(Subplot) Magic Mel?

James and Melanie lay together on the bed in their room, wrapped in each others arms. They had decided not to flaunt their budding relationship in Lexie's face so were keeping it entirely behind closed doors for now, but with Mel's ex now rooming with Barbie and Cassie they had their room to themselves and plenty of opportunity for alone time when they needed it.

"Something is on your mind isn't it?" James realised as he stroked Melanie's hair "You've got that look on your face again. What is it?"

"It's going to sound absolutely crazy" Mel admitted.

"I'm getting pretty used to crazy at this point. You can tell me"

"I was speaking to Noelle earlier. She thinks I'm a witch. Or I could be. I don't know..."

"A witch?" James seemed genuinely thrown by this.

"I told you it sounds crazy" Mel sighed "But she's definitely got magic powers. And she thinks I could have too. She wants to mentor me"

"Wow" James exhaled "I guess there is no harm in exploring that, right?"

"That's what I was thinking" Mel nodded as she rested her head on James' chest and looked up at him "Honestly, I don't even really want to be a witch. But it could be useful to have those abilities, just for self defence purposes"

James instinctively laughed, which made Melanie feel self conscious.

"What?!"

"You are talking about witchcraft like it's Karate"

"I'm serious, James" Mel slapped him on the shoulder "I've had so much magic used against me these past couple of years. I want to be able to protect myself and the people I care about, like you and the glitches. But there is something else.."

"What?"

"I'm not going back to the ranch with the others" Mel revealed "Once this is all over, I want to stay here with you"

"Well, I'm incredibly happy to hear that"

Mel couldn't help but smile to herself as she saw how James' face lit up at this revelation. Any doubts she had been taking things too quickly immediately evaporated.

"Yeah but, it isn't going to be easy. On the ranch being naked was no problem. Here, with it just being me and you it will be really challenging...so I was wondering if there was a way that.."

"You could magic us up some clothes?"

"That would be perfect. Then you and me could just live a nice, normal life together, like any other couple. I can't think of anything I would like more than normalcy right now"

"Except you would be a witch" James reminded her.

"Yeah, there would be that" Mel conceded "But maybe that would have its advantages for us. Or do you think I have finally lost the plot that I am even having this conversation with you?"

"No, I think you should go for it" James encouraged her as he ran his hand gently down her back "I don't think there is anything you aren't capable of, Melanie Jones..."