"Let the princess go, Danzo!" Hinata yelled as he brought his sword forward as he attacked two Bandits.
The two men fell to the ground and laid completely still as Hinata clashed with the leader of the Bandits. Danzo released Himiko and turned his attention to Hinata.
"Ah! Tanjiro, the empire's great samurai hero. How nice of you to show up!" The Bandit leader side stepped and tried to knock Hinata off of his feet, but he sidestepped him and swiped his sword, twice taking off the leader and with the last two Bandits.
The curtain closed and reopened with only Hinata and Himiko on the stage.
"Princess? Are you alright?" He asked, taking her hand in his.
"You're Tanjiro! The legendary samurai everyone talks about, I've been searching for you for a long time." The princess sighed, and stared into his eyes.
"Yes, but-" He began, but she interrupted him.
She held his hand. "I wish for you to become my guard."
The music became softer as they gazed at each other.
"If that is you're wish, princess, I shall accept but on one condition." He told her.
"What is it?" She asked.
Hinata grinned. "A bottle of the best sake in this empire."
"It shall be arranged." She smiled.
They closed the curtain for a short break.
"Hinata and Himiko are both outstanding in their own way." Scarlett said, impressed.
"Right," Wayne cracked a smile. "And their chemistry onstage...anyone would think they were sweet on each other."
"Hinata and Himiko?" She asked.
He furrowed his brows, perplexed. "Yes, am I the only on who thinks this?"
Scarlett pondered his words. Hinata is a handsome and kind gentleman with a great sense of humor, any lady would be lucky to have him.
She was never one to judge on others, but perhaps it could be true.
After a eight minute break they resumed the show.
The setting was changed to a castle layout. The Samurai and the Princess stood before a throne.
"I am Tanjiro, your majesty." He said, bowing his head in respect to the royal family.
"Father," She began. "He is my guard, if you shall allow it."
The king beckoned her forward, his face stern and cold.
"There is no need for a introduction, we've met before." The king explained as he stood up, placing a hand on his daughter's shoulder.
Hinata frowned and lifted his head. "We have, you're majesty?"
The king nodded. "You were just a boy, but your father was a very good friend of mine, before...the war..."
"Then..." Hinata began. "The man he always spoke highly of when he returned home was you?"
"Indeed, you're father was a good man and an excellent commander to the empire." The king stared into the distance. "He would be proud to know how well you've grown into a man."
"Thank you,"
"And," The king added. "I give you my blessing to be the princess's personal guard."
Himiko embraced the King, then grabbed Hinata's hand dragging him along with her.
When the scene changed again they were in a garden.
"It's been nearly half a year, but you are fitting in well." The princess said, sitting on a bench.
"You think so?" He sighed, sitting beside her at a respectable distance. "I feel like they all expect me to be someone I'm not..."
She chuckled. "Nonsense, they're all just adjusting to have a honored samurai amongst them."
He smiled. "I'll take your word for it."
"Princess..." He said as she began to walk away.
She turned around as he came before her and took her hand.
"Princess...forgive me if this is sudden but I..." He paused and caressed her cheek.
"Tanjiro..." His name slipped off her lips with a soft sigh.
Without another word spoken between them he kissed her.
She leaned her forehead against his.
"I believed you could never love me because of your oath to my father."
"No one on this earth could compare to you, princess. You are my salvation, the guiding light I never want to lose."
"As I you."
The scene ended with them embracing each other signaling the end of the show.
The crowd roared and applauded as the curtains closed, Scarlett had tears in her eyes.
Wayne chuckled at her reaction.
"That good, huh?" He kissed her cheek and stood up. "Let's go see Hinata, before everyone starts asking for autographs."
She followed as he lead her back stage, where Hinata and Himiko were busy taking off their costumes and make-up.
"Fantastic job, today everyone!" The stage director cheered.
"Hinata!" Scarlett waved him over.
Hinata spotted them and came over with a wide grin on his face.
"Scarlett, Wayne, what you think of today's show?" He asked.
Scarlett explained how much she thought the show was a complete masterpiece and she'd watch it again if she could.
He flustered grinning sheepishly. "Really, gosh! That means so much to me, thank you Scarlett."
"You've finally finished your biggest piece yet, congrats my friend." Wayne told him.
"Thanks, buddy." Hinata stepped to the side as Himiko joined the group.
Scarlett didn't miss the subtle way they looked at each other secretly.
"Friends of yours?" Himiko smiled politely.
"Yes," Hinata said as he introduced the two of them.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Himiko." Wayne greeted with a charming smile.
A pink blush appeared on her cheeks.
Scarlett squeezed his hand drawing his attention to her.
"What is it?" He asked, then noticing her pout he laughed, and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Are you okay?"
"Of course I am, why wouldn't I be?" She smiled sweetly at him.
She was never the jealous type, but seeing him smile when it wasn't directed at her made her feel something.
"Well, I'm going to take Scarlett home, I wish you two the best of luck." They waved goodbye and went on their way.
...
Wayne kissed her forehead as they stood at the front of her house.
"Time seems to pass to quickly when I'm with you." He sighed holding her hand.
Scarlett smiled and stood on her tippytoes and kissed him before she stepped back. "We have all the time in the world."
His cheeks flushed red. "I wouldn't wish for anything else."
YOU ARE READING
The Wall Between Us
FanfictionIt all started with rejection. Scarlett can't seem to get over the loss of her best friend since she rejected his confession of love. Already dealing with her own self-worth and feelings while keeping up with daily life, things soon become difficult...
