to the stars (Camren titanic AU)

7. "we're basically best friends right chanch?" "Right cheech."

Camila's POV

My heart was beating fast and loud as I made my way to the clock, where Lauren was surely waiting for my arrival. Ally, knowing my intentions as I was trying to flee from the crowded dining room, took action and distracted Mother with pointless gossip I knew didn't even interest Ally in the least. It worked, nevertheless, and Mother's attention was quickly caught up with the scandalous news.

The clicking sound of my heels, heavy and nervous steps making them sound even louder, was the only thing that kept me from believing that was just a dream. It kept the reality on check, the reality that I was about to run away with Lauren Michelle Jauregui.

My nervousness was reaching unthinkable borders and my hands tugged self-consciously at dress, which suddenly felt oddly revealing. Crossing the A-Deck foyer I finally spotted Lauren, back turned and eyes carefully studying the clock in front of her.

I could see her hand tugging at the many pockets in her elegant pants. The fact that she was also nervous with this encounter made me relax a little. Taking a deep breath I pushed forward, silently climbing up the fine staircase.

"Lauren?"

Her shoulders relaxed and I heard a relieved sigh leaving her lips. When she turned around, however, she seemed as confident and certain as I'd first met her – "So, tell me kid. Do you wanna go to a real party?"

Next thing I knew, Lauren was guiding me across Deck by the hand, pushing some people out of the way laughing to excited and leaving me to the task of shortly apologizing before being hurriedly pulled forward by an insistent Lauren once again.

As much as it embarrassed me having to mumble a hasty 'I'm sorry', I couldn't help but laugh at Lauren's urge to charge forward and get me where we were going.

A step wrongly taken sent Lauren tumbling down a couple of stairs, our securely connected hands preventing her from any further damage.

"Are you alright?" – I asked concerned to Lauren, who was holding her forearm with her free hand.

Instead of hearing an angry mumble as a response, as I thought I was going to, Lauren started laughing and squeezing my hand reassuringly – "I'm okay, I've had worse."

"Let me make sure." I said trying to get a look at her arm.

"No, no, no, I'm fine and we're almost there."

Before I could protest, Lauren started dragging me behind her again, reaching our destination in just minutes.

Lauren opened the door and we stepped into the Third Class General Room. All eyes were on us and on our joined hands, but we didn't let go.

"What are y'all looking at?" She smiled widely.

It was surely an incredible transition to witness. Lauren's transformation of her usual behavior around me and her average, usually enjoyable funny behavior towards everyone else. I couldn't help but being fascinated and a bit flattered by this, but I still reprimanded her for the vulgar use of certain words.

Despite their interest over us, the crowd turned their heads back to what they were doing before our interruption, smiles winning over curiosity.

"Come on" – Lauren said before leading me to a small table in front of a big wooden platform. A group of musicians with their respective instruments were on the improvised stage, and as soon as we settled in our seats, they started playing an upbeat kind of music I'd never heard before.

Two large glasses of beer were placed in front of my eyes by two Irish hands. I recognized Niall as soon as I laid eyes on him, smiling widely at us – "Well hello again Camila!"
Normani stood beside him smiling.