Out of the corner of his eye, his gaze locked on a spot to his left, he sees the prince simply looking about the area and he feels himself relax a little more. [i]'He's actually taking the time to take it all in. Or at least that's what it looks like. He's. . .Appreciating the view'[/i] It doesn't cross his mind that that little smile of appreciation has anything to do with himself, but as Hiro begins moving Akito goes back to watching the pond itself. With a soft sigh he tucks his legs up against his chest, his arms crossing his shins and his chin resting on his knees. Most people would find this position uncomfortable but Akito had grown to find it gives him a very secure feeling.

He can barely see Hiro out of the corner of his eye and despite how relaxed he is he can still feel the edginess skirting his mind and making him pay close attention to that little sliver of the man he can see. He keeps an eye out for any cue, and subtle hints that he's done something to offend the man. When he begins speaking however Akito lets out a slow breath, imagining what a more “boisterous” soldier would be doing with this hater of war and all things related to it. [i]'I have the distinct impression that he would find a way out of the marriage if someone like that were here. . .'[/i] He feels a surprising hint of protectiveness flash through him as he imagines one of his fellows with the delicate Hironori. Tilting his head a little bit so he can see the prince's face he can feel his cheeks color a little bit at the youth saying he likes that Akito is different from the other soldiers.

[i]'Not that he really knows them. I doubt he's ever become friends with them or anything, his views on them rather biased and skewed. . .'[/i] He mentally shakes his head, settling his head on his knees in such a way that he can look at the prince, albeit sideways. “I've always loved this place. It's calm, serene. Very different from camp. I. . .” he hesitates for a moment before going on, unsure for an instant if he really wants to share about himself. His father's words drive him on and he steels himself for the endeavor. “Whenever we camped, I would try and find somewhere like this. Somewhere I could escape it all and just have the sounds of nature as company. . .”

Bitting his lip he wonders if what he said sounded funny, but he listens to Hiro as he goes on, wanting to do his best, as his father instructed. The prince's next words however make him want to curl up and hide as they strike a deep nerve with him. It doesn't really bother him that he's different, but it has always bothered him when others not only notice, but make it sound like something is wrong with him. [i]'He says he likes that I'm different, but he stills sees it as something I should be ashamed of. What does that make me in his eyes? Some sort of novelty? Some sort of creature to examine and pick apart to find out how I work?'[/i] He knows he's being a little paranoid, but he can't help feeling that the prince somehow still sees him as something he's rather dissect than marry. He always feels like such a worm around the beautiful man.

Not even the smile does anything to help his nerves, but none the less he smiles back. It's a small, pathetic thing, but it's there none the less. He speaks of his parents, and how they already like the poor little soldier, but Akito is still a bit dubious, unsure if he can just accept his betrothed's word on the matter. True, he and the emperor shared a sparing match, and spoke congenially of battle tactics and their own personal experiences, and also true the empress seems to like him well enough, and has so since the beginning, but around them he can't help but have his insides twist into knots.

[i]'And what about you?'[/i] He can't actually bring the words up from somewhere around his toes but in his head he hears them echo about, begging to be released. He really wants to know, is desperate to know in fact, but he just can't get his tongue to cooperate. “I will. . . Try, to relax. . .As I said before, I've. .  .I've not much experience with “getting along” with people, but if you tell me they see me in a positive light I will trust you and do my best to not act so. . . Nervous.” The prince had called it actually, he was always afraid in that place, but he chooses to use the young man's correction instead of admitting his fear.

His attention is suddenly caught by Hoko who decides it's the right time to drop a frog at his feet. With a smile he scoops up the dead thing and tosses it into the water. Hoko chitters happily and chases it, getting soaking wet in the process. Once he comes out however he shakes off, eats the frog, then sets about cleaning himself up, his quick drying fur a blessing as he will have to slip inside Akito's clothes soon. Letting his legs fall into a cross legged position he lets out a long sigh and looks over at the prince and tries to continue the conversation. Not sure what else to talk about, he goes to the one thing they share. “S-So, your mother seems really invested in the p-planning. Do you have any preferences for the. . .The ceremony?” His nerve fail him a bit as he talks, but he plunges on, knowing they aren't going to get anywhere if he lets his nerves rule his actions.