Garbage Day

(This interaction takes place around a year’s time after the group entered Ozma, so about 1 Eorzean day later.)

She had a lot of time to think. And the more she thought about it, the more Ariabelle realized that she and Rick’s last date had been the day of their engagement.

How could we have let so much time pass? But then, it hit her. It wasn’t that they had been careless or forgetful, but that life had thrown many curveballs their way.

Moving quickly, the Miqo’te sought out Risah and asked her to babysit for the night. She had agreed, saying that Eli was no trouble to watch at all. She had a certain twinkle in her eye, though; however, Ari chose to ignore that.

First thing’s first: I need to find Rick. Because in order to have a date, he needs to be there. Where has he been running off to lately?

Ari soon realized that Rick had been training quite a bit, namely with Kahle, Sugar, and occasionally Kit. She assumed that would be a good place to start.

Okay. So I find him and then just ask him if he would like a night alone tonight. Since we haven’t had a date in -

WHUMP.

Before she could finish her thought, Ari found herself looking at Rick, who she had just knocked over in her haste to find him. She brushed herself off as she began to stand up once more.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Rick! Though, I am happy to run into you...quite literally. I had hoped to see if you would like to go on a date tonight. Risah told me she would watch Eli so we could have our first date in, well, probably over a year at this point. What do you say?”

Rick was astonished at how convenient everything ended and gave a smirk

“So funny story, haha, I uhhh had plans to take you on a date TODAY.”

Rick gave a laugh and showed Ari a hand woven picnic basket, a couple of flowers, and a blanket.

“I asked Risah ahead of time, but I’m guessing she didn’t tell you, Which is good because I uhh wanted it to be a surprise.”

He offered an arm towards Ari and gave a warm smile

“Sooooo, would you do me the honor of being my date and eating this delicious basket of food with me?”
Posted Sep 1, 16

“So funny story, haha, I uhhh had plans to take you on a date TODAY.”

Ariabelle couldn’t help but smile. Of course he had plans to surprise her today. He always seemed to be the one surprising her.

I guess I should’ve known better than to try to surprise him. Though, one of these days, I’ll pull it off. She smiled to herself.

“I asked Risah ahead of time, but I’m guessing she didn’t tell you, Which is good because I uhh wanted it to be a surprise."

“No, she didn’t say a word. Though, come to think of it, she did have this twinkle in her eye that I brushed off as nothing. Maybe that should have given it away.”

Giggling softly, the Miqo’te took the Hyur’s extended arm.

“Sooooo, would you do me the honor of being my date and eating this delicious basket of food with me?”

“Why, of course I would. Where did you have in mind for this picnic? Because I happen to know of a certain waterfall which might be lovely.”

Contented, Ari let her head drift to Rick’s shoulder as she waited for him to respond.

I really am lucky to have someone who loves me enough to continue to surprise me, even after three children.

“Well I was going to say an Island, but a waterfall sounds more lovely.”

He gave a kiss on her head and they both made their way to their destination.

After arriving, setting up the picnic, and preparing the meal, Rick decided to give a gift to her. He went into the basket and took out a small barrette. The barrette had a light blue stone with a silver setting and two indigo-colored feathers with white tips coming from behind the stone and setting.

“So I while I did some training with Cullen, I decided hey, I could use some clothes and while I was searching in the ruins I found this barrette and thought that it would look beautiful on you.”

He made his way to Ariabelle, kneeled, and placed the barrette on her head. His eyes seemed to sparkle as he looked at her and gave a loving smile.

“I gotta say, you look absolutely gorgeous.”