Despite the prince's earlier mirth the extended silence really gnaws at the young soldier and as it stretches on all he can think about is all the horrible tales he's heard about people who messed with or insulted the royal family. He is no fool, he knows most not to be true, but it is common knowledge that it is wrong to do, and such rumors normally have at least a small base in fact. His brain goes wild, getting more and more elaborate with his death, however as it does so it almost calms him down. [i]'Death is something I have faced several time. I find it far more calming an idea that anyone really should. But somehow, my demise almost sounds better than what's happening, right now'[/i]

He jumps as he hears the prince rise, his soldier instincts honed to respond to such motions when as stressed as he is. The prince's promise helps him calm down enough to open his eyes, looking up to watch the man walk closer to him. His body remains at attention, his eyes the only thing moving even as his head remains tilting down out of respect. [i]'He may just be being nice to please his father. I have heard many stories about the prince, not all very flattering, though I will say many spoke of how pretty he is, but even then, I am surprised. I think it mostly has to do with the ones that admitted his beauty were a but more lewd in their appreciation than I am'[/i] As the prince goes on to state his view on wars, in general, Aki finds himself feeling once more lashed by his words. However he once more holds his tongue.

A nervous tremble runs through his body as Hiro moves in closer, pulling one of his hands from behind his back then proceeding to drag him out of the indoor garden area. It takes less than five steps to match the younger male's pace and without thinking Akito follows him silently. As they walk once more into a room, his eyes go first to the walls, then simply go wide as the man announces that it's his room. He falls back into attention, for the comfort of it, and does his best not to look around in that same child like manner he'd had with the other rooms. [i]'One's room is their private place. Bringing me here. . .I don't know what it means, but with how he obviously views my kind, it can't really be because he wants me in here'[/i]

His eyes lock firmly on the floor when he realizes that the prince has decided to change and for a brief moment wonders if that is some kind of custom for royalty. Having only one outfit, Akito has never really had to think about what he'll be wearing the next day. All of his unit wore the same outfit for the entire war, so even if he changed once a day, he always looked the same. Even now, other than the overcoat, he looks the same he always has. While the prince is out of sight, even as he tries desperately to avoid it, Aki can't help but look to the wall with the tiger. Sparing a glance at the screen he quickly but quietly stalks over to the wall and with a gentle hand reaches out to stroke the tiger's face. [i]'Tiger in the grass. . . .That's how I feel right now. Like there is some fearsome beast just waiting to pounce on me at the slightest misstep. . .'[/i]

When Hiro finally comes back into sight Aki turns and watches him, his eyes still down a bit. A habit not soon unlearned, he wonders how long it will be before he can look into his betrothed's eyes without invitation. [i]'Speaking of invitations. . .Is he really inviting me to stay in this plush room with him? I don't see us getting along well enough, at least not for a while, to be able to share his private space. . . .'[/i] Coughing lightly he steps away from the wall, taking up a spot near the middle of the room while he thinks. When at last he comes up with an answer, he has the distinct impression it's not something the young man will like, however he feels the need to ask anyways. “Actually, I would like to see the training grounds. You father was a soldier, like many kings before him, and I would like to see where they stay in shape. . .I find comfort in training. . .” The last part he says softly, almost to himself but, loud enough for the other in the room to hear.