Chapter 4: Two Can Play At That Game
"Well? He dumped me!" Kairi said storming into Namine's room and flopping onto the bed as Namine was taking a CD out of the player.
"That shallow bastard thinks I'm not complex?" Rikku asked walking into the room with Selphie in tow.
"You like invented complex." Selphie said.
"I was so depressed I couldn't even enjoy the break-up sex." Kairi said. The other three just looked at her. "Oh my God! I'm such a slu-OW!" she yelled as she hit her head on the wall behind her. They all started cracking up.
"I can't believe I ate meat for him." Kairi said later that night pouring to chocolate sauce onto a pretzel and popping it in her mouth. "I mean, it was fish. But still, I don't eat anything with a face on it."
"Here, try this." Rikku said putting a Hershey Kiss smothered in chocolate into Kairi's mouth. "Chocolate on chocolate."
"Mmm. Oh yeah." Kairi said chewing.
"You know, chocolate is like the Riku Davis…of all snack foods." Rikku said.
"What, it's gotta get with every candy on the shelf?" Kairi said smiling. The others giggled.
"You know, chocolate can really help you. My mom says it can even mend your broken heart." Namine said.
"I was thinking. Instead of doing all this, we should've just broken his heart." Selphie said speaking up. Rikku and Kairi looked at her.
"What?" Kairi asked.
"Selphie, that's pretty genius." Rikku said sitting up.
"Yeah, except he broke up with everybody." Namine said.
"Not. Everybody." Rikku said as the three looked to Namine.
"What? N-no. I can't do that. I mean, I don't even like him!" Namine said.
"So? You're not really going to be dating him." Rikku said.
"Look, I know what you're thinking. I'm not as pretty as Selphie-" Selphie said pointing to herself. "-I'm not that smart-" she said looking to Rikku. "-I'm not that…experienced." She said looking Kairi over. Kairi and Rikku giggled and elbowed each other.
"That's true." Namine whispered to herself.
"But that's why you have us. And we can make you into anything." Kairi said. Namine looked at the three of them. "If we combine all of us together, we can make him fall in love with you. And I mean really fall in love with you. And then we'll yank it all out from under him!" Kairi yelled making Namine flinch.
"This is gonna be so good!" Rikku yelled punching the air.
"Hahaha. No. It's just not gonna work." Namine said.
"Look, Namine. I know you think I'm just some superficial cheerleader. But I do have feelings. And they were crushed because of your idea." Selphie said. Namine just looked down.
"Fine. Let's go girls." Kairi said grabbing some things and getting up. Selphie and Rikku grabbed things and followed her to the door.
"Wait." Namine said. The three turned to look at her. "Just tell me what to do." Namine said.
"Yes!" Rikku, Kairi, and Selphie screamed in unison running back to the bed and jumping on it.
"Now the first step is so easy. There's one thing Riku Davis can not resist." Selphie said.
"Ok, girls. This is Namine and she'll be taking Lisa's place." Selphie said the next day during cheer practice.
"What?" Lisa asked.
"Well, you've got that bum leg and everything." Selphie said pointing to Lisa's ankle which was wrapped in gauze.
"But. It's just a sprain. The doctor said it'd be better in a week." Lisa said.
"Sorry kiddo. You gave it a good fight. Better luck next year." Selphie said as Lisa stormed off. "Ok, Namine. You're on top." Selphie said leading Namine towards the center of the gym.
"What? No! I mean, I get dizzy in high heels!" Namine said.
"C'mon! Riku loves girls on top." Selphie said. Namine froze and looked at her. "Of the pyramid. Helloo?" Selphie said pushing Namine in further. "Trust me, it's an honor. Michelle's been waiting three years to get up there, right Michelle?" Selphie said.
"Oh, yeah. But you go right ahead. I mean, it's your first day, you earned it." Michelle said sarcastically as Namine walked past her.
"Alright, ladies. Up, up, up!" Selphie called. Michelle was hoisted into the air and then Namine climbed clumsily onto her shoulders. "Ok, straight legs. Good, ok, big smiles!" Namine gasped as she reached the top and felt sturdy.
"Ha! I did it! Sabers attaaaaahh!" Namine screamed as the whole pyramid came crashing down. Selphie ran over and grabbed Namine's hand to help her up.
"Well, if you can crush Riku like you crushed Michelle, I think we got it." Selphie said helping her up. The two exited the gym.
"Sorry." Namine said.
"Don't be sorry. The best thing a cheerleader wears is her pride. Watch this." Selphie said walking to a message board. She threw her hand up against it with attitude and stuck her hip out, getting looks from passing guys.
"I can do that." Namine said walking past Selphie to another message board up ahead. She repeated Selphie's moves and also got looks. Riku came up behind Rikku.
"Hey, so we're cool right?" he asked. Rikku just scoffed at him. Riku looked up and saw Namine. "Hey, who's the new cheerleader?" he asked.
"That's Namine." Rikku responded.
"She's cute." He said looking her over.
"Not gonna happen. She's not into high school boys." Rikku said walking to Namine and the two walked forward together.
"So what did he say?" Namine asked.
"Eh, cute." Selphie responded.
"Really? Cute? I mean, did you even introduce us? Should I go talk to him?" Namine asked pointing her hand in his direction. Selphie grabbed Namine's hand and pulled her towards the bathroom. "N-no?" Selphie knocked on the two middle stalls and Kairi and Rikku came out.
"I think we're sending her in before she's ready." Selphie said crossing her arms.
"What? I am totally ready!" Namine defended.
"Oh yeah? Tell them what Riku said about you." Selphie said.
"Oh, what, about me being cute? No, it's just a comment. If anything, it's an insult. I know he's just getting ready to use me." Namine said.
"Namine, I'm confused. But I thought you said you had experience with guys like this." Kairi said.
"I do. I've watched my mom date a million and one of these guys before." Namine said.
"But have you ever dated one." Kairi said.
"Have you ever dated a Riku Davis?" Selphie asked.
"Have you ever dated…anyone?" Rikku asked.
"Define anyone." Namine said.
"Oh my god!" Kairi said.
"Oh my God, I am so not ready!" Namine said.
"No! Ok, you've just got to be cool and collected." Rikku said.
"Yeah. Be caring and passionate." Kairi said.
"Yeah. You've got to be proud and aggressive." Selphie said.
"You've got to make him chase you, ok? If it's too easy, he'll move on. Do you understand?" Rikku said.
"Mmhmm, yes. I have it. It's totally under control." Namine said.
"Ok. So he really said you were cute?" Rikku asked gushing.
"Yeah." Namine said smiling. "I mean, that's what Selphie said and-"the girls threw their hands up and glared at her. "Damnit!" Namine yelled jumping off the counter.
"Ok, ok, look, it's not that hard…umm…when you're talking to him count to three in your head before you answer him." Rikku said.
"Yeah and don't show any interest when he's talking. Don't even look at him too much!" Selphie said.
"Yes. Do you got it?" Rikku asked. Namine stared blankly at her. "I said do you have it!"
"I was counting to three." Namine said innocently.
"Not that slow. We don't him to think you're retarded." Kairi said. Just then a bunch of girls entered the bathroom and the four scattered.
The next day as Namine was heading to her next class Riku approached her.
"Namine, Riku Davis. So you're new, right?" he asked. Namine started counting to three 'One, two, thr-' "Well not new, new. New to cheer." Riku said. 'One, two, three-' Namine turned to say something, but Riku butted in. "Ok, don't tell me. Tell me Saturday night. At dinner. I'm captain of the team, you're the new cheerleader. I'm officially obligated to buy you dinner. School rules."
"Sorry, but I'm gonna have to pass." Namine said finally speaking.
"What, are you busy?" Riku asked.
"Sure. I'm busy." Namine said turning and continuing her walk to her next class.
Namine and Roxas were in chemistry doing this and that.
"So there's this local band called Paramore. They're pretty good." Roxas said.
"Yeah?" Namine asked.
"Yeah. Maybe if they have a show sometime, you might wanna go?"
"Yeah. That's cool." Namine said.
"Cool." Roxas said as a boy entered the room with a bouquet of flowers.
"Hey, what are you doing in here?" the teacher asked.
"I'm supposed to deliver these to Namine." he said looking at Namine and handing the flowers to her. She took them and smiled, but was kind of confused. Then four more boys entered with flowers for Namine. Namine exchanged glances with Roxas, but he just looked away. Then Riku came over the loudspeaker.
"Namine, if you're out there is speakerland, my number is 555-0739." Riku said. Namine just stared at more boys coming in holding flowers. Other girls around her were writing down Riku's number.
Later that day Namine made her way up to the production room where the other three were along with the numerous flowers. They were watching the computer screen.
"-you're our new cheerleader, I'm officially obligated to buy you dinner. School rules." Riku said.
"Thank but I'll have to pass." Namine said.
"What are you busy?"
"Sure, I'm busy." Namine said on the tape. "How did you get that?" Namine asked Rikku.
"Oh. I'm documenting our efforts." Rikku said.
"Why? So he can get spotted and offered a role on the OC?" Selphie asked.
"It's for our expose." Rikku said.
"It'll be like prime time Tucker. Hasta la vista, mother fu-" Selphie started.
"Stop! With the rhyming." Rikku said as she pointed her video camera away from Selphie.
"No, that's pretty good. Do it like this. Riku, there's only one guy out there for me. But-"Kairi started.
"YOU ARE NOT HIM!" Kairi, Rikku, and Selphie all said at the same time.
"Here, you try one, Namine." Selphie said. Rikku pointed the camera to Namine.
"Riku, there's only one guy out there for me, but you're not him." Namine said.
"No! Don't hold back! How do you want to be a cheerleader with no attitude?" Selphie said.
"But…I don't wanna be a cheerleader." Namine said.
"Namine, everybody wants to be a cheerleader." Selphie said. Rikku swung the camera around to Kairi. Kairi just shook her head and mouthed a "No".
"Try it again with more attitude." Selphie said. Rikku pointed the camera back at Namine.
"Riku, there's only one guy out there for me, but you are not him." Namine said snapping her finger and making a face.
"Namine. This is for every girl who's been lied to. Try again." Rikku said.
"Riku. There's only one guy out there for me, but you are not him." Namine said sincerely.
"Damn." Selphie said. The four started cracking up.
While Namine was on her way out of the school Riku caught up to her.
"Namine, hey. So did you like the flowers?" he asked.
"Sure. I mean, if you're into that sorta thing." Namine replied.
"Cause, I didn't get a call." Riku said.
"I didn't have a pen." Namine said coolly before pushing open the big door and walking to her car.
Roxas was listening to music in his room that night when Riku barged in with Sora right behind.
"Roxas!" Riku yelled.
"Could you knock?" Roxas asked taking off his headphones.
"Yeah, no. Anyways, you're friends with Namine. You talk, right?" Riku asked.
"Umm, yeah. But what does that have to do with anything?" Roxas asked.
"Well, what's she like?"
"Umm, she likes rock music like My Chemical Romance especially. She likes to sing, and she loves reading. She, she's pretty deep. Unlike you." Roxas said.
"Me not deep? Please, I'm dating the poetry club." Riku said.
"Well, I don't think she's your type." Roxas said.
"Roxas, girl is my type."
"Well, then maybe you're not her type."
"Well, then I have the perfect plan. Just spy on her."
"What?" Roxas practically yelled.
"Just ask her questions about herself and find out stuff. Then tell me what you hear." Riku said.
"I don't know." Roxas said.
"Well, I do. Just do it." Riku said.
"Hey Riku?" Sora asked.
"What?" Riku asked whipping around to face Sora.
"You and Kairi, you're officially broken up, right?"
"Yeah. What's your point?"
"So, I mean, if I were to ask her out you-"
"Wouldn't give a shit." Riku said about to turn around again.
"So, you know, I could-"
"Make a move? Go for it." Riku said.
"Oh? O-ok. Cool. Wow, is it really that time? I should get home for dinner." Sora said looking at his wrist where a watch should be.
"Sora. It's 10:00." Riku said.
"All the more reason to get home for dinner." Sora said backing out of the room. "See ya, Roxas!" he shouted running down the stairs. Riku stared after him, but then rolled his eyes and turned back to Roxas.
"So. Can you do it?" Riku asked.
"Fine." Roxas said sighing. Riku left the room and Roxas immediately got up and locked the door. He flopped back onto his covers and blasted his music through his headphones. He wouldn't suffer through any more Riku interruptions that night.
The next morning Namine entered the school and bumped into Roxas. She dropped two of the five bags she was carrying and some of her books.
"Oh my God! I am so sorry!" Roxas said quickly bending down to get her things.
"Umm, no. It's alright." Namine replied.
"Oh! Umm, Riku is having me spy on you. But I'm not supposed to tell you." Roxas said.
"Then I think you're officially the worst spy ever." Namine said smiling.
"Or am I the best spy? Who's sitting by the phone and who's chatting up the girl." Roxas said.
"True." Namine said straining her neck to put one of the bags on her shoulder. "Ahh. I have a crick in my neck." Namine said reaching to rub her neck.
"Ah, must be those new cheer muscles." Roxas said.
"Are you making fun of me?" Namine asked taking some books from Roxas.
"Umm, yeah. A little bit." He said smiling and putting the final bag's strap around her neck. His hands stayed on the straps after they reached her shoulders and the two just looked into each others eyes. Yes, some would say they had a "moment". "Sorry." Roxas said abruptly pulling back.
"Umm, yeah. Thanks for helping me pick up my stuff." Namine said.
"Yeah."
"Bye."
"Bye." And the two went their separate ways.
Later that night at the basketball game Namine and Selphie were talking.
"I think I totally blew it with Riku. I mean, he hasn't talked to me since I blew him off." Namine said worriedly.
"Chill. I'm sure it's fine." Selphie said.
"But what if it's not?" Namine asked.
"Namine Andrews." A voice said behind Namine. she turned around and saw Riku standing in front of her dribbling the ball with 20 seconds left on the clock.
"Hi." Namine said.
"There's this party on the beach this Friday night. You going?" Riku asked.
"Davis, get in the game!" the coach yelled.
"I'm bearing my soul here, coach." Riku said still dribbling.
"I understand you're emotional needs, but there's 15 seconds left!" the coach shouted. Riku turned around and threw the ball to Sora. Sora was looking for an open player and Riku threw his hands up. Sora threw the ball back. Riku went back to his position of dribbling and talking to Namine.
"So?" he asked.
"No, I wasn't going to." Namine said.
"Go with me, then?" Riku asked.
"Umm-"
"6 seconds!" the coach screamed.
"If it'll make him shoot, then ok!" Namine yelled. Riku whipped around and shot the ball. Then Namine heard three sounds. The buzzer, then the swish, then the roar of the crowd. Namine looked across the court at Kairi. Kairi pointed to her and mouthed a "you". Namine screamed with the other cheerleaders and a few players carried Riku off of the court. Yes, it was a good night.