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Corrin was nervous, she looked at the closet yet again, moving the dresses and shirts back and forth. The scraping of the hangers on the metal rod seemed loud compared to the clothing swishing back and forth. She checked her watch again, four thirty, she didn’t have a lot of time to decide what to wear. This was going to be the first date with this man, her crush that she had since she couldn’t remember when. She wanted to impress him but that was harder than she thought. She wanted to look sophisticated, someone that he wouldn’t feel ashamed of being with. “This isn’t going to do.. I can’t..” Corrin felt herself falter. She wanted this to be the best date, and to have more. She pulled out another dress and held it up to her body. Which one would be the perfect thing to wear? She would rub the back of her neck.
She was trying to pick between her one peasant dress that was in a light gray with flowers on it. The other was a halter top dress that was black with maroon floral on it that would bring out her eyes, and possibly match what Xander was wearing since she paid close attention to the colors he liked. She bite her lip and glanced at the two again. “This one..” She grabbed the halter top and moved to change, getting dressed in it wouldn’t be difficult but to do her hair. Her nerves were wracking her stomach and she only hoped that it would settle once she was out with him. Brushing her hair she had seen some styles from her phone which might look good other than letting it go wild. She looked at the tutorial again to make sure she could do it right. Carefully she started to braid a little bit of her hair on the sides, taking it to the back and carefully putting a hair barrette in place. It would keep some of her hair back from her face while she could keep the rest of it down without too much trouble. The barrette was a gift that she had gotten when she was younger by Xander. It was a birthday gift for when they had lived close to each other and his family came over to celebrate with her mother and her. It was so thoughtful of him to gift to her, her most prized treasure. The barrette had two purple roses on it which looked rather pretty in her blonde starlight hair. She hoped that Xander wouldn’t think it was childish of her to have kept a hold of it for so long.
Xander adjusted his sleeves as he looked at the mirror to check his appearance. He didn’t know what exactly to think of what he was doing. Both of them were adults, and he was sure that Corrin had been hitting on him through most of her time in college when she could or when she was over helping Elise, or studying with Leo. He was pretty sure at first he was just imagining it but then it felt like something was going on he would feel stars lingering and when he caught her, she’d turn red and look away like she was trying to hide something. Part of him just thought it was nothing, but another part of him had noticed how much she had grown and what a beautiful young lady she had become. This was his younger sibling's friend, someone they trusted and here he was going on a date with her. Camilla told him to not over-dress and to not take her out to those super fancy restaurants unless he wanted to make Corrin feel inadequate over her appearance and have the media in all of her business. He didn’t want Corrin to have to deal with the media, no matter what came of this he wanted to spare her those gossip columns and horrible words.
He sighed as he looked over himself, finally he got his sleeves how he wanted them. Black pants with nice black dress shoes, a cream colored shirt with a dark maroon purple shade vest. It was about the most casual he could without going over the top but still feel like it was worthy of a date. He grabbed his watch and glanced at it. He would have enough time to go and pick up those flowers if he left now. Grabbing his wallet and keys he headed out the door. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt so nervous. It wasn’t like he didn’t know Corrin, or that it was someone he hadn’t seen in a long time and yet, he couldn’t help but wanting to impress her. Corrin saw him for him, not his money or his position in society. She simply saw him as a man who was carrying for his family and trying to right the wrongs that his father had done. He made the stop and picked up a rose, he wanted to buy her a dozen but Camilla’s words struck him not to go too much. He let out a small sigh and found a white and red rose that was swirled and he couldn’t help but to smile as he thought of Corrin. Some things were really that simple and beautiful and he knew she’d look more breathtaking than the rose he got her.
Once he got to her apartment he felt more nervous than he started. Maybe he over dressed, maybe this rose wasn’t enough and he should have just done the dozen roses. This was a mistake, maybe he had time to go back. Somewhere lost in his thoughts his hand had moved and rang the bell and a frown crossed his face. He heard her voice, it sounded so beautiful to his ears and pulled him out of his thoughts as he smiled, when she opened the door to greet him. All forms of worry left his thoughts as he was left speechless at seeing how beautiful Corrin looked. Her hair pulled back just enough from a braid the halter top dress certainly accented her beauty and he felt like he should have worn a jacket to keep her covered from other’s eyes. He noticed the color too, the black against her skin made her skin pretty but the maroon color nearly matched his vest and he couldn’t help but to have a smile. “Beautiful..” He said it quietly as he noticed that Corrin was starting to blush. He would remember the rose he was holding to his side and would offer it to her. “I thought you might like a rose… though I probably-.”
Corrin heard the bell and would move to get it. “Coming!” Xander was already here and she felt more nervous than when she was getting dressed. She opened the door and smiled. Oh she did choose the right dress he was wearing the vest that would match her. She was about to ask him something when he called her beautiful. Those words sent her heart soaring and she felt herself blush. She felt like looking away when she noticed movement and he was handing her a rose. “Oh Xander, I love it!” She exclaimed and took it from him. “It’s so beautiful.” She lifted it to her nose to take a wif, and glanced at him through her eyelashes.
“Not as beautiful as you.” He spoke again, making her blush.
“L-let me go put this in some water…” Corrin said to him. “You can come in..” She’d move, letting him walk inside as she moved to the kitchen and put some water in a vase. She needed to give her heart a moment to come calm down from all his words.
Xander moved behind her and closed the door. He looked around, it looked modest and simple, nothing he was disappointed in, it didn’t look like she wasn’t able to make ends meet. That was a simple relief he had heard so many people having difficulties living on their own and going to college. He turned to look at Corrin and noticed the barrette she was wearing looked oddly familiar. Upon closer inspection he recognized the two purple roses as the one he had gifted her when they were younger. He felt proud? Happy? He couldn’t quite place it exactly since he wasn’t used to such emotions. But she decided to keep it after all this time and wear it for their first date. “You still have it..” He said quietly with a fondness.
Corrin turned to look at him as she put the vase up and would blink. “Still have it..?” She sounded confused, trying to figure out what exactly he meant.
“The Barrette.. The one I gave you for your birthday..” Xander would explain watching Corrin.
There went her chance to calm down, she wasn’t sure if this was embarrassment that he caught her, or happy he remembered it. “Y-yes… It’s one of my treasures.. I’d never get rid of it.” She’d try to say with confidence but it came out quieter. She glanced at him and noticed that it was his turn to blush some. He looked so handsome now that she took the time to look at him. Still as handsome as ever, she was lucky that he hadn’t found anyone else, and that he had accepted her asking him out first. “Thank you again for the rose..”
Corrin brought him back out of his stupor, he couldn’t help the blush that he had when she called it one of her treasures. When he was younger her hair was always getting in her face and he wasn't sure what she would like so Leo and him went looking. Leo had decided to get her a book, while he found the roses barrette for her. His attention turned back to her and smiled. “Of course.. ready to go little princess?” He asked and offered her his hand.
Corrin smiled at Xander and took his hand feeling giddy. “Yes.” She spoke out loud. Knowing she'd always be ready to follow him if he asked her too. She picked up her purse and walked with him to the door and closed it and locked it before returning back to take his arm as he escorted her down to his car. She could tell Xander was trying to be careful and mindful of everything around them. “Relax.. it's okay.” She told him gently as they reached his car.
Her hand on his arm gave a small squeeze causing him to look at her gently. Her words told him to relax and that it would be okay. He gave her a smile. “Thank you Corrin.” He told her gently and bent down, opening the door and helping her in before closing it. He let out a breath and couldn't help but to be nervous. He just wanted to enjoy his time with Corrin, and not worry about anyone taking photos or the media getting wind and making her life miserable. She didn't deserve that type of attention. He let out a sigh before he moved to get in and drove off. “I wanted to take you to a place here in town, but Camilla said that you would enjoy this one better..”
Corrin smiled as Xander started to drive off. She was actually going on a date with her crush, one she had known for a long time and for some reason got lucky enough for him to accept. He started to talk about where they were going but she giggled. It seemed when nervous Xander still had a habit of talking to distract himself. “I'm sure wherever you're taking me is great.. as long as I'm with you it doesn't matter where we go.”
Corrin stopped him in the middle of his rambling. He wanted to tell her about the place, so she wouldn't be disappointed but the words she just said made his heart flutter. How did he get so lucky to have someone like her? “Are you sure about that? Even if we went to some run down diner?” He was trying to joke, even though it didn't sound like that exactly. Xander glanced at her face as she made one a slightly squeamish look before sticking her tongue out at him earning chuckle.
“Yes, even a rundown one.” Corrin stuck her tongue out and laughed. Hearing him chuckle she knew he was joking. This man made her heart flutter so bad. She looked out the window at how pretty the sky was.
Xander felt more relaxed as he drove them to their destination. He kept stealing glances, watching how the setting sun would reflect off her hair. She was absolutely gorgeous with the way the orange reflection bounced off her hair and highlighted her dress. He knew he was lost the moment he saw her today. He was lost even before that, but perhaps seeing her dressed up for him is what did it today. He knew there was no going back now, he couldn’t imagine letting her go. He would find a way to prove himself worthy of her, to win her over to him. When he pulled up to the restaurant he watched her face lit up. “I do hope you like this..little princess.” He said as he turned off the car and got out. He moved over to and helped her out, offering his arm to her and leading her inside.
Corrin had talked about this place when it first opened up. She had taken a part time job earlier in the year and she loved the view, the best part was that it had a deck you could dance on right over the lake. She felt so excited to be back here, not working but as a customer. Her heart fluttered more as she listened to Xander talk to the hostess and move to set them down outside. “This is beautiful. Thank you so much Xander..” She trailed off as she took everything in. They had walked through the main part, and were led outside. The view was spectacular, it caused Corrin to gasp as she looked around. The water reflecting the last bit of the sun's rays and the moon starting to come out. The scene was like something from a fairytale, or a scene from a romance novel she had read.
“Little princess this way.” Xander said quietly.
She felt Xanders hand on the small of her back that led her to their table and she flushed some. Being caught staring at the scenery she forgot for a split moment why she was there. She thanked him as he pulled a chair out for her and sat down to look over the menu.
It felt like time went too fast and yet went slow too at times. Corrin wasn't concerned with anyone else besides Xander. Her focus was on him, and sharing food with him as well. She couldn't help but to enjoy trying the food and sharing her food with him as well. Once they had finished their meal Corrin had noticed the music playing. She knew Xander didn't want to draw attention to them but she couldn't help but to love dancing. She had gotten better at it during her years though singing was never one of her strong points. So she was surprised when Xander stood up and offered his hand to her.
“Little princess, would you like to dance?” Xander asked as he looked at her gently, his hand waiting for her. When she took it he smiled and led her to the dance floor. Xander found himself lost in the moment with Corrin. The light shining off her hair as they danced, the way her smile reached her eyes and shined. He found himself thinking that this was the woman he could spend his life with and never feel lost as long as she stayed by his side. That was what he wanted, and he would do whatever he could to keep her by his side.
Corrin was on cloud nine. Dancing with Xander seemed like a dream, he was smiling at her too. This man was doing everything to make her feel special and it was working. She had wanted him for so long, and now her dreams were finally starting to come together and she couldn't be happier.
It felt like an eternity and yet it was over too fast. The song was over, and it was time for them to leave. Corrin took one last look before moving to Xander's side and leaving with him. It was one of the best nights she had, and hoped there would be more to come. When they got to her apartment he walked her up to the door and she thought about inviting him in as she unlocked it and looked up at him. “Xander, thank you.. tonight has been so wonderful.”
Xander looked down at Corrin gently and smiled. “Thank you, for tonight.. for choosing me little princess.” He would say gently. “I do hope you are willing to go out with me again. I do enjoy your company.” Xander kept his voice down so as not to drag anyone's attention to the two of them.
“Yes! I would love to go on another date with you!” Corrin exclaimed, her eyes shining bright. She couldn't help but to smile up at him.
Xander would smile and feel so happy. He moved on instinct and wrapped his arms around her in a hug which she returned. He looked down at her. “Little princess, you are making me so happy.” He'd watch her and lean in kissing her.
Corrin wrapped her arms around him in a hug. She always felt safe in his arms, and now it felt warm. She looked up at him and felt his lips on hers. Closing her eyes she kissed him back, this night just kept getting better and better. “Xander..” she breathlessly spoke his name as she opened her eyes. She felt his hold loosen around her and she let him go. She didn't want to part but knew this was not the end.
“Goodnight little princess.” Xander whispered to her and gently let her go. There would be more opportunities for them to spend time together and be intimate. He watched as she reluctantly went inside her apartment and locked the door. He couldn't help but to smile as he walked to his car and headed home.