“It’s practically impossible to beat you....” 

The man rubbed his chin. “Not true your Highness. I was beaten two days ago.” He jutted his thumb towards the man that had been watching the games pass. Both of them laughed, making Hiro chuckle. 

“Ah, boo.” He smiled at Akito and shrugged. “Better luck next time?” He was going to suggest heading out, not wanting to sit through another beating in the game, however when the door suddenly opened Hiro couldn’t help but flinch. The men around them all paused their games, respectively bowing as the Emperor stared at his son and betrothed. “Busted.” Hiro murmured only loud enough for Akito to here. The emperor remained silent, directing them out and to the next room. Hiro simply stood, keeping his mouth shut for the time being. It was probably for the best. 

He kept his head down, glancing over at Akito every now and then to make sure he wasn’t about to implode. When they finally reached the room, Hiro bowed to his mother and offered a smile. She nodded to the both of them but stayed silent, knowing her husband would want to speak up first. “I have the feeling you know what you did. Do I need to waste my breath explaining it?” The emperor’s arms crossed as he stared at his son.

After a moment’s pause, Hiro put his hands up in surrender. “We headed into town. We interacted with the people that live there. That was allll.” He shrugged, only to wave his hand as if that would stop the emperor’s disapproving eyes.  “Okay, okay,” He huffed and straightened up some. “We got back and I took Akito to play board games. It was my idea to just go straight there.  I didn’t think you needed to know every second of my- our lives. It’s not a big deal.”

The emperor rubbed the bridge of his nose and sighed. “Hironori you are a prince. You both are royals. When will you realize the importance of making sure you are safe? I trust that you, Akito, kept him safe in the city, but please don’t fall into his reckless bad habits as well. It’s...dangerous.” He didn’t want to go into details about the possibilities of people kidnapping or even trying to kill the royal family in fear of worrying his wife. No attacks had happened in a long time, but nonetheless it was still better to be prepared for those things.  

“It wasn’t reckless. Like you said, you trusted Akito. He protected me. We came back.” Hiro really didn’t understand why his father had to make an argument out of everything. It was as if he wanted a reason to yell at him. “You complain about not spending quality time with him and then you get upset? Father, I really don’t understand your rationality.” 

“Dear…” The empress spoke up, making both father and son turn their heads. “You both really need to settle your differences. All of this bickering isn’t healthy.” She rubbed her large stomach before continuing. “And you’re creating a terrible impression of this family for Akito.” She gave a disappointed look towards the both of them. 

Hiro crossed his arms and sighed. Both men stood there stubbornly until the Emperor sighed as well. “You’re mother is right. And I apologize for putting you in these...uncomfortable situations.” He nodded and then glanced over at Hiro, expecting him to apologize as well.

Hiro was looking away at the time, but blinked and looked at his betrothed. “Huh- Oh. Yeah, sorry Akito. We’re a bit...dysfunctional as you may have noticed.” He gave a playful smile only for his father to frown at him. “So, would you like to do this now, or would you much rather wait until there’s reason to-” Hiro caught his stepmother’s raised bow and he quieted down and waited for an answer.


The Empress gestured over to Akito beckoning for him to help her to her feet. “Come on love, we’ll give them their space. They need it. Are you hungry? I have a taste for something sweet. Walk with me.” She smiled and waved as her husband and son watched her go. “Be productive please.” 

While the two walked, the Empress sighed and smiled. “They weren’t always like that, I promise you. Before I married the Emperor, those two were inseparable. I can’t exactly figure out what happened along the way, but they still love each other. They’re just...stubborn.” She laughed lightly and then glanced over at Akito with soft eyes. “I know this must be difficult for you, but if you ever need someone to talk to, I’m here. Those men may not be the best to seek advice from.” She could tell from the very start that he wasn’t warming up as well as he could have been. She just never really had the opportunity to talk with him personally.