PopeAlessandros

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

Aoba is completely out of it at first, and Kuro stays silently, just holding him. He knows that people need time to sort out their thoughts, and no matter how worried he is, pestering Aoba before he's ready will not end well. Instead, he rubs the little angel's back gently as he waits, a blank expression on his face. He wants to worry, to fret, to shake Aoba until he responds and tells him that he still cares about him.

He can feel a growl growing in his throat as little Aoba tries to explain away his parents' cruel actions but he keeps his voice in check, not wanting to interrupt. 'He has some things to say, I need to. . . .' Despite his efforts, a small whine finds it's way out as the angel tries to get out of his lap and against his will he pulls Aoba back into a tighter embrace, unable to let the smaller male go. He knows that he needs to try and respect what the other wants, but in the end, he is a demon, and demon are selfish.

He feels his grip tightening even further as Aoba once more brings up the idea of them being separated and he adopts a hurt expression. Hearing the angel almost angry, but weeping, Kuro is at a loss for a beat before he slips his hand beneath Aoba's and draws his face out from it's hiding place. Bringing their lips together he holds the smaller male in a breath stealing kiss, not pulling back until he can feel Aoba's need for air becoming uncomfortable. He only draws back just far enough to look into those beautiful blue eyes, his own red ones glowing with intensity.

“I stay with you because it is my choice to do so. Being with you, here, sharing a life, is the happiest I have ever been in my life, and I won't give that feeling up no matter how many people disapprove. I am not sorry I took you out of heaven.” He feels a bite in the back of his throat, afraid his words will hurt Aoba, but his selfish nature urging him on. “I am sorry it hurt, but I am not sorry to have taken you away from absent parents, an unappreciative boss, and a place where if you described it of any human's life you would consider it abusive.” He takes another kiss from the smaller male. “I stay because you are important to me, and even if you don't understand, that doesn't matter. As long as you don't hate me and will have me, I am happy, and that is the best anyone can hope for in life.” His thumb slides up to swipe under Aoba's eyes, caressing his cheeks gently.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

Putting on one of his poutier pouts Seishu follows after Enasi, keeping his hands on his lover's hips as he turns to face him. Looking down at the adorable male he accepts the kiss without objection but continues to pout at him. Leaning in he draws Enasi into a longer kiss. Holding him close while administering a breath stealing kiss he convinces his body to calm down a little and be satisfied with just holding his lover for now. Drawing back he settled his head on the red head's shoulder and breaths out a long sigh. “I know, I know. I'm just still not used to waiting to get what I want, y'know? I miss being somewhere where all I need to do is tilt my head and I have a drink, or twist my wrist and, boom the person I want to talk to is there.” He smiles faintly. “I know that's not how you do things here, but it is how it is back home. I don't have to wait for anything. . .And I don't have to be afraid to go outside, or spend most of my time under the influence of some drug or another, or have the shield my eyes half the time. . .” Letting out a whine he buries his face in Enasi's neck. “Your realm is beautiful, and you complete me, but. . . .I miss it Enasi. I miss it. I want it back. . .” A tear manages to find its way out of the distraught guardian and he holds his lover all the tighter.

~*~*~*~*~

Kaila can feel his insides clenching at the idea of putting another faithful person in danger. They had just lost one double agent, the idea of sending another. [i]'And Gin would likely expect it. . . A replacement for the one he found. He's probably, if he has half a brain, ready to tear through those closest to him, looking for another. 'We need something more subtle, more solid. . .Someone who can stay near him, or at least get information out of him and relay it. . .' A new idea begins forming in his mind and he can feel his skin crawling.

'It's the best idea I have however. . .No one's gonna like it. . .But it's our best bet' Pushing off of the tree with a new sense of determination he waves the others away, they feeling a touch of hope as they see him finally coming into focus. Moving through the camp he seeks out his brother. 'It's all for naught if he refuses. . .I mean, Mater Seishu says we need to stay by one another, but if this will work, then I am sure my team can look after him. . .' He finds his twin rolling around with some kids, but Jentou says his goodbyes to them as soon as he spots his troubled brother.

The white clad man wraps himself around his brother, nuzzling him like a large blond cat. Kaila keeps walking, leading them off to the edge of camp where they can have some privacy. He lets out a little grunt as Jentou picks him up and launches them both into the lower branches of one of the huge trees along the edge of camp. Letting himself be settled in his brother's lap he doesn't even scowl as they come to rest on a large branch. Easily sensing his brother's upset, Jentou cuddles him like a large teddy until he's ready to talk.

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

At the first few drops, Hoko had come to hide in his kimono and Akito gives a smile as he feels the critter poke his head out at hearing his name. Normally, rain would keep him in there and only work could get him to come out, but it warms the former soldier's heart to see him having enough affection for his betrothed to risk getting his whiskers wet.

Akito keeps them moving until they come across a rather sturdy looking log and clear area that would be nice to take a break and maybe just watch the rain for a bit. With a little cough he lets go of Hiro's hand and holds out the reins to him, his head retreating a little into his collar as he tries to get control over his flustered flush. Humming to himself he moves close to the log and tucks his hands in his sleeves, looking out at the rain.

When Hiro starts talking he turns just enough to see the man, listening to his words. With a faint smile to himself, he turns back to the downpour. “I actually feel a little strange being out of the rain. . .” he lets out a soft sigh. “Traveling alone to a target, I normally didn't have time to find shelter or rest, so, other than trying to keep Hoko dry, I would be riding wet on a wet horse.”

He lets out another sigh, still smiling. “And in camp? My father would get everyone out during storms, rousing them if it was at night, and just have us all strip to our fundoshi and line us up in rows to practice out swings.” He looks to the sky, chuckling slightly. “He would always say that we never knew what the battle conditions would be, so when nature gave us the chance to practice in a new one, or a rare one, we'd best not pass it up.” His gaze goes back to the wall of rain. “I still remember all of us, there, moving together, like one being breathing and moving as one. We would work so hard the rain would turn to steam and drift off our bodies making a faint mist over the practicing soldiers. . .”

Looking over his shoulder he flushes again, tucking his head into his kimono collar. “Sorry, I got nostalgic there. . .” He's come to understand rather quickly that Hiro doesn't really like the profession he used to have, and the image of a bunch of men training to kill people in the rain must be less than interesting to his young betrothed. Coughing again he looks back at the rain, opting for silence over babbling more apologies.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

Kuro stands at full alert as the medic works, lips pulling back every so often to expose his fangs. 'You're damn right it's you and yours that caused this mess. . .' He doesn't feel bad at letting someone else take over the healing despite Aoba's clear grumpiness over the matter. His health and safety are far more important to Kuro than his “pride”. A small growl finds it's way out when the intruder interrupts Aoba however, dying down as he listens to what he actually has to say. The gentle hands and peaceful nature of the intruder keeps him from snapping at the angel as soon as he's finished to drive him off.

Instead, he just watches the creature as it packs up, both still irritated, but also curious. 'He doesn't seem surprised at all. He's paying me little to no attention, almost like, he knows me. . .He seems confident around me, like he knows I won't attack as long as he's not a threat, but. . .How would he know that? I mean, he makes me sick, I feel like ripping him a new one, but. . . .I don't. . .' Shifting, he catches the invading angel's eyes, his glare a little softer now that Aoba is treated. Testing his theory, he growls softly, “You didn't come here blind.”

Fenrir resists flinching at the accusation, standing and adjusting his bag dismissively. “Indeed.”

Aoba looked between the two with a confused gaze. “What… What is that supposed to mean?” His voice was soft, not wanting to bring too much attention back on himself. Something dawned on him as he spoke, making Aoba squint in slight suspicion. “You’re not a field medic..? What, did they run out of angels to-” Aoba bit his tongue, wondering why he was being so rude all of a sudden. Fenrir had managed to learn a little about Kuro in the one treatment he watched between them, but that didn’t mean much to Aoba. The medic was no doubt with the rest of the archangels, so of course he was able to find out if there were demons around. It was just luck for him to be facing Kuro instead of any other demon that would have tried killing him without hesitation.

'I was trying to avoid this. . .' Letting out a soft sigh Fenrir takes his eyes off the demon and, his gaze softens. He looks down at Aoba and he says softly, “This won't mean much to Kuro here, but. . .Your parents refused your mirror. . .” His gaze turns back to the demon. “So rather than just having it shattered, I decided to keep it. And after all the things you've been through lately, I. . . .Felt responsible, so, I came down.”

Kuro looks to Aoba, confused. He doesn't like being confused.

The angel stared at Fenrir for a long, drawn out moment as if he couldn't understand exactly what the doctor said. Time slowed down around the angel and slowly his wings fell to drag in the dirt. Everything started to feel so much heavier as the words began to take meaning. It looked like he wanted to ask something, anything but no words came out as his mouth opened. He could feel his cheeks and his ears begin to burn. Aoba was desperately looking to see if Fenrir had been lying or playing some sick, twisted prank but the somber look he was given further stabbed him in the chest. “They…” His fists were balled tight, his nails digging into his palms. “They- No… They wouldn’t do that…” Aoba had to fight tears, but it was a battle he wasn’t winning. His parents rejected the one way they could make sure he was okay. They rejected him.

“If an angel… If they’ve ever fallen. Or if… If they’re gone… There are mirrors tied to angels to show what they’re doing. They’re used t-to make sure archangels are okay… or watch the progress of fallen angels…” Aoba was having a hard time explaining everything to Kuro, knowing that he didn’t understand. He was hoping this day would have been good but little by little it had become even worse.

A few times it had crossed his mind, wondering had his parents figured out where he was or if they had even heard the news, but to hear they wanted nothing to do with him? It was one thing to barely see them considering they were always busy, but this? The angel took a steadying breath, quickly wiping the corners of his eyes. “It was probably… It was probably some misunderstanding. They might just be too busy to keep the mirror. I-It’s okay.” He wanted to leave and forget. He wanted to focus on something else and have some sort of false hope that he wasn’t a rejected thing in his own parents’ eyes. He noticed Fenrir make a move to step forward and Aoba quickly took two steps back. “I’m- It’s okay. They don’t have time. Mom’s a guardian angel and dad’s an archangel, they’re the busiest. S’why I had a nanny.”

“Aoba-”

He heard his name and took another step away, shaking his head. “I-I have to f-feed the animals. There are...things. Things that need to be done here.” Kuro and Aoba had finished earlier, but Aoba didn’t care just as long as it meant he could escape.

'Wow, this mirror thing must be really important' Kuro can feel his irritation growing as he sees Aoba slumping as if the entire world just landed on his shoulders. He feels the intense urge to hunt himself some angels, making Aoba so sad, but he stays put, waiting to hear what Aoba has to say about these mirror thing. When it finally comes out, he's honestly a bit stunned. 'My father is the fucking lord of hell, master of pain and suffering and sin, and even he gives more shits about his kids than Aoba's parents!?' He tries to imagine what Aoba is feeling, tries to think of his father not loving him, and despite his missing heart, he can tell it must be devastating.

Aoba is retreating, and Kuro thinks fast. Shifting over, he places his hands on the angel's arms and places a feather light kiss on his forehead. He expects the intruder to show some sign of disgust, but instead he just looks on sadly, his gaze on Aoba. “Wait with Kyou in the barn. I'll handle the rest.” he whispers, turning Aoba and giving him a little push to encourage him on his way. Once he's out of earshot he turns to the remaining angel, openly furious.

Fenrir however is having none of Kuro's wrath. He's already in enough pain and doesn't want to hear it from this demon. He doesn't snap at Kuro, instead letting out a sigh and shaking his head. “Would that I could do something to change reality for him, but I can't.” He looks up, meeting Kuro's eye. “Don't make this into a bigger mess than it already is Kuro. Be grateful that I was down here so you didn't have to kill Leo in front of him.” He can see Kuro flinch at the use of his name so casually, but he doesn't hesitate to go on. “I will take my leave. He. . .Needs you right now.” His last few words are spoken carefully, making sure Kuro is paying attention and catches the full weight of what he's saying.

It takes a moment, but Kuro does get it. His ire drops and he lets out a breath of his own. “So, you are the eyes I've been feeling on the back of my neck?” He has to ask, unable to wipe the image of an angel watching over him while he tries to bed Aoba and loses his focus over the idea of an angel watching from above.

Fenrir can't help the faint flush and coughs slightly. “I am not rude, and that's all I'm saying on the matter.” Openly laughing, Kuro finds himself less disgusted by this angel. Fenrir gives him a grumpy look that turns into an uneasy expression. Seeing Kuro tilt his head curiously Fenrir shakes off his thoughts of discussing the odd happening when Kuro is particularly stressed over Aoba. He may know the demon fairly well from afar for now, but he's not ready to even begin trying to work out the implications. Letting out a sigh he shakes his head again, looking around the area one last time. “This place. . .It's beautiful.” he says softly, looking towards the barn one last time before stalking firmly over to the dropped sword and picking it up. He raises a challenging eyebrow at Kuro who just grumbles like a child before turning his back on Fenrir completely and making his way towards the barn.

He can feel the angel at his back taking off, but at the moment, Kuro's concern is for the angel hidden in the barn in front of him. Slipping inside, he begins hunting around, trying to find his Little Mouse. He spots Kyou first, the demon laying flat against the floor in the rafters, his gaze going into a corner where he seems to be worrying over whatever's there. Kuro moves easily over to it, finding his little angel still rather upset and without asking, scoops the smaller figure into his arms. Giving Kyou a glare to push him back Kuro takes his wings out for a moment, using them to aid his jump as he leaps up into the loft, finding a soft patch of hay to sit on and hold his poor Little Mouse tenderly.

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

'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' 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 watching 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.” 'And get used to the idea of moving about the dance floor with you' 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.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

Seishu perks up happily as Enasi agrees to wash his hair and turns around to give him better access to it. He is purring from the moment the other guardian lays hands on his long locks, the touch rather stimulating. He can't help but smile at the ceiling at the question. “Well, save for the exceptions, I am expending a small portion of my energy keeping it clean and pretty.” he murmurs, turning slightly to look at Enasi. “Since I only have minions piled on me when I want them there, and they leave without my needing to pick them up, I have much less use for my physical energies. So, I just use them to keep my hair untangled and clean. For the most part.”

He chuckles, turning to look back at the ceiling. “Just like I use my magic to float about and make my clothing look sexy and epic all at once.” He lets out a purring sigh, becoming a bit aroused. “Your station requires certain things of you, and mine of me. Mine just happens to leave me looking like a vampiric god, while you looking like a well washed street thug.” He chuckles, sticking his tongue out at his counterpart before falling silent, just enjoying the touch.

~*~*~*~*~

Looking around the group, Kaila can tell what is on everyone's mind with barely a glance and he shakes his head. “I know it is tempting, knowing he is alive somewhere, to want to call him in whenever things get tough, however. . . .”He looks down at the bloody report in front of him, his insides burning. “We need to be strong for him. Once he is recovered, he will return, and we will have peace once again, but the more we call before he is ready, the longer it will be, and the more blood there will be shed. So, no. We will handle this ourselves.” He looks back around the group and sees the reluctant acceptance of his words. Though reluctant, the acceptance is solid and he doesn't worry about anyone going against his decision.

Rolling up the report he turns and walks away from the gathered minions, needing some time to think. The message in the report is harrowing, painful, and he knows the minions need something to keep them from spiraling. He's never been good at the cheering up thing however and leaves it to Tiski to come up with something. Ran and Lan follow him however, waiting for some kind of instruction while Tyar drifts along, keeping an eye on the upset Second.

He stops a good way from the center of camp, the nightmares and minions nearby working on sorting their supplies so they are not paying attention to anything else. Turning, Kaila plants his back on a tree and looks over his group, trying to find an answer that will cause the least amount of bloodshed. Bringing the fist balled up around the report up in front of his face, he stares at in, a fang coming out to chew on his lip for an instant before sliding back out of sight.

The report is on a group that had been captured by a field patrol of Gin's. Unfortunately, Gin himself has taken a more active role in hunting them down and was actually with the patrol when the team was captured. He'd done. . .Horrific things to the team, every one of them dying bloody save for the last one which finally gave in and said something. What exactly was said is unsure, the person who wrote the report doing so in a hurry and barely surviving long enough to get the message out. The spray of blood was fresh when the scroll arrived and from the smell, Kaila could tell that one of the spies left with Gin was no longer able to fulfill her duties. The only indication of what was said by the lone survivor was that Gin came out looking happy, and that he ordered they leave the nightmare alive for “later”.

Looking out over the trees Kaila sighs, the only sign that he's anything but a solid rock for the other minions. 'We don't know if the nightmare told him where we are, or redirected him somewhere else, or what. . .We may have to leave. . .This is the safest place for us. This is the most well protected area in the realm. Any place we would run to. . . We couldn't say together. The concentration of us would draw attention, and that would keep them from capturing us all at once, but that would leave each group with less protection. . .Normally I would go ask Master Seishu about something like this, but. . .If I told him, he would come back, and insist on rescuing the survivor himself, and. . .' He turns and looks off towards the direction the report came from. 'I want to rescue them too. I want to rip Gin's face from his body for all this heartless slaughter of his. . .I want. . . .So many things. . . .'

~*~*~*~*~

Once his hair is washed Seishu insists on washing Enasi's in return. After a little pouting, he has his hands buried in those ruby red locks and he is smile quite happily. Rasha looks all the jealous and lays pouting under the chair, looking limp and wistful. It doesn't take nearly as long to wash the smaller man's hair, but Seishu does take his time, making sure to get every strand of that lovely head of hair. Once he's done he pulls Enasi into a hug from behind, obviously still “happy” from his own hair washing. He purrs softly, nibbling on the other's ear in a way that makes Rasha's ears perk up. He's not really proposing they get busy in the pool, but he does want to remind Enasi of the plans they made in Their World and to let him know he's ready any time.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

Kuro is trying to calculate just how much damage he'll have to do to disable the arch angel when suddenly he hears Aoba's voice. He pauses, torn. He wants to look back at his Little Mouse, to assure him that he'll only hurt the clean thing a little bit, but at the same time he knows taking his eyes off his opponent could spell trouble if not death for him. The choice is taken away from him as suddenly Aoba is sailing over head head and shockingly, lands on the shocked angel. What surprises Kuro most, beyond his mousy partner flying into battle, is the halo grab that knocks the soldier to the ground.

'Well, that's good to know' he muses, watching him go down easy enough. He's glad to see the arch angel knocked out and even manages a little smile at Aoba before the little victory goes horribly wrong. The smell hits him first and rips a snarl from his chest. He is furious, stalking forward, ready to rip someone a new one. Whether Aoba or the prone figure on the ground is yet to be decided. He pauses a few steps away, looking down at Aoba with sharp eyes, clearly angry. The pathetic pleading of his case turns Kuro's wrath from him to the slowly rousing angel.

Holding out a hand he fires energy from his hands, the curved shape stapling the angel to the ground by his neck. He fires off a few more, like the leash he'd used on Dani, and staples his arms and wings to the ground as well. He feels rather satisfied as he miss aims with the wing ones, clipping them hard enough to knock off a few feathers and stain the ones around them crimson. The clip isn't enough to endanger his life, but the pain is enough to wake the guy and have him whine at the pain. Kuro can feel the second energy approaching but before it can arrive he kicks the holy sword away from the first, planting his scythe hard in the ground by the first one's head and leaving it there as a warning as he moves to face the oncoming threat. He wants to be helping Aoba, to do something about the blood loss, but with another angel closing in, he doesn't have time.

Fenrir quickly closes the distance, being careful to land some ways back from the group so he doesn't insight the demon to attack without being able to talk. He takes in the sight of Leo pinned to the ground, the scythe looming threateningly across his body, Aoba trying to treat the semi-self inflicted wound, and now the very on fire Kuro eyeing him as if he's a wild dog he's ready to put down. Having watches the demon for some time now, he knows – at least he thinks he does – how to handle him. His stomach is in knots, his instinct to put the demon down strong, but at the same time, the sight of Aoba bleeding makes his heart twinge and he pushes aside his instincts.

Looking to the pinned angel again he snaps out, “Leo!” His brows furrow even though he knows the angel can't turn to look at him. “You know better than to interfere in the lives of fallen angels!” The angel stills completely. It seems being snapped at has deflated him a bit. His gaze then turns to Kuro and they share a moment.

Kuro faintly recognizes the angel, though more through the sound of his voice than his actual features.

Fenrir slowly takes off his medical bag, making Kuro growl. He stays put however and the medical angel takes this as a good sign. Turning the bag to show it to Kuro he says with a mix of calm and forcefulness, “Let me clean up this mess we've made and we will leave you be.”

Kuro is both confused and relieved to see this angel here, but at the sight of the medical bag he calms slightly, sparing half a glance towards Aoba. He knows that Aoba said he could treat himself, but some proper treatment with proper supplies would be better for him. He hesitates for a moment before reaching his hand behind him. The pins holding down “Leo's” arms and wings vanish while the one around his neck becomes a hoop. His hand whips forward, Leo yelping as he's pulled by his throat through the air. Kuro is careful to not give him enough height so when he snaps the collar with a pop he's unable to catch himself with his wings and instead tumbles across the gravel road past the waiting medical angel.

Fenrir doesn't look as Leo is whipped past him and instead waits until he hears the angel regaining his feet before calling over his shoulder, “You head back to the others Leo. Now.” He can't see it but he's quite sure the angel looks like he wants to object. When he doesn't hear wings right away he lifts his heel, sliding it slightly to the side before stomping it down hard and cracking the earth much like Issho did to warn Kuro off the day before. Leo back away with a bow and is off moments later. Fenrir calls that he will bring back the angel's sword so he doesn't spend time worrying about it.

The call actually makes Kuro laugh, still wreathed him flame despite the good will Fenrir is trying to build. “I was actually thinking of mounting it over the barn door as a warning.” he says with an evil smile. He shifts to the side between Aoba and the arch angel, still not completely convinced this guy is to be trusted. The smell of Aoba's blood isn't helping his anger and he flexes threateningly, eyes playing sharp on the angel.

Once more pulling from his well of knowledge from the mirror, Fenrir re-hangs his bag at his side and moves forward with confidence towards Kuro and the wounded angel. He watches Kuro tense but, trusting what he knows of the man, he moves right past him – giving a bit of room for the agitated flames – and drops to a knee next to Aoba. Gently moving the fallen angel's hands aside he pulls his bag off once more and sets to work. Kuro turns and stays put, his fire still jumping about as he watches like an aggravated cat.

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

The now familiar crackle of Hiro's magic flame catches Akito's attention and he turns his head slightly to see it. He doesn't have to do this for long as within moment the fire is traveling past his face, making him smile softly. The small flame animals are quite beautiful to the ex soldier and he sighs contentedly as he watches them drift by. 'He is quite talented. Even if he was not a prince, he could very well take up a place in the court as a magician. Or an artist with magic. . . .' His head turns again as he hears Hiro addressing his little furry partner and he lets out a soft chuckle.

He turns back to face the grass and forest, listening to his betrothed talk about the people he's met and places he's been, recognizing things here and there from his own travels. He comments on this occasionally, but for the most part he just enjoys listening to the other man, a calm expression on his face. He really does love listening to people, but as Hiro especially seems to enjoy having somebody actually listening to him, he finds the act more. . .intimate, than when he was listening to the boisterous stories the other soldiers would tell about battles or “prowess”.

He grows stiff however at the mention of the ruler from the previous war, his father having fought in that one as well. He'd heard the stories, and while no war is pleasant, the one before this last one was particularly brutal. The idea of the man responsible being at the wedding sets him on edge and he begins plotting to map every inch of the palace the same way he used to when planning a hit. Despite Hiro's vote of confidence that he won't show up, it does nothing to quell Akito's natural protective instinct.

Not wanting to ruin the mood however he keeps his thoughts to himself and relaxes a little, letting out a long breath. “I have been trying to put the idea of a bunch of powerful people I don't know being around to see me make a fool of myself out of my mind.” he admits, ducking his head. “I mean, I know how to walk ceremony in the streets, but. . .I mean, we have practiced a bit, but, it has always been, when not working, that I am a bit of a nervous wreak around people. . .” He glances over his shoulder. “As you may have noticed.” Laughing softly at himself he coughs, ducking his head down again. 'Well, I'm going to keep being that way if I don't at least try. . .' Slowly, he reaches back with one hand and, ever so carefully, he locates his betrothed's hand and ever so gently laces their fingers together, sliding their hands out to the sides so they can keep sitting comfortably against one another's back. He is blushing furiously at this action, but he doesn't pull back or move away, trying to prove to himself that this will be a reality and he needs to accept it.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

Spotting the little dream popping up in the corner of his eye Seishu gives him a little smirk and despite the fur he's quite sure Rasha is blushing. He's ready to pull himself off Enasi, but he gets his by a waves of nausea from moving too quickly and instead settles more comfortably against him. He purrs a little deeper and smiles as his head is patted and he places a few kisses along the neck in front of him affectionately. The laugh is a good thing to hear and he lets out a giggle of his own as he's swooped up by his lover, wrapping his arms around that slender neck he'd recently been smooching.

He shakes his head at the question, enjoying the embrace. He chuckles at Rasha and clicks his tongue, prompting the dream to revert to kitty status and hop on top of him. He can tell he's blushing again as Rasha carefully stays on his chest and away from his naughty bits. Nuzzling the critters soft fur he murmurs, “I like this mode of travel.” Looking up at Enasi he smiles warmly, pulling him down for a kiss before they head out to the baths.

When they arrive he opts for the shallow end, Rue and Inui taking to the lounge chairs along the side of the large pool where Rue squeals as he pulled down to cuddle with the dark haired male. Inui has grown more and more bold in the past week, his master back making him happy. Having to look out for his hurt master has given him a sense of strength he never had before and it's helped him lay more claim to little Rue than he was comfortable with before.

Meanwhile, Seishu hangs cutely off the edge of the pool, pawing at Enasi until he joins him in the bath pool, Rasha scurrying off to hide under a lounge chair to watch. Harper left the plant siblings to guard the room while he himself decided on a quick patrol of the entire palace. Once Enasi is in the tub Seishu adopts a sly grin and begins getting up close and comfortable with his other half. “Hey~, will you wash my ha~ir?” he asks in a singsong voice, batting his lashes innocently. He loves having his hair played with, and the idea of Enasi washing it sounds like heaven.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

'Okay, so we have a stump with wings here. . . .' While not a complete non-threat, Kuro feels confident enough in his recovery that this arch angel doesn't make him afraid whatsoever. Especially one alone. His brow furrows as the angel barrels right in and he times his moves carefully. As soon as it's within a few feet his fire snakes out, wrapping around the shield and snaking up the angel's arms and redirecting him slightly to the side, Kuro's wings snapping out to ride the wave of the impact to the ground to safety. He retracts his fire, the harsh burns already permeating the area with the smell of toasted flesh.

The soldier however is a stout fellow and is up an instant later, his swords drawn, facing off against Kuro. His arms don't shake despite the pain he must be in and he looks clearly ready to cleave Kuro in two if given the chance. The demon however can hear the animals less than pleased with the fight going on in their front yard and with a growl, decides to end this quickly. 'Someone can sew the limbs back on later' Pulling out his scythe he watches the angel jump back, trying to get out of range of his monstrous weapon. He seems to begin recognizing that he's not going up against a normal arch demon. As they begin to circle Kuro prays Aoba will forgive him for what he's about to do.

~*~

He sees the impact clearly despite being a few minutes away and he tries to pick up his pace. 'Of all the. . .' His thoughts are cut out however as once again he swears he can hear Kuro's voice in his head. The implications make him feel kinda sick but he presses on, not able to sit and think this out at the moment.