Picture Perfect Ch. 01

"Looks like we have an audience."

Michael turned around and saw Stephanie leanin on the wall, he had been focused on the last play he didn't even see her walk in. In the brief time he was looking at her he was captivated, she was looking back just as intently and noticed a small smile on her, the type of smile you have when your daydreaming about something great, she was wearing a pair of tight fitting jeans that really showed off her legs, a blue v-neck t-shirt that formed to her body , her hair was in a pony tail as usual her bangs, not natural bangs she didn't cut her hair like that just manipulated her hair into bangs, with her head slightly tilter one bang was just dangling freely while the other ran down her cheek and curled over her mouth. She looked beautiful.

Stephanie raised her hand and brushed her bang off her face and behind her ear. "Nice shot, Kobe." She gave him a wink and a smile which caused his face to go red. "Uh thanks, you heard that did you?"

"Mikey, ESPN heard that!"

They both laughed and the embarrassment subsided "Hey thanks for the game man you should come by more often." Michael turned and looked at the kid his was playing with "Thanks Rob, we'll see what happens." They waved bye to each other as Rob headed to the exit.

"Who was that? Friend from school?" Stephanie asked while bobbing her head in Rob's direction.

"No his sister's team practices her every week and he tags along." He replied not really providing any more information.

"Gimme a few I'm gonna get changed real quick and we can go." Michael grabbed his ball and went to the locker room.

*

Twenty minutes later they we sitting on a park bench eating ice cream. "Thanks for the ice cream sis."

"Well it is your birthday, speaking of which are you going to go watch the new X-Men movie? I'm surprised you haven't already."

"I'll wait for it to hit the DVD shelves."

"Come on let's go tonight! My treat!" Stephanie gave him a warm smile hoping it was enough to convince him.

"I really don't want to Steph." Michael took a bite out of his cone. "Come ooooon it'll be fun I promise! We can catch a late show, eat popcorn,

I can ask you a million questions on who's who."

Michael cut his sister a smile a chuckled "I thought you said I was going to watch a movie not explain it."

"See! That's the spirit! I'll even find you a cute girl!"

"Ya right." Michael knew she wasn't teasing him.

But didn't find that to be a believable statement either.

"Mikey your a great guy, plus I'm a great judge of character I could find the perfect girl for you!"

"Steph.."

"Mike why can't-"

"Steph I appreciate it I really do, but I can't even talk to girls, let alone ask one out." He looked away and towards the ground, "it's not like they'd wanna talk to me either."

"You talk to me just fine you know."

"It's different, you my sister."

"Look at me." He didn't move.

"Michael, look at me." She used his full name, what surprised him was it wasn't out of anger or irritation but it was very warming to hear. He straightened up and looked at her locking their eyes together.

"Mike, you are an amazing person, your talented, funny, good hearted, and weather you believe it or not, you are really good looking. I know you don't believe it but it's the truth. I'm sorry there are people out there that don't see it, but I also know there are people that do see it, I'm one of them."

She raised her hand and cupped his cheek "I'm not saying this because I'm your sister, I'm saying it because it's the truth."

A tear ran down Michael's cheek "Do you really mean that Steph? Your not just saying that because your my sister?"

She wiped his tear with her thumb, kissed him lovingly on the forehead "I really mean it, I promise."

"So wanna go to the movies?" She asked again.

"One condition"

Stephanie couldn't help but smile "What's that?"

"I, uh, I want..." Steph looked at her brother and could see he was struggling to finish his sentence. "You want what Mikey? You can tell me what is it? Anything for the birthday boy!"

"I don't wanna get set up with a girl there." His cheeks started to get warm and was finding it more difficult to keep eye contact with his sister.

"I'd like it if..." He took a deep breath. He was cute when nervous she thought.

"I just wanna be with you." His face was crimson red at this point and broke eye contact. Stephanie felt like her heart skipped a beat, her brother told her he wants to be with her, sure plenty of guys said that to hear but hearing Michael say it was different, it excited her. She didn't understand where these emotions we're coming from. She even remembered the kiss she gave him earlier in the morning, she didn't know why she did it felt natural to her or why she was been flooded with all these thoughts. "At the movies! You know...not, ummm not that your not..."

Stephanie laughed at his embarrassment but found it adorable also. She pressed her finger to his lips to quiet him down "It's a date." She kissed him on the cheek dangerously close to his lips, Michael could feel goosebumps all over.

Stephanie stood up "Come on let's go home, you don't wanna be late for your date."

Michael could smell his sister's hair, it was heavenly to him and brought a smile to him "No, I definitely don't." Face beat red again. Stephanie giggled at her brother and turned towards the parking lot. "Come on let's go"

*

Michael sat on the deck with his sketch book out, it was about 8:15pm and was waiting for dinner to be ready. He sat there drawing , shading, earasing when the door slid open he turned his head and saw his grandpa step out.

"Hey what's up g-dad is dinner ready?"

Joe chuckled "G-dad? Is that some new slang you kids are using these days?" They both shared a laugh "nah you're pretty cool for an old guy" they laughed again.

"What you drawing there?"

"Just some comic book superhero guys, I'm going to watch the new X-Men movie tonight with Steph so I got a little inspired to doodle."

"Well that nice of her! Good to see you go out! I'm sure you guys will have a blast."

"Ya me too."

"Well those doodles are pretty good if you ask me.

Anyways to answer your question from before yes dinner is ready come eat when your ready."

"Will do."

Joe turned back towards the door without turning back said "Oh and call your sister down for dinner she's upstairs and wanted to give you your gift finally."

"Ok thanks!" Michael gathered up his things and headed into the basement from his private entrance.

He headed upstairs towards Stephanie's room, the door was slightly open and he can hear music playing. She liked her R&B and loved to dance to it.

He knocked on the door "Hey Steph can I come in?"

"Yeah come on in." He heard her say. Hey stepped in and say her at her sitting at her desk brushing her hair. She was in sweats and a t-shirt which she usually was after a shower, she said it felt more relaxing especially when fresh out the shower.

"Hey what's up sis dinner's ready by the way."

He looked around the room tryin not to stare too much at his sister. His thoughts were rampaging around her not sure what the kiss that had meant. He wasn't about to jump to conclusions either and decided and played it by ear.

"I'm almost done my hair I'll be right down." She notice him look at something and smiled. He was looking at the painting he gave her, she hung it over her bed next to a picture of her and Michael from her graduation day.

Michael turned to her and smiled "I like that picture now that I look at it."

"Well finally, I mean you did draw it you know."

"I meant the other one, from graduation."

"Really?" She said puzzled.

"Yeah you were so happy that day and your smile shows it, you're really beautiful in the picture." He said bashfully.

She couldn't help but blush, Michael has never said she was beautiful, pretty yes, cute all the time but this was new for her, she like it. She liked it a lot.

"Oh stop it I'm just wearing the gown and hat it's nothing to write home about." She finished brushing her hair and tied it back tight into a pony tail this time leaving no bangs.

She looked up at Michael biting her lower lip "umm did you really mean that? You think I look beautiful?"

"Yeah, your smile just enhances everything about you."

She beamed. "Mike you never said anything like this before. Thank you that's really sweet."

"Yeah I know, sorry I must sound cheesy."

She stepped in closer lifted his chin up with her hand.

"Hey, no don't say that it wasn't cheesy. I though it was really nice." Her heart began to beat faster as she got closer and closer to him, their faces a few inches away from each other. "You know I think your beautiful too." She gazed into his eyes allowing him to judge the validity of her words.

"You do?" he said in a whisper, his breathing had began to pick up, nerves were in high gear, he wanted to kiss her so badly, wanted to feel her lips on his again. Wanted to taste them.

Stephanie leaned in and just before their lips touched she whispered back "So beautiful." She started to press her lips against his and before she could devour them there was a voice yelling at them.

"Come on kids get down here before the food gets cold!"

The sound of their grandmother's voice startled them back to reality. "Coming right down!"

She looked back at her brother "umm, I uh, oh yeah your gift!" She broken away excitedly and went to her closet breaking the awkwardness that was beginning to set in. She pulled out a box about the size of a briefcase, it was wrapped in a comic themed birthday paper, and tied with a green velvet bow, green was Michael's favorite color.

"Wow this wrapping is so cool I don't even wanna rip it!" He removed the bow and carefully removed the wrapping paper not wanting to tear it. He wanted to keep it and try using it for something later.

"You know the wrapping isn't the gift" his sister joked.

"Shaddap I know that, I wanna keep it though."

He got the wrapping off and was holding a leather case, it had a sliding lock mechanizm, and had a gold trim around the edges. On the top the words "Magic Touch" was engraved.

Michael looked up at his sister eyes wide. "Steph are you serious." He said barely over a whisper.

"Open it." She said with a smile.

He slid the button to the side and heard a clicking sound of the case unlocking. He opened it and inside he saw 12 paint brushed nuzzled in their respective nooks. The brushes were a dream, Red Sable (weasel hair) long handle, round paint brush set for watercolor, acrylic and oil Painting. The natural characteristics of the weasel hair offered excellent paint holding capacity and easy flow, making fine delicate strokes a lot easier. They were professional grade brushes, nothing like the Walmart ones he had been using. He knew these weren't cheap on their own let alone a set. Not just any set, THE set.

Michael looked back at Steph, swallowed the knot forming in his throat, "Steph, this is unbelievable. I don't know what to say. Wow. You didn't have to get me this."

"Seeing that look on your face is worth it lil bro."

"This must have cost you a fortune though."

"Hey don't worry about it, I've been saving for a while to get you something special for your eighteenth birthday."

Michael gave his sister a giant hug squeezing her tightly. "Thank you thank you thank you thank!" He couldn't contain his excitement. She laughed and hugged him back.

"Anytime, now let's go eat! I got a date to get ready for later!" She gave him a wink.

"Lucky guy"

Her face softened and she whispered in his ear "Luckier girl." She kissed his cheek passionately. She broken away and headed for her door, "Come on your foods getting cold."

*

It was about 11pm and Michael was by the front door waiting for his sister to come down. Their grandparents have gone to bed not to long ago. He was wearing a pair of khaki pants with a dark green button down shirt and a pair of forest green timberlands. He wasn't big on fashion and just wore what he found comfortable.

They were going to catch the midnight viewing, it was late and not many people should be there, plus it was a Thursday and the theaters aren't that busy during the week which worked out perfectly since he hated big crowds.

"I'm ready" said a girly voice in a whisper to not wake anyone up.

Michael turned around and his jaw dropped, Steph was wearing a green dress, it hugged her upper body showing off the curvature of her beautiful breasts with enough cleavage to just barely cover her bra, which happened to be black and possibly lace from what Michael could see.

The skirt was more loose and went about halfway down her thigh. She was barefoot holding a pair of black heels.

She had her famous cherry lipgloss on, her eyeliner was done so she looked almost Egyptian and use a little bit of green eyeshadow. The biggest difference was her hair, she wore it down parted in the middle. She had straightened her hair, it was the most plain style but she looked stunning, her hair had a nice shine to it and it brought out her hazel eyes that much more. He was in awe.

"You like?" She said with a sly smile.

"Holy shit.." was all Michael was able to mutter.

She giggled accepting the compliment.

"Wow Steph, you look gorgeous. I feel under dressed."

"Don't be you look good, I like your shirt."

"I love your hair it's the first time I seen you do that."

"Ya I wanted to try something new wasn't sure if you would like it or not."

"Doesn't matter if I like it as long as you do, but for what's it worth I love it."

Her heart jumped hearing him say that. She loved it when he complimented her, it always felt so genuine. "Thanks, and of course it matters I did it for you."

"You did? Why the big fuss?"

"Well to two reasons, firstly you inspired me to try something new, and by that I mean your leaving your comfort zone for the night, and it makes me proud, so I figured I would do the same and change it up a bit." She paused biting her lower lip lost in thought.

"And the second?"

"Well," she reached down and put both her shoes on then looked back into Michael's eyes, as they gazed into each other's eyes Stephanie could feel her face getting flushed by the second. "Well the other reason is because I wanted our first date to be special. I want you to have a good time with me."

Stephanie felt like she was 16 again, the older he got the more she would notice things about him, through his paintings she learned a lot about his feelings. She began to think she might be falling in love with him. Right or wrong she couldn't help it.

What she was going to do about it was a different story. She didn't know what to do. So she decided to just do whatever felt right.

"How could I not, I'm glad I decided to go out."

"Me too, let's go stud."

Just before they reached her car Michael turned to his sister with a sly smile. "What?" She said with a puzzled look.

"We're going to have to be careful when we get there."

She raised an eyebrow "Why's that?"

"With you looking that good we're bound to slip on some drool."

Stephanie burst out laughing slapping her brothers arm playfully. "How do you do that? Make me laugh and melt my heart at the same time."

"No need to exaggerate sis just giving you a fair warning of what could possibly happen." He gave her a wink and jumped into the passenger seat.

She giggled to herself and sat down in the drivers seat.

The drive was pretty uneventful they spoke about her work and especially school. Michael had been accepted into the same college his sister went to. Coincidentally on top of their business programs they and an excellent art program as well. He looked forward to going to school there.

They finally got to the theater with 10 minutes to spare, Stephanie decided to go to the one on the other side of town. It was a nice suburban area and away from people who would spit venom at him. She wanted to make this day memorable.

As they walked through the parking lot towards the entrance Stephanie took his hand interlocking her fingers with hers.

Michael was a little surprised by it but didn't resist. He just looked at her and smiled. On the inside was a different story, he couldn't believe he was holding her hand, his heart was beating a thousand times a minute he wasn't sure what was happening if anything at all.

They walked inside towards the ticket counter, she never let go of his hand, he was her date after all.

At the counter there was an older lady, probably in her mid 50's if Stephanie had to guess.

"Hi can we get two tickets to X-Men: first class please?"

"Why of course young lady! My such a cute couple you are reminds me of my younger days."

"Thanks that's sweet, it's our first date accually."

Replied Stephanie with a smile.

"Well isn't that sweet, here you go you kids have fun." She handed Stephanie the tickets and they headed to the snack stand.

"Hey why didn't you tell her I was your brother?"

"Did you want me to? Did it weird you out I'm sorry."

"No it's not that, it's just, she thought we were a couple."

"Yeah I guess I should have said something I didn't mean to weird you out I know I'm your sister and all. I thought it was cute she said that."

"Accually, I'm glad you didn't."

"Oh? Why's that?"

"Well, she saw me, saw my," he cut his sentence short. She could see his insecurities kick in. "She saw me and still thought we were a couple, it was nice, different you know. I just didn't expect that type of reaction out of anybody. It didn't weird me out that your my sister. Any guy would be lucky to be yours."

Her heart fluttered, she gazed into his big brown eyes "Mike that was so sweet thank you. You sure know what to say to a girl." She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. She broke away slightly and they locked eyes, they were staring intently into each other, exchanging emotions, conveying thoughts.

"I didn't mind that she thought we were a couple."

"Steph I-"

"Hi can I take your order please." A voice called out in annoyance. Stephanie turned her head and ordered some popcorn and a couple of drinks.

She cursed the employee in her head for ruining a special moment.

She wanted to kiss Michael, badly, but needs him to make the move, she's been trying to leave hints for him to let him know she wants to kiss him. She's already taken the initiative a few times, she wants him to be confident in himself and break out of his shyness, it'll come she thought to herself. He has to feel the same about me. She would find out sooner or later.

They grabbed their drinks and snacks and headed into the theatre. There wasn't many people in there maybe 15 in total including themselves. Mostly an older crowd a few teenagers. They found their seats near the back away from prying ears and eyes and took there seats.

They sat snacking on popcorn critiquing upcoming movies and commenting on the ones they had to absolutely see. They hadn't realized they finished the popcorn just as the movie was starting.

"Wow that went fast. Want me to get some more?"

"Nah that's ok sis I'm good."

She crunched up the bag and threw it on the seat beside her took a quick sip from her drink and sat back to watch the movie. She had just got comfortable when she felt and arm slide under hers and grasp her hand. "Good for him." She thought to herself.

They watched the movie hand in hand, making the odd comment about an actor or actress. About three quarters of the way through Stephanie noticed her brother looking slightly absent minded.

"What's wrong Mikey?"

"Nothing, just thought this movie would be better is all."

She snickered "Wow you actually don't like a superhero movie it must be pretty bad."