He only has a few seconds to look around at the short, squat trees, barely tall enough to sit under, and to listen to the trickle of the water in the small stream running through it as it tumbles down a mini waterfall before suddenly there are arms around him and he has to lock his body to to keep from jumping out of his skin. He relaxes after a moment, the prince's exaggerated words causing him to smile and flush slightly, his gaze falling to the ground. He flushes even deeper red at the kiss but manages a soft, “Was nothing. . .” before his voice fails him. He listens to their exchange silently, glancing up a couple times to the woman's worried face. As she runs off he watches her go, convinced that she was more worried about him being with the prince than at the fact he went into the woods and got lost.

~*~*~*~*~

[i]'It's not like him to be late, but after that servant told us about his running off I got the feeling that he would be'[/i] The general muses, watching the two royals look rather at ease despite the report. [i]'I'm sure there is more to this. Akito would not just run off for any simple thing and that servant looked near panic. He must have done something. . .I hope it wasn't too bad. . . .'[/i] He is just about to ask if he may be excused to go look for Aki when another servant comes racing in, but this one looks more relived than worried. As she speaks he smiles slightly at the image, even as he feels sorry for the youth. [i]'I bet he turned red as a rose at that kiss'[/i] Then suddenly his mind turns to where she said they two of them actually were. His worry returns. He knows his adopted son only seeks complete solitude when he is really hurting.

~*~*~*~*~

It isn't until Hiro takes his had that he realizes he's staring at the girl's back far longer than necessary and his flush gains more fuel. He almost wants to ask politely for the prince to not hold his hand like that, but he bites his tongue, letting him be the guide now that they are back where the prince belongs. [I]' It is only fair. I got overly close with him in the woods, where I am more at home. If he wishes to guide me now, I shall not begrudge him that'[/i] He has to stretch his legs a bit, the prince being taller and all, but as Akito is use to being shorter than most he has no problem keeping up. When at last they get to their destination he stills, letting Hiro do his thing without fuss, and doing his best to banish at least a little of his flush.

He nods at Hiro's question which the servant takes as the cue to open the door. He follows at Hiro side as they walk into the same hall they ate in that very morning. [i]'After the day I've had thus far, it seems like forever ago. . .'[/i]

“Ah, there you are boys!” The emperor's voice booms. Akito's eyes snap up for a moment to look at the emperor before turning instead on to his own father. 

It is clear from the man's expression that he is worried about his son, but as it always has been they communicate silently to speak on it later. The captain is sitting a little closer to the head of the table this time, but still several seats down to denote his station. Akito takes the same seat as before but waits for his betrothed to sit first out of respect. Glancing over at the empress he can feel himself almost cowering under her knowing gaze and quickly diverts his attention to his empty plate. [i]'I vowed to relax, but I think I'll start with the one person I actually have to be comfortable with sooner rather than later. . .'[/i]