Sometimes she forgot that her books were actually pretty popular. Having gone to the Lilicove Shopping Mall bookstore, she had forgotten that people might recognize her. Her little mistake resulted in a small impromptu book signing with the fans already there.

Now though tired, she felt a sense of Butterfly’s in her stomach as the recognition gave sustenance to her author’s pride.

Clad in a rather casual outfit made of a thin black shirt, a simple black jacket that hadn’t been zipped, and a fitting pair of pants and shoes. Cathrine Walked down the street, eyes filled with new life, she quickly spotted a familiar cover in the hands of a woman who was walking.

Oh my, brave and inattentive.

A small smile formed on her lips as she saw the woman walking while she was consumed by one of the more lascivious books Cathrine had written. A Furret by the woman's side surely it would warn its owner of the approaching author. Cathrine pretended not to have noticed the woman. Alas, Cathrine seemed to have been wrong about one thing. The Furret did not warn their owner.

And so she felt the combined force of a book and a face hitting straight into her cleavage as if they had directly aimed for the spot.

Once the shock of impact had gone, she’d take a step back releasing the woman from her cleavage prison. “Oh I am sorry, I didn’t look where I was going. Are you all right?” She beamed a friendly smile at the woman and awaited her response.

TAG: Aki Kumori

The woman didn’t answer her question. Perhaps she hadn’t heard her, all she squeaked was a similar but shorter apology.

“Oh don’t worry about it.” Cathrine retrieved a neat-looking handkerchief from one of the pockets on her jacket. It was clean and folded in a square as she pulled it up. Definitely, something she carried because it was neat to have around, even if it didn’t see much usage.

“You definitely came out of this worse than me. You are bleeding.” She offered the handkerchief to Aki, granting her a way to deal with the bloody nose that was sure to stain her clothes if she didn’t stop the blood.

TAG: Aki Kumori

Oh, she hadn’t noticed.

It was a bit endearing to watch Aki realize the red liquid oozing from her nose, only to be halted by the item Cathrine offered. The way Aki checked the book did not go unnoticed. It pleased Cathrine to see her work so appreciated, and so loved.

After having made sure the book was safe it seemed Aki was finally processing the identity of the person who stood before her. A small chuckle escaped her as Aki proclaimed she needed a hole to hide in.

“Oh please don’t. I enjoy meeting fans, especially ones so brave as to read those books in public.” She made sure to accentuate the implication of the content of the book. “Perhaps instead of digging a hole, perhaps I can offer you a drink? I am sure there’s somewhere nearby where we can chat.” Cathrine paused. “Unless you have somewhere else to be?”

She seems a bit insecure about herself

Some might have written it off as being star-struck, she might’ve been inclined to believe it if she only had the deerling eyes and the way she held the book to her chest, to go by. But Cathrine noticed the way she tried to quiet her excitement, looked down, and shuffled her feet. It reeked of insecurities.

Though as Cathrine’s gaze took in Aki’s physique, she couldn’t quite fathom why someone like her would be so insecure in herself. Though perhaps it wasn’t her physique she had insecurities with. Oh, the pondering. But she had to remind herself to not fall into the same trap as Aki had moments prior.

“Dear, I wouldn’t be asking if I wasn’t sure.” Cathrine paused for dramatic effect. “But before we go somewhere, I must know. What is your name?”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Aki.” A beaming smile to the now bubble girl before Cathrine kneeled down to offer a greeting to the Furret. “And it is also a pleasure to meet you too Techu.” She offered the hand allowed the Furret to sniff it before she would attempt any patting on the head.

Once patting had been done she’d get back up while saying. “It really isn’t.”

Cathrine then turned her attention to the street, she didn’t really see any signs that caught her attention and so turned to Aki for help. “Though I must admit. I am a bit unfamiliar with the area. Do you perhaps know a place?” Cathrine awaited patiently for Aki’s answer.

Techu perked her ears, looking at the hand and giving it a few sniffs. Deeming it acceptable, she rubbed her head into the pets with a happy trill. Tail wagging behind her and now going to demand pets from Aki. Who was happy to pat the furret.

"Oh!" Looking around, she was trying to remember that little hole in the wall tea shop she had been to before. It was very homely, cozy, and had the best tea. "There's this little tea shop, if you like that? I like going there to read.."

Which mean she tucked herself into the corner with her dirty novels to be a heathen. "It's near the beach."

Perfect!

The description Aki gave of the place definitely sounded like a place where two consenting adults could get to know each other better over a cup of tea. “Sounds perfect.” Cathrine proclaimed. Though the perks of a potential beach view were not lost upon her.

“Lead the way.” She gestured for Aki to take the lead. “And since you know the place, perhaps you can enlighten me on some of its specialties,” Cathrine suggested. For a moment she considered releasing one of her own Pokémon to keep the Furret company but decided against it.

Cathrine noticed the giggle that was quickly hidden. She noticed the blush as well. Is she so unaccustomed to being viewed in the spotlight? The scent of a challenge had reached Cathrine’s nose. And she was all for it.


And as they walked, Cathrine listened attentively to Aki describing the tea selection. She had to admit Aki’s cuteness was winning her over, she would definitely have to find some way to write a similar character into her next book, whether it be one of her more family-friendly ones or one of the more exotic ones variety was still to be decided.


By the time they were nearing their goal, Aki spoke of Tomato Tea. This piqued Cathrine’s curiosity especially so. “Well, I must admit I have not tried Tomato tea. Perhaps today will be the day.” She mused. “Though I will admit, I am partial to a good Rose tea…” Another musing.


“What do you think, Aki? Would I be better of with the known or should I seize the opportunity?” She already had a guess. But perhaps Aki would surprise her.