A/N: Again, thank you all for your kind words in the reviews, they mean a lot to me. I'm just so honored you're all still enjoying the journey I've taken this adorable couple on so far.

xoxo Jezzy

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters or the Step Up franchise. However I do own all the little adventures I take them on. ;)

Chapter 11: Afraid of The Word Love

Camille PoV:

Honestly I'll admit that I was kinda happy that Karni and Willard were doing the dirty in my dorm room. Not that I wanted to actually see anything, but it did give me the opportunity to have more Moose time.

We were getting quite used to spending time together as a couple, I feared the dreaded moments I knew we would be apart during the upcoming week. Being around him just felt natural. We always worked well together, but it seemed to be even better now.

The whole afternoon and evening with him was pretty much perfect. We both got a lot of school work done, had some quality Moose and Camille time, that included amazing kisses. Moose was an incredible kisser. I couldn't get enough of his lips, and that was actually a problem since we were supposed to be taking things slow.

Lunch with Tevin, was fun, and I used the time when Moose went to work on his dance project to my advantage. Feeling the need to do something sweet for him, I cleaned his bathroom before I showered, and made the plan to surprise him with pizza and movies when he got back. I also took the opportunity to make my doctors appointment and call the girls to let them know. Falling asleep together was the perfect ending to another perfect day with my favorite curly haired boy.

Waking up wrapped in Moose's arms was something I had begun to look forward to. I was becoming aware of how blissful the few moments made me feel each morning. As I lay in his hold I studied his sleeping face.

He really was cute in his own way. Something about his personality and demeanor made this dorky, guy absolutely gorgeous. I couldn't help but marvel at his charm. I also couldn't help but feel lucky that I was the girl who held his attention now.

I propped myself up onto my elbow and ran my fingertips over his face as he slept. Lightly I traced each curve and line as I tried not to wake him. When my fingers reached his lips he suddenly kissed them cracking one eye open. I had thought he was still sleeping.

Moose grabbed for my hand when I tried to pull it away, embarrassed at being caught. He held my fingers to his lips pressing a firmer kiss there. Now both his eyes were open and they found mine. I felt his smile underneath my fingertips.

Finally he released my hand, I brought it down to rest on his chest, as he looked up at me from his prone position.

"Good morning, beautiful", his voice cracked a bit.

I couldn't help the goofy grin breaking across my face at his compliment.

"Good morning".

"I see you were admiring all the glory that is the Moose", he teased.

He had to go and be a jerk didn't he?

"Well, he's all yours to admire", he finished.

Okay so maybe he wasn't a jerk.

Moose cuddled me close to his warm chest and buried his face in my hair. We lay quietly like that for a while just enjoying time together. I lifted my head to kiss his chin and he laughed a bit.

"It was all I could reach, you're holding me pretty tight".

"Sorry", he eased his hold a little. "I was just trying to make up for the pervy awkward, and then pillow-hugging, lonely wake-up moments we've had the past two days", he mumbled.

We both laughed at that.

"Plus I'm trying to get as much Camille time as possible".

He was unquestionably too sweet to me, and too adorable for words. Although we did not want to leave our little bubble of happiness we definitely had to get up if we were going to make it to class on time.

Moose held my hand as he walked me to class.

"Cam", he reached for my other hand, "I'm going straight to the Vault after class. I probably won't be back until late, is it okay if I come by to say goodnight? I know you're busy tomorrow morning, and then we have class, and I'll be at the Vault again. Wednesday and Thursday are our full class days..what I'm trying to say is I don't think I could forego a chance to see you even if it's late."

He was rambling, he looked somewhat vulnerable, and of course very cute.

"Moose", I started, my hands trailing up the back of his neck. "You can come by anytime you want. Even if I'm already in bed."

He began to protest, but I stopped him.

"Do you think I could give up an opportunity to see you too?"

A smile lit his face. I loved that I was the one he would always show his truly vulnerable side to, and that I was able to comfort him when he did. Just like that he was back to the normal Moose.

"Alright, now come over here Shawty, and give the Moose some sugar, before he's late to class!"

"I don't think it's good to give a Moose sugar", I teased.

He gave me a sly smirk.

"Well this Moose love sugar, especially Camille sugar, now give me some".

I laughed full out, he could always make the most ridiculous statements sound extremely funny. Moose pouted a little as he waited for my kiss. I couldn't resist him, I took his pouty lower lip in mine and gave him all the Cam sugar he could handle.

As I was sitting in class I began to think about last night, how happy it made me to surprise Moose. I remembered how happy he was last week planning surprises for me. And lastly I thought about what Moose had said earlier. He was right, things were about to get really hectic, and I doubted we would get much time together in the next few days.

I had to do something for him. He sacrificed so much for me last week, when he really needed to be concentrating on getting back on track with school work. I'd been so good with classes so far this semester, I knew it wouldn't kill me to miss a class.

Leaning in close to Mimi, I whispered.

"Hey, do you think you could take notes for me? I have a bit of an emergency to handle".

"A Moose emergency?", she smirked.

I guess my smile wasn't doing much to fool her.

"Yeah", I shrugged.

"Go, Cam, it's cool. I got you covered. Have fun, and say hi to Moose for me", she smiled.

It was great how my friends supported Moose and I now that he had made an effort to get to know them. As I headed out of class I began to formulate my plan.

Calling Anala and Stix, for help I asked them to meet me at the closest supermarket to the Vault in about one hour. Next I ran up to my room to grab some of the extra spending money Tyler had given to me. Then I stopped at the Green Market to buy some fresh vegetables for tonight's dinner. I already knew what I was making for Moose. I really wanted to spoil him, he deserved it after spoiling me.

I had just enough time after shopping to prep the meals for later and start helping with the flyer design before Moose was due to show up. His text chimed as I was chopping up vegetables to stuff the peppers with.

From Moose: Hi, baby. Finished class, wish I could pick you up from yours, but I have to get over to the Vault.

He was going to be so surprised when he found me here. I couldn't wait to see his reaction.

To Moose: I understand, you're being a good friend and helping out. I adore you for that. ;)

From Moose: You're too good to me, you know that? See you later. ;)

Oh, my dear Moose, you'll see me sooner rather than later. You just don't know that yet.

Anala, Stix and I were huddled around the laptop reviewing the newest edits to the flyer. We were snacking on gummy bears and talking excitedly about the re-opening when we heard the elevator.

Stix smirked at me.

"Here comes your Moosey boy", she teased.

I couldn't help the goofy grin.

"He's going to be so surprised", Anala added noticing my grin. "You guys are sickeningly adorable and sweet to each other. You make us want to say 'awwww' and hurl at the same time".

The freight elevator rattled to a stop and the doors swung open. Legz greeted him at the door, and I heard his voice right away.

"Whoa those fumes are really strong when you first get on the elevator. I guess Jason, and Mercury are still hard at work?"

"Yeah, they've been at it all day", Legz replied.

"So did Jason leave work for me in the graffiti room?"

"Yup, he said he laid it all out for you."

"Cool, guess I'll go get started. Where is every…?"

Moose stopped dead in his tracks as he took in the sight of me with the girls. I saw the confused expression cross his face for one second, but then it lit up like a Christmas tree.

"Cam, what are you doing here?", he asked like an excited little boy.

"I wanted to surprise you".

The smile on his face grew as he walked over to greet the ladies.

"But I thought you had class".

"I did, but you made me think this morning. We don't have much time to spend together this week, I wanted to find the time. It's not like I've been neglecting my studies".

His eyes went wide, and he looked hurt and sheepish for a minute. He had missed a lot of his classes earlier in the semester. Perhaps he thought I was chastising him.

"I didn't mean it like that, Moose", I soothed. "I just meant I knew I could afford to miss a class without problems. I wanted to help out with the plans for Saturday. Plus I knew this cute guy I really like was going to be here, so I decided to hang out so I could see him", I teased.

"You better mean me", he warned as he leaned over the back of the chair I was sitting in and I tilted my head back.

"Maybe", I teased again, my lips inches from his.

"Oh really?".

He kissed the tip of my nose and then held his lips above mine just out of reach.

"Okay, you win", I couldn't resist wanting his lips on mine. "Of course I mean you", I whined for his kiss.

His smile of victory was only visible for a second before his lips caught mine.

"Mmmm, you taste really good".

I heard the girls and Legz laughing at us.

"Earth to Camille", Stix shouted.

Moose stood up to eye them.

"She can't resist my Moose charm, please forgive her".

Legz laughed at his comedic behavior, and blew it up with Moose before he left into the speaker room where Radius and Mohawk were waiting for him to work on some moves.

I rolled my eyes at Moose, but I couldn't tease because he was absolutely correct. He bent to kiss me again lightly and turned to walk away. Not wanting him to leave just yet I tugged on his wallet chain bringing him back.

Moose smiled his full smile knowing exactly what I wanted. Not giving a crap what the girls were going to say, he took my lips in between his one at a time.

"Mmmm, mmmm, mmmm", he kept humming against my lips letting me know that I tasted good.

As he broke the kiss he looked over to Anala and Stix who were giving us the 'ewwww gross' look, having witnessed our make out session.

"Are you guys sure you need a new lighting design for the club? Because I'm pretty sure I could stay right here all day, kissing Camille".

"You guys, are cheesy, gross and ridiculous", Anala blurted out.

"I'll take that as a yes, you do need a new lighting design. Okay I'd better get to work".

"Moose?", I shouted after him as he had taken a few steps.

"Yeah, baby?", he spun around.

"Gummy bear?" I tossed one to him and he caught it expertly in his mouth.

"So that's why you tasted even more delicious than usual".

He was about to come back to steal our gummy bears but I held up my hand for him to stop.

"I left a whole bag for you on the work-bench in the graffiti room".

Moose smiled his pointy teethed grin at me.

"What would I do without you?"

"Die of gummy bear deprivation, I guess".

His laughter was contagious and we all cracked up at my corny joke.

"Alright I better go, see you at dinner".

"Sure thing, and I'm cooking."

At this his smile was the biggest and brightest of the afternoon.

"Really?"

"Yes, I promised you I'd cook for you. Remember? Plus I wanted to do something nice to help out the crew."

Walking back to where we were sitting for the second time, Moose bent to kiss me again. This time he put so much care and passion into the kiss it nearly stole my breath away.

"Ugh, not again guys", Anala complained.

"Didn't you say you had some electrical work waiting for you?", Stix yelled.

"Way to kill a moment with my girl, Stix."

I giggled as she stuck her tongue out at him.

"You", he pointed at me, "You're amazing." I smiled up at him.

"You", he pointed at Anala, "I'll kiss my girl whenever I want, so get used to it and hush up." She laughed at his silly antics.

"And you", he pointed at Stix, "I still owe you for Saturday night. Don't you dare think I forgot. Later Gators", he said to us all as he finally left to get his work done.

My brow was raised in confusion as I turned to question Stix.

"What does he owe you for?"

"What did you do now?", Anala asked her voice laced with humor.

"Well", Stix began, "I gave Camille my most stretchy tight pants, and loose crop top on purpose to tease the Moosey boy, and drive him crazy. It worked too because he whined about it and threw a foam cube at me", she laughed hysterically at her evil plot.

"Oh my god you didn't?, Anala chastised. "You are so wrong, girl".

She couldn't help but laugh at Stix' trick though, and neither could I. My poor Moose, I had to defend him.

"That's messed up. I'll have you know he was a perfect gentleman and didn't try anything."

"Yeah, while he was conscious. I bet I gave him some material for a kick-ass dream though".

All three of us bust out laughing at this, and I only blushed slightly. I was getting a lot more comfortable around the crew, and definitely a lot better at the girl talk thing.

The flyer fully designed and loaded onto a thumb drive Jacob left to the printers to have a bunch made up so we could start handing them out right away. Moose, Tevin, Kristin and I had promised to cover NYU campus with as many as we could.

I headed into the kitchen to finish prepping dinner and get them into the oven. I was making two trays of lasagna. A meat and cheese, and a vegetable stuffed pepper for Moose. It was a favorite for him, and held a special place in both our hearts.

When Moose and I first became best friends I started to spend a lot more time at his house. There was a peaceful, family feeling there. This was something that was not easy to come by with my foster parents. The only times I had ever felt this much love and comfort were with my own mother when I was very young, before she died, and with Tyler and Malcolm. It was always us three against the world, together.

That was until I got close to Moose. Then I had another person in my life who truly cared about me. In his house there was a feeling of overwhelming affection, I loved being there. Towards the end of sophomore year Moose's great grandmother, whom he called Nonna, got very sick and came to live with them. She wasn't an easy person to win over, but for some reason she took a liking to me.

I was always kind to her and didn't mind helping to take care of her. She was a wise woman, who told the greatest stories, and boy could she cook. Moose's favorite dish she made was a secret recipe vegetable stuffed pepper lasagna. She refused to give the recipe to anyone, always saying she would find the right person to pass it on to.

One day she told me she wanted to teach me to make it because she knew I cared about Moose and would make it for him after she was gone. It was an honor I took very seriously, and I studied her carefully as she showed me each step. She made me promise never to give her recipe to just anyone, I had to find the right person to pass it to. Early in our junior year she died, I made the lasagna to cheer Moose up. Ever since then it's been a very special thing between he and I.

Popping my earbuds in I sang along and danced around the kitchen taking the food out to cool, chopping and tossing a salad, and prepping three loaves of Italian bread with fresh garlic, olive oil and cheese to go in the oven. I got so lost in the music and my busy work, I didn't even care where I was and sang loudly.

Everything was just about ready, I stopped the music and pulled my earbuds out. Suddenly I heard a loud chorus of cheers and applause. Jumping in fright I spun around to find almost the entire crew, including Moose, sitting around the table watching me and clapping. I even got a few wolf whistles. My face burned in embarrassment.

I figured it would be best to just accept the fact that I had gotten caught. Taking a page out of Moose's book I bowed dramatically to louder applause and cheers.

"Soooo", I began timidly, "what has you guys so cheerful?"

Legz spoke up first, "Most of us were drawn by the delicious aroma of the food".

"Yeah, but when we got here we were treated to a full show of singing and dancing", Martin added.

"I'm sure Moose appreciated that booty shaking section", Stix chimed in, and the Ticks bust out laughing at her joke.

Moose eyed her, but nodded in agreement. Of course he wouldn't be too embarrassed at being put on the spot, he is the Moose after all. He handles most things with grace and ease.

I however blushed ten shades of red at Stix' comment. Sensing I needed some comfort Moose walked over to secure me in his arms as I hid my face in the warmth of his chest. He kissed the top of my head and whispered to me.

"You smell so good, oh and the food does too".

And simply like that he comforted me, changed the subject, and complimented me so easily. I smiled up at him and he kissed the tip of my nose.

There was a rush of movement all around us as I realized the Pirates were setting the table for dinner. I tried to gather my wits because being in Moose's arms often scrambled them.

"Oh, uh,..dinner should be done cooling", I pointed to the two covered trays on the stove.

Marcos and Spinz grabbed them with oven mitts and placed them in the center of the table. Stix grabbed the salad as I opened the oven to retrieve the garlic bread, but I was shooed away by Anala and Jacob.

"You've done enough, Ms. Firecracker. Go relax", Jacob smiled.

It was then that the elevator doors opened and Jason stepped out with a big, bald, and heavily tattooed guy, who I assumed was Mercury. Jason strode over to Moose and I and confirmed my guess as he introduced us. Mercury smiled, shook our hands but didn't say a word.

"He doesn't exactly talk much", Jason explained.

Moose and I just shrugged. Neither did Fly or Vladd so it wasn't weird to us at all.

"Well guys, I hope you worked up an appetite because my girl just killed it in the kitchen, and everything is ready to eat".

I smiled at Moose's compliment.

"Oh, yeah, we're so ready for some grub", Jason exclaimed as we made our way over to the table.

We all settled around and I uncovered the trays. Moose's eyes shot up to find mine waiting for his. I knew he would recognize it immediately.

"Camille!", his voice strained. "You didn't have to".

"Yes I did", I grinned at him.

"But, Cam that's a lot of work", he protested.

"I know, but I wanted to do it. I didn't mind".

A bunch of curious looks were on the faces of the crew as they watched and listened to our exchange.

"What's going on here?", Jacob asked his brow raised.

Moose explained the story of his Nonna and his favorite recipe. He told them how she entrusted the secret to only me, and also how much work it took to make it. Suddenly all eyes were on me, every face showed awe and admiration. I flushed at the attention and had to look away from them.

"It really isn't that big a deal, guys", I said trying to get the attention off of me.

"Damn Moose, you really are a lucky bastard", we all turned in shock because it was Vladd who had said it.

The table broke out in laughter and we all finally sat to eat. My food was praised, and Jason toasted me. He even toasted Moose for coming to his senses where I was concerned. Of course everybody had to tease Moose for being so blind about me for so long. He took it well, as usual.

Meal time with the Pirates was always fun chaos, but soon it was done and clean-up began. None of the crew would allow Moose or myself to do anything to help.

"Go, just hang out together", Anala whispered to us with a wink.

I took his hand and followed him upstairs. Moose took a seat in one of the comfy arm chairs in Luke's room, and pulled me down to curl up in his lap. Despite the muffled sounds downstairs telling us otherwise we seemed to be very much alone in our little bubble. Moose looked up at me with the most adorably sweet look on his face.

"Thank you, baby", he whispered.

"There's no need for thanks".

"Yes, there is. Thank you for all this. Making time for us, the gummy bears, that dinner. Camille, that dinner, you know what that means to me. You're amazing, did you know that? And I am one lucky Moose".

My cheeks ached from smiling at his sweet words of praise. I bent down to kiss him softly.

"I'm lucky too, Moose", I whispered against his lips.

In that moment as he pulled me closer all I wanted to do was tell him how much I love him. However I was too afraid to let the words out. Afraid that it was too soon to say them, even though for me it had been years. Scared of how they would change things, and definitely scared that he wasn't there with me yet. I know he cared, I could feel it, and see it in what he does for me, but was he in love with me just yet? I didn't know.

As we sat there in silence holding each other for what seemed like forever my feelings just grew stronger. The love I was feeling and the need were overpowering. The ladies had warned me about this, and I was trying to behave, but when we were this close, alone, and he was being so sweet it was hard to keep my control.

Bringing my head down to rest on his shoulder, I hid my face in the crook of his warm neck. His skin smelled so good, and the warmth against my lips was inviting. I couldn't help but place a kiss there.

The sound he made was a sexy groan, it made me remember the few times my lips brushed the crook of his neck and how he reacted. I kissed it again, this time a slow open mouthed kiss and Moose's intake of breath confirmed my suspicions. I had unwittingly found his weak spot.

Without even thinking about what I was doing I turned myself in his lap so I was straddling him. I continued my assault on his neck, soft bites, and slow kisses as my fingers laced themselves into his curls. Gently I tugged his head to the side allowing me more access.

Moose was completely lost in my attentions, just humming, and moaning. I felt how much he was enjoying what I was doing growing in his lap. I smiled against his skin, pleased that I had this effect on him. His voice came out extremely strained, and pleading.

"Camille, please".

I stopped immediately, understanding I had taken it too far. I kissed his lips lightly and readjusted myself so that I was sitting in his lap sideways again.

"Sorry, baby", I whispered. Apologizing even though he told me not to."Can't help it sometimes", I laughed.

"I know", he teased, "You're a devious and tempting little minx, and you drive me crazy. Don't worry though, I'll get you back for that, Cam", he smiled in promise.

Uh-oh, what have I just done to myself? I knew Moose would make good on his promise to tease me back, and my control was nowhere near as strong as his. He laughed at the look on my face.

"A ha! Didn't think of that when you attacked me, did you? You'll soon feel the full power of the Moose, you devilish little monster", he kissed my cheek since my mouth was still agape in horror at his promise.

"Okay, not that I wouldn't love to sit here with you all night, especially after your attack", he wiggled his brows, and I giggled, "but I do have to finish up some wiring before we leave".

I reluctantly moved off his lap so he could stand, and we both saw the result of my teasing still slightly evident. Moose looked down then looked back up into my eyes and shook his head.

"Bad girl", he joked before continuing. "We can't install the lighting for a few days since Jason and Mercury need to finish the artwork. Jason will work on the lighting while I'm in class, so I need to get as much done as possible so we'll be ready on Friday", he looked at me in worry.

"It's okay, go do what you have to do", I kissed him lightly.

His worry dissipated immediately. "You'll wait for me?", he asked sounding somewhat vulnerable.

"I wouldn't leave you, Moose".

Once again his full smile brightened his entire face, and he gave me one last small kiss before he headed back to the graffiti room.

While Moose was busy I took the opportunity to explore the Vault with the crew. I played in the foam pit with the Ticks, and worked on ideas for an all female dance section for the upcoming battle with Stix and Anala. Then Vladd tried to teach me some mechanical movement, and I wasn't as bad as I thought I would be. It was a lot of fun and helped me keep my mind off the upcoming separation Moose and I were facing.

I was sitting on the swing in the living room, the ladies sitting on the chairs around me as we chatted about Saturday, Luke and Natalie's visit and the battle. Most of the crew had gone out to start handing out flyers.

A pair of strong hands grabbed the base of the swing and pulled it back. I was alarmed for one second, until I realized it was Moose. He pushed me a few times on the swing.

"What's up, ladies?"

Anala answered first, "Nothing much".

"We've been keeping your girl so busy, I bet she's forgotten all about you", Stix taunted.

"I seriously doubt anyone can forget the dancing Moose", he fired back confidently.

Can't knock the boy for knowing that about himself. You also had to admire it. No one truly forgets him once they got to know him.

"And how about you?" He caught the swing and kissed me softly before letting go. "Having fun?"

"Yes, missed you though."

"Missed you too, Cam. Always do".

My goofy smile made the ladies roll their eyes at us.

The train was fairly crowded and there were no seats. Moose situated himself against the metal partition near the door and pulled me close holding me steady. The rocking of the train didn't seem to affect him at all. Again I marveled at his ability to find balance in movement.

My face must have shown my admiration because he placed a small kiss on my forehead and the tip of my nose before resting his forehead against mine.

Moose kept me entertained the entire ride, telling me about how this kid in his engineering class who he nicknamed 'Silence' hated him. He told me how nasty this kid was, how he talked to Moose and looked at him, almost like he thought he was better than him. I was momentarily angry at the kid and sad for my Moose until he told me what happened a few weeks ago.

"Apparently I scored higher than him on the make-up test our professor scheduled the evening after I faked sick and shut the lights off in the engineering lab to make the battle against the House of GWAI. If you could have seen his face, Camille, it was priceless, he thought I was stupid and a slacker".

He had me laughing the whole ride, and I was thoroughly entertained with the way he expressed his stories. Just then something caught his eye.

"Hold on for a second, Cam", he guided my hand to the pole for balance.

Moose had noticed an elderly woman struggling to get-up out of her seat, and went to help her. He was such a beautiful soul, and I adored him for it. As he guided her towards the doors. I could hear her talking to him.

"You're such a kind young man, that isn't very common nowadays. You're mother must have raised you properly".

He just nodded and smiled at her, concentrating on maneuvering her through the crowded train carefully.

"What's your name, young man?"

"Robert Alexander III, at your service, Ma'am", he answered simply. He always knew how to talk to and respect his elders.

They reached the door, and she smiled at me. "I'm Edith, and who is your lovely lady, Robert?"

"This beautiful woman is my girlfriend, Camille. She is very lovely, isn't she, Edith?"

I blushed and smiled at his compliment. Edith held out her hand to shake mine, and I took it gently.

"Pardon an old woman's intrusion, but I couldn't help but watch you throughout the ride. You two are quite splendid to watch. I've seen many young couples on the trains nowadays, and they paw each other in indecent displays. You two are definitely in love, and it's quite refreshing to see."

Smiling his charming smile at her, Moose thanked her for her observation. I however was worried how Moose would feel hearing how 'in love' we looked. I was still so scared about that word.

The train pulled into Edith's stop and Moose, helped her over the gap.

"Thank you, Robert. You've found yourself a true gentleman, Camille. Hold onto him, they're rare".

"I'm not letting go", I promised Edith, and truthfully Moose as well.

He must have known because he squeezed my hand, and smiled before resuming our earlier positions against the partition for the remainder of the ride home.

A/N: NYC Fun Fact: The trains can be really hard to keep your balance on if you have to stand. However I have witnessed quite a few awesome people who can find their balance and keep others around them balanced as well. I thought it would be cool to make Moose one of these people, since he is a natural born mover.