Picture Perfect Ch. 03

Now Stephanie was full on crimson red "Mike, that's one of the sweetest things anyone has ever said to me." She fought back a tear, failing miserably she quickly wiped the corner of her eyes with a giggle and recomposed herself.

"Okay, that's better, so you were saying?"

"Well your laugh-"

"No,no,no goofball your morning run."

"Oh right, where was I? Oh yeah the game, anyways, we played a couple and got to talking when we were all done, he saw my scars and asked about it. I don't know why but, I told him about how it happened."

"Wow serious? What made you do that?"

"I don't know really, we just got along really good, I felt comfortable with him. He told me about his arm, he was born like that."

"Poor guy."

"Ya I didn't know what to say, he noticed and said 'You want to say sorry don't you? It's okay to say that, it doesn't bother me.' I couldn't help but agree with him. So I asked him why it didn't bother him when people would say sorry."

"What did he say?"

"He said ' I could let that this dictate my happiness or I can dictate my happiness' and the look in his eyes was like he knew the pain, like he went through the same things I do except he overcame his obstacles. It was a look of understanding."

Stephanie just looked at home wide-eyed, now knowing what made him want to change his view on life. It was that moment Stephanie realized that there are somethings about her brother no matter how much love she has, no matter how hard she tries, that the part of him that hurts she can never truly understand his feelings. She can never truly understand him, but this new found stranger did understand him. She felt eternally grateful to him at that moment.

"When he said that, it made me ask myself what makes me happy."

Stephanie snapped out of her deep though and switched to a concerned look on her face "Do you mean your not happy? I mean you never been happy with your life?"

Michael seeing his sister's concern for him was unsettling him "No ,no not like that, that's not how I meant it. I mean what makes me truly happy, about everything, about life, about myself, my past, my present, my future. The only answer I came up with...is you Steph. You make me truly happy, you make me want to change the present for a better future, and want to be someone you can not only be proud of, but proud to stand beside. So I'm going to do what you said, and I'm gonna just be me with everyone, we'll I'll try to anyways. They can either love me or hate me right?"

Stephanie couldn't be any happier for her brother, besides him having a much better attitude, he had and uncanny ability to melt her heart.

"Do you know how badly I want to kiss you right now?" Stephanie had a very lustful look on her face. Her desire for him was growing faster by the second.

"Steph, we can't, well not here anyways."

"Ugh I know, I can't wait to get you alone, let's go before I make a scene and get arrested, you are definitely getting a special treat in the near future." She said with a mischievous smile.

"I...I am?" He stuttered.

"Oh yeah big time!" She stood up and look back down at Michael seductively, "Unless you don't want to that is."

"No I do!" He replied a little to eagerly for his liking. Stephanie just giggled and motioned for him to follow "Come on stud I'm hungry let's grab-" Stephanie was suddenly cut short when she received a text. She replied back and for a couple times the slipped her phone back into her back pocket. Michael couldn't help but gaze at his sister's ass, he was tempted to just reach down and grab a handful. It looked so delicious in her tight fitting jeans. It hugged her beautiful cheeks perfectly.

Stephanie looking up at him and noticing where he was looking at she just smiled "So slight change of plans, Diane asked if we wanted to have lunch with Dave, they're at Boston Pizza. I hope you don't mind but I said yes." Stephanie wanted to test his limits with this new attitude, she hope she isn't pressuring him too much at the same time.

"Well, I'm pretty hungry, any place is good right now. Let's go why not."

"Really! Yay! I'm so glad you came out Mike, really, I'm so proud of you right now, remind me to thank...umm what was buddies name you never said?"

Michael turned to her slightly confused "I didn't? I thought I did my bad. His name is Daryl. His brother is Tim."

"Thanks, I'll remember that. Come on, Diane said she will wait outside while Dave gets a table for us. It's not that far."

They walked through the mall for another 5 minutes finally arriving at their destination.

As they got close Stephanie spotted her friend.

Diane waved them over, "Come on slow pokes I'm starving."

"Ok relax there grumpy we're here let's go." Stephanie snapped back playfully.

As the trio turned they heard a voice from behind them, "I can't believe it look who's actually outside, I thought you only came out at night?" They heard a couple of laughs.

Michael was the first to turn , already knowing who he was about to see. He knew that voice and knew it well, Jake Callum along with his two minions.

"What do you want Jake?" Michael asked. He didn't want to be there any longer than he needed to.

"What? I can't say hi to my best friend?" He said sarcastically. Jake's gaze then shifted towards his sister, "Besides, who says I'm here to talk to you. Steph, how bout you skip lunch and me and you go have some dessert?"

"I'd rather lick the toilet seats at Taco Bell." She out on the most revolting face she good to make her point.

"Definitely more sanitary." Chimed in Michael. Diane couldn't help but laugh at the burn.

Jake not enjoying being laughed at, by a girl, a hot girl, "Oh you got jokes now do you?" He said turning his attention back to Michael. His two minions now a little more attentive.

Michael tensed up, not enough to let Jake know but enough to make him think he should have kept his mouth shut. He couldn't, he knew he couldn't, not when it comes to his sister. He had to be strong for her, sure he risked a beating, but she would be safe. He was ok with that.

"Why don't you say that again tough guy." Jake said taking a step towards Michael.

Stephanie cut him off before he got any closer, "Leave us alone Jake, seriously, do you have nothing better to do?"

"I can think of plenty of things to do." Jake said while taking a hold of Stephanie's hand with a suggestive smile. Before she could even react and pull her hand away, Michael had reacted the second he touched his sister no, his love. He didn't even think about it, his body seemed to move on it own.

He pushed Jake back, "DON'T, touch her" he pushed Stephanie aside, his heart was pumping faster than he had ever experienced. He was scared, he was trying to prepare for whatever was to come.

Stephanie was just in shock, looking at her little brother, trying to protect her, she could see he was scared, she didn't know what to do and before she knew it Jake took a quick step forward and threw a jab into Michael's face.

"DON'T, touch me." He mocked replied with a smirk.

The jab had actually surprised Michael, all of their interactions up till now have been verbal and pushing. He stumbled back a couple of feet grabbing his jaw.

"Mike!" Stephanie quickly went to her check on her baby brother, Diane quickly following her.

Ignoring her cries he postured up and turned to face his attacker while pushing Stephanie behind him and away from the trio. The punch may had surprised him, it stung him, but it didn't hurt anywhere near as much as he thought it would. He faced Jake, breathing heavily, out of anger, his hands both making fists. He was squeezing so tight his knuckles cracked.

"Mike! No don't! It's not worth it!" Stephanie pleaded with him.

"Listen to her Mike!" Diane pleaded.

"Oh it's to late for that sweet cheeks. Well Freddy time for your nightmare to start." Jake glanced at his two minions as the three faced Michael.

Michael now fully aware he just bit off more than he can chew, it was one thing to fight Jake, he didn't think he would have to fight them all. His only concern was that his sister didn't get hurt in the crossfire. "Diane take Steph!" He cried out while slowly walking backwards.

He focused back on the 3 attackers who were inching their way closer, each rubbing their fists and cracking knuckles.

Stephanie was no fighter, but neither was Michael and she knew that. She never felt more helpless, she was about to watch her little brother get pummeled before her eyes to protect her, and she was too afraid to even scream for help. She just collapsed to her knees in disbelief at what was about to happen. She wanted to get up and shield him but her body just didn't want to move. She was always protecting him but couldn't muster the courage to do so now. She never felt more helpless before this moment.

"Michael no..." She whimpered with tears in her eyes.

Diane had reached Stephanie at this point and was pulling her up. "Mike let's go! Don't do this! Your sister's right!" Diane pleaded.

Michael continued to back pedal leading the trio away from the girls, it worked.

Gazing at the girls he yelled out, "Just get Steph out of here! Go! I'll be fine! Just go!"

She didn't move, Michael returned his attention back to Jake and his minions, and was shocked to see them frozen in place, all three with their eyes locked onto something behind him. Michael then turned and looked over his shoulder now seeing why they froze and feeling of relief came over him.

Dave was now standing behind Michael, "I was wondering what was taking so long. Three on two? I can work with that."

"Hey man no problem here." Jake replied while he backed away with his minions seemingly wanting no part in a fight anymore.

"Yeah, w-we were just leaving." Said one of the minions. The trio the turned around and scurried away.

Letting out a sigh of relief Michael look up at Dave, "Man am I glad you came out."

"Come on let's get out of her before security shows up. There's already a crowd."

"I'm still hungry."

"Don't worry lil' man so am I, let's go. I'm treating." Dave said with a chuckle.

Stephanie finally found the energy to move again and quickly made her way to Michael.

Tear in her eyes she began inspecting his face where he got punched for any damages. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine Steph," he reached into his pocket and took out a tissue handing it to her, "I promise, come on let's go eat."

*

After a quick stop at Diane's house the four went to a Greek restaurant. Finally sitting down and ordering their food they enjoyed some drinks.

"Hey thanks again for helping me out."

"Hey no problem, I didn't think I'd have to jump in until I saw that all three were gonna jump you."

Diane threw her brother a look, "You mean you were watching the whole time! You should have stepped in before Mike got hurt!"

"Not the whole time! I got there when Mike pushed him." Dave replied in defense.

"Diane it's ok really." Michael said to her.

"Wait," Stephanie looked at Dave, "does that mean if the other two didn't step in with Jake you would have still watched?"

"Well, yeah, it's a fair fight. From the looks of it Mike was fully prepared to throw down with him." He said raising his beer towards Michael in acknowledgement.

"Really Mike? Were you going to fight him?"

Stephanie asked.

"If it was one on one yeah, well the other choice was far worse."

"How so?" Diane asked.

"Well it's either fight and take a beating, or run and take a beating another day. At least if I fight them they will know I'll defend myself if I need to."

"Well hopefully they stop picking on you." Diane said.

"I can deal with them spitting all the garbage they want, but noone is allowed to touch my sister like that." He replied.

Stephanie had to pull out all the stops not to dive into Michael's arms and kiss furiously. She was just as turn on at his bravery as she was terrified at what could have happened.

She was seriously leaking for him right now.

"Your such a sweet brother, so protective of his big sis huh." Diane said playfully causing Michael to grow slightly embarrassed.

"That's what we're here for!" Chimed in Dave.

"That, and potential bag boys!" Said Michael raising his glass causing the girls to laugh.

They finished their meals, paid their tab and headed out. Diane dropped Dave off back at the mall so he could get his car and drove Michael and Stephanie back home.

"Thanks for the lift Di, call me tomorrow?" Stephanie said as she opened the passenger door.

"I will, have a good one Mike! All things considered it was pretty cool to hang out with you for a bit." Diane said smiling warmly at Michael.

Michael couldn't help but blush and advert his eyes anywhere but hers as his shyness was kicking back in.

"Y - yeah, It was, thanks again for the ride." He met her eyes and threw her a quick smile before exiting her car.

*

Inside the sibling found their grandparents

Sitting out in the backyard, Sandra was enjoying some wine to go along with her book. Joe was having a beer and listening to the soccer game on the radio.

"Oh hey kids, welcome back." Sandra greeted them.

Joe help up his hand so they didn't disturb him as he was playing close attention to the radio. " Oh come on! Pass the ball already! No wonder you lost it! Ugh!" Turning his attention towards Michael and his sister he gave them an apologetic smile, "Sorry kids was a tense moment in the game. How was your afternoon."

"Was pretty good! I got what I needed and I didn't have to be bag boy, it seems lady luck was on my side as the girls were more interested in food than shopping."

Michael and his sister sat out back talking to their grandparents about their day, most about Dave, who Joe was happy to hear about. They of course didn't mention what had happened with Jake, some things they didn't need to know about.

"Well I'm gonna go clean up and get some work done." Michael stood to leave and Stephanie joined him.

"Yeah it's been a long day, I need a nap or I won't last till sundown!"

"Ok kids dinner will be ready in a couple of hours, I know you just ate not to long ago so you can eat when your hungry, I'll leave it in the oven for you."

"Thanks grandma." The siblings said in unison causing them both to laugh at eachother.

*

Inside the siblings headed for the stairs, as they reached them, and out of sight from their grandparents, Stephanie spun Michael around and planted her lips onto his.

Michael was surprised to say the least, he didn't expect such aggressiveness out of his sister. He was at her mercy at that moment, standing at the top of the basement stairs being completely assaulted by his sister, and he would be damned if he would allow anyone to stop her. The taste of her lipgloss lingering on his taste buds, "MMM, peaches, that's new." He thought to himself.

Stephanie finally broke the kiss and gave him another quick kiss on the lips as if to say 'all done!' and looked him in the eyes, "I've waited all day to do that."

"Th-that was really nice, especially the lipgloss." He replied in a dreamlike state.

"I know how you like the fruit flavored lipgloss, so I bought a few more flavors." She said with a wicked smile.

Michael instantly felt his cock twitch at the thought of making out with her and tasting a new flavor each time.

She then slapped him on the shoulder.

"Ow! What was that for!?"

"Don't ever do that to me again! I was so scared Mike! If Dave wasn't there..." She began to tear up recalling the events.

Michael reached for her and pulled her into his embrace, "Shhh, hey now none of that. Yes it could have been bad but it wasn't, so let not get hung up on the what ifs." He pulled back and lifted her face and gave her a genuine smile. "Okay?"

All of her tension melted away at his smile, she felt so small in his arms. It was alarming how fast he could make her crumble without him knowing. "Okay." She simply replied with a genuine smile herself.

"I'm gonna go shower and take a nap, I want to be rested for tonight." She said in a sultry voice and walked up a couple of stairs.

Michael swallowed the lump in his throat while watching his sister's ass as she climbed the stairs, "What to you mean? Are we going out or something"

She turned around and gave him a look at almost made him have a wet daydream if it was at all possible. Then stepped back down to his level slowly, swaying her hips out with each step.

"God she looks so sexy." Michael thought to himself. Yet he stood there transfixed on his sister. Unable to speak, she moved like a cat stalking her prey he thought.

She reached up and cupped his cheek, leaning giving in one deep kiss, darting her tongue in his mouth meeting his, only allowing enough time for one lick of eachother's tongue. She sucked on his lips hard enough that when she broke the kiss it made a loud smacking noise.

She simply smiled at her brother and said, "Something." While turning and walking back upstairs, Michael was once again standing there dumbstruck at this woman. Watching her ass the entire way up he somehow felt she was smiling. She didn't even look back.

Finally able to breathe again Michael picked his jaw off the ground and headed downstairs.

*

Michael spent the next couple of hours drawing a few drafts of his choices before finally choosing one to submit. He was reading over the contest details when he heard his door open and footsteps descending the stairs.

"Hey little brother what's up?"

"Well I finally decided what to do for that contest, but it doesn't say if they want a painting or drawing. It just says submit a logo and name by this date."

"So what you going to do?" Stephanie asked.

Michael stared at the contest sheet in thought. "Well I guess I'll do three and asked which is acceptable when I submit them."

Stephanie looked at him in confusion "Three? Doesn't the contest ask for one submission?"

"Yeah, what I mean is I'll bring 2 drawings, one in pencil and one in colour, and one painting."

"What if they say all of them are acceptable?"

"Hmmmm, I haven't thought of that, I guess I'll go with the painting."

Stephanie made her away towards Michael to see what he had decided on. He quickly shut his sketch books and covered any other evidence that may give away his choice.

"Hey why can't I see?" Stephanie said with a frown.

"It's not ready yet no peeking."

"Well can you least tell me the name?"

"Nope! Your going to have to wait until it's finished."

Stephanie put on her best puppy dog face she could muster "Pleeeeeeeaaaaase"

Michael couldn't help but laugh, normally he would crumble to his sister's pouting face, she was too adorable to say no to, not this time though.

"Nope! But I will tell you this," Stephanie was now smiling triumphantly at him waiting for him to finish "you definitely inspired it, so until it's done I don't want to spoil it."

"Really? I did?" Her smile widened, she remembered her conversation with him about why he painted, he was inspired , she did that.

She cupped his face with both hands and planted a kiss on his lips, it wasn't meant to be a sexual kiss, as much as she wanted to she knew she wouldn't be able to stop herself from going as far as possible. Stephanie was still seriously aroused from the day's events and with their grandparents awake and definitely alert she had to control her urges.

Pulling back from the kiss she looked into Michael's eyes and smiled at him playfully.

"You realize that I just want to know what it is even more right?"

Mike smiled and chuckled knowing he had the upper hand. "Yup, and sorry but I'm not telling, you will see on Friday when they unveil them."

"When are your submitting them?"