⚠ Warning: Intimacy and strong scenes
📣 🔔Aoi Todo & OC: Fluff, Comedy, Romance.

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Aoi Todo currently watched the girl of his dreams peruse through the aisles of their local supermarket, she pushed her shopping cart leisurely. He took in the gentle sway of her hips as she sauntered on adding a box of cereal to her cart.

Aoi was no stalker, he just happened to find her by a lucky chance whilst coming in to grab some groceries himself.

His mind flitted back to that lucky day... Aoi Todo had met Emiko Watanabe a month ago at a Takada-chan meet and greet event. Aoi was taken away with how gorgeous she was. She looked so similar to his Takada Chan that he did a double take.

Emiko was tall for a woman with blond hair tied up into a high ponytail. Something about her caught his attention and made him want to pursue her, get to know her.

She could be a Takada-chan body double but he noticed the slight contrast in height and hair colour, being a Takada-chan fanatic himself.

Emiko was around two centimeters taller and her hair was a shade paler than his favourite character. Curious in nature as he was, he walked up to her and struck up a conversation not beating around the bush.

"Hello there enchanting lady, what's your name?" He greeted the beautiful woman who wore skinny blue jeans, a formal coat and shirt, with pumped heels.

Emiko gestured to herself, taken aback by the mountainous man that stood in front of her. She was thrown off by his approach and the fact that he'd speak to someone like her. Emiko looked over her shoulder, thinking that perhaps he spoke to someone behind her instead.

She snapped her head back taking in the mountain of a man that spoke to her.
Her eyes roved over his steel like pronounced muscles and absorbed his confident personality. He grinned at her waiting for her to respond.

"You aren't Takada-chan. You fooled many others but you can't fool me." He said after a moment, confirming any doubt he had.

"Makes you a borderline psychotic fan then..." She commented folding her hands.

He chuckled heartily, "Takada-chan is my true love, I've seen no one like her, so confident and cheery. Or so I thought..." He trailed off smiling at her, his eyes meeting hers intensely.

'Is he flirting with me?' She wondered.

"What's your type?" He asked unexpectedly.

"Huh? My what?" She enquired, squinting up at him in question.

Emiko found him to be entertaining and amusing with how raw and real he was. It was invigorating given the fake world of niceties they resided in.

"What's your type of guy?" He confirmed.

"Ahhhh.... I think someone original who doesn't bow to society's' norms. A man who respects me and I can in return respect as well." She replied.

Aoi sniffed sadly shaking his head.

'Is this big guy crying?'

"Wh-why...? Women always talk personality and beat around the bush. The closest thing I got to understanding your type, was the word 'man'." He said in a doleful tone.

Emiko shrugged jutting her bottom lip out in question which caught his attention. He eyed the plump, watermelon-pink lip that jutted out sexily. He had a sudden urge to bite into it.

"Why do men need graphic descriptions of boneheaded body types. Women cling to personality because we are scared. It's a meter we use for safety. Women get blamed irrespective, so behavior is all we got for choosing the right one." She said defensively, staring hardly at him.

Aoi nodded sniffing again, "Well said, it can't be helped. But if you had a physical preference what is it?" He asked prying for more.

Emiko stared at him with a questioning regard, eyes swimming with thoughts, eventually dismissing them with an eye roll she huffed a breath out.

"I guess he'd have to be loaded and well versed..." She commented vaguely making him frown in confusion.

"No, I just said physical attributes not money." He insisted, stunned at her simple answer.

Emiko glanced at him with a bland stare, "Really? I didn't peg you as materialistic. But nevertheless, I guess it was a rather protected description."

"I would say big dicks and expertly skilled in bed. No skinny, scrawny guys, thanks. But he doesn't have to be overly buff. Lean works for me thanks. He needs to be creative in bed, my pallet is rich you see. So I'd sum it up as tall guys with big dicks." She said nodding to herself.

Aoi stood baffled, a slow grin spread over his face. She saw him pump a fist hissing the word, "Yesss!"

'Giving too much away there big guy...' She thought.

Aoi chatted to her a little more about random odd topics unlike the usual things people spoke about on a first meeting with someone they liked.

"Communism or Socialism?" He asked off the bat. Emiko blinked at him taken aback at the randomness.

"Socialism, I like having a say in matters that involve me, even in my country." She answered.

"If you could shape shift, what kind of animal would you want to be?" Aoi questioned, thoroughly enjoying her company.

"Wow that's a tough one... umm let's see. Perhaps a wolf and before you say it's so common hear me out." She said, holding her hands out and joining his infectious laugh.

"Okay, why then." He questioned with a grin, falling for her every second he spent with her.

"Because the males are so loyal and caring. They spend their lives together once they meet, and that's a really rare beautiful thing to have." Her words caught him and he clutched his heart softening a little.

"I would say a lion but now you've made me change my answer to wolf too."

"Why?" She asked huffing a laugh out.

"So that I can be with you as your mated wolf for life." He stated confidently, staring into her eyes.

Emiko was taken aback, Aoi's intense personality and uncanny way of admitting everything honestly had knocked the air out her.

She laughed nervously, not sure if this guy would throw himself on her or smack the living lights out of her, he was intense, she just met him for crying out loud.

He was direct and never seemed to hesitate to say what he felt. She missed these kind of men... Aoi reminded her of the time men were brave enough to initiate the conversation, understand their feelings and protect their women. No bullshit.

The fact that he simply wanted to be friends with her and just talk, somehow made her even more frightened. He showed a level of respect that was dormant in men for ages. In this harsh world, where everyone had an ulterior motive this large marshmallow wore his heart on his sleeve.

Emiko left that day with the knowledge that, Aoi Todo was simply, a sorely misunderstood and misjudged man that meant well. People took one look at him and assumed he'd leave you limping for one reason or the other the next day.

She did too until she spoke with him more. Their talk was cut to an end when her coworker signaled that they were ready to leave, Emiko disappeared from his sight like Cinderella only he didn't have any lead on her except her name.

"I am Emiko by the way, nice meeting you." She said over her shoulder with a congenial smile.

"Aoi Todo. Nice to meet you beautiful enchantress." He tossed back with a wink.

"See you around." She said with a blush.

For the first time Aoi wasn't as excited to be at a Takada-chan event anymore. All the excitement seemed to have left with her.

With that Aoi trudged away sad that he couldn't speak more but excited to have met his match finally. Her straightforward approach toward him and vibrant personality to match his tempo made him smile and he walked with an excited bounce in his step.

A few days later:

Aoi found Emiko at an old construction site, the buildings half eaten and crumbled. He was out for a mission and she was with her team preparing to demolish the place for their next project.

He approached them to ask the team to clear out when she turned meeting his gaze.

"Emiko-chan..." He breathed out.

"You remembered my name." She said, surprised that he did.

"Of course I would, I'd never forget anything about you. What are you doing at such a dangerous place?" He asked frowning with concern. She gestured around her as if it were obvious.

"I am working..." She replied, which piqued his interest.

He cocked his head and took her appearance in. She had on a charcoal gray cotton shirt and dark jeans. She had on protective headwear, a white hard hat and thick soled, mountain boots.

After a few seconds of staring at her wordlessly, she explained.

"I am an engineer."

Aoi's eyes widened in surprise an impressed grin spreading across his face.

"Nice, sounds like you Emi." He nodded approvingly, dubbing her with a nickname.

"What about you? What are you doing here? Who granted you access? This place is sectioned off so we can work." She interrogated, scrunching her nose and eyes up cutely.

Despite being tall for a woman, Aoi still towered over her. He chuckled at her adorable behaviour.

"I am here for work too. I came here to ask you guys to clear out. Our work can get... explosive." He replied remembering that their time was limited.

"I am Jujutsu Sorcerer and I need you guys to all leave immediately. It was wonderful seeing you Emi... Hope fate puts you in my path again." He said parting ways with a wistful smile, leaving the girl of his dreams stunned.

And so it did...

Present time:

"It's miss Takada chan lookalike!" He yelled out not worried about the other patrons. Emiko cringed at how loud he was, ducking behind the large mountains of fruit and vegetables. She crouched low and pushed her shopping cart slowly.

"I can see you still Emiko-chan." His deep voice sounded low behind her.

Jumping like a mouse she straightened smiling sheepishly at him. He glanced at the items in her basket.

"Dinner for one? Why not double it and I can join you?" He said in a deep low flirty tone, towering over.

Emiko cringed inwardly again.
"Sorry I have a boyfriend." She lied.

"Hah! Don't lie to me Emiko-chan! If you had one you'd be shopping more abundantly. You also wouldn't have so much ice-cream in your cart given today is valentine's day. And you definitely wouldn't be shopping at this time on valentines day." He said proudly stating all the points that he found obvious, unaware of how he embarrassed her, in a raucously boyish voice

Turning on her heel she pushed her cart tears forming in her eyes. Aoi persisted onward in his pursuit.

"Where are you going?" He asked confused.

She sniffled, nose blocked eye brimming with tears.

"Far away from you! I don't have time to date. I am trying to make a living and it's pretty hard to get time for myself!"

"I know, the current economy makes living challenging. You'd think people would stop procreating." He said laughing out loud, attracting the attention of other patrons who stared wide eyed at him.

Given that it was the 14th of February, telling people not to have sex on that day, was as good as blasphemy.

"Well then, you shouldn't judge others and mind their business." She sniffed, feeling sorry for herself.

"But look Emi! Fate put you in my life again, we meet again here. Why not give us a shot, they say third times lucky and it's our third meeting!"

She ignored him and turned into the crisps and popcorn aisle. She flung a party size bag of crisps in but Aoi took them out and placed air fried quinoa chips in her cart instead.

Emiko frowned at him crossly, moving to put the quinoa chips back but Aoi held her hands still in his enormous, rough, warm palms.

"Those aren't good, you should eat healthier." He scolded, taking hold of her trolley and pushing it casually forwards.

"Don't tell me what to do. I'll eat how I want you aren't my dad or boyfriend or husband to advise me!" She snapped angrily.

He sighed patiently shaking his head while staring at her with a secretive smile that made her bristle.

"I am not your husband yet. I will be though..." He winked biting his lip, causing her to sputter in disbelief.

"You have to eat healthy from now or when we have our kids, your body will be strained." He said, waving his hands around as he spoke. He added veggie crisps and other healthier options, in her cart which riled her up.

'Ch-children...?'

Emiko hated how her insides fluttered with a wave of excitement that rolled over her at his words.

Grabbing a bag of popcorn seeds he tossed it into her cart.
"Movie. Us. Tonight." He punctuated out winking at her.

Emiko couldn't believe her eyes. This man swooped in and took over her shopping, telling her what to buy and how to live!

All her life she lived alone with not a soul to care for her and here was this large lug inviting himself into her life and apparently for a movie later on...?

She eyed him warily and tried to pull her cart away needing some other things. Aoi reluctantly let go, but followed her close by.

'Why is he following me?' She asked herself.

"Don't you have shopping to do yourself?" She quipped.

Aoi face palmed himself and dashed back to find his own cart wherever it was. It gave her a few minutes to run into the personal care aisle and add her tampons to the cart in addition to some new razors.

'May as well restock since I have the chance now.'

Aoi sniffed her out within minutes and pushed his cart next to hers silently; a grin on his face that bared his teeth, he tried for friendly but some patrons shuddered and briskly walked away.

"Hi there shopping bestie!" He waved. Emiko couldn't help but smile at him, a beautiful movement that made her face light up.

He was so persistent and funny which made him adorable, that she wanted to simply throw her hands around him and hug him.

If she was honest with herself, she never forgot Aoi, the tall muscular guy that was too honest for his own good.

Dating suddenly didn't seem so bad if it was with him. She blushed, her feelings become more apparent to her.

Pulling up to the till point to check out, she placed everything onto the carrier belt and watched as the numbers went up on the screen with each item. Her gut clenched at how high the amount was, she hated spending.

Emiko was an accredited engineer and earned well enough to survive seeing as she was just starting out, but if there was one thing she was, it was thrifty.

Before she could open her purse to begrudgingly part with her money, Aoi pushed his stuff onto the belt also. He shouldered her out of the way and paid for her stuff along with his.

Grasping their shopping in one hand he nodded thanking the assistant. Aoi walked out with a carefree air, holding her hand with his free one.

"Which way home?" He asked sweetly.

Sighing reluctantly she shook her hand free from his hold.

"Why? Why are you so nice? You just met me. I am not giving you my address, you could be a serial killer." She exclaimed. He inhaled sharply, she stepped back thinking he was mad.

"Emiko-chan, will you be my valentine?" He asked, staring at her beseechingly.

Silence. Nothing but silence came out of her, she blinked at him with uncertainty.

'Well this took a different turn.' She thought.

"Give me a chance, I want to get to know you. Protect you. I like you very much and I promise, I'll be a wonderful man to you." He said shoulders dropping slightly as his tone softened.

Her eyes roved around, taking the surrounding area in, lost in thought.

She heaved a sigh, tired from the days events. A thumb rubbing at the tension over her brow.

"You okay with the fact that I am not Takada-chan?" She asked playfully, hoping he'd let go.

He chuckled heartily, in a booming voice. She shuddered a little.

"Well played! That's true that you're not Takada-chan. But you are Emiko, my Emi and while Takada-chan inspired me to work and be a good man, you inspire me to live. You have a semblance of her but there's so much more to you... it's just so wow. She was my crush but you're my first love." He admitted softly.

Emiko sniffled, he was so romantic she wanted to let out a squeal. The exhaustion of the day bore down on her and she swayed on her feet.

"Want me to massage your shoulders when we get home?" He offered, noticing how tired she was. She huffed a laugh out shaking her head at his perseverance.

"I will have dinner with you for now but I can't promise you anything just yet." She said motioning between them.

He grinned catching her hand swiftly again and holding tight.
"That's good enough for me."

They walked to her house, a typical modern Japanese house that was probably built in the 70's.

"This is my grandfather's house that I inherited. It helped a lot which saved me huge costs on rentals when I first got here." She explained taking her shoes off at the entrance.

Todo did the same looking around at the old styled but tidy house.

"We are back." He said softly as he walked in with her.

"It's not much but make yourself comfortable." She said smiling embarrassedly.

Leaving the parcels down he grasped both her hands in his and looked into her house.

"It's wonderful Emi. It has the blessings of your predecessors, never feel shy of where you live, it should always be a place to be respected in a person's life." He said solemnly.

With that he hugged her, a comforting hug that spoke of no ulterior motives. He simply reassured her, his warmth, firm body serving as a comforting mechanism. Aoi patted her which lulled her into a quiet that calmed her down.

"Now what shall we have for dinner?" He asked pulling back smiling sweetly at her. Emi led him into her kitchen placing the parcels down on the counter.

"Can you cook?" She asked with a dubiously raised eyebrow. Aoi flashed a charming grin at her rubbing the back of his head shyly.

"Some things yes, I am not the best." He admitted honestly.

Later that evening, after dinner, Emiko and Aoi sat in front of her TV watching The Wedding Planner, sharing a large bowl of popcorn.

Emiko fought an emotional watery smile at the end of the movie when the main girl and guy finally accept each other.

Aoi wrapped a hand around her a in a way of comfort. He smiled warmly taking in how emotional she got.

"Excellent choice in movies. From now on you get to pick for our movie dates." He announced loudly pulling her out of her movie hangover.

"There isn't going to be a next time Aoi." She said, clicking the TV off and waking up with the empty bowl in her hand.

"Ohhh I am already addicted to how you say my name. But why not!? We are wonderful together." He said adamantly.

She spun around, fighting her emotions hard. Her face red and indignant as she argued back.

"Because we work, hard and long and we're both in dangerous lines of work. What if something happened? I lost my family. It'll kill me to lose someone again." She exerted, fear fused in her features.

Todo fell silent, biting his bottom lip while he processed everything.

"You can't be sure Emi. It was fate that took away your family unfortunately. But it was also fate that brought us together. Think about this without your fears making the decision for you." He reasoned.

Throwing her hands up she exclaimed.
"Okay why do you like me. What is it?" She asked testily waiting for his reply.

"Your independence. How your height perfectly matches mine. How beautiful your hair is. I love your figure. I love the sound of your laugh. Your smile is so beautiful it makes me happy, I want to look at it everyday. You make me want to be better. I feel comfortable around you. Your honesty is wonderful. You're hard working. You have pretty hands, my ring will look lovely on them. You need to be loved, I will be the one to do so. I won't misjudge you like people do. You and I will make a great team. I know we will make good looking kids with our combined looks. Also you always smell so great." He ended, staring at her with pure honesty on his face.

Emiko's face was petrified with the brutality of his honesty. He stood with a humble smile, waiting for her reaction.

"T-That's a lot of things to note and remember about me, with a lot of s-specified detail. Are you stalking me?" She squinted questioningly at him.

He laughed out loud, booming voice many octaves higher than necessary. Still chuckling, he shook his head waving his hands out in surrender.

"No, no, I am just a Jujutsu Sorcerer, attention to detail is a job specification." He explained.

"We were trained to have a keen eye, not to miss anything." He added on, as if it would help her nervous state.

She let out a small noise meant to be a laugh, swiping some hair away from her face with her palm.

"I am willing to woo you Emi. There's no rush. But in the end you'll see me prove myself to you, and you'll choose me." He said with a small smile, sincerity shining in his eyes.

With that he kissed her on her cheek and made his way out to leave. She followed slowly behind, stunned by his admission.

Once he had his shoes on, he turned to stare at her over his shoulder.

"I am glad that a lovely lady like yourself didn't spend valentine's day alone... That would have been an insult to your beauty." He said and left without any further word.

Her heart melted and regret filled her insides. He was genuinely being nice and was honestly interested in her, while she sassed him out and questioned him like a secret service agent.

She looked down at the ground, eyes stinging with embarrassed tears and then a thought popped in her head.

'He'd probably say something like: No Emi, don't ever cry, you must never waste your tears.'

With that her heart swooped deeper with respect and interest for Aoi. The first petals of love blooming.

The following weeks were full of random surprises from him. Emiko saw none of Aoi but was greeted with a gift on her doorstep and a card that had a handwritten message from him.

She found a white cardboard pastry box from a famous bakery and a hot jumbo cup of coffee waiting at her door. Inside the box were lemon and poppy muffins and a croissant.

'𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐦𝐢-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧! 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐲 𝐬𝐨 𝐈 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭.'

A couple days later she found a bunch of pink peonies on her doorstep before she left for work.

' 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞, 𝒔𝒐 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒇𝒖𝒍. 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝑬𝒎𝒊.'

A day later she came home to find a goodie basket of snacks, most of it junk with her favourite chips. Different bars of chocolate, wafer rolls and bags of almonds and macadamia nuts also sitting in the goodie basket. A little card with a teddy bear on it read:

𝐇𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟. 𝐎𝐭𝐬𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐫𝐞, 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡.

A week after that she received a huge gift bag, which contained a large cup of earl grey tea, a take-away box from a bakery which contained a savoury scone and a slab of shortbread. The bag also had a small gift box that was wrapped with a lilac satin ribbon. Inside was a spa voucher for a full day of hair and skin treatment and relaxation.

𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐈 𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤. 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭. 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐨 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱.

She found a bamboo box of Namagashi, Daifuku and Dango on her porch with a note saying:

𝑰 𝒂𝒎 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖. 𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝑬𝒎𝒊. 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆'𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒏𝒋𝒐𝒚, 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈.

It was early spring and the weather was slightly chilly with colour beginning to dot the world once more.
Emiko frowned as she bit into a mochi, chewing with a pout.

In the last few weeks each time Todo left a gift, he somehow managed to pull it off unseen.

The coffee and food would be steaming but somehow, there would be no sight of him. She even ran down the road to try and spot any sign of him, but there was none. He was like some kind of phantom man.

She was on a week's leave and was determined to catch him, because one thing was for sure, Emiko missed him. She wanted to see him, hear his booming voice and look at his broad, confident grin.

Hell she wanted him in her life!

"Alright, alright! Aoi Todo you win! I want us to be something. Your plan worked. Just let me see you. Please." She begged outloud to the empty house she sat in, currently eating some Dango.

Emiko woke up early for the next few days, sitting with a pink blanket around her, cross legged at her door waiting to hear his footsteps and see the shadow of movement from under the door. She waited stubbornly for him, hoping he'd show.

'If this doesn't work I'll pay him a visit at this Jujutsu place later...' She thought to herself on the third day.

Growing desperate she googled his workplace, remembering that he said he was a Jujutsu sorcerer.

She heard shuffling and a soft thump from outside. Scrambling off the floor she jumped up and opened the door, finding him stand taken aback, mildly surprised.

"Aha! Caught you!" She yelled triumphantly. He cocked his head to the side.

"Emiko...?" He said, taking in her wild look and hasty behavior. He had brought her breakfast again.

"Can't run today eh?" She said wiggling her eyebrows at him testily.

"What do you m-"

"- Why were you ignoring me?" She demanded, placing her hands on her hips.

"I was not Emi-chan, if anything I missed you. I was giving you space. Trying to not seem... overbearing." He explained in a hushed voice.

Emi took him in, studying him silently for several minutes. Aoi blinked waiting for a reaction from her.

Emi threw her arms around him pulling him into a tight hug. Her hands couldn't quite wrap around him fully but she held on, eyes squeezed shut.

Pressing her cheek against the rounded firm muscle on his chest she, inhaled his scent, reveling in the moment.

"Emi..." He whispered.

She sniffled, pushing away angrily.
"What made you think it was such a good idea to ghost me!?"

Aoi blinked, trying to figure out what he did wrong.

"I-I missed you..." She admitted, looking away bashfully.

"I-I am sorry I was so resistant at first. I just wanted to make sure-" He cut her apology off.

"No. Don't be sorry, you stood up and protected yourself. You made a very good decision. I admire and respect that. You didn't know me and to blindly agree to being with a stranger would have been very impractical."

"Thanks for understanding. I really did miss you so much Aoi." She said in a whisper.

He was silent for many minutes, his warm hands holding her gently.

"It worked!" He said eventually in a soft voice full of amazement.

Lifting her face up to look at him she stared quizzically at him.

"Absence makes the heart grow fonder." He brightened, singing out his victory.

Emi bristled with a playful frown on her face.

She pulled his face toward hers and pressed her lips to his. She sucked at his plump bottom lip biting on it lightly.

Emiko tilted her head and shut her her eyes, lost deep in their kiss. Todo was surprisingly a good kisser, thick firm lips molded and sucked back at hers sweetly.

Pulling away She smiled.

"How's that for fond?" She asked sassily.

Aoi watched her, amazement and shock clear on his masculine features.

"Date me Aoi Todo. Let's see where this goes." She said, taking hold of his hand.

A soft sweet smile she never saw before bloomed on his face, highlighting how handsome he was.

"You won't regret this." He vowed,placing a kiss to the back of her hand of their entwined hands.

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The seasons rolled out one after the other. Aoi and Emiko had dated for a year, their affection for each other only deepening.

The relentless romantic in Aoi always made time for her and treated her better than any queen had ever been treated.

Aoi's dedication and love earned her respect and love for him.

The couple currently sat on a bench at the park, under a cherry blossom tree that was in full bloom.

Emiko was bundled up in a scarf and hat that Aoi insisted on her wearing. A chilly breeze was still blowing and he didn't want her to catch a cold.

"No Emi, you have to keep warm. I know I am here to do that but I can't cuddle you like that in public." He teased, knotting the thick woolen scarf around her neck.

She kicked up a small fuss, but only so that she could see his protective side which she loved so much. He was so caring and thoughtful. He considered the simplest of things and would have it covered in no time.

Over time he picked up on her menstrual cycle dates and would make sure she had pain medication, heat pads, tampons, comfort food and enough rest. On the days she was on her period he'd come over with food or cook for her, making sure she rested enough.

Emiko fell hard and deep for the man that gave so selflessly and in return she'd do anything for him.

Pink flowers rained down on them, the pale pink complementing the rich colour of the earth and powdery blue sky.

"This years bloom is so abundant." She said chucking as she tried to dust all the petals that clung to her hair.

Aoi stilled her hand, he shook his head. Emiko admired the 2 ' o clock stubble he grew. It enhanced his rugged features and made him look even more handsome.

He picked up a flower and held it between his thumb and index finger, taking in the feel of the petals.

"While this flower pales in comparison to your smile, it looks very pretty in your hair. You look like a beautiful goddess amongst nature." He said, smiling charmingly. His eyes sparkled and reflected the one emotion she never thought she'd feel again. Love.

Aoi knelt down in front and placed his forehead on her lap.

"Emiko, was this last year enough of a trial? Would you consider being with me for life? As my wife?" He asked with a shaky nervous voice.

"Aoi... A-" Her voice matched his. Her hands shook as she ran her hand through his hair.

"Thank you for showing me how to live again. Thank you for loving me. Yes I'll marry you..." She replied covering her quivering mouth with her free hand.

Lifting his head up he smiled at her with a happy grin.

"I knew you were it when I saw you at that event."

The bright genuine smile that his mouth lifted into with the sparkle in his eyes made her heart squeeze. She was willing to do anything to keep that smile on his face. And so she did.

Four years after meeting each other and two and half years of marriage, Emiko and Aoi were parents to adorable twin boys that were a splitting image of their father.

Throughout her pregnancy Aoi watched over her like a hawk. He'd sniff her out and catch her just as she would be about to do anything dangerous in his eyes.

Aoi was even more mindful of what she ate and what activities she did. At two months pregnant he drove to her work location, lifted her up and placed her into the car.

"The early months are very important, you can't strain yourself." He insisted, making her rest at home. He accompanied her for work and made her take on less projects.

"I am earning for you. For us. I don't want you to strain yourself. You carrying my child, it's my job to take care of you. All you have to do is stay safe and rest." He told her comfortingly.

The evening Emiko went into labour, Aoi had been washing up their dishes with Emiko keeping him company.

"I think the sink is leaking." He said noting the puddle on the floor.

"Umm no..." She said shyly with a nervous glance.

Aoi met her eyes and an understanding dawned on him. He rushed her to hospital where he held her hand and screamed more than she did during the labor.

Aoi held his older son, holding a bottle to the baby's mouth. The miniature Aoi drank fervently, gulping down all the milk.

"Yes drink up so that you can be strong like me." He crooned.

Emiko took the baby from him to burp handing him the younger twin to feed.

Aoi cooed and pinched the chubby little cheek of his second son before feeding him.

Emiko's eyes glazed with unshed tears of gratitude.

"Aoi?"

"Yes love?"

"I love you so much."

"I love you too Emi."

With a little honesty, persistence and love, Aoi the hopeless romantic won the heart of his love.

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A/N: I hope everything tied up lol. Had writer block for weeks. I began this story a month ago.

Credit to artists and original owners for pictures used, credit to Redbubble.