The Dock 1 shipwrights walked into the Galley La headquarters, obviously feeling worn out.
Paulie groaned. "Those bastards are finally gone! Damn it, I hate those guys." He bit down on his cigar, a smile forming on his face as he saw Kate and Kalifa come out. "Glad to see you're both fine!" He looked sheepishly at Kate. "You know, Kaku was really worried about you."
The others laughed as Tilestone chimed in. "YEAH! HE DROPPED EVERYTHING AND RAN!"
Kaku blushed, feeling both annoyed and embarrassed at the same time. "I didn't want one of our fellow employees taken away is all! Besides, I'm the only one who could've gotten to her in time." He crossed his arms and smirked, still hiding his blush.
Paulie shot him an annoyed look. "Well not all of us like jumping around everywhere like a damn monkey, you brat! Some of us are civil." He smiled at Kalifa. "Speaking of civil; you're finally dressed appropriately for once."
Kalifa frowned as she raised an eyebrow. In one swift move; she tore off her clothes, revealing a tight and short long sleeved black dress with a low cut underneath. She untied her hair and adjusted her glasses as she cocked her head at Paulie. "That's sexual harassment."
The crew laughed before Iceburg came in to interrupt, clearing his throat.
"Hm...well. Thank you all for your hard work today. As a reward, let's head over to Bluenoe's bar. I'll look after the bill."
The group cheered and smiled as they exited towards Bluenoe's.
Kate blushed as she walked at the back beside Kalifa playing back the earlier events in her head.
"Kaku was really worried about you."
She watched him discreetly as he laughed with Peepley and Paulie. She couldn't help but smile whenever he did, and it made her heart race.
My hero.
They took up 3 tables at the bar. It was always crowded at Bluenoe's no matter the day of the week. Kate sat at a table with Iceburg and Kalifa.
Iceburg leaned towards Kate's ear, trying to make sure she'd be able to hear him over the noise. "What can I get you to drink?"
Kate shook her head. "I'm okay for now, thank you!" She raised her class of cranberry juice "I don't really drink."
Iceburg smiled and nodded before standing up. He made a few hand gestures to tell Kalifa and Kate he was going to check on the others.
As he walked away he was dragged to another table by a different group. Kalifa sighed. "I'd better go with him. Last time, he ended up spending almost a million berries." She looked around the bar and caught Kaku staring at Kate. She turned to smile at her apprentice. "I'll be back."
Kate smiled back and stirred her drink with her straw. She was still feeling a bit shy around the others, but also didn't want to come off as rude...
Peepley came over and grabbed Kate's hand to raise her from her seat. "The fun is this way!". Before she could attest, he had lead her to where the others were. Paulie and Hattori sang an upbeat song on karaoke as the others laughed along.
Paulie saw Kate and continued to sing as he danced with her, before pushing her down to sit beside Kaku. "You guys get the next one!" Paulie threw a binder onto Kaku's lap.
Kaku was feeling slightly annoyed at Paulie, but at the same time- grateful.
Kaku blushed as he turned to face Kate. There wasn't enough room on the bench due to Tilestone, so their legs were touching. "Pretty wild, right?"
Kate laughed as she nodded. "I didn't expect anything less!"
Kaku laughed with her as he opened the binder. "Looks like we gotta pick a song! Sorry, little miss; there's no getting out of this one! If you think they're pushy on a regular basis, add in alcohol and karaoke and they turn into different beasts!" He continued to chuckle to himself. "Let's see..." He stuck his tongue out slightly from the corner of his mouth as he flipped through the pages, trying to distract himself to control his blushing.
Kate leaned against Kaku to look at the binder, craving the closeness she had shared with him earlier. The energy of everyone and the smell of alcohol seemed to give her courage. She pointed her finger at a song "do you know this one?"
Kaku looked closer. "Ah! 'Follow Me' by 'The Rocket Boys'!". He closed the binder. "You've got a real good taste in music!". He hummed the song quickly. "How 'bout you start it off, then I'll come in on the second verse?"
Kate nodded nervously, failing to remember the last time she had sang.
Paulie and Hattori passed their mics to Kaku and Kate as their song ended. The people in the bar began to applause.
The applause died down and was replaced by whispers as Kaku and Kate made their way to the front, Kaku gently leading her by hand.
*YouTube "Follow Me - Maho and Koyuki" to hear the song**
Oh crap, it's about to start...
Kate danced from side to side as the music started, trying to calm her nerves. Kaku joined her and watched intently- curious to hear what she sounded like.
Kaku's jaw dropped as Kate began to sing. Her voice was beautiful, and it made the simple song seem different.
The crowd laughed as they watched Kaku gawk at Kate while others gawked as well.
Kate began to laugh as Kaku sang. He had the lyrics memorized and danced around the stage, causing the crowd to hoot and holler.
Kaku laughed and they began to sing the chorus together; Kate providing back up vocals for most of it.
They kept their eyes on each other as they sang the rest of the song, a smile plastered across both their faces.
As the song ended; the bar went wild.
The two laughed as Kaku lead Kate back to their seats- handing off the mics to Peepley and Tilestone.
Kaku handed her a glass of water. "Kate! Golly! You are one heck of a singer!"
Paulie came over hugging Kate around her shoulder as he shook her slightly. "So you've been hiding this from us huh? You've got a talent?"
Kaku beamed as he continued to watch Kate. "Darn skippy she does!"
Paulie smirked and reached his arm around Kaku as well; pulling the two younger members close to him. "You two got all the single bar goers jealous with your googly eyes. Especially you, Kaku!" He started to laugh loudly, obviously drunk.
Kaku squirmed out of Paulie's grip, feeling a bit annoyed. Before he could retort, he looked at Kate as she laughed. The alcohol gave him a good buzz, and calmed him. "Can ya blame a fella? Just look at her!" He smiled sleepily before realizing what he had said. He stood up abruptly, jumping over the table. "Excuse me." He headed towards the Men's Room.
Kate felt her face burning from Kaku's comment as Paulie continued to laugh.
"What do you want to drink, kid? I'm heading to Blueno." He pointed back at the bar with his thumb.
Kate shook her head, smiling politely. "I'm okay! Thank you, Paulie!". He squeezed her drunkenly. "You guys are so cute!" He then made his way to the bar, dancing as Tilestone and Peepley sang.
She thought about Kaku, and how he had looked at her that moment. It made her heart race and her temperature rise. She couldn't stop replaying everything in her mind.
How does he do this to me?!
Her train of thought was interrupted as Iceburg took a seat beside her; placing an arm behind her. "Are you enjoying yourself, Kate?" He smiled at her sweetly. He didn't smell of alcohol which made Kate realise that he hadn't been drinking.
She nodded. "Yes! Thank you so much for this!"
Iceburg looked around. Everyone else had left their table, and no one seemed to be paying attention to them. "Hm..well...we have to get up early for our meeting tomorrow. I've given the shipwrights the day off. Say...would you join me for a quick treat before we call it a night?".
Kate looked around discreetly.
What the hell is happening?! Where did everyone go?!
She smiled; how could she say no? "Of course!"
He stood up and made room so Kate could walk in front of him. He had a hand on her back as they walked out of the bar.
Kaku aggressively washed his face in the sink.
What the hell was I thinking?!
His face started burning up again, playing back the earlier events.
He then began to zone out and smile, thinking of how sweet Kate looked and sounded.
He shook his head to bring him back to reality. Kaku looked at the clock in the washroom, it was almost 10:00PM. He knew Kate had to attend a meeting tomorrow morning and would probably be leaving soon.
He smiled excitedly as he headed back to their table; thinking about walking her home.
Kaku looked around curiously as he was unable to find Kate.
A random bar goer drunkenly laughed from his seat as he watched Kaku. He ruffled his messy brown hair. "You looking for your girlfriend?"
Kaku looked around before nodding slowly; knowing he was talking about Kate.
The man took a swig of his drink before pointing at the door. "She left with the mayor." He laughed. "Can't blame him, your girlfriend is fucking sexy, my man!"
Kaku shot him a cold glare that caused the man to spill his drink. He then walked slowly back to the table; jealously brewing within him.
Kate and Iceburg walked through the now quiet streets of Water 7. She had never explored this part of town and it made her nervous.
Kate tried to calm her racing thoughts.
Quick treat?! What does it mean?! What if he tries to have sex with me? I doubt it but...how do I say no without making things awkward?!
Iceburg looked at Kate, her nervousness becoming obvious. "Hm..well...is everything alright?"
She snapped out of her trance and nodded. "Of course! Sorry, just thinking about the meeting tomorrow.."
The mayor laughed. "Try not to think about work so much. You're too young to stress yourself out.". He pointed at a small shop in the distance that had a neon pink "open" sign. "We're here!"
Though it looked small and uninviting from the outside- the inside was the polar opposite.
The walls were painted with pastel rainbow pin stripes, and the seating and tables were all playfully shaped and white.
Kate gawked as she looked at what they sold.
"300 different ice cream flavours?!"
Iceburg smiled happily as the shopkeeper came out.
He was a small older man with a large white mustache, and a large bald patch on the top of his head. He opened his arms wide as soon as he saw Iceburg.
"Iceburg! You getting too skinny! Come on have a scoop on me!". They embraced as he gave Iceburg a few good pats on the back.
He looked from around Iceburg and smirked at Kate. "Who's this, ah? Lady friend?" He nudged Iceburg with an elbow.
"Maurice, this is Kate. She's working at Galley La for a few months."
Kate went to bow but was met by a hug.
"So good to meet you! Please, let me know what'd you like!".
Iceburg and Kate looked at all of the flavours before finally deciding.
Kate laughed to herself, catching Iceburg's attention. "Hm well...is something funny?"
Kate blushed as she realized she was louder than she had thought. "Sorry. I'm just imagining if Kaku came here... he'd probably choose vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.". She continued to blush, holding in her smile.
Iceburg smirked. "Yes I think you're right. Do you know which 3 you'd like?"
Kate thought intensely for a moment. "Okay, I think I know! Pistachio, Hedgehog and raspberry please!"
Iceburg couldn't help but laugh. "Those are the same flavours-" he stopped himself. He mentally reminded himself not to mention anything about 'her'. "Those are great choices! Hm...well...Maurice just the usual for me please!"
Maurice whistled happily as he prepared their ice cream cones. Iceburg had gotten wasabi, chocolate chilli, and dulce de leche.
After Iceburg had paid (much to Maurice's disapproval); they waved goodbye to Maurice as they exited the shop.
Iceburg pointed towards Kate's house. "Hm...well...your place is this way?".
Kate nodded as she ate her ice cream- careful not to spill it.
Don't tell me...
He hummed happily as he ate his ice cream. "I'll walk you home!".
Kate wanted to refuse, but knew he would insist. Luckily, it wasn't too far from where they were. "Thank you so much."
As they walked, Iceburg motioned for Kate to stop as he heard a rustle in a small garbage dump nearby.
"Stay here."
With his ice cream still in hand; he carefully made his way over to where he had heard the sound coming from.
A small hiss came from the pile as Iceburg carefully took a step backwards.
"Kate! Hm well, there's a kitten!" He quickly finished off his ice cream, hanging his striped jacket on a tree branch.
Kate watched worriedly, quickly finishing off her ice cream so that she could assist.
Iceburg crawled on the ground, reaching into the pile of trash.
This took Kate by surprise. The most powerful man on the island crawling through trash to save a kitten.
Wow! No wonder everyone admires him...
After a few soft words, and a meow; Iceburg emerged holding the kitten. It was all white with green eyes but kept meowing towards the water.
Iceburg put his ear to the cat's mouth as if he could understand.
He ran over to Kate, handing her the kitten. "Please wait here."
She nodded, and before she could say anything else; Iceburg jumped into the sea.
Kate looked over the edge worriedly as she held onto the kitten; unable to see where Iceburg had gone.
She breathed a sigh of relief as he climbed up the edge, a box in his hand.
Iceburg wiped the water from his face with one arm before carefully placing the box on the ground.
Kate ran over to him; taking her sweater from around her waist to try and dry him off.
He stopped her before she could proceed. "I think they need it more than I do."
Kate looked into the box and saw 2 more white kittens, identical to the first one he had saved. "Oh my gosh! How did they end up there?!".
Iceburg shook his head. "Hm well...sometimes cats have babies and the babies are left alone for unforeseen circumstances. It's okay, I can take them."
Iceburg rummaged around the trash for a dry box; transferring the kittens into the new box. Kate laid her sweater down around them as they huddled together.
She looked at them sadly. "They need a bath and some food..."
Iceburg picked up the box and began to pet the kittens. "Yes I can do all of that. I have the supplies."
Kate looked up at Iceburg with surprise; not everyone would willingly take in 3 stray kittens out of the blue. "I'd like to help if that's okay?"
Iceburg beamed. "Really?! Hm well..most people call me crazy for taking in so many animals. Thank you, Kate. I'd really appreciate it."
Kate grabbed Iceburg's jacket from the tree as they headed to the Galley La headquarters.
It had taken almost 2 hours to bathe, feed and settle the cats into their new home.
Kate discreetly looked at her watch. It was almost 1:00AM. She held in a yawn, but her watery eyes gave away how tired she was.
Iceburg looked at her, a worried expression on his face. "Kate, it's too late for you to go home. Hm well..I insist you stay in one of the guest rooms tonight. I will have Kalifa fetch you some clothes before our meeting."
She wanted to refuse, but if she did- then Iceburg would insist on walking her home, then he'd have to walk all the way back. She had to return to work in a few hours anyways...
She bowed deeply to her boss. "I'd really appreciate it. Thank you for being so kind to me."
Iceburg placed a hand on her shoulder, signaling her to stand up. "Thank you for helping me. It's hard to find people who understand.". He sighed as he looked at the kittens who were now asleep together in a large purple cat bed.
Kate smiled as she looked at the kittens. "How could I not?".
Iceburg returned her smile and signaled for her to follow him.
They walked through the Galley La hallways until they reached a room on the opposite end of the hall.
Iceburg opened the door gently. "Please feel free to use the shower. There are towels, robes, and nightgowns in the dresser. Let me know if you need anything.". He turned back towards his room. "Hm..well goodnight, Kate."
Kate bowed once again to Iceburg to express her gratitude. "Thank you again, Iceburg. Goodnight."
He closed the door behind him and his smile had a hint of sadness.
He never expected that the room he had prepared for "her" would be used tonight, or by Kate.
I wonder what she thinks of it...
Kate looked at the room in awe. The walls were white with white trim and designs of flowers carved into them.
The carpet was a light grey, which made the white canopy bed stand out. The rest of the furniture was also white, but the bedsheets were a satin grey.
Kate looked curiously at two doors in the room. She gasped as she opened them-letting in a cool breeze. The large balcony overlooked the open waters, and tonight there was a perfect view of the moon.
She stood there for what seemed to be hours. Kate was afraid of the dark, but the beauty of the moon helped her overcome her fears.
She took a quick shower, replaying all the events in her head. But no matter how "crazy" so many things were; she couldn't stop her mind from replaying her moments with Kaku at the bar.
I hope he got home okay...
Kaku, Blueno, Lucci and Kalifa sat in the bar. Blueno had closed an hour ago, so they had the place to themselves.
Blueno sipped on a glass of milk. "Any updates?"
Lucci smirked as he crossed his leg, Hattori on his shoulder. "I think our little Romeo is doing a good job with Iceburg's newest pet."
Kaku shot him a glare, taking a sip of water. "No new updates from me."
Kalifa adjusted her glasses. "Are you upset they left together?"
Kaku choked on his water, adjusting the cap on his head. Lucci interrupted him before he could answer.
"Remember, don't get too involved with your current mission. You're forbidden from having any real attachment. Use her if you want, but remember- just 3 more years and we're out of here."
Kaku looked at them angrily failing to hide his blush. "I don't have any feelings for Kate, alright?" Kaku stood up and walked towards the door. "Goodnight."
The 3 waited for Kaku to leave before they continued their conversation.
Kalifa pulled some notes from her purse. "I'm not exactly sure how Iceburg sees Kate, but I've noticed they've been getting progressively closer...but not as close as Kaku and Kate. I'm scared he might be lying."
The 3 of them sighed, before Lucci chimed in.
"Well, luckily she's a hussy and seems to be fine entertaining them both. Let's just hope Iceburg will trust her, and if she ever has to pick between the two- she'll pick Kaku."
Blueno laughed. "You think she'd choose Kaku over the mayor of Water 7?!"
Kalifa shot him a glare; feeling surprisingly protective over Kate. "She's not that superficial." In a company that was predominantly full of male employees- Kate was one of her few (if only) female colleagues. Kate and her had also grown close over the past few months. "I'm sure everything will work out as long as we stick to our plan."
Kalifa then pulled out a small book from her purse. "Now, I'll distribute your allowances for this month."
Kaku leapt through the town humming "Follow Me" as he went. He thought about Kate's singing, and how free he felt singing with her.
Before he knew it; he he had a large smile on his face.
She really is something.