Kaku stood at the counter as he looked at the toy shop. He tried his best to memorize every aisle, every shelf, every toy. He took in a deep breath.
I'm sure going to miss this place.
Mr. Omocha came from the back room, his hands behind his back as he walked. "Well, I'm certainly sad to see you go." He took a seat on the chair at his carving station. "But I'm excited for your adventure with Kate. Next time you come visit, maybe you'll have some children I can make some toys for." He laughed as he looked around his carving station.
Kaku blushed, picturing coming into the store with two kids and Kate. "I'm looking forward to it already!" He swallowed as he forced a smile. He knew this was goodbye for good.
I'm sorry.
Mr. Omocha stood up, holding a rectangular wooden box. "I wanted you to have this before you left. Perhaps it'll help you remember an old bag like me, and how much I've appreciated your hard work the past year." He handed it to Kaku before taking a seat back on his hair.
Kaku stared at the box in awe, unsure of what it was. He opened it up slowly, a small gasp escaping from his mouth. "No fooling?! I can really have this?" His eyes seemed to sparkle as he stared at the bottled ship that had caught his eye so long ago.
The old toy maker laughed. "I know you've had your eye on it for a while. Just promise me you'll look after it." He shot the younger man a smile.
Kaku closed the box carefully. "Darn skippy I will!" He looked at the clock in the store. It was time for him to go.
"Mr. Omocha...I can't thank you enough for everything you've taught me, and given me. I'll never forget you till the day I kick the bucket." He smiled, teary eyed as he hugged the old man.
Mr. Omocha patted Kaku on the back. "We never had any kids, but I would have loved to have had a son like you." He squeezed Kaku's shoulder, adjusting his glasses as he wiped a tear from his eye. "Live your life to the fullest, my boy. No regrets." He nodded his head.
Kaku nodded his head in return. "No regrets!"
-.-.-.-.-.-.-..-.-.-.-
Kate squatted on the ground with her arms around Timmy and Heart as they cried into her chest. The white dress Cutter had given her now soaked with tears.
Heart breathed in to try and stop her tears from stuttering her speech. "D-do you hav-have to go?!" She buried her face harder into Kate.
Timmy looked at Kate almost pleadingly. "Please don't go, Miss Kate. I'll really miss you." He snuggled slowly into her.
Kate bit her lip as she stopped herself from sobbing, the tears flowing down her face. "I'll miss you all so much. Thank you for being so kind to me." She hugged the two kids tighter before looking up. "Tyson, I know you don't like hugs...but may I please have one before I go?" She waved her hands for him to come towards her.
Tyson stood away from the group with his back turned, and his arms folded. He took in a deep breath before turning around, quickly running to Kate as he sobbed. "I'm only crying because you are!" He put his arms around Heart and Timmy as they all cried into Kate.
Kate had created such a special bond with the children. It was their first time having a female figure, as most of the women on Monogatari were either housewives, or had jobs that didn't allow them free time to visit the orphanage. Kate was the closest person they had to a mother figure.
Cutter watched from the pillars. He hadn't cried since he was a small child, but the sight made his eyes water slightly. He sighed before making his way over. "Alright, kids. Kate needs to go now." He was taken aback as the kids began to cry louder. "Hey! It's not like you'll never hear from her again!" He groaned, pulling out a small cardboard box from his satchel. Cutter looked away as he handed it to Kate. "I thought this would help." He kept his nerves from showing as Kate slowly took it, the children standing to either side of her.
Kate gasped. "Letter sets?!" Each envelope had the address of the orphanage on it, and postage already paid. "Cutter.."
Cutter turned away. "It's not a big deal. Just make sure you use it, okay?" He turned back to face her. Cutter knew how much Kate meant to the kids, and it broke his heart knowing there wasn't anything he could do about it. Kate had been such a positive influence on all of them, especially Tyson. Since the day he met him, Cutter feared Tyson would grow up to be just like him...but with the affection and patience Kate showed him-he knew Tyson would grow up to be a better man.
If he had the time he would have adopted the kids himself...but with his line of work, he knew it wouldn't be fair to them. He didn't want them to become orphans a second time.
Kate and the children shared one more hug before Kate stood up. "I promise I'll write to you all. But only if you'll write me back?" She looked at Cutter, silently asking him for a favor.
The General groaned once again. "Yes, ma'am. I'll make sure their letters get to you as soon as yours come in." He smirked. "Let's go, kid."
Cutter handed Kate a plain white handkerchief, her sobbing as they walked making him feel slightly uncomfortable. He understood how sad she must have felt, but it was the fact that he couldn't comfort her that made him uncomfortable. "Use this." He furrowed his brows, a look of concern taking over his face.
Kate took the handkerchief, dabbing the corners of her eyes. "Thank you, Cutter." She continued to sob.
Cutter slightly panicked, noticing Kate's sobbing was getting worse. "Hey! I'd suggest you hold off on the crying for a bit...you're going to be taking your identification picture today. Or do you want to get arrested?" He looked at her nervously, hoping it helped.
Kate shot up as she immediately stopped crying. "Shit! I totally forgot I had to take a picture! I thought I just had to sign a few papers...damn." She hastily wiped away her tears, reaching into her purse for press powder.
**3 DAYS EARLIER**
It was two in the morning. Kaku kissed Kate on the head before sneaking out of the house.
Cutter stood with his arms crossed, waiting by the river. He wasn't sure why Kaku had asked him to meet so late, and so secretively.
Cutter rolled his eyes as Kaku arrived. "So, long nose. Why'd you want to meet?" He kept his guard up, unsure of Kaku's true intentions. Although they were from the same organization, it wasn't uncommon for assassins to exterminate each other.
Kaku sighed. "Well...I wanted to ask ya for a favor..." He looked at Cutter sternly. "You and I both know my chances of coming back here ever again are next to none...but if anything happens to me- I want Kate to have the option." He handed Cutter an envelope.
Cutter took it carefully before pulling the papers out. "The hell?! Why are you giving me your house?!" He read the papers again carefully. "Kate's name is on here too...what's going on, Kaku?" He stared at the long nosed man.
Kaku's face remained unchanged as he looked at Cutter, an unusual seriousness on his face. "Well, the realtors said that only people living on Monogatari can own property...but a person who isn't living on Monogatari can be listed as a co-owner. Do you think...you could please keep the house under your name, and have Kate as the co-owner? So if-I mean, when I disappear...she can still live here?" A cloud seemed to hang over Kaku's head as he looked at Cutter pleadingly. "I know you care about her, Cutter. She trusts you with her life, so I'm hopin' you can do this for her...not me. I ain't gonna tell her about all this though...if she does decide to come back here one day, I'll leave it up to you. If not, then the house is yours." Kaku's heart was racing. If Cutter declined- there was no way for them to keep the house. Mr. Omocha had talked about possibly moving while Mr. Tomashi couldn't own any property other than the orphanage.
Cutter closed the envelope. "Fine. I'll make an excuse to get her ID done since even those not living on Monogatari need an official ID to co-own a piece of property." He began to walk away. "Do better research next time. Good luck." He turned to nod at Kaku before disappearing off into the night.
For her.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Cutter spoke to the man at the front desk of the office that issued ID's. It was a small wooden cabin not too far from the castle. The walls were bare except for a sign that said "PLEASE WAIT", and the only furniture were 2 chairs in the waiting area. Usually, the process for an outsider to obtain an ID was a long and grueling process if even possible. Luckily, Cutter's influence made sure this wouldn't be a problem.
He turned to Kate who was seated in the waiting area. "Kate, time to take your picture." Cutter had told Kate that she needed an ID since she had lived on Monogatari for over a year, and it needed to be entered into the database. Kaku told her that he had already gotten his done during a lunch break many months ago.
Kate checked herself in the mirror one more time before entering the room. "Let's hope it turns out okay!" She shot Cutter a smile.
Cutter nodded. "There's an exit in the photo room once they're done taking your picture. Wait for me outside. I'll handle the paperwork."
The photographer quickly took Kate's photo. Cutter listened for the exit door to open before making his way back to the man at the front desk. "Can I please ask you for a favor?" He looked around to make sure no one was listening.
-.-.-.-.-.-
Kate waited outside for several minutes before Cutter emerged with a small envelope. He handed it to Kate, who grabbed it excitedly.
She pulled out a small ID card that had her name, picture, blood type, birth date, and date she had entered Monogatari. "Wow! I actually look okay in my ID picture for once! What do you think?!" She turned the card towards Cutter.
Cutter rolled his eyes. "It's an ID picture. No point in making a big deal about it." He looked straight as they continued to walk.
The General's heart dropped as he laid his eyes on their house. Which was now technically his house.
That guy is out of his mind.
Kate sighed, holding the box of letter sets and the envelope with her ID. They stood in front of the door.
Normally, she would offer him a beverage or snacks, but her and Kaku had packed everything up throughout the last 2 weeks.
She quickly ran inside to place her items on the floor inside before coming back out. Kate smiled sadly at Cutter. "Well, I guess this is it..." She rubbed her arm. "Cutter, I know you hate sappy things but I'm going to be sappy for a minute, okay?" She looked up at him for a reply.
Cutter nodded slowly, fighting the feeling of his heart choking him.
Kate took a breath. "Thank you for everything, Cutter. For walking me home every day, believing in me, protecting me, always helping me and...being my closest friend here on this island. I'm going to miss you." She looked up at him, tears slowly falling down her face. Her and Cutter had grown close over the past year, and he had always been there for her whenever she needed him. Though he was snarky most of the time, behind his hard exterior- Kate knew how kind he truly was. She had many friends on Water 7, but no one as close as Cutter was to her.
Cutter was taken aback. He had never had someone cry over him. He looked around nervously, unsure of what to do. "Uh...there, there..." he patted her on the head, fighting the urge to take her into his arms. His mind was racing. If he could- he would tell her exactly how he felt, and try and convince her to stay. But Cutter knew the truth-there was no way Kate would ever choose him over Kaku.
Kate hugged Cutter as she buried her face into his chest. "Thank you, Cutter. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Don't forget me, okay?" She sniffled as she looked up at him.
Cutter hugged her for a brief second before peeling her away. "Yeah, yeah. You'd better stay out of trouble." He began to walk away. "I may not be there to save your ass if you get into trouble, but...if you ever need me- you know where to find me." He smiled at her before turning back towards the hill, the pain in his chest making it hard to breathe.
Kate waved as she continued to cry. "Bye, Cutter! I'm sure we'll see each other again one day!" She continued to wave.
Cutter laid in bed, trying to sort out the unfamiliar emotions brewing within him. He had made a point to try not to grow attached to things whenever possible, but Kate had taken him by surprise. The reoccurring dreams and his unusual attachment to her made him believe it was all for some greater reason beyond his comprehension at the moment...but what? At this point- it no longer seemed to matter. She was gone.
He held up Kate's ID picture as he stared at it, regretting not telling her the words that constantly ran through his mind whenever he was with her...
You're so beautiful, Kate.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Kate and Kaku stood inside the front door, taking in their surroundings one last time. Kaku was dressed in his old Galley La uniform. His carpenter jeans, white shoes, Galley hat, and the orange jacket Kate had made for him his white t-shirt revealed through the unzipped neckline. Kate sported a rose pink spaghetti strapped dress, white cardigan, and white sneakers.
Kate smiled sadly at the house as she held Kaku's hand. She hadn't stopped crying since Cutter left, and she knew the tears weren't going to stop any time soon. "We should get going I guess..." Kaku had told Kate that they could no longer wear their bands on Water 7. She sighed as she removed her wedding ring, gently placing it on the kitchen table.
She looked at the kitchen, picturing all the times she had woken up to Kaku cooking breakfast, or humming while washing dishes. She then stared at the living room, remembering the cold nights huddled in front of the fireplace. Nights when Kaku would tell her about all the things he wanted to do, and all the things he had planned for their future together. The lazy afternoons when they would sit together, immersed in their own past times yet enjoying each other's company. Kate looked at the stairs, a small shiver going down her body as she thought of all those moments that were truly shared only between them...
Kaku walked to where Kate was and removed his ring hesitantly, laying it beside hers. His eyes were sad as he looked at her. He knew this day would come eventually, but nothing could have ever prepared him for the sadness and shame he felt.
Kate pulled a silver chain from her purse, along with a shorter gold one. She pulled the gold chain through her ring and wore it around her neck. She then did the same with Kaku's ring, and turned to him.
Kaku shook his head sadly as he took a small step back. "Kate, I can't wear it...they'll see it." He rubbed at the invisible cuff around his neck. Did the World Government really have such a tight hold on him that he couldn't even wear a necklace?
She smiled as she placed the necklace around his neck. "Just wear your collar like this from now on." She zipped up his jacket so the collar went up past his chin. "This way, no one will see it for sure." She placed a hand on his chest against the ring, and tiptoed to kiss him. "I love you, I want you to remember that." She placed a small kiss on his nose before standing back down.
Kaku fiddled at his collar. It was uncomfortable, but if it meant he could keep a piece of Kate with him at all times- he would do it. "I love you, Kate." He patted the ring against his chest.
-.-.-.-
Kate and Kaku now stood outside, staring at their small paradise. Kaku watched Kate as she wiped a small tear from her eye, failing to wipe his own. Their life on Monogatari had been a fairy tale, except this one did not seem to have a happily ever after...
Kaku couldn't help but think about what life would be like if they didn't have to leave. He definitely would have married Kate the minute he was able to, and their house was big enough for two kids. He laughed to himself. He could always build more rooms if Kate wanted even more children.
He turned her to face him, kissing her gently. "Kate, this isn't over. As soon as we can- we'll be together again." He kissed her one more time before grabbing the two suitcases that held their belongings. "You ready?" He looked back at the house one last time.
I hope to see you again one day.
Kate blew a kiss to the house before nodding her head. "I'm ready." She turned to look at the house again.
Until we meet again.
-.-.-.-
Kaku continued to row, Water 7 now in sight. He looked at Kate who was slumped on the other end of the boat, fast asleep. He had been rowing slower on purpose, wanting to spend as much time as he could alone with Kate.
He used a hand to wake her gently, making sure his actions wouldn't seem affectionate in case there was anyone on lookout. Had they been further away from the island, he would've preferred to wake her up with a kiss- her lips open and vulnerable.
Before Kaku could speak, him and Kate both turned as they heard a faint voice shouting from Water 7.
"KAKU! KATE! IS THAT YOU GUYS?!" A large figure jumped up and down, forming a makeshift telescope with his hands.
Kaku laughed at the sight of his friend. Though he would rather be in Monogatari with Kate, a part of him did miss his comrades. "Ahoy, Tilestone!" He stood up and waved excitedly at his friend. Kaku's smile immediately fell as he watched Tilestone aim a large bazooka at their boat. "Wait, what in the world are ya doing?!" He turned to Kate frantically, who was still half awake. "KATE, QUICK GET DOWN!" He shielded her from the anticipated impact.
Kate looked up at him, a devilish grin on her face. She casually rubbed a hand against his crotch as he hovered over her, sending a jolt through his body. "Kate, now's not the ti-" He was interrupted by Kate's lips on his. Their faces were completely hidden from any inhabitants on Water 7, and Kate wouldn't waste this rare opportunity. Kaku growled. Kate definitely wasn't going to make any of this easy.
Kate slowly pulled away. "Don't worry, Kaku. I'm sure we'll be fine." She pointed her chin in the direction of Tilestone.
Kaku was met with the sight of an anchor tied to a rope flying through the air and latching onto their boat. Kaku and Kate began to scream as Tilestone pulled their boat in. What should have been another 30 minutes of rowing, turned into a mere 30 seconds.
Kate wrapped her hands around Kaku's waist in order to prevent herself from falling...and to also say a proper goodbye. She held him tighter and whispered in his ear. "I'll miss you so much, honey. I love you, Kaku." Kaku squeezed her thigh three times, which was enough for Kate to know what he meant.
They were back at Water 7.
-.-.-.-
Kate and Kaku waited nervously, seated in the Galley La office lobby. They had grown so accustomed to their humble cottage home in Monogatari that everything else seemed so much larger than before. They sat on either end of the navy blue couch that was placed upon the marble floor. The stark white walls accented by hints of gold. The color scheme and decoration of the lobby was very similar to the Gala Iceberg had thrown on his birthday.
Tilestone had gone to inform the others of their return. They kept their eyes focused on the ground, knowing that the second they looked at each other their cover would be thrown away.
Kaku couldn't help but wish he could somehow communicate with Kate telepathically.
I love you, I love you, I love you.
Their fates would be decided in the next few minutes, and neither of them knew what they should expect.
Paulie and Peep were the first to arrive with Tilestone. Kaku and Kate stood to properly greet their friends. Kate failed to hold in a laugh as she watched Kaku get sandwiched in a group hug by the 3 men.
The lead foreman rubbed Kaku's head. "Glad to have you back, kid." He smiled as a cigar hung from the side of his mouth. Peep and Tilestone couldn't talk through their tears, their words replaced by loud sobs.
Lucci was the next to arrive. He stood against the doorway with his arms folded- a smile on his face and Hattori on his shoulder. Kaku gave him a nod.
"KATE!"
They all looked at the entrance and gasped as Iceburg ran towards Kate, meeting her in a hard embrace as he lifted her off the ground. Tears began to well in his eyes. He thought he'd never see her again.
Kalifa stood with Lucci at the entrance, her usual scowl softened by a small smile.
Kate returned his embrace, leaning her head into him. "Iceberg. It's so good to see you." She smiled at him softly, looking for any of the 'changes' he had gone through. To her- he hadn't changed at all. He seemed like the Iceberg she knew.
Iceberg laughed as he kissed the top of her head, before running to the group hug Kaku was trapped in. "Kaku! I'm glad you're both fine! I'm so glad...!" He joined in the hug and Peep's and Tilestone's tears. He tried to form a sentence through his sobs. "Thank...you so much for bring...ing her back." Kaku squeaked as the arms around him held tighter.
Kalifa cleared her throat, approaching the group hug. "Kaku, we're glad to have you back." She examined the group again and adjusted her glasses. "Would you like to sue for sexual harassment?" The 4 men instantly peeled away from Kaku, standing in a straight line. She shot him a wink before turning to Iceburg. "Shall I prepare a celebration for tonight?"
-.-.-.-
The workers of Galley La were invited to the dinner at Iceburg's residence. There was well over a hundred people. People sang, danced and feasted- all in celebration of Kaku and Kate's safe return.
Kate was unaccustomed to the noise. Aside from the tavern in the heart of town, Monogatari was a quiet island. She missed it dearly, but she missed a certain someone more...
She made her way up the stairs to the outdoor balcony overlooking the water. She watched as Peep and Tilestone pushed drinks into Kaku's direction, to which he repeatedly declined. She saw him look around and couldn't help but feel her heart ache. Was he looking for her?
Kate leaned over the edge of the balcony, taking in the reflection of the full moon on the water.
"Hello?"
Kate turned to see Iceburg behind her. He was dressed in his regular orange attire, but held a black suit jacket in one arm. He stepped towards Kate, draping the jacket over her shoulders. "I thought you might need this." He moved her hair from under the jacket.
Kate pulled the jacket tighter over her shoulders. Winter had already ended on Monogatari, but it was still quite cold on Water 7. "Thank you, Iceburg." She smiled at him before looking back at the water, not wanting him to catch her staring at Kaku.
Iceburg leaned over the railing beside her, taking in the scenery before looking her way. "Where will you be staying after?" He looked at her curiously.
Kate could tell where this was going, but couldn't say for sure. "I was hoping to stay in my old house again, maybe...if it's still available. But-"
Iceburg shook his head solemnly. "Hm, well...I'm afraid that won't do." He turned to face her fully. "Nash has gone missing, but it doesn't mean he's gone. While you were away I bought the house you were staying in so that you could return to it should you please to do so in the future. But for now-you'd be safest if you stayed here, with me." He turned so that he faced her completely.
Kate had expected him to say this, but was shocked nonetheless. She turned to face him. "No, I really couldn't. Thank you, that's really kind, but I-"
Iceburg squeezed her shoulder. "I don't know what you had to go through for the past year, and I'm sorry I couldn't look after you. Let me look after you now." There was a hint of sadness in his voice. "Please." His hand remained on her shoulder. "There are 12 spare bedrooms here, you wouldn't be intruding at all. I'm always in the office so a bit of life around here would be a good change." He gave her a soft smile.
Kate argued within herself. She knew taking his offer was what they had planned, but if Kaku's assumptions were right- could she really lead Iceburg on like this? He was handsome, successful and kind. Any other woman would have jumped at the opportunity. However, Kate already had someone in her heart. She breathed deeply, feeling her necklace lift slightly before landing back onto her chest.
I'm doing this for you, Kaku.
"Only if you're sure, and only if you let me help out somehow." She tightened the jacket around her once again.
Iceburg pulled her into a hug. "Thank you." He pulled away, beaming as he smiled at Kate. "There's a room already prepared. It's the one with the balcony." He looked back at the view.
Kate nodded her head shyly. "Only if it isn't too much trouble..." She smiled back as Iceburg shook his head.
"Definitely not for you." He smiled at her once more before leaving, running so fast Kate was unable to say thank you.
Kate knew she should return to the party, but she couldn't fake her smiles any longer. How could she smile when she had to leave the life she had always wanted? The person she had always wanted? Kate stayed leaning over the railing, deciding it'd be in her best interest to stay put. She looked out towards the sky, wondering if Kaku was also watching the moon.
Iceberg returned several minutes later. Kate had told him she was tired, and would like to call it a night.
She laid in bed, wearing a pink night gown Kaku had given her. Kate turned to her side as she cried into her pillow. "Kaku...I'm cold..."
-.-.-.-
Kaku sluggishly made his way up to his old hotel room. It had been cleaned since he was last there.
It was a fresh slate.
He laid on the bed facing the ceiling. Everything felt so empty. While he was grateful for the celebration, not knowing where Kate had gone drove him mad. It'd be too obvious if he had asked around, and even his assassin skills weren't good enough to seek her out given the circumstances.
Kaku growled and grabbed his head- images of Kate with Iceburg filling his mind.
He looked to the right side of the bed. Kate's side.
He grabbed a pillow, and placed it between the 2 head pillows in the same arrangement Kate and him had kept for all those months before. Kaku removed his hat and turned to his side, imagining Kate was there beside him, just past that pillow.
"Goodnight, kitten. I love you."