Valid point.

I have classes! And homework! And neither of those are related to the minutiae of your life! Really, I have no qualifications, my resume is poor and I have no references to speak of.

If I ever hold interviews for micromanager of my life, I'll be sure to send you to the back of the queue.

What, no! At least I know I'm not qualified! Others wouldn't be either and then try to say they were!!

Are you imagining my standards are so low?

... No, but still! That's got to be mid queue, not very last!

Fair, fair.

Thank you. My honor is restored.

I pride myself on my fairness.

That's a nice quality to have.

I certainly like to think so!

Good. Gold star. ⭐

I shall treasure it forever.

As you should!

Okay, going to stop procrastinating on my homework now. Wish me luck against the terrors of economics!

Good luck! Economics will learn to fear your name, I'm sure.

Without a doubt!

Eventually: Saturday morning arrives, and here is Yvette. In nice but casual clothes, pretty but practical shoes, and flattering but understated makeup.

Eden is a few minutes early, dressed in a plain black T-shirt and a slightly beat-up pair of blue jeans. Although the jeans are a little scuffed and the shirt is fairly forgettable, both of them fit him perfectly, and he looks very nice in them. His hair is pulled back into a low ponytail, and he smiles as soon as he sees her.

She smiles back, a mixture of nervous and delighted.

"Hey! You look nice," she says, because it's true.

"Thank you! So do you."

"Thanks! So, shall we wander around and see what sorts of pretty plants are available, or find a map or something and try to hit the high points?"

"I'm afraid I've been here too often for there to be very many mysteries left. I like plants. But I'd be happy to show you around."

She giggles.

"Well, all right then. I haven't been here before at all, so by all means. Give me the grand tour."

Into the botanical garden they go!

There are so. Many. Plants.

Eeeeeee!

Yvette turns out to like plants in more dimensions than just visual appreciation. She coos over particularly impressive varieties of flowers and plants, or frowns thoughtfully at something she doesn't recognize and then immediately checks with an app on her phone. She must know, clearly!

"I've been thinking about majoring in sorcery," she explains, as she carefully snaps a picture of a flower to feed to the tender ministrations of her phone's plant-discernment algorithm. "Probably in natural alchemy, but I think I'd want to wait on having a better perspective after taking the 101 classes in order to really commit to something in particular?"

"Natural alchemy is one of my favourite things! I'm TAing the introductory course this year."