memory of someone else’s dream || cameron & cambie
@lietzcameron
[These days, Cambie hasn’t had much time to dance for herself. Between her usual day to day tasks keeping Delma running, trying to reassure an increasingly worried population, and teaching not just Sasha, but now Felix as well, she’s got a lot on her plate. Not that she’d ever resent it; Cambie’s always liked to keep herself busy, and the new lessons with Felix are more collaborative since he knows what he’s doing.
And the lessons with Sasha are, quite honestly, a delight. She’s such a bright young girl, not afraid to work hard. Over the years she’s gotten more proactive, picking out songs that she likes so that Cambie can help her learn with her favourites, not just what Cambie thinks is best.
It reminds her of a life she might have had, once. Cambie wonders often what life would be like, had the asteroids not come. Maybe she’d be married. Maybe she’d have children of her own. She’s always wanted kids, but she always put it off because her prime dancing years were a finite source. She’d always figured she’d retire in her early thirties and just start teaching dance instead of performing, and she’d start her family then. Obviously that plan got derailed.
She’s come to accept that it’s likely not going to happen for her. It makes her time with the younger citizens of the Colony all the more valuable to her, as well as her position as head of house. She might not have her own kids but she can certainly channel a great deal of that maternal instinct into looking after everyone else. After today’s lesson, Cambie and Sasha stroll back to the Delma common room, Sasha bouncing alongside her and trying to practice the new steps they’d gone over today as they walked. It takes more than a mere hour of dance lessons to tire her out.
The common room is still in high spirits - everyone is riding high off Delma’s recent win in the Games - but Cameron stands out as he always does with his quiet confidence. He carries himself with a very reassuring presence: as though he knows exactly how much space he takes up in the world, and asks for no more but allows no less. Sasha bounces over to him, eager to show what she’d learned today and finishing off with a perfect ballerina curtsy before she goes to join her friends nearby. Cambie watches her go with a rueful smile, before folding herself into a seat next to Cameron.]
She’s really doing great. In a year or two she can probably think about starting some pointe work, if we can get the shoes. [It’s always an exciting day for a young dancer, the first time they put those satin shoes on. Of course, Sasha isn’t exactly a career ballerina - she seems to enjoy the athleticism of it more than anything - but it’ll still be a fun day for her, Cambie’s sure. She sighs, a little wistful, and expresses a sentiment that isn’t new to either of them:] You’re so lucky to have her.
