Cherry blossoms
I looked down at the village from the sub, curious. There were decorations everywhere and people seemed to be running in every direction with a smile on their faces. It was spring already, huh? So many cherry trees…
«…make sure you don't wander off too far. We'll leave tomorrow at noon»
«Yes, Captain!»
I blinked. Seems like I got lost in thoughts when I was supposed to listen. I feel a shiver go up my spine as a cold glare stares right at me.
«Were you spacing off again?»
I turned to him, biting my lips:
«I'm sorry, but the village is so lively and pretty I couldn't help but get lost in thoughts»
He sighs and closes his eyes:
«You'll have the whole day to enjoy it, so stop spacing off, already»
He walks past me.
«You better get ready for the festival. I won't let you escape it»
A Cherry blossom festival…I never would have thought that Trafalgar would stop on an island for that. I looked at him as he was leaving, spacing out again. Guess there are things I still have to learn… I jump down the sub, a light smile on my lips. I really would enjoy the day! I walk a little, looking around happily. People seemed really happy. I never had the chance to attend to a cherry blossom festival. This could be fun. I spot some ladies walking around in kimonos and open round eyes, impressed.
«So pretty…»
«Young miss»
I jumped a little and turned around. There were some ladies looking curiously at me.
«Are you from outside?»
«Hum, yes, I am. Why so?»
Some laugh a little, but not being mean.
«You're the only one who isn't getting ready for the festival. It was easy to see»
I sigh, slightly embarrassed:
«I see»
The ladies look at each other, some nodding, and look back at me.
«How about getting ready with us?»
«Huh?»
One of them takes my hand with a bright smile:
«Come on! Everyone has the right to enjoy the festival!»
They drag me elsewhere without listening to my many arguments and excuses as to why I shouldn't be preparing for the festival. Darn, I'm supposed to be a pirate and I can't resist happy ladies who want to dress me up. The women of the village lent me a kimono, saying it would be beautiful on me. It was dark blue with white flower petals sewed on it, silver embroideries to form the leaves and a large white belt they attached around my waist. But, apparently, just the kimono wasn't enough. They decided to place my hair. Really, they didn't need to, but they looked like they were having so much fun taking care of me, I couldn't stop them. My hair placed in a traditional bun with a silver brooch, some light colors put on my cheeks and around my eyes, making the brown color show up, they let me go to walk around the village. The night had fallen in the time they had prepared me. I went for the cherry trees. It was a Cherry blossom festival, so I could at least enjoy the trees. Walking between the trees, looking at the petals falling, I felt a feeling of wellbeing. I hear footsteps behind me:
«There you are.»
I turned around and opened my eyes a little wider. Trafalgar was wearing a dark blue kimono, still wielding his sword but without the hat, leaving his slightly wild dark hair free. He had removed one of the sleeves, showing off his chest on the right side. He was really handsome like this. I looked up at the trees, blushing lightly. I had to find a reason for that, though…I know!
«The flowers in bloom are beautiful, don't you think?»
He stops next to me, looking calm:
«They are, but I just saw something else that deserves to be looked at. It's even more beautiful than cherry blossoms falling.»
I wonder what he is talking about. I turn around with the intention of asking and he takes my hand lightly to kiss it on the back, making me completely flustered. He looks up at me with a sweet smile:
«You have no need to envy them. You are beautiful all year long and are even more precious than they are.»
I can't help but look away, blushing wildly.