#m: rem vilein

[noiranamnesis]

Collateral Drift

closed starter for @liraspins

....

00:03

Business is business. A worn phrase, less a thought than a principle long hammered in place. One he can't be bothered to rehearse- or so he told himself. It was all part of the routine: familiarizing the target's routine, scouting the predetermined 'final' location, waiting for extraneous liabilities to vacate, then executing the task- either in accordance with the client's specifications, or more often, his own. The latter was more efficient, less brutal, and required less clean up.

With a trick of the hand, he disengaged the back door's lock, exploiting the neighbor's blind spot. Each step was deliberate, quite, as he moved deeper into the house. The stillness was almost tangible, the absence of light just as he'd anticipated. The target was alone. Two hours having passed since the last light went out. He should be in his REM cycle.

Removing a firearm from beneath his jacket, he stopped at the edge of the hall checking for movement before straightening at the faint sound of wind. His attention shifted, fixating on a window left slightly ajar. He remained unmoved, listening for subtle rustlings of movement, and after a few beats- he heard it. Too light for the target's weight class. His jaw twitched, hand tightening on the grip. Shit. He moved forward, each movement carefully measured, each breath slow and steady as he neared the source of the disturbance.

[noiranamnesis]

@retrograderesemblance & @tyliocellier

Pierrot le Fou (1965)

[noiranamnesis]

Who is better at telling stories: Marinette, Françoise or Rem?

Françoise is probably the best storyteller of the three. Her tendency is to remain calm, stick to the main theme, and avoid superfluous details unless asked. The story would be concise, but those listening would have a clear understanding of what happened.

Rem only provides the barest details, using as few words as possible. This leaves a lot of room for interpretation and a need for follow up questions- clarifications he's not too keen to provide.

Then there's Marinette, who is quite the opposite. She can become quite expressive, often gesturing with her hands and sometimes provides 'too' much detail. Unlike Françoise and Rem, her technique is less consistent.

[noiranamnesis]

Who is the most obnoxious: Marinette, Rem or Françoise?

Drum roll, please!

And the winner is...Rem Vilein. *cue applause*

Honestly, this isn't even a fair comparison, solely because Rem is so...himself. He's dry, detached, and begrudgingly adheres to social norms- and even then, it's often bare bones.

Looking for easy conversation? You won't find that here.

Want connection and vulnerability? Well, how much time can you spare?

Looking for a reaction? Good luck to you, and I mean that.

It takes so long to build rapport with him that most throw in the towel and let him be on his way.

[noiranamnesis]

When do you gaze at your soulmate?

Marinette Beauséjour: "when they don't see you"

you love them and you're not sure they know. but that's okay. you're used to loving more than you are loved. you give more than is given. and maybe others don't understand but you don't expect more. you tell yourself the love in your heart is not meant to be savored by anyone other than you. it's more than enough to get to exist at the same time as them. you stand in their shadow and you thank the sun for casting it. they touch your arm but they do not feel the same warmth which lingers on your skin for days. you gaze at them and they might even be looking right back but they are not seeing into your soul the same way you have memorized theirs. it's enough you tell yourself. it's enough. it's enough. but what if it's not? and what if you're wrong. what if they see you and all this time you have been too scared to ask what they're looking at.

Rem Vilein: "when they don't know you're there"

you want to see who they are at their core. your love smiles for you. they put on a brave face. they tell you off when you're out of line and they encourage you when you know your mistakes are piling up. they're the one who is always there. but there are moments you catch them unawares and that is when you watch them. you want to see the expression their face takes when they aren't being brave for you. you want to see how they smile when it isn't designed to lift your own burdens. you want to see what they say to everyone else. how they talk about you. how everyone else encourages them or if they let anyone be there at all. you want to see what is underneath it all so you can prove that's who you love. the parts of them they try to hide. the parts they think you don't already know and adore.

Tagged by: @hymnoire

Tagging: @tyliocellier, @renegadetulis, @retrograderesemblance, @exquisitexagony, @kingcenred, @luckhissoul, @hellsdogs, and anyone else who is interested!

[noiranamnesis]

Rem's hands stilled, dark eyes locking onto her. A beat passed- the idea of praise shifting one of warning. Almost every day. Adra saw his sister more than he did. Repeated business was a sign of success, but to eat croissants every day...He realized this might be the first time encountering a food addiction.

When she mentioned math, he took another bite of his crêpe. Math. She was good at it, he knew that much. Whether it was her best subject, though, he couldn't recall. Another detail in the void of his memory. Each year it seemed to widen, bits and pieces of things deemed irrelevant, pushed in to allow for his...professional pursuits. In those cases he could only see fragments now, brought to surface by the oddest reminders.

Adra was a reminder.

You know we don't have to do the whole 20 questions with a stranger right?

Yeah. Those comments. Unmoved, he returned his focus to his plate, another bite bringing him closer to the end. These were the moments when Adra mirrored the version in his memories- the one who couldn't resist poking. If she didn't want to talk, why sit at his table? But, they weren't playing twenty questions. "We aren't strangers."

"I don't think you need to." Adra took another bite of her croissant, exhaling as crunch and buttery pastry filled her mouth. "Especially when I am here almost every day ordering the same thing." Some habits are hard to die. A brow arched when he asked her another question. It's probably more words than she had expected from this man in less than 24 hours. "Math." How silly and egoistical of her to expect someone from her past to remember the very thing that seemed to tether her to this world other than her messy decisions.

Perhaps him being in finance was similar between them both... However the dullness in his dark hues told her something else - it was a lie, or just a cover... a boring one so that people won't pry. "You know we don't have to do the whole 20 questions with a stranger right?" she quipped, taking another sip of her black coffee. "It's not like we're in a speed dating session." Although at this point, she was sure the situation was anything but speed.

[noiranamnesis]

What is your muses' weapon of choice? (if they were to be in a fight and had to pick one)

Marinette Élise Sidonie Beauséjour: Cast Iron Skillet or Rolling Pin

Françoise Isidora Séraphine Beauséjour: Solvents & Chemicals (but she's a runner)

Rem Vilein: Heckler & Koch P30L

[noiranamnesis]

A Weekly Tryst

closed starter: @retrograderesemblance for Lynn

...

Dim light cast muted shadows across his features, calloused fingers toying with an unlit cigarette. A vice he remained beholden to despite countless attempts at his sister’s insistence. In the end, however, he found it provided something seldom found- reprieve. With a flick of his thumb he lit a match, unwilling to waver in an aversion to lighters.

A single inhale filled his lungs, Rem easing his weight against the wall to observe random critters scurrying about in the final moments of daylight. Faint melodies carried on the breeze though he paid it no mind, unsure whether it was coming from inside or perhaps a neighboring house. His lips quirked in a fleeting smirk, amused by his ability to relax here of all places. Words came to mind yet he remained silent, another drag dampening thoughts deemed unnecessary.

Business is business. The phrase is little more than a ghost, less a thought than a principle long hammered in place. One which he can’t be bothered to rehearse this late in the day. Or, it’s what he tells himself at least. And such is his routine. Paying premium for an extended slot of time only to spend a quarter of it doing exactly this: standing in the yard finishing a smoke or two before stepping inside.

“Lynn.” His voice is dry, fatigue weighing on his eyes. “I’ll shower first to get rid of the smell.” A concession offered on every weekly appointment. “All’s well?” His fingers twitched, itching for another cigarette, yet he diverted it to loosening his tie.

[noiranamnesis]

Who has the highest pain tolerance? And who has the biggest capacity for experiencing pleasure?

Highest Pain Tolerance: Rem. It's not even a competition.

Biggest Capacity for Experiencing Pleasure:

This one is tough.

Due to Rem’s restrained nature, he is the most sensitive to stimuli (especially on an internal level), and deeply appreciates those rare moments. Marinette, on the other hand, is the most open to experiences, which gives her the highest potential in a way. Then there's Françoise who is the best at recognizing those moments and savoring them.

[noiranamnesis]

At mention of property, his jaw twitched, a crease forming between his brows with no immediate answer. Merely listening to piece fragments of their woes into a concise summation: trafficking. "Is this the first time you've gotten away?" He spoke flatly, a usual bout of silence dragging before he abruptly added, "You need to change your appearance. Cut your hair. New clothes. A fake name." His attention shifted to them then. “Prepare to defend yourself." Dull ticking of his watch served as a reminder of how long remained until check out. A series of questions littering his mind, none of which were appropriate nor his business.

Rem exhaled sharply through his nose, standing to full height, providing distance between them and the bed. He rarely pondered how others saw him; often able to discern apprehension in his colleagues, yet when faced with their reality he could only view his presence as off putting- triggering. In an instant he was on edge, that familiar itch for a cigarette already rearing its head, a desire to quell damning thoughts. I'm not cut for this...I will only upset them further...It's time to move on to the next motel...

In the end he propped open the door, cool air easing a bit of the tension weighing on his shoulders. Not one to waste time, he pulled a cigarette from his pocket, letting it rest between his fingers. With a quick flick of his thumb he lit a match, cupping a hand to shield against the breeze. The first inhale was enough to make him sigh, a glance cast in their direction before she sat on the floor, exhaling the smoke outside. "How long have you been gone?"

He sounds so plain, almost like he couldn't care any less about what secrets they might be carrying. They weren't sure if that was something by which they could be comforted or of which they should be fearful. Still, they look on him without judgement despite the cold, unfeeling response he'd given them. At least he didn't seem totally put off by their sudden outburst. He wasn't warm, by any means, but he also wasn't brushing them off, which they appreciated to some extent.

A huff of a sigh leaves them as they look up at him again, trembling hands fiddling in their lap nervously, picking at the skin around their nails. Their deep blue eyes narrow at him a little in thought. "You might think me mad," they say plainly. Another sniffle as they swipe away the salty tears from their damp cheeks.

"Maybe I am mad..." they mumble, staring down at their hands for a moment more of contemplation. "There's a man looking for me," they say finally, trying to keep some of the more sensitive the details to themselves for their own protection.

"He believes I am his property. But he stole me away...Took me from my..." A small whimper, tears welling in their eyes again. A shaky inhale. "My home. Keeps me in a cage. I shouldn't be here...He'll find me...When he finds me, he--" Their breath hitches. "Well, I suppose there's little worse he could do to me...but I d- don't want to go back to that- that- that...place." Another sob chokes at the back of their throat and they lift a delicate, shaking hand to cover their mouth--embarrassed again.

"I'm sorry."

[noiranamnesis]

How would Marinette describe Rem? How would she describe Françoise? And how would those two describe her? Make it a monologue please I love reading IC stuff of the muses speaking about each other

It. Is. Done. *cue confettis*

Marinette on Rem

"Let me think...Rem is...simply put, himself. Some say he wears a mask, a barrier between himself and others, but I find that thinking a bit narrow because who doesn't, in some way? Others say he's incapable of forming connections, but that's not true either. Yes, he tends to stay within himself, but everything he does is sincere. There's no façade, no pretense, no false expectations.

He lingers on the edges, that signature impassive look always there- but don't let him fool you. He's observing even when you don't notice it.

I believe there was a time when he almost stepped forward, to join in with the rest, but instead stayed still. And as time passed, it became his security. Everything he does, every choice he makes, strives toward independence. To ensure he isn't a burden or another thing on someone's list.

Rem doesn’t see his own value. From his view, no one sees him as anything other than a stoic man- someone who should be avoided. But if you take a moment to linger and look past the silence and distance, you might catch a glimpse of it- of the boy who never understood why those he loved kept leaving him behind.

He's convinced himself it's easier to assume anyone new will simply disappear, rather than risk being left again. And it breaks my heart, because for all the faults he sees in himself, he fails to see they are simply parts of him- cracks of past experiences being the very thing that pieces him together...

No one is perfect, and while some will overlook him, I hope he'll allow those who want to fill the spaces come closer. Because those are the ones who will see him for what he is: Kintsugi.

And then, one day, when he’s by your side on a frigid winter morning, helping sort through vegetables in the market, you might catch a rare, quiet smile."

Marinette on Françoise

“Françoise always comes across as so polite and focused, the picture of professionalism. BUT there's another side to her, one that gets flustered and wound up and will even kick your bag! You just have to catch her at the right moment- or, more often, get under her skin. It's not easy though. She's become quite talented in keeping her composure, something I imagine comes in handy when you're surrounded by artistic types.

Still, it's always so funny when she cracks.

Of all of us, she is the quickest to adapt, able to step into new environments without every losing herself. Even in her lowest moments, she's always had a clear sense of who she is. It's almost as if she can take her sorrow, place it on her farthest shelf, and only take it down when she's ready to bear it...I've always admired that about her.

Like our mother, she's managed to turn her passion into a career. She's meticulous in her craft, but still carries herself with such poise- which, knowing our mother, is why she had Françoise learn the viola. Like anyone involved in the arts, she's a bit eclectic the more you get to know her, but it's a part of her charm. When we were young, I always thought she reminded me a librarian or someone one who worked in a museum, so it's funny to think she now works for one.

Was I psychic? Who can say?

Now, despite everything I’ve tried to teach her, she isn’t the best cook. But, if you give her a few months she'll know all the good restaurants within walking distance of her flat. When it comes to romance, she's not very keen on it, and truthfully...she's never been good at noticing when anyone is interested in her. It's a talent because if someone is interested in someone else- suddenly she's an expert. So typical. She never gives advice though. In fact, you'd think she'd sworn an oath against it. Even asking her something simple such as, 'Which dress looks better?', and she dances around it as if you were asking for a name for your newborn child."

Rem on Marinette

“Compassionate. Self-sacrificing. Resilient...Warm. Nurturing. Protective...Playful...

A fighter."

Françoise on Marinette

"I think of Marinette in terms of paintings.

Herodias by Paul Delaroche and Le Courage, l’Anxiété et le Désespoir observent la bataille by James Sant come to mind. She has a rare gift- or a curse- of conforming to others' needs without a word, taking the brunt of everything without complaint. I remember once she said to me, 'I refuse to die’. She said it so calmly, wiping blood from her face, a distant look in her eyes before offering me a smile.

I've never forgotten it.

Les Saltimbanques by Gustave Doré also comes to mind, especially the quiet tears of the mother. It reminds me of the few times I saw her cry after our mother passed. It was only ever when someone else was grieving, but never for herself. We grieved for our parents and she grieved for us. That's the scale of her devotion. And the 'crown' is really just family burdens.

Finally, I think of The Five Senses; Hearing by Henry Guillaume Schlesinger, because behind her elegance, Marinette is a menace. She'll bop you on the head with a baguette after a trip to the Boulangerie, randomly sing, or pull you into a dance while she cooks. She's set in her ways, always defaulting to French and showing affection through kisses on the cheek or through food. And if you mention not enjoying something, like chèvre, she'll never forget it. It's become a tradition for me now, every year I get chèvre for my birthday.

For all her liveliness though, she’s home for my brother and I."

[noiranamnesis]

What is Marinette's opinion on cheating in a game? Has she ever cheated in a game? What about Françoise and Rem?

Marinette does not condone cheating in a game- unless the game is rigged, and then it’s just a 'balancing of the scales'.

Françoise generally plays fair, unless she’s up against Rem.

Rem is untethered and cheats on a whim whenever he finds it amusing.

[noiranamnesis]

(I am totally copying this one because I'm also curious now) Is Marinette a morning person? What about Rem and Françoise? And what do they do if their sleeping rhythm/sleep cycle clashes with their partner's?

Yes, Marinette is! It all ties into her knack for baking since when she works in a pâtisserie, her days start at three in the morning. She has a set routine she follows once she wakes up and rarely deviates from it.

Françoise is also a morning person, but she isn’t as early a riser as Marinette. In fact, she firmly believes her sister's sleep habits can't be healthy. Françoise usually wakes sometime between seven and eight in the morning.

Rem, on the other hand, is not a morning person in the slightest. He’s even less talkative (if you can believe it). He doesn’t ‘perk up’ until about ten in the morning.

If their partner’s have a different sleeping pattern:

Marinette would quietly go about her morning routine, making as little fuss as possible. If she needed her partner to wake up, she'd gently ease on top of them and place tender kisses along their back, neck, or cheek.

Rem would say nothing. He would just stare into the void, wait for the noise to stop, and go back to sleep.

Françoise would allow her partner to sleep until about nine in the morning, and if she hadn't already left for work, she would have to intervene. Her method would be to use an alarm.

[noiranamnesis]

His attention shifted, a silent beat passing at the other’s hesitation. To stop in public view would draw at least one glance from the crowd. A frivolous liability. Avoidable. And so, his pace remained unchanged. Besides, the natural subtext was clear- Mat avoided a direct question.

Entrenched habits stood inclined to meet his answer with dead air. But, to both of their misfortunes, Rem had opted to make an effort to be more 'social'. “The employer.”

he hates feeling like he got something wrong. but the pressure is thick. he doesn't want to think about it though. doesn't want to think about this sudden turn to his luck. it all twists like something violent in his chest. he had thought that he would be better at all this. he had been better at all this. well, from a training outlook at least.

he lets out a heavy breath and then looks at him. "i-- " he hesitates. "well, it was a while ago.' he says with a shrug like that could be the end of it. he hoped that it would be. after all he didn't want to let him know that he hadn't had his own assignment when he was out here last. he was - well, not much better than training.

[noiranamnesis]

I’ve met you in another reality.

The city's restless buzzing was akin to silence, a void upon his senses as Rem's dark gaze observed an ever changing crowd. Individuals moved in a blur, each absorbed in the cadences of their own lives. While he stood at the entrance of a seldom used alley, the planes of his face partially illuminated by neon signs and passing headlights. individuals rushing about. One step into the flow and he would become one amongst hundreds- another obscure figure among the masses, but perhaps that was the draw- anonymity.

Memories of adolescence lingered on the fringes of his mind only to be disregarded in favor of an unlit cigarette. Calloused fingers struck a match, raising the flame until it caught. What remained of the wooden stick was promptly snuffed out by the heel of his boot, ground into nothing. I'm running low. A potential draw towards purchasing a lighter, yet the idea withered in an instant, buried beneath an unwillingness to waver in his aversions. An inhale filled his lungs, lingering smoke barely registering as he eased his weight against the wall, indifferent to the grime surely staining his jacket. It was a vice, after all, one he remained beholden to despite his sister's insistence.

With a roll of his shoulders his gaze met that of a passerby. A series of emotions flitted across their face: apprehension in realizing he was standing in an alley, discomfort in maintaining eye contact, dismissal as they went on their way...nothing unfamiliar. He exhaled slowly, weighing whether to light another cigarette or head to his usual haunt for dinner once he finished this one. A glance at his watch decided for him: Dinner.

Another drag. His attention shifted back to the crowd, expecting more of the same. Until he caught a familiar face.

A beat of hesitation. Creases formed around his eyes as he took a step into the fray. Strangers pushed past, but he paid them no mind, solely focused on the other until he was standing right next to them. There was no doubt, from the soft curve of her features to her penetrating eyes- it was here.

"Gaya." His voice was dry, her name a statement- not a question. A reunion which might have brought someone to tears save for one problem.

Gaya was dead.

[noiranamnesis]

La fratrie Vilein: A Timeline

Below is a timeline of the Vilein siblings—Marinette, Françoise, and Rem—covering the years up until all three have completed high school.

Note: This timeline will be updated as I finish fleshing out the biographies of Françoise and Rem.

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Marinette Élise Sidonie Beauséjour is born 6 September to Amélie Honoré Thérèse Beauséjour & Burton Vilein in Conques, France

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Marinette turns 1 in September

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Marinette turns 2 in September

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Marinette begins Petite section (PS) & turns 3 in September

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Marinette begins Moyenne section (MS) & turns 4 in September

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Marinette begins Grande section (GS) & turns 5 in September

Françoise Isidora Séraphine Beauséjour is born 25 October to Amélie Honoré Thérèse Beauséjour & Burton Vilein in Conques, France

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Rem Vilein is born 8 May to Emma Marije Vilein & Burton Vilein in New York, NY, USA

Marinette begins Cours préparatoire (CP) & turns 6 in September

Françoise turns 1 in October

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Rem turns 1 in May

Marinette begins Cours élémentaire 1 (CE1) & turns 7 in September

Françoise turns 2 in October

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Rem turns 2 in May

Marinette begins Cours élémentaire 2 (CE2) & turns 8 in September

Françoise begins Petite section (PS) in September & turns 3 in October

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Rem turns 3 in May & begins PreK-3 in September

Marinette begins Cours moyen 1 (CM1) & turns 9 in September

Françoise begins Moyenne section (MS) in September & turns 4 in October

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Rem turns 4 in May & begins PreK-4 in September

Marinette begins Cours moyen 2 (CM2) & turns 10 in September

Françoise begins Grande section (GS) in September & turns 5 in October

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Rem turns 5 in May & begins Kindergarten in September

Marinette begins Sixième & turns 11 in September

Françoise begins Cours préparatoire (CP) in September & turns 6 in October

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Rem turns 6 in May & begins 1st grade in September

Marinette begins Cinquième & turns 12 in September

Françoise begins Cours élémentaire 1 (CE1) in September & turns 7 in October

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Rem turns 7 in May & begins 2nd grade in September

Marinette begins Quatrième & turns 13 in September

Françoise begins Cours élémentaire 2 (CE2) in September & turns 8 in October

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Rem turns 8 in May & begins 3rd grade in September

Marinette begins Troisième & turns 14 in September

Françoise begins Cours moyen 1 (CM1) in September & turns 9 in October

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Rem turns 9 in May & begins 4th grade in September

Marinette begins Seconde & turns 15 in September

Françoise begins Cours moyen 2 (CM2) in September & turns 10 in October

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Rem turns 10 in May & begins 5th grade in September

Amélie Honoré Thérèse Beauséjour passes away on 5 July (†)

Marinette & Françoise move to New York, NY to live with Burton, Emma, and Rem

Marinette begins 11th grade & turns 16 in September

Françoise begins 6th grade in September & turns 11 in October

Emma Marije Vilein falls ill

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Rem turns 11 in May & begins 6th grade in September

Marinette begins 12th grade & turns 17 in September

Françoise begins 7th grade in September & turns 12 in October

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Emma Marije Vilein passes away on 29 March (†)

Burton Vilein disappears with the children's inheritances

Rem turns 12 in May & begins 7th grade in September

Marinette becomes the primary caretaker of her siblings & turns 18 in September

Françoise begins 8th grade in September & turns 13 in October

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Rem turns 13 in May & begins 8th grade in September

Marinette turns 19 in September

Françoise begins 9th grade in September & turns 14 in October

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Rem turns 14 in May & begins 9th grade in September

Marinette turns 20 in September

Françoise begins 10th grade in September & turns 15 in October

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Rem turns 15 in May & begins 10th grade in September

Marinette turns 21 in September

Françoise begins 11th grade in September & turns 16 in October

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Rem turns 16 in May & begins 11th grade in September

Marinette turns 22 in September

Françoise begins 12th grade in September & turns 17 in October

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Rem turns 17 in May & begins 12th grade in September

Marinette turns 23 in September

Françoise begins university in September & turns 18 in October

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Rem turns 18 in May & begins working as a butcher

Marinette turns 24 in September

Françoise turns 19 in October

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Rem turns 19 in May & meets his future mentor in June

Marinette turns 25 in September

Françoise turns 20 in October