Cameron had a blast…

Jaz kindly offered to accompany Cameron back to the dorms. The ginger couldn’t help but blush; although he dressed like a girl, he could defend himself. Not that girls can’t defend themselves, he quickly corrects in his head.

Flustered, he couldn't help but stutter, “Y-you don’t have to d-do that!”

“It’s fine. My roommate is finishing up on campus and will pick me up from the front of your building.”

“Oh-okay. As long as you’re not inconveniencing yourself.”

“You’re not an inconvenience, Cam.”

He didn’t know what to say, especially with the happy feeling her words caused. They walked in silence for half of it, but the sophomore had never been a fan of it. 

“I had a lot of fun.”

“You’re welcome to come anytime. ‘Too Sweet’ does their own events and hosts some of our social gatherings. They’re actually known for hosting the drag shows and themed nights.”

“Holy crap. That seems like such a cool place to work at.”

“They’re actually hiring right now.”

Cameron nearly trips at the news, forcing himself merely to stare instead of halting completely. 

“Stop, right now. What position?”

“Barback. Plus, the manager is also the new drag mother, and he’s looking for another person to join the family. They’re trying to expand so they can have longer shows.”

“And you're just gonna make me ask how I can apply instead of just telling me,” Cameron says with a little more sass than he intended. The junior dares to laugh at him, making his jaw drop. "Just say you hate me."

“Yeah, you would fit right in."

"Jazmine," he whines. "How can I when I don't know how to get in?"

"Because you're actually going to meet him tomorrow at the next activity."

Cameron doesn't even think as he clings to her arm in excitement.

"Really?"

"Yes. So if you want to bring a resume, tuck one in your bag. If you wanna do drag, have a photo album with looks and a performance if you’ve had prior experience," Jazmine says with a smile. 

It's only when he sees a faint acne scar just above her brow that Cameron realizes just how close they are. Letting her go with a slight cough, the sophomore makes a show of taking a deep breath. 

“Whew. You're such a lifesaver. But I must ask, what are we doing tomorrow?”

“Open mic night at the campus coffee shop.”

Cameron had been to one or two back home, but the comedy was always bad and the singers a little off-key. He saw the shadow of a smile on Jazmine's face; he couldn't tell how exactly it’d be different, but that it would be entertaining. For her at least. 

Jazmine’s ride pulls up as they arrive, and Cameron tries to quickly say his farewell. “Th-thank you for today. I’ll see you tomorrow.” His fingers twitched with the need to hug her. Maybe Amari was rubbing off on him. 

“See ya. Make you get as much homework done as possible before the open mic. Friday and Saturday are gonna be a whirlwind.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Cameron salutes. Speed walking into the dorm, he wants to fight himself for being so weird. 

Other people are in the communal areas chatting or watching a show on the TVs. The gingers silently hoped his roommate was one of them, but as he neared the door, he saw the faint glow of Garret’s stupid lamp. (It was actually a really cool lava lamp, but Cameron would never admit that to him.)

Opening the unlocked door, Cameron was greeted by the sight of the meathead playing video games. He tried to be quiet, but Garret had ears like a dog. Turning around, the freshman peers up expectantly. Despite the three-year age difference, the wrestler's physique, buzz cut, and default condescending expression made Garret look older than the other.

“It’s like,” Garret pauses to glance at his watch. “Eleven-forty-three. Where have you been, young man?”

“Out, Garret.” Cameron starts undressing, the bed calling to him so loudly that he decides to just put on PJs and brush his teeth.

“Doing what?” Garret calls after the ginger as he goes to the bathroom.

“Trivia,” Cameron answers as he prepares his toothbrush. Right as he was about to start brushing, his roommate continued. 

“Did you win?”

“Yeah.” 

“Ha. Neeeerd.”

“Oh my god.” Brushing his teeth with one hand, Cameron enters the room again, going directly for his wardrobe. The ginger tosses a pair of ripped-up dark jeans and a sage green tight muscle tee on one side, and a white mesh turtleneck and a dark mini skirt on the other. Holding up an oversized short-sleeve button-up made up of gray window plaid, the ginger taps on his roommate’s shoulder. 

Garret sighs tiredly, already anticipating the question. Pausing the game, he stares at the articles of clothing boredly.

“The turtleneck and skirt. It’s going to be warm tomorrow.”

“Mrrr!” Cameron packs everything but those pieces before returning to the bathroom to spit. “Thanks!” 

Exiting the bathroom, he assumes Garett would have gone back to his little game, but he finds the boy staring closely as he hangs out and moves on to choosing stockings, jewelry, and shoes. 

“Who‘s the poor victim?”

Startled, Cameron snaps his head to the boy. “What are you talking about?”

“Not that your outfits aren’t always extra as hell, but you’re being real picky with the accessories. Plus, I would never dare call the object of your attention lucky.”

“Fuck you. I’m trying to get a job at a bar, either as a bartender or performer.”

Garret only smirks, as if he knows something. “What kind of performance?”

“Drag.”

“That’s so gay.”

“Funny coming from you,” Cameron mutters as he turns around. 

“Whatcha say?”

Satisfied with the selection, the ginger finally climbs into bed. Propping his head up with a fist, Cameron tilts his head knowingly. 

“You’re not slick. I saw that blond from three-oh-eight give you ‘fuck me’ eyes, and that kiss you thought you snuck in. And I’ve seen the tabs on your laptop.”

“So," the teen shrugs. "Doesn’t make drag any less gay.”

“Neither does deadlifting two-fifty.”

“I don’t deny being gay. I’m not being sneaky for my sake. He’s got a boyfriend.”

“Ew. That’s so trashy, Garret,” Cameron groans. 

“I guess. Still, about the drag shit, you wanna watch it as a roommate show?”

Cam huffs at the thought of Garret as a watching buddy. He probably won’t let him pause mid-show to talk. Fucking annoying.

“Which one?”

“All Stars.”

“I haven’t ever watched that one.”

“Well, now you are.”

“I’m actually starting to have a social life.”

“Don’t care. You put roommate bonding time in the contract, and here we are.” Not bothering to say good night, Cameron's roommate resumes his game. Mildly annoyed by Garret getting the last word again, the ginger roughly turns over to the wall. 

Grumbling under his breath about manners and trashy men the sophomore tries to get comfortable. 

‘Me trying to impress someone?’ The ginger scoffs to himself. As if.