I Hope It Hurt

We can learn together, right?

Right. 

Me neither. But… I’d like to.

I’d like to, as well. I may not exactly know how, but I’m more than willing to try.

Is it stupid to say boyfriend and girlfriend?

No, not stupid at all. 

What are we? I- I mean, are we… [Dating? Boyfriend and girlfriend? Why couldn’t she just say that?]

What would you like us to be?

[Akantha felt her laugh die down as she gazed at Octavian.] Hey, Octavian?

Yes?

[Akantha laughed, nodding her head at her.] That will suffice very much so, thank you.

You’re very welcome. 

octavian, augur, legacy of apollo

I also think I deserve something along the lines of ‘You’re right, Akantha. You kicked my ass, just like you said you would.’

[Octavian smiled and bowed rather dramatically.] You were right, Akantha. No nobler a fighter has ever had the honor of beating me. [He remained in his bow but looked up at her.] Will that suffice?

Yeah? It only works about half the time, but I’m working on it.

Good. Keep working. That is a very special skill to have. 

Bad luck is my secret weapon.

Oh. That is brilliant.

[It was far too satisfying seeing Octavian fall back, which gave Akantha enough time to step forward, holding the blade at him like they did in the movies. When he pushed himself up, she pulled back, grinning.] Yep. My secret weapon. [Tossing the wooden sword to the side, she holds her hand out for him.]

Making people trip is your secret weapon? [He takes her hand and stands back up.]

[Octavian is stronger than her and had far more training, so she’s just barely able to block the blow. The swords clatter and she nearly drops hers, her grin falling as she tries to focus. She’s really not that good at sword fighting, but that means she can use her secret weapon. Hopping back, she points the wooden sword at Octavian and attacks once more, this time trying all her might to grant him with bad luck.]

[Akantha grinned, taking a step back before swinging again once more.] I wasn’t planning on it

[Octavian smiles as he dudges her blow. He tries to take the offense and swings at her.]

[Akantha caught the sword with both of her hands, quickly adjusting it so she was in a typical fighting stance.] They’re the same for you as they are for me. [She wasted no time, charging at Octavian with a grin on her face.]