Chapter2
by Ace
Ace is now on the case (that was a terrible rhyme; disregard it…
His eyes sparkled with mischief:
-What? All I'm proposing as a relaxing trip to the Italian countryside…
-…But you just said…
-It was just a proposal, who knows what will happen when we get there.
-Oh well that is true.
-The world is our oyster ma chere.
Air Italia flight 317
-We will soon be beginning our descent into Florence…we hope you have enjoyed your time with us on Air Italia, Benvenuto…and enjoy your stay.
Ororo listened slightly to the disembodied voice over the intercom as she gazed silently out the window, studying the terrain as is slowly became closer and closer—Remy on the other hand was fast asleep with his head affixed to her shoulder.
-Wake up Remy…we're almost ready to land.
She gently poked his opposite shoulder.
-Huh-uh
He snuggled closer. She smirked.
-You know if I was a stranger, this would be assault.
He woke with a start.
-Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and three Wise Men! What's goin' on here Stormy?
-It seems that you have gotten a bit "affectionate" in the genesis of our trip.
-Aw girl, I was just havin' a dream…a good one at that.
He wagged an eyebrow.
-Oh, well then…
-Please put your tray tables in their upright and locked position, as we will be descending into Florence momentarily.
Florence, Italy
-Well, we're here now, what now.
-What to do…what to do?
They strolled silently taking in the scenery of the Italian countryside, both reveling in the lush greenery and perfect blue sky, and the soft warm wind against their cheeks. The jet lag had barely kicked in, but they were energized by the intense feeling of freedom they felt, not just freedom from the walls of the mansion, but freedom from their old lives—if only for a little while. The jet lag loomed over them eventually, so they decided to settle down in their small villa for and early nap and a change of clothes.
-You are easily the most beautiful woman I have ever met.
Remy told her from his perch on the chaise out on the patio. She was quite pretty, clad in a coral skirt that swirled 'round her calves, short leather espadrilles that highlighted her delicate ankles perfectly, and a white collared blouse tied neatly where her waist tipped inward, only a mere strip of coffee skin evident, her hair was swept upward haphazardly, wavy wisps framed her face and tickled her neck. He noticed all this and felt "comfortably uncomfortable".
-A daring outfit for the weather witch eh petite?
He took this time to drink her in quite unapologetically, lounging in his chocolate linen pants and comfortable yellow shirt.
-You could say this whole trip has me feeling a bit risqué, but I suppose we will find that out later—besides you're looking quite suave yourself.
She said this coyly, with an undeniable glimmer in her azure eyes…he knew it, he could feel it emanating from her like fever, she was excited, full of mischief, and simply ready to let go—and he was ready to go along for the ride. He stood, put on his sunglasses (sure Italy is real laid back about mutants, but the sun can be annoying) and asked.
-So how's a quick peek at the marketplace sound Stormy?
The Marketplace
It was far from the swirl of raucous interaction the open air markets in New York were, but there was a bustle. They were surrounded by vendors small and large boasting, fruits, smoked meats, and flavored gelato—all made from the bounty of the surrounding land, it was casual human spectacle at its finest.
-So how are we supposed to go about getting this Cross?
Storm asked as they were strolling about the busy marketplace
-I have a few ideas, and a digital blueprint, but we'll have to take a day and canvas the place on our own.
She quickly linked hands with him and gave a smug look when a rather buxom woman came sauntering by with a small basket and a smaller dress, making eyes at Remy.
-I must admit chere; I've never seen you this way.
-I know, I presume this holiday has already done me some good—maybe it's the air.
-Maybe it's y'company.
-Perhaps…
She stopped in front of a fruit vendor, and studied his selection, he was stock to the brim with everything from kumquats to caper berries. She greeted him perkily.
-…Bonjourno Signori
The stocky kind-eyed vendor was—as most tended to be; enthralled in her aquamarine eyes. So enthraled in fact, he didnt even see her lift a small apple from his cart just as she said "ciao"...she walked on as the quiet breeze played with the end of her skirt, apple in hand, and Remy following close behind, to the end of the dirt road where the market was stationed..
-I saw that.
-I know
She said non-chalantly between sensuous bites. It was at that moment when he felt it appropriate to test his boundaries, to see just how 'free' she felt.
-You liked it didn't ya?
She stopped cold, swallowed, and took a deep breath. He spoke again.
-Felt good,eh?
-I know.
-You miss it?
She turned, and pulled his sunglasses down to look directly in his ruby studded eyes and said with earnest.
-I miss me.
-I miss you too 'Roro.
(Continues…)
