The stuttering was back. Was it excitement or simple emotional overstimulation? Cathrine couldn’t quite decide just yet. Instead, she watched as Aki stood there.

Whatever it may be, it seemed something else held sway far stronger than what excitement Aki contained. Perhaps it was time for Cathrine to be blunt. A sigh escaped her.

“Aki…” Cathrine started. “I am about to be really blunt with you. And I apologize if this might become a bit too uncomfortable.” Cathrine feared Aki might not take blunt compliments kindly, which is why she apologized first.

“Aki you are not Trubbish, you are one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Your personality alone makes you quite the catch.” Cathrine had to take a moment to breathe. “But that’s not all. Your body is beautiful just the way it is. Now I don’t know sexual preferences, that I will admit. But whether you prefer a Man, woman, or anything in between, they will be lucky to have you.” By now Cathrine had figured Aki didn’t have a partner, not one she showed at least.

TAG: Aki Kumori

Cathrine had expected some manner of emotions. However, she hadn’t expected just how much these words would hit Aki. Through tears, Aki proclaimed that all she had wanted was to impress Cathrine, through tears she even admitted to liking her.

The last part surprised her. Though she had thought about it earlier, she had not thought that it would go so quickly. Still, her smile warmed even more, if that was at all possible.

She scooted over to Aki as she said. “I am flattered, Aki. And I will admit I am growing very fond of you by the minute.” She knew the imbalance in power between them, she wished not to force Aki’s hand. But with tears rolling down and Aki trying to wipe them away as best she could, Cathrine had but one action to take.

She tried to hug the shy bookworm. And was it not for the audience she might’ve done more.

TAG:Aki Kumori

“Yes.” Certainty filled her voice as Cathrine replied. There would surely be no way that Aki’s insecurities could misinterpret that. Especially not as Cathrine allowed Aki to find comfort in her arms. A gentle but safe hug was perhaps all the bookworm needed.

Cathrine felt how Aki went rigid for a moment. But then she seemed to relax, ease into the compassion that she was offering, before burying herself. But then Cathrine heard the saddest six words she had ever heard.

Right then and there. Even if in some contrived way Aki was simply pulling a ruse on her, she swore that no more should Aki feel so alone. “Aki, don’t you worry. If you’ll let me. I will make sure you never forget again!”

TAG: Aki Kumori

Aki lifted her head. She saw the cheeks still tinted red. Cathrine made sure to offer a firm place for Aki to lean into as her arms curled around Cathrine’s waist before clinging tightly like an Arbok.

“Really,” Cathrine replied.

“This isn’t a dream Aki,” She chuckled gently. ”Do I need to pinch you to prove it?” Cathrine understood how unfathomable this must be for Aki.

TAG: Aki Kumori

Cathrine understood where Aki was coming from. She had come from those very same terms. Mediocre family of middle-class Alolan Citizens. Expectations were not high. But here she was.

And yet Aki asked a very good question before admitting to her dreams. She'd have to ponder an answer later, first she had the subject of dreams to address. “Sometimes dreams do come true.” Cathrine paused. “Just look at me. Always dreamed of being a famous Author… And here I am hugging my number one fan.” If her smile beamed any brighter it would defy the laws of physics.

TAG: Aki Kumori

Aki’s happiness was contagious. Even as she leaned back.

“Why stop at only one?” Cathrine suggested. The seductive edge upon her lips. It seemed Aki was all too willing to throw herself at Cathrine. And if Aki was available, would it then be so bad for her to lay claim?

“Oh, don’t get the wrong idea, Aki, I don’t want to take advantage of your adoration for my work,” Cathrine said. Cheeks blushing though fully intentional. “I mean even with everything going on in the region. I wouldn’t want to rush anything you wouldn’t be comfortable with.” A pinch of vulnerability in her voice. Would it perhaps hook Aki further?

TAG: Aki Kumori

Caution had been preached to Aki, of this Cathrine was sure. But her bait worked splendidly. The pinch of vulnerability seemed to give Aki enough safety to bite on the hook.

Cathrine chuckled as Aki pointed out they ought to finish this one before looking to the future. "Yeah. Lets focus on this date before looking to the future." Her voice brimming with a newfound happiness.

It was then that her eyes reminded Cathrine of the tea they had been served and clearly forgot about in their flurry of emotions. She took the cup of tomato tea and sipped it. Surprised delight washed over her, even with a fair bit of the warmth gone the spicy still gave it that feeling of warmth.

"You made a good choice with the tea." Reminding Aki of the conversation they had before entering.

"As thanks for the good choice of tea I will answer each and every question you might have about me, my books, anything really." If Aki weren't already living a dream, surely such an offer from her favorite author could make this day nothing short of perfect.