Perfect Catch

-30-

With Crow and Emi

Crow sighed again as he still didn't spot Emi. He was sure they agreed to meet at seven and it was nearing seven-fifteen. "You okay?" The young girl, Amanda asked him. "I thought Emi -"

"Crow," Crow and the children looked up, seeing Emi gently running, trying to hold her kimono together as she did, towards them. When she was in front of them she was hunched over trying to catch her breath. "I'm, I'm so so-sorry." She panted. "I got lost."

Crow just gave her a gentle smile as he helped her stand up. "All that matters is that you're here," He said, relief in his voice. Suddenly he heard the children cough gaining both his and Emi's attention. "Oh Emi, these are my jackals. Amanda, Tarran and Frank. Guys, this is the girl I've been seeing. This is Emi, so be nice alright."

"It's nice to meet you," The children bowed making Emi blush.

"It's nice to meet you all too," Emi said bowing back.

"Wow, I love your kimono Emi," Amanda said in awe at the ocean blue colours on Emi's attire.

"Well personally, I think yours is just lovely," Emi repaid the compliment making Amanda blush. "So, what's the plan?"

Thinking for a moment, Crow realised he hadn't exactly put a plan together. Would it be best just to go with the flow? Perhaps let his brotherly side show and let the kids decide what to do first? "What about some food?" He asked feeling his stomach begin to grumble. The children cheered at the idea.

"Can I get a toffee apple?" Frank asked.

"Of course," Crow agreed patting his head. "Is there anything particular you want, Emi?"

Emi shuck her head. She hadn't thought about eating anything particular seeing as he hadn't been to a festival before. Her date just smiled, grabbing her hand and allowed the children to lead the way. The festival was large and in full swing as they continue to walk through. Having now found the food stands, the children all decided to get something sweet while Crow purchased a box of octopus balls for him and Emi to share. "I've never had octopus in a ball form before," Emi looked at the ball on the stick. "Who thought of such an idea?" Crow wasn't sure how he should respond to Emi's questions. Instead he smirked, leaning over an taking one of the octopus balls off the stick and chomping on it happily. "Hey no fair!" Emi moaned and gave a pout.

"It was getting cold," Crow shot back with a laugh. "If you don't eat them soon they'll get cold."

Taking the hint, Emi indulged herself in the round shape octopus. She hummed happily as the taste tickled her taste buds. "It's good." She smiled taking bit of the next one. "I wonder if Lulu knows how to make them."

"My foster mother can teach you," Crow offered, then suddenly realised what he had done. "I-I mean if you would like. I know it's still probably too early to meet her."

"I'd like to learn from her if she can make these," Emi continued to smile oblivious to what Crow meant. "I wonder if Yuya would like these too."

"Hey Crow, can we go do the masks next?" Frank asked excitedly.

"Aw, I wanted to do the toy scooping," Amanda whined.

Crow tried to calm the children down as they started to argue over the next activity. It was decided in the end that the children would do the masks first, then they can play some of the games. As the children found a table Crow knelt down to them and whispered, "Can I trust you guys to behave while I take Emi around, alone, for a while?" The children nodded. "Good, Amanda, as the oldest you are in charge." Emi was confused as Crow walked back to her leaving the children at the table.  He held his hand out and nervously Emi took it. "I figured that you and I could walk around, alone, for a while." He emphasised the word alone causing Emi to blush deeper. She simply nodded and let Crow lead the way through the festival. They passed some stalls selling small trinkets and one with charms. The pair came to a stop when they reached the bottom of the stairs that lead to the temple.

They decided to sit down and simple enjoy this moments peace before needing to head back to the children. "Festivals where I'm from are a little different," Emi started the conversation. "But I think I like this type more." 

"You never really talk about your home town," Crow mentioned with a sad smile.

"I guess I don't have many happy memories about it," Emi responded honestly. "When you lose your parents, I guess being in the place that happens just makes you feel like you don't belong."

"One day, when I have kids, I want to give them the life I didn't have growing up," Crow proclaimed. Emi smiled grabbing hold of his hand. "And lately, I see myself providing that life with you."

Emi let out a squeak in surprise. She wasn't sure how to respond to such a proclamation. "I-I'm no,"

"Don't you see a future with me?" Crow asked. Emi stared to calm down as she saw the seriousness in Crow's eyes. "I like you, I really do but sometimes." Crow had to take a deep breath before continuing. "I wonder why you won't even kiss me."

Emi bit her lip; a small tear ran down her cheek. Humans are so confusing, she thought to herself as she placed her head in Crow's shoulder. "Kissing people," She started. "I haven't done that since I was ten years old and I broke the poor boy's heart." She was honest and being as open as she could. "I want to tell you, I want to show you my feelings but I don't want to hurt you."

Strong arms wrapped themselves around Emi. "I'm more hurt that you won't show me how you feel," He let out a nervous laugh. "Please, if you let me, I want to kiss you." he felt a slight nod oh his shoulder, taking his chance, he lifted Emi's face by her chin and leaned in slowly. He could feel Emi's breath against his lips before he closed the gap. Emi's lips felt soft against his rough lips but still the sensation felt wonderful, even if it was for a spilt second. Crow pulled away with a gulp. Aw crap, Emi was quiet. As Crow went to pull away Emi pushed herself forward kissing Crow full on the lips, taking him by surprise.

Emi pulled away blushing deeper than before. "I like you too," She mumbled. "So, don't get any ideas that I don't."

Crow couldn't help but laugh. "Emi, that's all I wanted to hear," He said giving her another kiss.

Next time - Declan and Shay