimi." She looked to the girl. "Uh, yes, thank you…" A glance down at a clipboard. "…Fenton."

"So, am I on the squad?"

"Let me put it like this: do you have any free time this year?"

The girl shook her head and smiled hopefully. "Yes."

"Good. Be sure to come to Friday night's game…and watch how real cheerleaders work it."

The cheer captains erupted in laughter as the girl stomped out of the gym.

XxXxXxXxX

Takeisha walked toward a table, two burgers on her lunch tray. Sometimes, she knew just how to butter up the lunch staff

"Hey, there, sistah girl. How goes it?"

Dacia stood a few steps behind the African-American girl, who wasn't sure whether to be offended at or amused by the blonde's "attempt" at slang.

She turned around. "Hi, Dacia. What do you want?"

"It's not what I want for me. It's what I want for you, girl." At that moment, Kimi walked by.

"Hey, what up?" 'Oh, great', Takeisha thought. 'Her, too?!'

"I'm just about to enjoy a nice, nutritious meal as provided by our school."

"Listen up, girlfriend: eating all that meat can't be good for you."

"Yeah, you might end up a little…fat." Kimi used her hands to mime her stomach expanding.

"As far as I'm concerned, starving to death is much scarier to me than getting fat."

"But all the cholesterol will go straight to your ass." There wasn't as much confidence behind Dacia's statement.

Takeisha couldn't help rolling her eyes. "And that's the worst thing that can happen to me? Just more of me to love."

"Well…those burgers are made with rat droppings and gristle." Dacia and Kimi high-fived each other as Takeisha continued walking through the cafeteria, a snort escaping her nostrils.

XxXxXxXxX

Sam stood at his locker. He put a book inside and took a different one out. He slammed the door and right behind it was Dacia. "Hello."

"Hello", he replied tersely and walked away.

The girl caught up with him. "You may think I don't understand, but I do."

"Understand what?"

"Why you're not attracted to me." Dacia stood still, but Sam passed her.

He stopped and turned to face her, a slight smile on his face. "'Cause you're an obnoxious brat whose fecal matter gives off no offending aroma."

Dacia laughed off the insult. "No, silly. It's totally cool, though. I have a few gay friends. Of course, I keep this on the down-low, but…" By now, the blonde could see Sam massaging his temples with his hand.

Sam removed his hand. "Honestly, if that's the best you can do for a put-down, maybe it's time to throw in the towel."

"And who are you to be making suggestions like that?"

"Someone tired of your crap. Sooner or later, it catches up to you."

"So, what? Are you threatening me?"

"Don't flatter yourself, and even if I was, I'm not the one you'd have to worry about, because sooner or later, your crap's gonna get you into trouble."

"Me, the darling of this school? Not likely, freak." Dacia stomped off, leaving Sam to shake his head.

XxXxXxXxX

"Fun times?", Sam and Takeisha glared at their mutual friend.

"Perhaps 'fun' is a subjective term."

XxXxXxXxX

As far as Sam (not to mention society at large) was concerned, what happened in a public restroom was none of anybody's business…and it's certainly none of mine.

He was about to open the door of the stall he currently occupied when he heard the door open. Through the crack at the door, he saw Paulo. It looked like the transfer student was washing his hands.

"Hey, Paulo!" Sam glanced at the source of the voice.

"Skyler, hola. How are you?"

"Okay. Yourself?"

"I am fine, but Dacia seems a little…how do I put this…distracted, today."

Sam chuckled quietly to himself.

"That's my cousin for you; her and her crazy mood swings. You know, just between us and the mirror, she'd be just another cheerleader if it wasn't for her chest. Like, days before high school started…" Skyler snapped his fingers for effect. "Bam! Instant popularity magnets."

"Oh, yes. The other night, she let me touch…"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa." The blonde put his hands up. "Man, that's my cousin. I don't need to hear about that."

"Sorry, but she is muy bonita…not really like some other girls here."

"Like that girl…Takeisha. Talk about trying too hard."

"I was thinking of her…but not as much as Dani. She's kind of…what's the word…unappealing. There's just nothing there."

"Yeah. A guy would have to be pretty desperate to go for her."

At that, the door of the bathroom stall flew open, revealing Sam. "Hello."

Skyler jumped back. "Manson! What the hell are you doing in here?"

"It's a bathroom, bright boy. Use your imagination. You know, I couldn't help but overhear your little…chat about my friends."

"Hey, we didn't say anything about those two that wasn't true."

Sam balled his fists up. His eyes narrowed.

"After all, you are their friend, so you should already know this." Paulo's accent was like a dagger in the Goth's flesh. Sam turned to him.

"There'll be time for you, Casanever." Paulo gasped at the insult. The infuriated boy turned to face Skyler. "And you have no business imitating your cousin."

"You don't scare me."

"No?" Sam stood firmly as he lunged at the blonde, eliciting a shocked yelp from him. Sam raised an eyebrow, as if to suggest that he'd go much further with the assault. Skyler didn't stay to find out.

Sam looked at Paulo. The Latino had his arms folded. "What do I have to worry about? You're just some…emo."

"I am so sick of that word. Do you even know what it means? Does anyone who uses the word on a regular basis know what it means?!"

"All I need to know is that you've got issues and being jealous of me isn't going to help you get over them."

His fist still formed, Sam launched it at Paulo's face. The new student blocked it with his arms and laughed a little. "You'll have to do better than--"

Paulo fell to the ground, his arms clutched around his stomach. His breathing had grown shallow. Sam walked out of the latrine shaking his hand.

XxXxXxXxX

"Sam! I can't believe you did that!" Dani looked down at the boy from her bed, nearly knocking her textbook over.

"Yes, because defending your honor is certainly not something a friend should be doing."

"But Sam..." Takeisha put her hand on the boy's shoulder. "You could get detention. They could suspend you. You might even be looking at expulsion."

"All good points."

"I don't care what they said about me. You didn't need to put yourself into trouble for me."

"Dani, there's no need to be negative about this."

"A Goth calling someone negative? There's a first."

The two brunettes looked ready to attack each other. Takeisha could see that the argument wasn't going to die out anytime soon. "I'm…gonna get something to eat. Yeah. Just…I'll get something to eat."

She stepped out of the room, closing the door quietly.

XxXxXxXxX

Takeisha walked to the kitchen. She glanced at the bowl of fruit sitting on the table. Amongst the oranges, apples and pears rested a solitary banana.

She rushed toward the bowl, plucking the yellow fruit from the pile. Just as she unpeeled it, Jase walked in. His expression soured.

"That's not the last banana, is it?"

"I'm afraid it is. There's plenty of other fruit available."

"But that's not the point. I was craving a banana. Thanks a lot", he pouted.

The girl let out a light scoff. This guy was going to college? She broke the banana in half. Out of the corner of his eye, Jase noticed the fruit.

"If you're not still hungry, I could…"

He took the banana half and bit into it. "Thanks." He swallowed. "What brings you down here?"

"Well, it started when Sam overheard Paulo and Skyler in the boy's room and they were badmouthing me and Dani…"

"Dani and I."

"Thank you. They were badmouthing us and Sam punched Paulo in the gut. Dani didn't want Sam to get in trouble because of her and he's calling her ungrateful. They were a couple steps away from launching World War III and I wanted to avoid the fallout." She took a bite of her banana.

"That can't last long."

A gulp. "I know."

"She's too crazy about him to stay mad for too long."

"Ye…wait. How do you know that?"

The boy extended his hand like he wanted to shake. "Jason Fenton. I don't think we've met." He puts his hand down. "Like I said, Dani's crazy about him. Sometimes, late at night, I hear her going, 'Oh, Sam. Say we'll always be together.'."

"And Sam's just stubborn. I know he likes her." Takeisha took a deep breath. "How pathetic are we; mooning about other people's love lives like it's any of our business?"

"There are better things to do with our time. I know it." Jase allowed his eyes to roam the African-American's body.

Takeisha finished her banana in time to catch Jase snapping his head away from her. "Did you enjoy the view?"

"Very much, if you must know." Jase tossed his last banana piece in his mouth.

"Jase, are you coming on to me?"

The redhead swallowed. "You're my brother's friend. Why would I do that?"

The girl approached him. "Not sure, but I didn't hear a 'no'."

Jase backed against the table. Takeisha stared into his eyes, fluttering them seductively.

"Good news, kids!" Jack burst into the kitchen.

"What is it, Dad?", Jase groaned, interrupting the moment.

"The monthly stipend check for the inventions arrived."

"Stipend check?"

"Yes. The money in this check keeps a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food in your stomach."

The boy smiled bemusedly as his father left the kitchen.

Takeisha closed her eyes and puckered her lips. Jase…reached toward her head and pulled off her beret.

"Geez, it's like this thing is crazy-glued to your skull." He held it toward the ceiling, causing her to jump for it.

"Give it back", she demanded through gritted teeth.

"It'll cost you a kiss."

Takeisha stood on her tiptoes and kissed Jase on the lips. He wrapped her arms around her and returned the kiss. He loosened his grip on the beret, allowing her to take it back.

XxXxXxXxX

Dani looked as the door to her room closed. "So, I guess I owe Jase an apology." The girl turned to Sam. "And you are next on that list. I'm sorry I blew up at you. It's just that…not everything needs to be solved with violence."

"Just incidents involving ghosts."

"Exactly." Dani hopped off of her bed and sat next to Sam on the floor. She wrapped him in a hug. "I don't want to be mad at you."

"I don't want you to be mad." He planted a small kiss on her forehead. "And I certainly don't want to have Takeisha say…"

The dark-skinned girl stood in the now-open doorway, her arm around Jase's waist. "I told you so!"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A/N: I planned this story as a series of vignettes tied to the premise of 'what if?' It was loosely based on a piece of fanart, found here: http:// www. deviantart. com/ deviation/ 51014932/

(Suspiciously, another group picture in the same vein appeared in the interim: http:// www. deviantart. com/ deviation/ 53585465/ Coincidence? Who can say?)

I hope this little experiment worked. Thanks for reading and reviewing and have a nice day.