PopeAlessandros

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.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

The days pass in a sleepy haze for the wounded Guardian, most of his time spent sleeping and/or drugged. The food is good, but he's not able to remember it all that well, and despite being overly loved on by many little bodies, his memories from the past week barely register. He knows it was for the good of both realms that he recover quickly, but he can't help the gumpled feeling lingering in the back of his mind as the stupor keeps him from having his way with his lover the way he wants to. They come together in Their World often enough, but he wants more. He wants everything.

Eventually however, the time comes. He's off the hardest of the drugs and Crios seems ready to let him move around again. He smiles at the foxy doctor and chuckles as he suddenly has arms full of fairy and nightmare minion. At Crios' words however he can't help but laugh, looking down at the little bodies piled on top of him. “Yes, well, I would love to, but as you see, my fans call.” The two squeal as he pulls them into tight hug, giving each a kiss before relaxing and sitting up. His body still feels stiff and he has to force himself to stretch despite the pain. The pain now however is more from being in bed than being wounded and he can feel the itchy urge to get out of bed building up.

Rue tackles Inui, kissing him soundly out of joy before scurrying over to hide behind his own guardian, the acts of open affection still making him blush furiously. Inui as well flushes, though his blushing face takes on a more predatory expression as he begins stalking his lovely fairy.

Seishu smiles at this, looking to his own lover as he speaks up. His smile widens and he stretches again, pushing the covers down and letting out a groan. “Yeah. I feel a lot better. I still feel little. . . .Holes, but. . . .I'm ready to get on with my life now.” Standing carefully on the bed he vanishes his clothes, the musty old things feeling uncomfortable on his skin. The little one hide their faces with sharp giggles while Crios and Harper look politely away. It takes Starla and Finn a beat to realize that he's nude and they both let out sounds of “Ewwww!” before covering their faces and tell him to put some clothes on.

Kneeling down he settles against Enasi's back, purring softly. “I think I wants a bath. . .” he murmurs, giving Enasi his cutest smile. He's feeling a little weak from lack of negative energy and it's clear from his happy limpness against his lover's back that he's asking for some help to the bath area.

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

'Well, because, it's true?' He twitches slightly as Hiro taps him, turning his gaze on to the prince with his head tilted bashfully down. His eyes dart down however, his ears burning as he feels those soft hands slide into his own calloused ones. He swallows, his hands stiff and unsure of themselves. He slowly looks up at Hiro, obviously flustered. The prince tries to encourage him, assuring him that he was trained in his way, and Hiro his and there's nothing wrong with him not knowing how to be a royal. It's a comforting thought and he manages to relax a little, his fingers closing slightly. Not enough to be actually holding Hiro's hands in returns, but enough that he feels like an actual participant in the hand holding.

He feels pleased that Hiro doesn't seem disappointed by him and offers a bashful smile to the prince. It falls and he scrunches slightly as he's chided for his babbling, but he doesn't retreat completely. He doesn't mean to keep the other from talking, he's just used to being overridden when he's babbling if someone else wants to talk. He's unsure of how much more he can flush as Hiro tells him everything's alright, and feels his face must be bright as the sun as he says that he's “perfect for him”. His fingers twitch again and this time he's actually holding Hiro's hands properly, glad to have such a kind man trying so hard for him.

The progress is all lost however as moments later he feels soft lips on his own and his mind is completely wiped blank. He stares off at the blank space Hiro once occupied for a long minute, the back of his brain trying to process what just happened and give him some sense of reality once more. The conclusion it comes to is actually rather surprising and he lets out a slow breath, his blush becoming manageable. With everything Hiro said finally processed he looks to the man at his side – watching the playful Hoko on an “epic hunt” - and lets himself actually look at the man a bit and enjoy the sight.

He brings peace to his overstimulated body and lets himself move on impulse briefly. Turning to the side he wraps Hiro in a gentle hug, planting a feather light kiss on his cheek. He holds the other man for a beat before swiftly letting go and turning so that his back is pressed to Hiro's, his face once more flushed and his head trying to retreat into his neck. He knows it was something tiny, something children do with their parents, or sibling with one another, but for him, it is another step forward that he's never taken before, and his heart is now in his throat, wondering if he'll ever be able to breath again.

Luckily, the answer is yes and in a quite voice he murmurs, “Thank you H-Hiro. . .Your words are sweet. . .” Coughing, he shifts his shoulders comfortably against the taller man and reaches out to grab something to stuff in his mouth the pastry keeping him from rambling any more.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

The little angel's excitement to get started on farm work again makes Kuro smile, the charge off the younger male contagious. Kuro whips them up a quick breakfast, watching the other eat with a soft smile on his face before following him out into the yard. He takes to doing the watering while Aoba deals with the animals. He lends a hand when it comes to the cows, the occasional stray making for the gap between the barn and the pasture fence. Once they are all out, he goes back to watering carefully, making sure not to spay the leaves too much, aiming for the ground when he can to avoid the sun burning the plants through the water droplets.

Despite being menial labor, Kuro couldn't be happier. He looks over to see the angel every so often and feels content with the world the way it is, peace passing gently through his chest. He still feels that something is missing, something inside, but as it is, for now, he doesn't want to question it. He just wants to enjoy his time with Aoba before Dani and the others come crashing in to ruin their alone time.

Once he's done with the watering, he joins Aoba with feeding the pigs, guiding him about to show him where things had been moved in his absence. He enjoys his quite time and uses open moment to get close to the angel, seeking out a little contact here and there to satisfy and tame his more primal urges. When the subject of Kyou comes up he glances towards the town. “He's probably in town getting something to eat.” he muses, playing off the soul corrupting as nothing of great importance.

~*~

Fenrir overhears someone saying something about checking out some activity, but it doesn't register until he spots the angel on the horizon heading right for Aoba's farm. Light panic passes through him and he finds a way to slip away, following after the angel at a decent pace. He knows he can't overtake the soldier, his wings out of practice, but he also knows he needs to catch up as quickly as possible to avoid a rough confrontation.

~*~

A new scent trickles to Kuro's nose on the wind and he feels his hair stand on end. Actually sneezing, he looks off towards the town and scowls as he sees a figure racing pel-mel down the road. The little head wings flat to his head and vest flapping in the wind, Kyou rushes up to the farm, vanishing into the barn before anyone can say anything to him, and Kuro honestly doesn't blame him. Ruffled, Kuro moves out towards the open area in front of the barn and his flames jump to attention, snaking around his body like an agitated serpent. The feeling of an arch angel approaching is enough to set his teeth on edge, but he's careful to keep as calm as he can, not wanting to start a fight if he doesn't have to.

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

There is silence for several beats and Akito is quite sure that he's about to get smacked or something. He'd spoken too much, said such embarrassing things, he's sure that somehow he's offended the other man. Then, there is a shift, and he freezes completely, not even daring to breath. His finely tuned senses tell him that the prince is moving closer and he braces for an angry swing. His breath leaves him in a rush however as when at last Hiro speaks up and he can feel himself shaking slightly. 'He's. . . . .Glad?'

His arms settle completely atop his head, his face still hidden, as he listens to Hironori recount his trip to another country. He's a little lost for a moment as to why the man is bringing it up, but it soon becomes clear as he talks about how the princess was viewed, and how she viewed herself. 'It's never seemed right to me either. . .' He swallows, listening, hoping that this all means that he's no reason to let the earth take him. He can feel a little proud that the prince has never seen himself the same way, given that he must have known from the moment the war started that he would be forced to wed the “champion” of it. He flushes again, shaking his head mentally at the title given him for his actions during the war.

The touch to his shoulder makes him flinch, but he does eventually begin lowering his arms slowly, his cheeks still bright red behind the slightly ashamed look on his face. “It's always been a mystery to me why anyone would think that way. I mean, I know my company doesn't see women as lesser, and that they didn't mean any harm in what they said about you, but it's always felt, just, off, to even talk like that when it's clearly not what you actually think, you know?” He coughs, tucking his hands in opposite sleeves.

“I mean, I know several of them who have partners they want to get back to, and others that met women and men they have every intention of seeking out after the war, but the way they talk about both has always dependent on how they see themselves standing in the relationship, and it's just been odd. I mean, most of the time they'd talk about how they “scored a good one” but other times they were more humble and said stuff like “I can't believe such a person would take me” and, it's just so strange, you know?” He catches that he's rambling and clear his throat again.

“I know how the tradition goes, and that this is entirely not how it is for most people, and that it must have been no fun for you thinking you'd get someone like one of those men you'd met. But, I'm glad that you don't have to put up with that, even if it mean you have to put up with someone as plain and pathetic as I am.” He flushes deeper. “I mean, I babble, I freak out just being in the palace, and I can barely even speak around your parents, and I ramble on about silly things, and my partner keeps crawling all over you without warning, and I am so pathetic my own words make me wish I could vanish down the nearest hole. . .” He stares at his hands, still overly embarrassed but at least now he seems willing to talk. “You deserve someone better. . .” he adds in a whisper, sighing and looking off over the pond.

When Realms Collide {AkiBlue & PopeAlessandros}

~The nothing seems to lighten slightly. He can hear him, feel him. He's nearby. He wants to reach out, to have him, to be one with him. . .The swooping feeling that brings conciousness doesn't seem to want to come and Seishu pouts silently, trying reach out, to take hold. . .It's his Enasi. He wants him. . .~

The light is nice and dim but still there, making his eyes throb gently, a small mumble of protest leaving him completely unintelligibly. The pain in his body is still faint, the shot from before still working making his movements a little smoother than they should be. Without even opening his eyes he slides to the side and pulls the small red head on to the bed and settles down comfortably on top of him. In a voice smooth as silk he murmurs, “I think that this little sexy beast and I need to have some quite time to discuss our options, that's what I think. . .” His right eye opens a slit and he looks over at Harper, giving him a look that's enough to make the bunny blush and with a cough he excuses himself. Turning to look back at Enasi he hums happily, kissing the man tenderly before settling down completely atop the man, his face buried in his neck comfortably.

“Yes, of course-” Right after Harper mentioned Seishu, Enasi was suddenly pulled down and onto the bed. His initial response was to ask how he was doing, but the comment made a faint flush rise in his cheeks. It wasn’t long before Harper was escaping out the door either. Enasi’s gaze went back up to Seishu and returned his smile. “Better than before, that’s good.” He was answered with a kiss and Enasi couldn’t help the small chuckle as Seishu got comfortable again. He wasn’t sure just how well Seishu was feeling, but him smiling was a good sign. While Seishu rested on top of him, he absentmindedly began petting his hair. Without much effort, his energy snaked out of his free hand and closed a few of the curtains that weren’t completely shut. It was dim, but due to the nature of the world, it would never get too dark- at least not as dark as the nightmare realm.

Ever the considerate man, Enasi makes it a little darker in the room, making the already purring Seishu nuzzle the warm skin in front of him. The purr remains thick and deep as he shifts gently as to not dislodge the hand on his head. Slipping slightly to the side so he doesn't squish the smaller man he drags his tongue along that exposed skin before pushing up slightly so he can look down into Enasi's eyes. “So. . .” His voice is soft, calm, but with a note of seriousness in it. “I hear there are some major changes happening due to my being here.” His eyes flick to the door. “He tells me. . . Little Bite has undergone something huge? He's. . . .Infected?” There is a note of worry under his confusion, his mind not completely working properly to remember everything Harper had told him.

The purring on top of him is soothing and Enasi closes his eyes, not to sleep, but just to revel in the embrace. The movements catch his attention, but he only opens his eyes when he feels Seishu’s tongue on him. He bit his lip to refrain from making a sound, and then sighed gently when Seishu looked at him. “A few, yes.” The worry that followed made Enasi smile and push hair behind Seishu’s ears. “Infected, no. That makes it sound like he’s in danger. Crios did a few tests. There hasn’t been a minion who was capable of jumping from the dream to nightmare realm in...well I don’t know the last time it’s ever happened actually. Seems that Rue’s energy, while mostly positive because he was born here, is also more neutral. It wasn’t very apparent until you showed up though and even more so now, now that he’s coming into his powers. It’s why he has a higher tolerance for negative energy.” Enasi smiled again. “It’s amazing really. He doesn’t necessarily have the best of both worlds, but he can definitely experience them without getting as sick as my other minions would.” He paused for a moment before adding, “Which is why Crios asked him if we could test it out. He offered to help of course. I wouldn’t force him do something like that. The others’ positive energies were unbalanced. I think more so after what happened…” Enasi frowned a little at the memory of himself, but sighed. “Instead of dispelling all the negative energy, Crios tried to balance it out…Trying to recreate that neutral energy that Rue has, essentially.”

The explanation calms his worry slightly, his eyes traveling gently over his lover's features as he speaks, letting the presence beneath him bring him comfort. “Yes, well, the little fairy has always been a little bit off from the rest.” he murmurs, enjoying the feeling of having his hair touched softly again. “I'm glad that some good is coming from all this. . .” He lets out a sigh, looking sad for a moment. The sad turns to a sly grin and he shifts, kissing Enasi soundly, barely pulling back as he whispers, “Well, other than this of course. . . .” He never been so aggressively forward when not in Their World before, and he's worried that Enasi will push him away, but he can't help trying.

Enasi hums in agreement about Rue. The boy was always brimming with positive energy, no doubt, but there was always something that was there that he couldn’t put a finger on. Now, he was just happy to know there was nothing wrong. The guardian caught on to the sudden sadness and was about to say something, only to be interrupted by a kiss. The dream guardian froze for a moment, unsure of how to respond. It was only for a moment though, as he let his brain catch up to the sudden… shift of topics. Enasi let out a small huff, not knowing what else to say before smiling and returning the kiss, only to hum in agreement.

'So, not quite ready yet. . .' He can feel an internal pout as Enasi simply looks back at him with shock and sighs softly. He smiles faintly as the kiss is returned moments later but he realizes he can't press it right now so after a beat he shifts again, laying his head on Enasi's shoulder. “So. . . .” His breath trickles out to caress the area he'd licked. “The minions are changing, a dream has the hots for my second, your second is undergoing treatment to facilitate a more radical change, and you are feeling so bad that I could get a half decent meal off of you if I weren't so interested in making you happy. . . .Or horny. . . .Either would do.” He pulls back, smiling faintly, his free hand coming up to run pale fingers through those auburn locks. “So, what's bothering you. Let's talk about it while I'm still high so I'm actually of some use.” He smiles a little wider but refrains from laughing, wanting Enasi to take his offer seriously.

The guardian waited quietly, wondering what Seishu was up to when he laid back down only to find that they were continuing their talk. Besides the faint shiver that went down his spine, Enasi remained still and attentive while Seishu began to speak. The moment the nightmare guardian called him out about his mood, Enasi bit his tongue to prevent himself from instantly denying that he didn’t feel ‘that bad’. At least, for once, he didn’t think he felt that bad. He had to try even harder not to smile when Seishu commented about his state of well being, but failed at that. “All changes for the better which is a good- well, Rasha’s always been a… free spirited dream. That’s more of a better for him deal.” As long as the dream wasn’t getting hurt, he didn’t see the harm of it. With a light laugh, he added, “And I appreciate your concern. You do a fine job of expressing it.” He teased before giving a small shrug. “I don’t feel as bad as before though. Before as in, before you and Inui snuck into bed with me.” He thought over it before continuing. “But I still feel guilty about what happened. My minions are terrified of me. It’s not… well, it’s definitely not the best feeling. It’s definitely something I don’t want for my kingdom.” He frowned a little as it replayed in his mind. “The fear was warranted though. I’ve never threatened my minions before… but I’ve also never been so angry- or scared.” He looked back at Seishu for a moment. “The idea of losing you wasn’t something I could handle.” He eased the tension of his own mind and added. “And not just because it would be...you know physically painful for the both of us. But you know, Gin would be an awful counterpart. It just wouldn’t last. Even before we became...well acquainted I liked you a lot better.” He laughed lightly and stuck his tongue out. “Dare I say I’ve fallen for the bad boy. The nightmare. What a scandal.” He laughed again, something he probably needed.

Purring, Seishu cuddles deeper into Enasi's side, humming softly as he listens to the man speak as his aching body protests any and all movement. He listens how his lover feels bad about his underlings being afraid, about how he doesn't want it to be so. As a guardian he understands the sentiment, but at the same time he knows that without that fear, more pain would have come. Not only to him either. If they did not fear Enasi, they could have gone full rogue and caused so many problems beyond just killing him off. Gin being the shining example. Inflicting that maniac on the realms is unconscionable.

He can't help the deeper purr as Enasi announces that he likes him better in their war days than he likes Gin, despite the comparison being not even close. He joins his lover in the laugh, chasing that tongue down with a deep kiss before settling back on his side. Playing gently with Enasi's robes ha can't help add a chuckle on. “Don't get to see you in the nice stuff often. I like it. . .” Humming, he pulls back the top slightly, kissing the smaller male's neck gently, letting his head rest on his lover's shoulder as he thinks.

“I know it's an unpleasant thought, but I think, with the worlds changing the way they are, for now, it is better they fear you than not.” He reaches up, stroking Enasi's cheek. “Without that fear, the more rebellious elements here in the Dream Realm could cause some major upsets before we get things stabilized. . .” He lets out a sigh, kissing Enasi again, finding comfort in the little acts of affection. “I think, maybe, as soon as Crios thinks I'm up for more activity than cuddling and sleeping, I could make my face a little more well known in the realm. Let people see me, and not going off their last memory of me cutting a swath through the battlefield. . .”

Pressing himself firmly against Enasi's chest he can feel the faint throb of pain in the back of his mind and he knows it's more the realm itself than the injuries making him ache. 'I will never be able to live here, or he there. There's just too much of a difference. But hopefully. . . .Hopefully, once it's all settled with Gin, we will be able to find some peaceful nights on earth. Maybe go see some of those places that make humans fall in love with them. . .' Sighing, he nuzzles in closer, feeling the urge to sleep once more. “I'm glad you fell for me Enasi. . .” he murmurs, bestowing another kiss. “We will figure this out, and there will be peace, and. . . .Yeah. . . .” Before another word can escape him Seishu is out, his limbs feeling like lead and his head all fuzzy until the darkness comes to take over.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

'Well, of all the adorable. . . .' Smiling at the sudden protest Kuro lets out a relaxed sigh, feeling both happy and proud. Happy that Aoba is willing to cuddle so close, and proud of himself for risking it, and having good enough control to keep himself in check even as he feels the itching desire to make the angel “more than just comfortable” scratching at the back of his mind. 'And loins. Don't forget the loins. . . .I hope he doesn't run off if I respond. . . .' He opens his mouth to warn Aoba that he may have a natural reaction in the night, but all too soon Aoba is clearly falling right to sleep and the demon lets out another sigh, this one a bit exasperated.

“Cute, sleepy Little Mouse. . .” he murmurs, petting Aoba's hair a bit before settling his arm about the younger one's waist. Pressing a kiss to the top of the angel's head he shifts slightly, getting completely comfortable before settling in to watch that chocolate mop until he can't keep his eyes open any longer.

Sleep claims him surprisingly quickly and when he wakes early morning he almost feels quite rested and ready for the day. Aoba however takes mere moments to decide that they day has not started quite yet and Kuro smiles, letting sleep claim him once more. His grip tightens on the angel, taking unconscious comfort having the warm body settled against him, and his sleep is calm and free of nightmares. The second time they wake Kuro has to fight the urge to pull Aoba back down, maybe roll them over. . .

“Morning.” he murmurs, returning the smile. He stays laying down, the image of Aoba stretching above him pulling a soft growl out of him and giving him some morning heat. Feeling his pulse in his neck he reaches up to cup the back of Aoba's. Shifting up on to an elbow he pulls the youth down slightly and presses a feather light kiss to those soft, tempting lips. Letting out a faint hum he lets Aoba go and slides carefully out if bed, stretching his own sleepy muscles. He knows another moment in that bed would snap his control so he gives himself a touch of distance to regain his composure. “It's alright. I'm sure the animals won't hold it against us.” he murmurs, turning to smile at Aoba with a cheeky grin. “We should have time for a quick breakfast before getting them fed and watered.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

'It's been a while' Fenrir muses, wrapping the bandage in his hand tight around the wounded angel's leg in front of him. He'd all but forgotten what it was like. Not just being on the front lines, but to be on earth itself. Everything feels more heavy, thicker, and oddly enough, more “real”. Day after day he treated soldiers, gave them check-up, treated their wounds, but down here, among the ground troops, everything feels so different. “You're good.” he declares, a couple other medical angels moving in to give the soldier some sustenance and a blanket to make her more comfortable. Fenrir has a moment's peace and his eyes trail off towards where he knows his secret goal lays. 'I will need to go in the day, when the demons give us all a break. . .' He looks to the lightening sky. 'So. . . Soon. . . .' He doesn't know what to think, or have any idea what he's going to say to little Aoba, but his resolve does not waver. He wants to go, to see him, to make sure he's okay, really okay, and. . . .After that, he doesn't know. . .

Never Ending Battle ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

The grin is odd, different for the man, but Akito is glad to see it all the same. He's just glad it wasn't a scowl or a nervous laugh marking him as uncomfortable with what the soldier had just said. His fingers lace together as he stretches them out, his own eyes wandering as he tries to figure out what else to say. Hiro however takes over that task and his gaze snaps back up to meet that of the prince. 'There is not reason for you to apologize Highness. You have done nothing wrong. . .' His brows furrow at this, but he murmurs a soft, “It is my pleasure.” as Hiro pauses for an instant.

The furrowed brow does not last long, the look of confusion giving way to a full blown flush as the prince declares him “cute”. He stares a long moment, looking for the joke, waiting for the tease, but as the prince fixes his hair he shows no indication of taking it back and Akito wishes he could vanish from the spot. 'I-I'm not cute. I'm plain, simple compared to him. He is one of the most beautiful men I have ever met, how could he. . . .He must be making fun of me, he can't be serious, I mean. . .I'm. . . .' His eyes go to his hands as he tries to handle the hard beating of his heart, a pace far stronger than it's ever been even in the din of battle or right before executing a mark.

He almost doesn't catch that Hiro is talking again, but clearing his throat softly he manages to pull himself out of his thoughts and pay attention to the man in front of him. More compliments come and he has to fight to keep his eyes off his hands, trying desperately to deny the prince's words without having to say the protests aloud. When he at last falls silent Hiro nibbles his lip lightly, trying to find some words to say rather than bolting.

The entrance of Hoko is welcome and he pets the creature softly as it munches the frog it caught peacefully on his lap. To delay a little longer Akito pulls a couple cups out of the bag and pours them both some light fruit juice. The smell of it brings a faint smile to his lips, the queen's consideration making him feel quite happy. She'd noticed that during meals he would never really drink the wine and instead would go for either the water or juice. She'd asked about it once and he'd explained that, with his line of work, he didn't want to risk developing the addiction to alcohol that many men had over the years.

After a few sips, he finally finds his voice again. He can't quite bring himself to meet Hiro's eye however and instead stairs at the prince's hands. “I have never considered myself particularly cute, so I thank you for the compliment even if I can not see the truth in it.” He doesn't want to call the prince a liar, but he does want him to know that the prince doesn't have to be nice and say things like that if he doesn't really believe it. “What with all the scars and half the time I'm a mess. . . .” he adds in a murmur. Taking a breath, his voice comes back up.

“I had never really taken to an imagining of you before hearing of the betrothal, however you are more beautiful than I imagined in those weeks it took to travel to the palace.” He shakes his head, a deep red still spilling across his cheeks. “I mean, I knew you would be beautiful. I heard some of the soldiers who had seen you talking about you, some assuring me I had “made a great catch”, but I guess it just wasn't real enough for me then to even begin really imaging much.” Jumping slightly he looks up at Hiro, worried. “Not that I think of you like that! I mean, you are amazing, and I am lucky to have the opportunity to wed you, but I don't see you as a kind of prize, though you are lovely and someone I am sure many would give all they have just to have your favor, but I'm not, I-I'm not, you're, I. . .” With true visible mortification Akito stutters to a halt, covering his head with both arms so that his face his hidden by his sleeves. He can feel the ground giving way beneath him as he digs his own grave with his words, and all he can think is he hopes the earth swallows him quickly so he doesn't have to die from his heart bursting from the embarrassment.

The Power of The Fallen ~ PopeAlessandros x AkiBlue

It's easy to see that some hasty cleaning had been done, a few spare feathers in the corner and a dirty sock, dangling off the bottom of the small chair in the room hinting at the mess that the room had been before his arrival. He smiles softly as he thinks about the angel cleaning up for his arrival. The pile of feather soften his gaze and he lets out a quiet sigh. 'He really is being tainted more and more. . .Somehow, they look darker when they're not attached. . . .' Shaking his head, he watches Aoba flop on to the bed, chuckling as he snugs up close to the wall to keep his wings out of the way.

“Works for me.” he murmurs, crawling slowly on to the bed after the smaller male. Carefully shifting on to his side he rolls his shoulders, pushing the pillow about a little before looking down at the tucked in angel and letting a few naughty thoughts cross through his mind. Once they are past he smiles down at Aoba, a devious tinge his only warning for what Kuro does a moment later. Scooting in even closer, getting right into Aoba's space, he slides an arm under the angel and pulls him into his arms so Aoba is half settled on top of him.

Scrunching down comfortably on his back he rests the angel's head on his chest, brushing his fingers through his hair gently. “Yep, and it lets me do stuff like this. Your wings looked a little cramped there. This way you can spread them out comfortably.” He grins down at Aoba, giving his Little Mouse a soft squeeze as he settles in for the night. “That and now we don't have to share a pillow. . .” Humming softly, he peeks an eye open. “But if you're not comfortable, we can of course try some other position.” He can't help the sly smile, though he knows that such jokes have no purchase as of yet for the angel.