Got to Get You Into MY LIFE;; Elle

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Okay, Mikey. Don’t be nervous. Just breathe.

Ha! Easier said than done. The most beautiful girl in all of New York had asked him to coffee. He didn’t even drink coffee but he would just for this. Of course Noelle Argent and him were friends but it’s been a year! He, being wrapped up in preparations for leaving and graduation, never got to break free of the friend-zone with her and he was really worried he’d taken a permanent residence there after he left. Though he had no idea how going to coffee and bringing her a book would really break the wall between them.

“It will, I promise. The book shows that you were thinking about her during your trip. It shows that you care,” Lumiere explained on the taxi ride to a nearby cafe. Mikey was glad that Noelle didn’t choose Starbucks. She hadn’t been one for usual things. They’d come together as friends from a comic book club, of all things. It was a small silly thing they’d started at Baum but it grew into an actual permanent club. Especially after Elle started her blog and became popular right before he left. He was worried she’d changed and forgotten him. Though she didn’t seem to. He wondered if she chose this place because the name had a pretty color in her mind or the music wasn’t so bright.

He really loved that about her. She was different. It also made since to give her this particular book. It wasn’t really a book but a pile of pictures. They all showed beautiful landmarks in Lacoste and even had a CD of traditional music that went along with them. It claims to paint the pictures in your mind but he was sure Elle would see something else entirely.

As he stepped out of the cab, his heart skipped a beat. This was it. The moment of truth. Okay, maybe he was being a bit dramatic. But there were so many questions that could be answered by just the way she greeted him. Did she miss him? Was she excited as he was? Did she still like his nickname for her. He called her Ellie but still spelled it Elle and sometimes even L.E. when they wrote little notes in class just for fun. Though that was a year ago and now she was a Senior and he was a freshman. Would that really make much difference?

He looked down at his clothes and checked for his phone and wallet. His Batman shirt looked pretty awesome with his red pants and all. He decided to go sans suspenders since he wasn’t trying to be too fancy. They weren’t on a date or anything. Mikey sighed. If only. He tugged his mind away from a candlelight dinner and entered the cozy little shop looking for the prettiest face in the room. He found her easily and held his breath as they made eye contact.

notes;; his eyes say ohellebby please lovemehdown
outfit;; here, there and everywhere

[NOELLE ARGENT]

Noelle was literally buzzing. Walking down the street, she couldn't help but add a little skip to her step because she was so excited! Mikey Colbert, that darn kid, had gone to France for a whole miserable year. Of course, Elle completely understood the circumstances and was more than happy for her French buddy. (At times, she had even been jealous that Mikey was part of such a loving family when her home life was less than pleasing). It was still a whole freaking year since she had seen him, though, so Elle was nearly bouncing off the walls with excitement.

Why again had she chosen a coffee date? It wasn't like she needed caffeine right now and the Lord knew Mikey never needed it. Then again, coffee could have the opposite effect on Elle and would totally calm her down at times. Maybe that would happen so she wouldn't look like a speed addict. But the coffee shop did always play the prettiest music and was never too loud, like New York always was. Elle could count on more soothing colors instead of the bright obnoxious ones that were now streaking across her vision. Clamping her hands against her ears, Elle grimaced as a police car flew by, sirens blaring. Not only were the loud sirens a general annoyance, they made the ugliest colors.

Wait. Had Elle thought it as a coffee date? That nearly stopped her in the middle of the road. Oh gosh, what if he's under the impression this is a date?! Elle mentally reached out to Babette, needing her assistance right then. Babette appeared beside her in human form, gliding through everyone else, only visible to Elle. "You need to calm down, Noelle!" Babette scolded, a frown crossing her face. "He is your very good friend, no? You two are good together! And if it is a date, that is...perfect." A smile crossed the maid's face and Elle was confused. Babette seemed very...devious. Yeah, devious. The deep purple word described Babette's behavior perfectly. It was like she had an evil scheme on her mind or something. Ah, the coffee shop! Elle coaxed Babette back into her mind and out of the way as she went in and found a cozy booth towards the back of the room. The cafe was decorated with deep neutrals and hints of eggplant and never smelled too strongly of coffee beans. The lighting was low and warm.

Basically, it was the perfect place for anything.

Settling into the booth (she was too nervous to think about drinking a coffee), Elle glanced down at what she had brought for Mikey. Since he was gone for a year, Elle had decided to photograph everything happening around Baum and their mutual friends and put it into an album. She had always had a penchant for photography, so why not put it to use, right? There were pictures of Ozzie and Jackson being silly and getting their bromances on and two pages dedicated to the comic book club's costume party for Halloween. Elle had dressed up as the Invisble Woman from Fantastic Four (hello spandex~), because some girl Sadie had already called Black Widow. Man, comic club. That's how Elle and Mikey had met, actually. Thinking back to those days, Elle couldn't help but smile as a warm feeling spread across her stomach. Nerdy!Elle definitely came out around all the superheroes and if Mikey still liked her then, she knew he was the greatest person ever.

Hearing the soft jingle and seeing the soft yellow the door's bell made, Elle looked up and felt her stomach leap up to her throat. There he was. Mikey. They caught eyes and Elle tossed her purse on the table, leaping up in excitement. She couldn't contain herself as she ran over and threw her arms around Mikey, placing a light kiss on his cheek. "Mikey!!" Elle squealed, holding on for another moment before letting go. "Ah!! I can't believe you're back!!" Elle tried to keep her voice down so she wouldn't disturb the peace of the cafe, but her excitement leaked through. Elle pulled Mikey over to the booth and plopped down, trying to remind herself that she was in a skirt so she couldn't exactly lounge about like she normally would.

notes; ALSDKFADSKLKFA MIKELLE FEELS. god she's bouncing up and down in my head and dancing all around and /FLAIL and yesyesyes eye sex

outfit; elle lookin all sparkly

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

OH. MY. GOD.

That’s all Mikey could stand to get out of the rush of emotion that was pouring in from all sides. Even Lumiere was adding in some commentary along the lines of how gorgeous she was in French. Mikey could just internally nod in a agreement as he looked at Elle. She was so breathtaking, amazing, beautiful. His brain was just kind of... on fire. The candle snickered at this joke and spun around in Mikey’s head humming a little tune. Elle’s smile. His smile may be his best feature but Elle outdid him ten to one with the way she smiled.

"Mikey!! Ah!! I can't believe you're back!!”

Lumiere noticed Mikey’s blank mind from the kiss and began giving Mikey words. It was a long practiced thing from the beginning of last year and never seemed to fail. They came out a bit stuttered but Mikey repeated, “I can’t either! It’s been so long. I missed you, Elle.” His lips touched her cheek as he returned her gesture attempting not to make it awkward. He was slightly used to the greeting and really never thought twice about it in France. But with Americans, it wasn’t common. He even used her nickname without even thinking twice about it. What’s a year to old friends... or flames, or could be flames...

“ ‘ow ‘ave you been?” he asked letting a bit of his learned accent fall through naturally. He even added, “tu es tres belle comme toujours, je vois,” with a wink. He had to admit Lumiere was responsible for most of that but he was getting the hang of it mostly. Sometimes the candle didn’t even have to cut in. Though with Noelle it could be a bit more difficult.

“I, uh, got jo something,” he said holding up the delicately wrapped box. He hopped it’d make her as happy as he wanted it too. He honestly didn’t think just his face would give him that smile that he could probably never picture perfectly. “Shall we sit?” he said. He moved next to her and there hands brushed. Without even pausing to wonder what the consequences could be, he curled his fingers around her delicate palm and lead the way. He probably wouldn’t have found it such a major thing if it wasn’t Noelle Argent. Everything about her was major to him. He really had it bad.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

If she had been alone, if she had been anywhere else...Elle would have completely freaked out. Like, jumping up and down and screaming and all that jazz. Just, all the emotions she had piled up while Mikey was gone were ready to burst at any freaking moment. It was like her river of emotions had flooded over and the dam was about to break, or some other cheesy metaphor. Looking up at him, Elle could help but let out a little sigh. He was so darn handsome and adorable, she could just pinch his cheeks. Or kiss him.

...Whaaaaat?

Where the hell did that thought come from? It had to be Babette. That darn feather duster was always pushing thoughts like that into Elle's mind. Of course it was Babette. Right.

"I missed you, Elle." Noelle's cheeks turned a pleased pink at this. She wondered if he had thought about her as much as she had thought about him which was at least everyday. Because he was her French buddy, her best friend. Duh. "I missed you, too!" Elle said, not adding that she had been an emotional wreck the days following his leave. Seriously, anyone just needed to ask her friend Andie. A lot of Ben and Jerry's was consumed those couple of days. And when he spoke, Elle had to keep her jaw from dropping. God did she love accents and a French accent? Was that boy trying to blow her ovaries up? "I've been great! Lonely without my French buddy, but great!" Smiling at Mikey, Elle's eyes lit up. A present! Were they on the same wavelength or what? "I got you something too!" Taking the box with mucho excitement, Elle was about to ask how he had been when holy mother of god.

Mikey was holding her hand. Elle stopped breathing for a moment, her mind racing. What? Why? Aaslkdfowief! Automatically, Elle wrapped her fingers around Mikey's hand, even giving it a little squeeze. ...Where the hell did that come from? It certainly wasn't Babette this time, who was just observing things go down. Elle had no idea what to think. They were friends! Buddies fo life. That obviously hadn't changed after a year apart. Yes, there had been flirting, but Elle thought it'd all be forgotten when he came back. Surely a guy like Mikey would've had flings or maybe even something serious in France.

Oh, right, she was with him right now. Elle stopped her thoughts before she got lost in them and let go of his hand when they were both sitting, albeit reluctantly. "It's nothing special, really, but I made a photo album of everything you missed while you were gone. Don't worry, I made sure to get a shirtless Jackson in there." Elle laughed and shook her head, sliding the album to Mikey. Eagerly, Elle opened the box and gasped in delight. Inside were pictures of Lacoste, beautiful landmarks that had Elle's inner artist swooning. She eagerly flipped through them, oohing and ahhing every couple of seconds. Elle gasped again, noticing the CD. Gosh...Mikey knew her so well, didn't he? Already she was itching to hear the French music, to see what colors it would bring about. Maybe she could paint them all, like she had done a few times before. Not that anyone would see them...Elle was so secretive about her art.

"I love this! Thank you so much, Mikey." Elle said, her voice accented just slightly, and leaned across the table to hug him again. Mikey hugs were definitely the best, she thought as she sat back down. "Tell me all about France! I remember...nothing of it," Laughing, Elle looked into his eyes. Wow. What had she just said? She couldn't remember anymore.

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

The slight blush on Elle’s cheeks made Mikey want to take a picture in his mind. Just in case he had to leave again. He was pretty sure that he’d be staying for the next four years at least, probably more but still. He missed the city and even more the people in it. Being too focused on meeting his birth parents and the trip, he didn’t realize how much he would leave behind. It was his first time away from home for more than a few weeks and he was a mess after a few days in Lacoste. Would his friends forget him? Would they move on to someone cooler than him. It wasn’t his biggest fear. His bros loved him right? Possibly losing Elle was what made him start regretting the trip. He wasn’t the only semi-good looking guy into comic books. She could definitely find a new buddy. His birth mother sat and talked with him. Something about how absence makes the heart grow fonder. He tried to believe in that and finally started enjoying being away.

"I missed you, too! I've been great! Lonely without my French buddy, but great!”

Now that he was back, it was completely true. For him, at least. All of his feelings for the beautiful girl in the comic club who was way out of his league had pretty much tripled. It made taking a risk, like holding her hand, worth it. And when she closed her hand around his, Mikey’s beaming smile returned. Of course, it was short lived but Lumiere was dancing with excitement. Especially since she had gotten him something too.

"It's nothing special, really, but I made a photo album of everything you missed while you were gone. Don't worry, I made sure to get a shirtless Jackson in there."

Then the thing about the gift all made sense. She cared, and she thought about him. I was all that Mikey could do not to bounce excitedly in his seat. He smiled even bigger and laughing while flipping through the pages. Everything he missed were in perfect shots on those pages. Even his new friend, Dan, that’d he just met in video chat was in some of them. The best part was that Elle took them. “These are amazing,” he said closing the book gently. She seemed to wrapped up on his gift. She liked it! Lumiere said something around I told you so. The best part was that originally, Mikey had picked up the book, thinking of Elle. He put it back down though until Lumiere stepped in and demanded he buy it. That candle could be forceful sometimes with that fiery attitude of his.

"I love this! Thank you so much, Mikey. Tell me all about France! I remember...nothing of it."

He gave her a warm hug back and took a deep breath. He was going to burst like some crazy balloon if he didn’t calm down. It was crazy though, the album was just what he needed that and one of Elle’s hugs. “You’re welcome! I--thank you too. This is great... really,” he said looking down at his gift again. “Perfect,” Mikey added looking at Elle now.

“France was... amazing. It was life changing for sure. I have ten brothers and sisters! They all met me at the airport too. It was as if half the small airport was filled with my relatives. I’ve never had that before. I’m even an uncle too!” Mikey babbled on about taking a trip to Paris and seeing the Eiffel Tower but he kept going back to his family. He really missed them already. Not as bad as the city but whenever he talked about his birth mom or anyone really, there was a certain gleam in his eye that said even though it’d only been a year, he loved them already.
“How about you?” he asked after talking about his terrible but hilarious coach experience on the flight back. “You’re a senior right? How’s the comic book club? Seniority? How you taking to prom?” That last one kind of slipped out, making Lumiere facepalm and Mikey hold his breath.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. The only thing Elle liked about that statement was the nice peach tones it had going on. To her, absence made the heart yearn and pine and be generally sad, and Elle didn't like to be sad. But wasn't that something they said to calm lovebirds trying out a long-distance relationship? It was one of those Hallmark things that made them feel better while they were apart. So why had Babette had to chime in with that little cliche just then? It wasn't like Elle was in love with Mikey, or anything. Not at all. They were just friends. Super close friends, of course... But friends.

Ah, this was all so confusing. Babette just needed to keep her mouth shut and stop twisting Elle's heart.

Elle rested her chin in her hands, eagerly watching Mikey. Yes, he liked it! Elle was worried that it would be lame or simple, but it seemed that her heart had been right when she'd dug out her camera and became the Baum paparazzi. He was so cute. The thought just popped into her head without warning, but Elle couldn't help but keep on that train of thought. She had definitely been approached by many attractive guys since Babette became a prominent feature in her life and her blog took off, but Mikey was definitely the most attractive out of them all. And it was just his physical looks. If Elle was being honest with herself, Mikey was the most attractive guy personality-wise she'd ever met. There was something about him that Elle was so hooked on, like her own brand of crack or something.

Gosh, she was thinking in cliches today. What was up with that?

Elle brought herself back to Mikey telling her about France and his family and the little misadventures he got into. Really, she was more than thrilled that Mikey had had such a great time, even if she hadn't seen him for a year. It was nice to hear about his family and see how much he loved them already. Mikey's big heart was definitely one of Elle's favorite things about him.

When she had said that she remembered nothing of France, it had been a bit of a lie. Elle was there for the first few years of her life, after all, so there were imprints of things. Most of all, she remembered her family being happy and whole. Her father was with them all the time because they lived on base, so her mother was still happy and committed to him. She wasn't bent on emotionally abusing Elle and wasn't whoring around. The Argents were happy and content in France. I want to go, Elle thought. There was still that childlike hope in her that one day, her family could be more...family-like again. Maybe, just maybe, returning to France would fix it. But no...Elle's logical side knew that would never work. Sigh, problems.

"That's amazing! I can't even think about having one brother or sister, let alone ten!" Elle laughed. That was an awful lot of babies to pop out. "I'm sure you make a fabulous uncle," She said with a smile, and she totally meant it. If she was a little kid, she'd definitely want someone like Mikey as her uncle. Elle laughed at Mikey's flight misadventure, thoroughly enjoying his story telling skills. "How about you?". Elle had to think for this one. How was she? It had been a crazy year, for sure, what with her blog taking off and becoming a bit of a party attraction with her synesthesia and all. But no, those were events. Emotionally...Elle wasn't sure. Mikey's leave had her questioning a lot of things, that was certain. Like, whenever she tried to go on a date, she'd have fun, yeah. The guy would be nice, yeah. But Elle always felt that there was something lacking, that she would have to settle for him.

And Elle didn't settle.

Plus, there was that little voice in the back of her head (her's, not Babette's) that would compare them to Mikey. Like Meg from Hercules, though, Elle completely denied it. Nope, nope, she wouldn't say she was in love. Or in like. Whatever. Either way, Elle denied it.

"Hmm...I've been pretty good. Life as a party attraction can get quite interesting." Elle smirked, shaking her head a little. Oh, drunk people. They thought of the strangest words to ask Elle about. "Yes, to being a senior--thank God!--, the comic book club is going fabulous and has grown a whole bunch thanks to The Avengers, but I definitely miss you being there, annnnd I don't have a prom date." Elle frowned a bit. "I actually doubt I'll even go. I've been asked but...I wouldn't want to go with any of them." Because they aren't you, but Elle didn't say that. Shrugging, Elle looked into Mikey's eyes. "They weren't the guy I was wanting." That was definitely Babette talking. The thought might have been in Elle's head, but the feather duster took control and made Elle say the words she wouldn't have been able to say alone. The bold move made Elle blush and she gave a small smile before asking, "Why were you wondering?".

[/justify]

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

"That's amazing! I can't even think about having one brother or sister, let alone ten! I'm sure you make a fabulous uncle."

“Yes, it was a bit overwhelming but really cool at the same time,” he couldn’t explain it. He’d always had a family with his mom and dad but have brothers and sisters and a bunch of generations all in the same house made him realize what he was missing out on. “I didn’t think the little tikes would like me but I had at least two clinging to my legs at all times.” He laughed thinking about the pile of drawings back in his suitcase. He’d hated leaving the tiny kids the most. They were just starting to call him “Oncle Mike.” The smallest ones grew a bunch in the year he was there. It was really crazy but seeing that made him think about having his own family for the first time. Usually all he thought about was romance.

"Hmm...I've been pretty good. Life as a party attraction can get quite interesting.”

Mikey just nodded. He wasn’t a big fan of people using Elle for her synesthesia. He, of course thought it was unique and interesting but it was a part of her. The rest of Elle was just as good, if not better. Mikey was certai, he wasn’t the only one who thought that. At times, that made his confidence drop. What was so amazing about him besides the talking candlestick in his head? He knew he had some appeal but there were a lot of people out there who probably had more. Lumiere shook his head at this and crossed his arms. They both knew that Mikey couldn't see himself with anyone else and for some reason Lumiere was certain Elle felt the same way.

"Yes, to being a senior--thank God!--, the comic book club is going fabulous and has grown a whole bunch thanks to The Avengers, but I definitely miss you being there, annnnd I don't have a prom date."

That actually surprised Mikey. His eyes went a bit wider than they actually should have.

"I actually doubt I'll even go. I've been asked but...I wouldn't want to go with any of them. They weren't the guy I was wanting."

Mikey’s heart skipped a beat as their eyes met when she said that. Somewhere on the back of his mind he knew she meant him. Even as Mikey tried to shake the feeling, it only seemed to grow. A crooked smile played accross his mouth and he asked, “Oh? Did you have someone specific in mind. I’m sure Noelle Argent could have any man of her choosing.” She is smart, beautiful, fun-loving, gorgeous, has a smile that could be brighter than the sun, Oh and did he mention extremely attractive?

"Why were you wondering?"

He took a deep but quiet breath as the next words tumbled out of his mouth. “I guess--I’d been thinking about you a lot in France.” That was an understatement. Besides always thinking as he toured the beautiful city of Paris, ‘Oh, Elle would love this.’ He saw her, everywhere. Of course he knew she wasn’t in France but his head still turned as if to check. Every gold color reminded him of her blonde locks. Every lady’s smile had him missing her, Even with some music, he wondered how Elle would see it in her mind. His birth mother knew all about Elle by the end of the trip. She’d even given Mikey a cookie recipe that she said could win any sweet girl’s heart. He wouldn’t admit those things to her though, even when Lumiere said it would help. Even thinking about them now made his cheeks feel hot. “But you shouldn’t miss your prom! Senior prom was my favorite dance.Like the last hoorah before graduation.” He slightly changed the subject back to her. He wasn’t ashamed to talk about himself but deep inner feelings weren’t usually on the list. Especially just over a coffee date.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

It wasn't hard for Elle to imagine a bunch of little kids taking to Mikey immediately. Someone as fun and optimistic as he had to draw kids like moths to a light. A thought struck her then, and while it totally freaked her out and she had no idea where in the hell it came from, it made Elle feel...nice. They were older and married, with an overly active toddler. Elle watched as Mikey played with the little girl, being a better father than Elle could ever imagine a father being. Elle shoved the thought out of her head as quick as it came, though, because she could feel her stomach rising into her throat.

“Oh? Did you have someone specific in mind. I’m sure Noelle Argent could have any man of her choosing."

She did have someone specific in mind, actually. Babette wanted Elle to just grab his shoulders, say "YOU" and kiss him then and there. The idea had Elle wanting to run away, so the feather duster merely sat back and watched, letting out little sighs here and there. It would've been nice if Elle had the guts to do something like that, but every time she imagined doing something so daring and bold, the little girl who got bullied by her mother and peers came out a little bit, just enough to where Elle wanted to close up like a clam. Nervously, Elle began to play with the strap of her purse. How did she say this? What Babette had said was extremely suggestive, but Elle wished it had come out more flippant, if only because she had to admit this now. "Actually...um, yeah. I did--er, do, have someone in mind." Elle gave a soft laugh and looked down for a moment, obviously nervous. It was funny how the last part of what he said was true when she was acting like this. Thanks to Babette, Elle was well versed in the art of getting men to like her. Just a flip of her hair, a bat of her eyes, and she had them eating out of the palm of her hand. Yet here she was, and all that flew out the window. "I was hoping that...we could go. Together. " Elle said as calmly as she could. There was no way she was specifying if it would be as friends or as an actual date. It had fried enough nerves just to say that. "You know, since you're back," Elle added on hastily. No need to let it be known that she had been stressing out every day they got closer to May and Mikey wasn't back.

“I guess--I’d been thinking about you a lot in France.”

Elle's eyes both lit up and widened considerably. He thought about her a lot?! Elle wanted to jump up and down and give the occasional fist pump. He had been thinking about her! If Elle had a penny for every day she had thought of Mikey, she'd have $3.65. Lord knew how much she'd have for each and every time she thought about him. "I thought about you a lot, too." Elle smiled. Every time a guy tried to steal a kiss or put on the moves, Elle couldn't help but think of Mikey and wonder what she would do if he was the one making a move. She certainly wouldn't push him away, like she had all the other guys.

“But you shouldn’t miss your prom! Senior prom was my favorite dance.Like the last hoorah before graduation.”

Oh, back to prom. Elle's cheeks warmed up again. "I'm really excited,and I'd love to go. All that music usually looks amazing." Elle shrugged and almost added I wouldn't want to go without you, but she couldn't make herself say it.

[/justify]

notes;; ALSKDJFOEI feels okay
outfit;; www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=51844166

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Date... Was it a date? Really, it was just Elle and him meeting up after Mikey was away for a year. Date might be taking it too far. Lumiere didn’t think so but Mikey was a bit more cautious then the candle liked. If he were to talk about it out loud, the word date would be hard not to say. After all, it was in his best interest to date Elle. Though he wasn’t sure she felt the same.

"Actually...um, yeah. I did--er, do, have someone in mind."

A huge lump began to form in his throat.

"I was hoping that...we could go. Together."

Mikey’s face instantly broke out in the goofiest grin ever. He felt like cheering like he knew his birth family would when he told them. “Oh---really?” he laughed in disbelief. “Yes, yes. I’d love to,” he said realizing she probably would want an answer. He attempted to calm himself and added, “That would be perfect.”

"You know, since you're back,"

“Just in time, it seems.” He couldn’t stop smiling like a dork. Good thing he wasn’t Andie because he’d be squealing and flailing right now. That girl definitely knew how to react. She and Ozzie were definitely meant to be. Were Mikey and Elle meant to be?

"I thought about you a lot, too."

Yes, yes, yes, yes... If only he could pause time and do a back flip and a few fist pounds or just run around the cafe. All of this was making it hard for him to say in his seat. He could barely focus--“How so?” asked Lumiere. Gosh, that candle was getting good at taking over Mikey when he least expected it. Even if Mikey was a tiny bit curious, he wouldn’t have just asked. Especially since Lumiere was just trying to prove a point. Most of the time, when flirting with girls, he let Lumiere take the lead only cutting in when they wanted him to stay or started asking about getting serious. Lumiere didn’t really like the whole idea of Mikey holding out for a girl back in the states but he eventually got used to it. Now he seemed to be all for it. Mikey would ask him about that later. Now, he cut in.

"I'm really excited,and I'd love to go. All that music usually looks amazing."

“I would love to do prom again. Especially if I was going with you,” he admitted. The dancing and the people and the music. It was the perfect atmosphere for Mikey and even more for Lumiere. Mikey looked up at Elle. He could imagine her in a gorgeous dress dancing with her friends until a slow dance came on. Then he’d pull her close and they’d dance for a complete three minutes. Maybe he could tell her how he felt in those minutes. Or maybe they’d just gaze into each others eye.

“You two have been here awhile... would you like to order something?”

Mikey nearly fell out of his seat but managed to snap his head around and look wide-eyed at the woman.

She blushed instantly and apologized. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Er.. um no, it’s okay. Elle, did you want something?” he said pretending to look over the menu.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

Seeing Mikey's face erupt into his special goofy grin, Elle wanted to tackled him from across the table in a hug. He was smiling! That had to mean that "Yes, yes. I'd love to. That would be perfect." Ahh! Immediately, Elle's mind began whirring a hundred miles a minute. "He would LOVE to, what could that mean?! Does that mean he likes me? Or are we just really good friends?! Japajerjs!" 

God, did Elle need a girl friend to help decipher this. Maybe Andie! Well, no, actually. They'd both be jumping up and down like loons. Plus, she spent a lot of time with Ozzie now that they were official and everything. It made Elle's heart flutter about to see her friends finding great matches: Andie and Ozzie,  Grace and Jackson. With a melancholy sense of hilarity, Elle told herself she must be suffering from a second-hand matchmaker's curse. All her friends were pairing off, and she was the one left to be a wallflower. 

"How so?" 

Elle's heart skipped a beat. To be honest, or not to be honest. That was the question. Whether 'tis pure bravery to tell all or pure stupidity. (Enough with the Hamlet, Elle had never made it through that play without falling asleep). Most of the thoughts, she didn't want to own up to. No, they weren't dirty (well, maybe there were a few slightly dirty ones scattered about). But they were pretty raw. Feelings, confusion, all that. Some nights Elle had gone to bed feeling physically torn between a guy in France and the multiple guys she could have found feelings for in New York. But that was the key, really. Found feelings for. They weren't there already, festering and growing and destroying things everyday. Babette realized Elle was stammering for words and provided her a basic outline of what to say. Always the perfect wingwoman, that Babette. 

"Oh you know. There aren't any guys here like you, Mikey. You're one of a kind and I missed you." Elle's voice came out soft and sweet, almost vulnerable. Babette was sastisfied, even though Elle felt like melting into a puddle over what she was saying. Geezum Pete, what was that feather duster trying to do? Kill her? 

Apparently so, because not even a moment later Elle found herself reaching across the table to squeaze Mikey's hand. Elle was all sweet, almost shy smiles on the outside. On the inside? Meltdown, someone call 911! Her brain was nearly exploding along with her heart. What the hell was happening here? "I Wont Say I'm in Love" might as well have been piping through the speakers. Babette was even humming "give up, give in, why deny it? uh-ohhh" with the sassiest attitude a feather duster could manage. 

"I would love to do prom again. Especially if I was going with you." 

If they were cartoons, it would be the time when Elle was shot through the heart by Cupid's dumb little arrows. She would dramatically fall to the ground, then get back up like nothing had happened. Elle couldn't believe it-going to prom with Mikey! Ah! "Yay! You have no idea how happy I am right now!" Elle giggled. More words than that were impossible at the moment. But the dress shopping and appointment making most girls got into was only a quarter of the excitement for Elle. What she loved and swooned over were those scattered slow dances, how conversations could be had just by looking into your lover's eyes. Wait what. Where had that thought come from? Oh yeah, Babette. Elle mentally rolled her eyes. That duster was so into gooey romance and while Elle loved it too, she was too consumed with feelings to take it seriously. 

Oh geez, earth to Elle. A waitress had just appeared out of thin air, scaring the everything out of both Elle and Mikey. Realizing her hand was still holding onto Mikey's, Elle pulled it back, a blush creeping over her cheeks. People would think they were a couple. Which wasn't bad but...if people got to think that, Elle wanted to think it too, dammit. "Oh, just a water, please." To cool my flaming face, Elle thought. She smiled as the waitress nodded and went off to get her water. She had to admit, Babette's thought-addition of "What I really want isn't on the menu" was pretty hilarious and cheese-tastic. 

"So, Mikey. Do you think you're gonna go back to France?" For good? Elle couldn't add the last part before a small lump formed in her throat. He seemed pretty into France from the way he told his stories and Elle wanted to know if he was staying or not before she got her hopes up.        

[/justify]

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Mikey was a complete and utter mess of happy and hyperness. (Was that even a word?) He felt like someone had poured coffee into is brain and now it was spreading everywhere giving his body the most delightful warm and tingly feeling. (Caffeine is awesome, okay?) But truly and honestly he hadn’t even thought about the substance even though they were in a coffee shop. All he saw, heard and felt was Elle. Elle seemed to be his caffeine this very fine morning... or afternoon. What time was it again? He couldn’t tell if hours or just merely minutes had gone by. He could never tell with Elle. His blue-eyed companion seemed to make time fly.

Companion? Well, she is just a friend. All of his thoughts made him blush. They were silly and for nothing. Nothing he could say out loud or admit without the cruel words of rejection in reply. But, he had hope. Lumiere had taught him a few secrets. The ways of love and romance. After all, the best relationships started out as friends, right?

"Oh you know. There aren't any guys here like you, Mikey. You're one of a kind and I missed you."

What did that mean? One of a kind? Being original was one of his goals. After all, how could you entertain people if you weren’t interesting? He imagined that Elle would have missed the laughs he occasional gave her. Was that all? Did she miss his smile like he missed hers? Did she... he was reading into this to much. Mikey Colbert, hanging on a crush’s every word like a lovesick preteen. Gosh.

Mikey was almost too embarrassed with himself to notice slender, delicate fingers wrap around his hand. He looked up her with a half smile and eyes that gave a peak of the raw emotion inside. His cheeks were incredible warm and he noticed that Elle had a blush of her own. Lumiere noticed it too and marked it as progress. The candlestick was nuts and didn’t know that Elle blushed all the time. Though he had done a sufficient job at sparking hope in the back of Mikey’s mind.

"Yay! You have no idea how happy I am right now!"

He could imagine! “I missed that giggle,” he said nearly to himself. It was one of the things he couldn’t really picture in his mind when missing her. One of the many little and big things he found missing from the other girls in France.

The waitress made everything seem a bit less dreamy when she arrived. He wasn’t sure what Elle and he were experiencing but it probably fell under the category of a private moment. It unnerved Mikey a bit that the lady interrupted them but then he realized to anyone else they could just look like what they were. Two friends hanging out.

“Yes, um water sounds good,” he said looking quickly up to the woman with a polite smile. “Please.” He looked back to Elle and barely noticed the woman leave.

"So, Mikey. Do you think you're gonna go back to France?"

Ah, back to France. Maybe there wasn’t a moment. Yeah, probably not. Too early for those kind of things. He had a ways to go before they could have romantic moments together. “Eventually. You know, after I graduate and settle down with a job. Get married,” to you. Ha! It was beyond too early to be thinking of that. “hopefully,” he added with a laugh. “I imagine my family would want to met you... also so maybe sooner and you could come along you know, I mean if you want.” Oh merde, dammit all. He slipped up! The last sentence came out in the most mumbled manner possible as he tried to recover. Luckily the woman came back with their drinks and he could shut himself up with a nice cold drink.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

If the world was a nice, accommodating place, everything at that moment would have gone right. Or a movie. If life was a movie, it also would have gone amazingly. Mikey would tell Elle that he had pined for her the whole time whilst in France and Elle would gush that she had, too, and they would kiss and violins would play and fireworks would light up the sky. Well, minus the violins and fireworks. But Elle knew that was too far-fetched for it to be even close to reality; first of all, there was no way Mikey would be pining over her. In Elle's mind, she just saw herself as freckle-y, awkward, and frightened. There was nothing to lust for, surely. And Elle actually admitting any sort of feelings? No, not now. Especially not now. Old wounds were too prominent, lingering just below the surface and aching, for Elle to be able to fully open up to anyone. It was too early. Maybe she'd have to listen to the old adage: "good things come to those who wait". If Elle waited, maybe something good would come from this.

As Mikey took notice of her fingers around his hand and gave Elle that half-smile, her insides turned to putty. That smile was easily one of Elle's weaknesses, and it was like Mikey knew it. He knew all he had to do was turn his mouth up in the slightest, crinkle his eyes, and bam, Elle was finished. Totally unfair, in her opinion.

Oh, right, Elle had asked about France. After Mikey had also asked for a water and the waitress had walked away, Elle's eyes grew to saucers as she sat on the edge of her seat, wanting to absorb every word. It felt like Mikey's answer would decide so much, would confirm so many of Elle's open-ended thoughts and questions. Mainly, would there be any sort of future with him? Was there any hint of interest?

"“Eventually. You know, after I graduate and settle down with a job. Get married,”

Eventually. Eventually. That was good, right? Right?! It had to be! Elle's mind hadn't even made it to the "Get married" part; she was still analyzing the "eventually" part like a thirteen year old. That meant there was still time here, still time for things to happen. Hopefully. If Elle could get over herself, which....probably wouldn't happen for a while. Gosh. Why did life have to be so overrated? But the married part...Elle's thoughts turned to nervous giggles as she pictured herself in a long, white dress, walking down an aisle...by herself. Considering Elle had no interest in conversing with either of her parents, she couldn't picture them being at her wedding.

“I imagine my family would want to met you... also so maybe sooner and you could come along you know, I mean if you want.” Instantly, Elle's face lit up and her easy grin turned into a wide smile. She wasn't sure if words would actually happen, but she forced herself to push a few sentences off her tongue. "I would love to go! Be able to see France and actually remember it; God knows I don't really remember being a little kid." Elle glanced down at her water, stirring the straw around with a sideways grin. It was totally out of context, but her brain, which was known for always thinking of the most inappropriate things, decided to remind her that France was notorious for nude beaches and how "fun" it would be to visit one. "I would love to meet your family, too." Looking up, Elle managed to maintain the giggles. She could bring it up later, for sure.

And the feeling I forget
I'm in love now

Kiss me like you wanna be loved
Wanna be loved
Wanna be loved

This feels like I've fallen in love
Fallen in love
Fallen in love

Ed Sheeran's melodic voice started from Elle's purse and the blonde jumped in surprise. Of course, her ringtone had to be his song Kiss Me. It was like irony was slapping her in the head with a bag of bricks. Smiling apologetically, Elle dug her phone out and glanced at the screen. "Dad". Elle had to read it twice more to make sure her eyes weren't deceiving her. Eyes wide, face flushed, Elle glanced up at Mikey with a slightly look of panic. Why would her father be calling? It wasn't like she made effort for conversation, which led him to stop trying. A decision made, Elle pushed the negative thoughts out of her head and hit the "silence" button on her phone; if her father actually needed something, which was highly unlikely, he would leave a message or call back. "Sorry about that," Elle said, tucking the phone back into her purse. Out of sight, out of mind.

"elle talking"

[/justify]

notes;; angela seriously listen to this song UGH THE FEELS. also this post was a little over 900 words what the actual. it probably sucks and is rambly, though.
outfit;; www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=51844166

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Oh good, Elle didn’t catch that. He really was a big mess of emotion and boyish love right now. Mikey felt his other hand itching to stroke her cheek or even steal a kiss. It really had been too long. He wasn’t prepared for how much happiness he’d actually feel when he saw her again. And they were making plans! Mikey took a long drink of his water trying to calm down his speeding heart. Though it was to no avail when his other hand was holding Elle’s.

“I would love to go! Be able to see France and actually remember it; God knows I don't really remember being a little kid."

"I'll be sure to show you everything," he said. Mikey could imagine a trip with Elle to France. It would be perfect. They would go to Paris. The scenery, the food and the romance. The city of love. He could feel the romance in the air walking around the streets of Paris. So many girls waiting to find true love. So many couples kindling old flames anew. It was a gorgeous city alone but with a lover, it could be an adventure. Mikey smiled wistfully thinking of all the things they could do. Get a hotel with a gorgeous view and order in after a long day of sightseeing. A few cups of wine and a lovely dinner... then after that--

"I would love to meet your family, too."

“And they would love to meet you too.” he said trying to pull himself out of dangerous thinking territory for this moment. “I, um, already said that.” He looked down finding himself rubbing his thumb across the back of Elle’s hand. She didn’t seem to mind. Mikey usually wasn’t this shy. What was going on? His usual flirty self was overwhelmed with the feeling of... love? Could it be? They say that the truest of lovers could take your breath away with just one kiss.

“And the feeling I forget
I'm in love now

Kiss me like you wanna be loved...”


Okay, now Mikey was sure he was hallucinating. He aimed his thoughts towards Lumiere but the candle was just as surprised as him. It wasn’t until Elle pulled out her phone that he realized it was just an amazing twist of fate. Or was it? The look on Elle’s face ask she silenced her phone Mikey had seen before.

"Sorry about that."

Mikey looked into Elle’s eyes and grew concerned. “Is everything alright? I mean... if you need to take that...” Mikey dug back to a year ago trying to think of the last time he’d seen that face. He’d ask something pertaining to Elle’s family life. The look she gave him made him want to pull her close and hug her forever. Kind of like right then. Instead, with the table being a barrier, he squeezed her hand lightly.

[NOELLE ARGENT]

Paris: the city of love. Being able to claim that she hailed from said city, Elle thought she would be a little more of a smooth operator than she was being right then. Of course, vivacious, flirty Elle turned into an awkward turtle when it actually mattered. Typical.

"I'll be sure to show you everything," Elle grinned at this. "You better not leave anything out," she replied with a wink.

What was Paris like, Elle wondered? The memories were vague; just a time when her parents were happy, and an atmosphere of pure, undiluted romance. Its streets were paved with love, it seemed; all true lovers walked them at some point, right? So what did that make her and Mikey? If they went to Paris, well, she was near positive something would happen. Not that she'd object to it, of course. Back when Elle had first met Mikey, she would have admitted to any of her girl friends that she had a huge crush on the cute senior. But then, when things began to feel more than crush-worthy, Elle got frightened and suppressed them. Only now were they beginning to burst, and she didn't know if she wanted to wait till a possible, or maybe on hypothetical, trip to Paris to express them.

“And they would love to meet you too. I, um, already said that.” Elle giggled like the preteen her vocal chords apparently thought she was. A pleasant, content feeling spread over her body as Mikey rubbed the back of her hand, like that one movement could soothe all the stress away. If only he had been there all those times she had stared at the phone, wondering if she should call either of her parents. Despite wanting to be as far away from them as possible, Elle was only eighteen. She still had a need to hear her parents' voices every once in a while.

“Is everything alright? I mean... if you need to take that...” Elle's face stayed flushed as she stumbled over something to say. Unconsciously, her grip on Mikey's hand tightened, like a flotation device in rough waters. "I--uh, don't think I ne--" Her phone beeped, making Elle startle. A look of guilt and regret crossed her face as she pulled her hand back and retrieved her phone. Just as she thought. Her father had left a message. "Hold on just a moment," Elle grimaced, dialing voice mail.

"Ellie? Ellie, why won't you pick up for your daddy? I miss you Ellie..."

Hand clenched around the phone to where her knuckles were white, Elle barely made it through the rest of the message. Obviously, her father had been drinking. His words were slurred and all Elle could understand was that he missed her, which she had to tell herself was a crock of bullshit. This time, Elle turned her phone off completely and stuffed it in the bottom of her bag. "I'm sorry. That was...my dad. He and I...well, it's better that I don't talk to him." Elle ran a hand through her hair, feeling uncomfortable. God seemed to be playing a cruel trick on her; of course, the root of her commitment issues would be brought up while with Mikey.

[MICHEAL "MIKEY" COLBERT]

Mikey tried to think back to the days of Senior year. Most of the times with Elle were fun and silly. There were times though when they’d get down time in comic book club and just talk. The conversation led to their parents sometimes. He knew her father wasn’t the best but he never let her linger on it too long. Maybe it was selfish but he really didn’t like when she was upset. Granted, he didn’t like when anyone was upset. Mikey was a happy-go-lucky sort of guy. When things got serious and rough, he tended to joke his way out. That was his defense. Watching her now, he had no idea what to say. He just held tight to her hand and didn’t let go.

“He’s still...” Mikey started. Her dad was a drunk. That’s what he could remember. It made him so mad sometimes and her dad was lucky that Mikey had never met him in person. How could he forget? “I’m really sorry, Elle. You don’t deserve that.” Mikey couldn’t help himself. He got up and sat down next to her wrapping his arms around her in a comforting hug. He wasn’t sure what to say which wasn’t like him. Well, him and Lumiere. The candle would always have words to put in his mouth when Mikey ran out. Right then though, Mikey heard nothing. Silence. He sighed and just hope his arms were enough. “You’re really great, you know?” he said after letting her go. “France would be lucky to have you.”

He reached over and grabbed his water deciding he’d sit here. A growing feeling of guilt rose up in his chest when he realized she had to deal with her dad alone for almost a year. Elle was awesome though. She probably made other friends that could be there for her. He wasn’t the only one. It’s not like she needed him. He was lucky to be with her right now. All of his friends accepted him back with open arms after his little excursion not even letting him stay too lost. He glanced over at the scrapbook again and hugged her warmly. He was probably being too cuddly but Mikey couldn’t help it. He’d do anything to get that sad look off her face.