A faint itching along the back of his neck makes Akito's head snap up and his eyes lock on an offshoot corridor. The general doesn't sense anything but trusting Aki's instincts he stays still and waits. After a handful of seconds someone starts humming and the boy relaxes. Moments later Hiro appears, looking as innocent as he could be and Aki,knows without a doubt he overhead something. Flaring up he watches the prince pass in an interesting shave of beet and with a faint choking noise follows behind him without a word. The general follows, shaking his head at his shy son but not saying anything least it make his head explode.

[i]'Oh gods, did he hear me say that about treating him like a child. Oh hell, that's just, this is. . .This is the worst day of my life, second only to. . .'[/i] He shakes his head to keep the images from rearing their ugly heads and sending him into a catatonic state. He pauses outside the door, letting the prince say his insincere bit before moving to follow after. However at the empress's words Aki's stomach drops and he glances back at his foster father. The man nods and pats his shoulder. [i]'I'd forgotten that he had to leave at some point, and I still have so much to go over and so many decisions to make. . .Why can't he stay here with me?! It's not fair. The war is over, he should be able to just come and be my father now. . . .'[/i]

He knows he's being irrational so he says none of this aloud but as he makes his way into the large room, the servants clearing away lunch with swift efficiency, it is clear from his face that his day's gotten worse since last the prince saw him. Glancing at the emperor the soldier is glad to see he is no longer in a mood and as he takes his seat he offers the prince a strained smile before looking back to his plate, one of the last ones on the table. He quickly takes up his last few bites, his flush far more manageable after the hit about his father leaving, but still vaguely covering his cheeks.

The empress smiles and looks down at the general. “Would you happen to know what colors he likes? I'd rather not interrupt his meal as he seems quite hungry.” This adds to Aki's flush but he ignores it, eating as quickly and neatly as he can. He wants to get over this father leaving as soon as possible.

The captain doesn't point out that she is interrupting his meal too, as that would be rude, but instead sets down his utensils to think. “Well. . . I know his favorite is a shade of dark red. . .But he's also had a thing for white and very dark purple. . .” Akito coughs, causing the two head royals to look at him curiously.

He waves a hand and goes back to eating. [i]'He is so taking that from that one wedding we crashed and I said the bride's kimono was pretty'[/i] He rolls his eyes to himself, finishing a moment later.

The empress returns her attention to the captain as he goes on with a well hidden smile. “Also, I know he likes sakura patterns and the lotus flower, if that's helpful at all.” The empress giggles and claps, turning the poor youth more interesting colors but he does his best to nod in agreement.

He adds on, “I also like big cats and cattails. . .” His voice is low but the sharp eared empress catches it and pats his arm lightly.

“All very lovely things dear. I simply must sit down with you later a-” She lets out a little gasp, her hand going to her stomach. Akito jumps, looking worried, as does the emperor. “Oh, no, it's alright. Just. Little one's got a strong leg.” She smiles, ever the happy mother, and rubs the pronounced bulge in her kimono. Akito's breathing slows back down slightly and his eyes half close as he imagines what it's going to be like to be a big brother. Unfortunately this does not last long as it brings up the memory of what the prince may have overhead and with a light cough he looks at his hands as if they are the most interesting thing in the world.