[b][i] – Kathy[/i][/b]

Nodding in mutual agreement not to laugh at each other, she waited to hear Crash’s answer. Another blush started rising up to her cheeks when he leaned over, but she managed to resist all urges to jump back or cover her face again. [b]“It’s purple”[/b] Crash mumbled in a low voice. As he pulled away, she gave him a slightly funny look, but it was difficult to read what she was thinking. Kathy smiled when she saw him put a finger to his lips, making it seem like it was a complete secret supposed to be shared only in private. [i]‘His height really is an unfair advantage at times like this.’[/i] She thought. Now her turn to tell him her favourite colour, she gestured for him to lean in again. Whether or not he did, she got up on her tip-toes and drew as close to his ear as she could. Cupping a hand over her mouth she whispered, “… Now you’re just copying me.” Letting out a light laugh, she slid away from him and let her words sink in.

Kathy raised an eyebrow again when she heard how he got the bruise. Responding to his jest about the record of most accidents she said, “Hey, you’re not allowed to get Crash hurt anymore. I’ll get mad.” She briefly stuck the tip of her tongue out through her smile, a small childish gesture that she hadn’t done in a long time. Crash’s next question was probably the most difficult one he had asked so far. It was so open-ended, and she wasn’t sure what kind of answer she wanted to give him. Then seeing Eric coming up to them, she gently told him, “Let’s take a rain check on that. I’ll tell you one thing after the dinner, okay?”

She gave Crash a chance to finish first before she greeted, “Eric, nice to see you again.” Smiling Kathy reassured Eric, “Don’t worry. The dinner hasn’t started yet.” Then seeing the cartoon girl peek out of Eric’s pocket, her eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, hello.” Despite the fact she felt a little hostility from the small girl, Kathy smiled again and resisted the urge to reach out to the girl with her hand. [i]‘She’s… She’s so cute!’[/i] Giving the warmest smile she could she continued, “I’m Kathy. Can you please tell me what your name is?”