Hiro could only nod towards Akito’s gesture of ‘trying not to be so nervous’. At least he’d make the effort to try. Unless he was only saying that to simply ease his curiosity. Who knew. Instead of the conversation falling short, Akito continued the conversation. Instead of staring at Hoko, who was once again forgotten due to being stored away, Hiro raised an eyebrow and glanced in his betrothed’s direction. “Ah, yeah she loves parties. I think she loves decorating more so. Something about the change of scenery that gets to her I believe.” The idea of having a preference made him pause to think. He wasn’t exactly sure. There were times where his stepmother had come to him for an opinion of one thing over the other, but he never truly had a strong desire for certain things to be done. “It’s probably not too surprising that I don’t have much of a preference. I mean, I do prefer a sunny day outside rather than a being cooped up indoors. I’d much rather prefer a calmer set of colors than something too flashy.” He thought over other ideas in his mind and then shrugged. “I don’t even mind if the ceremony is small- however it’s a tradition. And traditional ceremonies are quite...noticeable.” Hiro couldn’t quite figure the right word for it. “Hm, I know you’re kind of going along with things, but did you have something in mind?” ~~~~~~~ Akito nods his head, understanding his betrothed's mother just that much more as he speaks of her liking changing her scenery. [i]'Sure, there are tons of rooms in that palace, but after a while, they are all just “the palace” I'm sure. . .The desire to switch things up, change things around, see something new. . .I can see that being very strong indeed given that the royal family almost never leaves the palace grounds. . .'[/i] The prince goes on to speak of his preferences. Despite saying he doesn't have any, he seems to at least have a general idea of what he wants, and to Akito's surprise he finds that he agrees on two of them at least. He doesn't mind flashy colors, not that he's ever worn them, but he likes the outdoors over the indoors and small groups as opposed to large ones any day. He feels a little sad that it will have to be a large ceremony, however he is quite sure that at the very least, if they both ask, they will be able to have it outdoors. When asked his own preferences he determinedly doesn't look to the ground, instead looking somewhere around Hiro's hands, and replies as calmly as he can. “I enjoy the outdoors as well, but I have no real preference on colors. I do like certain shapes, some flowers and animals, but other than that I haven't found myself drawn to one color or another, though. . .” He touches his top, the aqua blue material looking rather like water in this light. “This is familiar to me, so, maybe, I could ask for a bit of this. . .” Taking a slow breath he adds bashfully, “I would much prefer few people as well, but I understand that this is more for the people that it is for us. . .So I suppose we'll just have to grin and bare it, huh?” He lets out a nervous chuckle which dies quickly. He manages to glance at Hiro's eyes as he does so, his eyes returning to Hiro's hands as the chuckle fades. [i]'Why do I have to be so awkward?!'[/i] He rages, but instead of the self deprecation his face shows calmness and contemplation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Well that was good. They had something in common there. “I’m sure if you talked to her, she’d be ecstatic to change things up to your liking. It wouldn’t bother her a bit.” He smiled gently. “Despite it, she still wants us to enjoy it as much as possible.” His gaze fell onto Akito’s clothing for a moment and he nodded. “I’m sure that could work. You are technically royal now. You can ask for it with no problem.” Akito chuckled softly and looked into the water. “You’re definitely right about that. We smile and look nice for the crowds. Traditions are important, says father.” Hiro mocked a stern voice when he said it and then laughed lightly. “I don’t question it anymore. I can’t win.” The prince looked behind him to make sure there was nothing there before deciding to lie back and stare at the sky with his hands resting behind his head. “Did you ever think that one day you’d be the one to be married to royalty? Well, a prince for that matter?” He was sure the answer was no but it was still an interesting question to him. What did people think when one day they were told to pack their belongings. They went from one life to a completely different one- a better one at that. It must have been some sort of surprise or shock being married into royalty. ~~~~~~~~ He is glad to hear that the queen would be open to having the ceremony outside and manages a smile at the thought. He even manages to hold it as Hiro speaks of traditions before falling back into his calm facade. His gaze wanders over the young man's body as he reclines, careful to keep his face neutral as to not look as if he's leering at the youth. However at the prince's question he feels his nervousness return in full force and he locks his eyes on the pond. [i]'It's okay, it's just a question, nothing else. Just a simple topic, well not simple, but it's a topic of conversation. He's trying to learn more about me, that's all. . .'[/i] Letting out a long breath he takes a few more deep ones before responding softly to the prince's inquiry. “As you said before, I am odd, and as such, I've never imagined marrying anyone.” His words are soft. Not sad, simply matter of fact while being a little nervous. “I always imagined being like my father, if anything. I've never. . .Had interest in anyone, so I just imagined living my life out on the front lines, or training others, or, well. . .” He stops his rambling and returns to the question at hand. “So, no, I never thought I would be welcomed into the royal family, in any way shape or form, and honestly I have no idea what to do with this new life thrust upon me. . .” Letting out a soft sigh a counter question pops into his head and before he can stop it from doing so, it pops out. “What about you? What was it like always knowing, well since the war began at least, that you would be marrying some stranger whose profession is something you loathe?” He didn't really mean it to come out that way, but as the words have already left his lips, there's not taking them back. He keeps his eyes on the pond, petrified that he's offended the man. ~~~~~~~~ Hiro looked intently at the sky as if he was trying to examine the clouds. As he suspected. Akito didn’t exactly know what he was getting himself into. He was surprised about it- and still was if it wasn’t obvious. “With that mindset, I’m sure that would definitely be shocking.” His eyes closed, obviously not finding the particular cloud he was searching for. It lasted for a moment before his eyes opened and he gave a thoughtful expression. He did note that it probably wasn’t the best idea to mention to his betrothed that he wasn’t a fan of fighting when that’s all he did...But it was far too late for that. “Me? Well, I questioned my father every chance I got. I asked him why, but he always gave me the same old excuse about tradition and because we were royal. I didn’t want to marry some strange person who’d use me as their trophy. Or someone so inclined to violence that they...I suppose mentally never left the war.” Hiro gave it another thought, making sure to give him his whole honest answer, but then nodded when he finished. “Judging you now, I’m assuming you’re nothing like that obviously.” He made that clear too, just in case Akito started to worry. ~~~~~~~~~ The prince's response does nothing to quell his fears and as he goes on it's only his fierce determination to uphold his father's wishes that keep him on the spot. His fear is mixed with a touch of almost, indignation as he speaks of soldiers as if they are wild beasts or something. However, he knows, for the most part, Hiro is right. Many would take one look at the beautiful prince and would not hesitate, either in the marriage, or the coupling that would follow. They would see only his outer beauty, though perhaps only at first, and just would be blown away by their “luck” treating him as some kind of victory prize. Shaking off the image however he steels himself as the prince goes on, and surprisingly he finds some sort of solace in the fact that Hiro calls him different this time. [i]'At least he sees me as someone other than a bloodthirsty brute, or at least he believes I'm not. . .That, that is a good thing I suppose. . . .'[/i] With a slow exhale he is careful to not over think his response, as his father told him that being honest is best and if he over thinks it he knows he can be cryptic and unclear. “I am glad to hear your honesty on the matter hi- Hiro.” He stops himself from calling his soon to be husband 'Highness' and instead uses his name. “And. . . .You are correct. I, do not see you as some kind of trophy. I. . . .Do not seek this power I was given, nor am I inclined to. . . .To violence. . .” He breaths slowly. “However, as you have seen, the war is still in me, but I promise it is not something you need fear. It has made me. . . .Protective, of you and your kin. If nothing else, it has made you and your parents. . .A little closer to me inside my head, if. . .If [b]that[/b] makes any sense. . .Or I am simply rambling at this point, forgive me. . .” He mumbles the last part, looking away from the prince at his side and watching Hoko roll about in the grass. ~~~~~~~ It had been the first time in awhile since he had heard Akito call him by his actual name. It made him smile a little. Well, he was trying at least. That’s what mattered. Once more Hiro nodded in understanding as Akito justified himself. The next part was a little confusing so the silence between them grew as he thought it over. “I think I understand. Maybe.” Hiro glanced over at Akito, but he was looking at Hoko. “Protecting this new family of yours.” He wondered if that had sounded just as odd as it felt saying it. Hiro’s family was an uptight father, a happy go lucky stepmother, and a stubborn son. Then there were the multitudes of servants that aided their every need. Not to mention the baby that would be on the way any time now. Even he didn’t know where someone like Akito would fit in. [i]’Well, I suppose we’d just have to make room.’[/i] On occasions, he did sympathize for the soldier. He was lost in an entirely new world of things. Sure there were people to guide him, but it was probably still a rather lonely experience. And probably really awkward to be around when he and his father had their minor disputes. Deciding to try and keep the drifting conversation alive, Hiro decided to ask another question. “So, what do you honestly think of it all? The people, the service, the traditions, and all that other stuff.” ~~~~~~~~~ “Yes.” he murmurs softly when Hiro likens his feelings to being protective of his new “Family”. He's not sure if it's familial protective feelings just yet, but it's close enough that he finds no reason to dispute the idea. The next question comes with many parts, the answers not readily available to the tense soldier, but despite the momentary freeze that comes with the sudden rush of inquiries he manages to begin answering after only a few moments. “The people are who they are and deserve to live lives without fear and with hope. The service is a noble ideal to some, and just a job to others, and to still others it's a way to do something they would be jailed for otherwise simply because they were born with violent tendencies.” He knows it sounds bad as he says it, but then he goes right on. “There are many other reasons, like mine for example.” He shrugs. “Being a soldier is what I do. I was raised with it, by a soldier, and to me it's just how things are. I serve because my father served, and I like the idea of saving people from. . .” He's unable to finish his sentence, his past not something he needs to think about right now. He shoots Hiro an apologetic smile instead and moves on to the next part of his betrothed's question. “As with the service, tradition was just part of my life. It was small, the reading of orders forcing me to stand tall, the few times we were shown off like prized hens for the people to gawk at forcing me to be clean and friendly towards people, but this tradition is not one I ever even stopped to think about beyond being glad that the king at least had a chance of understanding our needs, making it easier to get supplies and medical care.” He glances at Hiro again, swallowing hard. “Now however, now that I'm in the middle of it, I have to wonder if it is a wise choice to uphold this tradition. I am obviously not right for the job, but perhaps that was just a failing on the part of those who decided [b]I[/b] was the obvious “hero” in this war and not a failing on the part of the tradition.” Then without thinking he adds, “Though I hate to imagine any of my comrades in my place. I hate to think of you having to put up with a real soldier. . .” He nearly swallows his tongue in fright, his eyes locking on the pond once more. [i]'Oh gods, I can't believe I said that! That was so arrogant, my thinking I'm a better match some how! Maybe someone with a spine would actually be able to talk to him, to provide him with some intelligent conversation! Good lords, why did my father every suggest I be honest and stop over thinking things!? He probably thinks I'm some arrogant ass who feels far superior to my comrades, oh god, oh gods. . . .'[/i] ~~~~~~~~ The prince listens calmly, not showing much change in his expression. He wasn’t going to fault Akito for his opinions whether he agreed or not because that’s just what they were; opinions. It was quite obvious how different their views were though. To Hiro, the service to him were just help. They came and went, doing their job. Considering it was a fairly routined job, he didn’t think too much of it. Being just a prince, the people were just there to see him smile and be cordial. There was something about the royal family being together and looking happy that made the people much more at ease. He didn’t understand the meaning of it that much, but one day he’d have to. . . “You’ll learn about the way of the royals. Father had to learn as well. All soldiers do. After all, we’ll have to rule over this place sometime in the. . .far future.” Being a prince wasn’t all that bad, but the idea of being a king even made him shudder a little. The sudden boldness throws HIro off guard and makes him laugh. He sits up, disregarding Akito’s new frightened state. With his legs now crossed, Hiro shook a few stray strands of grass out of his hair and faced the soldier. With a teasing grin he leaned closer to Akito. “Oh? And what makes you so qualified hm?” His gaze fell on Akito’s reflection in the pond since he wouldn’t look at him. ~~~~~~~~~ He twitches as he feels the prince sitting up but manages to hide his fear before Hiro can get a look at his face. “I-I didn't mean, I just. . .” He does his best to speak, but after a few seconds he has to simply breath before he can get anything out but a squeak, his face coloring furiously. “Most of my direct comrades would see you as a prize, several would be less than forgiving about your views of the war and those who fight in it, and over all most who have seen battle, true battle, would see you as little more than a pretty face they have to tolerate once they knew of your views, not to mention those who have lost comrades to magic users and who now hate anyone that use it openly. . .” His words are calm, almost robotic, trying to convey the issues without sounding like he is threatening the young lord. “Given all the factors, I and my father are the only ones I can think of that would be a good match for you from the military at least in the fact that I do not hate you for your views, even if I am hurt a bit by them, and my father at least has thick enough skin that your scorn would not affect his duty to the empire in being a good husband and emperor. . .” He lets out a long breath, watching the prince's reflected face out of the corner of his eye, hoping that he had not completely destroyed whatever rapport he'd managed to develop with the younger man in one fell swoop. ~~~~~~ His teasing expression turned into a more knowing one as Akito spoke. His hands rested in his lap and instead of looking at the soldier’s face he was looking at the water itself as the occasional bug or creature caused it to ripple. He was very well aware of the enemies he was probably going to create if his views had gotten out. He was also aware of just how many people found the use of magic as uncharacteristic for a royal or just plain wrong. Hiro’s father warned him about all of those things countless of times. Hearing it from Akito cemented the fact. It wasn’t as if he didn’t believe what his father said, he just never felt as impacted towards. . .being different. “Huh, I should probably work on that.” That was the only response he could give towards the statement. There was no apology towards hurting Akito or the soldiers of the army, no guilt towards what in everyone else’s eyes appeared to be ‘bad traits’ for a prince, just a simple comment. “Wouldn’t want to be hated by everyone as a king.” Hiro spoke with a matter of fact tone. leaving it at that. [i]’I’m not really fit to be a king. I suppose that’s ironic considering that I’m born into royalty and all.’[/i] He didn’t imagine his views would change or that he’d stop toying with magic, however he knew that he’d have to ‘grow up’. Just because he didn’t like something didn’t mean it wasn’t useful for everyone else. He’d just have to accept it. And when that time came, then he’d apologize for being so brash and probably rude at times about Akito’s profession. Because then he’d mean it. Hiro pulled a strand of grass from the ground and let it fall in the pond, causing it to disturb the peaceful stillness of it. It floated across for a few moments before sinking under. “I think you’re the first other than my father, and maybe a curious servant- okay so maybe not the first- to actually mention something about that. Then again, I also haven’t told many people because I know it would cause some sort of uproar.” He shrugged. “Nothing really special to say about it, just thought I’d mention it.” Changing the subject, he sighed and looked around. “It’s nice getting out of the palace. Being cooped up can become boring.” ~~~~~~~~~~~ Akito is relieved that Hiro is, not in any way apparent at least, upset by his words, however he is struck with the need to say something even as the prince tries to change the subject. “I really like your magic. I find it lovely, and fascinating. . .I, have no problem with enjoying it as a hobby, or whatever else you wish to do with it, as long as you do not hurt anyone, as I'm sure you won't.” He completely disregards the instance where he himself was burned by the prince's flames telling himself the prince was not at fault. ~~~~~~~~~ Hiro had turned his attention to Hoko who wasn’t too far away. The little creature seemed to come and go as he pleased. He must have been low maintenance. The subject changed again. This time, Hiro was the one who looked surprised. “Uh, thank you.” He looked at Akito for a brief moment before turning his gaze to the pond. It seemed to be a solace of comfort whenever Akito got embarrassed, but for him he was just staring at his own reflection. “Not many people do. . .so thank you.” He repeated a little softer, sounding a little more sincere. The first time he showed Akito his hobby, he seemed fascinated sure, but it didn’t end very well. Surprisingly, that didn’t deter the male next to him. ~~~~~~~~~ The shock on the prince's face is a precious sight to Akito and he lets his smile show as he gazes back at the prince from the surface of the pond. “No, thank you for sharing it with me. . . .Hiro.” He lets out a soft sight, switching between looking at the young man's face in the pond and watching Hoko chew on grass. He eats it once in a while, but mostly he just chews it. Akito can feel a little glow of feeling special, though he knows it's kinda silly to think that way, but as he shrugs the doubt off he lets his head fall back and he looks at the cloud wistfully. “Being outside most of the time has always been a blessing to me. The palace is large, but there is still a roof overhead. There are still walls around you. I know I will have to get used to it, but maybe. . .” he hesitates for a moment before he continues in a slightly quavery voice. “Perhaps if w-we team up, the e-emperor would let u-us out on to the countryside m-more often than you're used to?” He glances over at the prince hopefully, a light flush on his cheeks as he thinks about traveling with his betrothed. ~~~~~~~~~ “Ah, yeah you’re lucky for sure. As a child, I had to stay on palace grounds a lot more. For safety of course. My father was- and still is quite. . .overprotective.” The idea made him grin. “That would be great!” With a chuckle he continued. “I’m sure we could be more persuasive than I could be alone.” He shook his head. “He thinks I’ll get lost or kidnapped or something, but we have plenty of guards to prevent that. You know, I’ve only been outside of the kingdom once? I was younger and it was for business, so I didn’t get to do much of anything.” ~~~~~~~~~~ The prince gets rather excited at the notion of leaving the palace grounds and for a moment Akito wonders what it would be like to be confined like that. Sure, when he was younger, the general wanted him close and had the other soldiers keeping an eye on him, but by the age of thirteen he was off and running just about anywhere he wanted to without need of supervision. “Yes, fathers can be like that. . .” he murmurs comradely, smiling at his betrothed. “And I suppose having me go along would ease his mind a bit. . .” He says this softly, hoping that the prince would perhaps see his profession in a slightly better light if it was able to get him away from the palace once in a while. ~~~~~~ “Huh, have I even been around the entire kingdom?” The question was never answered. Instead, he smiled at the little things in common they had. “I do suppose he would see it in a different light. A protector and my spouse. I’m sure he’ll think it’ll be a good idea- or some excuse for privacy to be alone together but that’s neither here nor there.” He mused over the idea and gave it an affirmative nod. “I think it’s a great idea.” Looking around once more, he wondered how long it would be before the others started to look for them. Then again, they were in a sea of soldiers so there was nothing to worry about. He just decided to enjoy the bit of time they had left before he ended up being back home to wander about the grounds seeing the same old things as usual.