Private Soft Steps Into Something New

[Torin Emberlain]

Tag: Katherine Holt

Torin adjusted the cuff of his shirt for the fourth time. It was plain, dark, neatly pressed. Nothing fancy — he didn't really own anything fancy — but it fit him well, even if he felt vaguely like he was wearing someone else’s skin. His boots had been scrubbed clean. His hair tied back. He’d even remembered to shave.

The city rose tall around him, all angles and glass, light spilling like reflections on a lake. He didn’t mind it. The crowds were loud, the air smelled like durasteel and smog, but he could feel the pulse of life beneath it all — roots beneath stone.

But he wasn’t thinking about the buildings.

He was thinking about Katherine.

He stood just outside the restaurant’s entrance — a modest place with warm lights behind its tall windows — hands in his pockets, shoulders set with that quiet stillness he always carried. Except now there was a touch of tension there, a line drawn a little too tight.

He shifted his weight, glancing down the street again.

She wasn’t late. He was early.

Still… he exhaled through his nose, a barely-there smile curling as he looked away.

He wasn’t used to this. Not the city, not the clothes, not the anticipation curling low and nervous in his chest. But he was glad to be here. Because she would be here too.

And that made all the difference.

 

[Katherine Holt]

Outfit: Link
Tags: Torin Emberlain
​

I think my stomach is full to the brim with butterflies.

That was the predominant thought in Katherine’s mind as she walked towards the restaurant. It had been bad enough when she had first met Torin, and throughout their time on Dxun. At least then, she could be ‘distracted’ by the looming threat and danger of madness-driven beasts trying to kill them.

Right now there was none of that, just her own thoughts as she walked. Sure, Katherine could’ve had the taxi drop her off right outside the restaurant. But with how nervous she was feeling, the redhead knew she needed a bit more time to try and walk them off.

Fought against an over-alchemized Terentatek, and yet I’m more nervous about this?

Katherine just couldn’t understand it.

Instead, she pushed her lingering thoughts towards the events that had led up to this point. To say she was overjoyed when Torin reached out, would’ve been an understatement. She might’ve even done a little happy dance, but then again no one else was around to verify the truth of that.

The redhead was admittedly surprised at Torin’s choice for where to go. She had almost assumed he’d have picked a nature walk, or a picnic. While thinking about it, Katherine realized she was thinking a bit stereotypically.

It dawned on her that he chose this because of her, stepping out of his own comfort zone to pick something she’d likely find comfortable instead. You sweet adorable man.

Eventually, Katherine turned a corner and came into sight of the establishment itself. Almost immediately, her eye fell upon Torin as he stood waiting. Katherine could feel heat creeping across her cheeks as she looked him up and down.

He looked like a stark contrast to how he had been on Dxun. But then again, so was she.

Katherine had opted for one of her favourite outfit combinations. A white/light cream top, long green floral skirt, with a brown jacket to top it off. She had also decided to leave her hair down, rather than its usual ponytail style.

“I have to say, for someone who lived amongst forests for most of his life. That style suits you very well.”

 

[Torin Emberlain]

Tag: Katherine Holt

Torin had been trying to keep his breathing steady. Hands clasped loosely behind his back, he stood just to the side of the restaurant's entrance, eyes occasionally flicking up at the passing speeders and pedestrians. City noise blurred into the background. He wasn’t tense exactly, but he was certainly out of his element.

Too much stone. Too much sky without trees to hold it up.

But then she turned the corner.

His breath caught. Just slightly. Just enough to notice.

She looked like she belonged in a dream. Elegant without trying to be, the kind of beauty that didn’t demand attention, but quietly stole it. He smiled before he could stop himself, warm and honest.

"I’m more used to moss underfoot than duracrete, it's true," he said lightly, a grin forming as she approached. "But I’m not completely a stranger to civilisation. I can manage... especially if it means spending time with you."

Their eyes met.

And for a moment, the bustle and noise of the street fell away completely. His voice, when it came again, was quieter. Warmer. Certain.

"You are... very beautiful, Katherine."

After a breath, he offered his arm.

"So... Shall we? I am... rather new to this, so you will have to show me the ropes in there."

 

[Katherine Holt]

Outfit: Link
Tags: Torin Emberlain​

Katherine chuckled lightly at Torin’s answer, using it as an excuse to check him out again. She knew he wasn’t exactly a stranger to things that weren’t nature-related. But it was still quite the shock to see the man all dressed up.

Especially given his choice of attire during their Dxun mission. Not that Katherine would’ve complained, not in the absolute slightest. And that wasn’t even touching on their little cave reprieve to escape the storm.

His comment about spending time with her had the redhead’s cheeks burn a little. Only for them to practically glow red at his follow up comment calling her beautiful. Katherine looked down for a moment, a smile on her face before she looked back up at the druid.

There’s that fluttering feeling in my stomach again.

“Thank you Torin. You’re very handsome yourself.”

With an absolutely happy hop to her step, Katherine took Torin’s offer and looped her arm around his. “Oh don’t you worry, I’ll show you all the ropes.” She replied, a big smile on her face as they went to walk inside the restaurant.

“Though I am curious, did you pick this place for a specific reason, or on a whim?”