Kaku had shown Kate around the first 3 docks, and also the best ways to get there. She diligently marked her map, trying to ensure she wouldn't get lost. Though she was smart in many other aspects- she usually had trouble reading maps.
The long nosed man took a look at a nearby clock. It was already close to lunch time.
"Say, Kate. It's just about lunch time. How about we grab your shoes then maybe snag a bite to eat?"
Kate nodded, trying to contain her happiness. She had skipped breakfast and hadn't eaten since lunch the day before.
"Sounds like a plan! Where is 'The Mountain Wind Express?'". She examined her map and took out a pen to mark it's whereabouts.
Okie dokie, here we go!
Kaku stepped closer towards Kate, taking her by surprise.
"It's right here!" He smiled at her confidently, trying to hide his nerves. This was a rare moment when he was thankful for his CP9 training.
Kate looked around quizzically. "Where?". She continued to examine her surroundings.
The shipwright couldn't help but laugh as he took another step towards her.
"Well, I know we just met and all... But you're gonna have to trust me for this to work." Kaku didn't have much experience with women (if any). He screamed internally, surprised by his own confidence.
Kate looked around nervously.
Kind, handsome, and a pseudo celebrity...I knew he was too good to be true!
Something was off, but she couldn't figure out what it was.
Well, not like I can do anything about it now...
"Okay I trust you." She could feel her body tense up.
He shot her a smile, surprised by her reply.
"You just need to do two things- take off your hat and hang on tight!"
Kate removed her hat and before she could question the second part of his instructions; Kaku lifted her off the ground, carrying her princess style.
"AH! What the hell are yo-"
He began to run, causing Kate to scream even more. She wrapped her arms around his neck and closed her eyes. She definitely did not expect this!
Kaku failed to hide his smile as he looked at the beauty in his arms.
"This is the fun part!"
Kate slightly opened one eye, but both widened when she noticed where they were.
"HOW DID WE GET ON A ROOF?! KAKU! If you keep running in that direction we're going to f-"
The sounds of her screams and his laughter seemed to fill the air.
"I won't let you fall, I promise!"
She opened her eyes once again, taken aback by the amount of wind in her hair.
"Kaku, we... We're flying!"
He continued to smile as they soared through the sky, hopping from rooftop to rooftop every now and then. This was his first time flying with anyone. 'Flying' was his freedom, but he felt more than happy to share it with her.
"Anddddd we have arrived!"
He landed gently in front of a small shop, carefully placing Kate on the ground.
She failed to regain her balance right away, but Kaku managed to catch her by the waist.
Kate nodded to tell Kaku she was fine. She dusted off her dress and placed her hat back on her head.
She had a few choice words for Kaku, but was interrupted by a small old man who emerged from the building.
"Morning Kaku! What brings you here on this fine day?"
Kaku greeted the old man with a handshake.
"Morning! This young lady would like to buy a pair of your fine shoes suitable for our city!"
The old man smiled at her pleasantly, letting out an approving moan while examining her.
"Oh yes, I have the perfect pair! I'll be back in a jiffy!"
He ran back into the shop.
Kaku turned his head to one side in a confused fashion as he noticed Kate chuckling.
"Now what's gotten you in a giggle fit?"
She laughed even harder. "I'm pretty sure you're a lot younger than him, but you two sound exactly the same!"
Kaku laughed at the realization. "I get that a lot."
The old man emerged holding a pair of white sneakers and a pair of socks.
"These should fit you perfectly. It's got a strong sole good for standing for long hours. The rubber below is also the best I have. You'll need it if you'll be hanging out with this chap!".
Kate tried on the shoes excitedly. She tapped her feet on the ground and smiled as she walked back and forth.
"Wow these feel amazing! I'll definitely take them!".
She pulled her wallet from her small white purse, but was stopped by a pair of old hands on top of hers.
Mr. Tomashi shook his head.
"Please take these as a gift. I'm happy to finally see Kaku with a lady friend, and a mighty fine one at that!"
The two shot up and turned a bright red.
Oh gosh this is bad!
Kaku cleared his throat.
"Oh! No Mr. Tomashi it's not like-"
The old man waved as he made his way back into the shop.
"I insist! I'll have your old shoes sent to the Galley La office then. Goodbye!"
He closed the door behind him, leaving the pair in a state of shock.
Kate broke the ice with a laugh.
"What a sweet old man. Thanks for the shoes, Kaku!" While the situation was awkward; she couldn't help but take the mistake as a compliment.
Kaku nodded, still paralyzed by what had happened.
Kate probably thinks I'm a real creep! First she gets carried around town against her will, then gets coupled with me by a random old man. I wouldn't be surprised if she requested for someone else to be her guide.
None of his CP9 training prepared him for this.
"Kaku?"
He snapped out of his trance and looked down at Kate. She was much shorter without heels.
Cutie!
"Right! How about we take those new puppies out for a test drive!" He pointed to a shop with a yellow roof in the distance. "The cafe is right over there. Should give you a good feel for the shoes."
Kate nodded and gave him a smile as they started to walk towards the cafe.
Kaku watched in awe as Kate ate. She was able to eat a lot for such a small girl.
Kate had ordered a shrimp sandwich with clam chowder, chips, and a large lemonade.
He laughed as he took a bite into his egg salad sandwich.
The black haired woman breathed a sigh of relief after finishing her meal.
"Sorry you had to see that. I haven't eaten since lunch time yesterday... But I think I may have over done it." Had she eaten properly before arriving on Water 7- she probably wouldn't have ordered the amount of food, let alone ate it all in front of a handsome stranger. Thought she barely knew him- she felt comfortable. She yawned before proceeding to neatly stack up their dishes.
"You can nap on the way back to Headquarters.". His smile was constant with her. She was quite the character.
She seemed to gain a burst of energy. "No way! I'm heavy enough, AND I just ate enough for a whole family. I can take a yageda back by myself, don't worry!" She pulled out her map from her purse, pointing to a few markings.
"See? You showed me the way back already. I promise I'll be fine!".
He shook his head. "No can do, Missy. I can't let you out of my sight before Iceburg and Kalifa get back. It just wouldn't be good manners." He shot her a wink. "Besides, we've still got a lot to do!"
Kate sighed as she realized it was almost impossible to win against him.
The waitress came back with the bill. She wore a tight yellow dress shirt, and a short white skirt. Her short brown hair sat in curls and she rubbed her red lips together as she batted her blue eyes at Kaku.
Kate looked at the waitress. She was extremely attractive.
"Mr. Kaku, can I get you any... Dessert?" She indiscreetly squeezed her large breasts together, showing her cleavage.
Kaku seemed unphased as he placed several bills on the bill fold. "No thanks!" He stood from his seat and motioned for Kate to follow him.
The waitress pouted at him. "Hope you come back soon. Let me know if you ever need..anything."
He waved behind him as him and Kate left. Kate looked back and saw the waitress sneering back at her.
Wow that was so bizarre...
"Kaku, that girl was all over you! Did you even notice?"
He chuckled as he stretched. "Oh was she now?"
The women of Water 7 were very aggressive when it came to members of the Galley La Company, but especially towards Iceburg and the other Dock 1 Shipwrights.
Kate looked at him puzzled. "Well, Mr. Tomashi did mention he'd never seen you with a lady friend.."
Maybe he isn't into women?
Kaku continued to chuckle more.
"He's right. You see, my gramps taught me not to pay attention to certain types of people. Especially women who were only attracted to me due to things like money, or status." He sighed. "He said they'd only hurt me." He continued to reminisce about his grandpa... What he'd do even just for one more day with him...
He snapped out of his daydream in a panic. He had broken a golden rule of espionage- never reveal truths about your life or past life.
Look what you've done ya dummy!
Kate laughed. "Your grandpa sounds like a smart man!"
He simply nodded in reply, scared he'd reveal any additional information.
He stepped towards Kate and opened his arms.
"Ready?"
She walked towards him shyly.
Ugh, I don't think he'll be able to carry me now.
Kate was surprised as he picked her up rather easily. He was a lot stronger than he looked.
She carefully wrapped her arms around his neck and nodded to signal she was ready.
"We're going to take a different route, so it'll be about 10 minutes longer."
"Just put me down if I get to heavy!"
With a laugh he began to run.
As soon as they were in the sky, Kate started to succumb to her tiredness.
Kaku looked down at Kate whose head was tucked against his chest. She was fast asleep.
She really is something else.
He knew he was forbidden from feeling this way, but he couldn't fight the pitter patter playing in his chest.
Kate stretched and massaged her neck.
"I'm sorry! I can't believe I passed out."
Kaku lowered the list so he could smile at her.
"I'm glad you were able to rest. Not eating for a day would have done me over as well."
Before Kaku could go over the rest of their itinerary, he was interrupted by footsteps.
"Hello there!"
Iceburg waved at them as Kalifa walked beside him.
Kaku was puzzled as he looked at a clock. It wasn't even 2:00PM yet.
Kalifa seemed to read Kaku's mind.
"We managed to wrap things up a lot sooner than planned."
Iceburg beamed. "Yes! No more boring meetings for today, and I have some time for Kate. Thank you very much Kaku, I'll take it from here."
Iceburg wrapped an arm around Kate's shoulder as he lead her inside the main building to give her a quick tour.
"Do you like animals?"
Their talking became muffled as Kaku watched them walk away. He couldn't help but feel a bit disheartened for some reason.
Kalifa scanned the area to ensure there was no one within earshot of them.
"Did it all go well? Do you think she's one of us maybe?"
Kaku shook his head. "No, I don't think so."
The blonde beauty adjusted her glasses and looked at her comrade sternly.
"I only ask based upon your initial interaction with each other earlier. You seemed like you had already met before."
Kaku was thoroughly impressed. Nothing ever seemed to get past Kalifa.
"We met on her way here. I found her hat."
She adjusted her glasses once again. "Very interesting. I'm glad you can keep an eye on her... And keep her close as you never know who may have sent her. You'll be taking her around again on Wednesday. As for the rest of the schedule, I'm not sure. I'll update Lucci and Blueno."
He nodded as she walked away.
Perhaps he could use these new orders to his advantage?
...