Page 11 of Fire Dancing For Icey Dragons (Obscure Academy #15)

ZARA

I stand back and watch as several members of the squad are thrown into the air and do a series of twists and flips. They land with ease, and without a single indication that anyone is going to get dropped. I let out a sigh of relief. There are still some tweaks to be made, but I'm pretty sure this is the performance that could win us the title. I haven't exactly incorporated much of what we learned from the other societies and clubs, but it's not like I haven't either. It's more that I've used the experience to guide us through moves that were already part of our repertoire and piecing things together in a different way so that the routine flows better. It's been a worthwhile experience, and one I'll try and remember for when I have a job in the future.

"Rest!" I call. "We'll go through the entire routine in five minutes, take a break." Which means I need to take the time to do some stretches before putting myself back into the routine. I never give myself the starring role, aware that I need to be out of formation too often to do my role as captain for that.

Yuri comes over to me as I stretch out my calves, an amused expression on her face. "No criticism?"

"There are some minor things that need refining."

"You must be pleased," Yuri responds. "Think we're able to win this thing?"

"I think we have a better chance than we did," I admit. "It's still going to take practice and dedication."

"Well, if the squad knows you believe in them, they'll work hard."

I shrug. "They'll work hard because they want to win just as much as I do," I point out.

"Fair point. Who are you considering for captain once you graduate?" Yuri asks.

"I'm not sure. Someone who has their respect already." I scan the group. There are a couple of third years, but none of them are very active in the squad other than turning up for practice. There's nothing wrong with that, but it doesn't necessarily make for a good captain.

"What about Krissi?" Yuri suggests, looking over to where the leopard shifter is talking to Grace. "She's well-liked, and she's dating one of the rugby players."

"Why not Grace because she's dating one of the cheer squad?" I murmur.

"You could do both of them," Yuri suggests. "Co-captains are a thing, and maybe that will take the pressure off them both."

"Hmm, I'll think about it." I have no idea if either of them even wants to be the cheer captain, though both of them come from competitive backgrounds, so I can't say it would surprise me that they would.

"Time's ticking before graduation," Yuri says.

"Mmm, don't I know it."

Even without me telling them to, the squad are getting back into their positions, ready for the next run-through of the routine. I smile to myself, safe in the knowledge that they want this. I might be hard on them sometimes, but this is why. And it's going to be worth it.

I'm surprised by how well the routine goes, especially when we're still in the early stages of learning it. I jump and tumble along with everyone else, only keeping half an eye on what the more showy tricks are turning out like. As much as I want to make sure they're going right, I can't let myself get distracted in case I miss a step on performance day myself. It's just as important that I know what I'm doing as the rest of the team.

"All right, everyone, that's it for today," I call once we're done, trying to recapture my steady breathing. I'm in great shape, but moving so quickly still manages to catch me out of breath sometimes. "I'll see you on Wednesday. We don't have a game this week, so we're here to practice." It's actually lucky that's the case. We could do with an extra session.

The squad breaks up, chattering in a way that makes it seem like they know this particular practice went well. I'm glad, that'll give them confidence, and that's one of the key ingredients we'll need to dominate the competition.

I wipe the sweat away from my forehead and grab a drink of water.

"Hey, Zara, your boyfriend's here," Yuri says, amusement written all over her face as she looks behind me.

I turn around, pleasantly surprised to find Blaze approaching with a couple of takeaway cups in his hands. He lifts one of them and gives a small wave, making my heart flutter.

"He isn't my boyfriend," I respond as I wave back.

"Right. So he's just turning up to practice with a drink for you and making you all smiley because he's...what?"

I roll my eyes and turn away to stuff everything back into my gym bag. "It's early," I respond. "We've been on one date, it's not time for us to be using the boyfriend word yet."

"Aha, so you do want him to be?" Yuri gives me a satisfied got-you look.

"Well, if things carry on the way they have been, then yes, I guess he'll be my boyfriend. I'll see you back at the flat, right?"

"Mmhmm. Have fun with your not-boyfriend."

"I will." I throw my bag over my shoulder and head over to where Blaze is waiting.

"Hey," he says, holding out a cup to me. "Earl Grey with lemon."

"Thanks." I lean in and kiss his cheek, not caring who sees. It's not normally how I'd be around the cheer squad, but I'm on a high after how well practice went, and it's not like I'm banned from dating or anything like that. Maybe it'll help people see that I'm human and not just some cold robot who lacks emotions.

"Are you free now?" he asks.

"Yes. But did you seriously come to give me tea not knowing if I was?" I ask.

He nods. "I was at Pixie Cups and I saw the time. I figured you might want a drink, so I got you one. No strings attached."

"That's really sweet." My heart flutters in response. "I appreciate it. And I could also do with some food. If you're hungry, we could go get something?"

"Sure. I haven't had lunch yet."

I raise an eyebrow. "It's nearly half five."

"The day got away from me," he admits. "So, what are you thinking?"

"There's a great sandwich shop just down the road. If you can put up with me still wearing my workout gear, we can have food in fifteen minutes."

"I have no complaints, you look great in your workout clothes," he says with a grin.

"Great." I gesture for us to start walking, ignoring the looks I'm getting from some of the cheer squad. They can think what they want. I'm going to have a good time with Blaze no matter what's going through their heads.