Reverie - Slimecicle x Reader

chapter three.

"Alright, I got the bike!" Charlie chirped as he stood beside you, holding the bike so it wouldn't fall, "where are we off to first?"

You closed your eyes, letting a map of the island lay out in front of you in your mind. You were currently located in Manteo, which is on Roanoke Island... May as well head across the bridge to the main island and go north from there.

"First, we gotta cross the bridge back to the main island," you decided as you unlocked your F/C bike, "then we'll be in Nags Head, where Calico lives. From there, we'd just stay in a straight line, going up through Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, Southern Shores, Duck, and ending in Corolla."

Charlie couldn't help but focus on how your eyes lit up with recognition as you listed off each sub-town of the islands. He was impressed with how you were able to keep it all straight; the thought of figuring out every little area plus mile-markers was exhausting to him. He left that all up to Ted to keep straight; he was better at that.

"I won't take you south today," you finished rambling, "I don't know that area as well. I don't go to Hatteras much."

"You are so smart," he grinned at you as he got on his bike, clipping the helmet he got to his head, "lead the way!"

"Well, we won't get far anyway," you answered dryly as you got on your own bike and saddled up, "biking is significantly longer than driving. Where are you staying?"

"Oh, I'm in Kill Devil Hills," he said, "is that far?"

"Well, that is mile marker eight," you mused, thinking of routes, "it's about an hour and fifteen from here. We'll go as far as that, I'll take you to your beach house, and we can call it a day after that."

Once you spoke, you took off down the road, Charlie hurriedly on your heels. With it being later in the afternoon, most of the cars had dwindled down and gone away, the late-afternoon heat being too much to bear for most of the tourists. Since you're from the area, you were used to the high heat and humidity; knowing that a good rain storm would blow through town on this evening. You just hoped you'd make it home before the storms broke.

"So, Charlie," you spoke over your shoulder, "why'd y'all choose the Outer Banks? It's only old people and families, we don't have anything for our age range."

"Well, my parents want to retire here," he answered as he caught up to you, smoothly coasting beside you, "so I figured I'd come and look at some real estate. See if I can gift them a beach-house."

"Gift them a beach house?" you echoed, "what do you do as a job?"

"I work social medias," he responded, "I make more than enough, and I want to help them out."

You thought for a moment as the two of you crossed onto the bridge toward the main island. The more you talked to him, the sweeter he was. You had to admit, he sure was a nice guy. 

"That is incredibly thoughtful of you," you said as you checked over your shoulder to make sure no cars were coming, "really. Good luck looking for a house for them."

You focused back on the road, not noticing how a bloom of pink crossed Charlie's cheeks. He was internally glad you didn't pay attention to him at that moment. 

As the pair of you crossed into Nags Head, the Sun was lower in the sky than when you started. The seabreeze had begun to pick up, cooling you off. It felt so nice and comfortable on your skin, as biking takes a lot out of someone. 

"Alright," you mused as you checked the weather on your phone, "do we want to take a break and find some dinner, or would you rather just get to Kill Devil Hills and call it a night?"

"I think I could use some food," he admitted as his stomach growled loudly, "sorry-"

You couldn't help but smile as he buried his face in his hands, and you went to check what was open at this hour.

"We have Miller's Waterfront, Mahi Mahi Grill, and Austin Fish Company," you offered, "I'll pay. What strikes your fancy?"

"Miller's sounds good," your new friend decided, "that sounds super good."

"Good answer," you smiled as you hopped back onto your bike, "let's go now before the rush starts."

The two of you sped off toward the restaurant, empowered by the sole thought of some good food. You didn't think about it at the moment, but this was certainly going to be a date.

Once you locked your bikes and got seated, the adrenaline wore off, being replaced with terrible hunger. The rush had started just after you were seated, and you thanked your lucky stars that Miller's tended to be fast. The waitress came and got your drink orders, and left the two of you alone to ponder food.

"Everything sounds good," Charlie huffed as he looked over the dinner menu he was handed, "you're the local, what's good right now?"

"Oh, definitely flounder," you answered quickly, "as well as mahi, tuna, and soft-shell crabs."

He grinned at your answer, chuckling at your customer service voice. You rattled them off so fast, you didn't even notice your voice dip into a more southern accent. It only did that when you entered your work frame of mind.

"I'll try the Sunset Flounder then," he decided, "since the Outer Banks are known for their flounder."

You thought for a moment as you looked over the menu yourself, "I'll most likely do the Waterfront Style Scallops, I'm in a more lemony, light mood today."

The waitress came back, and took your orders, once again whisking away. You felt internally bad for her, knowing tourist season was terrible. While yes, you knew she'd be making mad money in tips, people still sometimes were terrible for no reason. You made an internal note to tip her well.

As you waited and talked with Charlie, your phone buzzed, and it was a text from Calico.

Hey! I know you're busy right now, but want to hang out and watch the storms blow by?

Absolutely I do.

You sent an affirmative as the food arrived, and turned your phone off. It was at this moment that any remaining chatter between the two of you died away immediately. All of your primal instincts was on the food in front of you, and despite the fact that you wanted to unhinge your jaw and swallow the whole plate, you refrained from doing so. It was evident that Charlie was in the same frame of mind; wanting to be polite.

"I'm glad I got to come with you," he said as he took a moment to breathe, "the flounder is really good. You were right to have me choose it."

You smiled as you sipped your water, savoring the sweet taste of lemon and white wine mixed with the butter in your scallops, "glad I could help."

The dinner ended just as fast as you began, and you paid before he could even protest. Thankfulness shined in his eyes as the two of you left, the Sun even lower now and starting to be obscured by storm clouds.

"Alright, we'll have to-"

You got cut off as a car pulled up, and the window rolled down. Ted and Schlatt were in the front seats, and were both looking amused.

"We can take Charlie home, Y/N," Ted smiled to you lightly, "don't worry. The storm is just a couple miles behind us, get to where you're going."

Charlie was quick to load the bike into the trunk and get into the back, "thanks for dinner, Y/N! Make sure to text me!"

You were slightly taken aback by the abrupt departure, but understood as thunder rumbled in the distance. It was definitely a night of hot tea on Calico's balcony.

"It's alright," you said as you got on your bike, "be safe! I'll text you when I get to my friend's."

With those as your parting words, you parted ways, wondering why you were so upset with yourself.