Kate brushed out Heart's brown hair as thoroughly as possible. It was past her waist and slightly wavy.
"So, how would you like me to do your hair today?" Kate looked at their reflection in the mirror that was set on a stump.
"Um...I really like pig tails..." The little girl held her hair up to show Kate how her hair looked in pig tails.
Kate grabbed a second hair tie from her bag, sliding it onto her wrist. "Alright, you've got it!"
Cutter watched anxiously from afar as Kate struggled to put Heart's long hair into pig tails. It was Kate's first day back to work, and he had gone out of his way to make sure he was off work earlier to watch over her.
Don't do it...just leave them be.
He clenched his jaw as Kate finished.
Kate tightened one of the pig tails before clapping her hands together. "Ta da! Well, what do you think?"
Heart looked into the mirror, unsure of how to tell Kate how she usually had her pig tails done..
Unbelievable.
Cutter marched towards them, unable to hold back his frustration.
He sat beside Kate, pushing her slightly out of the way. "You city folk really are pathetic huh? As if these pig tails would hold up for a whole day!" He took out the hair ties, making Kate gasp as Heart's hair fell to her waist.
"Hey!"
Heart giggled as she looked at Cutter and Kate in the mirror. "Uncle Cutter does my hair on special days!" She shot him a smile, holding the skirt of her brown dress.
The Knight smiled slightly before adjusting the girl's head so that she faced the mirror straight on.
"You can't just tie it like that. Although, judging by the way you do your hair..." He scoffed. Before Kate could reply, he began to work on Heart's hair. "Give two more hair ties if you have some left."
Kate nodded her head and handed him the hair ties, curious to where this was going.
He looked at Kate once again in the mirror. "Watch." He tied one side of Heart's hair into a simple high pig tail. "You need to make sure it's tight. Afterwards, do this." He braided part of the pig tail and wrapped it around the base, securing it with an elastic. "This ensures it won't come out while she's playing. Now, you do the other side." He handed Kate back the two hair ties, and watched intently in the mirror.
Kate nervously grabbed Heart's hair. "You did such a good job...wouldn't it be better if you finished it?" She laughed faintly.
He shot her a glare. "If you're going to be helping out around here, it'd be best if you learned. Besides, you should always take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills."
Kate blushed, unprepared for such a lecture. Then again, did she really expect less from a General?
She wiped off some sweat as she finished off the pig tail. Cutter had yelled at her almost the entire time, but she made it.
Heart giggled as she looked at the finished product in the mirror. "Yay I love it!" She hugged Cutter's neck. "Thank you Uncle Cutter!" She then wrapped her arms around Kate's neck. "Thank you Miss Kate!" She then ran to join Timmy and Tyson who were throwing rocks into a bucket.
Kate stood up awkwardly, brushing the dirt off of her dark red short sleeve dress.
Cutter watched Kate through his peripherals, trying to hide his blush as her bottom jiggled.
Damn.
Kate tilted her head, unable to read his expression.
"Thanks for teaching me! If I can help the kids better, I will!" She shot him a smile.
"Sure.""He looked at his pocket watch. Kate's shift was just about over.
Kate smiled at Cutter as she tidied up a few things around the court yard. "You're surprisingly good with kids. I think you'll make a great dad someday!" She chuckled, imagining the stone cold General Cutter changing diapers.
Cutter huffed. "What do you mean surprisingly? It's not hard." He walked towards the exit. "I'll walk you home. I'll wait for you by the water."
He replayed Kate's words in his head as he listened to the river, trying to hold back his smile. He wanted kids more than anything, but due to the nature of his work; he never had time to date.
"One day.."
The General couldn't understand why he kept thinking about his reflection with Kate and Heart's in the mirror...
His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Kate's footsteps. "Thanks for waiting!" She made her way in front of him before walking in the direction of her and Kaku's house.
Cutter fought once again to stop himself from staring. The situation was awkward enough, and he didn't need to add to it. He thought back to their walks around the castle with Kate latched onto his arm. How they were walking now made it feel as if their friendship had gone backwards.
Kate stopped a few minutes later. "Hey, Cutter." She turned to face him. "Could you... walk beside me instead? This feels weird." She shrugged her shoulders. There was so much she wanted to talk to him about, but it felt unnatural having a conversation with him walking behind her. They were definitely past this phase.
Cutter cleared his throat. "Whatever." He hid his happiness as he walked beside her. "By the way... thanks for the gift. I'm guessing the brats told you?" He sighed.
Kate laughed at the General's expression. "Yup! They sure did!"
Before Kate could ask, Cutter lifted a black string from around his neck, revealing the charm she had given him. "It's working so far." He smirked.
The raven haired girl gasped. "I'm so happy you're using it!" She continued to smile as they reached the slope leading to her house.
Cutter whistled one long note. "Wow, so Kaku really fixed up the infamous unsellable house." He looked around, noticing Kaku had also cleared out several trees.
This guy doesn't waste any time, does he?
Kate blushed as she nodded, proud of her boyfriend. "You should see the inside!"
Cutter looked around in awe. The house was falling apart and rotten the last time he saw it. He hated to admit it, but Kaku had done an amazing job. "Not bad."
Kate began to boil some water. "Would you like some tea?" She looked around the cupboards for some biscuits.
The General shook his head. "I actually need to get going..." He looked around the place once more. "Kate, since you're home alone- I would sleep on that couch." He pointed towards the living room. "If someone were to break in, they wouldn't expect anyone to be sleeping on the couch. It'll give you a chance to run away or hide." He turned to the door. "I'll make sure to come around this way every few hours. If you get in trouble..um." He held up a finger telling Kate to wait for a moment as he ran out the door. He quickly returned with a stack of wood, placing it by the window. "If you are in trouble; place a piece of wood on your window sill." He hid his frustration and worry. He couldn't believe Kaku could leave her alone in the middle of nowhere.
I swear, if anything happens to her...
Kate nodded. "That's a great idea! Thank you, Cutter!" She shot him a smile.
Cutter nodded before walking out the door. "Stay safe."
-.-.-.-.-.-
Kaku and Jabra had snuck into Jabra's hotel room so quickly, that Kaku didn't have a chance to realize he was back on Water 7. Nothing was on his mind but Kate.
Is she okay? Was she suspicious of me leaving so suddenly?
Kaku stood in front of a mirror, barely recognizing his own reflection. He wore an all black suit, a black baseball cap, and a black dress shirt with an orange tie. He wanted so badly to go back to Monogatari, but he knew it'd be worse if he angered Lucci...
I can't risk him taking it out on Kate...
Jabra picked at his teeth as he came into the room. "Hey. You alright in there?" He noticed Kaku was quieter than usual.
He's probably thinking about Kate...
A gentle wrapping came on the door, taking the two agents by surprise.
Kaku hid in the closet while Jabra went to answer the door, one of his hands now transformed into a claw behind his back.
Jabra opened the door slowly, sighing out of relief upon seeing Lucci and Kalifa. "Why did you even bother knocking? So damn formal all the time." He turned to the closet. "Hey, Kaku! It's just pigeon boy and blondie." He rolled his eyes as he laid down on the couch.
Kaku came out shortly, his cold demeanor taking his seniors by surprise.
Lucci laughed, patting Kaku on the shoulder. "What an unusual look on you, but, I think I prefer it." He motioned for Kaku to take a seat on the couch beside Jabra.
The blonde haired agent smiled at Kaku, happy to see he was safe. Of all the agents of CP9- Kalifa was probably the closest one to Kaku. She often went to him when she had personal problems as he always seemed to give good advice, and wouldn't share any information with the others. Kalifa saw him as her little brother, and if things were different- she would want to support Kaku and Kate as best she could. Unfortunately, she knew that to truly show her care for Kaku- she had to do the opposite. "Welcome back, Kaku." She adjusted her glasses as she smiled.
Kaku met her with a small smile and a nod, still feeling anxious about the whole situation.
Lucci folded his arms as he looked at Kaku, a grin on his face. "I'm glad you've finally returned, Kaku." While Spandam was the head of CP9; Lucci was the leader within their group. He was the type of person who loved control, and not knowing where Kaku was for so long almost drove him mad.
Kaku's smile faded, and was replaced with his initial demeanor. "I'm going back to Monogatari as soon as the meeting ends tonight. Kate is still there." He folded his arms, not wanting to look vulnerable.
Lucci's grin turned somewhat sinister. "Of course. We can't have anything happening to dear Kate. After all; she's going to be playing a big part in our plan..."
The carpentry foreman's blood ran cold. "What are you talking about?" He went to stand, but Jabra pushed him back down.
Don't do anything stupid, kid.
Lucci turned to Kalifa, signaling her to explain.
Kalifa pulled a small black notebook from a hidden breast pocket. "Since you and Kate disappeared; Iceberg has been asking me several times a day if we've received any update of your whereabouts. While I don't understand his relationship with Kate- he clearly cares about her. This being the case- we believe we can use Kate to our advantage once you both return from Monogatari." Kalifa adjusted her glasses, dreading the next part of the explanation.
Kaku grit his teeth. "What are you planning to do to her?" He felt his hands start to shake with rage. He knew what Lucci was capable of, and the type of man he was. There were no limits when it came to what Lucci wanted.
Jabra smacked Kaku on the back of the head. "Easy, Romeo! Kalifa hasn't even finished explaining." Jabra hid his panic, knowing that secretly- Lucci probably wanted Kaku to attack him. He was never one to turn down a challenge.
Kalifa turned to a different page in her notebook. "If it's true Iceberg has feelings for Kate-we'll use her against him. I'm currently working on planting an idea in Iceberg's mind to have Kate move in with him upon your return. Your job is to convince Kate to follow through with it. Once she gains his trust- I wouldn't be surprised if he told her where the blueprints were." She turned back to Lucci.
Lucci chuckled. "That's when you, 'Romeo' come into play. You'll extract the information from Kate, and our mission will be complete." Hattori flew around in excitement. "It shouldn't be a problem having her listen to you. I'll give you 3 more months of your vacation to ensure she will choose you over Iceberg. Although...She seems like an easy enough woman." Lucci's chuckle turned into a laugh as Kaku lunged at him, pinning him against the wall. He smiled sinisterly at the younger agent. "Or...we can make things simpler and I could use her as a hostage. Torture her until Iceberg pays for her life with the blueprints..or not." He snarled before punching Kaku in the stomach, blood shooting out of his mouth.
The dark haired man dusted himself off as Kaku reeled on the floor. "Don't test me, boy. You never know when I might just change my mind." He walked out the door, Kalifa following behind him.
Kalifa looked back at Kaku and Jabra. "See you both tonight." The door closed behind them.
Jabra quickly ran to Kaku, looking him over for any serious injuries. "You IDIOT! Didn't I tell you to take it easy?!" He felt his ribs, and was relieved to find they were all intact. "What makes you think you'd stand a chance against Lucci? Base level, fine, maybe...but you don't even have a devil fruit. That's where he's got you beat, kid." He sighed, helping Kaku to his feet.
We haven't even fought and he's already beaten me...
Kaku pushed Jabra off, closing the door behind him as he went to his room.
-.-.-.-.-.-
It was now almost 1AM on Water 7.
Lucci and Kalifa waited patiently at the meeting location, which was an abandoned warehouse on the lower levels.
Kalifa looked over at Lucci worriedly. "Please, I think it's best if we were patien-"
Lucci growled as he turned to Kalifa. "Patient?! I'm done being patient!" He broke a nearby wooden crate. "She's important, but...It's probably better if I just killed the bitch. It'll save us from any problems going forward." He growled once more before disappearing.
The blonde haired agent sighed as she adjusted her glasses. "This isn't going to be good..."
Several minutes later; Blueno walked into the room through a door he had made in the wall. He had come through at the same time as Jabra, taking the wolf man by surprise.
Jabra's wolf tail popped out from his pants, shooting straight up with the rest of his body. "Dammit, you freak! You can't just pop out of nowhere like that!" He retracted his tail. "Try to be more civilized!" He barked and growled before taking a seat on a wooden crate. He looked around at the broken pieces on the ground. "What the hell happened here?" He sniffed to see if he could pick up any clues himself.
Kaku entered shortly after, his blood running cold as he looked around the room. He turned to Kalifa, failing to hide his distress. "Where is Lucci?" The carpenter scanned the room once more, hoping he had somehow missed him. He knew he had angered him earlier, and was scared that he might now be paying the price for his actions.
Kalifa adjusted her glasses. "He had something to take care of..."
Kaku's blood ran cold. He wanted to scream, but mustered all his strength to compose himself. "No..." He trembled before taking off, running as fast as he could to the docks.
Kate!
Jabra tapped his foot anxiously as Kalifa and Blueno remained stoic. He knew exactly what Kaku was thinking, and why he left so suddenly.
That idiot...
Jabra looked out the window.
I hope you make it, kid.
-.-.-.-.-.-
Kaku made the trip back to Monogatari in 5 hours.
He ran as fast as he could towards their house. Had it not been for the adrenaline rushing through him, he wouldn't have been able to walk properly, let alone run.
Kate...Please...
What was he to do if Lucci had already found her? Would he then hunt him down? Did he even stand a chance against him?
What if he hadn't found her yet? Would they have to go into hiding elsewhere?
So many questions ran through his mind as he manically made his way to Kate.
He made his way through the forest; his body having memorized each step to their house. With every step he took came a prayer as he got closer.
He stopped momentarily upon seeing pieces of wood that appeared to have been dropped...
I thought I had left enough firewood for her...he probably got her in the woods...
Kaku finally reached the clearing and ran to the house, fumbling through his pockets for the keys.
"Kate!"
Nothing seemed to be askew.
She didn't even make it home...
He ran up the stairs to their bedroom. Kate should have been in bed by now. If she wasn't, then it meant he was too late.
Kaku took a deep breath as he slowly turned the door knob. He closed his eyes and envisioned Kate laying there asleep, hoping his thoughts would manifest into reality.
His heart dropped as he stared at the empty bed.
He began to shake horribly, imagining what Lucci had done to her. There wasn't even a body to say goodbye to. Not a single trace of what had conspired was left.
His tears began to flow uncontrollably, his sobs filling the room with melancholy. "I'm so sorry, Kate!" He dropped to his knees, his fatigue finally taking over.
He had let his emotions get the best of him earlier and it was Kate who was paying the price. Kaku wanted so badly to protect her that he ended up doing the opposite.
The shipwright heard a creak come from the doorway. Kaku took a deep breath, finally deciding what he was going to do to Lucci once he saw him. He knew he had no chance of winning, but he had already lost everything.
"Lucci."
Kaku wiped the tears from his face before rising up and turning around- his sorrow now turned into anger.
Kate stood in the doorway wearing a pink nightgown, unsure of what was happening. "Kaku?!" She hadn't expected him back so soon. She stood there analyzing his face.
Is...is he crying?!
He looked at her as if he were staring at a ghost. "Kate..." Kaku rushed to her and held her face in his hands; causing her to blush. He rubbed her hair back, staring at her as tears began to form in his eyes once again.
Was this a dream? Had he finally gone crazy? Whatever the reason was; he wasn't going to waste it.
Kate tried to speak, but was interrupted by two lips pressed against hers.
All the pressure seemed to release from Kaku's body as he felt his shoulders collapse, a moan escaping from his lips. Ecstasy- it was pure ecstasy. Her lips were sweet, and small against his. Her face was so warm, and he felt her temperature rise as he continued to leave his lips against hers. He hesitantly pulled away. Kate gasped as their lips parted, leaving her mouth agape.
An entrance.
Kaku looked at her open mouth and a ravenous feeling began to take over him. He placed a hand behind her head and pulled her back to him. He kissed her again, but this time more aggressively. A small breath of air escaped from his lips as Kate surprised him by slipping her tongue into his mouth. He returned the action, and their tongues began to dance as his grip on her head became tighter. Their kissing became more intense, and Kaku growled as he lifted Kate up by her bottom, wrapping her legs around his waist.
He needed more of her.
He cleared the bed with one hand, keeping the other hand on Kate's bare bottom, squeezing it as they continued to kiss. He placed her on the bed onto her back, following on top of her. Kate clawed at his clothes, unzipping his jacket and unbuckling his belt as he removed all the clothing from his torso. He straddled her bare chested, his pants now unzipped. She smiled at him wickedly and began to slide the straps of her dress down her shoulders. Kaku gasped as she pulled the top of her dress to her waist- she hadn't been wearing a bra. She lay there, revealing her soft supple hills to him. His belt jingled as he stiffened further.
He needed to see more. In one swift move he ripped off her dress. A lacey white thong was all that separated him from her joining her completely. He removed the rest of his clothing, revealing his large, hard member.
Kate bit her lip. She reached for him and began to stroke him slowly, a mild panic flowing through her- he was going to rip her apart.
Kaku leaned his head back out of pleasure. Her touch was invigorating, but he needed to feel more of her. He needed to feel her against him.
He slid himself further down her body, never breaking eye contact. He pushed aside her underwear and allowed his fingers to explore her crevice, moving them around her bud causing her to moan. He slowly retracted his fingers, revealing Kate's wetness.
"Kaku..." She panted, her eyes now clouded with lust. "I need you." She pushed him off slightly, allowing her enough room to remove her underwear and reveal herself completely. She spread her legs apart, allowing Kaku to gaze at her opening.
Kaku had no words.
So beautiful...
She leaned upwards to wrap her arms around his neck and pull him back onto her. They kissed, trying to find breaths between the dancing of their lips and moans. Kaku could no longer fight his lust. He grabbed his member, positioning it carefully in front of Kate, a wave of electricity coursing through his body when he reached her entrance. "I'm not going to waste any more time, Kate. I want you. I want all of you."
A cry of pleasure escaped Kate's mouth as she engulfed Kaku, her eyes rolling to the back of her head.
Fuck...
Kaku retracted slowly, a line of blood now on him.
She clawed his back, pulling him even closer. Kate had expected it to hurt, but the overwhelming need for Kaku she had been holding back seemed to overcome the pain. "More." She thrusted her hips upwards, moving Kaku deeper into her. The new sensations taking over Kate's body made her feel as if she was coming alive for the first time. She was finally with Kaku. Completely.
The sight of Kate's naked body beneath him, the need in her voice, and the feeling of her around him would have been enough to make him climax then and there...but he wanted to give her what she wanted first- more. He used everything in his power to stay under control.
Kate had been replaying the night before Kaku left repeatedly in her head, wishing they had gone further. She craved him, and having him with her now was driving her wild.
He rammed herself into her, groaning lustfully with every thrust. "Fuck, Kate. You're so tight." He moved his hands to her breasts and played with her nipples between his fingers as he continued to enter her. She tightened around him as he felt her body convulse. He smiled and withdrew, only inserting the head of the source of Kate's pleasure. Kate bit her lip. He looked at her greedily. He knew what she wanted, but seeing Kate like this drove him mad. "Beg." He teased her as his next thrust went only a inch past his head, giving Kate a small taste.
Kate panted. "Fuck me more, please, Kaku...I need it, I need all of it." She clawed her nails further into him, drawing blood.
He pulled back and inserted himself with such force it caused Kate's back to arch. He continued to push himself further into her, enjoying the music composed of Kate's screams of pleasure. He felt himself reach the end of Kate and couldn't help but feel a sense of achievement. "You still want more, kitten?" He propped her legs onto his shoulders, taking a few moments to adjust them to the correct position.
Drool dripped out of Kate's mouth as she moved her hands to grab her pillow behind her, unable to count how many times she had climaxed. "Yes!"
He inserted himself into her again, the new angle of sensation causing Kate to scream several curse words. Kaku ravaged her body, never taking a moment's pause, slamming his hips against her bottom. He took Kate with such force, that her mind went blank. All that filled her now was Kaku.
He couldn't fight it anymore as he felt Kate's hold on him grow tighter. "Kate...I'm..." he slowed his pace slightly, not knowing if he'd be able to pull out in time.
They screamed in unison as he released himself into her, a warmth dripping down Kate's legs.
Kaku moaned into her neck, grabbing the bedsheets beside Kate's head as he finished.
She whimpered as he pulled out of her, breathing heavily as he moved to lay on his back. Kate laid her head on his chest as he pulled her in closer.
He kissed her forehead gently. "I love you, Kate." He continued to stare at her, still in disbelief that she was alive.
Kate looked at him sleepily. She had so many questions, but decided they could wait until morning. She smiled at her boyfriend before allowing sleep to take her. "I love you, Kaku."
He watched her sleep, his pounding heart causing her head to move slightly.
3 more months. That was all the time he had left with her.
-.-.-.-.-.-
Lucci washed the blood off of his hands in his bathroom sink.
He made his way over to Hattori who was laying in bed, his right wing bandaged.
Lucci stroked Hattori's head as he kneeled by the bedside. "Forgive me. I should have chosen a better groomer. She won't hurt you again." He felt no remorse for killing the owner of the pet salon. She had been careless while preening Hattori's feathers, somehow managing to cut a blood feather.
The assassin smiled as he crawled into bed beside Hattori before falling asleep.