A/N: Thank you for all the love, support, views, and reviews. You guys have made this my most reviewed story ever, and you took me to over a 1,000 views in one month. That's a big deal for a small time fanfic writer like me, I truly appreciate it.

~xoxo Jezzy

Disclaimer: I do not own these characters of the Step Up franchise.

Chapter 14: Not Done With That Dance Business

Moose PoV

How did I manage to have one of the best days and one of the worst days of my young life only three days apart from each other? Saturday night I was on top of the world, I told Cam I was in love with her, we spent the night dancing, and having a great time with our friends. Every day from then until Tuesday morning had been pretty much perfect, and then…BAM...a smackdown from reality.

When Tyler's screaming voice woke me up, and I took in both mine and Camille's appearance, I knew exactly what he was thinking. In fact I tried to mentally prepare myself for the punch I thought for sure was coming, because I knew I would never be physically prepared.

From what it looked like, Tyler had every right to be pissed at me, if I was in his shoes I would be pissed too. However I thought that once we explained things to him, he would understand, but that's where I was completely wrong. Tyler's distrust, and preconceived ideas about my character around women hurt more than any hit he could have ever landed on me. How could he think I'd use Camille that way?

Damn that hurt so bad. I looked up to him as a mentor, as an example of how a dancer could completely change their life if they just kept dancing. I thought of him like the older brother I never had, and now here he was telling me he didn't trust my intentions towards his sister whom I was in love with.

Talk about a gut check.

Camille was seriously a firecracker, that nickname described her perfectly. When she was pissed, you better watch out, and for some reason no one brought that anger out quite like Tyler. I guessed it was a brother and sister thing, but damnit did she have to keep throwing digs at him?

The entire time I thought she was going to piss him off so badly that he may just throw the punch he promised not to. In truth I kinda wished he would, that way my outsides might hurt so much that my insides would stop hurting from his words.

There was no way possible I was going to be able to go eat with them, I had to get my head right. This was something I wasn't used to having to deal with, so I really didn't know what to do. All I knew is I needed to be alone, I thought a run would be a constructive way to clear my head.

I also knew that Cam needed time to calm down and forgive her brother, he was so important to her. Before me he was the one who was there for her. He brought Camille back from grief after her father died in prison. He was her family, him and little Malcolm, he even gave them his last name. If it weren't for Ty, Cam would never have been made whole again, she would have never been the sweet girl I met freshman year at MSA when I transferred to the dance department. That was yet another reason I idolized Tyler, he took care of people he loved.

Hoping that having time alone together would help them make up and give me some much needed space, I begged Camille to let it be. I know it hurt her just as much to see me this way. It killed her not to be able to comfort me, but I also knew it had to be done. She reacted pretty much the way I knew she would, with anger and resentment.

Quickly dressing myself for a run, I grabbed my phone and my keys and ran as fast as I could. I just wanted to leave all the insanity of the past hour behind. The pain in my muscles took over my thoughts as I pushed them hard. There was no thought of the internal pain, my mind couldn't even go there because my body chased it away.

As I waited on the stairs in front of our residence hall for Cam and Ty, I realized that Tyler hadn't meant any of the things he said. He was speaking in anger. It was his instinct to protect his sister, and he didn't necessarily think those horrible thoughts about me. In that moment in his mind I was a threat. Deep down I knew he'd remember that I wasn't just any random guy he had to worry about.

I guessed I was right about them having time to themselves, when they got back they looked like the close siblings I was used to seeing. Camille left Tyler and I alone and he begged for my forgiveness, he went off using every horrible curse to describe his behavior, but it wasn't necessary. I knew he had just reacted out of love for his sister, and loving Camille was something I completely understood.

Although things had calmed between the three of us, I couldn't shake the awkward feeling I had being affectionate towards Camille. I kept thinking how Tyler would feel if he saw me making out with her, or holding her close to me. I couldn't even convince myself to sleep in the same bed as my girl that night, even though I wanted to hold her so bad. The hurt on Cam's face when I asked her to sleep in her own room nearly killed me.

When I took Camille on our date to watch the parade balloons inflate, I was so excited for her. This was something I knew she always wanted to do when she was little, but growing up in foster care doesn't always allow you to do stuff like this. I loved surprising her, however it was me who ended up with the surprise. She called me on my bullshit and put me in my place about my affections towards her.

Boy was I an idiot.

She needed me, and here I was freaking out over her brother. Stupid Moose, I mentally berated myself. Immediately I made up for it, holding her tight and kissing her thoroughly . I needed her just as much, and it was so good to be back to normal with my baby.

The car ride home was pretty awkward at first. Tyler and I weren't exactly on the greatest terms yet, so there was none of our usual joking together. Cam and Tyler weren't laughing and making fun of one another, because they were both nervous about getting pissed off after Tuesday. Nora didn't know what to say, having not been a witness to what happened, and only hearing about it from Tyler. She kept trying to start funny conversations, and ended up just turning music on. Camille, not wanting me to freak out again kept her distance from me in the backseat of the car. Our only contact was our hands stretched across the middle seat to hold each others.

I could see Tyler watching Cam's face every so often through the rearview mirror. His eyes would catch her looking at me with an apologetic smile on her face, or looking out the window sadly. Nora looked over at him then back at Cam, and over to me, she saw it too. Tyler was upset that he was the cause of his sister's unhappiness and the uneasy feeling in the car. She ran her fingers through his hair and down his neck, he smiled over at her and she leaned in to whisper something in his ear.

Ten minutes later we were pulled over at a rest stop, Nora took Camille in to get some snacks. Tyler turned to look at me.

"Things are still fucked up, aren't they?", he asked sadly.

"A little. I think it's going to take a while for everything to be completely back to normal".

"She still mad at me?".

"No, she told me she forgave you".

"You still mad at me?", he looked at me with serious concern on his face.

"No, Ty. I'm good. I'm a big boy now, I can tie my own shoelaces and everything", I joked hoping it would break the tension.

It worked, he laughed.

"Big boy? Moose you're whole body is about the size of my leg", he loved messing with me about my scrawny body frame.

"Hey at least I have a normal sized head, do you have to step into your shirts every morning?", I countered with one of many 'big head' jokes at his expense.

We both started laughing full out. This felt so much better, we were getting back to our regular way of interacting with each other.

"So if you guys aren't mad, why is she acting so weird around me?".

"She doesn't know how to act with me when you're around. I'm having the same problem. It's just...normally she'd be closer to me, probably resting her head on my chest".

I watched his nostrils flare a little. I would have to tread carefully if I was going to continue.

"I pointed to his face. You see, that's exactly what we don't want. We don't want you mad or uncomfortable, Ty. But you have to understand we're normally very affectionate with each other, it's kind of weird to not be. I can't help that I love your sister so much that I always want to be close to her".

Expecting him to get a little pissed at my words, I was actually surprised when he laughed really hard.

"Moose", he got out through laughter, "damn man, my sister has you so whipped", his laughter shook his body.

I shrugged. "So, I'm whipped, I don't care".

I was just happy he was laughing and not getting mad. Tyler got himself under control again.

"You're a good man, Moose. I'm glad it's you she wanted. I'm also happy you finally figured it out. Took you long enough, she's been there for years waiting on you".

"So I keep getting told", I added sarcastically.

"Alright here they come", he pointed at Nora and Cam as they exited the small convenience store and walked towards the car. "Here's the deal. I don't mind you being close and holding her, I could also deal with a kiss or two. But seriously Moose, if you start tonguing my sister down in the backseat of my car, I'm pulling over and ripping your tongue out with my bare hands".

My shocked face must have been hilarious because he bust out laughing.

"I'd never, I swear".

"I know", he smiled as the ladies got back in the car.

"Everything okay in here?", Nora asked sweetly.

Camille eyed me her brow raised in concern. I winked at her, and she visibly relaxed. She must have been worried about her brother and me alone in the car this whole time.

"Yeah", Tyler answered as Nora leaned over to give him a kiss before settling back into her seat.

Cam returned back to her side of the seat, far away from me.

"Yo Camille", Tyler's voice boomed causing her to jump a little. "How you gonna treat my boy Moose like that? What, you got no love for your man? Leaving him sitting all the way over there by himself, you're a crappy girlfriend, and honestly I'm embarrassed to call you my sister", his tone was completely full of humor.

It was his way of telling her it was okay to be herself with me even when he was around. Her answering smile lit her entire face and she jumped out of her seat to hug him.

"Thanks Ty".

Nora and I both smiled at seeing them this way. She looked at me and winked, I knew what she had whispered to Tyler earlier. Camille slid to the middle seat and buckled herself in. Her hand in mine her head on my chest, I kissed the top of her head and left my face buried in her hair.

The feeling in the car was a lot lighter for the rest of the way home.

We arrived in Baltimore around 10:30 pm. First stop was my house, since it was so late I thought it would be best if I just said goodnight quickly and got out of the car, I'd be seeing them all tomorrow anyway. However my mother had other plans. As soon as we pulled up she came running out of the house to see everyone, my poor father trailed behind her with a comical look on his face.

"MY BABY", she screeched as I got out of the car.

She caught me in a bone crushing hug and began to inspect every bit of my face with her scrutinizing eyes. She always did this when I was away from her for a long period of time. She said she had to see how much I've changed since the last time she saw me.

After she let me go my dad caught me up in a less intense hug, but equally as caring.

"How's my son?", he asked with pride in his voice.

"I'm really good, dad", I smiled.

What could I say my parents loved me, yes they were embarrassing but I really was a lucky guy to have them. My mother moved on to Camille, practically yanking her out of the car to get her in a hug. She kissed both of Cam's cheeks and held her face in her hands.

"You're so beautiful, my son is a lucky man. I missed you Camille", she gushed.

Of course Camille blushed really hot at my mother's praise. "I missed you too, Mrs. A, and believe me, I'm just as lucky to have your son".

My mother beamed down and her and hugged her again. Knowing the way my parents were, Tyler and Nora were already out of the car waiting for their turn at some Mrs. A brand hugs. Finally free from my mother's arms, Camille walked over to get her hug from my dad.

"So, I'm guessing you're the reason for this smile on my son's face?", he teased.

Camille shrugged and blushed, "I guess, Mr. A. He has a lot to be happy about though so I'm not exactly sure. I mean, he's home with the two most awesome parents ever, so that might be the reason he's smiling", she complimented and teased.

"You're a sweet one, Camille. Always have been, glad my son finally opened his eyes".

I rolled my eyes at him, "DAD!", I complained.

Did everyone have to tease me so mercilessly over not realizing Camille's feelings for so long? Even my dad? Camille laughed at my reaction before answering him.

"I'm glad he did too".

"Okay, mom, dad?", I was trying to get them back under control and end my agony and embarrassment. "It's cold and it's getting late, they still have to drop Camille off and head over to Nora's mom's place".

"Okay, okay", my mom gave in. "See you guys tomorrow". She hugged Camille one more time and whispered "so beautiful", before holding my dad's hand. He grabbed my bag, and they headed inside.

Tyler and Nora had got back in the car and I knew it wasn't just to get warm, they were giving us a moment of privacy to say goodnight. Camille shivered and I hugged her close to me.

"You better get going baby, it's cold", I rubbed her cold nose with mine.

"I'm happy right here", she snuggled closer.

"Me too, but we don't want to freeze to death. Or worse, have Ty murder me for holding you too long".

She giggled, and I pressed my lips gently to hers in a small kiss. Knowing I had limits when Ty was around, I fought my urge to kiss her deeply. Resting my forehead against hers I looked down into her eyes.

"Love you, baby. See you tomorrow. Okay?"

"I love you too, my Moose".

She got back in the car and I watched them pull away. She waved to me through the rear window.

My girl was absolutely adorable.

When the car was finally out of sight, I turned to look up at my childhood home and took a deep breath. Tomorrow was going to be crazy for me. Not only would my house be full of relatives and friends, but I was afraid and unsure how my father was going to take the news that I added dance as a major. I ran my hands down my face in worry and headed into the warmth.

After my mom tried to hug me within an inch of my life, feed me everything in the kitchen, and kiss my face until it was completely red, I settled myself into my old room and got ready for bed. My dad came in to say goodnight and I finally laid down to relax.

I'll admit not having Camille laying next to me kinda sucked. When we were at school it felt lonely not to hold her during the night, but thinking about her in my childhood bed felt both weird and exciting at the same time. Weird because this is my childhood bed under my parents' roof. Exciting because...well what guy doesn't dream about hot girls in his bed when he's a teenage boy?

My phone rang breaking me out of my dirty thoughts about my sexy girlfriend in my bed with me. The very girl I was fantasizing about was the one calling, I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face.

"Miss me?", I asked as I answered the phone.

"Of course. Whatchadoin, besides thinking about me?", she asked playfully.

Caught. I laughed because, she knew she was on my mind.

"Well since you don't want to know how much I was perving on you in my thoughts, I'll just tell you I miss you too. I'm in bed, stressing a little".

"Have you thought about what you're going to say to him, exactly?".

She knew where the stress was coming from. I didn't have to tell her.

"No, not really. I'm afraid if I think it out too much I'm going to make myself nervous. I'm also afraid if I don't think it out I'm going to ramble and sound like an idiot. Shit Camille, I don't know", I could hear the uncertainty and fear in my own voice, so I knew she could.

"Moose", her sweet voice soothed me instantly. "I'm here for you, no matter what I'm on your side. We got this, we're in it together, remember?".

Again I found myself wondering what I did to deserve her.

"Yes, I remember".

"Just speak from your heart. You always end up saying the exact right things when you speak from your heart".

"Thanks Cam, I love you".

"I love you too. Now get some sleep, we have a long day tomorrow".

"I'll try", I answered with a bit of worry still in my tone.

"I know how to make you stop stressing", her tone was playful and a bit devilish.

"Oh really? Do tell.", I asked completely curious.

"Just think about me totally naked in your bed. Goodnight, Moose, sweet dreams, love you", she hung up.

My mouth hung open in shock, my eyes blinking over and over. Sitting there with the phone still held up to my ear, I was frozen. She did not just say that. Oh yes she did. That devious little devil. I tried to text her but she must have turned her phone off. I did the only thing I could, close my eyes and think of Camille totally naked. There was no way that image was leaving my brain anytime soon, after she had planted it there like a bomb. It worked though, I was no longer stressed.

"Hey dad?" I called as I descended the stairs into the basement where I knew my dad was setting up his 'man-cave' for football viewing with the guys later.

"Yeah, son?", his voice was content.

His son was home and that always made him happy, like I said I was lucky. I had just broke the news to my mom in the kitchen. I knew she'd be the easy one, her parents were dancers, they own a studio in LA, she was raised around dance. Plus I'm her baby, her one and only, she doted on me like I was the Golden Child. As expected she was upset for about two seconds until she heard that Camille helped me figure out the double major angle.

Camille's name was synonymous with perfect to my mother, she could do no wrong. I explained that both engineering and dance were equally important to me, and there was no way I could just stop doing either one. I had to keep them both in my life. She listened, and told me she was proud that I took the initiative to carve my own future, then she told me that dad was not going to be so easy as she shooed me off to the basement.

We had both guessed correctly. He flipped out the second the words 'dance' and 'major' crossed my lips. I had never seen him so angry, not even when I stole his car when I was in high school, to go joy riding with Hair and Monster.

"So you're just going to abandon a solid career path to struggle your whole life as a dancer?", he asked, his voice rose and his face turned red.

"If you would have listened to me, before you started yelling, you would've heard me say that I'm a double major, Dad. I'm not abandoning anything, I'm just as passionate about engineering as I am about dance. I know..".

"And when are you going to find time for both?", he cut me off and yelled over me. "You're going to burn out, and choose dance because it's fun. What type of future can you have dancing? Your mother and I wanted more for you. We don't want you to have to struggle the way we had to...we".

It was my turn to cut in, "Dad, I know, I'm not stupid. I know how important it is to have solid career choices, and how to be level headed...you taught me that. But you also taught me to follow my heart. Dancing is a big part of who I am, don't you understand that? Giving it up completely is like giving up a part of my heart. I'm not going to give up on engineering, or dance", I stated defiantly, "and there is no way I will burn myself out. I swear, I have this under control. It's going to be rough, but I know I can do it".

"You have NO idea what you're talking about", he shouted angrily. "You're just a kid, how can you have anything under control? You've already proven you don't know how to handle real life by making this decision, this...this...mistake".

Super, uber, galactic, gut check.

Those words hurt more than any pain I had ever felt physically or emotionally in my entire life, even more than Tyler's words. My shoulders hunched as I stood there, my head down, I couldn't look my father in the eye. He didn't understand me, my true idol of what in meant to be a good man in this world didn't trust me.

"Dad why can't you just trust me to know what to do with my life?", I whispered, my voice laced in pain. "Don't you have faith in me? Can't you just be reassured in the way you and mom raised me to know I can handle this?"

He didn't answer. I looked up to see him slumped in his favorite recliner, his face in his hands, his shoulders rounded over. I'd hurt my father, and in his mind I killed his dreams for me. He hurt me back by questioning my judgement. This was really bad, I needed to be by myself.

"I guess not", my voice cracked.

My chest ached, I guess this is what a broken heart feels like. It was like I was getting torn apart from the middle out. It also felt like an elephant had decided to sit on my chest, I couldn't breathe. I turned to get myself as far away from him as possible.

Music blasted through my huge headphones drowning out all thought and pain. Dance and music were always the key to escape for me. I was sitting at the end of my bed slumped over, lost to the world, my head in my hands, my eyes closed. I hadn't left my room for well over two hours, and knew some of my family members had probably arrived, but there was no way I was leaving my room right now. I couldn't face anyone, especially my dad, I couldn't see his disappointed eyes again.

Suddenly I felt a soft touch brush against my cheek, and my eyes popped open. There she was, down on her knees, her head ducked so she could see me, her soft warm hand resting on my face, my Camille. I was always happy to see her, but in that moment, I was probably the happiest I had ever been that she was here with me.

Her eyes looked at me in concern, love and support. It was just what I needed to see. The way my father looked at me meant nothing right now because she looked at me in pride.

Jumping up, I snatched my headphones off and chucked them onto my bed before I gathered her up in a tight hug. I hid my face in her hair as she wrapped her small arms around my shoulders and squeezed me back just as tight. We stayed like that for awhile her very presence comforting me with each second that passed.

"So my mom, told you how it went?", my voice was raspy.

I looked down into her worried expression. Camille tip-toed to kiss my troubled brow trying to erase the hurt she saw on my face.

"Yes. She pulled me aside as soon as I walked in the door, and sent me up here to get you. She's worried about you, and knew you wouldn't listen to anyone but me. But I promise we don't have to go downstairs until you want to".

"Ooohhh defying the direct orders of Mrs. Alexander, you'll be in trouble for that one", I tried to smile as I joked.

Cam kissed my little smile and held my face in her hands. "I don't mind getting in trouble, if it means I get to take your hurt away in any way I can".

She was so incredibly good to me. It was moments like this that I knew everything would eventually be fine, in mere seconds, with few words and actions she obliterated all the bad.

"It's okay, Moose. Everything is going to be fine. I promise, just give him time. You're his son, and he loves you more than anything in this world. He'll come around", she soothed as her fingers slid down my neck and her little hands settled on my chest.

Her words were always on course with my thoughts. And then her voice grew impassioned and bold.

"You're going to prove to him what you're capable of. You're going to change his mind about this being a mistake. And then he is going to be even more proud of his one and only son; so proud he'll realize he was the one who made the mistake", the fire in her voice was so protective and adorable.

Taking in her look of spirited intensity and absolute faith in me, I realized she was so hot when she was defending me, and damn I was lucky to have her on my side.

Fuck she looked sexy!

I had to show her how much her confidence in me and loyalty meant to me.

"Thank you", I whispered against her lips before I took them in mine.

The kiss grew in strength and passion. My hands cupped her cheeks, hers arms around my waist we held onto each other as our lips came together over and over. My tongue parted her lips as she opened her mouth to me and our kiss deepened further. Camille always tasted so good, I couldn't get enough of her.

Cam's hands slid down my back gently, her slender fingers found their way to the hem of my tan V-neck cardigan and white button down and deftly slid underneath them and my white t-shirt as well. Her touch on my bare skin as her fingers roamed the muscles of my back felt so good I groaned into the kiss.

Of course my hands found their way down her body and eventually slid over her backside squeezing gently. Her sound of surprise and enjoyment made me happy. I couldn't help it, she had a sexy bottom and I really liked that she didn't mind when I grabbed it.

The feel of a satiny smooth material filled my hands, along with the handfuls of her booty. I broke the kiss and pulled away from her to get a good look at what she was wearing. I hadn't noticed before since my mind was so deep in the misery that the conversation with my father had caused.

Her face of shock and disappointment at being separated so unceremoniously made me chuckle.

"Sorry, baby, I just realized how gorgeous you look in that dress".

Camille was wearing a sweet looking black dress that fell just above her knees, exposing her long sexy legs to me. And speaking of legs the green heels she was wearing made them look like they went on for miles. I know my tongue must have been hanging out of my mouth. It wasn't often that she wore dresses and heels.

She blushed and giggled at my expression spinning around for me. As Cam flipped her long hair over her shoulder, I noticed she had curled it for the occasion. She looked absolutely delectable.

Mmmmm, yummy.

"Like it?", she asked adorably. She really had no idea sometimes.

"Like it? Camille, I love it. You look gorgeous, baby".

I snatched her back into a hug, "MINE!", I teased like a spoiled child.

She laughed before adding "You look gorgeous too, Moose. Can't you tell? I couldn't keep my hands off of you", she blushed as she confessed.

Smiling a devilish grin I wiggled my brows. "Bad girl, touching the Moose's sexy bod like that. Don't you know what that does to me?"

Cam bit her lip and nodded.

"Oh so you did it on purpose, did ya? Naughty minx", I teased. "That reminds me, is Tyler here yet?".

Her face of confusion at my change of topic was priceless.

"Yeah, I came with him and Nora. Why?", she asked curiously.

"Then I'm glad you came up here, because if I saw you in that dress downstairs, and you were having trouble keeping your hands of the Moose, imagine what we would have done in front of him. I would have been dead Moose meat".

We both laughed at that.

"True", she agreed.

Feeling so much better than I had earlier, thanks to the beautiful girl in my arms, I decided it was time to face the family.

"You ready, baby?", I asked.

"Only if you are".

"With you by my side, it's not so tough to face my dad. But be warned, my family is going to attack you the second we get downstairs. Before you were just 'Camille, Moose's best friend', now you're 'Camille, Moose's girlfriend'. They're going to be ridiculously embarrassing".

Cam's face turned nearly as white as my shirt, and I chuckled.

Finally we descended the stairs together and took in the scene around us. My house was completely crazy. My aunts and grandmothers were crowded in the kitchen with my mother all of them cooking. My cousins were standing around cracking jokes, smacking each other, watching tv, listening to music, and being their usual insane selves. My uncles and grandfathers were most likely in the basement with my dad watching football.

And then I saw him, across the room talking to Tyler with a huge smile on his face. They were having the most animated conversation. My dad wasn't in the basement, he was with Cam's brother and Nora. I looked at Camille in shock, and she returned my expression.

"I wonder what that's all about?" she asked.

"Me too. Guess we're about to find out".

Tyler was waving us over to join them. Camille squeezed my hand giving me strength as she leaned in to whisper in my ear.

"I'm here, Moose. No matter what".

I winked at her, as we made our way towards them, happy she was there to keep me steady. When we reached them my dad looked up at me and smiled, actually it was his proud father smile. After the horrible conversation we had this morning I thought it would be forever until I saw that look on his face again.

Both Camille and I eyed Tyler and Nora in confusion. They just gave us two playful grins, that we didn't know what to think of.

"Hey guys", Tyler began, "I was just telling your dad about the amazing suits you created for the World Jam Finals, Moose. I was surprised he didn't know, it was epic. Mr. A, your son is a genius".

Cam and I were shocked that they were talking about this. I just looked at Tyler in total disbelief as he continued.

"He used his knowledge of electrical engineering to his advantage and blew the judges, and all the fans away. Mr. A you would have been so proud", he added excitedly keeping my father completely engaged in the conversation. "Our entire dance company went ballistic when we saw it online. What an amazing idea, mixing your two favorite passions in life like that. Like I said, your son is a genius".

Tyler grabbed me in a brotherly side hug, smiling from ear to ear at my father who looked both surprised and impressed at the same time.

"The dance company director told us the world of dance could use more talent, and ideas like Moose's", Nora added. "We were so proud of him".

My father looked me in the eye, smiled, and took me in for a hug. "I'm proud of him too".

In that moment I knew Cam was right. Things were going to be fine between him and I.