Kate had been busy with Iceburg and Kalifa for the weeks that followed, much to Kaku's disappointment.
Regardless, he was grateful he was able to still walk her home every day.
Kaku and Kate walked their usual route back to Kate's house after work. Kaku had brought his "fix it bag" along with him to help fix a small leak in her sink which had just started the other day. It had been a while since he last came over.
The shipwright felt his heart drop as they entered the house. There were several boxes packed, and dirt outlines where there once were pictures.
"Kate, are you moving?!" He tried his best to hide any negative feelings he was having.
She laughed at his question. "Kaku, my contract ends next week! Don't tell me you forgot?" She reached up to pet his head. "I think Paulie has been working you too hard. I'll make sure to have a word with him before I leave." She proceeded to her room to change out of her work clothes.
Kaku made his way to the kitchen and sat on the floor. 1 week. 1 week was all he had left with her. 1 week before she was gone.
He hadn't felt this much inner turmoil since the day his grandfather passed away. He tried to find the positives which all seemed to be practical reasons such as; 'it's good she's going because then it'll be easier when the mission ends.'. As hard as he tried he couldn't fight his sadness.
Galley La's annual Gala was tomorrow. It was the last weekend before Kate left.
He noticed an odd shaped box in the living room.
Don't tell me she can...
Kate walked in, wearing a simple white sundress.
Kaku made his way over to the oddly shaped box, causing Kate to panic. "Kate! You never told me you played guitar?!" He laid the case on the floor and opened it. The guitar was a bit smaller than most, and gradient brown in color. Judging by its condition, it was well looked after therefore; played often.
She hid her face. "I just mess around with it sometimes..."
Kaku sat on the floor and patted the ground beside him. "Play something for me." He shot her a smile, though he knew what her reaction was going to be.
Oh Kate.
"No way! I'm not that good, and that's super awkward!" She went and grabbed a glass from the kitchen.
The shipwright smiled cheekily. "Didn't you say you wanted to pay me back somehow?"
Kate froze.
Dammit Kaku!
"Can't I just pay you or someth-"
Kaku sighed, as he put on a playful pout."I've been slaving away for the past couple of months, and you won't even play me a little diddy?" He blinked at her slowly.
Dammit!
Kate huffed and sat down beside him. "But don't blame me if your ears start bleeding!"
She grabbed the guitar from the case, and after tuning proceeded to play and sing him a song.
SONG: Love Me Tender - Elvis Presley
Kaku's jaw dropped as she began to sing. Not only was she a fantastic singer, but Kaku knew the song she was playing.
Memories of his grandfather singing him this song as a lullaby played through his mind. He hadn't heard this song in years, yet he could still remember every word. He missed his grandpa. He missed his old life. He missed his freedom.
What were the chances she'd sing this particular song?
"Kaku..?"
Kaku returned from his trance and looked at Kate who had an extremely worried look on her face.
"Kaku you're.." she reached for his hand and placed it on his cheek.
He stared at his hand in shock. It was wet.
Did I just cry?!
Kate placed the guitar back in its case.
"I'm sorry, Kaku. I told you I wasn't good." She bit her lip, unsure of how to handle the situation.
"Kate, no... It's not that.. You were beautiful. I just-" He felt himself become overwhelmed with emotions again. His body seemed to have a mind of its own as he wrapped his arms around Kate, pulling her into him. He took deep breaths, finding relief in her warmth.
Kate sat there frozen, unsure of what was happening. She carefully returned the hug, leaning into his chest.
They stayed like this for what seemed to be an eternity. Time felt like it had stopped for Kaku to let him enjoy this moment. He had lost his grandpa, and in 1 week he would be losing another person who had etched their way into his heart.
He pulled away, and they locked eyes. He examined her carefully. The shape of her face, her eyes, her lips...
No, I can't...
He stood up abruptly.
"I'm sorry, I need to go. Thank you, Kate."
He left his bag as he quickly walked out the door.
Kate remained still on the floor unsure of what had just happened. She could still feel his warmth around her.
"Kaku..."
Tomorrow was Galley La's Annual Gala. Hopefully, she'd be able to talk to Kaku then about what had just happened.