“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

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

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

Though Cathrine kept her smile, a hint of sadness could be found in her eyes as Aki’s words were spoken. People could be so cruel. But what followed almost made her mouth fall to the floor. She had not expected Aki to blurt out such compliments.

Once the surprise faded, her smile returned appreciatively. “I am glad that my appearance pleases you.” She paused for a moment giving Aki a very obvious elevator check-up. “But you shouldn’t sell yourself short. Remember beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

And with that statement in the air, she wondered how much more Aki could take off her compliments before changing the topic.

TAG: Aki Kumori

The Totodile hid a reptilian blush as Vivan remarked upon the strength it was sure to have when it evolved. Luckily the rain was sure to hide it.

“I suppose you are right,” Cathrine said. The deflection didn’t go unnoticed by Cathrine. Perhaps taking a dig at the weather institute hadn’t been the right call. Moving on then.

“Hmmm perhaps.” She looked towards Totodile thoughtfully. “I am not a fan of the rain, especially not when I am caught in it.” A chuckle escaped her. “Oh no, I’d rather the water stay in the clouds or the oceans.” But she knew such a request was unreasonable.

“Oh, but where are my manners? My name is Cathrine, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss?”


TAG vivan flores

Cathrine gave an understanding nod. “That is true, and I won’t fault for it,” Cathrine replied. Just in time for Minerva to pop in with the tea and a dose of good mood.

Cathrine smiled and snickered as she saw Aki almost pushing the clerk out.

“Well, to be honest. I can understand why.” An almost alluring edge appeared on her smile as she continued. “Has anyone ever told you, that you look rather cute when you are flustered?” Her gaze did not move from Aki, gauging whether Aki would be taking these compliments in a favorable way or whether she should pursue another topic.

TAG: Aki Kumori

Aki’s reaction amused her. She wondered if the smell was perhaps the reason for the reaction. For a moment her thoughts were led towards paths illegal, smoked herbs in particular.

Whether or not Aki did those, well Cathrine did not care about that.

Though the words that Aki offered did hit Cathrine fairly spot on. She knew well how shallow people could be. Though her dreams had always been of being an author, even she had to eat and she had always been selling as many books as she did now nor she did have the skills to live off of Pokémon training.

“Yeah, people can be sorta rude.” She mimicked Aki’s wording as she went to place a caring hand on Aki’s shoulder, as she’d send the timid bookworm a reassuring smile. “But don’t worry. I like to think of myself better than that.”


TAG: Aki Kumori

Cathrine was strolling casually through the Mauville Mall, clad in rather civilian clothes hiding her among the crowd. She found herself surprised that people still visited the place as Hoenn’s supposed doom came closer and closer. But perhaps this was but one of many ways people tried to cling to what little normalcy was left in their lives.

Could she really claim herself any better?

She came to a halt in front of a series of huge posters near the Mauville Cinema, each poster announcing the release of yet another movie all using their own bombastic imagery. On one of them, she even recognized the faces.

Oh right, I did do that… As if a memory unlocked in her mind she was reminded of a project from earlier this year, with how much had happened since then, she almost felt like a different person.

And for a moment she stood there taking in the sight as she wondered what happened to her co-star Evette Moreau

LOCATION: MAUVILLE CITY -> THE MALL
TAG: Evette Moreau

What a cozy little place!

Cathrine stood outside the front of the tiny bookstore. Dealing with writer’s block, she figured she might as well peruse places unknown to her. Perhaps she would find some inspiration for her latest work or spread the word about her already existing catalog of works.

Well, the options were varied. Clad in simple clothes, a black jacket fit for the season, matching pants and shoes, and hair in a bun. She would seem like just another civilian.

With confident steps and an asserting grip on the door would she enter the bookstore announcing her presence not with words but with the quick swing of the door and burst of air that was sure to follow. Gazed moved with predatory precision around taking in the sight of anyone inside the store be they customers or staff.

TAG: @lucy

It seemed she had been wrong, or perhaps her jovial smile had awoken some tidbits of energy within the woman. Either way, she gratefully accepted the invitation to sit down. Though she made sure that there was enough space between the two that the wetness of her clothes would not seep from the bench and onto the other woman.

“Yeah. If I didn’t know any better, I’d even be inclined to assume my friend there responsible.” The Totodile stopped dead in its tracks, surprise smeared on its face as if it had just been caught with its hands in the cookie jar.

“Though unless he has learned Rain Dance without my knowledge... Then I am afraid I can’t even blame him for it.” She waved dismissively towards the Totodile. It sighed in relief and continued its little enjoyment of the weather.

“But joking aside. What are those people at the Weather Institute good for, if they can’t even predict rain like this?” Cathrine said trying to keep the conversation going.

TAG vivan flores

The assertive grip around her wrist came as a surprise. Though Cathrine could appreciate it when it came from someone so seemingly timid as Aki.

She allowed Aki to lead her through, squishing through the tight path which led to Aki’s favorite place. Another thing Cathrine appreciated was the sight of Aki’s light smushing. While she could boast of not needing to turn sideways to get in there, the emphasis on Aki’s curves that this gave was, as some might say, a gift from Arceus.

But Cathrine made sure to not let her falling victim to Aki’s thirst trap be obvious as she found a comfortable spot there. Instead, she saw the beautifully lit area, stained glass window, and fairy lights. With the two couches, tables, and enough pillows to make oneself comfortable, It was a really cozy place.

But what is that smell?

Cathrine knew better than to ask, but it was certainly peculiar. Luckily Aki’s peculiar wording caught her attention. With a slightly raised eyebrow, Cathrine said with a jesting smile. “Hide?” Her gaze clearly questioned what sort of shenanigans Aki was getting up to at a secluded spot like this.

TAG: Aki Kumori

The teasing eyebrow wiggle in Aki’s direction did not go unnoticed. But as she saw Aki dying inside she figured she did not need to comment on it. Luckily or perhaps not so much for Aki, Cathrine’s name was familiar to the worker.

A small but understanding giggle escaped Cathrine as Aki quickly shushed the worker. By now Cathrine wasn’t sure she would be able to tell Aki apart from a real proper Tomato. Still, as the worker summarized their order, Cathrine would send in a nod their direction confirming the correctness of it before turning to her attention to find a seat.

“So, Aki. Do you have a preferred place to sit?” Cathrine asked. After having briefly looked at their options. Now, her best guess would be one of the tables at the back. Cozy and perhaps slightly hidden? Definitely, the better place to be reading her exotic books in public, if Aki was so inclined.

Another shade of red? Cathrine didn’t let the surprise catch her. She had thought it impossible, but here Aki was defying her expectations.

But their small interaction was quickly interrupted once they got through the door. The worker there seemed to know Aki rather well and perhaps they had caught onto Aki’s redness. They certainly fired a compliment in Cathrine’s direction.

Though Aki tried to stammer a response, naught but a hey emerged.

“My name is Cathrine Fisher, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Cathrine smiled, though the smile was kind it was also devoid of the seductiveness she used on Aki. “Aki has been telling me about how great the tea you serve here is. So I was hoping to try some of that Tomato Tea.” Cathrine said, her voice ever polite.