"Please," I pleaded to Evan as I held the flimsy head of the wolf costume, "Just for one night."

He looked at me incredulously as I flashed him a sheepish smile, waving the wolf head around.

Without context, this looks absolutely ridiculous.

Okay, scratch that, even with context, this looks absolutely ridiculous.

Let's go back to about an hour ago. Everyone was getting ready for the game, the boys are in their own separate locker rooms as the girls arrived all dressed and prepped up for another excruciating night of cheering.

The mascot was always our helping hand when it comes to boosting the school spirt. He was the guy who would be ready to look crazy in a hot ass suit as he tumbled around in the field.

Sometimes, he was our only hope since he didn't need to force a cheerful expression – his costume did that for him.

"He's sick?!" I gaped when one of the girls informed me about the situation, "What happened?"

"He called me up saying that he woke up with a cold," she frowned, "He told me to pick up the suit from his house just in case we can find a replacement for him."

Who the hell would be willing to make a fool out of himself while enduring the heat that suit would give?

"I'll think of something," I muttered, grabbing the head from her arms, "For now, you girls head to the field, I'll catch up."

They followed my commands and slowly piled out of the gym. I dropped the head onto the bench as I bent down to its level, squinting my eyes towards it.

This little head reminds me of my own wolf.

Suddenly, the door swung open. I expected one of the girls to enter, but when I saw that it was Evan and his friend, I scrunched up my eyebrows in confusion.

Then again, I don't have much of a right to question them since they were the ones who caught me having a stare down with a mascot head.

I went back to glaring at the headpiece as they slowly moved to the side of the bleachers, Evan's friend bending down to grab the bag that was forgotten there. Then, ever so carefully, they went back to the door as if the mascot costume would come alive and eat them.

Or maybe they were still weirded out by me. Knowing is half the battle.

Wait a minute.

Slowly looking over my shoulder they were halfway through the door before I stood up and turned around, yelling, "Wait!"

They paused and I pointed towards the boy I was familiar with, "I need to talk to you."

They exchanged a look before Evan gestured for him to go on ahead, "I'll go on and follow you later."

With a nod, his friend exited the gym, still giving me a curious look. With a raised brow, Evan silently questioned my motives and I grinned, picking up the mascot head before waving it to his face.

And that was how we ended up in this current predicament.

"I'll treat you to whatever you want," I tried to negotiate. When he didn't falter, I blew a sigh before trying to show him a sheepish smile, "Come on, please?"

I'm using my last resort here.

He groaned before snatching the furry suit from my grasp, "I hate you sometimes."

"Thank you," I grinned before I forced the upper part onto his head, "I owe you one."

"You owe me a million," he grumbled, adjusting the wolf head that suddenly attacked him, "I can't believe I'm doing this."

I peeked at him through the mouth part where his eyes were situated, "Just dance around, you're already ridiculous at doing it so this wouldn't be hard."

He gave me a dry look and I started laughing, stepping back to help him with the rest of the costume.

He took off the sweatshirt he had on over his white tee and I assisted him with putting on the furry thing. Tapping his head, he flinched before blindly slapping around, trying to hit me and I just bent down in pure laughter.

Oh god, I'm sorry Evan for doing this but this too damn amusing.

"I'll make it up to you," I told him as I grabbed his fuzzy hand to lead him out to the field, "Just wave around. Nobody will care if you fall over."

"I'll care," he kept on with his bitter tone.

He's like that yet he said yes and willingly put on the suit.

Arm by arm, we stepped out into the open field. The bleachers were already filled up until the highest steps as the drumline was already beating up their instruments. The rest of the team were waving around, doing various basic routines.

I let go of Evan and gave him a light push. His shoulders slumped before he walked to the center, flinging his arms in the air before running around. The girls snapped their heads towards his direction in surprise before they turned to me.

I gave them a victorious smirk, strutting to where they were all standing. Vivian came up to me with her mouth gaping wide, "How?"

"The same reason I'm the captain and you're not," I told her straight before I flipped my hair and grabbed my pompoms from the bench.

Oh yes, the alpha bitch is back, baby.

"Let's go!" I cheered, plastering a huge grin as I positioned myself near the door where the boys will emerge. The other cheerleaders followed my lead and we waved our pompoms towards the center.

Five, four, three, two, one.

And on cue, one by one, the boys came marching out, helmets in hand as their coach yelled at them to exit with more vigor.

From the corner of my eye, I let out a giggle when I saw Evan swirling his hips to the beat of the drums. He can complain a thousand times, but I won't believe him a single bit when he says that he isn't having a good time.

Once all of the team members got out, I went back to Evan. Because of his huge ass head and the fact he was too busy doing a funky dance, he didn't see me. To get his attention, I slapped his arm lightly and he jumped up a bit, slowly turning to me.

"Enjoying yourself over there?" I smiled, crossing my arms over my chest.

He stomped his giant footwear onto the ground, "Nobody knows me so I might as well take advantage of it."

I then laughed, clutching onto his furry shoulder. My mood has considerably brightened up since my visit to my dad's, and no, I still haven't talk to my mom about the reason I left and every time Will creates any kind of contact, I will glare at him.

Not really the way to go, but I'm going to choose this route. I've already warned my mother and I have expressed my anger towards my step-father, it's their choice if they're going to listen to me or not, they're full grown adults, they can take care of themselves.

Just let me have fun with my reckless decisions for a moment.

"Clara!" Vivian called out.

I glanced over my shoulder for a quick second before turning back to Evan, "I'll be right back."

"Gray's calling for you," she muttered, blowing out a bubble with her gum, obviously peeved by the fact the bad boy's attention wasn't on her.

Sorry, but everyone's in second place as long as I'm here.

She still stared suspiciously at the furry mascot and as I gestured for Evan to stay there, I walked towards the main benches, grabbing the my co-captain on the arm while I was at it. She gasped at the sudden pull but I kept dragging her away until I was at the middle of the group, releasing her before stepping right in front of Gray.

He sat on the wooden bench, his helmet right next to him as some of the other boys and girls were occupied in their own conversation, although I was pretty sure I good amount was eavesdropping on us.

"After the game," he reminded, "Let's talk."

"Should I expect something?" I questioned, placing my hands on my hips.

He lifted a hand and grabbed one of mine, nodding while he said his reply, "Yes."

My expression softened and I mentally cursed myself for being too easily swayed by him. I've gotten my Gray back and what may or may not know is that I was and still is completely his. Sure, we may have drifted apart at some points, but this is what's happening right now and I'm going to face it head on.

Smiling, I used my free hand to wave one of my pompoms, "Don't screw yourself up again, Gray."

He released me and shrugged, "I'll try and besides, I have my cheerleader with me again."

Someone let out a wolf whistle and I rolled my eyes, turning around just as Gray was about to reprimand the guy who dared ruin our moment.

"So you're going to get him back?" Vivian questioned as soon as Gray left to talk to his team.

Turning to her with my arms crossed over my chest, I gave a quick reply, "And if my answer is yes?"

"You, yourself, know that you're not out of hot water yet, Clara," she let out a snort, "But then again, that never stopped you."

"So do I get your seal of approval?" I questioned in a joking manner.

She showed me a lopsided smile, "You never really cared if you did."

There are times when we were like this, the both of us actually acting as if we were genuine friends. That idea wasn't a faraway dream, because if she, herself, straighten herself out then I'm willing to be in good terms with her – for real, instead of playing pretense.

Also, I know I need to straighten up myself.

"Now who's the mascot?" she inquired, jotting her thumb towards Evan's direction. I tilted my head to the side to look past her and grin at the way he continued on his silly dance, pumping his fuzzy gloves into the air as his feet jumped up and down from the ground.

Turning back to her, I answered, "One of the best guys out there."

Her eyebrows scrunched up before she looked over her shoulder, "Since I met you, you've been nothing but a puzzle."

"I'll take that as a compliment," I spoke, "And there are some people who managed to solve the puzzle."

And the guy in the mascot is exactly one of them, but I'm afraid that I can never like him more than a friend. I wanted to, I really did, but Gray managed to pull me back in with a flick of a wrist.

Maybe if Gray wasn't around, I would have look his way.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Gray hunched down in front of his team, his eyes determined and his form confident. His mind was nowhere but in this game and from the way his mouth moved as he talked to his teammates, you knew that he wouldn't take any half-assed playing tonight.

But that guy who was much of a jerk, a dictator, and a total brat as I am was the one who got me. I'm not complaining though.

Because for the first time in what feels like forever, the status we're in right now feels completely right.

The coach came up to them and did one last pep talk before the start of the game. When the boys went to run into the field, I called up the girls to start with the cheers.

I'm not going into much of the details, since all of it was kind of a blur from my perspective. We were so concentrated on cheering and getting the crowds pumping that we weren't able to focus on the actual game that was happening.

When the girls and I took a break, we all bent down by the coolers. I reached out a hand and without even a word from my mouth, I water bottle was passed to me.

The perks of being the queen.

My eyes scanned around for our mascot and my mouth fell into a thin line when I saw the once energetic Evan was now leaning against the bleacher, trying to fan himself with his hand.

I marched up to him and grabbed the same hand he was using to cool himself. He was surprised and almost lost his balance when I started to drag him to the doors leading to the locker room.

I removed the head of his costume and I instantly felt sorry for him when I saw the sweat dripping down his face and his hair was now wet. Handing him the cold bottle of water, I sighed, "It's my fault I forced you to do this."

He shrugged before gulping the contents, "At least we're already reaching the end."

"And we're winning," I grinned, taking a seat on one of the benches.

He hummed in acknowledgement before chucking the empty bottle into the trash bin, "Your bet's doing a good job out there."

"He better," I scoffed, "I'm not going to date a loser."

"So if he loses, then you're going to ditch him?"

I turned to him and as quick as he questioned me, I shook my head, "I saw him fall, I saw him rise. I'm still here, so even if he trips and falls flat on his face out there, I wouldn't ditch him."

"I don't know if I should admire your dedication or not," he chuckled, sitting next to me, "But I guess your will to not give up is one of your defining traits."

"You know my dad told me the same thing," I said to him, "Thanks."

"I saw you two talking earlier," he stated as he took the spare towel I was handing to him, "So how's it going."

Smiling, I answered, "I'm just hoping that everything goes up from now on."

His gaze casted downwards as he wiped his face and even his hair. As I reached out to touch him, the doors opened and I instinctively retracted my hand. Vivian came walking in, her tone light and the usual mischievous fashion, "Hey, they're about to..."

We snapped our attention towards her direction and we caught her there, gaping at the both of us as her pompoms fell onto the ground.

The amount of misunderstandings that came into the picture because of the thing called bad timing is too damn high.

I lifted a hand so that she wouldn't say anything as I stood up, "It's not what it looks like."

God that statement is so cliché.

I was waiting for her to figuratively explode at us, shooting a thousand accusations at once. But to my complete surprise, she managed to breathe out as her eyes were glued to Evan's figure, "O-okay."

Well, that's unusually submissive of her.

Evan blinked towards her before focusing his gaze back to me, "We should go."

I nodded as I helped him put back the head of his costume. I gestured for Vivian to turn around and to walk away as I held Evan's hand, guiding him back out into the field.

"The only thing I'm worried about now is her telling Gray and your little fantasies wouldn't become a reality," his muffled voice said as we walked.

"You're never open about Gray and I dating," I pointed out, "What gives?"

"I just want you to be happy," he muttered just as we got back out.

He didn't wait for me to respond as he went back to where I found him leaning earlier. Just as I was about to follow him, Vivian caught my arm and started pulling me along with her, "Why didn't you tell me that the brother was that juicy?"

Wait, what?

"Viv, no," I commanded as if I was talking to a dog, "Don't you even dare."

I'm still a little protective of the guy, so meaning if there's a jet black haired devil about to come to him, then I need to stop that said devil before she can make a move.

"You can't get both," she complained, placing her hands on her hips, "You can get Gray and I'll get the other one."

See, Vivian, the reason why I have them is because I'm not like you who can simply jump to the next guy as if it was no problem. When Gray and I officially broke it off, I was a slump for quite a time.

And even then, Evan couldn't get through with me.

Other than that, Evan is not simply 'the other one.' He deserves the best because of how kind he is.

"No!" I almost yelled, my voice getting higher, "Vivian, let's just cheer and get this night over."

She huffed before stomping past me. I exhaled loudly before turning around and walking to where the rest of the cheerleaders are, "Positions now!"

And my happy mood was now going down.

They quickly scrambled up when they realized that my tone was now showing how annoyed I was, "You peeved her again," one of the girls whispered to Vivian as she went on to her place.

We did the customary pyramid-finish. I plastered a fake smile as I pumped my fist in the air after I have found my place at the very top – just where I'm supposed to always be.

"Wolves!" we chanted. The game ended and when I looked at the scoreboard, I nodded in satisfaction when I saw that our school won. The pyramid slowly disassembled and soon, I was back standing on the ground.

Gray nodded and high fived the people that surrounded him as he took off his helmet, revealing his red and tired face. I tilted my head to the side as I bit my lip.

I don't know about you, but I'm loving the view.

He found his way in front of me and I looked up, showing him a smile, "Congrats."

"Bleachers in twenty minutes?" he suggested as cat calls and wolf whistles sounded around us.

I rolled my eyes before glaring at the boys who had the audacity to do that, "Sure, twenty minutes."

As Gray started to walk away, one of his teammates wriggled his eyebrows towards me, "Going to celebrate?"

With a monotone expression, I lifted my pompom and stuffed it onto his face before proceeding to kick him on the shin. He flailed around, trying to get the pompom off away but I pressed it harder.

I'm so done with these shits.

"Anyone else?" I questioned, turning the group that remained. They all quickly shook their heads and I let go of the pompom, finally letting the bastard breathe as I made my way to the locker room.

"Now wasn't that a bit too harsh?" one of the girls asked as we started dressing out of our uniforms.

"Not really," I replied smoothly as I pulled on my leggings under my skirt, "He had it coming."

Whether it was in a joking manner or not, I do not appreciate the fact that someone basically commented on my sex life. What I did to that guy was just a teaser of what I can do if you push the wrong buttons.

I laced up my combat boots before standing up, stuffing my other belongings into my locker, "I feel stressed."

"I'm betting you a hundred dollars that right now, he's talking to another girl," Vivian challenged, leaning against the locker next to mine, "Twenty minutes is a little bit too much for just getting dressed."

"I trust him," I stated confidently, "Watch your mouth, Viv. You're starting to get into my nerves."

Well, publicly that is. Usually, I hide my annoyance over her, but now, I'm actually declaring it.

She gaped at my open display as I slammed my locker shut. Bending down, I grabbed my purse and shrugged at her before exiting the locker room.

Let me rephrase that. I strutted out the locker room, and it's not my usual sashay where I just sway the hips and such. No, I'm the badass queen leaving her minions with her dramatic exit.

Stepping right back into the field, I was quite surprised by how quick the people left. Hugging my jacket tighter around my body, I looked around for any sight of Gray before looking down on my watch.

He still has a good eight minutes to kill.

I was about to head on to the bleachers when I heard a couple of faint voices nearby. I should just leave them alone and go on to patiently wait for Gray.

I should, but I won't.

Adjusting my bag onto my shoulder, I rounded up the corner to see who were having a conversation. I was ready to act casual and pretend that I was just passing by, but I stopped in my tracks when I saw the two people talking.

Looks like I owe Vivian a hundred bucks.

I held back a screech as I quickly stepped to the side, hiding once again. Peeping my head, I watched as Gray and Erin talked, the two of them deep in each other's words.

So how do they want to die?

My nails dug into the bricks of the school wall and I was surely ruining my manicure but I didn't care, my murderous desires were already fueling in my head.

Then somehow, out of completely nowhere, they embrace. They fucking embraced!

I retreated back as I leaned against the building, my hand instinctively clutching my head. My mind couldn't process it, as if a thousand thoughts were suddenly surging into my system and I couldn't control it.

"There you are," Evan's familiar voice said, making my turn to my side. He was still waddling around in that ridiculous costume and I had to take a minute to register the fact that the voice came from that fuzzy figure coming towards me belonged to him, "The head's stuck, can you help me?"

I was still blankly staring at him – even though I heard his words, it didn't go beyond my sensory register. The picture of Gray and Erin in each other's arms was engraved into my memory.

"Wait, are you alright?" he questioned when he finally sensed that something was wrong.

I shook my head as I walked past him, quickly running towards the bleachers.

I'll just sit here and pretend I saw nothing.

Though, Evan had other plans. He slowly followed me and climbed up the steps, reaching where I was sitting. He found his spot next to mine before patting his fluffy shoulder, "It's nice and fluffy."

"I'm not gonna cry," I scoffed, sitting straight again, "I'm going to get my shotgun."

"Your prophecy was right," he pointed out, "Remember what you told me in this exact spot?"

I scrunched up my eyebrows in confusion and he proceeded to explain, "In your exact words – a wolf is coming for your lamb," he reiterated, "And to bring down a wolf, you need a hunter."

I scanned his body before pointing out, "You're dressed as a wolf right now."

"And you shot me down," he reminded me, "Now, I'm not going to take that reject lightly so you better get a sickening grin on your face or else I'm going to take that shotgun from you."

Time and time again, this smartass knew what I exactly what I needed to hear.

From my peripheral vision, I saw Gray jog towards where we were sitting. Turning back to Evan, I leaned forward as I slowly snapped the thread that was caught by the zipper, "There, you can take the head off now."

"Thanks," he muttered as he stood up, "Good luck."

I nodded before waving at him, watching him go down the steps as he smoothly avoided Gray. The said bad boy managed to climb up the bleachers, a slight fringe of hair falling onto his forehead, "Sorry, I made you wait."

"You made me wait for years, I can handle twenty minutes more," I deadpanned.

"I heard you talking to fuzzy over there at the side of the building," he spoke before he saw my expression, "Whatever you saw, it was just a goodbye."

The surge of thoughts suddenly stopped and once again, returned back to their normal pace as I blinked up towards him.

"I hope you're ready to wait for another minute because I'm going to say a fucking speech," he puffed out.

Oh this is going to be interesting. Leaning back, I crossed my arms over my chest as I stared up at him, ready to listen to whatever he has to say.

Taking a deep breath, he started to speak, "I admit, I'm no saint and I'm never going to be one. I've been with a lot of girls, but if I think of all of those I've been with, those who left, those who I left, those I wish I had, and those who I will possibly meet," he paused for a moment to stand up straighter and to look directly into my eyes, "I would still choose you out of all of them."

"And?" I raised a brow.

He kneeled down in front of me and clasped his hands around mine, "Please Clara Harper, you're the only girl I will beg to, you're the only one I will listen to her every command, and you're the only one I will look at from this day onward."

Standing up slowly, I dusted off my skirt, I told him straight, "If you hurt me, I will not hesitate to chop your balls off."

"I haven't even asked you anything yet," he said as he shot up to his feet.

"Forget what I said earlier," I muttered, "I waited for years, I can't handle a second more."

He chuckled as he wrapped his arms around my waist, pulling me towards him, "So did I get my cheerleader back?"

"You never lost her," I laughed, lifting my hands to cup his cheeks, "Now how about my bad boy?"

"He's all yours," he murmured, "This was a lot less cheesy than I thought it was going to be."

I shrugged, inching my face towards his, "Yeah, but we were really never that type."

He smirked before slowly connecting our lips for a brief moment, as if to seal the deal we made this night. Under the stars, just like the traces that was left by his glow-in-the-dark ones in his room, we made another vow.

Only this time, it's wasn't a deal to become friends with benefits. It was a deal to finally be with each other.

As we stopped to breathe, my lips instinctively curled up into a smile, "Besides, cheesy is so cliché."

And we all know that I'm in a love-hate relationship with the cliché.

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

Okay, y'all deserve an explanation why I chose Gray. Here's the thing, we're creating a non-cliché cliché (now that answered one of the questions I left on one of the previous chapters), meaning that we're putting a twist on a cliché. Who's the cliché? Clara. What's the twist? The cheerleader gets the bad boy instead of the goody-two-shoes.

If Evan was the end game, it would create a cliché non-cliché. Why? The subject of a popular girl ending up with an average boy as a way to counter the usual good girl/bad boy duo has been already overused (please, I'm guilty of using it).

Why didn't she end up like with no one instead? Once again, we're writing that blonde cheerleader that people think is a complete and acts a sinister antagonist of the story. What's one of their defining traits? Their insistent attitude towards getting the guy.

Also, I've made this note way back in January. Sloppy as it may be, but it was already decided that she would end up with Gray.

Translation: She'll end up with Gray, please. Those 21 pages has been the outline of the story up until Chapter 31.

Another inquiry, why did I bother to put in Erin and Evan? Because I want to portray that usual scenario where the good girl will fall for the bad boy. I gave her Evan so she would have at least something to do while that's happening, plus Clara needs some support.

I'll entertain those who have any more questions.

I'm pretty sure I'll lose many of you, but if you'll still stay then thank you.

No questions coming from or dedication of covers, we'll go back to those next chapter. I love you all, don't forget to comment, vote, and follow. I shall see you all next chapter!