Disclaimer: Step Up still not mine. Music 'Young Blood' by The Naked and Famous (you know how this works, give a listen as you read!).
A/N: Final chapter. Thanks for all the feedback and love and support. Special shout-outs to coose fan, cinderstellabella, dancingintherayne and of course miss whizzified magic (close, but no cigar!), and all the rest of the lovely reviewers for their unwavering support. Oh and if you haven't already, go read their Step Up stuff, it's brilliant! But without further ado, here it is…
Chapter Twenty;
You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello…
TWO WEEKS LATER…
Holly flicked on the radio and turned it up as the cleaning crew around the school set to work.
Where all the young lie still, we require certain skills
We're gonna take this like a win, I'll take control when it begins…
Gathering up a hammer she tucked it into her overalls pocket, smiling at two young students racing through the work to classes, as she made her way to the front of the school. Upon their arrival back in Philadelphia Holly and Chris had found the school closed by the fire brigade for being unsafe, unhappy parents and disenfranchised students practically gathered around the entrance. During their time away a few supporting walls destroyed by the fire had given in and the place was no longer safe for use, Chris realising this assessment likely came with the help of some Atherton members, and he sent everyone away for two weeks. He promised them the school would be reopened. He now had the Elite money to do it.
Today was reopening day and as painters finished the last of the work and a few young labourers cleaned up left behinds, Holly strolled out into the front of the school where the sun shone brightly even though the trees around the school showed they were now well into August and hence autumn was making it's early appearance.
Chris stood just ahead of her removing weeds that had gathered around the front gates and Holly whistled, making him look up with a smile. "Hey, where were you this morning?" He raised an eyebrow. "A little warning before I wake up cold and alone would be nice."
"You start telling people like this and you'll be waking up cold and alone every day buddy." She prodded him in the chest but it was half-hearted. She wasn't sure why she was hesitant to tell people she and Chris were a thing now but she guessed it to be long held trust issues. Hopefully it would fade. If anyone was worth a few therapy sessions it was Chris Barry. "Hey." She motioned to the Eckhardt entrance sign. "What's all this then?"
"I thought I'd save you the honour." Chris said, motioning to the sign on the entrance that read 'closed' in red writing.
"For me?" Holly attempted to look cutesy but she just felt silly. "Alright, ready?"
Chris grinned. "Go for it." With a flourish Holly pulled the sign off with her hammer and let it fall onto the grass. Underneath remained the original words 'Eckhardt Academy of Dance: now accepting enrolments'. Holly grinned at it then took Chris' outstretched hand. He pulled her towards him and dropped a kiss on her head. "Back to business now."
"Wouldn't have it any other way."
…
Moose kicked the carpet of the airport lounge, ticket in his left hand and a small blue jewellery box in the other. He'd found the silver bracelet the day before whilst walking through the streets of New York thinking about exactly when he'd be back, seen it in a shop window and instantly thought it would be the best going away present for Camille. The little silver moose charm he'd found inside sat perfectly upon it. She wouldn't be allowed to forget him now.
If only she remembered to come that was.
He finally saw her fighting her way through the crowds and stood up, waving her over. She sidestepped a large woman with an even larger bag to get to him, looking puffed as she stopped at his side. "Thank goodness, I thought I was late."
"What happened?"
"Just Constance, she's a pain, drives like someone's grandmother." She pulled her backpack off her back and put it down. "Look, I got you something."
"Me too." He held out the case. "Open it later."
She smiled and fished a present from her bag. It was a box and Moose rattled it, but didn't open it either, just glancing up at the voiceover coming from nearby. First call for flight 135 to Los Angeles. "That's the one?" She asked.
Moose nodded. "Bags are checked in and everything so you're good to go." He handed her the ticket. "And I spoke to Luke and Natalie, they're meeting you at the airport."
Camille smiled. "What would I do without you Moose?" He shrugged. "Well, I better go." She put the jewellery case in her bag and slung it back over her arm. "I'll miss you."
"You won't miss me when you're touring the world and dancing all over the place. You're an Elite dancer now Chameleon, you don't need me."
Camille shook her head. "That's bull and you know it." She hugged him tightly, her chin pressing into his shoulder as he pulled her tighter, never wanting to let go. They only parted when the voiceover sounded again stating a second call had just been issued. "I better go." She slipped from his grasp slowly but he grabbed her hand and pulled her back.
"Hey, just one thing," she frowned a little. "I love you."
Camille grinned. "I love you too." Giving the check-in desk one last look she smiled softly. "I'll call you when I get to LA." He nodded and then, sliding her hand from his, she was gone. Moose walked over to the nearest window and stood there, staring at the planes, until his phone rang and he snapped it open, seeing Chris' number.
"Hey Moose-man," Chris said before Moose could even say hello. "Little lady gone?"
"Yeah, she's gone." He looked out at the runway wondering which plane was Camille's, but he had no idea and gave up, turning away. "Why?"
"Because buddy, I'm not paying you to hang around at airports all day, so get your butt back to work." With a laugh Moose snapped the phone shut and shoved it back in his pocket. Giving the runway one last look he walked away from the window and towards the exit.
Fall back in love eventually, yeah yeah yeah…
…
For the full Step Up 4: Play It Your Way character details, playlist and where you can listen to all songs used in the piece, visit www (dot) stepupnstepout (dot) blogspot (dot) com