Cathrine walked leisurely towards the agreed-upon meeting spot. Clad in an alluring Halloween dress that accentuated her form, with a Pumpkaboo motif befitting the holiday, some neat matching stockings, a light jacket, and a pair of nice shoes. Definitely the exact opposite of what would be recommended when traversing into the forests of Route 119. To finish it off a neat little satchel had been slung over her shoulder carrying certain essentials.

But recommendations were for the weak. And she wanted to look nice for her date. It was a special day after all.

With a mischievous grin did she approach Aki. She was certain Aki didn’t know that she knew.

But alas Cathrine was not blind to the dangers of the forest. And so she didn’t approach Aki alone. By her side, a large Feraligatr approached. Intimidating in both bulk and posture, if one did not look upon the goofy smile on its reptilian face or the picnic basket it carried, then one might even feel inclined to be scared.

“Oh my. Aki, I didn't know this was a cuteness contest. Well, you've definitely won this appeal round.” Cathrine couldn’t help herself, she had to. And for a brief moment, she wondered if that’d be what inspired the first bout of redness on Aki’s face today. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting.”

All but a chuckle escaped Cathrine as Aki pleaded for her to not give more ammunition to the skilled tea-maker.

With one final nod did Cathrine acknowledge that she would very much like to go shopping with Aki.

"Well, time flies when you are in good company." Cathrine smiled, acknowledging that Aki couldn't stay here all day.

She hadn’t seen the text message she sent yet. But alas all good things come to an end. This ‘date’ was no exception. But it felt like it would be the beginning of something beautiful and perhaps slightly nerdy.

Color Cathrine surprised. It sounded like Aki came from money. Not that it changed much for Cathrine. She didn’t need money as much as she used to. But it was nice to know that Aki hadn’t lived a life of need. But alas there was little to say to that.

And so it moved on to number exchanging. She quickly tapped her number upon Aki’s phone before handing it back to Aki so she could send a text.

“Yeah, she does seem like a nice person. Perhaps I will make it a regular thing to visit this place.” It was rather cozy here after all. And with that, she emptied her cup of tea. “And it almost sounds like I ought to thank Minerva for having such a great fan.” Cathrine teasingly said.

Cathrine gave an accepting nod and left it at that. No need to pressure, no need to speak further.

The conversation moved on to Minerva. Another nod was given. She could not deny the skill Minerva possessed, as she took yet another sip of the tea. By now her cup was starting to reach its middle. “Really? Since you were sixteen?” Cathrine questioning.

“And of course, you can get my number. But there’s a condition. I get yours too.” She would truly be surprised if Aki denied the request. But you could never be sure in these times.

TAG: Aki Kumori

Oh, so she does keep something from me?

Curiosity had taken hold. She wanted to see. “I am sure it is good. I am not a critic Aki, I am a fan.” Cathrine complimented. “As for the content.” She gave a slightly raised eyebrow glance at Aki. “Based on the content of my books. Do you think a little not safe for work content scares me?”

But she sent Aki an understanding smile. “But I do understand if you don’t want to show it here. But know that I would love to see it no matter what it depicts.”

Cathrine was taken by surprise when Aki mentioned fanart. “Oh you did?” A certain newfound enthusiasm found its way into Cathrine’s voice. This would be a first for her. Mostly because she didn’t often engage with the artistic side of her fandom.

And while Aki was digging for the fanart. She quickly mentioned the greenhouse. “Well, your product is clearly good. You have to show me that greenhouse of yours!” As with all things Cathrine was always interested in finding places to get inspired. Perhaps she would find an idea there.

Anyhow, back to the fan art! Cathrine felt Aki’s head leaning against her shoulder as Aki scrolled through, letting Cathrine’s eyes take in each picture. The depictions were definitely good. Of course, there were differences as there always would be given two different sets of eyes. But they were still good. “Oh, I wouldn’t even use the word ‘correct’ here. I might put the words on paper. But I can’t determine how your mind interprets it.”

“But I can definitely see what it is meant to depict and as with your other work I’d say it looks pretty good. You should definitely keep doing what you are doing.” She paused. “Do you have any more art to show?” Cathrine asked enthusiastically.

Aki was quick to comply. Snuggling into the seat, leaning slightly closer to Cathrine. Their eyes locked. And there it was. The return of the blush. Cathrine didn’t mind it, in fact, it suited her by now. Cathrine adjusted herself leaning in so she could properly look.

Though she tried not to pry. She did let her eyes glance at whatever the phone screen might show as Aki found the ‘art’ folder.

Cathrine watched as Aki scrolled through the sketches. She found herself enamored by the art style and its cuteness. She sent an almost mischievous look in Aki’s direction at the mention of a website.

“Well, I am no artist when it comes to brush and paint. But I will say. I think it looked pretty good!” Cathrine began. “So, if you’ll give me the link to that website it will definitely get a new follower.”

TAG: Aki Kumori

The look of deep thought, the shaking of her head. And was that the hint of returning blush stopped mid-way? Cathrine could only make assumptions based on what she saw. But she was definitely forming some theories.

But what internal thought Aki was going through was halted as Cathrine made her request. Cathrine’s gaze followed Aki as she stood up, she watched as Aki found her phone and went over to her side but hesitated to simply plop down. Instead, Aki merely offered to show her the art.

Cathrine took a quick sip of the tea and then said. “Of course I would like to see your work!” She made a gentle gesture toward the spot by her side. “And please do sit down. I promise I won’t bite unless you ask nicely.” A light teasing streak found its way into her voice.

TAG: Aki Kumori

The Following question came naturally, almost as if she expected it. Though she did take a mental note of Aki's words.

"Well, it certainly wasn't easy in the beginning. But once I started getting feedback on my projects I came to realize that while it might be embarrassing for me for a short while, out there there is someone who will read my works and it will help them to understand or perhaps even discover an aspect of themselves they did not know about."

A surprisingly somber thought. But as she looked at Aki, she knew that she was right.

Turning the conversation to perhaps a lighter subject "Your Art?" A curious tone tried to tempt Aki. "Oh I would love to see any works of art you've made, whether it be painted or written." The last bit said to let Aki know she had caught to her prior words.

Aki's reaction was not surprising. Had she not been quick to remove the tea she dropped then Cathrine would have done so for her.

Anyhow, Aki cane with a rather interesting question. What inspired her to write such books, especially the one Aki had been reading.

"Oh that is a good question." Cathrine looked thoughtful for a moment. She couldn't admit that she started that series on a dare from another author. "Well, my inspiration for that one in particular came from a desire to challenge the mainstream depictions of love and desire, to blur the lines of what is currently acceptableand what could be. If that makes sense." Perhaps it would only to someone who had read her books.

She paused, gauging how much Aki would be comfortable talking about in public like this.

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.

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