[i]'That's right. . . . .Neither of us really asked for all of this, and. . . .And he is willing to stand with me. He doesn't laugh at me, and, he keeps trying to support me, to help me become someone whom he will be proud to stand with before the masses. . .He is kind, and, he and I will. . . .We ill face this together'[/i] Taking a slow breath he looks sideways at their intertwined hands and his flush settles into a gentler feeling in his chest. He returns the squeeze, turning his eyes to the grass past his toes, just listening to the other man speak.

When the subject of dance comes up he does feel a bit awkward, but oddly enough, he's not worried about the dancing part. One of the skills he'd trained in to blend in when out on assignment was dance. While he's quite sure that it will be very different having so many people actively [i]watching[/i] him dance rather than being a random person in a large crowd, he is sure he'll be able to psyche himself up for the act.

The offer to teach him makes him smile and he takes a steadying breath before responding. Just the thought of being the prince's partner has him in a tizzy. “I am actually rather acceptable a dancer. It helped with my job. . . .However, I. . .I would not mind some practice, so I can become familiar with what dances will be most common.” [i]'And get used to the idea of moving about the dance floor with [b]you[/b]'[/i] Smiling over his shoulder he tries to appear confident, the expression ruined by a large rain drop falling on his cheek. Sneezing, he pulls his hand loose from Hiro's and wipes his cheek. “Looks like we should find some shelter.” he murmurs, looking up as the sound of rain falling into the pond grows louder and louder.

Looking towards the dark forest, he knows Hiro most likely doesn't want to head back right away so he motions towards the dry ground beneath the trees. “The canopy is thick enough, we could probably turn this picnic into a walk, if you don't want to go back to the palace right away.” Helping to pack away the food he holds the bag so Hiro can slip the strap easily over his head before taking the prince's hand and leading his towards the horse. His blush is slight, his determination to keep them out of the oncoming downpour giving him something to distract himself with and fight off the worst of the flush.

Once at the horse he unties the beast and leads the way off under the trees. The nature of them leaves the ground mostly free of debris and obstacles aside from the occasional fallen tree or small bush. He turns them so they are walking parallel to the palace some distance off, walking them towards the road that leads through the trees. It will take some time on foot to reach it and Akito sees it as a test of his willpower as he holds the reins on one hand, and his betrothed's hand in the other. The sound of the falling rain is soothing and with the downpour so nearby it almost feels a little strange to be walking across dry earth and leaf litter.