Thanks for all the support! It's very appreciated!
I would like to note, this is kind of a filler/bridge chapter. It's a necessary little thing because of the subtle hint of what's going to happen later. That's why it's smaller than most of the other chapters. If anyone catches it write it down and tell me what you think. :)
Later that evening Katie finally found a moment of peace. On her table were two items she had been itching to read. First one was the letter from her mother. It made her insides churn not knowing what the parchment said and the second was a gift from R. The wrote to each other frequently and in secret but there was quite a gap in personality. He was purely focused on the marines while she was the opposite.
For the first time in two weeks her home had been quiet. It was rather unpleasant but also necessary. The brunette assumed Kuzan wasn't going to visit since her grandfather sent most everyone flying through walls and threatened anyone who got close. The ticking of the wall clock filled the open area as she sat at the kitchen table. With every click of the hand caused her brow to twitch. Katie took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Using a butter knife, the little woman opened the first letter with shaky fingers. Anticipation rocked Angela's daughter to the core. The sound of rustling stiff paper filled her ears as the aroma of her mother's perfume touched the brunette's nose.
Hey Sweetie!
I'm writing to you because I wanted to say you're on my mind. You're my precious little girl after all. I miss you but at the same time, I'm proud. You found the courage I could never muster. You're chasing your dreams and with a bit of determination, I know you'll see them through.
Oh listen to me, I'm rattling off about myself. I'm sorry sweetheart. You probably want to hear how everyone is doing. Well let's start with your brothers. Luffy ate all of Edgar's watermelons and then proceeded to spit all the seeds out like a gun. Ace has been coming over and asking if I need any help before going further into the jungle. He asks nearly every day if I've heard from you. The boys say hurry up and write. I think deep down Ace really worries for your sake. A sign of a good man, if you ask me.
Your auntie also says don't tell her anything. She doesn't want to know. One less brat to feed is good enough for her; so can you send her a picture for me? You know she's never really been honest about these sort of things. Makino also asks about you. You're like a little sister to her. I think its safe to say the whole village is turned on its ear. Everyone wants to make sure you're ok and that nothing's happened, myself included.
I also sent R's invitation. I hope you go. He is your older brother after all! You two may have had different biological fathers but you two were raised by the same man, at least in the beginning. I understand he was ushered away when you were young but that left him by himself as well. Please, if anything in this world don't let my mistakes cut you off from your own ties.
Anyways, I'm fine. I know you're going to worry so don't. I have one last favor before I end this letter. I suspect you and Bogard didn't talk. You two always seem to avoid it. Speak to him. Forgive him at least. There is no excuse for what he said but his actions speak louder. He did an incredible job raising your brother trying to right a wrong he did all those years ago. I hope you can see that and open up, at least a little.
Love you,
Your crazy mommy.
"Uuggg", the young woman groaned. "Mom…", the female bemoaned. "I already forgave him. I just don't know how to talk to him. He's super scary! Blah! Blah I say!" Katie flopped the paper down on the table and flailed about like a child throwing a tantrum in her large wooden chair. Emotions of nearly every kind simmered and wavered. Tears began to well up in her blue visions. "What a sucky way to end the day", the brunette pouted as she wiped her eyes dry.
Suddenly the front door swung open. Katie startled and ended up falling backward with her chair. "Ah", she yelled out before standing with cat like reflexes. Heat rushed to her cheeks as embarrassment washed over her. Through the entryway, Kuzan let himself in. The man raised a brow before closing the door behind him. As quickly as he turned around his orbs fell on a woman who had swiftly twisted her back to the tall fellow.
"I'll be right back", Katie spouted through a cupped hand over her nose and mouth. The admiral had blinked and tried to think back if she perhaps injured herself. He was left utterly confused and decided to follow out of curiosity after slipping off his black running shoes.
In the bathroom, the young woman had placed a soft green wash cloth under her nose. The blood from her snout pooled into the fabric. Her mind was a mess. Aokiji had worn his typical athletic clothes to relax in. This time the man had donned black open bottom track pants with a dark grey round neck t-shirt. The shirt itself was loose around the torso with tighter sleeves due to his vigorous form. It complimented the officer in ways she didn't think clothes could. As soon as Katie saw him her mind went straight to his strong arms and defined abs; which one could clearly make out from under the clothing.
"You ok", she heard a heavy voice ask. Katie startled once more, nearly dropping her rag. The brunette felt the touch of a firm hand grab the towel while the other placed on the back of her head. Why did his hands have to be so nice, she screamed in her own thoughts. I'm going to die, the female conceded. Her body went limp in response. Whimpers touched the admiral's ears.
"Embarrassed", Kuzan asked with a slight smirk. She was fun to pick on. It was no laughing matter because her nose randomly bled. It did make him worry but it was rather entertaining to watch and feel her become flustered. Plus, it gave the officer the opportunity to feel just how soft her hair really was. Katie was still in her attire from earlier but her hair was free of its pony tail and hat. Thick fingers sifted through the loose strands, tickling the webbing between them. The marine had to swallow hard.
"I'm ok", her voice muffled through the fabric. Small mitts lifted and stroked the back of his hand which held the cloth to her sniffer. Kuzan forced down a shiver before removing his grip from the rag.
"You're pale but you look fine." His other hand lifted taking its warmth with it.
"Thanks", Katie added as her blue visions dropped nervously. "So yeah…, I'm sorry but I don't really feel like cooking tonight. I just read my mom's letter and I'm kind of in a weird mood." The young woman shrugged. She honestly didn't want to indulge on that strange feeling since the source of it was standing right in front of her!
"That's fine. I was going to ask if you wanted to go out and eat at a little place I know. It's not fancy but it's serves a variety of food." He watched her pale cheeks return to their normal color when stars found their way into her eyes.
"Is there meat", the brunette asked with no hesitation. The admiral had to let out a roar of laughter at the sight. The woman had completely done a one-eighty.
"Yeah. I wouldn't go there if there wasn't", Kuzan assured with soften features. His hands cupped her cheeks. He wanted to make sure she was truly alright.
Katie's hands slipped over his own and thumbed his knuckles. The gesture drew the man in closer. Shimmering blue hues disappeared as a brilliant smile formed over her lips. "I'm fine", she chimed.
The officer found his breath had left him. His heart started to race. Painfully it hammered in his chest. Aokiji wanted to simply taste her in that very moment. His fingers twitched, the admiral pulled away like someone had stabbed him. If he didn't, the man knew he was going to do something he might end up regretting.
"Just wash your face. I'll wait on the couch", he turned just as the curly-haired officer crashed his raised knuckle on the top of her head. "I warned you about not locking your door", the man had reprimanded. He ignored her childish name calling and flails.
Aokiji could breathe again. Katie had jarred his nerves with that beautiful smile of hers. It was a surprise that most likely would have costed him his friendship if he hadn't done something. Teasing her seemed to be the best course of action at the moment.
Despite thinking the brunette probably wasn't into men twice her age, Kuzan couldn't walk away and leave her alone either. He felt trapped. His deepest desires were starting to take a hold of him. The man feared where this road was leading to but he wouldn't be satisfied if he went his own way. The admiral wasn't content with things being like this either. The officer knew he'd have to make a decision soon.