[Automatic] (An Aarmau AU)

[Chapter 11] Conflicted

"Where are we going Katelyn?"

I quickly followed behind my blue haired friend, as she pulled me through the castle corridors. I had arrived earlier that morning, with the intent to check back up on Nicole. When I had finished however, Katelyn insisted I come with her to meet someone.

"We're almost there", she reassured me. "Just a little farther now"

I continued keeping pace, as we twisted and turned down the multiple hallways. How Katelyn didn't get lost in this place on a daily basis, was a mystery to me.

We stopped at the end of the last hallway, and stood in front of a large wooden door. I could smell something delicious coming from inside, so I could any assume it led to the kitchen.

Katelyn pushed open the door, and the sudden smell of so many different types of foods made my mouth water. I was correct in my assumption that it led to the kitchen. Multiple chefs lined the counters, each preparing a different variety of food. None of them even glanced our way as Katelyn pulled me through the doorway.

Everything around me smelt amazing, and I couldn't help but wish I could try some. I knew that wasn't why we were there, but it took all my willpower not to swipe a croissant.

We reached the back of the kitchen, where a giant display of pastries and cakes aligned the walls. Growing up, I only got to try sweets like those once a year on my birthday. So I was in awe how many were just sitting there, waiting to eaten.

"Ah Katelyn, I didn't expect to see you here", a voice behind us said. We both turned, and a man with brown hair and eyes greeted us. "And you must be Aphmau", he said, wiping his hands on his apron, "I've heard a lot about you"

Katelyn laughed, and the man smiled. "Aphmau", she said, "This is Liochant, a baker here at the castle"

He extended his hand, and I shook it. "It a pleasure", I said, praying I didn't accidentally raise my metal hand.

"Do you know where Kawaii~Chan is?", Katelyn asked him, as we both dropped our arms, "I also want Aph to meet her"

"Last I saw she was in the storeroom", he responded. "She's been trying to make this new sherbert cake for the party, but all her attempts so far have been flops"

"We better go find her", Katelyn told him, grabbing my arm. "Thanks for the help Leo"

"No problem"

I waved goodbye to Liochant, and we walked back into the sea of chefs. We maneuvered through all the worker, trying not to disturb them. The last thing I wanted to do was crash into someone, and complete ruin whatever they were trying to make.

We soon came to another door, which Katelyn led me through. Looking around I found we were in a room stocked full of food. Anything you could ever need was there, from spices to meat.

"Kawaii~Chan", Katelyn called. "You in here?"

"Katelyn~Chan", a higher pitched voice called back. "Is that you?"

A pink haired girl came around the corner. She had a matching pair of cat ears and a tail, and was covered completely in floor.

"Katelyn~Chan!", she said happily. "Oh Kawaii~Chan is so happy to see you"

When she turned and saw me, her face lit up. "You must be Aphmau~Chan", she said cheerfully, "Oh Kawaii~Chan has been so excited to meet you!"

"It's nice to meet you Kawaii~Chan", I told her.

"Hey Kawaii~Chan", Katelyn said. "Liochant said you were working on a new type of cake"

"Oh yes", Kawaii~Chan said. "Kawaii~Chan is, would you and Aphmau~Chan like to try it"

Right on cue, my stomach grumbled. I had skipped breakfast that morning, since I had slept in and wanted to get to the castle as soon as possible.

"Kawaii~Chan will take that as a yes", she said, giggled a little, "Follow Kawaii~Chan over here, the cake is almost finished"

Xx

"You did what?!"

"Shhh", I said quickly, putting a hand over Garroth's mouth. "I have told anyone yet, so don't you say a word about it"

"I won't, I won't", Garroth said, pushing my hand away. "But are you sure this is a good idea? I mean come on Aaron, you're a prince!"

I looked down at the ground. "I know Garroth, I know I shouldn't have, but I can't help the way I feel about her"

Garroth sighed, knowing about my secret crush. "I understand Aaron, trust me I do, but when your father finds out you invited a mechanic to the party, who knows how he'll react"

"Don't you think I've already thought about that?", I asked him. "I'll just have to cross that bridge when I get to it"

Garroth looked at me, his eyes full of sympathy. "You really love her, don't you?"

"Yes Garroth", I told him. "I know I shouldn't, and I know I can never have her. Yet, no matter how hard I try, I can't stop think about her"

"You do know you're a prince Aaron", he said, putting a hand on my shoulder. "If you really love her, you can have her"

"But what if she doesn't love me back?"

Garroth laughed. "I don't see how she couldn't, but if you're really that concerned, just ask her on a date or something"

"I don't know", I sighed. "I've never been good with social interactions. Besides, I don't even know how to talk to a girl, let alone ask one on a date"

"Dude, just be yourself, that's how you got this far. If you want to know if she really loves you, just be yourself"

I shifted my gaze out the window that sat on my far wall. It was late afternoon, so the sun was shining down on the beautiful castle garden. Aphmau said she might come in sometime today, so she could check on Nicole.

"Yeah", I replied quietly. "You're right Garroth"

"Well of course I am, but thank you anyway"

Heyyyyo, Lizzy here.

Guess who's not dead! Yep, it's me. Shocker right?

So fun fact, I wrote this in the middle of school. That's how desperate I was to write. Lucky me, nobody gave it a second glance, so I didn't have to explain anything.

Anyway, thanks for reading this chapter. If you enjoyed it, make sure to leave a vote, and comment if you'd like. I always love reading all the comments you guys leave!

Until the next chapter, bah bye!

-Lizzy C.