Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 17)

(Coolio I totally spaced and forgot to eat lol gonna figure that out but I should be around ish if you wanna get started!)

Akeno finally noticed him as he was looking away and offered a little smile, then realized he’d waited too long and it was awkward and glanced away quickly in hopes the man hadn’t seen him. How was he always so awkward?

(Awesome!)

Gaius glanced back up as he saw movement out of the corner of his eye.

Akeno realized he’d been caught and glanced back sheepishly, smiling awkward and dipping his head. “Hello.”

"Hello." Gaius dipped his head to him.

“How are you?” Akeno asked kindly. He didn’t have the first idea who this man was but he seemed nice enough.

"I'm quite well, thank you." Gaius dipped his head. "And yourself?"

“Well sir, thank you.” He nodded to him and stepped forward, offering his right hand. “I’m Akeno.”

Gaius looked at his hand and then turned his left awkwardly to shake it. "Gaius. You're young Jerica's lover, aren't you?"

(Oh my gawd)

Akeno sobered swiftly as Gaius revealed his name, and then paled further at his question. How had he known that? It was supposed to be a secret! Especially from foreign officials! I-he—but—

Akeno straightened in an instant, lifting his chin and pulling his hand away to salute instead, horrified he’d just tried to touch a noble… that wasn’t Jerica. That… was different. And unsettling that he knew. And-and- “Lieutenant Haider, sir!”

"No need for that," Gaius assured him with a frown. That was halfway to rude.

“Yes sir.” He nodded, pulling his hands to his sides but staying at attention. “Apologies, sir. I-I didn’t realize…”

"Not at all. At ease." He waved a hand. "I presume you've been shown a room?"

“Yes sir.” He stood at ease, relaxing ever so slightly but still staying tense. Gods he shouldn’t be here without War Lord Ainsley. “It’s very nice. Thank you, sir.”

"I'm glad to hear it." He tapped his book. "Do you like reading?"

(Not me, realizing he has no hobbies outside of Jerica. Oops)

“Um… sometimes…” no. He glanced around. “This is a very, very impressive collection, sir. The python out front is really cool!”