74 Unkempt Garden With A Silly Prince

*** Nathan's Perspective ****

I feel really nervous for some reason. Over the past few months Yuki has really changed. He has become almost like a whole new person. Is it confidence? No.. what it the loss that changed him? I couldn't put my finger on it but whatever it was I felt like Yuki had become someone dependable.

He looks a little intimidating but his kindness always seems to shine through when I need it. I am not sure my sister understands what sort of a man she is to marry but I hope that I can at least still be around him and watch him as he continues to change.

[ This boy who sees me more than just a useless second prince. ]

Once we finished our snacks I took him to my favorite spot in the palace. It was an open space garden with a pergola and some seats. No one really comes here so it is less maintained then the other places in the palace.

I feel like this is my safe space.

I checked my outfit to make sure that it was still neat. I had spent more time then I care to mention trying to find something fitting.

Why do I feel like I look bad in everything today?

I looked over to see Yuki who was absentmindedly staring out into space on a seat looking out at the unkempt garden and smiling. Kibbles was on his lap with a cute little cloak on. I wished at this moment I too had a tamed spirit beast. Kibbles fur looked so soft and warm.

" Can..Can.. I touch Kibbles?" I said quietly.

" Of course! You don't mind do you Kibble's?" Yuki said to his Kithun.

[ He talks to it?! How cute! ]

Surprising Kibbles as if he could understand what Yuki said walked up to me and sniffed my hand before jumping on my lap. The Kithun was much bigger than I anticipated and was rather weighty. It looked up at me with both slitted eyes blinking.

" You look very ..nice in your cloak Mr Kibbles" I said as I looked at him.

Kibbles began to rub it's cheeks against my hand and I couldn't help but giggle. I petted him for a bit before I felt Yuki's stare on me.

I looked over and Yuki smiled. It wasn't a big fake one that he normally give and it wasn't super bright but it was the first real smile that I had seen him give for a long time. I couldn't help myself as the corner of my lips rose into peeks back.

" He likes you" Yuki said.

" You do?" I said looking at Kibbles.

Kibbles walked further onto my lap and I wrapped my arms around him.

" I like him too" I said.

There was a peaceful silence that was in my garden space for a good incense stick of time.

Yuki had told me that the plants here were very happy after a while and mentioned I should throw some foodscaps around one of the plants. I listened intently and I nodded,

" We are ..f.f.f.friends right?" I stuttered out.

[ God I am nervous ]

" Oh course!" Yuki said with an eyebrow raised.

Like I had lost control of my voice box I tried to open my mouth to speak but nothing came out.

Yuki looked at me for a minute sat up then walked over to me before kneeling down on the ground in front of my feet.

" I am going to show you a spell " Yuki said smiling.

[ Where did this come from? ]

" Okay" I said adjusting to the close proximity.

He gently took my hand from Kibbles body and held it in his palm. I never realized how calloused Yuki's hand was. It seemed that he had been practicing quite a lot. I noticed his green tipped fingers and smiled.

Time seemed to pause for a moment.

" This is a magical symbol that I draw on my hand when things make me nervous" Yuki said as he drew something that looked like a mountain on my hand. My palm began to sweat and tickle at the same time.

" Now you copy the symbol three times and pretend to eat it." Yuki said with a smile.

I looked at him confused but I did as I was instructed. I finally pretended to eat the symbols that I had drawn. I am not sure why but I felt slightly better. Maybe this really was magic.

" What does the symbol mean? Is it wood magic?!" I said in shock.

" hehe nothing so special. The symbol you drew means " Person" three of them represent the many people. If you pretend to eat them then It can help you feel that people are not worth being nervous about" Yuki said still holding the bottom of my hand.

" I see. How strange! Yuki you are one of a kind!" I replied.

Yuki looked down and shook his head.

" I guess it is a little dumb!" He said after a moment.

" It isn't dumb!" I quickly replied.

Yuki looked at me wide eyed.

I moved my second hand from Kibbles and grabbed Yuki's hands as he was still kneeling in front of me.

I blurted out suddenly " I think you are amazing!"

" Huh?" Yuki said shocked.

" You.. you work hard!, You treat me like a friend and not a useless prince and and you even like hand made gifts and cherish the people around you! You are a good person!" I said unable to help myself.

" If you ever get bullied by my sister.. I will help! Even if she is scary!" I said as my face flushed.

Yuki had a very conflicted look on his face then he sighed and gave me a slight you idiot look. I had to stare away from him for a moment.

He took his hands out of my and then wrapped them around my back in a tight hug. Kibbles surprisingly wasn't squished at all.

" What if I wanted to marry you instead of your sister?" Yuki said in a small voice.

" Please don't kid with me Y..Yuki!" I squeezed out unsure of what he was saying.

" Your right! I am sorry for joking around!" Yuki said as he instantly let me go.

Yuki then laughed louder than usual and then sat on the grass.

" Sorry for teasing you. You were just being super sweet. I won't ever say anything so disgusting and weird again! Haha Don't worry I will marry .. your sister!" He said in a sigh followed by forced laughter.

He was clearly unhappy but I didn't know what to say.

[ Did I say something wrong?! ]

We spent the rest of the morning as if nothing had happened and I never got a chance to apologize for my families behavior to do with Yuki's family matters. I was kicking myself in side as I watched enter his carriage.

I waved goodbye to him Ki and Ren.

Ki and Ren had been watching the whole time from the sidelines. It was strange but they looked me up and down before they left and then shook their heads at me.

[ I definitely think I did something wrong. But what? ]

I walked back to the palace and was met by my maid who didn't seem as disgusted at me as usual.

She walked to my side standing straighter than she normally would before she said "Second Crown Prince, I will serve you correctly from now on"

I looked at her and smiled in return my gut still feeling unpleasant from this morning.

" Please set up my paint" I said in response

" Yes Second Prince Nathaniel" She responded.

*** Yukis Perspective***

I jumped in the carriage with Ki and Ren as we made our way out of the capital and to Riku's residence.

" He is an idiot" Ren replied.

" Mm an idiot prince" Ki added.

" You two!" I replied looking out the window.

" You were pretty suave though Yuki! When did you learn to flirt like that?" Ren said holding back a laugh.

" Young Master please teach me your moves" Ki responded.

" I just acted like that because seeing you two together makes me lonely" I said pretending to pout.

" Yuki!" Ren shouted.

" Young Master!" Ki shouted.

Both their faces when a scarlet red.

" Don't pick on me or I will tease you both!" I said triumphantly.

" We don't have that sort of relationship!" Ren said choking on his words.

" The sooner you accept it the better for everyone!" I replied looking at Ren.

" Please stop" Ki said as she looked at her knees.

" When I become a Godfather I will be happy" I said smiling.

" What's a Godfather?" Ki said confused.

" The guardian of the little Ki and Ren babies that will run around Akiyo Estate" I said laughing.

" YOUNG MASTER!" Ki shouted again.

The teasing back and forth happened all the way to Riku's house. We were all laughing and making fun of each other so as we stepped off the carriage we were all in a good mood. I looked over to see Riku, his mother and brother all standing together to welcome me.

I felt warm.

[ I needed today! ]