swingsets and dance routines ; tyrus

chapter #2: the salt lake dance team

"Oh look, here come the saints in uniform!"

Cyrus gave Buffy a stern look at that, but her annoyance seemed to get the better of her because she stopped to retaliate anyway.

"Oh look - here come the losers of last year's basketball final! Who knows? Maybe uniforms make better players."

The rivalry between Jefferson High and Salt Lake Academy was infamous, and every year it only seemed to grow more heated. Cyrus couldn't help but think it had officially passed the point of being 'friendly competition.'

"Don't act all high and mighty, Driscoll," the ringleader jeered. "If it weren't for that scholarship, you'd be over here with us."

"You're right," Buffy began through gritted teeth, taking a step forward. "And you know what? If I were over there, maybe you'd actually be winning some of your games."

Andi sighed heavily and tugged at the sleeve of Buffy's school jumper. "These guys aren't worth it, Buffy. Let's just go."

The girl immediately softened at that, throwing one last annoyed glance over her shoulder as they began making their way again.

"I can't believe half of those Jefferson kids," Buffy mumbled.

Cyrus shrugged. "A lot of them are nice."

"That's because everyone likes you the moment you start talking to them, Cyrus."

"Buffy Driscoll, are you saying that I'm likeable?"

Buffy was smiling now. "I'm saying that barely anyone can find it within themselves to be mad at you."

"Not with those adorable eyes!" Andi teased, giving her friend a playful nudge as they walked through the school gates.

"Well, I do pride myself on my 'I'm innocent and sweet so please don't raise your voice at me' look." Cyrus bragged. "It even works on teachers!"

Andi and Buffy exchanged an amused look.

The sun was out, much like the day before, except now it was bringing heat with it - far too much heat if you asked Cyrus. As they crossed the basketball court, he let out a dramatic groan.

"I'm already dying," he complained.

"Cyrus, it's literally 8am on the first day. You can't be dying yet," Buffy deadpanned.

"Valid point," he responded with a sigh.

Buffy playfully rolled her eyes. "Just think - all you have to do is survive today, then you can go home and...uh..."

"Do homework?" he finished.

She winced. "Yeah."

They were at their lockers in no time after that, pulling out books and preparing for their first subjects.

"Think you'll survive Bio?" Andi asked as they made their way to class.

"Barely. You?"

"Only if you poke me every few seconds so I don't fall asleep."

Cyrus laughed slightly. "How many hours of sleep did you get last night?"

"Not enough. But I was up late talking to someone!" she defended.

"Who?"

She seemed to realize her mistake then, because she began to back-track.

"I mean - I wasn't actually talking! I was texting - with my...internet friend."

Cyrus gave her a playful poke. "You're very convincing, you know that?"

Andi just stuck her tongue out as they walked into the classroom, and Cyrus knew then that he probably shouldn't push it.

~

The next few periods crept by a criminally slow pace, but eventually Cyrus was free to sit with Andi at the cafeteria. She was talking animatedly about all of the bracelets she could make out of a box of old magazines that Cece didn't need anymore, Cyrus nodding along enthusiastically, when Buffy bounded up to their table.

"Guys!" She called, her eyes sparkling with excitement as he skidded to a halt in front of their table. "I signed up for Salt Lake's new school dance team!"

"Salt lake has a dance team now?" Andi asked, moving slightly to free up a spot.

"I know, right? I only found out about it through coach during second period. Apparently Jefferson High has had a team for like 2 years now, so you know what that means!"

Cyrus lowered his muffin, confusion written all over his face. "...What does that mean?"

"Another thing to beat them in," Buffy responded with a smug smile.

Andi couldn't help but laugh. "You seriously have a one-track mind, Buffy. How do you know they won't be better than you guys?"

"Coach said they're all pretty average," she explained, pausing for a moment to sip her drink. "Except for this this one guy who's apparently been dancing for ages. TJ I think it was? But that doesn't matter, with some practise I'll be top of the dancing game in no time."

Cyrus let out a nervous laugh, his stomach turning as he put down his own drink.

"What - uh - did you say that guy's name was?"

"TJ," Buffy replied slowly. "Why?"

"No reason! Just curious." Cyrus assured, trying hard to keep his cool. He glanced around at the swarms of the students filling the cafeteria, feeling his stomach drop even further at the confirmation.

This could not be happening.