Emma and Karin go fishing (Emmakarin)
Gentle waves lapped against the stony shore, seeping into the loose carpet of dark gray beneath Emma's feet. Evergreen teal scanned the point between the water and the sky, releasing a warm breath into the wind.
Hot and fuzzy brushed against her feet. She looked down, lips forming a wide smile. "It's a perfect day for fishing, isn't it Karin?"
A long purr was her answer. Satisfied, the brunette scoped along the water, watching the peaceful lakeside curl around a tree line. Tall spires of cypress recovering from the cold winter. Winds still carried its piercing snap, but the sun overhead felt just warm enough for Emma to come out and try her luck.
If Karin felt brave, then perhaps she just might fish her first catch today.
"Where do you think is a good spot?" Right as she spoke, Karin began to walk, gracefully navigating the drier spot of the shore. Emma giggled, following suit. "Lead the way, then."
The pair strolled along the shoreline of the lake. Emma carried a fishing rod on one hand, a gift from Ai, and a tacklebox on the other. Stones scraped together underneath the weight of her boots, a contrast to the soundless pace of her companion.
Luxurious fur, dark in hue swept with the gentle winds. Karin looked unbothered as she walked. Up ahead were a few larger boulders. She jumped onto the largest one with ease, flashing a look at Emma. Black slits stared, alluring blue prompting a small laugh from the brunette.
"Trust me, I'll get one this time!"
In response, Karin curled into herself, lying down on the warm stone.
Emma took a spot on an adjacent rock. It was flat, perfect for her to place her tackle box. She remembered the teachings of her blonde friend as she affixed the hook and bait. Karin watched with rapt interest at the vibrant fake fish.
"Do you want one?" A question immediately answered with an enthusiastic meow. Emma laughed, selecting a bright purple lure. Removing its hook, she tossed it over. Karin caught it with her mouth, then grabbed hold with all four paws. "Don't try and eat it now, I'll catch us a real big one in a minute."
Affirmed with a busy tone, Emma resumed readying her line. She held it up to her, watching the glimmering lure beneath the sun.
A smile showed. Ready, she took a few steps forward.
She took a deep breath, holding the rod with both hands. "...Right!"
Arms drew back, Emma remembering the motions taught by Ai. Making sure to avoid hitting Karin, she casted the line a good distance into the still water. A small plastic ball bobbed along its surface, causing ripples to break through.
Emma reeled the line out more, turning gently on the crank. She watched the water. No takers, as expected from the sudden noise.
The air was peaceful, the lake filled with a gentle breeze, calm waters, and the soft rustling of trees. Emma leaned against a rock, its surface flat and warm. Eyes remained on the bobber, swaying along the water.
"So..." Emma chewed her lip, sneaking a glance at her sole companion on this excursion. "Anything new, Karin?"
A sharp eye met her quick stare. Karin seemed to have lost interest in the purple lure, left by itself halfway hidden in lush dark blue fur. Emma hummed, nodding. "I see. You like the new bed I got you?"
She answered with a purr, lying her head down above her arms. "I'm glad! Now you can sleep on your own bed now instead of going on mine."
Karin raised her head up, then mewled. The brunette rolled her eyes at the sound. There was another, and this time a sigh escaped. "Fine. I'll let you sleep sometimes."
Again, Emma turned to lengthen the line. At her side, Karin nuzzled into herself, victorious. A gust passed, and the bobber shook along the water's surface.
As it died down, it persisted. Emma blinked, then watched as the bobber suddenly dipped underneath. In a flash, the line was pulled, the sharp hiss of the rod stopped when Emma gripped the reel. "Oh! Karin, I think we got one!"
She began to turn on the reel, pulling the catch back. The bobber resurfaced, and the activity made the water busy. Emma was patient, remembering the rhythm of reeling and holding.
Even Karin had come close, watching closely alongside Emma. The fight was difficult, tugging tightly on the line. "Geez... It's tough!"
As she gave the rod another hard pull, Emma felt warmth brush against her side. She spared a quick glance, seeing Karin poised and attentive at the approaching splashes.
Emma looked back, then gave it another hard pull.
"Heave, ho!" she shouted, arms raised overhead. Her catch was pulled to the gravelly shallows, the water not enough to swim in. Sleek scales and an almond-shaped body. Karin hopped off the rock, approaching the flailing fish.
"...I caught one," Emma muttered to herself, lifting the line and raising the fish off the ground. In shocked silence, she grasped her catch with both arms. Her clothes were now wet, but she cared little. Her eyes scanned the fish, its length near the size of her forearm.
Karin hopped on the boulder, almost at eye level with the fish. She stared at the life fading away, then placed a paw over its scaly body.
Emma watched as she gave a deep bow, then a soft meow.
"We caught one, Karin!"