Okay here's another one-shot. This one takes place the day before the World Jam in Step up 3D. Hope you all like it!
Disclaimer: I don't own Step up. I don't own the song Promises.
"Cam, I'm sorry. I miss dancing… but I'm gonna have to say I miss you more." – Moose, Step Up 3D
"Let's get caught in the moment"- Wiz Khalifa
Moose aimlessly walked around the storage room where the Pirates were currently staying, thanks to Kido. He thought it was weird to be staying in a place with so many arcade and old carnival games but at the same time it was pretty cool. Unique even. The other Pirates were taking one last break to get out any restless energy before the final battle of the World Jam tomorrow. They were all out at the carnival, having a stress free afternoon before one last rehearsal later tonight. Luke thought they all deserved it with how hard they've been working lately and, even though it was the eve before the big battle, it was a much needed break to unwind and feel the tension leave your body.
Absentmindedly he wondered where Camille went. He doesn't remember seeing her leave with the Pirates. Moose decided to use his time to relax and try to take a nap this afternoon instead but he hasn't really seen her in the room they all hang out and sleep in either. He shrugged; she was probably back at her dorm room getting some peace and quiet.
As Moose was walking around he saw an old pinball machine that was styled after the old west. He turned it on and was happy to see that he didn't have to insert any money into the machine. Sweet, this'll be a nice way to pass the time. He pulled back the lever to shoot the ball onto the field and started playing. The high score on the board read 125,634 points. Determination filled him; he was so going to beat it!
After playing the game for about 25 minutes, Moose heard music playing from their practice area. Huh, that's weird. No one should be back yet. Moose abandoned his game (his high score was only 70,583 anyways) and decided to check out who was here. Maybe some of the Pirates came back and were practicing. He figured he might as well join them and be productive.
When Moose walked into their practice room, he was surprised to see Camille dancing around, making up moves as she went about the room. Her eyes were closed and she seemed to be lost in her own world. He couldn't help but stare at her. She had on short tight black dancing shorts and a loose fitting green crop top that showed off her lean ab muscles. Her brown hair was in a messy ponytail with strands hanging on the sides of her face and the tips were curling slightly from sweat. Camille kicked her leg out and Moose couldn't help but stare at her legs. They were toned and seemed to go on for miles.
He felt his heart beat speed up as he watched her with a fluttering feeling in his stomach that only seemed to appear lately when he looked at her. He wasn't oblivious. He knew that he had feelings for Camille. He started to really notice after their fight on the night of the Halloween Party. When they stopped talking, it was like the ground dropped from under his feet. He didn't know what to do with himself without her in his life.
He meant every word he said to her when he apologized; he missed her more than dancing. And to him that was a big deal. After their fight, all he would notice were all the happy couples around him. He would catch glimpses of them holding hands, sharing sweet chaste kisses, hugging and laughing. And every time he felt a pang in his heart. It was like a little piece of him was dying inside every time. Moose hopes he won't ever feel like that again. It was the worst few days of his life. It was during that time that he really realized he had feelings for Camille. He wasn't sure of the extent but he knew they were strong feelings.
Moose cleared his throat, "Hey. Whatcha doing here all alone?"
Camille jumped, clutching her chest as her eyes bulged out in shook. "Moose! You scared me."
"Sorry! Didn't mean to." He held his hands up in surrender.
"It's fine. I was just…reminiscing I guess?" She shrugged, "It's been so long since I've danced. I guess I didn't realize how much I missed it these past few months." Then as an afterthought she said to herself, "And it always helped me think."
Moose's ears perked up at her last sentence. "What were you thinking about?"
Camille looked at the ground for a bit before saying, "About everything really. The World Jam, everything that's happened this semester." She hesitated before adding, "Our fight."
He was a little shocked at that last part. Suddenly serious, he walked up to her and said, "Camille, no matter what happens after tomorrow at the World Jam, you are the number one person in my life. I would even drop out of the competition if it meant making you happy." He took her hand, his voice growing softer, "I never want to feel the way I did a couple of days ago. Losing you, even if it was only for a short time, was like hell. You're my best friend, Chameleon. I won't ever bail on you again. I promise."
The fast paced music playing in the background, that Camille was dancing too previously, suddenly turned slower. After a few beats, he recognized the song to be Promises by Wiz Khalifa. Well that was oddly fitting, he thought. Without a second thought, Moose tightened the grip on her hand and spun her around.
"Dance with me." His voice was unexpectedly deeper, huskier.
"Okay."
Moose spun her around again before letting her hand go. He did a few slow popping movies with his shoulders and arms. Camille turned away from him and did another turn but ended with a few shakes of her hips. She did some intricate movements with her hands as they slowly moved above her head. Moose stared, transfixed by her hands, before he unconsciously moved behind her. Reaching out, he just had to touch her.
Baby when the lights go out
It's like we're the only ones
One of his hands settled at her waist as the other one ghosted slowly down her arm to her hand. He buried his head in the crook of her neck, his nose just barely touching her skin. When he exhaled, he could feel her body shudder under his touch. Moose brought her hand up, her elbow bending, as he slowly intertwined their fingers. Her face was turned towards him. They stayed in that position, swaying back and forth, neither wanting to really move.
And I already feel it now
It's like you're the only one
Only one who knows just how
Camille turned around so she was facing him. Their dance turned from a slow hip hop routine to a more contemporary one. They had never danced like this before with each other. This was more intimate, personal. Moose's breathing became heavier, but not because of the dancing, as he did some more popping moves. She did a few more hip movements, occasionally kicking her legs out in an alluring manner. Moose couldn't help it, not when she was dancing like that, and put his hands back on her waist, pulling her closer, almost flush against his body. He spun them around before dipping her back. She had one hand clutching his arm for support as the other stretched out in a graceful arc, her head thrown back.
How to make the time stand still
We're caught in the moment
So don't let me down
You made those promises
Don't take em back now
Moose slowly brought her back up from the dip. He eyes trailed from her face, which seemed totally relaxed, to her open and inviting neck. He suddenly had the urge to kiss her which slightly surprised him. I mean sure, he had feelings for her, but he didn't plan on acting on them. He was too afraid to mess things up and lose her friendship. However, as her smoldering eyes locked onto his it was starting to become too tempting to resist. Camille brought her face close to his, their noses brushing against the others. Their hot breath mingled together as they both breathed out of their mouth trying to suck in more air. Time seemed to stand still for a moment.
Don't let me down
Do all the things you said that had me going
Let's get caught in the moment
Let's get caught in the moment
The tempo increased a bit and the spell they were under seconds ago broke. Camille moved out of his arms and danced around. Moose shook his head to clear his mind and listened to the beat. He matched his body to the song, letting it take him away to another world that only dance can achieve. He moved and popped, twisted and dropped. When the beat slowed down again he danced his way over to Camille. They walked towards each other, eyes locked and gazes fierce. They reached for the other, arms out stretched. Moose's hand found the back of her neck, his thumb brushing her cheek lightly. He felt Camille's hand rest on his shoulder and inch a little higher. They walked in a slow circle, with each step getting closer, their legs starting to intertwine. They stopped; Moose took her hand and spun her out before spinning her right into his arms. Their faces were close together. Moose brushed a few stray strands of hair out of her face. His eyes locked onto her lips, as if they were tempting him to close the gap. The music started to fade out as the last lyric was sung.
Let's get caught in the moment
The room was completely silent except for the sound of their heavy breathing. Moose was still frozen in place even though the song ended, waging a mental battle with himself. The overwhelming need to be closer struck him hard. Hesitantly, he lowered his face closing the gap, his eyelids getting heavy.
A noise and talking in the other room snapped him out of his reverie. He dropped his hands form around her waist as she took a step back. Camille opened her mouth to say something before seemingly deciding against it.
Moose rubbed the back of his neck, "That was… different."
"Yeah. I, uh… I'm just," She seemed at a loss for words and instead pointed towards the door. As she backed out of the room, leaving Moose standing there she said, "I'm just gonna see if anyone is back yet."
When Camille was out of the room, Moose groaned and covered his face with his hands. He was frustrated with himself that he couldn't control his emotions. He doubted Camille felt the same way as he did and he could've almost ruined everything. A hand on his shoulder made him jump.
A deep laugh came from behind him that was definitely masculine. He turned to see Luke and Jacob, both with a smirk on their faces.
"How long were you standing there?"
"Better question is, how long have you been in love with Camille?" Jacob said.
"What?" Moose squeaked, "In love? No. I don't… No. I don't know what you're talking about. We were just dancing."
"Sure. 'Just dancing'," Luke put in air quotes, "That didn't look like just dancing to me. Why didn't you kiss her? You had the perfect opportunity."
Moose sighed heavily and looked away, "'Cause it won't work out. I won't jeopardize our friendship. It's too important. Besides, I don't think she feels the same. It's just better this way."
"You might be surprised." Jacob said.
Luke put his hand on his shoulder and gave a squeeze, "Just take a chance. You'll never know if you'll work out till you try." He removed his hand and started walking away with Jacob, "But for now, just focus on the World Jam. We'll help you deal with this after, okay?"
Moose gave a noncommittal shrug. He wasn't sure what to do but at least for now, he could do as Luke said: focus on the World Jam. He knows he'll have to talk to Camille eventually about their almost kiss, however, for now he was perfectly content to stay blissfully oblivious.
Okay that was a lot longer than I thought it was going to be. Not sure how I feel about the ending though, hmmm. I hope the dancing part wasn't too confusing. In my head it makes sense but I'm not sure if I wrote it right.
Review! Tell me what you think!
Again, I accept request/prompts so feel free to put them in your review if you want. Don't be shy.
Next chapter I think is going to be post Step Up: All In.
Oh, and I just want to let you know that these are going to be out of order chronologically but they are all related.
Thanks for reading! :)