Harem Hero

Rias and Mitsuru's Excellent Adventure - Part 2

The first port of call for Rias and Mitsuru was one of the major shopping districts in the city, more specifically an upmarket store that dealt in women's fashion. Mitsuru had never once in her life worried about her appearance. Old t-shirts, baggy tracksuit pants and frumpy jumpers were her motif of choice. Her short stature and large glasses made the concept feel like a lost cause from the start. Rias did not agree with that assessment. Dressing well was the easiest way to make oneself look more attractive without any real effort. If Mitsuru had a new wardrobe, one she could easily afford thanks to her Mother's meddling, she had a much better chance of stealing your heart.

"This is enemy territory," Mitsuru muttered, "The realm of normies..."

Rias rolled her eyes and dragged the nerdy girl down one of the aisles. She already had a fairly good idea of what type of clothes Mitsuru would accept wearing, but she wanted to make extra sure that she was agreeable. Rias presented three different mannequins to Mitsuru and pointed to them; "We can go one of three ways. Sexy, cute, or cool. Which one would you prefer?"

Mitsuru exhaled, "Do I look cute or sexy to you?"

"You're cute," Rias replied.

"Am not. Just pick something that isn't super embarrassing."

Rias knew that 'super embarrassing' meant anything that didn't already match her chosen aesthetic. This was a situation where the band-aid would need to be ripped off quickly and harshly. Mitsuru needed an injection of confidence and an assurance that you wouldn't react in a big way to her changing things up. It was very easy for people to get trapped, even should they wish to change. Perceptions were self-reinforcing like that.

The first step was picking something that Mitsuru would find somewhat agreeable. Rias studied the racks and mannequins closely, piecing together several interchangeable outfits that covered a wide gamut from being modest, to cute, to stylish. She also chose some clothes that Mitsuru could use in the laboratory without constricting her movement. She could feel Mitsuru's eyes digging into her back as she worked.

That sense of unease only grew when they reached the dressing room. Mitsuru was looking less and less enthused by the moment. Rias dumped the pile onto the wooden bench and waved her in, pointing out which pieces go with what.

"Okay, so just pick out any of them and try it on."

Mitsuru sighed in resignation, "Fine."

The curtain was drawn shut, and Rias waited outside by tapping her foot on the floor. She hoped that Mitsuru would see the wisdom in her approach after wearing one of them for a little while. Mitsuru took her time making sure that everything was on correctly. A few minutes after entering, the curtain was tugged open by a dour looking scientist. She had chosen one of the 'safer' outfits from the offering.

Rias had to admit that she looked really great! The leather black skirt cut at an askew angle, the green jacket and white undershirt – it really brought out her serious side. Mitsuru spun in place so that Rias could see her from every angle.

"I think that looks amazing," Rias nodded, "What do you think?"

"It's not the worst."

Better than nothing, Rias thought. The fashion show continued for nearly an hour as Mitsuru approved and rejected various options. When all was said and done, things had been narrowed down to a dozen or so different selections. Rias was surprised at how much Mitsuru had taken to the idea in the end, perhaps because she had mentioned impressing you a few times just to encourage her.

"But new glasses? Do you realise how thick these lenses are?"

Rias hummed, "Larger frames are in style, are they not? I'm sure there are many good choices that will allow you to see properly."