Melvin Greene Scratch that, Viper has been replaced with a clone. This is Cobra or something. It absolutely isn’t a complaint, don’t get him wrong, he’s tired of all the absolute clownery going on around here, but after all that had happened it was almost weird seeing her act so… well, yes, subdued. Despite himself, Melvin seems to relax a bit - almost like this woman hadn’t committed Gamestart Theft and several other jail time crimes.
It was… certainly interesting to witness such a strong 180, I do not blame Melvin whatsoever for being just as confused as like literally half of the other passengers. Viper was always this unpredictable, just… sometimes in better, more constructive ways. Melvin… being able to relax in her presence seems to make her relax somewhat too, actually
Melvin Greene “Huh. I wasn’t ever good at that kinda stuff.” Not completely terrible, either, it’s barely a negative modifier. It’s hard not to recall stupid childhood antics at least a little fondly while your little hellion doppelgangers are having an absolute blast like, right there. “Never really bothered with it after the glue incident.” He then proceeds to not elaborate on that whatsoever. If there’s any hindrances to the art, Melvin sure can’t see them - figures, maybe being overly critical of themselves is another shared trait.
“I mean, I , like wasn’t any good at sporty stuff outside of like… climbin’ around an’ causin’ trouble.” Seems they weren’t good at each other’s major skills, huh? She quirks her brow though-
“The… glue incident? Ya can’t just, like, tell me a name that sounds as hilarious as that an’ not give me context!” Melvin, you weren’t getting away with not telling her about the glue incident! It sounded hilarious just from the name!
Melvin Greene Viper gets to witness a face journey similar to the one math lady meme occur in real time here as he figures out exactly what she’s implying with that. “You- they- hold on, you what?” He’s astounded by that, especially after some of the other stunts she pulled in that car. It’s almost enviable. “When did you even have time for that?” Both the actual date and ‘developing that kind of relationship with someone.’ Kind of feels like he missed a memo somewhere. Unfortunate.
“It- It started back on the island car. Or. Uh…. before that I guess?” Melvin gets to be the one to hear about this! Congrats buddy! “I dunno. When I was in jail, they, like, came ta visit me, we talked it out after… all the bullsh-t I did, and… yeah.” And they fell asleep holding hands through the bars! “Almost ruined it, but… yeah, After… their tape, we jus’ kinda… I dunno. Bonded I guess, they’re cute. Not as… harmful as they act. I uh, made a promise that… I was gonna try ’n be better.” Melvin the relationship listener. Hey, they haven’t kissed yet at least so he doesn’t get to hear about that.
Melvin Greene As someone who is not an artist, the sharing of the sketchbook as a meaningful gesture is slightly lost on him. He actually… smiles? A little bit? At this stunning revelation? It’s… weirdly flattering, in a way. A reminder that Viper was just as human as anyone else here, with her weird harmless little quirks.
“… You’re good at this, Viper. Too good to be wasting paper on a mug like mine. Hard to believe it wasn’t always this bad, right?” He gestures over into the pit just in time to watch Fmelvin take a dive straight onto his face. Oof. Maybe not that hard to believe…….
The smile from Melvin has Viper beaming in return.
“Don’t be so hard on ya’self. Ya got a good face structure, an’ ya got interestin’ characteristics.” Viper tilts her head, “Listen, I don’t like guys an’ all but even I can say ya a handsome guy. Ya might not see it, but everyone is someone’s taste.” Viper looks down at a couple of her drawings of Melvin.
“Besides, I don’t consider it a waste of paper. Gotta keep my skills up for when I get ta finally release another pilot for a new game. An’ it’s kinda like… a more personal photo, ya know?” She winced at FMelvin’s faceplant, and grimaced as FViper practically pounced at him.
