Moose POV
To say I was happy this past week would be an understatement. I had passed a really hard math test, aced a new dance routine, and had my first date with Camille. Luke won't stop teasing me saying he can practically hear my smile when I text him. Though, I quickly shot back that he can't stop talking about Natalie. Guess we both have our heads in the clouds.
Camille and I didn't do anything fancy for our first official date but with her I've never felt the need to impress. We know each other so well that we really don't need to do the awkward "getting to know you" dates. I think it will still take some time to adjust to the romance side of things but I am really glad we both agreed to take things slow. This is one relationship I don't want to rush because I could potentially lose not only a girlfriend, but my best friend.
We don't have a lot of time together during the week but we have decided Friday nights and Saturdays will be our time together. Camille wanted to check out a new art exhibit at a gallery tonight which brings me to this point now, standing in my dorm room listening to my roommate tell me I look like a prep boy. I decided trying to explain to him why people generally dress in more than rags to something like an art gallery was futile.
After grabbing a light jacket I headed out to meet Cam.
Camille POV
I swore I never would become "that girl." You know, the one who fusses over what she will wear when going out on a date. Well, I guess technically this isn't really a date but has potential to be. Moose is not too excited to be going to an art exhibit but he agreed because it will make me happy. To be fair, tomorrow we are heading to The Vault to hang out with the Pirates. He knows what little time we have together because of classes and studying so I thought it was a fair trade if I was to give up an afternoon alone with him. I also don't want to become the girl who controls her boyfriend and doesn't want to hang out with anyone but him.
Looking at the clock I see it's time to head out. We are going to grab a quick bite to eat before heading to the gallery. Since we both aren't working we decided to just head to the cafeteria for dinner tonight. Now you know why I hesitate labeling the night as a date.
Moose POV
After getting a tray I started scanning the lines to see if Cam was in the cafeteria yet. For once I was on time tonight so I figured I would actually catch her before she sat down at a table. I couldn't help but smile as I spotted her on the other side getting a sandwich.
Walking towards her I was going to surprise her but figured no one would appreciate her food all over them if she dropped her tray. Plus, she keeps telling me to stop that.
When I was only a few feet from her I cleared my throat in an attempt to catch her attention. It worked. She started to turn as I said "Hey good lookin, whatcha got cookin?"
Rolling her eyes she said "Well, the special tonight is liver and onions with a side of asparagus. All your favorites."
"In that case, you're fired."
"Fine by me," she started to walk towards the drinks, "you can make your own meals. Just remember, cereal is not a meal." I followed her over to get some milk.
Teasing her I said "Hey, cereal is too a meal. You have at least two food groups, dairy and sugar. What else do I need?"
"Moose, you don't need sugar, you have a natural energy reserve that others can only dream about having. While you grab something I'll get us a table alright?" Cam already had a full tray while mine only had a glass of milk.
I nodded and watched to see which area of the cafeteria she chose to sit in. Walking back to pick up a hamburger and some side dishes I thought about how excited I was to see the crew tomorrow. I hadn't seen them in a while and apparently they had already begun working on a routine for a battle coming up. I told them I didn't really have the time to compete but wouldn't mind helping out with the routine when I could. I was glad Cam was fine with changing our plans for tomorrow. I know she and I talked about having Saturdays for us but we have other friends to spend time with too. Plus, we both haven't danced much together since the World Jam and we were itching to.
Satisfied with my food selections I found Cam at a table and took the seat across from her. She was talking with a girl next to her that I thought looked familiar. She must be in one of her study groups or something because they were talking about a test coming up. Cam takes her studies really seriously which I admire.
Camille POV
Amanda and I were talking about our biology test coming up when Moose sat across from me.
"Did you get the rest of those notes from Dean?" I asked her. We had four of us in our study group and all of us were responsible for sections of the chapters our professor would assign. We quickly learned from the last test that the material included a lot of the chapters he didn't cover in class. To help divide the daunting task, each of us would read a portion and give everyone their notes on it.
"Yeah and he said that five o'clock works for him on Sunday if it still works for you."
I already knew it would so I quickly answered "yeah that works for me."
"Great. I'll see you in a few days then." Amanda turned back to another girl that was sitting across from her. They both had finished their meal and got up to leave.
Giving my full attention to Moose I noticed he had already eaten half of his plate.
Laughing I decided to pick on him. "Whoa, slow down. Where's the fire?"
"Sorry Cam, I guess I was hungrier than I thought. How were your classes today?"
Shrugging both shoulders I answered. "The usual I suppose. No major drama in my English class today and Riley finally stopped asking a million questions in my math class. I have a test at the end of the week in biology so my group is getting together on Sunday to study for that. How about you? Did you get a new dance partner yet?"
I couldn't help but let out a little laugh at the end of that question. Moose had this uptight partner that was always complaining he goofed around too much and didn't have enough proper training. Moose is a freestyler and some people still don't appreciate that form of dance.
Sighing Moose replied "No, not yet. But I think I'm wooing her with my charms. She's coming around, I can feel it."
Moose has a way of making anyone laugh so I can believe it.
We spent the rest of the time just catching up on things going on in each other's lives. I knew it was time to go when he started to talk about going back for some ice cream.
"Moose, you just ate half the cafeteria. Give your stomach a break and we can get some dessert on our way home tonight."
"Sounds good. Let's blow this popsicle stand." He grabbed my tray, along with his, and went to put them up.
As I waited for him I couldn't help but soak in how happy I have been this week. Life was good and I can only hope it will continue that way.
Moose POV
"That wasn't that bad Cam. I especially loved the part when you asked the artist where she got her inspiration. I have never seen someone ball her eyes out so much. Who would have known her pet cat had just died. Classic." I couldn't help but keep laughing as I recalled the tears running down the woman's face, the hysterical gasps for air, and Cam's panic trying to soothe her.
"I aim to please. I only hope that woman finally pulled herself together."
Cam and I had decided to head out shortly after that episode.
Something new for our budding romantic relationship (that was quickly becoming my favorite thing to do) was holding hands. With our fingers intertwined I felt connected to Camille on a new level. I've never really been one to seek out touch from people but every chance I have gotten this week I have held her hand.
Another perfect night together. My Chameleon could always take something as mundane as looking at art and make it fun and special. I gently squeezed my hand which triggered her to look up at me.
"Thanks for tonight Cam. I'm glad our second date was purrrrfect."
"Ha, ha." she said. She had caught on to my cat humor.
Saturday Morning
Camille POV
I found myself once again with my fingers linked together with Moose's. I loved that he showed his affection to me in this way. We were just a few blocks from The Vault and Moose was practically skipping there.
From the moment we entered the building we could tell which room we would find the crew in. Moose and I joined everyone in the speaker room. At first they didn't notice we had come in because they were working on some steps. It was Jason that spotted us first.
"Hey, look who has decided to grace us with their presence."
Everyone turned and instantly we were bombarded with hugs and shouts for joy.
Anala grabbed my hand and announced we needed to talk. The guys had already begun to show Moose some of the moves they were working on.
We moved into the living room and sat down on the couch. I already knew what she was going to ask and I felt bad I hadn't talked to her until today.
"So," she began. "I saw you two standing pretty close together. Did you talk to him? What did he say?"
I didn't have a lot of close girlfriends since starting at NYU and I was glad Anala and I got along. I hadn't even called Andie yet to give her the news but Anala had been supportive just over a week ago when I was freaking out, so she deserved the full story.
I proceeded to tell her about "the talk", our first date, and even the date that Moose now dubbed "the cat date." Her excitement for me was obvious but she had one question that she said was bugging her.
"So, you two haven't kissed again? What are you waiting for?"
I'm sure I turned all sorts of red. While Moose enjoyed holding hands that was as far as we had gone with physical affection towards each other. We were taking things slow and I was okay with that. Though, she has a point.
"I don't know Anala. I guess it will happen again when the time is right. We have only been dating for a week you know."
"Yeah, but you two have known each other for so long you should be able to jump past the awkward phase of dating and get right to business."
Again, I'm sure my face was the color of a lobster. I'm a little embarrassed but I know she means well.
"I don't know-" Before I could finish my thought the Santiago Twins came bouncing into the room beckoning us to come into the speaker room.
"You two beautiful ladies are needed. It seems Moose requests your assistance with something."
One of the twins gave me an exaggerated wink which told me either Moose had informed them we were dating or they were hoping we were.
Moose POV
Camille and Anala had wandered off somewhere. Why is it that they always disappear when we are over here? I probably don't want to know whatever it is that girls talk about anyway. I'm glad that Cam has a girl to talk to though.
The Twins did eventually go find them for us because Jacob had an idea he thought would be perfect for them. I did remind him I wasn't sure we could be there for the battle. He said he remembered but I have a feeling he's hoping we can. Camille and I loved dancing with them for the World Jam but it couldn't become a full time thing again, school needs to be a priority.
Camille and Anala came into the room and I noticed Cam's face was beat red. Hmm, I REALLY don't want to know what they were talking about.
"Hey Cam, can you help Jacob with this transition piece he's working on?"
"Yeah, no problem. Show me what you have Jacob."
While they worked on some steps I took the chance to catch up with Jason on a new idea I had for lights. The LED lights we used for the World Jam were awesome but I wanted to help them with something just as unique for the next battle.
Camille POV
After rehearsing for a few hours the whole crew decided it was time for a lunch break. We decided to head down the street and pick up some sandwiches since no one had really gone grocery shopping recently. Anala and I volunteered to go pick them up. When we got back to The Vault the boys seemed to be in a debate over something.
"It should be MoCa. You know like the coffee drink. It's uplifting and full of energy." Jason stated.
What in the world are they talking about?
"No, no." The Ticks chimed in. "We were thinking more like Coose. Yeah, Coose."
Anala and I should have just walked away at that point but I was pretty curious what they were talking about.
Jason chimed back in. "No, how does that work? "
The Twins were the next to talk. "How about Moosille?" At this point all of them were laughing.
"What are-" I was interrupted by Moose adding in his two cents to the conversation.
"Does there really have to be a nickname? I don't really like any of those."
"You guys, what are you-" And again, I was interrupted but this time by Anala. Apparently she had caught onto what they were talking about.
"That only works for celebrities you guys. Besides, they don't really have names that mesh well together."
"Will someone please explain what is going on?" Finally I had finished a sentence and Moose started to walk over to me.
He gently laid a hand on my right shoulder. "While you and Anala went to grab lunch I let it slip that we were dating. The guys decided we needed a name. You know, like Brad and Angelina have."
I shook my head. He knows I don't really follow celebrity news.
"Anyway," Moose continued, "The guys are trying to come up with a nickname for us. So far they've come up with Coose, MoCa, and Moosille. Which are all horrible."
He emphasized horrible with an eye roll and turned to the others in the room.
"I agree with Moose guys. Let's just be Moose and Camille okay?"
Apparently The Ticks weren't finished yet because one of them added this next part which I do have to admit is kind of funny.
"Hey, I just realized you both have animal names. Moose, well, yours is obvious. Camille, you could be a camel." As soon as he said it you could tell he realized how rude that sounded. I wasn't offended of course but it was fun to see him flounder and apologize.
"Oh, no, uh, I didn't mean it that way. You're pretty, not like a camel. I mean, you smell good too. It's just, oh never mind."
Jacob had been making the actions of someone digging a hole. I couldn't help but join in the laughter.
"Alright, moving on. How about we eat?" Everyone started grabbing some food and we all sat down at the table for our meal. I couldn't help but smile as I felt at home here. O Happy day…
AN: Thanks for continuing to read my story. I have to admit this chapter had a bit more in it than I thought I would write about. Next chapter will have the hilarious Mrs. A in it! So stay tuned...