Breathe Again - - - *

[Arabella Marie Curtis]

There was a battle raging inside Miss Arabella's stubborn, determined, and heart broken mind. She wanted to stay more than anything else in the world, she really did. She also wanted that job, and she didn't want to hold Marc back from a future he wanted, either here, in Arles, or wherever else his heart was set on going. If she took the job, she'd be sacrificing him and a relationship she knew she'd never be able to find again. If she stayed, she'd be subjected to playing housewife and soccer mom. No stage, no spotlights, no marquees with her name written in huge, twinkling letters. But she would have Marc, and he was more than enough to fill her world with sunshine. They'd have a son to raise together, though Laurence wasn't technically her child. That ideal life they'd pictured as their future could be theirs now, but what would be given up to get it? Her life long dream, the one she could practically taste, feel, hear. It'd be gone and her chance at being the hotshot actress would be, too. If she stayed, a piece of her would shrivel and die. She'd let down her parents, everyone back home in London and Milwaukee, and herself. And she wanted to do it as long as Marc was willing to stay with her.

Bella's hand came up to rest on his as it lay on her cheek, and she slipped her fingers in between his. It felt right, like home. He was home, he always would be, no matter how many cities or countries she traveled to. Marc would be her one true place of comfort, even if she tried for decades to forget. Part of her knew she never would forget him; she simply couldn't. He was her forever, and she was his. That was how it was meant to be. "I couldn't leave without seeing you one more time," she whispered, turning her head to press her lips to his palm again. Her dark, teary eyes closed as she took in the comforting feel of his skin. She'd missed him; god, had she missed him. The feel of his hands playing with her hair as she fell asleep, the sharp, fresh smell he always had in the morning after a shower, the loving touch of his lips against hers. Bella had longed for it since the moment he left.

And, now, here it was, right in front of her. And she was pushing it all away because of the bull-headedness she'd inherited for her father, the man she swore she'd never end up like. But she was becoming like him with every second she kept shoving Marc away and refusing to believe anything but her own version of the story. It was the stubborn spark in her, along with the small flame still being fueld by jealously and anger. The name, her name, made her eyes sharpen. Daphne... Daphne... all this was about Daphne, the girl Marc had left behind. The one Bella had only heard bits and pieces about, but the one she'd believed he'd forgotten. She thought she owned his heart now, or one of the larger pieces of it anyways. Not this girl who had so easily swept Marc away and back into her French arms. The girl who was the mother of the child sitting on the floor a little ways away from them at the moment. "I showed up at the airport to tell you you weren't gonna be a dad. But, it looks like someone already took the job of telling you you would be," she answered with a shake of her head, eyes flickering to Laurence now instead of Marc. That coil of jealousy showed it's head again in her gaze, but she quickly tried to tame it. Bella would never be the one to give Marc his first born. And, as selfish as it was, she hated Daphne for stealing the right to it.

She turned her eyes back up to his, sadly shaking her head again. "Five minutes ago, you were blaming yourself for everything, too. Just like you always do. It's my turn to take the fault for this. The fights, anyways. I'm not part of whatever happened over in Arles; that's all you. Whatever you did with her, I don't want want to know," she answered, closing her eyes after she finished. Her voice dropped to a pained whisper as her eyes squeezed tighter closed to hold in tears. "I don't wanna know." The pictures were running through her mind behind her closed eyes. Him and Daphne, the girl she'd only ever seen a picture of, running wild around Arles, kissing under the stars he'd always bragged about, having family dinners at his house, living in a little cottage with their little replicas of Marc dancing around their feet. All of it led to one thought: this should be her, here, in New York. Bella couldn't raise Daphne's son, sleep with her man. This wasn't supposed to be her; she was supposed to be performing on Broadway, living out the dreams she'd had before she'd ever fallen in love with Marc back in London. And, if Daphne had still been alive, maybe Bella would've given up romance for fame. At least she'd know Marc would have someone to mend his heart then, someone, and it pained her to say it, someone he was still in love with. You never forgot your first love, and Bella knew Marc and Daphne's had been a real love, not like what she'd gone through before this. If she left, she knew Marc would've been able to rekindle whatever faded flames he'd had back in France. He'd be able to be back home instead of traveling with her; he'd have the stability she knew he wanted in life. But, Daphne wasn't alive. She was dead, gone, only a memory now. There was no point in focusing on what should've been; this was how it was. Daphne was dead, Bella was alive, and Marc was here in New York, saying he still wanted her. That was what she needed to focus on.

Bella buried her face in Marc's warm chest, keeping her eyes closed as his arms held her close. She needed this, needed him. Her face tilted up to look at him as he spoke, turning into his fingers as they brushed the loose hair from her face and his forehead rested against hers. "Je t'aime," she whispered, reaching up her hand to rest against his cheek. Her thumb brushed softly over it, savoring the contact and the tingles that raced through her entire hand. "Je t'aime de tout mon coeur," she said again, pressing tighter into the comfort of his arms. She didn't want to move, but she knew she had to. They had things to talk about. Laurence, for one. And, the other would be this life changing job offer. The one Bella knew she couldn't take, not anymore. Not while she had Marc.

Her fingers tilted his face up softly, forcing his gaze down into hers. She did want to go, but she wanted to stay more. Anywhere without him wouldn't be true happiness. "Three months in California... then touring to God knows where for nine months..." she whispered, shaking her head. "I couldn't be away from you for that long, no matter how much fame it'd all bring. I love you more than spotlights. Always you," she said, reaching up on her tip toes to very, very gently brush her lips against his. Bella knew this was where she belonged; right here, in Marc's arms. This would always be her home.

She leaned into his side as his strong arms slid around her, and her head turned to nestle against his chest again. Bella's determination to leave had vanished now; all that was left was her love for Marc and that need to always be with him. She curled closer to him on the floor, wishing they could somehow be back at their apartment on the comfortable couch they always snuggled on. "Always, because we're forever," she answered with a tiny smile, turning her head to press her lips to his jaw. Part of the kiss was because she was trying to make up for almost a month of missing this, the other half was to distract him. Bella really didn't want to hear what had happened. She no longer cared. He was back, and they had new challenges to face. Like, say, Laurence and what the hell they were going to do as parents.

• • •

WORDS: 1550!
TAG: Her Prince Charming <3
LOCATION: The Hallway, Outside His Office
OUTFIT: TEDDY BEAR!
LYRICS: "Last Kiss" by Taylor Swift
NOTES: "I love you" & "I love you with all my heart" <3

[Marc Dominique Delabarre]

Marc didn’t want Bella to give up her dreams. He knew that she still wanted the stage and the bright Broadway lights in her life and he didn’t want to be the person to hold her back from that. Laurence was his responsibility and even though he wanted Bella in his life more than words could ever say, he didn’t want her to sacrifice everything to play the role of the mother when she wasn’t obligated to. He could handle being the stay at home dad most of the time and most of his classes were during normal school hours anyway so he would be able to maintain his position at the university too. Plus, there were always clubs and societies that his son may be interested in to take up some of the extra hours too. Marc was used to being around babies thanks to his three younger siblings and he understood how hectic they could make life, but he also remembered a few tricks that would keep them safely entertained so that the caregiver could have the time they needed to do the things they needed to do. They could make this work with little sacrifice, he was sure of it.

He squeezed her hand and wished that everything could be alright again with just a simple click of his fingers. There was really no way he could repair this and the whole ordeal was something that he knew both of them would remember for the rest of their lives, whether he succeeded in winning her back or not. “Zhis does not ‘ave to be zee last time.”

[/color] He whispered, almost pleading with her not to leave. This was hard enough and he didn’t think he could cope with Bella leaving him and moving to California. He had to fight for her and he had to break though that stubborn exterior to make her see how much he would do for her if she would only stay in New York with him and Laurence.

Maybe it wasn’t wise to mention Daphne for Marc could see the burning jealousy rise in Bella’s eyes and for once, he understood the reason for it. They had had the perfect life in New York; no one interfered, no one tried to break them apart and at the end of every day it was always just the two of them cuddled in bed. In a matter of moments, Marc had managed to destroy their perfect little world with his loyalty; a trait he once believed was admirable. The fact of the matter was that it was his fault all of this mess was happening now; he had been the one to run to Arles and he was the one who was a teenage parent, even if he didn’t know about it until a few weeks ago. Now, Bella had to face the music and accept that the man she loved had run so quickly back to a girl who he didn’t love anymore and by doing so, had shattered her future image of bearing his first child. He knew it had to hurt her, but he didn’t know what he could do to prove it all to Bella – to show her that he loved her more than words, gifts or fancy surprises could ever show.
His voice was quiet when he spoke again, not knowing what he could say to the beautiful girl before him. “I swear I did not know zhat I ‘ad a son. I vould ‘ave told you long ago if I did.”[/color] Marc hoped that she would believe him. He had never been one to lie, at least not when he was thinking straight.

She didn’t want to hear about Daphne and Marc understood that too, but he had to explain everything to her. He wanted her to know about everything that happened before the chance was gone. Daphne wasn’t around anymore and as saddening as it was to know that such a tragedy had befallen the family in Arles, Marc didn’t regret anything. They may have had a son together, but they wouldn’t have worked out in the end. He may have married her, but it would have been for Laurence’s sake and neither of them would have been happy now; he knew it in his gut. Bella was who his heart belonged to and it was Bella who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Daphne wouldn’t even feature in the equation if she was still alive. “Bella, please, allow me to explain everything. I do not want us to act like zhis never ‘appened – the bad side of zhis, I mean. Forget the blame, forget feeling guilty, just let us talk about zhis and make zhis vork. I know ve can do eet, ma Cherie.”[/color]

Holding her in his arms, nothing had ever felt more right in the history of the world. This was where she belonged; in his embrace, perfectly nested under his chin, enfolded by his arms and braced against his strong chest. They were two halves of a whole, even if they did have their moments and clearly a lot of skeletons in the closet to discuss now. There was no reason for this to be the end and as her fingers brushed his skin, Marc realised just how much he would do to keep Bella in his life. If that mean uprooting once more and following her to California then he would do it, however illogical and irrational it may seem for just one audition and with his son in tow.

Marc smiled down at her honesty, cradling her in his arms as if he would never let her go again. He had tasted what life would be like without her and it was horrible, unbearable and downright miserable. However, he had promised to never stand in the way of her dream, knowing how much it meant to her after all the hard work she put in to get where she was. “I do not vant you to throw your dreams away for me. I love you so much, but I do not vant you to miss up on zhis if eet eez a once in a lifetime opportunity. If you did go, I vould vait for you; I vould always wait for you.”[/color] He kissed her cheek lovingly and gazed down at her with more love and adoration than anyone had ever seen in his young, dark eyes.

As her lips brushed his jaw, Marc turned his neck, capturing her lips with his own. It was a soft kiss, filled with love, but still acceptable for the young boy who was happily playing on the carpet with his toys as though this scene hadn’t even happened. Marc knew that he would never leave Bella again, even if his better judgement told him otherwise; this ordeal had been too much for the humble young geek and now he was looking forward to moving on with his life with Bella and Laurence. He knew they still had a long way to go, but at least this was a start, a promising glimpse of hope for the future. “Vhat now?”[/color] He asked her softly, wanting to hear from her lips what she wanted to do next.
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]

• • •

TAGGED! Bella <3
WORDS! 1,254
OUTFIT! Ducky Fuzz
LYRICS! Miracles and Medicine- - - Cauterize
NOTES! <3 <3 <3

[Arabella Marie Curtis]

Bella couldn't wrap her head around the idea of being a parent. It was... it was strange. This wasn't supposed to be happening, not for many years. Kids weren't supposed to be factored into her life, not until she'd at least had her time in the lime light of the stage. Now, now one was being thrown right in front of her and all she could do was stare in total confusion. What was she supposed to do? Bella didn't know what Marc expected of her; they hadn't talked to teach other, really talked to each other, in nearly a month now. What roll was he picturing her in? Was she going to be Laurence's new mom, a replacement of Daphne? That was like a dagger to her heart, though. She wasn't Daphne... she couldn't be her. Bella was Bella, and, even if she was acting, she was still Bella at the end of the day. It was Bella who came out around Marc, not the actress or the Broadway hopeful. Bella. Just Bella. And, if he took that away by pressuring her into transforming to be somebody else, Bella didn't know what she was going to do. She couldn't be Daphne. Hell, she'd never even met the woman! She couldn't be a mom, but she couldn't just leave Marc stranded, either. He'd need help, and Bella knew it. If the roles had been switched, she'd want him to stay and help her overcome both the shock and the hardships that would one day crash down into their lives. She'd want him there to remind her everything would be okay, and to cuddle her and make sure she was alright. That's what Bella wanted to do for him.

But, that physical need for spotlights still burned within her. She needed the crowds, the sound of laughs and the sight of tears from one of her performances, she needed the stage almost as much as she needed air. It was her life, it always had been. Being a mom? That had never been her real dream. Only the stage had been. Memorizing lines, slipping into the shoes of a new character, costume fittings, dress rehearsals. That was what she'd planned on doing all her life. Starting a family? Falling in love like this? Being that couple everyone looked at because they weren't the "typical" family? That wasn't what she'd ever imagined for herself. A penthouse, Broadway, auditions, agents. That was what Bella's life was supposed to have been. And, it still could be hers, but she'd be turning down love if she took it.

This day was inevitable. Bella had known there would come a time when she was forced to pick between Marc and the stage. He wasn't suitable for touring life, or for the chaos that would no doubt accompany any fame she accquired. Bella loved her French geek, but he wouldn't survive a life of that, and she knew it. She couldn't ask him to, either. And, if it was between him and the stage, Bella wanted him. She didn't want to lose Marc, no matter what it was for.

Bella cuddled closer into his embrace, pressing her face into his warm chest and wishing they'd never have to move. This was perfect to her; just the two of them locked in each other's arms. "You're the once in a lifetime chance. I'll get other auditions, but I won't get another you," she answered with a shake of her head. Bella smiled softly up at him, reaching up to gently tuck a curl from his face as her tender eyes met his. She couldn't leave Marc; it'd be physically impossible for her to. The stage would die eventually; her prime would pass and she'd be left all alone. Marc, though, Marc wouldn't pass. She'd love him all her life, and Bella was planning on him returning that. They could make this strange situation work, even if it came with sacrifices Bella wished she'd never have to make again.

His lips felt warm and loving against hers, and Bella couldn't stop herself from melting this time. Her eyes closed and she inched a bit closer to him, not wanting the kiss to end but knowing it had to. It felt awkward when she remembered there was in fact a child in the room, Marc's child. She was still trying to get her head around that one. "I believe you've got to introduce me to someone," she smirked weakly and nodded towards Laurence, grabbing one of Marc's hands and lacing her fingers through his strong ones. Bella didn't want to let go, not now and not ever. He was hers forever, and it was time they got that back into focus.

• • •

WORDS: 851!
TAG: Her Prince Charming <3
LOCATION: The Hallway, Outside His Office
OUTFIT: TEDDY BEAR!
LYRICS: "Last Kiss" by Taylor Swift
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Marc Dominique Delabarre]

There were no words to describe the emotions that had been racing through Marc for nearly a month now. He’d lost his cool with Bella; something totally out of character for the Frenchman and he’d struggled to keep himself together most nights when his son confronted him with wishes and desires. There had been no real transition period for him to grow used to the idea that there was someone constantly calling him ‘papa’ and there was no way that he’d be accustomed to it in such a short time. Quite a lot, Marc would blink, taking a few seconds to realise that the mini me standing before him had in fact been talking to him. It was a shock to the system, of course and recently he had been trying to come to terms with it on top of regrettably wondering if he would be the single dad now after the showdown at the airport.
Marc did what he always did; his best. He wouldn’t let Laurence down and he’d raise the child he had created with Daphne without any hesitation. This little boy was his son and six years absence or not, he had accepted Marc with open arms and he deserved much more from his father now they were finally united.
He was still upset at Daphne for not telling him sooner and people struggled to believe that he was telling the truth when he spoke about how he had been clueless about the existence of his son for six whole years. There was nothing that he could do though now to change it, and so, he accepted his fate with a heavy heart. If raising his son cost him love, then he would have to deal with that, because his loyalty laid with Laurence, regardless of how much Bella meant to him and how much he’d give to be with her.

Before today, he would’ve followed her to the end of the world and beyond, even if he had to give up so much for her, but now things were different and it was him asking her to stay behind and potentially stop her from chasing the dream she craved so badly. No…he couldn’t do that. He didn’t want to be the one responsible for the spark fading in her eyes and he didn’t want to force her to play mother to a child she didn’t really have any responsibility for. It would be difficult, long and challenging, but Marc could do this.

Was this really how it would end though? With endless questions, eternal wonderings and who knows how many ‘what ifs’ along the way?
Apparently not.

He smiled at her, brushing his fingers across her cheek as he moved to rest his hand on her neck, buried under her hair. “Do you want me so badly?”

[/color] He asked, a little surprised that she would skip the audition and the role for him, when all he had done was turn her perfect world onto its head and opened their own personal Pandora’s Box. Whilst he was willing to fight for her for as long as it took, his usual optimism had been dashed by the thoughts that it would be Bella who would be pushing him away for what he had done. He had never been the bad guy, but he was able to understand how Bella could fit him into that mould if she had wished to do so.

Once there wasn’t a six year old boy sitting in the middle of the room, Marc would show Bella just how much he had missed her. He’d kiss her like they did in movies and in books and he’d never let her go again. He smiled as they pulled apart and he lazily fell onto his side, edging himself closer to where his son sat, pulling Bella down with him. This would be as relaxed as he could make it to ease both parties into this. “Zhis eez Laurence-”[/color] Marc looked at the small boy and thought for a moment before turning back to his girlfriend. Bella could speak some French and Marc wondered if now would be a good time to put that to use as Laurence was still unable to utter much English. He glanced back at Bella and smiled “Can you introduce yourself? Or do you vish for me to – mediate?”[/color] He chuckled softly, hoping that she would so that Laurence may be able to make a connection with her.
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]

• • •

TAGGED! Bella <3
WORDS! 783
OUTFIT! Ducky Fuzz
LYRICS! Miracles and Medicine- - - Cauterize
NOTES! <3 <3 <3

[Arabella Marie Curtis]

When Bella had gone home that day after the explosion in the airport, she had painted Marc in the role of the villain. She'd thought the worst of him, that he'd been a liar through their whole entire relationship. And she'd thought the worst of herself, as well. But, it had only lasted for a little while. That undying love she still held for him ruled out the hatred that was attempting to blossom inside of her. At first, Bella had rebelled against the love winning and had tried to cling to the hatred, trying to convince herself to leave and move to California without the regrets that were screaming at her. But she couldn't do it, she couldn't let it go, let Marc go. And, unknown kid or not, Bella was coming to terms with the fact that she'd never be able to fully forget about him. She still wanted forever with Marc, no matter if the picture-perfect forever had been shattered before their eyes. She wanted to fall asleep to the sound of his heart beating next to hers every night, and wake up to see him smiling down at her with the stubly shadow he always had in the morning. She didn't want to wake up to a puppy snoring on her pillow and a cell-phone ringing, reminding her she had someplace to be or someone important to see. Bella wanted Marc, no matter how much baggage he came with. And, even if she did have to play mother when she still thought herself too young for the job, she would, if it'd only make him stay with her.

She turned her face into his fingers as they brushed over her cheek, and she couldn't help her eyes from closing for a moment in bliss. Bella had missed his touch, his lips, his everything. She'd missed him so damn much. "Do you even have to ask?" she teased back softly, laughing and smiling up at him. Her eyes narrowed playfully at the surprise that was evident on his face. "Don't look so surprised, amoureux. Haven't we discussed the fact that I want you forever?" she smirked playfully up at him, standing on her tip-toes to peck his cheek again. Bella did want Marc more than anything or anyone in the world, even if the logical part of her mind kept reminding her that she still had a career she wanted to make a name in. But, if she pursued it, Bella knew she'd be traveling some. And, she wouldn't be asking Marc to move from place to place with her like that; it'd be cruel, especially to Laurence. It looked like more of these phone call relationships were in their future. Hopefully, though, these future ones would go better than the last three weeks.

Bella giggled softly as Marc pulled her down next to him, and she quickly stole another kiss before turning to look at Laurence. It still amazed her how much he looked like Marc. She gave Laurence a warm smile, laughing softly at Marc's question. She could speak a little French, both from what she'd learned way back when and from what she'd picked up from Marc over their two years of dating. However, she was really only used to saying "I love you" or something along the lines of it, and the various terms of endearment her and Marc would call each other. Though, hers was always "ma cherie", and she would never have it any other way. "Bonjour, Laurence, je suis Bella," she said slowly and a bit awkwardly, flickering her eyes to Marc to make sure she'd said it correctly. Her accent could still use a bit of work, but she could currently blame it on the fact that she hadn't spoken French in a couple weeks now. Turning her attention back to Laurence, she asked with another smile, "Aimez-vous votre ourson en peluche?"

• • •

WORDS: 700!
TAG: Her Prince Charming <3
LOCATION: The Hallway, Outside His Office
OUTFIT: TEDDY BEAR!
LYRICS: "Last Kiss" by Taylor Swift
NOTES: "Sweetheart" & "Hello, Laurence, I'm Bella" & "Do you like your teddy bear?" <3

[Marc Dominique Delabarre]

He was so glad that this drama seemed to be coming to an end. Marc didn’t usually allow himself to get involved in events that stirred up so much trouble that it became life changing and made no sense. This time, however, he had been unable to avoid the situation and he also hadn’t done much to make it any easier for everyone involved besides himself and Laurence. Maybe there wasn’t a lot that he could’ve done or maybe there was plenty but it was in the past now and it seemed that Bella was willing to try and leave it all there and focus on rebuilding the future they had dreamed of sharing together since almost the moment they had met. Things wouldn’t go as planned and not everything would turn out the way they had dreamt it, but they had a chance to make this work and it was a chance that Marc didn’t want to give up on. He was in love with Bella more than words could ever say and this time, he’d do anything to keep her in his life and in his arms. He wouldn’t let anything tear them apart again if he had his way.

Part of him couldn’t believe this was happening; that his Bella was actually here in his office and leaning into his touch just like she always had done. The French man was terrified that he’d wake up and be in some dark hotel room, heartbroken when he realised it was nothing but a dream and that the girl who held his heart had no intention of coming back to him. She was here though and she appeared to have every intention of staying right there and Marc wouldn’t have it any other way. “I am surprised. Vhat did I do to deserve you?”

[/color] He smiled softly, leaning down to capture her lips softly and briefly. He wanted to make sure that she was actually here and that it really wasn’t some terrible dream taunting him with idealistic thoughts and events. Bella was there though, as real as she came and Marc wrapped his arms around her to keep her there with him.

He knew that Bella still had dreams to chase and he wouldn’t hold her back from chasing them, but he was happy that here they had a chance of finding a way to make this work and to make it last. They would be able to sit Laurence down and explain this all to him once things were settled a little more for the boy and then they’d be able to be the unconventional family that they were. Bella may jet off to chase dream roles and Marc may have to return to Arles on little trips for Laurence’s sake, but his heat swelled with joy at the confident thought that this would work and that everything would be alright for them again.

The little boy really was Marc’s son, there was no question about that and as Bella spoke to him, his dark eyes lit up with curiosity and confusion. He wondered about her accent, the strange language that she spoke prior to the French introduction and then looked up at his father, who smiled warmly and nodded his head, encouraging his son to respond. “Bonjour…en oui.” Then, he scurried fast across the carpet to behind Marc’s long legs. The computer geek let out a warm laugh and then reached for Bella’s hand. “’Ee eez shy. You are not zee first ‘ee ‘as done zhat to today.”[/color] He explained, reaching down to hoist his little boy into his arms. “Eet eez a lot for ‘im still, I think.”[/color] He smiled sadly and then spoke softly to the little boy in his native tongue, asking him did he want to go home to where Bella lived and meet the puppy, Gemma. Laurence’s eyes lit up and Marc laughed at his excited response spoken fast and in French. “’Ee eez won around by Gemma.”[/color] It would take a little time for Laurence to feel at home in New York and he needed to spend more time with Bella before he would see her as family…things Marc knew would happen now that they had this fighting chance.
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]

• • •

TAGGED! Bella <3
WORDS! 748
OUTFIT! Ducky Fuzz
LYRICS! Miracles and Medicine- - - Cauterize
NOTES! <3 <3 <3

[Arabella Marie Curtis]

All of it was still sinking in. Laurence, her and Marc's fights, the spectacular job she'd be turning down now... It all still felt like some sort of horrific, beautiful nightmare. Tomorrow, when she actually made that phonecall that would officially mean she was staying in New York, maybe then it'd all become more realistic for her. But right now? Right now, Bella was bordering on a total stress-induced panic attack, and just fainting all together from the blissful feeling of finally being back together with her Marc.

Bella smiled warmly back up at him, enjoying the kiss that accompanied his soft words. Her eyes closed as she pressed closer into the circle of his arms, her head resting on his chest for one moment. She'd been craving this for so long, it was still difficult to believe that it was really happening, that he was really here, holding her close and still proclaiming his love for her. And, no matter how far she traveled, Bella knew she'd always want to come back and still be his "Ma Cherie". No costumes, no expensive makeup, no spotlights; just Bella, always just his Bella.

But, damn, was she in for a Clairice-bitch-fit when her boss found out about this. And, more importantly, so was Marc. Clairice has his number (Bella had had to put some emergency contact thing on the paperwork she'd filled out), and Bella knew she'd take advantage of it the moment she found out he was the reason her protege was staying in New York. And passing up an opportunity the elder star had worked her ass off for. But, on Bella's end, there would also be the feeling of resentment. Bella was supposed to star right along side her, keeping up the dynamic duo image Clairice was desperately trying to create for them. Bella turning it down? Yeah, definitely worthy of a bitch-fit that would amaze even the diva-est of the divas. She wasn't really worried about herself, however, because she knew Clairice would take her back and make her work ten times harder than before. Bella was more concerned about what the woman would say, or rather yell, to Marc. And about how he'd react to it. She could tell he still wasn't beliving she was staying and not taking that job; that's what they'd moved to New York for, afterall, for an amazing job offer like that. With Clairice screaming about he was "ruining any chance for Bella's career"? Not exactly the prettiest picture Bella could imagine.

She watched the confusion spark up in Laurence's eyes, still trying to accept that a mini-version of Marc was basically standing before her. Bella smiled at Laurence's answer, trying to keep the expression up as the little boy scurried behind Marc. She grabbed Marc's hand, however, nodding at his words. At least she wasn't the only one. "I haven't helped my own case much, though," she shrugged back at him, pretending to be interested in her guitar case for a moment. Bella wanted to get along with Laurence, she really did. It was just that she didn't exactly know how to. She had a little brother, sure, but being a sister and taking on the roll of mother were two entirely different things. Especially when you still felt betrayed by the fact that the little boy didn't even belong to you.

Bella only picked out a few words of what he and Laurence were saying to each other, and she got the feeling this would be happening quite often. Usually, Marc would speak slow enough for her to be able to understand what he was saying, or she'd be able to guess at it. But, with two different voices to translate? Yeah, no. "I'm sure she'll be excited," Bella smiled softly, though her eyes widened as she realized what they must've been talking about. Gemma must imply going back to the apartment... which was currently a disaster both from Marc's taking his things and Bella beginning to pack. Crap. "You're going to kill me when you see the apartment," she smirked weakly, quickly going to grab her guitar from the other side of the room.

• • •

WORDS: 744!
TAG: Her Prince Charming <3
LOCATION: The Hallway, Outside His Office
OUTFIT: TEDDY BEAR!
LYRICS: "Last Kiss" by Taylor Swift
NOTES: <3 <3 <3

[Marc Dominique Delabarre]

To be honest, Marc didn’t understand what was happening right now. One minute he didn’t think he’d ever see Bella again, then she turned up to tell him that she was leaving for California and then the next thing he knew, they were back together again. It was pretty much a hurricane with all the damage and destruction that came with a real one. His head was reeling still from the events in Arles and now, with this new development with Bella thrown into the mix, it was a wonder that the handsome Frenchman was still standing upright. There was still so much to talk about, to discuss, to decide…everything was overwhelming when he was alone thinking about it all, but now he had to go through it all again with Bella - which was the greatest thing he could ever imagine! He just hoped that she’d feel the same once she realised just how much they needed to sort out not only for Laurence but for themselves too. He didn’t want to rekindle his romance with her only to lose it again a little further down the line.

He also didn’t want Bella to lose her dreams. Laurence, at the end of the day, was Marc’s to care for and he didn’t want his beautiful girlfriend to give up everything just because she felt like she was obligated to for the sense of the two Delabarres. She needed to continue working with Clarice and he wanted her to pursue her acting career so badly, it was unreal. There was really nothing stopping her either. Yes, maybe sacrificing this chance in California would give them the time they needed to adjust to their new life and would allow them to introduce Laurence into a world that was completely foreign to the little boy, but Marc wanted her to take the next big opportunity that came her way without worrying about him and his son; they would be quite alright in her absence and he had the money to fly out and visit her on weekends, wherever she was, and give Laurence a little break from the bustling city that still seemed to startle the little boy every time he was walking down the street, clutching Marc’s hand in a vice like grip.

Things were different, but they could make it work. He had no doubt in his heart about that. There would be long nights ahead of them whilst they sat and discussed the changes that would have to be made and decide on the best course of action for Laurence…there was a lot for them to work through, but Marc could already see the light at the end of the tunnel now that he had Bella back in his arms and could taste her lips on his once more.

He glanced across at Bella and ran his fingers through her hair. Her reaction at the airport was understandable; he saw that now, after finally getting some sleep and having a bit more time to think things through. “Eet eez just as scary for ‘im. ‘Ee does not even know New York, zee culture, or zee language. Please, ma Cherie, just give zhis all a bit of time, for us all to adjust.”

[/color] He kissed the top of her head and then hoisted Laurence up into his arms, smiling lovingly at his son. “So much ‘as ‘appened since we came back ‘ere. Laurence ‘as seen so many new things, ‘ee does not even remember getting off zee plane.”[/color] He told her with a smile. The small boy honestly awoke the next morning in their hotel with no recollection of anything between seeing the clouds and waking up in the plush bed that wasn’t even his.

Marc chuckled softly and then rolled his eyes affectionately. “Vhen isn’t Gemma excited?”[/color] He teased light heartedly. Trying to keep up with Laurence and the dog was going to be a challenge in itself. Gemma already poked her little cold nose into every nook and cranny in the apartment and he could already imagine Laurence doing the same, chasing after her on his hands and knees. His dark eyes flicked to Bella and he looked down at her with a confused, yet curious expression. “Vhy? Vhat ‘ave you done to zee place? Eez eet pink?”[/color] He had no idea why that thought came to mind, but it did. He could, for some reason, imagine a heartbroken Bella going insane with a can of hot pink paint and just throwing it everywhere across their home. It seemed dramatic enough.
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/size][/justify]

• • •

TAGGED! Bella <3
WORDS! 801
OUTFIT! Ducky Fuzz
LYRICS! Miracles and Medicine- - - Cauterize
NOTES! <3 <3 <3