Iceburg knocked on Kate's door, adjusting the sunglasses on his face. He had slipped a note under her door last night telling her to dress herself for a walk in the morning.

It had taken some convincing before Kalifa had allowed him to spend the Saturday morning and afternoon with Kate, cancelling his prior commitments. Kalifa made the excuse that he needed a break, but in reality it was to ensure Kate's relationship with Iceburg became stronger.

Kate quickly took a look at her outfit in the mirror. She wore cropped jeans, a pink v-neck with butterfly sleeves, and white sneakers.

Everything will be fine.

Her face burned thinking about how long she had held onto him yesterday. What was she to do if it turns out Kaku was right about how Iceburg felt?

Kate opened the door, a sound of shock replacing her intended "hello".

Iceburg was dressed in a white suit with orange stripes, a white beret, yellow sunglasses, and also a long black wig tied into a ponytail.

Wow, maybe he has gone crazy

The mayor adjusted his glasses. "Good morning. Hm...well...I thought I'd wear a disguise to make sure we weren't interrupted today!" He blushed. "Is it bad?" He had been so focused on making sure his disguise was perfect, forgetting to consider whether or not it looked good.

Kate laughed, still processing the situation. "Well, I definitely don't think people will recognize you." She continued to laugh.

Iceburg joined Kate in her laugh, a palm on his forehead. "Excellent. Shall we?" He held out his arm to her.

Kate held onto Iceburg's arm as they walked through the town. It had been so long that it felt like she was walking through Water 7 for the first time.

They visited a variety of small shops, ate at a small restaurant that Kate had never been to before, and watched Yagara races. Afterwards, they went to the ice cream shop Iceburg had taken Kate to what seemed like ages ago.

Iceburg groaned as he looked at his watch. "I can't believe how fast this day has gone..." Iceburg had a meeting with the Galley La Foremen regarding the distribution of work loads, as Iceburg now had several different ventures to manage. He was now running a business in jewelry crafting and design as well as a brewery. The meeting was to be held at the office of one of the new suppliers. He had lost track of the time.

"Hiya Kate!"

Kaku waved as he carried a box of various pastries. Despite the smile on his face, he was trying to contain his anger at the sight of Kate holding onto the arm of a man he didn't know.

Who in the world is this fella?!

Kate blushed as soon as she saw Kaku, waving before signaling for him to come closer.

As soon as he was close enough, Iceburg lifted his sunglasses. "Kaku, it's me." He allowed Kaku to take a look at his face before returning his sunglasses.

Kaku nearly dropped the box. "Woah Nelly! I didn't recognize you! Quite the disguise you've got on!" The shipwright chuckled, feeling a mild sense of relief before panicking once again.

Are they on a date?!

Kate pointed at the box Kaku was holding. "What did you get?" On Monogatari, Kaku would often come home with random treats for him and Kate to share.

Kaku smiled back at her, having missed those moments. "Kalifa had me run to get some snacks for our meeting tonight. You can have mine if you'd like?" He winked. "It's a piece of castella cake." It was Kaku's favourite dessert, which had also become Kate's.

Iceburg watched as Kate smiled at Kaku.

Kate's eyes lit up briefly before clearing her throat. "I'm fine, thank you!" Had it just been the two of them, she would have taken a bite right then and there.

Iceburg took the box from Kaku, a small smile on his face. "I need to make my way over before Kalifa berates me. Hm...well...would you mind walking Kate back to Galley La?" As much as he wanted to do it himself; he had already asked a lot of Kalifa to let him miss out on the earlier meetings. He couldn't be late.

Kaku and Kate both blushed as they shot up, trying to hide their excitement.

Kaku shot a finger gun at Iceburg. "You betcha! Then I'll skidaddle to the meeting place right away." He continued to smile at his superior.

Iceburg had a concerned look on his face as he looked at Kate. "I'm sorry, Kate. Is that okay with you?" He smiled sadly.

Kate nodded her head. "Of course! Thank you so much for today." She bowed her head slightly before smiling up at him.

Iceburg waved as he hurriedly made his way over to the meeting.

Kaku pointed in a different direction from the route Kate would have taken back. "How 'bout we take a small detour and go this way?" He smiled at her reassuringly.

Kaku pushed Kate against the alley wall, hidden as he placed a long kiss on her lips. "I thought I was dreaming when I saw you earlier, bunny. You look dazzling." He checked their surroundings before giving her a quick peck, holding her hand as he pulled her away from the wall. "This alley ain't used much. It'll be A.O.K!" He rubbed her hand with his thumb as they walked.

Kate smiled sadly at Kaku. "I missed holding your hand. I missed you." She held onto him tighter. There were several thoughts in her head. She had such a wonderful time with Iceburg, and despite it all-she didn't know what she would do if he ever confessed his feelings to her. Iceburg was her employer, but he was also a dear friend. Not only that- he was doing everything in his power to protect her, even allowing her to live with him. Could she really hurt him in the end?

What do I do?

The alley seemed to be less than a few feet long when Kate and Kaku reached the end of it. There wasn't enough time.

The shipwright squeezed Kate's hand before placing his hands in his pockets.

They stood inside the Galley La lobby. Kate had been silent the whole time, Kaku picking up that something was bothering her.

Kaku quickly examined the area. "Is everything alright, sweetie?" He wanted to pull her into a hug, but clenched his fists to restrain himself.

Kate rubbed her arm before looking up at Kaku. "Kaku...I don't feel right. I don't want to hurt Iceburg..." She bit her lip. The plan had seemed so simple at the start, but she was beginning to have her doubts. "I need to think about...what the right thing to do is. Till then- I think it's best if we don't see each other." As hard as she tried to prevent it from happening, her eyes began to water.

Kaku let out a long shaky breath, feeling his heart sink. "What are ya sayin', kitten?" He took a step closer to her, restraining himself once again.

Kate shook her head. "Please. Just give me a few days to sort my head out...please. I'll be helping Kalifa this week, so don't worry about seeing me at work." She looked at him pleadingly, finally allowing a tear to fall. If she could choose- she would be with Kaku. But if their relationship would be the reason for someone as renowned as Iceburg to snap- she didn't want to have any part in it.

Kaku clenched his jaw.

I guess they were on a date.

He tried to be sympathetic, but the fact that there was a possibility Kate would choose Iceburg over him was driving him mad. Not only would he fail his assignment, but he would also lose Kate. At the same time- maybe it would be best if she chose Iceburg? There were only a few months left before his mission on Water 7 would be over. With Iceburg; she could have everything Kaku could never give her. How could he say he loved her if he wanted her to choose him over the life she deserved? He furrowed his brows at Kate for a moment before looking at her sadly. "Shave."

He was gone in an instant.

Kate quickly ran up to her room, not wanting anyone to catch her crying.

I'm sorry.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

The meeting was long and extremely detail oriented. Kalifa had scheduled the whole meeting down to the very minute. The three hours felt like 10 to most of the participants, but they all knew it had to be done.

Iceburg looked over his notes, not wanting to miss anything. He looked over at Kaku who was seated at the back, his arms crossed the whole time. "Kaku, I am assigning you to overlook and draft all the blueprints for any incoming ships going forward with Tilestone to assist you. I will only be drafting for any VIP clients we may receive." Iceburg clenched his jaw as Kaku seemed to snap out of his trance.

Kaku raised an eyebrow. "That's fine. I'll work late to make sure I can still show Kate arou-"

Iceburg quickly interrupted him. "You won't need to worry about that anymore. Kate will be working closely with me and Kalifa going forward. Thank you for your concern." He returned his attention to his notes.

Kaku had to stop his jaw from dropping along with his heart. In an instant the part of the day he looked forward to the most was taken away.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Kaku made his way over to an abandoned nearby island that night, taking his frustration out on various trees and rocks. He caught his breath as his knuckles bled, his hands shaking from all of his pent up frustration. He was finally at his breaking point.

His growing frustration with CP9, the regret he felt over the Nash incident, and now losing Kate to Iceburg.

Maybe I just ain't destined to be happy.

He screamed as he sliced the top of a mountain in half, collapsing onto his back.

There was nothing he could do but accept it. It was over.

For the first time on Water 7; he wasn't looking forward to work on Monday.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Kalifa adjusted her black blazer which sat overtop of a low white v-neck blouse before pulling up her matching black skirt. She looked at Kate who was seated on a chair in the lobby. She had noticed Kate was quieter than usual, her usual chipper energy replaced by an almost sulking manner. Iceburg had also spoken to her in the morning over the phone, telling her that Kate had been "off" the past 2 days. He had asked her to help him with a small project the previous day, and she had mixed up several important documents. He found this extremely out of character for her.

Kalifa took a seat beside Kate, placing a hand on her leg. "Is everything alright, Kate?" She panicked, hoping nothing bad had happened between her and Kaku. As she thought back to the meeting she remembered that Kaku had also been quiet.

What did that long nosed fool do this time?

Kate faked a laugh as she shook herself out of her trance. "Oh sorry! I just stayed up really late last night. I'm a bit tired, but the coffee should kick in soon!" She held up a small golden can of coffee she had been drinking.

Kalifa lifted an eyebrow, smiling before making her way to the meeting room. Iceburg had told Kalifa that he had important matters to attend to, and that she would have to take his place in the morning meetings. The secretary figured it was probably another animal incident, but played along. She appreciated that Iceburg trusted her with such important matters regarding Galley La. "I hope you'll be okay working with Paulie today..." She tilted her head, waiting for Kate's response. She knew that Paulie was a bit "much" at times, and didn't want to subject her to any unnecessary discomfort.

Kate patted her jeans. "Of course! I even made sure to dress accordingly." She laughed as she pulled the collar of her white crew neck t-shirt.

The blonde beauty smiled once more at Kate. "I'm here if you need me." She waved before disappearing.

Kate sighed as soon as Kalifa left. Although she would be working with Paulie; she knew there was a high chance she would run into Kaku.

I don't know if I can face him yet...

A day had passed since she last saw him, and she still wasn't close to deciding what the right thing to do was.

She took in a deep breath. "I'm at work. I need to put all that aside." She puffed her chest, a determined look on her face as she made her way over to Dock 1.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Kaku wiped his head with a towel before draping it around his neck. Today was busier than usual due to the marine's desire to increase the size of their fleet by the next month.

Iceburg stood behind Kaku, clearing his throat to get his attention.

Kaku turned around, surprised to see him. "Hiya boss! What brings you around these parts?" He placed his cap on his head. He steadied his breath, having spent the previous day processing all that had happened.

If you love her, you'll do what's best for her. No point in holding a grudge.

Iceburg turned away towards the Galley La headquarters. "Hm...well, need to speak with you. Please follow me to my office." He began to walk away.

Kaku sighed inwardly, assuming it probably had something to do with the Marine's fleet project. "Sure thing!"

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Iceburg sat at his desk while Kaku sat across from him drinking a cup of coffee. Iceburg had been reviewing papers for several minutes without saying a word.

The Mayor looked up at his subordinate. "Kaku...I need you to be honest with me." He placed the papers down on his desk.

Kaku took a sip of his coffee before placing it on a coaster on Iceburg's desk. "Of course. What is it?" He wasn't nervous, but he had no idea what Iceburg wanted to know. Perhaps he needed his opinion on blueprints?

Iceburg leaned forward so he could look Kaku in the eye, an unusual seriousness coming from the light hearted Mayor. "Did anything happen between you and Kate on Monogatari?" He remained still, not breaking eye contact.

Kaku's face turned red as he began to choke on spit that had made its way down his throat. "Sorry, what makes you ask that?" He continued to cough, grabbing his coffee to drink but it only made him choke more. His mind was scrambling; trying to find what the right thing to say was.

Iceburg rubbed his head. "Since you both returned...hm well...you've both been a bit odd around each other." He stood up to look out his window. In a sense- it was none of his business...but Kate seeming out of sorts was his business as her employer and as someone close to her. "You are both an integral part of Galley La, and we can't operate with animosity between team mates." He continued to watch Kaku for any signs of dishonesty.

Kaku finally steadied his breathing. He removed his hat to ruffle his hair, still unsure of what to say. The more he thought about it- the more he wanted to hit himself. They had made it blatantly obvious that something had happened while they were on Monogatari...whether it was good or bad wasn't obvious...but he should have known better as an agent of CP9.

Iceburg leaned in closer towards Kaku, shooting him a glance that asked him to answer.

Kaku weighed out his options. On one hand, he could deny everything and insist nothing happened...but on the other hand- he could come clean. He continued to play out the different scenarios, then he finally came to a realization; the correct answer is what "Kaku the Shipwright" would do...not "Kaku the Cipher Pol 9 agent".

Kaku the shipwright was in his early 20's, working his dream job while secretly dating a beautiful girl he had run off to a far away island with for almost a year... The obvious answer was to come clean.

However; he had a few hesitations. He was unsure of Iceburg's feelings for Kate, and whether or not his confession would compromise their mission. What if Iceburg was also in love with Kate? He shook his head, a soft smile forming on his face. It didn't matter how Iceburg felt, because he knew Kate loved him. Even if he confessed to Iceburg; it wouldn't matter. It was Kate's decision in the end, and he would be happy with whatever choice she made.

I love her.

Kaku stood up from his seat, a stern look in his eyes as he faced his boss.

"Iceburg... Something did happen between me and Kate." He paused, waiting to see if Iceburg would react, but he remained still. "I know I'm just a youngin', and I have a lot to learn...but having to stay away from Kate has been killing me. I thought it'd be best if we stayed away from each other. Kate loves her job here as do I, and we didn't want to compromise anything by being together". He clenched his fists. "I care about her a lot, and I want to be with her...but her well being is what I care about most of all. If that means I have to leave so that she can stay at the job she loves, I'll do it. I know she means a lot to you too, but I can't just hold it in anymore." He stood as tall as possible.

What am I doin'?!

Iceburg nodded his head slowly, as if ihe were hearing exactly what he thought he would. "She does mean a lot to me, that's why I'm asking you this." He sighed sitting back in his chair.

Kaku remained standing. "I've got a long way to go...and I know I pale in comparison to you. I may not be able to give her all the luxuries you can...but I know for a fact that..." He shot Iceburg a look that was cold yet full of confidence. "I'm the best darn man for her!" He steadied his breath, trying to keep his emotions from pouring out too much.

Iceburg looked at him with confusion. "What? What exactly do you think our relationship is?" He rubbed his chin, curious as to what Kaku was talking about.

Kaku knew he had to answer, but was scared Iceburg might lash out once he did. "You...you love her?" He raised an eyebrow.

Iceburg nodded slowly. "Yes...yes I do..."

Kaku needed to hear a clearer answer. He needed to hear the full truth, no matter how much it would hurt him. "You...have a romantic interest in her?" He held his breath, preparing himself for the pain.

It was Iceburg's turn to choke on his spit. "Is that what people think?!" He stood up, pushing himself up from his desk.

Kaku nodded, unsure of what was happening. "I mean, how close the two of you are, the gala, it really got folks talkin'..." He took a seat, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Does he not like her?!

Iceburg pulled out his wallet, and opened it before passing it to Kaku.

Kaku couldn't help but feel jealous as soon as he saw what was inside. "Why do you have a picture of Kate when she was younger in your wallet?" He took one more look before placing the now closed wallet back on the desk.

Iceburg laughed. "Hm well...it isn't a picture of Kate." He slid the wallet back to Kaku, who quickly grabbed it and examined the picture more carefully.

He looked over every detail of the picture. "No, I'd bet my bottom dollar that this is definitely Kate." He felt somewhat frustrated. Him of all people would recognize a picture of Kate if he saw one.

What game is he playing?!

The mayor sighed. "That's a picture of my twin sister." A sad smile on his face.

Kaku looked up in shock. "Pardon?"

Iceburg looked at the picture once more before placing it back in his breast pocket. "Hm well, we weren't identical twins. I took after our mother more and she took after our father. You see, I wasn't born on Water 7. I grew up elsewhere on the Grand Line. My sister and I were inseparable until she succumbed to cancer." He took in a breath. "My grief stricken family thought it'd be best to 'restart' somewhere new, and we ventured on the Grand Line...not knowing about Aqua Laguna. My parents perished along with the ship, and I was found on Trash Heap Island by Tom and Kokoro." He looked at the young shipwright to see if his story had made sense. "I saw Kate's picture and accepted her application immediately. Kate is a spitting image of my Iya." He pulled out Kate's application. "Not only that, it was her birthday that helped me finalize my decision." He pointed at the date. "It wasn't the same year, but her birthday is the same date as my late sister's death anniversary." He chuckled softly to himself. "If I hadn't seen Iya's corpse with my own two eyes, I would have believed Kate was indeed her. There was too much coincidence, that I had to meet her for myself." He continued to chuckle. "Hm well, so there you have it. I definitely do not have a romantic interest in Kate...though I do love her as a sister." He made his way around his desk to stand beside Kaku.

Kaku furrowed his brows. "I see. But why did you want to know if anything happened?" He looked up at his superior.

Iceburg placed a hand on Kaku's shoulder. "As her employer and somewhat of an older brother figure...hm well...I want to see Kate happy." He squeezed Kaku's shoulder. "You're a good man, Kaku. When you two fled I knew she would be safe because you're someone who I myself would trust with my life.".

Kaku flinched, feeling somewhat ashamed that at the end of the day he was an undercover agent of Cipher Pol 9...and nothing would change that. The mission would fall through no matter what his feelings were.

Kaku stood up and turned to face Iceburg. "What do you want me to do?" He tried to suppress his excitement, praying that Iceburg would tell him what he wanted to hear.

The Mayor's hand moved to Kaku's back and he pushed him slightly towards the door. "If you two want to be together-hm well, be together! There's no reason to put yourselves through such misery for nothing. Enjoy your youth!" He shot Kaku a smile, placing a set of keys in the younger man's hands. "This is my gift to you both. For trying to put the needs of me and the company ahead of your own happiness. I am truly grateful." He closed his hands over Kaku's. "I changed Kate's assignments at work so that there would be no conflict of interest if you two decided to become public with your relationship. I believe she's working with Paulie today." He nodded his head towards the exit.

Kaku couldn't contain his grin, giving Iceburg a quick hug before running out the door as he tried to find the right words to say. "THANK YOU!"

Iceburg watched as Kaku ran, a small laugh escaping from his dark lips.

I hope you will be happy now, Kate.

Kaku's heart raced as Dock 1 came into sight.

Wait for me, Kate!

Paulie scratched his head. "You know, I'm not really good at all this number business...doesn't Kalifa do this or something?" He chewed on the cigar in his mouth as he looked over the papers Kate had handed him earlier.

Kate peered over his shoulder. "Everything should be fine...I just need you to double check that we aren't missing any supplies you need for the Marine Fleet project." She focused, using her finger to review each item.

As the two looked over the papers; Paulie was interrupted by the sound of footsteps running towards them. "Who in the hell...Oh Kaku!" He waved at the younger foreman.

Kate's ears shot up at the sound of his name.

Kate let out a scream. Before she could even look up at him; Kaku had picked her up and started to spin her around laughing as he went.

Paulie looked at the two, unsure of what was going on. "KAKU! Get your hands off her right this-"

Paulie's cigar dropped out of his mouth as Kaku dipped Kate and kissed her deeply. The sound of various items dropping echoed throughout Dock 1 as the others gawked at the sight.

After a few seconds; Kaku stood Kate up, fixing her hair behind her ear.

Kate's face burned a bright red. She wasn't sure if she was feeling dizzy from Kaku, or because of pure confusion.

"Kaku?! What are you thinking?" She looked around nervously. "I'm sure everyone here saw that."

The long nosed shipwright smiled before placing a kiss on her forehead and grabbing her hand. "That's good! I want the whole world to know I'm the luckiest fella in the world! The beautiful, wonderful, Kate is all mine!" He turned to his senior, a smile still plastered across his face.

"Ay Paulie! Hope you don't mind if I clock out early. My girlfriend and I need to skidaddle if that's alright with you?" He squeezed Kate's hand.

Paulie nodded slowly, a dumbfounded look still on his face.

Kaku snapped a finger gun at Paulie before quickly leaving with Kate.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

As they exited Dock 1, Kate let go of Kaku's hand pulling him into an empty alley. "Kaku! What the hell are you doing?!" She looked around to see if anyone had seen them.

Kaku grabbed Kate's hands and rubbed them with his thumbs. "Kate, we don't have to hide anymore." He attempted to lead her out of the alley, but she pulled him back in with her.

Kate looked around once again. "What do you mean?! Of course we do! What about the others?! What about Iceburg?" Her mind was beginning to race again. Maybe it was Kaku who was losing his mind.

He failed to hide his smile. It all felt like a dream come true. It had only been a few days, but having to separate himself from Kate had almost broken his spirit. "Well ya see...Iceburg asked if anything had happened between us, so I told him yes, and how I felt about you..." He thought back to the information Iceburg had told him about his twin sister. He had decided it'd be best if he left that part out. That was for Iceburg to explain. "He said we should be together if we want to be together." He moved his right hand to her cheek. "Do you want to be with me, Kitten?" He gently stroked her cheek with his thumb.

Kate took a moment to process everything Kaku had said. It all felt so surreal. Had he been anyone else- she wouldn't have believed him...but she knew Kaku, and believed he'd never lie to her. "Of course I do."

Kaku gave her a quick peck before leading them out of the alley. "It's just after lunch. Downtown should be packed with people...good."

Kate shot him a quizzical look. "How is that a good thing?" She squeezed his hand, still processing everything he had just told her.

He smiled at her, bringing their hands up to his mouth so he could kiss hers. "I want as many people as possible to know that we're together."

Kate and Kaku were surrounded by whispers as they walked through the City. It was a rare event for Kaku to be seen walking through town instead of jumping on the rooftops...and even more rare to see him hand in hand with someone.

Feepo a reporter for the Water 7 newspaper sat outside a cafe reading a magazine. He had an annoyed expression on his face as two women beside his table began to whisper to each other rather loudly. "Hey! Would you mind keeping it down?! Some of us are trying to-" He lowered his newspaper slowly as he watched Kate and Kaku walk by hand in hand. "Holy shit!" He spilled his coffee as he scrambled to grab his camera. The people of Water 7 loved any articles that contained information about their star shipwrights.

Kaku saw Feepo, and knew exactly what he would try to do. "Kate, look at me." He paused as she looked up at him.

*CLICK*

Kate looked at him confused. "What is it, Kaku?" She was sweating from all the attention they had been getting.

He kissed her head. "I just wanted to see you. That's all."

They continued to walk throughout town, Kaku smiling sheepishly knowing what had just happened.

Feepo began to cheer to himself as he pulled out his den den mushi. "Hey, yeah! Tell the boss I've got our story for the next paper!"

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Kate slowly turned the key to her old house, a small creek seeming to welcome her and Kaku. Nothing had been touched since she had left it over a year ago. It was clouded in dust, but it made Kate's heart race. "I can't believe he...Iceburg." She held her hands to her mouth, feeling extremely grateful.

Kaku breathed in the air of the house. While he preferred their place on Monogatari- this house held a special place in his heart. "I don't have much stuff. It'd only take me two shakes of a lamb's tail to move it all into here." He shot Kate a wink.

Kate beamed grabbing Kaku's hands out of shock. "You'll move in here with me?! We're going to live together? HERE?! On Water 7?!" She had to say it out loud to believe it. It felt like a dream.

The shipwright pulled Kate into a hug. "Yes. Just like we planned, snowflake!" He kissed her head before pushing her away gently. "I'll go gather my things. I think there's someone you should see." He smiled as Kate nodded at him.

"Right!"

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Iceburg sat at his desk, looking over several documents.

"ICEBURG!"

Iceburg stood up as Kate came bursting through the door, jumping up as she wrapped her arms around his neck in a hug. She snuggled into his neck as she sobbed. "Kaku told me what you said. Thank you so much. I'm sorry we didn't tell you...we just-"

Iceburg laughed, stroking her head before lowering her. "Kate, I haven't been completely honest with you either..."

Kate sat there in awe as she stared at the picture while Iceburg told her the story he had told Kaku. "Wow...she really does look like me..." She touched her face, the only difference being a small mole by her mouth.

Iceburg chuckled as he watched Kate. "Hm well...I'll tell you another secret that I've never told anyone else..." He lifted his brows twice, enticing Kate.

Kate leaned forward. "Only if you're okay telling me!" She smiled at him. Now that she knew the truth- she realized that she had always seen him as an older brother figure. She loved him, but what she felt was never romance. She felt as if a burden had been lifted, finally knowing the truth behind both her feelings and Iceburg's.

Iceburg pointed at a picture of several animals he had saved over the years. "Growing up, I wasn't a fan of animals. The reason why I am so keen on helping them now...even if it means risking my own life...hm well...it's because my late sister, Iya. She told me that once she passed, she would want to be reincarnated into an animal, but was unsure of which animal. She made me promise that I'd be kind to every animal I saw, in case it was her." He smiled sadly, hoping he had helped his sister somehow...

Kate covered her mouth, the story of Iceburg's commitment to his sister making her cry. "I'm sure she's more than proud of you, Iceburg." She wiped her eyes.

Iceburg laughed, standing up from his chair. "No more tears! I want you to be happy, Kate!" He looked at the clock. "You should go pack. It isn't good to move during the night." He shot her a wink.

Kate stood up slowly, rubbing her arm. She couldn't help but feel somewhat sad she was leaving... "Iceburg...can we still...hang out? I like spending time with you." She looked at him hopefully.

Iceburg was taken aback by how much she resembled Iya in that moment. He instinctively held up his pinky to Kate, in the same way he kept his promise to Iya all those years ago. "It's a promise."

They laughed as their pinkies met, sealing in the promise.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Later that evening, Kalifa had met with Lucci in secret. They met in an abandoned bar in the lower level of the city.

Sitting in a dusty red chair; Lucci stroked his beard as he sipped on a glass of whiskey, Hattori also drinking a beverage similar in colour. "So, Iceburg hired Kate simply because she looked like his sister?" This was a large piece of information they had gathered.

Apparently while Kaku and Iceburg were having their meeting; Kalifa had been in the other room listening through the walls.

"Yes, his whole family is dead. The most interesting part is that Iceburg told Kaku he trusts him with his life." Kalifa adjusted her glasses.

Lucci laughed. "No family left? Oh this is too perfect." He growled happily. "If Kaku can get close enough to him by using Kate...then maybe...Iceburg will tell him where the blueprints are."

Kalifa nodded. "Exactly what I was thinking."

Lucci placed his glass on the table. "Maybe Kaku's relationship with that girl wasn't such a waste of time after all."