Lucci rolled his eyes as he sat at the bar with Hattori. Him and the other agents were to have a meeting after Blueno closed, but there was a man who didn't seem like he would be leaving any time soon.
Blueno held in a sigh as he handed a tissue along with a beer to the man. "Hey brother, you gonna be alright?" He dried a glass, a blank expression on his face.
Why does this always happen on meeting nights?
The man blew his nose hard, his egg shaped figure barely staying balanced on the bar stool. "My boss made me come all the way here to try and get a boat made for his sons. I was told Galley La made the best ships in the world...but the lady said the next available opening for such a small project was in two years!" He wailed as he took a sip of his beer.
Blueno nodded his head. "Oh right. You had mentioned losing a boat race to someone who made their own boat? Why don't you just ask him?" He dried off another glass, internally rolling his eyes.
The egg man blew his nose once again. "No way! That pompous asshole would laugh at me..." He took a sip of his beer. "I don't think he's even from Monogatari...Him and stupid long nose..." he swirled his drink in his hand.
Blueno and Lucci shot each other a look.
The bartender cleared his throat. "A long nosed man? What shape was his nose?" He started to piece the man's story together.
The man groaned. "It was ugly and square! Looks like damn Pinocchio."
Lucci hid a smile behind his shoulder.
We've finally found you.
The Cipher Pol agent had been growing anxious over Kaku's disappearance. It had been several months.
Now... what shall we do?
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kate puttered around the kitchen, putting away the dishes she had washed after their breakfast earlier. Kaku would be home from work soon.
She turned to the door as she heard it open. She smiled every time Kaku used a proper entrance. She had been so used to him jumping through the window at the Inn that watching him do it seemed almost odd at times.
Kaku beamed as he placed two bags on the kitchen table. "Hi, Kitten!" Kate shook her head and laughed as she made her way over to Kaku.
"How many nicknames are you going to give me?" She looked curiously at the bags, unsure of what he had bought.
Kaku pretended to think. "Hm...let's see...as many as I see fit, sweetie!" He laughed at himself as he dug through the bags. "I got you something...well, some things..." He pulled out a black toque from one of the bags, putting it on Kate's head.
"It's getting pretty nippy out there! Gotta keep your head warm so my snowflake won't catch a cold!" He pulled it down slightly as she stared at him with a mix between a smile and a pout. Her lips were so close...but he still didn't feel confident enough to kiss her.
Maybe next time...
While he was ecstatic to finally be with Kate, his nerves had been getting the best of him all week since they had kissed. He was an assassin by profession, a shipwright at heart, but overall- he was just a man. He knew his physical needs would soon overpower his logic, and he wasn't sure if he'd be able to handle it properly. He was nervous about being "intimate" with Kate since he was inexperienced.
He snapped a finger as he dug through the bags once more, pulling out a pair of black snow boots. "This model apparently has the best grip for ice!" He knelt on the floor and helped Kate put them on. They came up to just below Kate's knees. He squeezed the tip of the shoes to check the size. "Ah yes, size 7 is a perfect fit!" He chuckled. "The shop keep asked what you were, and I told him you were a perfect 10!" He continued to laugh as he sorted through the last bag.
Kate marched in place testing out the boots. "You're such a dork! You're lucky he didn't kick you out after that!" She blushed. They had only been 'dating' for over a week, and Kaku seemed to be a completely different person.
Kaku pulled out a camel colored oversized pea coat. "You don't have any warm jackets...I figured I'd better get you one since I was out already." He draped it over her shoulders, taking a few steps back to take a better look. "Beautiful. Do you like it?" He looked at her nervously.
She slipped the jacket sleeves on, surprised to see that Kaku had picked the right size. "Thank you! I hope you didn't spend too much..." She went to the washroom to look at her new outfit in the mirror. She tried to hide her delight as she bit her lip, fighting the butterflies from knowing her and Kaku were actually together... Kate wasn't the type to long for material things, but the fact that he had picked this outfit for her made her giddy.
When she came back out to the kitchen her jaw dropped. "Oh..."
Kaku stood there wearing black snow boots (except his only went up to his ankles), a camel colored coat, and a black toque. His outfit was almost identical to hers. "Well? Whaddya think?" He held his arms open.
The whole outfit wasn't his style, but the store selling the clothes had a picture of a couple wearing the exact same outfits. The couple looked happy, and he thought that maybe if he got the matching outfits- it would make Kate happy. Kaku was still adjusting to being in a REAL relationship, and he wanted to make sure he didn't miss anything.
Kate blushed. She definitely didn't expect this...
She broke out into laughter.
Kaku's arms dropped, a frown now on his face. "I'm sorry. Is it too much?" He began to pull his toque off, but stopped when Kate made her way over to pull it back down onto his head.
She slowly moved her hands down so they were on either side of his face. "You're so sweet. Thank you."
Kaku's face began to burn under the feeling of Kate's warmth on him. He froze, unsure of how to react.
"Oh yeah, no, for sure! No problemo at all, doll! My pleasure.." He laughed nervously.
Kate made her way towards the door. "What do you say we test our new outfits out?"
-.-.-.-
They walked throughout the town. It was around 7 o'clock at night and most people spent this time at home. With winter coming; the nights came a lot faster. Scattered lamp posts and the brightness of the moon were all that lit the town.
The weather on the Grand Line was always extreme, and Monogatari was no exception. Kate and Kaku were told by several people that the winters on Monogatari were some of the coldest.
The two walked side by side, enjoying each other's company. They made their way up "their" hill, and sat on the ground looking down at the dimly lit town.
They sat in silence, both feeling slightly awkward. The last time they had been up here was over a week ago...when Kaku had confessed his feelings. The first and last time they had kissed.
Kate played back the moment in her head, somehow hoping Kaku's lips would meet hers again. She had noticed he was awkward when it came to PDA, and thought that maybe it was her turn to make the first move.
"You know, Kaku...the outfits are great, but I'm still feeling a bit cold..." she slid closer beside him so that their arms touched.
Kaku's face turned a bright red. "Kate, I'm so sorry... The fella must've sold me a lemon! I'm burning up in mine!" He took off his jacket, draping it over Kate's shoulders. "Here, you can use mine." He turned back to look towards the town.
Kate began to sweat. She was unsure if it was from the extra jacket, or her growing frustration.
I can't give up...maybe I need to do something more obvious...
She smiled at Kaku as she adjusted the jacket. "Thanks, Kaku...but now it's just my hands that are a bit cold..."
Kaku looked down at her hands.
Why doesn't she just put them in her pockets?
He mentally shook his head.
Maybe she's so cold she can't think straight?
He smiled at her as his hands made his way to hers.
Kate began to smile.
It worked!
She held her breath, anticipating the warmth of Kaku's hand intertwined with hers.
When his hands reached hers, Kate gawked as he began to slap his hands on hers repeatedly.
He raised his voice so she could hear him over the slapping. "My grandpa liked to keep his hands warm like this! It keeps the circulation going!"
You dumbass!
Kate huffed as she got up, removing Kaku's jacket from her shoulders before throwing it into his lap. "I'm tired. I'm heading home."
Kaku sat there dumbfounded. He knew it was probably because she was cold, and tired...but he couldn't help but feel as if she was mad at him somehow?
He followed behind her silently, replaying the moments in his head. Try as he might- he had no idea what had made Kate so upset.
Kate groaned as they reached the door. "Ughh...I think I dropped my key when we sat on the hill..." She sighed as she began to make her way back.
Kaku stood in front of her. "Here, take my key and go inside. I'll go back and find yours." He smiled at her sincerely. The hill wasn't too far of a walk, but it was late and Kate was obviously tired.
She rolled her eyes slightly before walking around him. Kate was growing frustrated...with herself. She had been trying to make things obvious to Kaku, but nothing seemed to work. Try as she might- she could feel her anxiety taking over her thoughts, planting in her mind that Kaku probably wasn't truly interested in her after all...
Kaku called after Kate to try and change her mind, but her only reply was silence. Still, he followed behind her as they made their way back up the hill.
They searched the ground carefully. Unfortunately, the lack of light made it almost impossible.
Kate groaned once again, regretting not bringing a flashlight.
Whenever Kaku had tried to be near Kate she moved away. There was obviously something wrong...
"Kate...?" He walked beside her hesitantly, hoping she wouldn't walk away again. "Is something bugging ya?"
Kate sighed. She couldn't give him the silent treatment forever...and the only way she could know the truth was by telling him the truth. "It's...well..." She didn't understand why she felt embarrassed. Perhaps it was her fear of rejection? Or maybe because she thought he'd call her petty for throwing a fit over such a small thing...
Kaku watched her intently as she searched for words. Suddenly his attention was taken away as his head shot up to look towards the sky. It was snowing.
A large smile began to form across Kaku's face. He looked back at Kate who was still trying to find the words to say...
She looked so innocent, so sweet...She looked down as her nose was now slightly pink from the cold, which had also given her cheeks a similar hue. The moonlight shone down on her, illuminating her features. She was beautiful.
Kate continued to ponder. "It's just that I fee-"
Kate felt her knees buckle as she finally felt what she had been longing for all week. Kaku's lips against hers. She kissed him back, placing both hands on his chest. All the negativity she was feeling seemed to wash away, now replaced by the pounding of her heart. Kaku pulled away slightly, his eyes still closed before kissing her again. They continued this for several minutes, taking turns between pulling away and being the one to rejoin them.
Kate laughed as she licked her lips, still tasting Kaku on them. "What was that all about?"
Kaku was on cloud 9. Any hesitations he had were gone as he made his way behind Kate and wrapped his arms around her.
"There's this superstition that if you are out in the first snowfall of the year with your special someone...you'll be together forever." He wrapped his arms around her tighter.
Kate giggled. "But you don't believe in superstitions?"
It was true- Kaku wasn't a superstitious man, mainly relying on solid research when it came to most things.
He placed his head on top of hers..
"Yeah...but golly...I hope this one is true."
He tried to push the negative thoughts out of his head. The only certainties in his life were death, and that he'd be a dog of the world government until the end of his days.
Forever....
Kate leaned her head against his arms, looking up at the snow. "Kaku...why I was upset earlier..." She rubbed his arm with one hand for comfort. "You know, you don't have to bring me all the way up here just to kiss me...I'm really happy to be with you."
He kissed her on the cheek, breathing her in. "Okay, but don't blame me if I can't keep myself away from you!" He laughed, kissing her on the cheek once again.
They stood and watched the snowfall a bit longer before heading back home.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kaku laid in bed, waiting for Kate to come out of the washroom so he could say goodnight. He was wearing socks, jeans, and a grey v-neck sweater with a white t-shirt underneath. Because of what he wore to bed- he usually didn't need a blanket.
Kate came out wearing a silk white night gown Kaku had bought her when they first came. It was spaghetti strapped and came just above her knees.
Kaku reached underneath the pillow as Kate crawled into bed. "Goodnight, kitten." He squeezed her hand gently. As he went to slide his hand back to his side; Kate held his hand tighter, taking him by surprise.
"Kate, is everything okay?" He turned so he faced the pillow.
Kate continued to hold his hand. "I'm cold."
Kaku slightly panicked and rolled back onto his back. They only had the one blanket, and he knew Kate didn't like sleeping in heavy clothing. "Ahhhhh let me know how I can help!" He regretted not buying more bedding.
He gasped as Kate let go of his hand, and removed the pillow.
He laid there frozen as she threw the blanket over him, snuggling her head into his chest with one arm hugging him around his waist.
She smiled with her eyes closed, breathing Kaku in. "Now I feel better." Kate's heart was beating so hard to the point that it was almost deafening. However, her nerves were overcome by her body's need to be with Kaku. While they had only been "official" for a week, there had always been a physical tension between them. This experience was new to her, but she couldn't deny that she knew what she truly wanted. If she were to experience anything of this caliber for the first time with anyone- she wanted it to be with Kaku. Due to his status and popularity on Water 7 she thought he would have had many "encounters" by now.
Kaku began to sweat. It was extremely warm, and his nerves were getting the best of him.
Kate opened her eyes and looked up at Kaku, as sweat began to drip down his face. She sat up abruptly, grabbing a tissue to wipe his head. "I'm sorry! I didn't think you'd be so warm...I'll just go back to my side...sorry.".
Kaku smiled at her sadly. "That was real nice though..." He held her hand, looking her over.
She smiled sheepishly as she turned to face him. "You know...you probably wouldn't sweat so much if you took some of your clothes off...".
Wait, that didn't come out right!
Kaku had never worn anything less than a full outfit to bed since he was a child. His CP9 training had ingrained this habit into him so he'd be ready for any situation.
He blushed as he continued to look her over- his body's need to be with her over powering his habits.
Just tonight...
He stood up off of the bed and stripped down into his boxers- carefully folding up his clothes and placing them on his night stand.
Kate admired how sculpted his back was, how his whole body was perfect. She held in a frown as she looked at the scars that covered parts of his perfection, still unable to ask where he had gotten them. Her temperature rose once again when he faced her, his front just as sculpted as his back.
Kaku crawled under the blanket beside Kate. He pushed her gently onto her side so her back was towards him.
I hope I'm doing this right...
Whenever he had seen the random hookups Lucci and Kalifa would have; the part he craved most was after the deed was done. Watching them curl into each other and sleep together so peacefully..
He tried to stop his hands from shaking as he nervously wrapped an arm around Kate's waist, sliding the other under the top of her pillow. He smelled her hair, letting out a sigh from the ecstasy she was to him. "Goodnight Kate."
His eyes reopened as Kate turned to face him, planting a quick kiss on his lips. "Can't forget a goodnight kiss." She kissed him once more before turning back. "Goodnight, Kaku."
He squeezed her tighter and kissed her head.
Kate's eyes widened a few minutes later when she felt something unfamiliar poking against her backside...
If one arm is here, and his other arm is there...
She started to sweat upon realizing what was poking her. Kate knew it would happen eventually, but she never would have expected it to be tonight.
Kaku laid there frozen, fighting an internal battle between his mind and his body. His member was pressed against Kate's bottom, and his excitement was to a point that it almost hurt.
He couldn't pull his arms away and pinch himself in case Kate was asleep, not wanting to wake her up.
What do I do?!
Kate took a deep breath after debating for several minutes, unable to hold back any longer. "Kaku..." her voice was barely a whisper.
Kaku began to panic even more. "Ah! Kate! I'm sorry, I'll just-" he went to pull away, but Kate pulled his arm back towards her.
She swallowed, feeling nervous and excited all at once. "It's okay..." she turned to face him, her right hand on his neck and the other on his waist. "I want you too." She kissed him deeply as new sensations began to take over her.
Kaku moaned quietly, Kate's kiss and her body against his was almost enough to send him over the edge. His eyes remained closed as his arm moved from Kate's waist up to her breast. He squeezed it gently over her dress, surprised that she hadn't been wearing a bra.
It's so soft...
It was Kate's turn to moan as Kaku continued to play with her breasts, alternating between squeezing and pinching them. Kate instinctively reached down to Kaku's boxers, feeling his member over the cloth. She panicked as she barely wrapped her hand around the shaft.
Are they usually this big?!
Kaku gasped, his body twitching from excitement. "Kate..." His body fully took over, demanding more of Kate. He slid his hand from her breast to under her dress, rubbing his fingers on top of her underwear.
So close. He wanted to explore more of her. He slowly slid his hand down into her underwear, his fingers disappearing within her crease.
She's so wet...
He felt his member stiffen even more as he continued to move his fingers around. He tried to think back on the notes he had taken on how to pleasure a woman.
The clitoris...
He moved his fingers around near the top of Kate until they moved over a small bump, causing Kate to whimper.
This must be it.
He circled his fingers around Kate's most sensitive spot, causing her to dig her nails into his neck.
Kate's vision became blurry as she started to pant. "Kaku..." she felt hot as he continued to circle around her.
What's happening to me...
She gripped onto Kaku's neck tighter, moving her hand into his underwear. She began to stroke his member, matching the speed of Kaku's circles. "Don't stop. Please." She continued to pant as Kaku gently sucked on her neck.
Kaku focused to ensure his pace and the placement of his fingers didn't falter. He felt Kate's temperature rise, her wetness now covering his fingers.
Is she...
Kate's body convulsed as she buried her head into Kaku, gripping him slightly harder for a few seconds before her body relaxed completely. She caught her breath, feeling high off of what had just happened.
Kaku couldn't hold himself back anymore. "Kate..." he pushed her onto her back, admiring her in her flushed state before removing her underwear. He reached over and opened the drawer of his bedside table, pulling out a small square package.
His hands shook as he clumsily opened the package. As much as he wanted her-the nerves from this being his first time hindered his performance. He removed his boxers as he kneeled over her, revealing his hardened member.
"Darn it..."
He threw the condom away and went to get another, having put it on wrong. He slid the piece of plastic over himself, sliding it down tightly to make sure it was on correctly.
Kaku lowered himself onto Kate, their bodies pressed against each other. He kissed her as Kate wrapped her arms around his neck, opening her legs.
He began to slide his body up and down Kate, trying to find her entrance.
I can't believe I'm doing this..
He gasped as he felt Kate's wetness once again, continuing to slide his body up and down. His member was now in between Kate's lips. He continued to move, Kate moaning each time he passed over her clit.
"Kate..."
He moved his body faster, the plastic around him fitting tighter than earlier.
This is it!
He couldn't hold himself back a second longer. He positioned his shaft so that it was just outside of Kate's entrance. He kissed Kate, readying himself to finally join her completely. Just as he was about to enter, his body buckled and he moaned as he reached release. "I love you." He collapsed onto her, catching his breath. The thought that he was about to truly have sex with Kate was enough to make him climax.
Kate hugged him, her head still hazy from her own climax earlier. She shook her head, believing she had just imagined hearing the words that came out of Kaku's mouth.
Kaku lifted himself off of Kate, placing a quick kiss on her lips before cleaning up in the washroom. He washed his face, feeling embarrassed for finishing prematurely.
By the time he returned to bed- Kate was already asleep.
He cuddled into her, back into the position when they had initially said goodnight.
"I love you, Kate."
-.-.-.-.-.-
The long haired man moved his sunglasses from his eyes up to the top of his head. He was dressed in his usual open black jacket,with matching pants.
Jabra sniffed the air, trying to track Kaku's scent. "Yeah I can definitely smell that brat...but it seems someone else is at his place. Better keep my guard up.."
He walked towards the wooden house, puffing up his chest before knocking on the door.
Whoever this dude is; he smells good..
Kate slowly opened the door, causing Jabra's mouth to drop. "What?! You're a woman?"
Kate looked at him confused, closing the door slightly. "Yes...I am? Can I help you?" She couldn't help but panic a bit. Kaku was in the shower, and there was something oddly intimidating about the man at her door. Were he to try something- would she be able to defend herself?
The wolf man cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "I'm here to see Kaku. I have some business with him."
Kate felt relieved he wasn't just a random man knocking on their door. Kaku had told her that there were only a handful of people who knew where they now lived.
She smiled before fully opening the door. "Oh if that's the case- please come in!"
Jabra watched Kate's every movement as he sat at the kitchen table. She was preparing some snacks and tea for the three of them.
Pretty face, nice body...who the hell is she?!
He cleared his throat. "So...are you Kaku's maid or something?"
Kate shot him a glare. "Definitely not. If anything- he does more cleaning around here than I do!" The comment softened her glare, but before she could speak more; Jabra interrupted her.
"What?! So what are you doing here?!" Jabra was starting to grow impatient ...hoping her answer wouldn't be what he thought it might be. "Are you his...girlfriend?!"
Kate blushed, but managed to keep it together in order to maintain their secret. She carefully placed the tea and a plate of assorted biscuits on the table.
"No, I'm not his girlfriend-I'm"
Jabra let out a sigh of relief and sunk into his chair, grabbing a cup of tea. "Thank DOG! Yeah, you're definitely not his type. If that brat has a type anyways...I knew there was no way-"
Kate couldn't help but feel somewhat offended. What was he trying to say?! "Actually, I'm his wife."
Jabra choked on the hot tea.
Before he could reply, footsteps came from the stairs.
"Jabra! What are you doing here?!" Kaku clenched his fist, trying to withhold the panic brewing within him. Was he here to take them back? Tell him the Water 7 mission was compromised?! Kill Kate?! How did he find them?! He stood beside Kate in case anything were to go down. "I see you've met my wife."
Jabra huffed. "Yeah right. As if she'd marry a long nosed freak like you!" He took a sip of his tea.
Kaku felt a bit of anger brew within him. He laughed before wrapping an arm around Kate's waist, pulling her into him.
Kate felt herself burning up, but tried to play along. She hugged Kaku, placing one arm around his waist, and the other on his chest.
They had been awkward with each other since last night's events. Their conversation was minimal as they were each in their own worlds trying to figure out where their relationship now stood, and when the inevitable would happen...
Kaku smiled at Kate before letting out a laugh. "I know! I hit the jackpot with this one!" He placed a kiss on her head.
Jeeze... I hope that wasn't too much...
Kate couldn't hold her composure much longer. She patted Kaku's chest and made her way towards the stairs. "I'm sorry, I just remembered there was something I had to do! I'll leave you boys to it.". She quickly made her way up the stairs, closing their room door behind her.
Kaku waited until he was sure Kate was no longer within ear shot. He grabbed the back of Jabra's jacket, lifting him out of his seat.
"Let's go for a walk."
-.-.-
They made it to a deep part in the forest to ensure no one would hear their conversation.
Jabra went to speak, but paused at the coldness coming off of Kaku. He'd worked and trained with Kaku for several years, but there was an intensity he had never felt before. "Uh...everything alright, brat?" He took a step back as Kaku's energy had put him on guard.
Kaku turned to face Jabra, his expression remaining stark.
Stay calm! You don't know why he's here...so there's no point in jumpin' to conclusions...
"Three questions- How did they find me, who sent you, and why are you here?"
Kaku could feel his heart racing. What if he was sent to get rid of Kate?! Should he run back before Jabra could get to her? If Jabra decided to turn into his wolf form, there would be no way for him to catch up...Kate would be gone before he even got through the door. He tried to plan in his head what the best option would be, but they all ended up in failure.
I just want her safe...
Jabra yawned and scratched the back of his ear. "Well hello to you too, and yes I'm fine since you forgot to ask how your old pal was." He smirked waiting for a reply, but was greeted with silence. "Yeah whatever. Lucci and Blueno heard some guy talking about you in a bar. Apparently you helped some gang of misfits build a boat? Some boring crap like that. Lucci sent me to find you, and no-Spandam doesn't know about your whole charade. Lucci wants all of CP9 to meet tomorrow in Water 7 to go over some details since our report to Spandam is due soon...so I don't know what to tell your friend or whatever she is..."
The wolf man let out a yelp as Kaku grabbed his collar and pushed him against a tree. He began to bear his fangs. "You'd better get your hand off of me right this second.."
The intensity in Kaku's stare didn't falter for what seemed to be ages as he held Jabra against the tree. He sighed and let go of him slowly, covering his face with his hand.
"I'm sorry, I just...ah jeeze.." He turned away from Jabra to try and gather his thoughts.
Oh? What's this?!
Jabra smiled cheekily at the younger man, creeping up behind his shoulder.
"Ha! Look who's all grown up now with a lady friend! I didn't know you were a dog! I- WAIT!" he jumped back, crossing his arms as he looked at the long nosed man. "Why should I be happy for you?! Why the hell do you have a girlfriend and I don't! There must be a mista-" He stopped as Kaku walked away, back towards the house.
"I just want to make sure she's safe...that's all."
Jabra quietly followed behind Kaku, unsure of what to make of the situation. He wasn't Kaku's biggest fan, but all the members of CP9 made up a dysfunctional family...and it was the only family he had left. Kaku didn't need to say it for him to understand what he was going through.
Poor kid. There's no room for those feelings in the life we live...
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Kate came down the stairs as soon as she heard Kaku and Jabra enter. "Hey! Is everything alright? I'm sorry I took off..." She rubbed her arm as she stared at the ground; feeling somewhat ashamed for the way she had reacted.
Kaku plastered on a smile, trying to hide his emotions.
"Yupp! Jabra is my lawyer, and there have been some new developments in the case with Nash...I have to go with Jabra back to Water 7 for a bit to sort things out...but I think it'd be best if you stayed here." He kept his smile on, trying to downplay the situation.
"Oh? I see...I guess that makes sense..." She held onto her arm, trying to hide the disappointment in her face. It would be the first time she would be without Kaku since the incident. Her heart was sinking into her stomach. What was she feeling? Was it only disappointment? Or was it fear that he may not come back? If that were the case- could she really blame him? "When will you be leaving?"
Kaku headed towards the stairs. "I'm going to grab a few things and we'll be leaving tonight. I should be back in 3 days tops!" He smiled as he made his way to their bedroom.
I'm so sorry, Kate...I promise I'll come back.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Jabra sat at the table as Kate did the dishes. It was almost nine o'clock at night, and he could feel his eyes getting heavy.
"Hey...Jabra..." Kate turned to face him.
Her voice seemed to shake off his drowsiness. He looked at her, unsure of what she was going to say. "Yeah?" He fixed the glasses on top of his head.
Kate looked at Jabra, a pleading look on her face. "I know he's old enough, and more than capable but...could you please keep an eye on Kaku? I mean, make sure he stays safe...I...He means a lot to me." Try as she might- she failed to hide the fact that her eyes were watery.
Jabra kept his breath steady. He had hopped from relationship to relationship hoping to find someone who cared for him, but they all ended up leaving him or only faking their feelings due to his wealth. He knew the whole 'husband and wife' thing was a ruse...but in the short interactions he had with Kaku and Kate- he could see that maybe there was some truth to it? He was surprised by his lack of jealousy. Kaku was somewhat of a rival- always on the nip of his heel. He knew he'd be stronger than him one day, but he never would have thought he'd find a true relationship before he did.
Means a lot to you huh?
"Yeah sure." He rested his chin on one hand as he waved the other in an attempt to ease Kate's worries.
She placed a plate with a piece of cake in front of Jabra. "Thank you. Kaku is lucky to have you as his lawyer...you seem like a good man."
Jabra could feel his tailbone start to ache in absence of a tail being able to wag.
A good man...
He had given his word to Kate and he intended to keep it. Though he was hot headed, stubborn and fiercely competitive- he was also loyal. He would keep his word no matter what. Although, he was positive there would be no trouble during their trip. He smiled and began to happily eat the piece of cake.
I'm a good man!
-.-.-.-.-.-
Jabra waited outside as he stretched his body out. There was a lot of rowing ahead of them.
Kaku double checked his bag on the table to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. "Alright! Looks like I'm all set! I'll see you in a few days?"
He turned to Kate who was standing by the door. He tilted his head as she noticed she wasn't her usual self. "Kate? Everything alright?" He walked closer to her in hopes he would be able to read her expression better.
"Yeah...Kaku...I just wanted to tell you...I..." She quickly took a step towards him, and wrapped her arms around his waist as she buried her head into his chest. "Be safe. No matter what."
Whether you come back or not...I just want you to be safe.
Kaku placed his bag on the floor and returned her embrace, tucking Kate's head closer to him. Knowing the nature of his work-anything could happen. If this was the last time they'd ever be like this- he didn't want to forget it. He closed his eyes and tried to memorize the moment- her smell, how she sat below his chin, her warmth, her skin...
He pet her head slowly, trying to guess what she was thinking. "Don't worry. I promise I'll come back." He pulled her chin up to him as he leaned down to kiss her softly.
Kate smiled sadly as she pulled away from his chest, nodding in reply. She opened the door for him as he walked out to meet Jabra.
He waved once before walking away, not looking back a second time.
"3 days."