Kaku woke up holding his head as he groaned. He yawned before snuggling his face back into the pillow.
His eyes shot open, and he sat up abruptly-having realized that he wasn't in his hotel room.
"What...where am I? What am I..." he pulled down his t-shirt, examining the design on it.
After taking in his surroundings, he knew exactly where he was. He had done enough work around this house to know it was Kate's.
Though only a handful of people knew where he was staying- he was grateful he had told Kate not too long ago. If not, she probably would have spent all night trying to find out where he lived for no reason.
Kaku had been living in the same hotel room since he first started at Galley La. While being a pseudo celebrity had its perks- it also had many drawbacks. He stayed on the fifth floor of the hotel. It was high enough for him to come and go as he pleased through the window without being spotted.
He looked towards the door, hearing humming coming from the other side of it.
Kate happily hummed as she continued to make breakfast. She wore denim shorts with a grey tank top, and a pink apron. Kaku would be both hungry and hung over, so she made sure to make a copious amount of food.
She smiled as she watched him shyly peek into the kitchen. "GOO-" she cleared her throat before she whispered. "Sorry, I mean, good morning." She bit her lip, hoping she hadn't made his headache worse.
Kaku made his way to Kate, a hand rubbing the back of his head. "Kate, thank you for...everything. I owe you big time, no doubt about that!" He swallowed as he looked at what Kate had cooked. She had made pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, and was currently frying some bacon.
Golly, this looks good...
Kate laughed. "You don't owe me anything, weirdo! If anything, I still owe YOU for everything you've done for me!" She shut off the stove as she transferred the bacon onto a plate. "Let's eat?"
The shipwright couldn't restrain himself, as he stuffed his face almost desperately.
He hadn't had anything to eat at the bar, and he could feel his stomach begin to eat itself.
Kate smiled as she carefully cut her pancake. "Wow, it only took you getting black out drunk for you to finally let me cook for you!" She happily ate her pancake.
Kaku blushed, quickly drinking some water as he could feel himself choking. "And boy, do I regret not being able to stay! You're a real great cook, Kate." He grabbed another egg.
After they had finished eating, they awkwardly sat together on the couch in the living room.
Kaku looked at the clock. It was already two in the afternoon. "Kate, thank you again. I'd better skidaddle.." He looked down at his shirt, subtly hinting that he needed his shirt.
Kate shot up and blushed. "Oh, your shirt! Yeah...it was covered in a bunch of stuff, so I put it in the wash. I'll bring it back to you on Monday?"
Kaku nodded, inwardly thinking about how he'd make it to the hotel without someone spotting his t-shirt. While he didn't care what people thought of the design-he was worried someone would figure out that it was a woman's shirt, and the media would then try and find out whose it was.
Kate nervously handed Kaku the gift bag she had been carrying at the bar. "I..um...made you something. It's nothing amazing, but I hope you like it..."
The long nosed man turned beet red as he hesitantly took the bag. "Kate! You really didn't have to, ya know!"
What could it be?
It had been decades since Kaku last had a birthday party, let alone received a present.
"OH WOW! KATE!" Kaku pulled out an orange jacket with blue sleeves. He held it in front of him, taking in all the features Kate had added.
Kate felt as if she would pass out from embarrassment. "Sorry it's a bit rushed...I finished most of it last night...oh and I know you don't like things covering your neck...but I made the collar high in case it got super cold..." she squeezed her arm for comfort.
Kaku laughed, unable to hide the utter joy he felt. "Kate! This is the best present I've ever received! I'm going to wear this every day!" He carefully put it on, zipping it up to just below his collar bone. "Well, how do I look?!" He beamed as he stood in front of Kate.
She laughed. "Dashing as always!"
Kaku continued to examine the jacket, letting out a few excited laughs every time he noticed another feature. He felt he could cry from how overjoyed he was.
After several minutes had passes, Kaku made his way to the front door. "Thank you again, Kate. I'll never forget any of this!"
She moved her hair behind her ear as she leaned against the door way. "My pleasure. Don't forget to drink lots of water, and get some sleep!"
Kaku waved as he walked to his hotel, a bounce in his step.
He laid in bed, unable to stop his heart from racing. It truly was the best birthday he had ever had.
The shipwright squeezed his jacket which he was still wearing.
She's amazing.