Beautiful People: Friendship Edition - Clarkson & Elise

The moment I saw the subject for this month's Beautiful People on my dashboard thrills began tingling over me. Why? Because it is perfect for my current WIP! Thank you Sky and Cait :)

Freindship and what it means/what it does to people is almost (if not the) deepest thing going on in They Searched Who Laughed—as it's truly the thing that drives everything that happens in the story. So now you know why I'm a bit excited.

How long have they known each other, and how close are they?
They meet when Elise is eighteen and Clarkson twenty, but to Clarkson it might as well have been his entire life.

What’s their earliest memory of being best friends?
So this is a rather interesting case, as it begins with an action on Elise's part that Clarkson doesn't even strictly remember, yet it gains his undying trust.

Do they fight? How long do they typically fight for?
When Clarkson does find his temper (which is rarely) it's a quick flaming one and Elise's is poised—so while they may have disagreements, they don't have quarrels.

Are their personalities similar or do they compliment each other? 

Clarkson is easy-going and teasing while Elise is reserved and capable, but both have great sensitivity to the troubles of others; hence they are both completely opposite and yet fit perfectly. 

Who is the leader of their friendship (if anyone)?
Elise. At first, that is, and sometimes later... but only sometimes. :)

Do they have any secrets from each other?
Definitely. And knowing that they cannot help it pains them both. 

How well do they know each other’s quirks and habits?
Elise has made a study of Clarkson's and he always finds amusement in her feminine ways. So very, very well. 

What kind of things do they like to do together?
The simple day-to-day things that, while usually very quiet, make up most of life and which are the almost everything of what Clarkson and Elise are to each other. 

Describe each character’s fashion style (use pictures if you’d like!) How are their styles different/similar? 

This question, as put in regards to Clarkson and Elise, at first struck me as very funny. Then I thought, “Why so? Men and Women do often have different versions of the same general style,” so here 'tis. Both have simple unobtrusive taste, but while Clarkson's is of homespun, Elise's has the sheen of wealth. 

How would their lives be different without each other?
Quoting from a previous post of mine: “Clarkson would have died and Elise would have been comfortably rich and horribly lonely.”