Just a head's up, I might stop posting this on . Nobody has been reading it for months, yet I've posted like three new chapters since then. But don't worry, because I'm still going to post it on Ao3. However, if more people start reading again I'll reconsider.
"So, are you excited for your date?" Lyrei asked Zarina in a mockingly cheerful tone. Rina just rolled her eyes and scoffed.
"You know exactly how I feel about Nylian," she replied, leading her friend up to her bedroom. "Now come on, if we want my mom to be really convinced that I want to date him, we need to act like we're having a lot of fun getting me ready."
Lyrei had come immediately to Mistyriver so she could help Zarina get ready for her date. They didn't have much time, since Nylian had said he would come "after school is out." However, he'd said he would be a bit late due to a mentor wanting to speak with him after school or something along those lines.
Closing the door behind them, Zarina turned to Lyrei and explained how they should laugh every so often, and actually try to get ready.
"So, do you have anything in mind?" Lyrei asked, referring to what Zarina was going to wear on the date. She shook her head, suddenly super worried about what Nylian would think of her outfit. Stop that, she chided herself, internally rolling her eyes.
"The only thing I really know is that I don't want to wear my Foxfire uniform. Other than that, I have no idea what to wear."
"Okay. Let's look through your closet and find something suitable."
They did exactly that, despite the fact that most of Zarina's clothing was that her mom had picked out for her. She wished she had more freedom with what she wore, but her parents wanted to make sure her life was "perfect" and "up to the standards." So none of her clothing was really suitable for a first date.
There was only one outfit that wasn't super flashy and screaming "I'm rich!" It was the sky blue, knee-length one she'd worn a few weeks back while everything with Lyrei still hadn't been resolved.
Other than the dress, Lyrei made the executive decision that Zarina should wear her hair down. It was easier with a braid, but according to Rei, it made her look "more grown-up." For shoes, they chose together a pair of black lace-up ankle boots. It was the perfect twist to the outfit. The standard shoes to go with this type of dress were flats, but Zarina wanted something that looked better, so they went with the bots instead.
Eventually, the two friends had finished getting Zarina ready. She had to admit Lyrei was right, and her hair being down did make her look older than when she was wearing a braid.
Her mother frowned when she saw what her daughter was wearing. "Shouldn't you be wearing something…I don't know…more sophisticated? You have so many other dresses that would be much more suitable."
"It's my first date, mom," Zarina replied. She and Lyrei rolled their eyes at each other. "It's not like we're super serious or anything. Besides, I should be able to wear what I want."
"Fine," her mom scoffed, "but wear something better next time."
If there even is a next time, Rina thought to herself, internally scowling. I doubt I can handle dating Nylian much longer.
"Okay, I should probably get going now," Lyrei cut in. "Nylian will probably be her soon, and I don't want to…interfere with anything." The two friends hugged, then Lyrei held up her home crystal to the light and was gone.
Zarina and her mother stood awkwardly in silence until, finally, Nylian showed up.
"Hey," he greeted her, with that stupid cocky grin plastered onto his face that made Zarina's blood boil. Nylian took her hand in his, and Zarina had to clench her other hand into a fist to stop herself from punching him. Insufferable as always, she thought to herself in disgust as he and her mom chatted for a bit.
Apparently, her mother already knew Nylian prior to this. Which made sense, seeing as she had forced them into an arranged relationship.
After Zarina got the two to stop their polite conversation, they were out the door, with Nylian complimenting her on how "stellar" she looked today. Of course, he obviously didn't mean it, because he never meant anything he said to her truthfully.
Zarina took a deep breath. I can do this, she reassured herself as Nylian took her hand and held his pathfinder up to the light (because of course he had one). I just have to get through one date, and then maybe my mom will allow me to break up with him. Then, I can be free to date whoever I wish.