Good morning everyone! I'm so sorry! I didn't post yesterday because I finally got my new computer up and running plus... there was sushi! How could I say no to that?! Anyways, this chapter had been split into two parts. I did this because I didn't want to convolute it too much by switching back and forth between povs. It was bad enough between Aokiji and Katie. If this chapter is confusing in anyway please leave a comment in the review box. Anyways have a great day! See you guys again tomorrow!
The walk wasn't too bad. It was merely thirty minutes at a slow yet steady pace. The admiral had put up an ice cave to walk under and to his surprise, Katie was quite entertained by it. Aokiji could feel the enjoyment building inside as the brunette remained close. She went all out with a nice outfit and makeup. The young woman made mention about her appearance reflecting her grandfather earlier. The officer understood and honestly wasn't going to complain about it either.
After fifteen minutes, the officer found himself unable to tear his eyes away. Katie had donned a short black pleated skirt that stopped just above mid-thigh. Under the skirt were lacy tops of solid black stockings. With every step, ivory flesh peeked from underneath but it still wasn't indecent in the high-ranking official's mind. Rather it had become overly tantalizing for any man in Marineford, he thought. For a top the young woman had worn a large knitted blue sweater. The baggy sleeves reached passed the thumb with a low-cut v shaped neck line. It revealed more than he'd care to see. Well, rather he would… but not at work! The curly haired gentleman could see truly how endowed the brunette really was! The admiral couldn't even look at her without supple flesh teasing his thoughts.
To add to the man's dismay, the female put on a simple black choker and her dark bark colored hair in a large bun. The small loose ringlets of hair emphasized her slender neck and small lobes with the velvet accessory forcing his eyes straight to her exposed silky skin. Nether the less, despite all the distractions, the female appeared professional with the addition of vanilla and honey perfume. The fragrance had been applied almost too light for him to even smell but occasionally he'd get an enticing whiff. What did make him laugh is that she had worn black high heels and still only managed to come up to his upper torso.
The admiral's next surprise came when the tiny woman presented bento boxes wrapped in dark green cloth. She had retrieved them once she finished preparing herself. Abundant wasn't the correct term. Feeding an army? Not even close. She had stacked nine boxes into two columns. Now the brunette insisted that she carry both lunches and a large pack of items that she grabbed in the process. There was nothing he could say or do to win the argument. Katie was a stubborn one, he had to admit.
Once the two had entered the massive structure, it took no time to introduce the young woman to the staff. He presented the female as a volunteer and neglected to add any information that Katie had been the fleet-admiral's granddaughter; nor did he even mention Garp's name. Aokiji did this on purpose. If she were being spied upon it could have been by anyone. The more information he kept to himself, the better.
Katie had become awe struck but remained close. The sounds, aromas, and sights were almost too overwhelming for the vertically challenged woman. The female didn't want to get lost or too distracted.
The long corridors lined with guards and the people going in and out of the shoji doors in a hurry made the scene seem chaotic. She was nearly bumped into many times. Vice-admirals, commodores, captains, and even a few seamen were to wrapped in their own affairs to even notice the tall admiral walking through.
The aroma of cigar and cigarette smoke caused the female to cup her hand over her nose and mouth. The smell of sake and wine lingered in the air and stung her eyes. "Do they always smoke and drink at this time in the morning", the young brunette asked in a low muffled tone.
"They do if missions go right or if they go severely wrong. From the sounds of it, I'm going to receive a report about Garp's mission. I can hear one of the accountants crying." His straight voice was almost too artificial to the female but Katie didn't think too much on it. He was probably in work mode.
The female followed the tall man until they reached his office. She was taken back by the sight. It was stylish in nature with a simple couch, a desk, a chair, and the far-left wall had a glass cabinet with a large bonsai tree etched into it. Three trees, one on a top shelf and two on the bottom were placed inside with light beaming down on them.
Katie let out a deep heavy sigh. "I'm so happy you are not a smoker", the female coughed while clearing out her nose and lungs with substantial breaths.
"Are you feeling ok", Aokiji asked with a bit of concern. The man moved to her side as the tiny woman was forced to put the lunch boxes down. Her pack making a rather lively thud behind her as Katie shrugged it off. The tall admiral put a warm hand on her shoulder. A strong thumb stroked the top of her arm near the shoulder area in hopes to comfort her.
The officer was thankful that she didn't pull away but needed to hold his breath. Soft, silky digits rubbed over the top of his hand in response. "I'll be fine. Just a little out of breath from holding it for so long. I mean… I'm used to swimming so it's not a problem just not used to the aromas mixed in."
Once her blue hues gazed upward as she smiled, Kuzan snapped his hand back. A quick turn on the heel allowed him to swallow hard without her noticing. He couldn't help but take his left hand and rub the top of his right where Katie had stroked it. The man's fingers even trembled. A begrudging memory from his younger days began to surface. The officer had to remind himself to be more careful.
"Um… Ok…", she spoke cheerfully trying to break the awkward feel to the room. "Is there a place I can store these? Maybe also…", she paused to poke his arm. "Make you a cup of coffee", Katie asked without hinting that she had in fact saw how uncomfortable Aokiji had become.
The admiral had become relieved. The brunette either wasn't dwelling on what had happened or she completely missed the mark. He would bet on the later. "Down the hall to the right; it's the first door to your left. The break room for the full-time staff is there. Feel free to use any of the amenities or appliances. If anyone gives you a hard time just mention you're volunteering and in my care. If they don't believe you, come get me and for some reason if you get stuck just shout."
Aokiji waved the young woman off. He didn't mean to be rude towards her; the man needed the room. He wanted to take a breather. The feeling of her soft fingers still lingered on the top of his hand. If the officer wanted to be frank, he was spooked. His heart was still hammering away inside his chest. Once she left with an upbeat step, the admiral crossed his arms over his desk and put his head down. Of all the things he had been trained to be ready for, that was not one of them.
Katie found her way rather easily. She was quite happy to put some distance between herself and Kuzan. After she had brushed the top of his hand things became a little strange. The young woman couldn't deny the buzz still present in her shoulder though. For a man who had control over ice, he was warm. His hand felt strong, safe, and inviting. "Man… I really know how to mess things up", she openly admitted before reaching the door and quietly sliding it open.
The young woman's eyes grew in size as a beaming smile crossed her supple lips. It was a kitchen! An enormous kitchen with two stoves, four refrigerators, white cupboards, dark blue granite counter tops and two separate sinks. With everything clean on the sparkling white tile floor, the two brewers nestled in front of her just begging to be used, the female couldn't hold in her excitement any more. "This place is awesome!" Bright yellow stars flashed before her eyes as she happily ran in and began her tasks.
What the brunette woman hadn't realize was that her outburst echoed through the halls and two floors up. It startled even the most trained guards who were standing in the halls ready for action. Aokiji couldn't contain his own laughter which could be heard by two guards stationed near his door. They had to glance at each other to make sure the other wasn't dreaming.
Her enthusiasm entertained him. She really had a gift for turning a serious situation into a light hearted one, that was for sure. Reminded him of Garp back in the day. To his ears, it had been the first time someone had ever said that about a break room. Furthermore the admiral knew someone of importance would be sauntering down from the head office.
Kizaru had been the one on nightshift and probably had been bored out of his mind. That man didn't like to do work but he also didn't care to be restless either. None of them did. It was why all three hated having it their turn to watch over for the night. Kuzan knew the man well enough to know hearing an unfamiliar voice would ultimately bring his attention. The admiral understood Katie had a rather sharp tongue and Borsalino had a knack for bringing out the worst in people. The tall marine would go to her rescue once he'd feel the other's presence.
The wait wasn't too long. Aokiji could sense the other admiral descending from the upper floors. The man felt like a kid again. He was about to show off. Katie wasn't his by any means but they were becoming fast friends. This, in a sort of way, was to poke fun at the other two. He knew they'd be quick to do the same. Especially, Boraslino who enjoyed showing off his prowess. It didn't matter to the man if it was a fight or a conversation. That sort of personality oozed into his everyday life. It earned a lot of respect but it also alienated many of the vice-admirals and lower ranking staff. Sakazuki and he were probably the only two who could really take it in stride. Knowing the situation at hand, Kuzan was curious himself as to how Katie would handle such a conceited personality.