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@homesick-gambler
Guess I need a reintroduction, non? De name's Gambit, nice t' meetcha. M'be you recognize me, m'be y'don'. Don't expect ya t'.
Used t' look normal, wit' actual hair, bu' dat was 'fore ol' Galactus decided he wan'ed me fer his herald. De big man ramped me powers up, an' now I look like dis. No' half-bad, ain't it?
I'm back now, go' 'im t' release me from duty. Can' undo de t'ings I did, bu' I can try t' atone fer dem.
(Spoilers for the comic)
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
“Keeping you company.” She said fondly.
A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Merci."
She giggled. “Happy to keep your bed warm.”
"Dis is a couch," Remy said, a puzzled frown pulling at his lips.
Melanie raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a second to let it click.
"Why you lookin' at me like d- Oh. Oh." He flushed again.
Melanie exploded into a laughing fit, so hard she held her stomach.
Remy stared at her, shocked, for a moment. then he started to laugh.
“Did you really not expect that?” Melanie giggled.
"Non? I don'.. I ain't.." Remy buried his face in his hands, beet red.
Melanie laughed, pulling his hands away. “Only if you want to, fifolet.”
He grinned, still flushed. "Ain't gettin' no complaint's from me, sha."
“Didn’t think so.” She kissed his neck playfully.
Remy's eyes closed. "M jus' here fer de ride."
Melanie happily curled up on his chest. “Good. Don’t want to go on that ride with anyone else.”
"Migh' no' wanna tell yer odder lovers dat," he teased.
She smacked his arm playfully. “You know what I mean!” She laughed.
Remy laughed, throwing his head back. "Jus' pickin' on y, don' ge' yer knickers in a twis'."
“I won’t, since that’s your job~”
"Really firin' off wit' dose jokes t'day, non?"
“Sorry, sorry,” She chuckled. “I just…” She sighed. “You make me really happy.”
He gave her a nudge. "I like dem. An' I like you."
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
“Keeping you company.” She said fondly.
A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Merci."
She giggled. “Happy to keep your bed warm.”
"Dis is a couch," Remy said, a puzzled frown pulling at his lips.
Melanie raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a second to let it click.
"Why you lookin' at me like d- Oh. Oh." He flushed again.
Melanie exploded into a laughing fit, so hard she held her stomach.
Remy stared at her, shocked, for a moment. then he started to laugh.
“Did you really not expect that?” Melanie giggled.
"Non? I don'.. I ain't.." Remy buried his face in his hands, beet red.
Melanie laughed, pulling his hands away. “Only if you want to, fifolet.”
He grinned, still flushed. "Ain't gettin' no complaint's from me, sha."
“Didn’t think so.” She kissed his neck playfully.
Remy's eyes closed. "M jus' here fer de ride."
Melanie happily curled up on his chest. “Good. Don’t want to go on that ride with anyone else.”
"Migh' no' wanna tell yer odder lovers dat," he teased.
She smacked his arm playfully. “You know what I mean!” She laughed.
Remy laughed, throwing his head back. "Jus' pickin' on y, don' ge' yer knickers in a twis'."
“I won’t, since that’s your job~”
"Really firin' off wit' dose jokes t'day, non?"
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
“Keeping you company.” She said fondly.
A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Merci."
She giggled. “Happy to keep your bed warm.”
"Dis is a couch," Remy said, a puzzled frown pulling at his lips.
Melanie raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a second to let it click.
"Why you lookin' at me like d- Oh. Oh." He flushed again.
Melanie exploded into a laughing fit, so hard she held her stomach.
Remy stared at her, shocked, for a moment. then he started to laugh.
“Did you really not expect that?” Melanie giggled.
"Non? I don'.. I ain't.." Remy buried his face in his hands, beet red.
Melanie laughed, pulling his hands away. “Only if you want to, fifolet.”
He grinned, still flushed. "Ain't gettin' no complaint's from me, sha."
“Didn’t think so.” She kissed his neck playfully.
Remy's eyes closed. "M jus' here fer de ride."
Melanie happily curled up on his chest. “Good. Don’t want to go on that ride with anyone else.”
"Migh' no' wanna tell yer odder lovers dat," he teased.
She smacked his arm playfully. “You know what I mean!” She laughed.
Remy laughed, throwing his head back. "Jus' pickin' on y, don' ge' yer knickers in a twis'."
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
“Keeping you company.” She said fondly.
A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Merci."
She giggled. “Happy to keep your bed warm.”
"Dis is a couch," Remy said, a puzzled frown pulling at his lips.
Melanie raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a second to let it click.
"Why you lookin' at me like d- Oh. Oh." He flushed again.
Melanie exploded into a laughing fit, so hard she held her stomach.
Remy stared at her, shocked, for a moment. then he started to laugh.
“Did you really not expect that?” Melanie giggled.
"Non? I don'.. I ain't.." Remy buried his face in his hands, beet red.
Melanie laughed, pulling his hands away. “Only if you want to, fifolet.”
He grinned, still flushed. "Ain't gettin' no complaint's from me, sha."
“Didn’t think so.” She kissed his neck playfully.
Remy's eyes closed. "M jus' here fer de ride."
Melanie happily curled up on his chest. “Good. Don’t want to go on that ride with anyone else.”
"Migh' no' wanna tell yer odder lovers dat," he teased.
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
“Keeping you company.” She said fondly.
A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Merci."
She giggled. “Happy to keep your bed warm.”
"Dis is a couch," Remy said, a puzzled frown pulling at his lips.
Melanie raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a second to let it click.
"Why you lookin' at me like d- Oh. Oh." He flushed again.
Melanie exploded into a laughing fit, so hard she held her stomach.
Remy stared at her, shocked, for a moment. then he started to laugh.
“Did you really not expect that?” Melanie giggled.
"Non? I don'.. I ain't.." Remy buried his face in his hands, beet red.
Melanie laughed, pulling his hands away. “Only if you want to, fifolet.”
He grinned, still flushed. "Ain't gettin' no complaint's from me, sha."
“Didn’t think so.” She kissed his neck playfully.
Remy's eyes closed. "M jus' here fer de ride."
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
“Keeping you company.” She said fondly.
A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Merci."
She giggled. “Happy to keep your bed warm.”
"Dis is a couch," Remy said, a puzzled frown pulling at his lips.
Melanie raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a second to let it click.
"Why you lookin' at me like d- Oh. Oh." He flushed again.
Melanie exploded into a laughing fit, so hard she held her stomach.
Remy stared at her, shocked, for a moment. then he started to laugh.
“Did you really not expect that?” Melanie giggled.
"Non? I don'.. I ain't.." Remy buried his face in his hands, beet red.
Melanie laughed, pulling his hands away. “Only if you want to, fifolet.”
He grinned, still flushed. "Ain't gettin' no complaint's from me, sha."
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
“Keeping you company.” She said fondly.
A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Merci."
She giggled. “Happy to keep your bed warm.”
"Dis is a couch," Remy said, a puzzled frown pulling at his lips.
Melanie raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a second to let it click.
"Why you lookin' at me like d- Oh. Oh." He flushed again.
Melanie exploded into a laughing fit, so hard she held her stomach.
Remy stared at her, shocked, for a moment. then he started to laugh.
“Did you really not expect that?” Melanie giggled.
"Non? I don'.. I ain't.." Remy buried his face in his hands, beet red.
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
“Keeping you company.” She said fondly.
A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Merci."
She giggled. “Happy to keep your bed warm.”
"Dis is a couch," Remy said, a puzzled frown pulling at his lips.
Melanie raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a second to let it click.
"Why you lookin' at me like d- Oh. Oh." He flushed again.
Melanie exploded into a laughing fit, so hard she held her stomach.
Remy stared at her, shocked, for a moment. then he started to laugh.
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
“Keeping you company.” She said fondly.
A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Merci."
She giggled. “Happy to keep your bed warm.”
"Dis is a couch," Remy said, a puzzled frown pulling at his lips.
Melanie raised an eyebrow at him, giving him a second to let it click.
"Why you lookin' at me like d- Oh. Oh." He flushed again.
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
“Keeping you company.” She said fondly.
A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Merci."
She giggled. “Happy to keep your bed warm.”
"Dis is a couch," Remy said, a puzzled frown pulling at his lips.
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
“Keeping you company.” She said fondly.
A lopsided grin crossed his face. "Merci."
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Melanie grinned mischievously. “Well, I meant it.” She kissed his cheek.
Remy turned his head to kiss her back. "Which part?"
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
“Not my fault you like it when I speak French.”
"It was more wha' y'said den.." He sighed.
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Melanie grinned. “I’ll never get tired of seeing you blush.”
"You did dat on purpose." Remy glared at her, but his voice lacked any bite.
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
“Je peux être ta compagnie quand tu veux, mon amour.”
He flushed bright pink.
Fifolet! I don’t know if it’s the same across universes, but if it is, happy birthday!
@nevermore-mindreader
Ouis, t'anks
I’d bring you a cake if I could, haha.
S'alrigh', don't worry 'bout it. It's de t'ought dat counts, yeah?
Yeah. You do anything for your birthday?
No' really. Met a buncha old knitters, dey were delighted
Aw! Well that’s fun at least. My birthday’s coming up next month on the 14th, not sure what I want to do yet.
Ouis? Dat's no' dat far out, hope y' have fun, however you end up celebratin'
I will! And speaking of fun, I have a surprise for you
Y'do?
“Mhm~!”
A portal opens near him, and out she steps.
“Surprise!”
"Jeez!" Remy nearly fell off the chair. "A lil' warnin' next time? Dat always gets me."
Melanie laughed, going over to make sure he was okay. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” She said warmly. “I wanted the first time to be a surprise.” She smiled up at him. “Finally got the chance to come see you, so…” Her smile was warm. She was so excited to finally see him.
He waved a hand, chuckling. "it's fine, jus' gave me a scare s'all. I'm glad t' see y'."
“Me too. Happy belated birthday. Hope I’m a good enough present.” She joked.
"Merci, Mel." Remy grinned.
“Anytime.” Melanie said brightly. “So, wanna show me around? I wanna see where you call home.”
"I wouldn't call it home, it's jus' a motel," he said, standing up.
“Well, still.” Melanie’s eyes caught sight of his hair. “Pretty…” She said quietly, her pupils dilating a bit.
Remy paused. "Guess everybody's obsessed wit' my hair now." He chuckled. "Bu' I wouldn' mind showin' it t' you."
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.” She stood on her tiptoes to reach him.
"Whatcha tryin' t' do?" His head tilted to one side.
“Get a better look at it.” She chuckled. “Your hair.”
Remy laughed, but bowed his head to let her see better.
Melanie reached out tentatively, the pink flames curling around her fingers harmlessly. “Wow…”
"Kinda weird, ain't it?"
“Yeah…but it’s a good weird.”
The corner of his mouth quirked. "So. 'Bout dat tour?"
Melanie grinned. “Yes please.”
Straightening up, Remy waved a hand at the room they were in. There was a sagging loveseat upholstered in what had to be the world's ugliest floral fabric, a boxy TV on a stand, and a battered coffee table covered in books and a basket of yarn. "Well, di 'ere's de livin' room. It's.. yeah."
“I’ve stayed in worse places,” She assured him, not judging at all.
"Fair. De bedroom an' bat'room is t'rough dere, it's sorta a disaster at de momen'." Remy pointed to an ajar door across the living room. "Kitchenette's behind us, it's prolly de cleanest place here," he said with a laugh.
“I’m not surprised the kitchen’s clean,” She said, wandering into it. “You still like to cook?”
"Ouis, I do. Found some books at de library here, and borrowed some recipes. Not'ing fancy, no' wit' dis set up." There's barely room for one person to cook comfortably, with the stove jammed right up to the fridge, and about two and a half feet of counter space. But it's clean, and tidier than the rest of the place.
“Maybe we can cook together sometime. I’d like that.”
He grinned. "I t'ink dat's a good idea. M'be no' here, t'ough, it's a smidge.. tigh'."
“Or I’m happy to just sit there and look pretty while you work.” She joked.
"Dat's an option, too," Remy shot back with a laugh.
“I’m real good at that one.” She laughed.
He leaned against the tiny counter. "So'm I."
Melanie smiled at him from the other side. “I can tell.” She teased.
"Dat so?"
“Well, you are real pretty.”
Remy laughed. "You sayin' I'ma purdy boy?"
“Very.” Melanie said warmly.
"Y'know wha', I'll take it." He stood up. "Y' wanna see de lil' town here?"
Melanie nodded eagerly. “Yeah!”
"Lemme grab m' keys, aight?" Remy dug in a bowl on the TV stand, before coming up with a ring, miniature fuzzy dice attached. He's ditched his coat, it's far too hot out for something like that, but his shirt's taken up the same look: swirly, glowy and pink.
Melanie was mesmerized briefly by the effect, following him to the door.
Outside, it's blisteringly hot. Hot enough that heat waves radiate off the pavement and create mirages. Remy closed the door behind him, his keys rattling against the door. "It's so dry here, I feel like I need a bucket o' lotion t' stay hydrated."
Melanie physically winced at the heat. “Ugh. And I’m a northern gal, feel like I’m gonna melt. Thank god I didn’t wear any of my fancier goth stuff.” She’d opted for a simple black halter top and her favorite dark plaid skirt, blessedly.
"Ouis, dat sorta fashion ain't really meant fer de summer here." Remy patted he shoulder sympathetically. "Dere's an icecream parlour down de road."
Melanie’s eyes lit up. “Oh, ice cream sounds amazing right now! Can we go, please?” She asked eagerly. Look at them big ole baby blues.
A few bright pink sparks popped off his hands. "Dat's why I mentioned it. Dey nice in dere. 'Specially if it's a day Cheryl is workin'. She one of dem knitters I visit sometimes."
Melanie bounced excitedly. “Yay! Oooh, I hope they have caramel ice cream…or coffee…or both if I’m lucky.”
He laughed. "I t'ink so. I normally jus' get de huckleberry."
“Oh, huckleberry sounds delicious.”
It was a short walk to the parlor, but the heat made it feel longer. The bell on the door chimed as Remy opened it, holding it so Mel could go in.
“Thanks,” Melanie said, stepping inside. Thank goodness for air conditioning.
"Course, ladies first." Remy grinned.
“Always a gentleman.” She chuckled.
"I'm only a par' time rascal."
“Well rascal or not, I’m glad to be here with you.”
Lightly, Remy bumped into Mel. "Righ' back atcha."
Melanie smiled at him, heading over to the counter to see what they had.
Remy followed with a hum.
There's twelve different flavors, each with a label handwritten on a index card tapped to the inside of the glass. There's the classics: vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, mint. But there are some more experimental flavors, too. One even had jalapeno in it. The worker behind the counter glanced up from a book. "If you want to sample anything, let me know."
Melanie nodded, looking through the case. “I gotta try the huckleberry,” Melanie asked. To her delight, they did indeed have caramel, too. “Oh, perfect!”
He laughed. The worker pulled out a little spoon and scooped a bite-sized sample out. "We make it every Saturday."
Melanie gleefully popped the spoon into her mouth, eyes lighting up at the taste. “Oh wow…okay, yep, I’d like a scoop of that, and one of your caramel, please. In separate bowls, of course.”
"I'll jus' do de huckleberry, on a waffle cone," said Remy, digging in the pockets of his shorts for his wallet.
Melanie went to take out her own wallet to pay for her ice cream.
Remy reached over to put his hand on hers. "Non, don'."
Melanie flushed gently at the touch. “Thanks. I owe you.” She said softly.
"Don' worry 'bout it, Mel. Ain't a problem."
“Thanks, Remy.” She said warmly.
"'Course." He grinned, shooting her a wink as their ice cream was scooped.
His wink made her blush as she sat down at one of the tables.
Grabbing a handful of paper napkins, Remy sat down across from her. "See? Nice lil' place."
“Definitely. I should take you to Brooklyn, show you some of my favorite places.” She chuckled.
"Oh, dat sounds fun. Make it a date, non?" Remy asked, taking a bite.
Melanie grinned, eating a spoonful of her huckleberry. “Absolutely.”
His hands sparked again as he grinned. "Perfec'."
Melanie noticed the sparks. “You got a short in your circuits?” She teased.
"Dat.. happens sometimes." Remy rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand sheepishly.
“I like it.” She said with a grin, trying the caramel now. “You’re like a sparkler. Warm and bright and pretty.”
"A sparkler, eh? Never t'ought 'bout it dat way." Remy licked his cone, getting a dollop on his chin. "Dat's a good un."
Melanie chuckled. “Here, hold still.” She leaned forward to wipe it away for him with her thumb, popping it into her mouth after.
"Makin' a mess, I am. Can't take me nowhere." Remy laughed.
“Eh, life’s messy.” She chuckled.
"Ain't dat de truth. Don' make napkins big 'nuff fer it, t'ough."
“That’s probably why we have other people.” Melanie chuckled. “To help clean up.”
Remy hummed, contemplating it. "Y' righ', bu' dat don' mean I like it."
“Aw, cmon, I’m not that bad, am I?” She teased.
"Nah, no' you, promise."
“That’s what I thought.” She said smugly, happily eating her ice cream.
Remy crunched his cone, wrinkling his nose at her. "Jus' don't like botherin' folks wit' my problems, s'all."
“Well…the right people won’t find them a bother. They’ll want you to be happy.” She said.
"Shame dey're so hard t'find, t'ough."
“Well..maybe that’s why I’m the one that found you, then.”
Looking up from his now-soggy cone, Remy gave her a small smile. "I'm glad y'did."
Melanie grinned. “You and me both, mon fifolet.”
"'M yours now, am I?" He asked with a laugh.
Melanie blushed a bit at her slip. “I mean…if you’re okay with that.”
"Don' bother me none," he said, leaning over to steal a bite of Mel's caramel ice cream. "I like it, in fact."
“Wh—hey!” She laughed as he stole from her. Still blushing. “Yeah…I like it, too.”
Remy laughed. "Good, dat's settled, den."
Melanie sighed. “I’m hopeless, aren’t I?” She chuckled.
"No' anymore'n me, if dat makes y'feel bedder."
“Mm, yeah, we would be romantics.”
"i'll have y'know, I don' like long walks on de beach. Sand gettin' in yer shoes and clothes and everywhere. Hate it."
Melanie chuckled. “You gonna show me what you like, then?” She flirted.
He hummed. "I like.. I like bike rides, bu' dey ain't good fer conversation. Swimmin' in de lake, or m'be bowlin'. How 'bout you?"
“Movie nights, trying new foods together, or going to places like an aquarium. So long as I get to cuddle you on the regular I’m peachy.” She chuckled. “I’m an absolute cuddle bug.”
"Ain't ever been t' an aquarium." Remy mused, finishing the last of his cone. "Bu' cuddlin's an easy t'ing t' do."
Melanie finished her ice cream, too. “Okay, aquarium date is next on the list, then,” She chuckled. “And I’m looking forward to getting back to your motel then so you can cuddle me.”
"Feel like I should be makin' a list of somet'ing, den." Wiping his hands off on a napkin, he gathered their trash. "We can do dat, iffen y'wan'."
“Hehe. You deserve all the cuddles.”
He flushed, sparking again.
Melanie giggled and took his hands. “Awww, you getting shy on me?”
"I ain't shy!" Remy protested.
Melanie raised an eyebrow. “That so?” She stood up on her tiptoes, pecking him on the cheek.
His face turned almost as pink as his hair. "Ouis, ain't shy."
Melanie laughed. “We’ll see.” She said, heading outside with him.
"We'll see? Wha's dat s'possed t'mean?" Remy huffed.
“It means seeing you flustered is cute so I’m gonna keep doing it.” She said smugly.
He pretended to scowl, but the corners of his mouth kept turning up. "Y'gunna be de death o' me."
“Mmm, you love it.” She chuckled.
He caved. "I do."
She looked smug all the way back to the motel.
Melanie was happy to collapse onto the couch when they got back, relaxing.
Remy plopped down next to her, after shifting a bag of yarn and (judging by the rattling) knitting needles. "Phew."
“Wore out?” Melanie asked, scooting over to rest her head on his chest.
"M'be jus' a tad." Remy wrapped an arm around her shoulders loosely.
Melanie sighed softly, snuggling with him. “Me too…” She yawned softly.
"Y'fallin' asleep dere?"
“Mm, maybe…can’t help it…you’re warm and comfy…”
Remy chuckled, leaning against her. "Glad t'be o' service."
Melanie nuzzled into him with a happy hum.
Settling in, Remy buried his face against her hair.
Melanie turned, pressing a kiss to his jaw.
A few sparks cracked off of him. "Y'missed."
Melanie raised an eyebrow playfully. “Oh, did I?”
"Oui, y'did." Remy grinned.
Melanie chuckled. “Lemme fix that, then.” She kissed him gently, on the lips this time.
He returned the kiss with a hum.
Melanie smiled into it, giving his hand a squeeze.
"I guess dis is a t'ing, den?" Remy asked, squeezing her hand back.
“I’d very much like it to be.” She said fondly.
"S'would I."
Melanie giggled. “Then you’re mine, and I’m yours.”
Remy gave her a lopsided grin. "Sounds perfect t'me."
Melanie giggled mischievously, kissing him again, arms around his shoulders.
Humming, he wrapped his own arms around her. "T'anks fer visitin' me."
She smiled. “Of course. I promised you.”
"Still," Remy said. "C'est agréable d'avoir de la compagnie."
