Cutter waited anxiously inside the post office, his finger tapping his arm as they remained cross.
It shouldn't take that long...
Kate had promised she'd write to them as soon as they arrived on Water 7. If she had kept her word, the letters should have arrived by now.
Why wouldn't she tell me they made it there safely?! Do I have to go there mys-
An older lady walked from the back of the counter. "General Cutter, we received this package for you yesterday." She handed Cutter a medium sized box with his name written on it.
What the hell?
He thanked the woman before leaving the post office.
Cutter sat under a tree by the "secret river" spot, not wanting anyone to see. Ideally, he would have done it inside his home, but he was still on duty. However, he couldn't wait several hours to open it.
Inside were several cards and 2 boxes. The first three cards were each addressed to one of the children, the fourth one being his.
He looked around before opening it hurriedly.
Dear Cutter,
I'm sorry this is a bit later than I said it would be. We arrived safely on Water 7, and the journey was quite easy (well, I slept the whole time so maybe I can't speak on it...).
This is late because I wanted to buy you and the kids some of the special Water 7 sea water taffy. I asked the shop keep if it would affect Devil Fruit users and he said no...so eat as much as you want!
There is also a box of special dehydrated strawberries grown on Water 7 just for you. This man has an indoor garden in his shop and it's fantastic. Just add some water to the strawberries, and they'll turn into fresh ones! Neat huh?
How are you doing? I haven't been out much, so I haven't quite adjusted yet. I hope you're staying safe.
I miss you! For once, no one is bossing me around. Oh what will I do with all this freedom?!
You'd better write me back! That's an order!
- Kate
Cutter chuckled to himself as he returned the letter to its envelope, leaning back against the tree. He could finally breathe knowing Kate was alright.
The letter was a nice break from how hectic things had been lately. He had been bombarded with calls from various representatives of the World Government, pestering him to take a specific job. CP1 was on the verge of exterminating the Red Raven gang, and afterwards-there would be no real reason for him to stay on Monogatari.
There's no way l'll take that job...I don't want to give him the satisfaction...
He took in a deep breath as he felt his anger building up. Cutter opened his pocket watch, Kate's ID picture now fitted inside of it.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kate sat in front of her mirror as 2 women worked on her hair and make up. Her hair was done in a large bun, adorned with several red and blue flower pins and clips. They had made her make up heavier than usual.
Iceburg had given her a shiny turquoise kimono with several flower designs embroidered onto it.
Kate had asked Iceburg the night before if she could stay with him during the festival. She made the excuse that she wanted to spend time with him, and while it was true- it was mostly to avoid seeing Kaku with Iris.
Iceburg knocked before entering the room. "Kate! You look wonderful." He stood beside her as he smiled at her through the mirror.
Kate laughed, careful not to disturb the women working on her hair. "Thank you...but isn't his a bit much?" She stared back at her reflection, barely recognizing herself.
The mayor shook his head as he adjusted his kimono. "You'll be joining me in the parade. Hm...well...think of today as a celebration of your return!" He smiled at her once again. "I know I am." He gently patted her shoulder before leaving the room.
-.-.-.-..-.-.-.-
Iceburg and Kate sat awkwardly in the mikoshi as the several people carrying it chanted. They were making their way through the Shopping District. It seemed everyone on Water 7 was in attendance, Kate and Iceburg continuously waving.
Kate looked worriedly at the people carrying them. "Iceburg...are you sure they'll be okay?" Kate had thought they'd be walking, or perhaps riding in a car...not this. It was too late for her to back out once she knew what was happening.
Iceburg laughed. "I understand your worry, but trust me-these men are strong! They say it's an honor to carry the Mikoshi." He placed a hand on Kate's lap, causing her to blush.
Kate continued to wave, her heart dropping as soon as she saw Iris. Iris seemed to be looking for something in the crowd...
Or someone...
Kate's heart seemed to shoot into her throat. She bit her lip to keep her from crying. Her hand instinctively made its way to Iceburg's, squeezing it for comfort.
Iceburg was taken aback by the gesture and squeezed her hand in return, also spotting Iris in the crowd.
Don't worry, Kate. I promise I'll make you happy.
Iris beamed as soon as she saw her 2 friends. "Hey girls!" She hurriedly made her way over to them.
They laughed as they walked towards the food stalls.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Lucci, Kaku, and Kalifa were inside of Kaku's hotel room getting ready for the festival.
Kalifa wore a shiny yellow kimono adorned with embroidered flowers.
Lucci wore a striped grey and black kimono, matching with Hattori.
Kaku adjusted his green and black striped kimono in the mirror, memories of him and Kate during the Monogatari festival playing through his mind.
He snapped out of his thoughts as Lucci slapped a hand against the back of his head.
Kaku snapped his head back towards Lucci. "What in the heck was that for?!" He was already in a bad mood over what had happened yesterday, and this wasn't making him feel any better.
Lucci shook his head. "You're supposed to keep Kate on her good side, you fool. Not push her away." He rolled his eyes, Hattori joining him.
Kaku rubbed his head. "I'm doing my best..." He was interrupted by Kalifa's hand slapping the back of his head.
The secretary adjusted her glasses. "By saying you'd go on a date with another girl in front of her? Imbecile. That's sexual harassment." Lucci had told Kalifa what had happened and it made her blood boil. Not only was it a detrimental action towards the mission, but it hurt Kate.
Kaku groaned, slapping a palm against his forehead. "I wasn't actually gonna go..." he squatted on the floor, burying his face in his hands. "What do I do?"
Kalifa, Lucci and Hattori punched him in the head.
"GO OUT THERE AND FIX IT!"
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Iceburg and Kate made their way throughout the back of town in order to avoid the crowds. They had just gotten off the Mikoshi after several hours, and all participants were starting to feel it. The sun was beginning to set, taking Kate by surprise.
Kate stared at the sky. "I can't believe we sat there for so long..." She blushed, having realized she had held onto his hand almost the whole time.
Iceburg laughed as he stretched. "I'm sorry you had to sit through that. I hope you managed to enjoy some parts of it...I know I had enjoyed my time with you." He smiled down at her, his hand now cold without Kate's. The mayor pointed towards the heart of the festival. "Would you like to visit some of the stalls?" He thought of the best route to take.
Kate shook her head. "I think I'm going to call it a night. Who knew sitting could be so tiring?" She chuckled before looking down at the ground.
Iceburg smiled at her sadly, knowing she must have been feeling hurt still. "I'll walk you ba-"
Kate shook her hands along with her head. "No, it's okay! I know my way back. Besides...I think you need to give a speech before the fireworks?" She had been instructed by Kalifa to make sure he didn't forget.
Iceburg shot up, slapping a palm against his head. "I completely forgot. Thank you for reminding me." He hugged Kate, bringing her head against him. As much as he didn't want to leave her alone-this was something he couldn't skip. "I hope you feel better. I'll check on you in the morning."
Kate slowly wrapped her arms around Iceburg's waist, burying her head into him. "Thank you."
-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kaku made his way through the crowds to look for Kate. He had been following along with the Mikoshi but lost track of it when he couldn't make his way past a large group of people.
Where are you?!
He was growing frustrated, the number of people seemed endless.
The town clock chimed, signaling it was now 8 o'clock.
The fireworks will be in an hour...
If Kate was with Iceburg, she would be with him at the closing ceremonies held in the heart of the festival.
Kaku smiled to himself, excited to finally have a clue as to where she was.
The carpenter looked around the stage as a group of children performed a traditional dance. He caught a glimpse of Iceburg walking towards the back, figuring Kate must have been nearby.
Kaku made his way back stage, taking Iceburg by surprise. "Kaku, what brings you here?" He looked around to see if anyone was with him.
Kaku looked around quickly before returning his eye contact to Iceburg. "Heya Iceburg...there was something I needed to tell Kate for our schedule next week...I thought I should tell her before I forgot is all..." He cringed at himself, knowing there was a chance Iceburg wouldn't believe him.
Iceburg stared at him coldly, holding back what he truly wanted to say. "Kate has gone home for the night. She isn't feeling well...so much to the point that she'd rather be alone while the whole island celebrates." He fixed the collar of his kimono as he stood up. "At least she has the balcony to watch the fireworks from. Enjoy the rest of the festival, Kaku." He walked towards the main stage.
Kaku took a moment to process what had just happened. It was unusual for Iceburg to be so cold.
"At least she has the balcony to watch the fireworks from."
A lightbulb lit in Kaku as he knew exactly which room Kate must have been staying in.
He jumped onto the closest rooftop and made his way to Galley La.
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-
Kate sat at her mirror as she carefully took the pins and clips out of her hair. Her hair fell down to the middle of her back as she massaged her scalp.
She sighed as she looked at her eyes in the mirror. Even the copious amount of make up was unable to hide how swollen they were.
Kate gently hung her kimono in the bag that was given to her before hanging it on the door. She stared at her naked reflection, grabbing a towel from her dresser along with other items for her bath.
She screamed as she felt a hand on her waist.
She turned around slowly, unsure of who or what it could be.
Her eyes widened as they met with Kaku's. "Kaku?! How did you get in here?! What-" she pushed him away, covering herself with the towel. "Aren't you supposed to be on a date right now?" She turned away from him, biting the inside of her cheek.
Kaku couldn't keep his eyes off of Kate. Seeing her naked in the moonlight made his heart race, ruining his train of thought.
Before Kate could attest, Kaku quickly lifted her by her bottom wrapping her legs around his waist. Kate's towel dropped as Kaku kissed her voraciously, moaning from the release he had been missing.
Kate's lip quivered before she finally gave in, wrapping her arms around Kaku's neck and kissing him in return. "Kaku...I thought you didn't want me anymore..." She snuggled into his neck, unable to hold back her tears from the relief of being with him again.
Kaku pulled away slightly to look at Kate, using one hand to wipe her eyes. "How could I not want you?" He kissed her, a small smile on his face. "I'm real sorry about yesterday. I was in a real pickle, but I never planned to follow through with it. I only went to the festival today to look for you. You looked beautiful up there." He opened his mouth wider as he pushed his tongue into her mouth, smiling as Kate's danced with his in return.
He laid her on the bed, loosening his kimono.
Kate helped him until Kaku was naked on top of her.
He entered her almost immediately, causing Kate's body to buckle.
Kaku moaned as he began to thrust into her slowly. "You feel even tighter than usual." He grinned as he lifted her legs onto his shoulders. "I'm gonna help loosen ya up a bit." He quickened his pace, the sound of their skin making contact filling the room.
Kate stretched her arms above her head as she grabbed her pillow. A flury of emotions ran through her head, but were slowly driven out by the feeling of Kaku joined with her again. "Kaku..." she ran a hand through his hair before pulling on it, her body temperature rapidly rising.
Kaku sucked on Kate's breast, knowing that she was about to climax. "Let it all out, hon'!" He slammed his body into her harder, moaning in unison with Kate as she tightened around him.
Before Kate could catch her breath, Kaku carried her off the bed, pushing her against the windowed doors leading to the balcony. She braced her hands against the doors, the coldness on her belly sending a chill down her body. "Kaku, what are you-" she screamed as Kaku entered her from behind, her breasts now pressed against the glass.
Kaku moved his hands to either side of Kate's hips as he continued to thrust into her. "If I time this just... right..." He looked at the clock in her room. "Just over a minute." He slowed his pace, the interruption making his member throb. "I don't know if I can hold it." He moaned, his member seeming to grow with each thrust.
Kate bit her lip, holding back her moans so she could speak. "Wait...is it safe today?" She felt as if Kaku was about to rip her body apart.
Kaku let out a faint "Uh huh" between his breaths, focusing on not finishing too soon.
Kaku had been keeping track of Kate's cycle, for several months to be safe. He used a magnetic calendar with several different colored magnets to mark "safe" and "unsafe" days. He now kept it at his work station at Dock 1, forgetting to give it to Kate.
Chanting could be heard in the distance.
"TEN! NINE! EIGHT!"
Kaku thrusted into Kate even more aggressively than earlier, digging his nails into her hips. "FUCK." Kaku's body convulsed as he released himself into Kate, the fireworks reflecting off of the glass.
He pulled himself out of her slowly before carrying her princess style as he caught his breath. "What do you say, doll? Let's have a soak together?" He pecked Kate on the lips as she nodded sleepily.
They'd take a bath together almost every night on Monogatari. It was the time they spent catching up on each other's days, or where they'd have idle chats.
Kate leaned forward as Kaku scrubbed her back. "Kaku...can I be honest with you for a second?" She pouted as she brought her knees up to her chin.
Kaku gently scooped some water with his hand to rinse off Kate's back. "Of course. What's shakin', bacon?" He turned around as he handed Kate the sponge.
Kate scrubbed Kaku's back in a circular motion, entranced by the picture the soap bubbles began to paint. "I don't...think I can do this. You know? I can't pretend to not be together while we're together..." she began to rinse his back. "I don't know how long I can last..." she leaned her head against his back.
Kaku's stomach began to twist. Was it because of yesterday? Maybe she had feelings for Iceburg after all...
He turned to face Kate, his own smile dropping when he saw how upset she looked. "Just a bit longer, kitten. I promise I'll do my darndest to make sure we have more time together." He pulled her into a hug. "Just like this." He intended to keep this promise.
It was almost one in the morning when Kate fell asleep.
Kaku pulled her blanket up before placing a kiss on her head. "I love you. So much." He carefully opened the balcony doors, closing them behind him before disappearing into the night.