Kaku nervously examined each of his carvings. "Kate, what if they don't like em?" He carefully placed them all into a small brown box with a lid. He'd never made toys for anyone else, let alone a group of orphans.
Kate adjusted her low cut dark yellow sun dress, and stepped into a pair of white wedges. "Kaku, they're awesome! I know if I were a kid, I'd be ecstatic!" She beamed as she pulled a loose piece of string off of his white v-neck. She tried to hold in a blush as she turned away. Kaku wasn't wearing a hat, and she found his new look extremely attractive. His orange blonde hair glistened in the sunlight.
Kate led the way to the orphanage, checking her map every few minutes to make sure they were going in the right direction. She felt nervous for some reason. Cutrer had said to drop by around 4, but Kaku was too anxious to wait. It was a quarter past noon.
She couldn't help but feel nervous. She knew the kids would like the toys, but how welcoming would they be of strangers?
The orphanage was more lively than when she had walked by it last night. Several children played in the courtyard, and sounds of classes being taught could be heard from the outside.
Kate scanned her notes carefully. "His name was...ah! Mr. Tosechi!" She pointed to his name, showing Kaku.
Kaku nodded slowly, obviously focusing on something else. His hands trembled slightly as he held the box. He hadn't visited an orphanage since he first lost his grandfather. He had always wondered what it would be like to visit one again...
They made their way to the main entrance of the orphanage, and were greeted by a man in his 50's with short black hair and a tall but slim build. He wore brown slacks with matching dress shoes, and a beige dress shirt. "Hello there! How might I help you today?" He had a smile on his face.
Kate looked at Kaku who still seemed as if his nerves were getting the best of him. Kate held out her hand to the man "Hi! We were looking to speak with Mr. Tosechi?" She paused, hoping she had pronounced his name right.
The man laughed as he shook her hand. "Well, here I am! How can I help you?" He placed his hands on his hips.
Kate bowed, feeling grateful they had found him right away. "My friend Cutter had told me that you were in charge of the orphanage? We ran into 3 kids yesterday, and my frie-husband had carved some toys for them." She tilted her head at Kaku.
Kaku swallowed before moving towards Mr. Tosechi.
"IT'S YOU!" The eldest of the 3 orphans they had met yesterday appeared behind Mr. Tosechi, closely followed by the girl and boy.
Mr. Tosechi looked at the boy quizzically. "Now, now, Tyson- is that any way to greet someone?" He ruffled his hat.
Tyson shrugged Mr. Tosechi off, worried he'd ruin his 'tough guy' appearance. "He's the lie detector man!" Tyson grabbed Mr. Tosechi's wrist and brought it towards Kaku. "I need you to ask him some questions!" His face remained unchanged- a fierce determination in his eyes.
Kaku looked at Mr. Tosechi, hoping he'd somehow tell him what to do. He handed the box over to Kate, who seemed just as confused.
Mr. Tosechi rolled up his sleeve. "Tyson! My apologies, the kids told me about how they met you yesterday. I'm not sure what they'd like to ask, but how about we entertain them?" He smiled, obviously having a soft spot for the 3 kids.
Kaku nodded hesitantly; worried about what Tyson might ask. He held Mr. Tosechi's wrist, giving a Tyson a nod as to signal him to ask his question.
Tyson folded his arms as he stood in the middle of them. "Mr. Tosechi, will Heart, Timmy and I ever get adopted?" His body tensed, worried as to what the answer might be.
Mr. Tosechi smiled before he answered. "Of course!" He fought off swallowing.
Kaku kept his composure as he felt Mr. Tosechi's pulse race. While he wasn't exactly lying- he wasn't confident with his answer.
The shipwright smiled at the boy. "He's telling the truth!"
At least I hope it's true...
The 3 kids rejoiced, hugging each other as they sang a tune about living in a house.
Mr. Tosechi retracted his arm and buttoned his sleeve back up again. He nodded at Kaku to discreetly say thank you.
Kate handed Kaku the box, seeing that he was now more comfortable. He looked towards the school head. "Mr. Tosechi, I carved some toys for the children. Would it be alright if I gave it to them?" His heart began to race once again.
Mr. Tosechi whistled to get the kids' attention as he signaled them over. "Kids! This man says he has something for you!"
The kids ran excitedly towards Kaku, curiosity taking over their earlier excitement.
Kaku shakily knelt down. "Well, gee, I was tinkerin' around and figured you youngins' might like these..." He opened the box slowly, scanning the carvings one more time to find any imperfections. "Now they're no-"
The kids screamed happily as they grabbed the figures in the box. Heart held a fox and cat, while the boys fought over a dinosaur.
Tyson laughed triumphantly as he grabbed the box instead, and Timmy happily played with the dinosaur.
Mr. Tosechi looked at the fox Heart had been holding. "Oh my! These are really spectacular! You say you made these yourself?" He ran his fingers along the carvings, admiring the work.
Kaku blushed as he nodded. "Sure did! I know they aren't exactly perfect by any means but-" He watched as Mr. Tosechi pulled out a piece of paper and pen from his breast pocket before scribbling something onto the paper.
Mr. Tosechi handed the paper to Kaku. "I'd like you to get in touch with a dear friend of mine Mr. Omocha. He owns the toy shop on the East side of town, it has quite a big window display- you can't miss it!" He pointed in the general direction.
Kaku's eyes glittered as he leaned closer to Mr. Tosechi. "I sure know that one! I was telling my wife how stinkin' nice the bottled ship was!" He read the paper carefully before putting it into his pocket. "Is he giving lessons?"
The teacher laughed. "Actually, he's looking for some help running the shop. Unfortunately- there aren't too many people with the same skills that he has in town...but I think you may fit the role!" He held the fox up to Kaku. "This looks very similar to some of his earlier work! No pressure though, just in case you were looking for a job."
Kaku turned to Kate who returned his excitement. "Why yes! We just got married and are traveling around before settling down. That would be a great way to get a feel of Monogatari!"
After talking with Mr. Tosechi about the orphanage, and gathering general information about Monogatari- they headed over to the toy shop.
A bell rung as they opened the door. "Hello there!" Kaku walked in excitedly, Kate following close behind.
A small old man with white hair, a big mustache and blue eyes behind a pair of glasses appeared from behind a counter. He wore jeans, a blue dress shirt, and a brown vest. "Why yes, hello there! Is there anything I can help you find?" He looked at Kaku and Kate, gathering that they were a couple. "We don't sell too many baby items, I'm afraid...but if you'd like, I can perhaps try and craft something specific for you?" He had assumed they were looking for baby items. Why else would a couple come into his small toy shop?
Kate's face burned as Kaku waved his hands. "Actually, Mr. Tosechi sent me over! He said you were lookin' to get an extra pair of hands to help around the shop?" He handed the note as he waited anxiously for the old man's answer.
The old man adjusted his glasses as he examined the piece of paper. "Why yes! Do you happen to know someone?" He looked at the 'couple' once again, assuming neither of them were the ones applying.
Kaku pointed a thumb to his chest. "I'm your man!" He grinned, looking around the shop. He spotted a small wood carving station towards the back. "I actually specialize in carpentry. If you'd like- I can perhaps show you my chops!" He pointed towards the station.
Mr. Omocha laughed as he excitedly hobbled over to the station; his old age making it hard for him to move around. "Why yes, that would be great!" He pointed to the chair, but Kaku politely declined.
Kaku grabbed the knife and a piece of wood from the station. "Please take a seat-I can stand. This will only take two shakes of a lamb's tail!" He examined Mr. Omocha carefully before he began. Kate stood beside Mr. Omocha as they curiously waited in anticipation.
It seemed as if only a few moments had passed before Kaku had made the finishing touches on his creation. What had started as a regular piece of wood was now...
Mr. Omocha stood up from his seat, carefully examining what Kaku had made. "My goodness! It looks just like me, doesn't it?!"
While they weren't actually married- Kate couldn't help but feel somewhat proud.
You're amazing.
Kate headed back to the Inn while Kaku and Mr. Omocha worked out the details of the job.
She hummed happily as she walked. Despite how unsure she was of everything that was happening- the first few days had been great. Kate still worried about Kaku though, as he had left everything behind for her sake...
The faint smell of baked goods caught Kate's attention.
Maybe I'll go bring some to the orphanage to say thank you for connecting Kaku with Mr. Omocha...
Kate waited by the front of the orphanage holding a box of various baked goods she had bought. It was almost 5 in the afternoon.
She heard footsteps approaching, and straightened herself out expecting to see Mr. Tosechi.
"I'm pretty sure I told you to come at 4." Cutter wore a beige gambeson and black slacks paired with black boots. His arms were crossed as he looked down at Kate.
Kate began to sweat, clearly intimidated by him. "Cutter! I'm so glad you're here. I brought some treats to sh-"
Cutter took a step closer, causing Kate to fumble with the box. He quickly caught it, his hand finding its way below Kate's.
He pulled away and acted as if nothing happened.
Her hand is so small...
Tyson ran up to Cutter, holding an acoustic guitar in one hand. "Cutter! It still doesn't sound right!" He held it up to the knight.
The general groaned as he faced the boy. "It's fine. Just practice your chords or whatever." He strummed the guitar as he handed it back to Tyson, the broken notes causing the three of them to cringe.
Kate shyly reached for the guitar. "Mind if I take a look?" Tyson nodded as she grabbed it. She turned back to Cutter, handing him the box of baked goods. "Hold this please. "
Cutter growled, clearly annoyed. "Who said you could give me ord-" Cutter and Tyson watched in awe as Kate effortlessly tuned the guitar. She played a quick riff before strumming all 6 strings, and handing it back to Tyson. "That should do it!"
The young boy strummed the strings, the look of awe still on his face. He stuck his tongue out at Cutter before running back into the building.
Cutter shoved the box of baked goods back to Kate. "Whatever."
Kate smiled cheekily, opening the box so Cutter could see what was inside. "Maybe a cookie will make you feel better?" The box contained several flavors of cookies as well as mini danishes.
Cutter scoffed. "I don't eat sweets." He hadn't had a dessert since he was a child. He was always obsessed with keeping proper nutrition, and believed that sugar had no place in his body. Not only that, to him-no one's baking could ever compare to his mother's.
Before Kate could ask why, Tyson returned with Mr. Tosechi.
The teacher quietly scolded the boy, who remained unphased. Mr. Tosechi straightened out his clothes as they reached Cutter and Kate. "Why hello again, Kate! Dropping some treats off to your friend Cutter?" He looked curiously at the box.
Cutter huffed and walked away, leaving Mr. Tosechi and Kate with Tyson.
Kate shook her head, and held out the box to Mr. Tosechi. "Actually, Kaku and Mr. Omocha are currently working out the details for the job. I wanted to say thank you for recommending him.
Mr. Tosechi excitedly took the box. "How thoughtful of you! The children will love this." He went to open the box, but was interrupted by a kick on the shin from Tyson. "Oh, right! Kate, Tyson said you can play the guitar?"
Kate blushed as she nodded her head. "Yes, but not very well..."
Mr. Tosechi pulled a cookie from the box. "We are actually looking for someone to teach guitar here a few times a week...if you were interested! We can't pay much, but I assure you it's not a volunteer position!".
Kate shot up excitedly at the opportunity. She had been wondering what to do while Kaku was at work, and helping out around the orphanage seemed like a great way to use her time. "I would love to!" She took a deep breath to calm herself. "When would you like me to start?"
Tyson kicked Mr. Tosechi on the shin once again, causing him to yelp. "Well, Tyson here is quite eager...how about tomorrow after the first half of their daily lessons. Does noon work for you?"
The raven haired beauty nodded. "Absolutely!"
Kaku whistled as he cooked some curry on the stove. He wasn't sure where Kate was, but he wanted to make sure he had dinner ready for when she got back.
As soon as he shut off the stove, Kate walked through the door. He turned to greet her. "Hiya Honey! You're just in time for dinner!"
He hid his excitement. They were really like a married couple.
If only this were real...
Kate blushed, still unused to the roles they were playing. "Hi! Sorry I'm late...I have some news!" She placed her bag on a bedside table before proceeding to grab utensils.
The shipwright brought two plates to the table and took a seat, smiling as Kate joined him. "What's the good word?"
Kate bit her lip. "Well...I kind of got a part time job!" She stirred her curry into her rice. "Thank you for cooking dinner by the-"
Kaku jumped from his chair. "Really?! No foolin'?! That's great! Tell me all about it!" He was proud and extremely curious all at once. Kate's job qualifications were mostly business based, so he was curious as to where she found a job. Monogatari didn't seem like a business district. He sat back down, staring intently at Kate.
She ate a mouthful of curry to try and hide her blush. Seeing Kaku this excited for her made her heart race. "I'll be teaching guitar at the orphanage a few days a week." She stirred her curry again, feeling somewhat bashful.
Kaku laughed. "They've got the finest guitar player in town! That's a great change of pace from your normal office work, ain't it?" He ate a few bites of his curry. "I'll be working Monday to Friday until around 5PM. Is that alright with you?" He felt selfish, having forgotten to ask Kate if it was okay for him to work full time. What if she hadn't found a job?
If Kate were being honest; she would have wanted to spend as much time as possible with Kaku...
"Of course! We could hang out on the weekends though, right?" She regretted saying it as soon as the words came out.
Ugh...I sound so needy..
Kaku laughed as he failed to hold in a blush. "I mean, we are living together...I'm hopin' we'll hang out more than just the weekends?" He seemed to copy Kate's coping mechanism as he stirred his curry.
Kate bit her lip to hide her smile. "Definitely!"