like home's not so far away

Let's not get lost in the dark blue
But darling if we do, just find me and I'll find you

Remi lifts his brows with exaggerated innocence, turning his chin up so the kicked water hits him squarely across the chest. "I was just trying to pay you a compliment," he hums, as if he’s deeply wounded by her insinuations—never mind the smirk tugging at his mouth. The splash isn’t unwelcome anyway; it’s far too warm out, and the saltwater does a better job of rinsing sealant than his half-hearted scrubbing ever could.

"Mm, yes," he drawls with a roll of his eyes, "SoOo LuCky." He shoots her a sidelong look full of mock sympathy as he scoops up the pried-off board and begins retracting his wings and tentacles, the latter disappearing back beneath his skin like they were never there.

By the time Isla has made it back to dry sand and slipped into her sundress, Remi is right behind her—dripping, gleaming, barefoot menace. And with all the sweet intent of a man absolutely out for petty revenge, he leans in and wraps his arms tightly around her in a sudden, soggy hug, pressing his chest deliberately against the back of her dress. "Oops," he says with no regret whatsoever. "You looked like you were overheating, too."

Grinning, he pulls back with a wink and adds, "Didn’t I mention? Ronin fighting off all our guests is going to be my gift to myself."

the bastion

Styling stolen from Sky (obviously)