Hello everyone! Sorry for the late update, I am a bit busy this week and weekend.
I just wanted to say thank you again for everyone that has subscribed. It really is nice to see. Your support means a lot. On that note I will be changing my updates from 4 or 6 in the afternoon to roughly midnight my time. I live in Sweden so it's UTC +1 or you can just look up Stockholm time zone if you're like me and horrible at time-zones.
During their time together the two of them spoke on various subjects such as her goal of owning a café, his of enjoying a good nap, and she teasing him with a second dream of hers. He wanted to know but the vertically challenged woman swore she'd never tell. In the jovial mood, the marine threatened to drop her if she didn't and despite his best attempts he'd find her lips sealed.
Kuzan didn't press the issue any further. It was clear to him how important it was to the woman in his arms but the admiral had to admit he liked it. Far too many people were eager to tell him everything mundane. It meant they either had a lot of pride and wanted to garner his attention over their achievements or gloat to butter him up because of his position. The two of them weren't that close and to keep something so special meant that he'd have to work at being a friend before knowing everything about her. This also peaked his curiosity.
All along their walk, the young woman would find he had no ambitions in life until troublesome behavior led to him becoming a marine. He was at the age of nineteen when he and her grandfather Garp met and he was ushered into the navy by the old man. They also had discussed favorite foods, colors, and general experiences growing up over the bit of time it took. Unknowingly to Katie, Aokiji had taken his time. He rarely had the ability to speak so freely without it reflecting work. It felt he was able to catch his breath.
The long haired brunette on the other hand, never mentioned her brothers and only focused on tales of her grandpa Garp. In return the marine admitted to being a runaway kid who wanted to grow up and be cool. At one point the twenty-three year old worried about his arms getting tired just to have Kuzan openly laugh at the idea. The admiral appreciated the concern but assured there was no need. Instead he tucked her smaller frame closer to him to keep her warm.
As a result, the man could feel her heart hammering away. Shamefully, Aokiji conceded to himself that he also enjoyed the closeness. It did a bit to his ego as a man to cause a young woman to stir. He didn't think he was bad in the looks department but never really paid much attention since there weren't women flocking either. Secretly the officer wanted to enjoy the moment for a little longer.
With the two finally under the overhang in front of the residential complexes, he finally set Katie down on her bare feet. It felt odd not having his long arms or large hands around her anymore. It was like the time Luffy ripped the blanket off her while she was sleeping. The sensation of wanting it back so bad, one would punch their own brother for; which she did and instantly regretted it when Ace jumped in.
Katie turned around and blinked in his direction. "I'm going to guess Tashigi is inside. I don't see her out here", the young woman stated softly against the sounds of the devastating weather.
"I thought I told you to lock your doors", Kuzan scowled.
"Huh? I did. I just keep the key under the door mat on the step. I told her about it in grandpa's office", the petite female pointed behind her to the brown woven mat sitting on the step.
Aokiji lowered himself on his heels. "This place isn't like your home. You shouldn't be so lenient with your belongings", his deep voice rumbled with a gentle rebuke. The man pinched the bridge of his nose. "Besides I still don't have a clue about who was in your bedroom last night", the man sighed in defeat.
"If you're that worried, why not come over for some actual soup? I haven't slept well at all and my hand is bummed; it's not like I couldn't use the help. Plus, Tashigi will be there so there's nothing to worry about. People can't even drag your reputation into it. I mean what are they going to say…", Katie paused to tap her lip with her left index finger. "Oh…, that admiral Aokiji was alone with not one but two women who made him food…" The brunette gasped with a mocking staggered expression. "Such a horrible thing to be a high ranking official and get all the girls", she whined. "Unless you actually have a girlfriend… Then you might want to avoid that", she further explained with a normal tone and a ginger smile.
The officer didn't know why he found that funny but his head whipped back and released a healthy burst of laughter. "I don't have a girlfriend and you make a pretty good case. Just concerned over earlier this morning", he paused to place a hand on her shoulder. "I'll take a shower and change. The soup better be good or I won't forgive you", the admiral added before standing and tucking his hand in his pocket to retrieve his key.
The two separated ways. Katie found the petty officer in her kitchen. The young woman with shoulder length hair gazed over to her with a wide expression. "You look awful! What happened", the swordsman shrieked before rushing to her charge's side.
The brunette let her head fall back and let out a deep groan. "Finally, home…", she hummed before smiling. "Aokiji took my teasing as a direct challenge. This is a result of one very bruised pride, being frozen to the ground, and having too much faith in my haki. I knew I shouldn't have but I got too cocky and thought I could break his ice a second time", Katie answered. "I hit the frozen ground with everything I had. I couldn't even scratch it", the female continued frustrated.
The recoiled expression the marine made was obviously missed by the twenty-three year old. Her eyes weren't even directed at the other woman. "Oh! I smell tea", Katie spoke excitedly before glancing over. "I'm surprised how good that looks", she gazed at the steam rolling off the cup which was set on the blue counter separating the kitchen from the living room.
"Hm", Tashigi hummed before spotting what the other had seen. She gave a light sigh before chuckling. "Sorry! I, well… I wanted something to drink and saw the variety of boxes on the counter next to the sink." The petty officer revealed an apologetic glance as she pointed to the source.
"Oh, that's fine", Katie waved her hand. "It's cold and wet outside. Tea is the best on a day like this. Also, I just realized I can't take a hot shower", the brunette whined. "I have clams in my tub…", the female continued before she lowered herself to her knees and flopped forward. The young woman was now face down on the floor with her arms spread.
"That reminds me… Tashigi, isn't it?" Garp's granddaughter groaned without looking upward. She heard "hai" in return before rolling over on her back. "Aokiji is coming over to eat. Figured I would make some hot soup. Do you want some?"
The marine began chuckling before walking over to the young woman on the floor. Midnight hues glanced downward. "We should take care of your hand first", she tenderly reminded the brunette.
"Meh", Katie responded jokingly.
"I'm serious. The color is troubling. I can fetch a member of the medical staff from the residential office. It wouldn't take more than five minutes", the officer spoke as she adjusted her red rim glasses on her nose.
The brunette was impressed by the genuine kind tone of the raven-haired marine. She reminded the twenty-three year old of Makino. Small chuckles became vocal. "Sorry-sorry", she apologized between bubbles. "You remind me of my oni-chan", the female explained before glancing over and spotting black orbs narrowing at her with cheeks puffed in frustration. Katie lost it. Her clear laughter was accompanied by literal tears. "Haha! Oh, god stop! Stop! I'm going to die", she flailed.
"Well I don't find it so amusing", Tashigi announced seriously which seemed to have added to her charge's delight. The petty officer even balled up her fists and propped them on her hips. Katie couldn't help but begin rolling from side to side in her fit of laughter. In the granddaughter's mind, it was the equivalent to someone protesting to stop laughing while making hilarious faces. The brunette could feel the mood instantly lift.
Before the young marine could object, Katie was already on her feet and hugging her. Tashigi could only hug back but remained surprised. "I'll get it looked at if the swelling continues but… only if it continues. It's probably just bruised."
The other woman groaned before caving. "You're awfully cold", Tashigi announced with her hands beginning to run up and down the slightly shorter woman's arms.
"That's why I wanted to take a shower but it's pointless now", Katie whimpered before moseying her way to her bedroom. "I'm going to change and take a nap", she called out. "Wake me up in ten minutes", the brunette added.
Unbeknownst to the two, everything had been heard by the man who was undressing in his bathroom. Kuzan didn't know if it was a curse or a blessing that every word, he could hear. He was relieved when Katie's laughter filled his bathroom but he was a little ashamed that it was him who caused her hand to be injured. He'd have to remind himself to go to the medic after his shower.
As the water cascaded down, the devil fruit user sat on the edge of his tub. It was a safe place to wash. He was mostly out of the stream but could easily put up with the weakening sensations rushing through every muscle when he rinsed. Sticking his head under wasn't too much of an issue if he could leave most of his upper body out. All he had to do was lean back to get out of the stream.
Kuzan stretched out his long legs before leaning back some. Fingers strummed the edge of the tub before a chill ran down his spine. Suddenly copper orbs widened. The thought of Katie being alone by herself in her room where the person had been spying on her much earlier this morning, had hit him. "Damn it", he hissed.
Quickly the man dried and dressed himself. It had merely been fifteen minutes and the admiral was walking through Katie's door. His hues only saw one young marine fixing some sort of soup which was quite appeasing to the senses but didn't see his little friend. The startled Tashigi played hot potato with the wooden spoon before the utensil and she hit the floor.
"Are you ok", Aokiji asked with a little bit of concern.
"Hai", she answered. The short woman rose to her feet and bowed quickly. After all, he was her superior officer.
"Where's Katie", the man inquired swiftly. The emotionless tone forced the raven haired woman to snap up her gaze.
"Yes sir", she firmly acknowledged with a salute. "She's taking a nap", the marine hastily responded. "I was told to wake her up but she's sleeping so deeply I couldn't. Well wouldn't. Her hand looks bad but that's not all sir", the female paused before swallowing hard.
Kuzan patiently waited for Tashigi to finish her report to him. Now that he could see the kitchen's display of food and items in use, her sword was among them. It perched close to her near the stove. Smoker's prodigy was ready for something.
"I don't know how to report this but I feel as if something's off. It's just a thought and maybe I'm getting this completely wrong but it feels strange. I can't shake the sense that someone is watching." Tashigi stopped after explaining what was on her mind.
Aokiji stood at his full height in the same relaxed gear as he wore earlier. A dark blue basic tank top with white 'marine' written on the front and dark grey open bottom work out pants. Tashigi observed the man brooding. The large marine crossed his arms and nodded. "Continue", he commanded.
"Hai", she clearly obeyed. "Just a few minutes ago I went in the back to wake Miss Laurel but it appeared she needed it. I decided to wake her after I had fixed the light snack she was wanting to prepare for us. As I was going to leave, I felt a draft and realized the window to her room was slightly cracked open. The sliding lock over the frame was pulled out. I closed it back down without thinking and pushed the lock back in place." Aokiji watched the female's brows furrow.
"Then as soon as I began the food, I started wondering if I had ever heard her open it. She was fairly cold to the touch and wanted a hot shower. It didn't make sense to me. Then I thought maybe she had left it open but why? I haven't felt or heard a draft since I arrived and with the wind outside, I would assume I would hear it. Another thing, why would it be opened if the front door was locked. It just felt out of place. I know we're taught to judge with what we know and with our own eyes but I can't shake the feeling something is just odd. I didn't think it was warrant for a report but I feel I needed to say something. I'll", she stopped when he cleared his throat.
"Don't worry about it. You told me which is enough. You're right for not waking her. From my knowledge, she hasn't slept since she got here", he slumped his head forward before putting his hands on his hips. "Man…, and here I just wanted to sleep and I just might." Kuzan scratched the back of his head. His indifference helped the petty officer relax. It was his goal. "I wouldn't bother telling anyone else either. So far from what I can tell she's just absent minded. Probably wanted to air out the sake aroma from the bathroom."
Aokiji sighed as he shoved his hands in his pockets and took long strides to Katie's bedroom. He ignored the bow and the smile casted as her shoulders lowered. In the back of his mind, the admiral was ready to freeze everyone and everything. He wasn't happy to hear the person from this morning was persistent. His only question, were they still in her room...?
PS. If you're wondering where I got the idea for Aokiji of being a runaway, I took his childhood art that Oda made. I know nothing of his childhood and thought it would be a nice touch that it was Garp who basically forced him to join after beating his ass. Think about it. A cocky nineteen year old challenging the old man and lost. Maybe he thought Garp was cool and wanted to follow the guy.
The film Z kind of pushed me in that direction. Since in this story Zephyr is too young and Garp is well... Garp. Plus it implies that the older vice admiral worked close with the now Admiral and he did say in both the manga and the anime, Kuzan owes him. Changing your life style from being a punk to work hard and be an admiral is a good way of being indebted.
Hope everyone has a great day!