Chapter Text
If being capable of happiness is a part of being human, does smiling make one's humanity? Erin was always smiling in a way that shone bright, illuminating the lives of all that he met; however, he was never quite able to achieve a true Duchenne smile, sometimes trying but leading to a somewhat unnerving exaggeration.
Not that any of that matters. Today was the day representatives of the six planets are arriving to discuss the star fragment. They were being hosted at the palace in Sirena, known for beauty and comfort rivaled by none.
The representatives of Alba were the first to arrive followed by Eterno, Bestia, Mistero, and finally Lama. Orion walks though the front door with Erin following. They were a little late, but Erin had taken the map from Orion and insisted on leading them there. He’d gotten distracted along the way, but it wasn’t like they were super late.
“I’d appreciate more decorum, this is an important meeting King Orion. Showing up last is one thing, but showing up late is another.” Sardinia [Tenn], King of Sirena, looking quite annoyed, admonishes Orion.
“I wasn’t aware that you knew such concepts of timeliness” Orion [Gaku] responds stiffly, not missing a beat.
Before Sardina could respond Erin [Riku] pops from behind Orion, giving a smile of a shameless child who’s just caused trouble but knows they won’t be held responsible, pipes up “Oh, that’s my bad. The area was just so pretty I had to look around. Aaaaaand I lost track of time. I’m so-” “No need to apologize! You’re just embracing the Sirena culture, we’re not as strict on these things as the iron headed king. I’m glad you can appreciate the beauty of Sirena, unlike some uncultured swines.” Sardinia interrupts smiling at Erin before giving a pointed look to Orion.
“Hey what did I do?” Orion demands an answer.
“Everyone else has already arrived. Let me lead you to the rest of the group.” Sardinia walks away with Erin, ignoring Orion.
Orion moves on deciding Sardinia wasn’t worth the stress. He took a moment to catch up.
“You know Erin you’d look great in traditional Sirena clothing. You’ll have to forgive me normally I’d give you some time to relax after your long travels, but we really should start the first meeting as soon as we can.” Sardinia stated trying to start a casual conversation with Erin.
“That’s no issue! It really is on me for taking so long. But, traditional Sirena clothing does sound interesting. How’s the mobility?”
Orion starts to tune them out after a while. It shouldn’t be too llong before they arrive at what must be the meeting room. But daymn this palace is huge. It takes a lot longer to get there than Orion expects.
“We must continue this conversation later. It seems like we’ve already arrived.” Sardinia laments as the conversations concludes. Sardinia uses both hands to open massive double doors. Erin is a little impressed that Sardinia, who looks deceptively weak, was able to open the heavy looking doors with such ease.
The rest of the representatives who are already seated and talking amongst themselves look up at the newly arrived guests.
“If the meeting was going to start two hours before we arrived why’d we have to show up when we did? I’m still getting used to being so active. I could’ve used the extra sleep.” Vega [Sogo] yawns directing his question to Capella [Nagi].
Capella sighs and replies “We arrived at the agreed upon time. Also, sleeping too much has been found to be detrimental to both your mental and physical health, so the best recovery method for you would be to stay semi active during normal hours. Your exams have shown that you should be past the point of needing excessive naps.”
“They’re not excessive.” Vega challenges with minimal energy.
“If you want I could show you one of Sirena’s most nap friendly areas and play a lullaby once this meeting is over?” Shinkai [Yamato] offers.
“That sounds great.” Vega replies grateful and somewhat excited to see what Sirena has to offer.
“You needen’t go out of your way Mr. Shinkai. I’m sure you are quite busy with more pressing matters,” Capella said.
“It’s really no issue. I’ve been meaning to practice my flute anyways. Plus it’s my duty as a loyal follower of the king and host of Sirena,” Shinkai reassures.
Capella nods in agreement, allowing Vega to dream of future naps in the most serene areas Sirena had to offer.
“Thank you for your services great sir Shinkai,” Vega commends.
Carnelian [Mitsuki] clears his throat and declares “I hope that your travels weren’t too strenuous King Orion, Sir Erin. If you have meet with any less than savory adversities when traveling I hope that you’d reach out and accept our hands,” concern lacing his voice when addressing Orion and Erin.
Orion responds “The offer is much appreciated. Although I regret to inform you that we were late for reasons less pre-” “My bad. I got lost everything here is just so neat.” Erin interrupts with a mischievous smile. Leading to Orion getting ready to scold Erin, before remembering where he was and decided to simmer down.
Carnelian tries to suppress an amused look, almost succeeding, “I am relieved that no trouble has found you,” “not for a lack of Erin trying,” Orion mutters under his breath. Carnelian continues “Oh, and I must thank you for your hospitality King Sardinia, Sir Shinkai,”.
Sardinia and Shinkai thank Carnelian for his kind words before Sardinia addresses the Burst Roar Caravan and the guests from Eterno who look as though they feel out of place, “I’m sorry for my inattentiveness. I hope to help you all feel more at home.”.
“Oh, I’m just not used to this sort of thing. I hope I’m able to contribute to the conversation. I’ll be in your care.” Hope [Momo] responds radiating nervous energy. “Yes, please take care of my student. He’s very sensitive, so you can only bully him a little,” Curse [Yuki] teased. Hope turns to Curse with a betrayed look.
“I wouldn’t have expected Hope to be shy in any situation with how outgoing he is. Coda I get, Hope not so much,” Fang [Ryunosuke] responds, patting Coda [Iori] on the head when bringing him up. “I’m not shy. We just keep on ending up in situation that are unprecedented!” Coda defends.
Sardinia chuckles before making an announcement “I’m sure we have all heard the rumors going around about the ‘star fragment’. I think that it’s important for trust each other first. So I suggest that for this first meeting we should get to know each other,” before Orion could interject stressing the importance of the issue Sardinia continued, “Now I’m sure that everyone here understands the importance of building complete trust in one another. Especially if that fates of all planets revolve around this. It’s seriously take a pig headed, battle hungry moron to not see such simple things. I’m glad no one here is like that,”
Orion represses the urge to insult Sardinia back in fear of exposing himself as that pig headed, battle hungry moron, also Sardinia had a point. Unfortunately for Orion everyone knew who the jab was aimed towards.
Erin clasped his hands together “That sounds like a great idea! Afterall in order to entrust your allies with your lives and goals you must first know who your allies are.”
Sardinia sent a smug grin to Orion, “I suppose great minds think alike Erin.”.
After a while two groups naturally formed one with those in leader positions Curse, Fang, Carnelian, Orion, Sardinia, and Vega. And the attendants and bodyguards the other.
The latter group began talking about how stuffy some of the “nobel” rules could be, except for Lazu [Tamaki] who’s been silent the whole time.
“I do think it can get a little overbearing,” Shinkai confessed.
“I do not understand what you mean. The rules of etiquette have most certainly have become more lax especially over the past 100 years,” Capella replied half confused on what the problem was.
“You really don’t get tired of talking like that,” Hope asked with genuine curiosity.
“I concur with Mr. Capella in this case. I don’t view it as all that weird or uncomfortable to talk with some decorum,” Coda adds.
Erin sees someone out of the window out of the corner of his eye; he doesn’t let his persona slip.
“Jeez, y’all sound like a couple of mechanical creations over there. You look so serious all of the time. Would it kill y’all to relax and smile a bit,” Erin says feigning exasperation. He suddenly turns to them switching between silly and exaggerated faces.
Coda blushes from the sudden humor holding back laughter, Hope and Capella makes a confused face, Shinkai looks mildly amused and impressed, and Lazu makes no indication that he’s noticed Erin’s antics.
Erin huffs at Lazu “You're just like Orion. Neither of ever let me shock you. It’s so boring,”
Erin acts as if a light bulb goes off in his head as he makes devious little smile “Y’know I think that my king Orion must be pretty bored right now without me. ”
Before anyone could stop him Erin sneaks behind Orion before launching himself at him.
Orion doesn’t topple over, which Erin is disappointed but not surprised by. He did bump into Orion’s arm causing Orion to spill some water on himself.
“Oh my I hope you’re okay.” Sardinia says not bothering to hide his amusement.
Orion ignores Sardinia and finally scolds Erin with a stern voice “Erin, I’ve been plenty patient with you. But if you want attention you should just ask rather than running around like a fool.”
Erin plays a pout turning away from Orion “I’m just doing my job, keeping you safe and on your toes. I’ve also been patient with you and how stern you are.” Erin then turned making eye contact with Orion “Did I at least startle you?”
“No,” Orion deadpans immediately.
Orion knowing Erin is not clumsy enough to accidentally make Orion spill his drink quickly gets the message. Though he’s not sure why Erin can’t find a different approach.
“It’s about time we retire for the night anyways.” Orion offers.
“Yes, we did have quite the time. We should all get a good nights rest before starting up again tomorrow.” Sardinia announces “Please allow me and Shinkai to lead you all to your quarters.”
Everyone follow Sardinia out of the meeting hall. Due to the long walk conversations started back up again. Capella was focused on keeping Vega safe and awake while they walked, so they lagged beind a little.
“You certainly are a lively one Erin. It makes me kinda curious as to how you and King Orion met.” Fang commented.
“And why someone as serious as him chose you to be his attendant.” Curse added.
“He means no offense by that by the way. It’s just that not everyone would expect such different people to get along so well.” Hope corrected, hoping not to offend anyone.
“Well I just found him, he was lost without me.” Erin provided, with a cheeky smile that seemed to always decorate his resting face.
“Truley?” Capella asked.
“Yes,” Orion responded curtly.
“You’re an odd one Erin,” Curse said keeping his eyes forward, not bothering to look at him.
Erin slowed face painted with a childlike innocence and curiosity.
“I’m sure he means no offence. It is a little weird considering how serious the people and even king of Lama are. You seem like you’d fit in more in a place like Sirena. But what’d you do before you met the king?” Hope asked trying to change the topic.
Erin suddenly stopped bringing the attention of the group to him. He gave an unnerving smile to the group before switching to a more innocent one, but something was still off about it. “I killed anyone I was asked to. And I got pretty good at it.”
Orion moves towards Erin.
“I could probably kill everyone in this room with one arm tied behind my back.” Erin continued with giving a bubbly chuckle.
Lazu held a protective arm infront of King Carnelian.
“Don’t worry Lazu you’d take the longest to kill. You know me though, you shouldn’t actually be scared. Unless, you’re scared because you know me,”
Orion put a firm hand on Erin’s shoulder.
“This isn’t appropriate talk Erin,” Orion reprimanded.
“What? It’s important for everyone here to know each other, so I’ll answer what I’m asked.” Erin defends nonchalant as if he has no clue of the severity of the way he’s talking.
Erin continued walking the same pace as before all he was brought up. “It’s not like I do that anymore. I only answer to direct orders from Orion now.”
Orion sighed and continued after him. Coda, Curse, Lazu, and Vega recovered surprisingly fast with a surprising amount of disconcertment compared to the others after this revelation.
Each person was given their own spacious rooms. Soon after movements in the halls were still for a while Erin quietly made his way to Orion’s room.
Orion stepped out of the bathroom now dressed him some surprisingly soft looking pjs to find Erin sitting waiting on his bed still dressed in his regular clothes.
“I’m not sure who had eyes on us earlier, but I’ll look into it and let you know as soon as possible.” Erin reported.
“Understood, good work,” Orion praised in a deadpan voice.
“Hmmmmm, when saying ‘good work’ you should try being a little happier. Like ‘Erin! You did such a great job. I’m so impressed you’re getting a gazillion percent raise.’ then I’d be like ‘aw shucks Orion, it’s really no biggie,’”.
“Erin, you should try to get along with the others a little more,” Orion stopped Erin’s little performance before it’d take up over an hour.
Erin acted confused “Are you the right person tell anyone to act more friendly? Also, I was perfectly nice.”
“You were needlessly intense at the end; you shouldn’t put your allies on edge like that,” Orion explained.
“But it’s necessary” Erin defended still maintaining a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes, “A trust built off of lies is fragile, especially when the truth is inevitable to come out. Plus they need to learn to be alert at all times, otherwise they’ll die too fast.”
Orion gives up arguing with Erin, so he changes topic.
“You know you’re getting all of the outside germs in the bed when you lie down before a shower with your outside clothes.” he pauses “You’re free to go back to you’re room to sleep whenever you’re ready.”
Erin protests “For someone who commanded an army you’re pretty pampered. Also, I can’t leave the King of Lama alone in a foreign country unprotected.”
“Sirena is safer than Lama” Orion counters.
“If you were to die Lama could turn back into the hell hole it was before you won the war. I’m not getting involved in stupid politics of another power struggle.” Erin countered Orion’s counter.
“Fine you can stay just take a shower I have an extra pair of pjs.” Orion relented.
Before Erin could ask Orion answered “Yes I saw this coming. The pjs are in your size.”
Erin took a quick shower and got changed before stepping back out into the bedroom, his hair still wet.
“The Sirena water really hits the spot.” Erin commented. “Well time for bed then.” Before he could flop down on the bed Orion dragged him back to the bathroom and blow dried his hair.
“It’d be pretty pathetic if you caught a cold cause you didn’t dry your hair.” Orion said.
“Oh please. That’s an old wives tale. I only blow dry my hair when you make me. And I’ve never gotten sick.” Erin argued.
“I guess I forgot idiots can’t catch colds.” Orion joked deadpan.
Erin gave him a deadpan look back.
They finished up and headed to bed. Erin couldn’t help but think about the past, how they met and before, as well as how far they’d come.
Finally Erin asked a question that he’s pretended hadn’t weighed down on him for a while “Do you ever regret taking me in?”
It was dark but Erin could still tell Orion turned to look at him “No,”
“Have you ever regretted keeping me around this long. I know it’s presented some issues.”
“Never.”
Erin turned away casually “Then I guess I haven’t been working hard enough. Night Night Orion.”
Orion didn’t even bother with a sigh, returning “Good night Erin.”.
Erin liked to keep his wits about him, he didn’t need to sleep as often as a regular person, and when he did he was a light sleeper. Sleep beckoned him tonight, he tried to ignore it as always. He knew he’d fail tonight; he’d just hope he didn’t dream of unnecessary things, the past should stay in the past.
He was as close to happiness as he could be, and dreaming about old things wouldn’t bring him any closer.