Blackbeard; The Legend

A Reluctant Love

Over the course of multiple days, Akahana's feelings for Hiroaki continued to bloom further as he kept appearing with the continually decreasing batches of suitors that her father narrowed down, as her 18th birthday approached closer and closer. Akahana didn't mind the other swains that her father picked any attention; the only one she wished to talk to was Hiroaki. But the blue furred tom always waited patiently for the other prospects to have their chats with her before he spoke.

"My father always said that patience is the greatest virtue of all." He explained as they sat on one of the tables, facing each other. "Or maybe I just wait to be alone with you." He winked.

"Alone, huh?" Akahana looked from the corner of her eye at her father, who was watching the two talk, a teasing smile on his face.

"I mean, as alone as you can get." Hiroaki chuckled, also noticing Isamu.

"He's particularly keen," Akahana said, "on me finding someone I actually..." She paused.

"Someone who you...?" Hiroaki looked at her, hopeful nervousness glinting in his eyes as he awaited her answer.

Akahana smiled and shook her head. "Enough of me. What about you?" She asked. "I'm not sure if I've ever heard of the Mae family, or of a Mae. Then again, I've met numerous strangers that I've never heard of."

"Oh, well that's to be expected." Hiroaki looked down slightly. "We're a bit small at the moment, mostly since after," He broke off for a moment. "After a few things happened, we're a bit low on money. Thankfully, it's enough."

Akahana made a sympathetic noise. "That's too bad."

Hiroaki nodded. "Yes. it is. But, if everything goes well, then, maybe we don't have to worry."

Akahana raised an eyebrow. "I see." Hiroaki must've noticed the questioning look on her face and his face went a little red.

"N-not that I'm referring to something other than your hand," He spluttered nervously, and Akahana gave him a knowing look. "W-well, I suppose that's apart of it, but-"

"It's alright." She said. "And besides," She hesitated, before reaching over and grabbing his hand. "I'm sure my father wouldn't mind."

"R-really?" Hiroaki asked, grasping her hand back.

Akahana rolled her eyes. "You can't imagine how much we have. There's enough to feed a hundred villages and then some."

Hiroaki sighed in relief. "That, I can believe." He chuckled, and Akahana giggled. "Anyways, I have to go." He released Akahana's hand and got up. "See you next time." Akahana watched him waving from the window of his carriage as it rolled away, and she sighed, longing to spend more time with him.

"Hey! Are you focused?" Twig snapped his fingers, and Akahana was jolted from her little daydream and back to the garden, the moon shining high above them.

"Uh, y-yes!" Akahana stuttered. "I'm focused."

"Focused on training, or on him?" Twig asked, his eyebrows raised. "Because it seems that your attention is more on your potential husband than what you want to learn."

"Alright, alright, I get it." Akahana readied her stance, raising her bokken. "Let's keep going." Twig huffed, and also prepared his posture. In a flash, Akahana charged, striking downward. Twig dodged, and dust erupted from the area where Akahana struck. Quickly, she adjusted, and turned around just in time to block an attack from Twig.