When the prince glances away Akito can feel his heart beginning to try and race again, however he carefully controls his breathing, trying to force it to calm. [i]'I have no idea what he's thinking, so I should stop fearing the worst every time. . .That's part of my problem around here I think. Living on the constant threat of being killed, you always expect the worst first. That's how you stay alive. . .'[/i] Akito stutters at the word “death” wanting to quickly dispel the idea that he'd actually kill without checking first but the prince moves right on so all he gets out is a mumbles, “Not kill. . .” and a few off squeaking noises. He swallows hard when the prince actually asks him a question and despite the deep flush that runs rampant across his cheeks at the question he manages to get back enough breath to respond fairly quickly.

“No, highness. I was tense but very aware of your presence. . .” His words are quiet and he looks to his feet, trying desperately to relax even if only a little bit. Somehow simply talking about anything but serious matters with the young man seems to send the soldier into a nervous breakdown. [i]'No, not anything but'[/i] he muses. [i]'More anything about . . .”Us”. . .And it may have just been a kiss and a hug, but that's still more. . .Except for those times the whores went the extra mile to try and convince me, but they knew to back off when I gave them “that” look, but I can't. . . .I can't look at the prince like “that”. . . .That would be so rude and I know we'll eventually have to and I'd rather him not thinking I'm going to kill him. . . .'[/i]

[b]"I guess I should've expected something like that from a soldier.”[/b]

The line strikes him harder than it really should, he knows that, and the prince didn't even say it in a mean way. However those few words are enough to bring back the soldier's mask and Akito reverts to looking at his feet, all traces of his flush fading in a matter of moments. He nods at the information on the servants, glad that he'll at least have a few seconds to compose himself before facing them. [i]'I wonder if the prince will just walk in. . . .I know some couples do that. . . .'[/i] As Hiro stands Aki straightens up, ready to follow. “I can hear her coming a mile away, and even if I don't hear her, I will smell her.” His eyes snap up. “That is not an insult, it's just, the fragrance she wears, it's one of my favorites.” He shakes his head slightly, not really having anything to say at the moment, his mind having kinda shit down because of what the man had said. He remains at attention, a stance he didn't even notice he slipped into moments ago, and waits for the prince to decide on what to do next.