Clothes shopping

As you drive, Emi looks out the window, eyes wide with wonder. She’s clearly fascinated by everything she sees. The other cars, the people within, the buildings, all of it is new to her. She explained that she learned of the world from within her cell, but experiencing it firsthand is obviously a whole different thing. The smile on her face never fades, and she grows even more excited as you pull into the parking lot at the clothing store.

The two of you get out of the car, and you take Emi’s hand as you walk towards the store. Emi smiles at you and squeezes your hand, clearly very excited to be doing this. As you expected, a few people stare at Emi, but no one seems to be particularly upset or confused. She appears to be just a pretty, odd girl, and it seems like people simply shrug and go on with their day after looking at her. Thankfully, Emi doesn’t seem to be upset by this, and you lead her inside.

The two of you make your way to the women’s clothing, and Emi once again looks around in wonder. “Ohh, it’s all so pretty…”

You chuckle. “We can look around, and there’s a room where you can try things on, ok?”

She nods, walking over to a rack of sundresses. The two of you move around and find various clothes, until you’re carrying quite a large pile. You make your way to the dressing rooms, and explain to Emi what she’s supposed to do. She understands quickly, and you send her in with all the clothes to try on.

She rejects several immediately, saying that they’re uncomfortable or too big. But eventually she steps out in a knee length sundress that fits her perfectly, and you can’t help but stare at her. She actually blushes a bit as you look at her.

“So…does it look good?”

You nod. “Very good. You’re beautiful, Emi!”

She blushes even more, and after a moment of hesitation, comes over and plants a kiss on your lips. The two of you kiss for a moment, and then she steps back, biting her lip. Still blushing, she retreats into the changing room, leaving you stunned outside. After a while, she goes on to the next outfit as if nothing happened, but the feel and taste of her lips lingers.

Eventually, the two of you have a much smaller pile of clothing that she likes, and you bring them to the register. Emi holds your hand tightly, her smile radiant. The cashier, a middle aged woman, looks at the two of you and smiles, but she doesn’t comment. After you pay, you lead her back out to the car, and the cat girl is practically skipping alongside you. Her happiness is infectious, and soon both of you are smiling widely as you drive back home.

You note that although she continues to watch out the window, she now keeps one hand on your thigh as you drive. It’s as if she doesn’t want to give up contact with you. Somehow, even this small gesture warms you, and you barely remember the drive home as you pull in to park. Grabbing the bags, the two of you head inside.