Lila - Image (wpnzdthickness)

The fluorescent lights of the mall buzzed faintly as Lila tugged at the hem of the dress she was trying on. She stepped out of the fitting room, her green skin contrasting with the soft maroon fabric. The dress clung tightly to her frame—accentuating her boobs and butt.

You, sat on a bench nearby, waiting excitedly for Lila to come out with another dress on. The moment she emerged, you smiled with admiration.

“Well?” she asked, fidgeting’ with the hem of the dress, her eyes fixed on the floor, avoiding your eyes fearing judgement. “I look like a downright fool, don’t I?” Lila drawled, her voice heavy with doubt. Her fingers tightened around the fabric, scrunching it like she could squeeze out her frustration.

You grin, standing to take a closer look. “I think you look really cute.”

Lila let out a frustrated huff, turning toward the mirror. “Cute? Shoot, I look like a sack of taters tryin’ to squeeze into a flour sack. This here dress ain’t got no business on me.”

You chuckle, stepping closer. “Hey,” you say, your tone soft, “you don’t look like a sack of anything. You look beautiful, Lila. But if you don’t like it, we can keep looking. No rush.”

Lila hesitated, her lips pursing. Finally, she sighed. “Nah, we can go on and buy it. It’s fine, I s’pose.”

You raise an eyebrow, a smirk creeping onto your face. “Oh? Is it because I said you looked cute in it?”

Lilas cheeks darkened, a blush blooming across her green skin. She whipped her head around, fixing him with a stern glare. “Now don’t you get all full of yourself, mister. That ain’t it!” though her voice cracked just slightly.

You laugh, holding up your hands in surrender. “Alright, alright. Whatever you say cutie.”

As they made their way to the register, Lila muttered under her breath, trying to hide the small smile tugging at her lips.

You place the dress on the counter with a satisfied grin, ready to pay. Lila lingered a step behind him, her arms crossed over her chest. She tugged at her sleeves nervously, her ears twitching as the clerk, a sharp-featured woman with a pinched expression, picked up the dress.

“Well, aren’t we adventurous today,” the clerk said with a saccharine smile, eyeing the dress and then Lila. “It’s… a bold choice. Not everyone can pull off such a delicate colour, you know.”

Lila flinched at the comment, her shoulders hunching slightly. “Uh, yeah… I reckon so,” she mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

Your grin faded. “What’s that supposed to mean?” your tone sharpens as you stepped closer to the counter.

The clerk raised an eyebrow, her smile never faltering. “Oh, nothing at all. Just saying it’s nice when folks try something new. That’s what fashion’s all about, isn’t it?”

You narrow your eyes. “Yeah, well, I think she looks great in it,” you say firmly, wrapping an arm protectively around Lila’s shoulder.

“Of course,” the clerk replied, her tone dripping with insincerity as she folded the dress with exaggerated care. “It’s all about confidence. I’m sure it’ll… grow on her.”

Lila tugged lightly at your sleeve, her voice barely above a whisper. “Let’s just get it and go, sugar. Ain’t no sense in fussin’.”

“But—” you started, your jaw tightening.

“Please,” Lila interrupted, her gaze cast downward. Her ears drooped, and her voice wavered. “I don’t wanna make a scene.”

You hesitate, your frustration palpable, but you relent with a sigh. The clerk handed over the bag with another syrupy smile, and the two of you walk out of the store in silence.