Just… breathe… like Hiro told you… Like everyone told you…
Kathleen looked at the judges before her as they looked at her work, jotting things down as they read her notes.
"So tell us Ms. Coleman, what do you hope to accomplish with this?"
"I intend to help those who are having a hard time getting nutrient. Something like this would be very helpful to those who have allergies to foods that have certain nutrients they need or are unable to keep food down or worse just can't eat anything at all." She took a deep breath. "My main purpose is medicinal, mana would be a huge help to those in need of a source of nourishment and are unable to get it." she gave a bow. "That is all."
The small crowd that gathered applauded as the judges went back to their notes looking at her work as well as that of others.
The team headed over to her once she was off the stage, Hiro pulling her into a hug.
"You did great up there."
Kathleen hugged him back, sighing in relief.
"Thought I was gonna choke for a minute."
"Didn't look like that to me." Hiro smiled pulling back a little. "You were a natural."
"My little Kathleen is growing up." Honey sniffled, wiping away proud tears. "Oh I'm so proud."
Gogo ruffled Kathleen's hair. "That's our girl! Womaning up and showing 'em who's boss!"
"Nice job Kit Kat." Tadashi smiled putting an arm around Honey's shoulders.
"You did good." Wasabi smiled.
"More like AWESOME." Fred grinned, patting her head. "You spoke clearly and stuff."
Kathleen giggled. "Little wobbly at first but then… it just came out."
Hiro chuckled hugging her again. "You were awesome. Not everyone needs to jump around the building." Yeah I admit I was just showing off…
"Just hope the judges think so…" Kathleen hugged Hiro tightly. "I'm still a little nervous about that part…"
Hiro hugged her tighter. "I know you'll do fine… Just keep breathing... It'll work out. Right guys?"
"Yeah!"
Kathleen smiled.
"Thanks guys…"
"Anything for our Kit-Kat."
"You're one of us now!"
Hiro chuckled. "Just need it to be official…"
Kathleen nodded.
It was about another hour before the judges came forward on the center stage of the show case.
"We have seen many entries tonight that are wonderful and outstanding. It truly has been hard to choose who should be allowed to receive this letter of acceptance to SFIT but we have finally come to a conclusion."
Kathleen gulped, shaking a little. Hiro squeezed her shoulder.
One of them smiled as they spoke. "The winner of the scholarship… Is Ms. Kathleen Coleman… Congratulations!"
She gasped, bringing a hand over her mouth.
I… I actually did it?
The judges looked to her, gesturing her to come up. She quickly made her way up, being greeted by the announcer who she knew as the lead teacher in the robotics lab, Lance Wylie.
"I look forward to having you in our class Kathleen, you really shined tonight."
Kathleen bowed. "Thank you sir… thank you so much."
Lance chuckled, before both posed for a few pictures.
"Alright go on, you got some friends to be with."
Kathleen nodded quickly, running off the stage back to the group, holding the letter up high.
"I DID IT!"
The group erupted into cheers, hugging her, ruffling her hair.
"Kat! This is amazing!" Hiro grinned before he pulled her close… Kissing her.
Kathleen's eyes went wide, looking at Hiro in surprise before they relaxed, bringing her arms around him, kissing him back.
They stayed like that for a moment before breaking the kiss. "Wow…" Hiro breathed grinning. "That… Felt really cool."
Kathleen nodded. "Y-Yeah… Oh Hiro.." She embraced him, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm gonna get to be with you guys…"
"EEE! There's our champ!"
"Eh?"
Kathleen looked to see her friends charging over.
"Oh no-"
CRASH
Kathleen was tackled to the ground as her friends all tried to get their chance to hug her all yelling their congratulations or trying to speak at once. "You did it!"
"We knew you could!"
"And you got the man too!"
Kathleen blushed madly.
"G-Guys!"
"What?" Kailey grinned. "We saw that!"
Kathleen sighed, shaking her head.
"Can't win."
"Actually…" Hiro held up the envelope. "You did."
She laughed. "Yeah… I did… Oh gosh…" She squealed a little. "Alright home made ice cream on me!"
Everyone laughed as they started to head out. "Nothing is better than free food!" Fred cheered.
Hiro smiled keeping in step with Kathleen offering her an arm. "Especially Kat's."
Kat smiled, blushing a bit as she looped an arm around his.
"I'll be sure there's enough for everyone then."
Hiro kissed her cheek. "Sounds like a plan…. I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks Hiro… that means a lot…"
"Anytime Kat… I'm really happy for you."
She rested her head on his shoulder a little, sighing happily.
"This… has been one of the best nights of my life…"
Hiro rested his head against hers.
"I'm glad Kat… And this is just the start of the rest of your life… Welcome to SFIT."