Hiro was a little relieved that Akito came out of ‘hiding’. If he had stayed, Hiro wasn’t sure what he’d do for the remainder of the trip. He remained quiet as Akito spoke, not wanting to interrupt and dispel his train of thought, however he would nod every so often to let him know he was paying attention. 
 
It was rather baffling to know that the kingdom’s soldiers didn’t always think the same way tradition let on and now even he wondered why they felt it was something to partake in. Hiro remembered the first time Akito decided to run away and he was sent to fetch him. The soldiers had all stared, as he expected, Most were more concerned with why Akito came running back, but Hiro didn’t miss the comments of Akito being ‘lucky’ and things of that nature. Tradition was tradition he supposed. Hiro mentally sighed. [i]’At least this kingdom’s soldiers are less likely to be like that.’[/i]
 
The prince began to smile as Akito mentioned that he was glad that he ended up avoiding something like that, until of course Akito started rambling and putting himself down. Hiro couldn’t help but pout. “I don’t understand how you could think so low of yourself.” Hiro shifted to face Akito a bit more. He tapped Akito to get his attention, not wanting to spook him before he gently took his hands. Hiro offered a smile and waited for Akito to look at him. “You weren’t born to be royal. You weren’t built to be perfect. And that’s okay Akito. I don’t expect you to be perfect or get everything right on the first try. My first and only role was to learn how to be a prince. Outside those palace walls, I’d probably be more lost than I can imagine. You were trained as a soldier and you are good at what you do. You don’t have to be out in battle for me to see that. Just as I have to learn about new things, so do you.” Hiro paused and his gaze trailed to the side for a moment. 
 
It wasn’t often he had to give pep talks, in fact it was rare, but with Akito it felt oddly necessary despite his little experience. “All of that stuff, it’s something you learn over time, you know? You’re being silly. Staying stuck in your own head won’t do you any good. You’re little mistakes are just that, little. Very minor. But you get worked up so fast and I never get the chance to say it’s okay.” Hiro chuckled and squeezed Akito’s hands. “It’s okay! I promise! You’re doing your best and that’s fine. You’ve been nothing but kind, understanding, and patient and that’s all I can ask of you. Honestly, well... that’s perfect for me.” He laughed again. “I will remind you of this until I run out of breath I promise you.” 
 
After another brief pause, Hiro added. “If anything, just remember, there’s no need for you to be perfect in my parents’ eyes. I’m the one you’re marrying, not them.” Without much else to say, he decided to confirm it all with a quick kiss before pulling away and returning to his seat at Akito’s side to look at the pond. Hoko was much more entertaining to watch though as he began pouncing on bugs that the prince didn't see.