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~A low ripple of relaxed delight tumbles through the guardian's body as his love descends from the sky. Seishu's eyes remain on the man as he lands, the slight breeze from his descent making him shiver lightly. Not out of cold, but from the pure joy of being with the man he loves again. He smiles softly at what Enasi has to say, but he does not reply aloud. Without a word he drifts forward and slips his arms around the smaller male, his embrace strong and comforting. A slight tremble goes through his body as he is finally able to hold his lover once more, but the magic of Their World keeps him from reliving the pain that had kept them apart.

For a long moment he simply holds his lover, taking comfort in his presence and trying desperately to convey just how much he's longed to do this since he was spirited away over a week ago. Eventually however, he pulls back ever so slightly, his half lidded eyes gently caressing Enasi's face until at last they land on the red head's own and he lets out a soft sigh. Leaning forward so that their lips are barely touching he whispers, “I've missed you, so much. . .” And instant later his lips press gently over his lover's, his right hand coming up to cup Enasi's cheek while his other settles in the small of the shorter male's neck pulling them flush together, eliminating every bit of space between them as he conveys as much love and longing he can with lips alone.~


~*~*~*~*~

They decide it's best to use Cho's room, Crios' in a permanent state of dissary as he only really uses it for sleeping and doing the occasional bout of paperwork, leaving the bed a mess and the floor strewn with loose sheets of paper and scattered folders. As they step into Cho's relatively neater abode the scarlet haired male prances off to make some tea for them while Crios makes his way over to the bed in the corner. All the heads in the palace have their own room, the rest of the staff having places in the town, but despite starting with a standard room, each head's room look very individual.

For Crios, it's always been standard sheets and blankets, very clinical looking, messiness aside, and only a single picture as decoration. The same picture hangs on Cho's wall. His eyes fall on to it as the foxy doctor takes a seat on the edge of the bed. It's from their bonding ceremony. The chef had just jumped playfully into Crios' arms, much to the tailed man's surprise, and planted a kiss on his cheek. A friend of Cho's had snapped the photo and sent it to them as a gift. Cho had requested a second copy so that they both could have one and even helped Crios hang it so that he had no excuse for not doing so. He was always forgetting things like that, and still does in fact.

'The only bit of color in that place. . .' he thinks softly, feeling slightly ashamed at how little care he takes of his room, and how little time he actually dedicates to the man he loves. His eyes drift about, taking in all the images of the two together littering every surface and with a pang Crios can't help but think that not only are most from before they were bonded, but also that each one likely represents each time they've gotten together just to spend time together over the years. Given the time they've been friends, then lovers, the number is saddeningly low.

Cho reappears to find Crios holding one of his bedside picture frames, gazing down at the image. It's from their training days. He'd convinced Crios to join him at the lake, and one of the others had snapped a photo of Cho having a tug-of-war with Crios, trying to get him to stop running around hidden under a bath robe. The robe is open, but it's clear how hard Crios is fighting, the flush on his cheeks quite adorable as he tries to desperately hide himself. Cho smiles at the memory, sighing softly.

Moving further into the room he sets the tea tray on the bedside table and gently wraps an arm around his lover's shoulders. Crios continues to stare at the picture, but the red head can tell that he's not really seeing it. He's lost in thought, in some far off place, and Cho just accepts it, waiting for his lover to return to him with the same patience he's always shown with his dedicated, deep thinking lover. It doesn't take long and with a hum, Crios sets the picture back where he found it. Then, in a soft voice he murmurs, “I don't deserve you. . .”

Cho is shocked, but rather than responding, he waits, knowing Crios has something he wants to say and interrupting would make him shy away. With a deep sigh, the doctor goes on. “I spend all my time caring for others, and when I do see you your first thought is 'what task does he need of me now', not 'oh yay, my lover's come to see me' as it should be. . . .” He bites his lip, hurt by his own words. “I love you, but I feel like I never show it. I never seem to have time for just you, and when I do come to you, it's always for m-” His next words are cut off by a pair of soft lips on his own. Cho's heard enough.

The kiss is light, but insistent, and when at last Cho pulls back he is smiling, but with a serious glint in his eyes that is normally absent from the happy-go-lucky cook. “I am happy Crios, and as long as you are too, that is all that matters. . .” He kisses Crios' forehead gently. “Silly man, you give me everything I could ever want from you.” He smiles a little wider, a new glint in his eyes. “I knew what kind of man I was binding myself to when I did it. I knew since before then what kind of man you were, are, and will continue to be, and I am happy with all of that.”

Kissing the tip of the doctor's nose he slips around behind his lover and begins massaging his shoulders and back, his fingers finding skin aase he carefully pulls down the top of Crios' kimono. Kissing his freshly exposed neck he smiles at the shiver that raves through the foxy man, holding back a chuckle as he watches that fluffy tail poof out in delight. Sliding his hands down his lover's chest he hugs him from behind, kissing his temple before whispering into his ear, “Now, let's see to doctoring the doctor. I prescribe vigorous relaxation. . . .”

~*~*~*~*~

In the garden, Finn lay sprawled out on the ground, just soaking in the sun and energy coming from the plant life around them. The medic had patched him up and ordered him to rest, so while his sister tends to the garden around him, he does his best to comply. Starla glances at him every once in a while, but for the most part she tries to complete her task quickly so she can return to his side. After half an hour she at last makes her way to his side and she finds him quite unconscious. She's begins to worry, then reminds herself that he's suppose to be resting and lets out a grumpy sigh. She starts a bit as a moment later she feels a hand on her leg. Looking down she realizes that even in his sleep, he's trying to comfort his little sister. With a slightly wet smile as his foolishness she scoots closer, laying down at his side and using his shoulder as a pillow. A little nap wouldn't hurt, and right now, she doesn't want to leave him alone.

~*~*~*~*~

Rasha drags his feet to follow Crios' order. 'I don't really have anywhere I can go. . .It's not like I have family up here, or friends really. . .And that's never been a problem before, but now. . . .' He lets out a little kitty sigh, wandering around outside town, wondering how many dreams and minions would shoo him away because of the negative energy he's currently wrapped in, and how many would just shoo him away for simply being “Rasha the Trickster”. He isn't left wondering long however when suddenly a shadow looms over him. Before he can look up his feet leave the ground and he, mewling in confusion, curls around trying to see who's got him. Then the buzzing hum finally registers and he calls, “Rue?”

With a chuckle the fairy murmurs, “Yup, it's me.” He carefully turns Rasha in his arms so he's carrying him more comfortably. Rasha looks up at him curiously, but the winged youth remains silent until they find a good tree a little ways from town to settle in. Rue continues to hold the feline dream, petting him slowly.

Finally, Rasha has to ask. “So. . . .Weren't you basically ordered to go home? Why aren't you there, resting up like Crios told you to?”

Rue continues looking out over the field dotted with trees just like the one they are resting in, his eyes fixed, staring. He doesn't look sad, but when he speaks Rasha can't help a pang of sorrow. “I planned on it, going home. But then I remembered. . .Last time I was there, they all got kinda uncomfortable around me. I don't think they meant to, but they did. . .And now, I'm. . .I'm even more different, and I know they still love me, but. . .I just didn't want to see it again. Not just now. Every thing's turned out, every thing's good. I didn't. . . .I didn't wanna ruin it. . .” Glancing down at the cat in his arms he murmurs, “What about you? Why were you wandering about rather than resting?”

Rasha lets out a short laugh, looking away. “I'ma trickster, remember? I got. . . .i got a house, somewhere, but I'm rarely every there. It's never felt like home, and. . .,” he lets out a sigh, “and all my friends are currently elsewhere. I don't. . . .I don't have any friends outside you guys, nor anything resembling family, so. . .” He shrugs his little kitty shoulders. “So, I really had nowhere in particular to go. . .” Looking up at Rue, the two share a long moment, then with a purr Rasha licks the fairy's cheek and settles in to rest.

In a soft voice Rue murmurs sleepily, “You may have a family soon though, if. . . If Kaila ever catches on.” He smiles, his ears flush pink at the memory. Rasha mewls happily, not replying. He's no so sure. He definitely likes the violet haired man, but a part of him in convinced that a mixture of his clulessness and Rasha's very nature will kill any romance they could ever have. He knows he's being pessimistic, and that it's likely all the negative energy swirling around them, but for now, he can't help the feeling. Instead, he settles in to rest, relaxing in Rue's arms and letting himself drift off to sleep, the fairy following right after him.

~*~*~*~*~

Stretching out on the ground Jentou stares at the starry sky overhead, wondering if Master Seishu is getting any sleep this day. The full moon is high overhead, flooding the lands with glittering blueish light and as he watches a few clouds pass over, marking the passing breeze. He rolls this way and that, trying to find any way to get comfortable, but in the end he knows what he's missing, an how to get it.

Rolling on to his front he quickly scopes out the camp. He doesn't really need to, he can sense his target a mile away no matter what, but it still helps to have a visual. When at last his eyes lock on he slowly begins creeping through the sleeping masses. Despite his stealthiness, he is rather easy to spot in his fresh, clean, gleaming white robes, but none the less he does his best to become one with the ground as he stalks his target. He's ten feet away before it notices, but bu then it's too late. With a giggling yelp the blond flies through the air and lands on the Nightmare Realm's second in command, tackling him to the ground with a giggle, forcing a grunt out of the pounced male.

Kaila, kinda expecting something like this, only puts up a small fight before stilling on the cool ground with his brother still laying on top of him. The alabaster clad man snuggles in close, seeming not to care that his win is being forced to lay on wet, cold ground, but after a few seconds Kaila finds himself pulled to his feet and in moments is being dragged off away from the meeting he'd been having with his team. “Jentou, I need to finish. . .” he starts, but Jentou just shakes his head, leading his brother to the pile of furs and skins the lighter haired male had gathered to lay on for the night. Without so much as a 'by-your-leave' he tackles his brother to the ground once more and cuddle up to his warm body.

“Your guys and gal are smart, they know what they are doing. Let them be, and sleep with me. . .” The white clad male already sounds half asleep and with a long sigh Kaila stops all objections. Before he drifts off however he decides to make an observation. Looking up at the violet haired man with a sly smile he murmurs, “You know, that dream really has a thing for you. And he's cute, for a dream. . .”

Kaila looks down at Jentou, bewildered. “What? You mean Rasha?” His mind goes to the repeated touches and kissing but his mind immediately files those away off into the same folder as the one he puts the affections from his brother and Master Seishu in. “He and I share a passion for Master Seishu. We both admire him. That's all. . .” he says softly, gazing down at his brother with a certainty in his eyes.

The other shakes his head at his silly sibling. “No, Kaila, that's not “all”. He really, really likes you, I can tell.” Sitting up a little his kisses his brother softly, then pulls back. “Did that feel the same as when he kissed you?”

The second returns the kiss, then listens to what his brother is saying. Closing his eyes he recalls the feeling in his chest when Rasha had kissed him. The flutter, the warmth, and he has to admit that it was different. 'But that was just because it was a surprise. . . .Right?' He recalls the second kiss, the same flutter, and he furrows his brow slightly. 'I suppose it was different, but that doesn't mean. . .He's a dream after all, and at my level that kiss alone likely made him sick. Having a thing for me would imply he wants something more, but that would. . .'

He feels faintly flustered at the idea, his mind jumping to what it actually felt like to be kissed like that. To have someone look at him that way is a new concept for Kaila and as his mind goes on to mentally admire Rasha's face and scolds himself silently. 'He is a low level dream. I can not think like that, and next time we meet I will have to let him know that. . . .That is if he really. . . .Not that he does. . .' Glancing down at Jentou as he get re-settled he murmurs, “Anything he has for me must be forgotten. It just wouldn't work.” He jumps slightly as his brother gives him a pinch. “What was that for!” he cries, irritated.

“If it's really, really real feelings, and you don't hate it, you shouldn't just dash it on technicalities.” He glowers up at his brother cutely. “After all, look at Master Seishu! Look who he fell for. Do you really think you're more special than he and can't make a cross realm relationship work?”

“I don't even know if I like him back, or if her really does like me. . .” Kaila grumbles. Jentou lets out a long sigh and nuzzles in close to his sibling.

“Then I suggest you figure that out before you two are making babies and you start running around wondering where the father is. . .” he murmurs wistfully and Kaila simply gives him another look of utter confusion before letting out an exasperated sigh and settling in for a good day's sleep.
Sorry, sorry, like has bee kicking my arse! I am spending today and tomorrow gattig caught up on these, and I promise I will get caught up soon! *Bows repeatedly* So sorry!
Amano is beginning to anticipate Illiendi's use of the word “master”, looking forward to the delightful little shiver, and almost hoping he never grows used to hearing it. 'I enjoy the rush I get,t he thrill of it. I hope it never gets boring' He glances at the demon with a smile on his lips as he passes him in the doorway and thinks, 'there is no way I will ever bore of this creature or anything he does. . .' Letting out a soft sigh he waits until Illiendi is in place before striking off down the street. He slows only slightly as the man suggest a detour, and with a glance over his shoulder he spots the faint caress of his gift to the demon.

He doesn't indicate he saw it however and gives Illiendi a not, letting himself be guided along toward the sweet aroma of flowers. He thinks over when the demon has to say, but in the back of his mind he recalls a rather inconsequential bit of information he thought would never be of any use. When they reach the stall outside the flower shop he murmurs softly, “Mother always loved tulips. . .” He reaches out to brush his fingers over the cut flowers settled in water on the wooden surfaces, but then his eyes go to the shop itself.

He remembers more now. Once, his father had actually upset his mother and brought her home a bouquet of cut white tulips in apology. 'But cut flowers only last so long, and as did his sorrow over upsetting her, if it was ever there at all. . .' He lets Illiendi open the door for him and they ender the floral, earthy smelling shop. Within minutes they emerge once more, Amano clutching a pot with a single flower growing in it. He knows that normally when one gets “flowers” for someone, one gets a bouquet, or at least a full bushel of them when getting potted ones, but he thinks his mother will understand when he presents her with his gift.

Not wanting Illiendi to think him foolish, and now out of earshot of the clerk, he explains softly so that only the sharp eared demon will be able to hear him. “Mother is always getting flowers from father, cut ones, and they are normally received well. However, for me, this means the gesture has been watered down for her. . .” He takes a slow breath. “White means sorry for tulips, and right now that is what she wants from me. She wants me to feel bad that I am causing her pain, and I got her this so that no matter how long I am gone, it will continue to grow back, renewing my feelings.” He glances over his shoulder, looking embarrassed slightly before turning his gaze back to the road.

I want to get her another one right before I leave, a pink one. It means confidence and happiness. I want her to know I am doing this for myself, and that it is making me happy, for the first time in my life, and that I am confident in what I am doing. . .” He bites his lip for a second before murmuring, “I know you didn't ask for an explanation, but as the flowers were your idea. . .And sorry, I know this whole love thing is not something of interest to you, but I do love her and want to put some thought and care into this beyond the simple act of handing over flowers that will die soon. . .” He glances over his shoulder at the one he gave Illiendi. “I really wish I could have gotten you one that would last. It suits you. . .” He gives the man a half smile before turning his attention back on the road.
Rei has come to like the people around Alessandro less and less the more he learns about him, and - his quick breath slowing back to normal - he finds himself wondering if, other than the old man here, anyone really cared to keep this young man alive, or if it was sheer luck and happenstance that had kept this good man breathing throughout his younger years. While the wound was indeed relatively shallow, the idea of one not from an assassin collective harming another in this way feels just wrong to Rei. 'And not only wounding him worse, but in such a way that he brushes it off like it is nothing? I grew up in a pack of children, all wanting me dead, but that is different. I know the way I was raised is. . . .Wrong, and I can not understand how such a good man can be in such constant danger in his station. . . .'

Shaking his head he nods slowly, looking to the meister before vanishing off down the tower steps. Using his swiftness at it's near full capabilities he races into the castle, stopping only to locate a servant before rushing up to them. The woman nearly jumps out of her skin as he comes to a stop right in front of her. He doesn't bother apologizing however, his eyes still frighteningly focused as he opens his mouth to speak. “I need to know where the palace medic is. The prince is wounded. Direct me to her now.”

The woman, still shaking slightly, points down a nearby hall. “To the end of the hall, take a left, she's in a door to the right. Just follow the smell of herbs.”

With a sharp nod he races off once more. He would have been more polite, but after getting the distinct impression that most of the people in the palace don't care if he lives or not, he didn't want to give her the option of delaying him. It takes him only a handful of seconds to reach his destination, his nose wrinkling at the strong spell of dead plants coming from beyond the door. Knocking once he pushes the door open without receiving a response, covering his sensitive nose with one hand so the amalgamation of scents do not overwhelm him.

'Well, she definitely fits the definition of crone' he muses, looking to elderly woman sitting on a stool crushing something with a mortar and pestle on the other side of the room. There are steaming pots over fires and many herbs hanging low from the ceiling dotting the work space, but Rei ignores it all, striding quickly over to the woman. The prince needs care, and despite his curiosity, he is determined to waste as little time as possible.

She sets her work down, looking over this odd individual who has strode so boldly into her work room. She has half a mind to call the guards to have him tossed out, but then she spots the hand covering his mouth soaked in blood. Her eyes then dart around his figure. 'More blood! Goodness me, what has this lad been up to?!' She carefully pushes her old creaky body to it's feet and reaches automatically for her bag. She of course recognizes that this must be the youth that has been the focus of so much castle gossip lately, the prince's new bodyguard, and as he is walking without any sign of injury she can only conclude that it must be someone else who is hurt.

'Maybe he missed and we now have some bleeding assassin laying in the yard he wants to interrogate' All these thoughts pass through her mind very quickly, the small male reaching her side in a matter of seconds. She looks into his – honestly quite frightening and intimidating – eyes and waits to see if he's going to fill her in, or just stand there acting like the fumes are killing him.

In truth, just entering the room has made Rei a little lightheaded, but he does his best to ignore this as he looks up into the eyes of the slightly taller woman who looks back expectantly. 'She just needs the facts. Just the facts, then I can wait outside and clear my head' he reminds himself, then carefully takes a breath, and removes his blood stained hand from his mouth. “The prince has been wounded. A gash just below the ribs with a poorly sharpened blade. I saw no rust on the metal, and detected no poison, but he was still bleeding when I left. Pack what you need. I will take you to him.” Then, without waiting for an answer from her, he claps his hand back over his mouth and strides out of the room.

She watches his back as he leaves, an eyebrow arched. “Well he certainly thinks highly of himself, ordering me around like that. Should drag my feet just to show him what's what around he-. . . .” Her voice trails off as his head appears back around the doorway, his gaze leaving her cold inside. He'd heard her, and wasn't about to let her pitch a hissy fit over his being less than polite. Or at least that's the impression she gets from his glare.

And she is quite right. Upon overhearing her talking about trying to teach him a lesson, to the detriment of the prince, he looks back in on her with a withering expression, letting her know that such shenanigans will not be tolerated. 'Something is wrong with these people' Rei settles back against the wall by the doorway once he's sure she is being as expedient as possible. 'I recognized right away that Alessandro is a good man, and have sought to stay with him for that very reason. He is good, and kind, and all the things a good king should be, and yet I feel as if they could care less if he fell from the top of the meister's tower and broke his neck. . . .It is foolish, and strange, and. . .' He shakes his head. 'I do not understand humans, but that is another reason I am here. Alessandro can help me understand. He has given me leave to ask him about all this insanity. . .'

His mind goes over and over the books he's read, trying to find an explanation for all of this, but before he can get too deep into his recollections the woman emerges and he looks up, pushing himself off the wall. He takes her bag, hoping it will help her move faster, and with what he considers painfully slow steps they begin the trek to the old man's tower. He doesn't try and make conversation, determinedly looking ahead as he keeps pace with the woman limping at his side. He can tell the limp comes from and improperly healed childhood injury to her leg, having seen the same gait before, so he does not jump to the conclusion that she's only limping to hold them up.

Once they finally reach the front door they are greeted by the sight of people running about. He hears snatches of exclamations about a body at the foot of the tower, but it takes only another moment of listening to realize it's not the prince's body and his focus goes back to getting her up the tower.

Mellia is half tempted to go check on what all the commotion is about, but her blood splattered escort's firm pace and unwavering gaze keeps her on task, not wanting to see his blade any closer and possibly add to the blood splashed across his front. The stairs are a bit of an ordeal for her but once they finally reach the top, the youth races off to the prince's side, giving her a moment to breath.

Rei sets the bag by the chair where Alessandro still sits and without asking begins checking him for any other small injuries he may have missed. The meister chuckles at him, murmuring, “I don't suppose you would trust me when I say he's fine beside the wound in his side, hmm?” Rei doesn't answer and the old man chuckles again, turning his eyes on to the medic. “Evening Mellia. How goes things?”

The fae ignores the talk, intent on making sure the prince will be okay, and once he's satisfied that there is only the gash that needs to be treated, he looks about the room to check for any more dangers. The man he'd killed still lay on the ground, the blood pool beneath him rather small as much of it had gushed out on to the stairs in the stairwell before Rei had had the chance to drag him into the room proper. 'The other is gone. I suppose that is the body at the bottom of the tower that the people outside are so keen on right now. . .Funny how a dead villain gets more notice than a wounded prince. . .' The medic is treating Alessandro now, the fae sitting beside his chair and keeping a sharp eye out, and just as he begins wondering if anyone's going to check the tower to see if the man fell from it, he hears feet on the stairs. His fingers clench around his blade, the gleaming metal the only real clean looking part of him as he'd wiped it off after dragging the dead man into the room earlier. It turns out to only be a guard however and Rei fades out of the conversation, his attention and senses on the man at his side as the elderly woman goes about her craft.
Once all are settled – the angel holding his brother's hand, Homura going over and over the wounded child, Dani poking at the little demon that, by all rights, has no place in this group of half angels – Issho lets out a soft sigh and begins brushing his fingers over and over his littlest brother's blood splattered forehead. He sends gently magics into the child's mind and body, reinvigorating him and refueling his demonic energy. He had fought well and sure, Issho only bringing an end to it once he was sure Kuro would fight to the death for this cause. 'He is an honorable little one. Something missing from most of my siblings' He eyes Dani at the thought and then looks to the angel.

There share gazes for half a second before Aoba looks away, obviously still frightened, but his whisper of thanks moments before brings a soft smile to the arch demon's face. Speaking in a voice much softer, and kinder, than ever before, Issho murmurs, “It's alright angel. Kuro will be fine, and I am not angry. Nor will he be upon waking. You should be proud of him.” He looks to the angel, waiting to catch his eye. Once he does, he goes on. “You will not understand this, and you are an angel, but this fight was necessary. You have your ways, and we have our, and Kuro accepts them, and did what he did admirably and with a conviction that is completely missing in most demons.”

Dani snorts. “I have conviction!” he huffs, poking Kyou one last time with his foot before flopping behind Homura and resting against his blind brother's back. “I am tenacious and never give up!” It's clear from his tone that he knows that his words are not completely true, and Homura chuckles softly at the sound. Dani growls but falls quickly silent at a look from Issho making sure that there is no scuffling right here next to their recovering sibling.

~*~*~*~*~

His eyes are a little wide as he tries to imagine such a violent society being completely normal, to anybody, especially to those related to angels by blood, but other than a faint feeling he comes up blank in his musings. The faint feeling is distant, foggy, and unsure, but he knows it has something to do with similarities he's seen between the two races. Of course the vast majority of his mind rails against the very idea, but he can not shake the itch, and he stops trying, focusing on the scene below as Kuro stirs.

~*~*~*~*~

Clutching the fingers in his own Kuro groans and shifts, taking slow breaths as his eyes slowly drift open. His eyes first fall on the brother whose lap he's in and a very faint smile finds it's way to his lips. Then, his fingers flex, and he looks over to see Aoba holding his hand. He face lights up like a star and he murmurs, “Hello Little Mouse. . .Going to yell at me now, or going to wait until big bro here's gone so he doesn't eat you?” He chuckles. “Nah, nah, Issho wouldn't eat you. . .”

“I'm a big bro, and I would!” Dani calls, coming around Homura and grinning wickedly at his little brother. Issho gives him an exasperated look but remains smiling softly, his fingers now wiping away little tracks of blood on Kuro's cheeks.
Relaxed slightly from getting out his worries, Viltez is able to look at Aryx as he speaks, taking in the man's words fully so he can turn them over and over in his brain. 'I suppose he's right. I mean, I feel I am different, and that means I will be different, but, does he really consider himself different too?' Tilting his head to the side he tries to imagine anyone finding Aryx anything but enchanting and the only thing that comes to mind is the incident with the vendor when they first met. 'However, that was just a cultural different, I'm sure. . .Though, there is the not caring about pants, and the shiny things in the hair, but again, is that not just a cultural thing? He looks perfectly normal to me, and pretty. . . .'

He flushes at that last thought and moment later his mind is waylaid by his guest's admission that he's is also looking forward to sleeping in the same bed and his heart skips several beats. His faint flush burns deeper red but he doesn't let himself respond by hiding his face or anything. They're just talking here. Aryx is just curious, that's all. He would be interested in sleeping next to anyone. . . Or so Viltez keeps telling himself to keep his hopes from getting too high. He nods slowly. “I-I understand, Mister Aryx.” he curses his stutter silently, wishing he would stop that. “So, um, yeah, we should. . .We should get to sleep. . .” He waves an arm towards the bed. “You can, um, take what side you want. I'll w-wait for you to get comfy. . .”

Aryx walks over to the bed, discarding the top he had been holding before climbing on to the small sleeping area, settling to one side with his front facing the middle of the bed. Viltez tries to ignore the images in his head about how this will look, them sleeping so close like this, and follows his guest on to the bed, turning so that his back is to Aryx. A part of him had been positive they would be sleeping back to back, and somehow that seemed less blush worthy a position in his mind, but as he carefully settles in, touching Aryx as little as possible as he does so, he figures this will actually give them both more sleeping space and may even keep them from having to smush together to fit right.

After finally getting as comfortable as he can, Viltez lets out a long sigh, the feeling of the plush mattress and fluffy pillow beneath him a very comforting one, the familiarity of it all tainted only slightly by the scent of Aryx emanating from the pillows. 'Not that I mind the smell. . . .I've been smelling it near constantly since he arrived. . .It's hard to believe it's been such a short amount of time that he's be-' His thoughts are stopped cold as his tail slithers about under the covers. He can feel it slipping over the warm body behind him, and, much to his embarrassment, sliding up Aryx's back, tightening as if to draw him closer. Bitting his lips, Viltez stays very still, waiting to see his companion's reaction before either pulling it back, or letting it be. At this point, he's honestly not sure which he would prefer.
Stiffly, Akito takes a seat beside the board to watch the game between the old man and his betrothed. He doesn't know what to expect, or what's expected of him, and the idea of having to follow up behind the prince is a little intimidating. He has no idea how good Hiro is, but ad Akito has only played a couple times – lost both times – he's quite sure the man is better than he is. He feels a faint thrill as he sees the concentration in the prince's eyes, the expression he's only seen once before in the youth and that time had been exciting to say the least. His own senses sharpen as he takes in the match, watching each move and counter move, re-familiarizing himself with the rules and pieces.

He glances at the players ever so often, interested in their moods as they move the little pieces across the board. In his mind he can hear the sounds of combat as the little tiles clash, the furious battle before him translating into real people before his very eyes. He sees the end coming long before it happens and when it does he lets out a long breath, his eyes sliding over to watch how Hiro takes the loss. The rather childish and spectacularly overreaction makes Akito almost want to smile, but he knows that smiling at someone's loss is not the best way to stay in their good graces so he contents himself with a calm expression.

Those around them laugh, including the man who won, but Akito feels it's not his place to do so. He remains still and silent until suddenly he's addressed by Hiro's opponent. He looks back and forth between him and the prince as the man moves out of the way and presents him with other options, but given the other ones could be considered rude after the man offered to play with him he gently shifts over so he's settle opposite the elderly gentleman. Making sure his blade is resting comfortably on the floor he pulls open his kimono slightly and clicks his tongue. Much to the delight of the men around them Hoko comes slithering out with an adorable little yawn.

After getting permission from Akito the old men begin passing Hoko around, petting and scratching him, much to the little audrat's delight. While this is happening Akito bows to the man across from him, who nods in return, and the battle begins. Much like his role in the war, Akito's moves are covert and precise, the man before him commenting on him being a little too aggressive before realizing that it wasn't the soldier's bold front that he had to worry about. Akito's gaze remains on the board the entire time, the sound of battle ringing in his ears but his expression calm. Once his opponent catches on to his tactics and begins to counter them the younger man adjusts accordingly. The old man chuckles at him, delighted in the game play even though he gets no replied from the silent ex-soldier.

The end of the game is sudden and the sound of it is like a soft whisper in Akito's ears. Sitting back he bows his head, accepting his loss before looking up at the man who defeated him. The man is smiling warmly, his hand coming out so he can shake the younger male's. Akito obliges, clicking his tongue to call back his pet now that he doesn't have to worry about squishing it wit all the leaning backwards and forwards. Hoko comes racing back, slipping into his clothing with ease and settling down for a nap after the exhausting task of keeping so many old and middle aged men amused with petting him. Looking over at Hiro, Akito smiles softly and nods, showing he was happy to be brought here for the game.

The moment doesn't last very long as the sound of the inner door opening draws the attention of almost everyone in the room. Akito quails under the gaze of the clearly irritated monarch and does his best to vanish into the floorboards without moving an inch. The gaze goes from him to his son and with a sharp hand he orders the both of them to their feet. The emperor isn't all that angry, really, not about the unscheduled trip to town at least, but he is a little irked that Hiro saw fit to avoid him upon their return. Akito doesn't know this however and walks very stiffly behind his intended as the emperor leads the way to a nearby room where the empress waits, a faint smile on her lips despite her slightly worried creased brow.
At the prince's command Rei nods, shifting to the side so he is between the meister and the door. From behind he hears the man whisper, “I'll be alright child. You keep his head on his shoulders.” As if to prove his point there is the very faint crackle of magic behind Rei and the Fae nods once again. 'The prince wants the man safe, and he can keep himself safe, so as long as I do not throw anyone atop his fragile body, I will be keeping him safe. . .' Of course, now with the old man also vouching for the safety of those present the Fae is even more tense. If the meister thinks something may be wrong, then Rei isn't quite as paranoid as the prince seems to think he is.

The door swings open and the prince addresses someone just out of sight down th steps. Rei tenses, selling the sweat and fear coming of the man, and when he hears a rush of feet he acts immediately. Reaching forward he snags the prince's collar and with a sharp tug, pulling him out of the way just as the glint of steel appears in the man's hand. He's careful not to accidentally incapacitate the prince or throw him to the floor, least he need to defend himself, but he does make sure that he is quite out of the way as he darts in to engage the frightened looking man. Suddenly being presented with a much smaller figure wielding a blade the ragged looking man stumbles back against the door, his foot slipping a bit.

'This is no assassin, but there is no doubt that he was after Alessandro. He had intent to kill, though there is more fear now than anything else' In the back of his mind he registers that there is another man on the stairs, but he decides to deal with this one first. He takes a fraction of a second to decide whether he should kill this one or not and once decided he slips his blade into the other man, giving the blade a slight twist so that the man is taken down by the pain alone. 'He will live, and he will talk, if the prince so wishes' Rei is about to turn, ready to take on the man who has been sneaking up behind him with a blade raised high, but before he can address the matter he turns to find Alessandro between him and his target.

Rei is completely befuddled as to why the prince is putting himself in danger when this is clearly something a bodyguard should be handling, but as he sees a flash of blood cross his vision he stops contemplating the foolishness of it and lets out a loud hiss of anger. He shifts his weight, ready to dart forward to take on the would be killer, but a moment later he falls to the ground and the fight is over. The first man who fell is still whimpering in pain, however Rei ignores him, slipping around Alessandro to check how badly he's wounded. The old man is on his feet, intent on doing the same, but Rei is faster. Without a word he forces the prince into a chair so he can see the wound better.

The wound isn't too deep, but it is bleeding and without hesitation Rei clamps his hand down over it hard to stop the flow. “You should be fine.” he murmurs softly, keeping his grip firm as the old man comes up to check on the prince. Rei has a look of hard concentration on his face and it takes a few tries for the old man to convince him to let go of the wound so he can examine it more closely. Once he's let go Rei rounds on the fallen men, ready take both their lives just for good measure, to make sure they will be unable to harm the prince ever again. The meister, however, sensing this intent, calls out to him and orders him to tie them up then fetch the palace medic.

He follows the first command without question, tying them tightly but not painfully. Once they are secure he stand, looking towards the prince, awaiting his command to comply or not with the order to leave his side. The meister notices and smiles, shaking his head. “I don't think he'll leave unless you tell him to highness. . .” he mutters quietly, casting an approving glance at Rei while he continues doing what he can for Alessandro's' wound.
I went with him defending Rei, but I left it up to you where the wound is. Rei is a bit numb right now, and confused, since he's still in defense/killing mode. He'll have more to think/say once the men are properly secured and he's alone with Ale. It will be funny to see the cuddling tonight. I can see this talk leading to that other scene idea I came up with in the near future, with all the emotions and questions it will raise. Anyways, hope you like it!
*Laughs at reference* Mega Zomboid! Use Roar to shake the water spout apart!
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