False Smiles

The door slid open and Cayde trudged his way through. "Couldn't this have waited till the morning, Zavala? I'm not as young and pretty as I used to be," he said, affecting a yawn. Then a giggle. "I'm kidding. I'm always pretty."

"Cayde…"

"And I don't really age."

"Cayde."

"My point st-" Cayde stopped his march, just barely managing to avoid barreling over the chair seated at the center, as well as the person slumped in it. He craned his neck around, got one good look at Aro's face and managed to take one step back towards the exit before it closed and locked. Cayde's shoulders fell and he turned to Ikora. "Clever."

"Predictable." She took her finger off the button.

"Aro." It was Zavala who said his name. The Warlock barely reacted, head down and curled into himself. A man his height shouldn't look so small. "Start from the beginning," he ordered, gentler than an order would sound.

Aro's head came up. The low light cast shadows all over the walls and their faces. However exhausted they looked, he was sure he looked worse. He felt worse. Then again, it's always been a downhill spiral. He hasn't felt "better" a day in his life.

The Speaker remained the most quiet. A white statue of silence in the very back of the room, striking in the shadows.

A sharp bolt of pain shot through Aro's head. Groaning softly, he rubbed his left eye. "I meditated, as Ikora suggested," he began, "I was taken…somewhere. Me and Kain."

Ikora had begun to pace. "Where? Describe it, Aro."

"Pitch black. Like fire smoke blinding me. There were flashes of light that revealed structures off in the distance. I couldn't tell what they were." He stopped. Ikora stopped as well and looked over at him. "I'm sorry. There's not much to describe."

"It'll have to be enough. Go on."

He did. "I saw the Heralds. My…Pride, mainly," he said, "He reacted to me. Like he was surprised. He's never done that before."

Ikora turned to the Speaker. His head turned only slightly in her direction. "You've done something Pride did not expect," he said, "Maybe he's known of this ability to connect with him but just assumed you would never be able to master it."

"Has your brother made any other attempts to connect with you? Speak with you?" Zavala demanded, "We need to know."

Aro was shaking his head before he finished. "No, Commander. Never."

"I doubt he's made any attempt to look inside Aro's mind either. Or at least, he is unable to," Ikora said, a gloved finger rubbing her chin. "This may be something only Aro is capable of."

Zavala's hands clasped behind his back. "It would be a strong advantage over Heralds if that was indeed the case. But we risk too much attempting to test the theory. Pride can already see him."

Their voices began to muffle, fade in and out of Aro's hearing. He didn't believe it for a second, that he held any kind of secret advantage over Pride. Besides, it wasn't what he pulled them all here for anyway.

Through the muffling, he heard his name and his head moved upwards, more at the recognition than any acknowledgement. Cayde said his name again. That silenced the others, the fact that Cayde deemed whatever Aro had to say serious enough to give over his undivided attention.

When Aro finally craned his neck all the way to acknowledge him, Cayde simply asked, "What else?"

He swallowed. The lump in his throat only tightened. "There's one thing I saw when my mind went...wherever it went," he said, "There was some kind of stone beneath my feet. And grass. Lots of it. Off in the distance, I can see one red light. Like an eye."

Ikora had started her pacing again. "An eye? Like the Heralds."

"No, not like them. More like...the Vex."

"And you saw just the one?"

"It started with one. Then a second joined it," Then a third. A tenth, a thirtieth. It must've reached well over a hundred by the time it all stopped."

"And these eyes were doing…" Cayde beckoned him to continue.

"Staring at me. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had walked in on something." Aro bent forward, resting his elbows on his knees and facing the ground. "I couldn't see anything," he went on, "But I could hear. A loud thudding. Like a heartbeat."

"Where did you hear this heartbeat?" Ikora questioned, "In front of you? Behind?"

"It was everywhere. I could feel it even inside my head." Aro absent-mindedly put his hand to his chest, feeling his own heartbeat. Slow but steady. Surprisingly calm, despite everything. Daniel has fallen asleep with his head on Aro's chest, his ear to his heart more than once. He would never admit that the sound helped him relax, helped him sleep. His Ghost had to do it for him.

This was not that. This was nothing like that. This wasn't steady and calm, this was some hammer. A hammer being taken to the inside of Aro's skull and just beating away with abandon. That's how he knew it was connected to the Darkness. Darkness zones manifested as weights on one's shoulders, a tight, choking hand around the back of someone's neck. It wanted you to feel weak, smaller than you were, insignificant.

"There's more," he spoke up again and the Vanguard turned, having been talking quietly amongst themselves. "I went to the Suros' home yesterday." He could already see the uneasiness in their eyes. He would've sighed if he didn't agree with them wholeheartedly.

"I met with Maya. We talked. She mentioned a dream she's been having as of late."

Ikora spoke again first. "Was it similar to yours, Aro?"

"It was the same, Ikora." Aro's voice started to roughen. "It was the same. She described what I had seen word for word."

The Speaker stepped forward, further into view. "It seems there can no longer be any doubt. Maya is very much involved in all of this."

"But why?" Aro looked up, red eyes stark against dim light. "Why? She's a child," his voice cracked, "She's a child and I…I…"

"We do not know that, Aro," the Speaker told him, sure and calm in the face of calamity as always. "The future is never set in stone."

"We won't know until it's happening," Aro spat the words out like bile. Won't know until Pride comes. Won't know until the City is in flames. Won't know until he has Hawkmoon pressed against Daniel's head, his shattered Ghost before him, his brother and sister dead behind him and his only solace being that Maya got away.

"Aro." Zavala's quiet voice brought him back. "Until we know more, until things become clearer, I feel it best that you keep your distance from the Suros family." He paused to rub his eyes. He looked as ragged as Aro did. "I'm not saying avoid them entirely but keep your distance. For their safety."

Aro murmured his understanding. Agreeing to go with Daniel had been a terrible idea in the first place, he knew it. But he had missed them.

Cayde perked up. "What about Daniel?" He asked, "Shacking up is one thing but they work together. They need to."

The Speaker waved his hand. "I don't think it best to separate them. I'm against it, actually. For the sake of their work and themselves." He stepped a bit closer to Aro, lowering his voice just a bit. "The two of you are doing well, yes?"

"We are. We're fine."

He nodded. "Good. The same applies to the others as well." The Speaker turned to the Vanguard, "Nothing's changed. We tell no one about what Aro and Daniel saw in the future. Not until we have a sure way to avoid it."

"Aro, I want you to continue your meditations," Ikora told him, "Despite everything, I still believe these visions are messages. We'd do well to listen. As for this dark place within Aro saw Pride, we may have texts that reference them. By Ulan-Tan, Toland and maybe even-"

"Osiris," The Speaker finished when it seemed Ikora was hesitating. "Do that then."

Zavala held his hand out to Aro and helped him to his feet. "Gala's later tonight, Aro. You're expected, of course, but if you do not wish to go-"

"I'll be there, Commander."

Shining blue eyes roved over his face. "Alright. Try to sleep tonight. You'll need it."

He wouldn't. The Commander was right, of course. But he wouldn't. No matter what he suffered while awake, what he suffered asleep was worse.

The memory of searing heat rolled over Aro's face and his heart twisted painfully.

"Aro, dear?" Eva's voice was gentle but strong enough to pull him out of his head.

"Yes, ma'am?" He answered, straightening his spine just a bit.

The older woman brushed a thin finger over his left cheek, feeling the bristles of hair. "Make sure you shave tonight, understand?"

She smiled and Aro couldn't help but smile back, just a bit. He was here, in her corner of the Tower for a second time. His measurements had been done some weeks before but she wanted to make sure and make corrections if needed, citing Aro's habit of slouching. "Sometimes I forget that you and Daniel are the exact same height," she had said. Sometimes Aro forgot as well. Life had a habit of making him feel so small.

He didn't mind all that much. It was a nice day, one admittedly better spent than staring at the ceiling in a dark room. That and Eva was one of the few people he could be around who treated him like normal. The pessimist in him reminded that it was only because she didn't know. But one day, she'd find out. Would she pity him? Show wariness? Maybe she'll take Shino's cue and drop him as a friend entirely. He wouldn't blame her. He didn't blame Shino.

Kain silenced his thoughts with a simple saying of his name. He was taking things too far.

"Eva?" He called.

"Yes, dear?" Warm and open as always.

"What should I…we expect at this sort of thing?"

With her hands on him, Aro felt her shrug. "I try my best to stay out of politics when I can." Eva brought her hand to his elbow and guided it up, "But be prepared. A lot of people are going to try and be your friend. Very few will actually mean it."

"The Speaker told me that Guardians are like Glimmer for the factions."

"And the more famous, the more coveted. That much I know." She removed her hand from his arm, giving him permission to relax. "Never took you for a glory hunter, Aro," Eva said, "Not that I disapprove. Shaxx is the same. So were Zavala and Lord Saladin before responsibility bogged them down, though I'm sure I don't need to tell you about that."

"I understand what you mean," he said, understating.

"But you aren't like them, are you?" She continued. She patted his shoulder to let him know she was finished. Aro stepped off the bench and sat down. "So I've come to believe you and your team had very different reasons for going on such a dangerous expedition.

Further indication that she didn't know. Was that what people thought? That he went in there and suffered some of his hardest battles for renown? Now that he was thinking about it, would that be better or worse than the truth?

"We did," was all Aro was willing to offer. Luckily, she didn't push.

"Now I know what this gala will entail, Aro. As do you." Aro turned to see Eva still moving around her workspace, her back to him but knowing she had his full attention. "But still, I ask that you make some kind of effort to have at least a little fun."

"I…" He didn't know what he had been expecting but it certainly wasn't that.

She waved her hand. "Say what you will about Executor Hideo but his parties are usually the talk of the City and the Tower."

"It's still politics. Politics I've been roped into unwillingly."

"I will not deny that," she said, "But I feel that my point still stands." She turned to hold his eyes with a nearly stern gaze. "I don't think the world will end if you elect to take care of yourself for an hour or two a day."

Aro chuckled, hoping it didn't sound as sardonic as it seemed. She was right in a way. There were a million other things more likely to end the world than him taking a nap every once in a while, Not that he could tell her. Not that he wanted to.

So Aro simply says, "I will do my best."

Eva's tight gaze fell away. The smile alone that came after could've brightened the Tower on the darkest nights. "All anyone can ask of you, my dear."

He was nervous. He was always nervous. But he's had good practice at hiding it, he'll say that much.

Aro could see now why this event was garnering so much attention. Executor Hideo spared no expense in putting it together and Aro found himself in awe. Not just at the building, decorated extensively in New Monarchy's red and gold but those attending as well. There were people here who he had only ever seen from afar, in the media or standing above crowds. But he was a guest of honor? The world indeed had a habit of making him feel small.

He hears Asura's grumbling before he sees him come up to his side, Crona along with him. His friend was fiddling irritably with the collar of his shirt. Crona didn't look any happier. "We conquer a Vex stronghold," she said, "Saved humanity from whatever they were planning down there and now we're being punished."

Aro huffed in amusement. "Is your brother being punished with us?"

"Z's still against it happening. He's not showing. Neither is Akira."

"Lucky him," Asura snapped, yanking on the collar with such force that Aro was surprised it didn't tear. Crona reached over and swat his hand away, adjusting the thing until it sat more comfortably on his neck. "You've done this before?"

Crona shrugged. "Father, Z," she listed off. Her voice lowered, "Andal, once or twice."

A hand clapped the center of Aro's back. Cayde swung around the trio. "Hey, kids. We doing some good ol' fashioned complaining?" He asked. Aro was barely paying attention. It was striking to see the Exo without his cloak and hood. "Well stop it. If I don't get to whine, neither do any of you."

"No one told you to take that bet with Ikora." Asura's hand started creeping back up to his neck and fell when Crona looked his way.

"Where's the fun in that?"

"And are you having fun, Cayde?"

"Don't worry about it," he snapped, earning the laughter he had probably been looking for from them.

Aro asked, "Where are all the others? I figured we'd be entering all together."

"Don't let the clothes fool you, this shindig isn't all that formal," Cayde said, "We go in, we make nice, stay for the appropriate amount of time and then leave."

"And what is the appropriate amount of time?" Crona asked.

"You'll know when you see me running for the door, a trail of these ridiculous clothes behind me." He jostled Asura. "Not a real party until someone's lost all their clothes."

"Do I hear complaining?"

Cayde straightened up so quickly, his metallic spine creaked. "Complaining? Nope, not me. Never me."

Ikora stepped around them, her eyes on Cayde. She wore robes, as she always did but traded out the brighter purple for a darker, deeper version. "Truly?" She almost looked amused, "I could've sworn…"

"You know what they say about swearing, Ikora."

Her eyes closed and the corner of her mouth turned upwards, "I suppose I do, Cayde."

"Ikora. Cayde. We're ready." Zavala's change was more drastic. Red and silver traded out for dark blue. The significantly smaller shoulder pads were what caught and held Aro's attention the most. It made him look slimmer, not that he was slim in any sense of the word; less threatening, which was probably the intent. His wife wore a similar color with none of the heavy plating. She had one small arm wrapped in the curve of his and neither were smiling.

"You three enter when you're ready," Ikora told them, "The others will be here soon." She and Cayde fell in step with Zavala and Eve and soon disappeared into the growing crowd.

Aro turned his eyes upward and took in the sight one more time. As nice as it was, he had no intention of staying longer than necessary. He looked at both of the others and said, "No sense in waiting."

"Plenty sense in running while no one's looking."

An arm suddenly wrapped around Asura's, keeping him in place. Erek rounded up from behind and yanked the Exo forward. "No, you don't. This time, you suffer with us."

"I didn't even go through-haven't I suffered enough?!" Asura's complaints grew quieter and quieter the further he moved inside, half guided, half dragged. Kayla stepped up to his spot, adjusting her sleeves. Aro turned to scan the smaller groups of people behind them.

"Daniel's not with you?"

Kayla shook her head. "No, he'll be coming with his sister and Shino."

"Have you seen any of the others?" Crona asked.

"Katrina, Sora and Jessie are somewhere in this mess." She waved her hand over the building, "Maybe inside already. Don't know much about the others though."

Crona nodded and with a sigh, started the march forward. Aro kept to his spot, still staring at the building, the night sky, the Traveler looming above. His attention was retaken when Kayla put her arm underneath his and put her hand on his wrist. He smiled, mostly for her benefit, and curved his arm properly. "We ready?" He asked.

She let out a long breath or at least imitated the sound and the motion, something that would never cease to amuse him. "Once more unto the breach."

They started walking forward. "Better than the old breach."

"I could set things on fire at the old breach."

"Don't let that stop you." She let out a peal of laughter and this time, Aro's smile was real.

"Wow."

"Agreed," Aro murmured back to his Ghost aloud. In the few years he's been alive, Aro wasn't sure he had ever seen any room decorated so extravagantly. He knew that Hideo was a wealthy man but this was nearly blinding. And boasting, he then figured. Aro knew the representatives of Future War Cult and Dead Orbit would be in attendance. What better way to rub your power and influence in their faces?

Aro managed to grab a drink off a passing tray, something golden, fizzling and probably worth more than the clothes he was wearing. People talked, people walked around, people stared and people whispered. He felt bare and alone since Kayla had run off, saying something about Erek planning to turn invisible and sneak off with a tray of food.

He started moving, keeping his arm and the drink tightly against himself so that he didn't accidentally drop it on someone's clothing, also probably more expensive than anything he was wearing. Guardians could only scrounge together so much scrap to sell or dismantle for Glimmer.

As he was told, the others arrived in their own time and he met up with them as he moved around. Katrina used him for some time to avoid some young Dead Orbit steward. Sora spoke more to him about her work and Asura always needed an ear to whine in, especially when Crona grew tired of him. In between, Aro was beset upon by strangers, too eager to meet him for his liking, which was just being eager at all, if he was being honest with himself. Many asked about the Vault of Glass; for details on what the Vex were doing, whether or not he and his team had actually traveled back or forth in time, his honest opinion on whether or not humanity could ever truly win. Aro had answers for none of them. In some cases, he had no answers they would want to hear. Just vague replies and subject changing. He even tried to sound inspirational but he was no Zavala.

It was always staggering to be privy to so much that others just weren't ready to really know. Compared to what was out there, the Vault of Glass was an afterthought. Barely even that, since Pride had rendered the place useless to the Vex. The damage he caused would take them centuries to repair. The creation of a new Time's Conflux to replace Wrath(K) would take four or five on it's own.

He hadn't seen Daniel yet. But he could see his sister talking with someone with Shino by her side. He was smiling, not that this was a surprise. Shino smiled all the time. Just not at him. Not anymore.

Aro quickly moved to end the conversation he had been dragged into and started towards them. As soon as he was spotted, Christine waved him over, her face brightening. Shino's expression did the opposite and Aro ignored the stinging in his heart.

Christine pulled away from Shino to embrace him as soon as he was close enough. Daniel's strength ran in the family, evident in the way she practically squeezed the life from him. She had missed him. He missed her. Not much would change after this.

When she pulled back, he asked, "Tarlowe's not with you? Or Daniel?"

"Daniel's around," she said, trying to scan the crowd for him, "I'm surprised you haven't seen him yet."

So was he.

"As for Tarlowe, he didn't want to come."

Aro's brow rose. "Z and Akira, I get but why him?"

Christine just shrugged. "Just didn't want to. I don't blame him, honestly. Look at these crowds; not the best place for someone in a wheelchair."

Aro blinked. He hadn't even thought about it. "That makes sense."

"I was told you came over," she said, "I'm sorry I missed you."

"So am I." He smiled, "It's fine. Life happens."

"I was told you had to leave?"

His smile fell. "Something...came up. I had to get back to the Tower."

Unlike nearly everyone else here, Christine knew everything. She asked, "Something...important?" Probably already knowing. All Aro could do was nod.

"Why weren't we told?" Shino asked, speaking up for the first time. His brow was tight, his mouth a thin line.

"We...we're still figuring things-"

"That's no excuse," Shino snapped and Aro cursed himself for the way he flinched. The Awoken man's gaze was burning and Aro found himself unable to hold it.

"Shino." One word from Christine had him quiet. "This is not the time, Shino." His eyes swiveled to Christine to Aro and back. Then he just grunted and began to walk away, pulling Christine with him.

"We-we'll talk later!" Aro managed to stutter out. It was aimed at the both of them but only Christine looked back or offered any kind of acknowledgement. Aro suddenly became extremely aware of the drink in his hand and downed the thing in one go.

Kain, ever aware of his intentions, told him, "We need you sober, Aro."

"Then keep me sober." He had already begun looking for another one. One bad interaction had the entire night going downhill and towards a cliff edge.

"I'm sorry he treated you like that, Aro."

Aro had nothing to say to that. Nothing to think either. The noise of the crowd had begun to die down. Eyes turned upwards and when Aro followed them, his gaze settled on a balcony. Emblazoned with a flag of New Monarchy's sigil and stood upon by the man who ran it.

Executor Hideo was the image of a perfect politician. Easy on the eyes, easy to listen to and an ever-present smile that managed to light up the entirety of his face, regardless of how real it might have been. It was easy to see why he was so well-liked.

Despite how often Hideo roamed the Tower and despite Aro living there, the two had never met. Aro barely knew who he was and Hideo, more than likely, had no interest. But then Aro became popular. Useful. Now he was inviting some previously nobody Guardian to his events by name. That told Aro that for all his smiles and charms, Hideo was ambitious. Aro could only hope that he also had the morals and restraint to keep it in check. He's seen the consequences of otherwise.

"Good people of the City!" His deep and warm voice rang out over the crowd below, silencing whatever conversations there had still been. "First, I give you all my thanks. For taking the time out of your schedules, your lives, to be here tonight. It is a hard world we live in and nothing is guaranteed. We owe it to ourselves and those who look to us to slow down, to take some time. None of us work hard and sacrifice as much as we do just for the sake of it. We do it for moments like these; moments we can enjoy."

"Insightful."

"Meh," Kain thought back and Aro smiled just slightly.

"But tonight is not solely a night of levity in and of itself. We celebrate unity, achievement and belatedly, a resounding victory against the enemies of humanity. You, as well as I, have heard of the decisive blow dealt to the Vex by humanity's greatest protectors. One clan of these protectors, the Will of Light, went into one of the Vex's best-defended strongholds and brought them down from the inside."

Murmurs and a smattering of applause and cheers rolled through the crowd. More than a few eyes made their way to Aro.

"We honor their bravery. We honor what they risked, what they were willing to sacrifice and we recognize how well they live up to their chosen name. Achievement, unity, sacrifice; that is the will of the Light. The will that drives them into Darkness time and time again and the will that, Traveler willing, will bring them home to us each time."

"Okay, that was insightful," Kain said once the applause had died down again, "Someone's done his homework."

Executor Hideo raised his arms. "Friends, I will not hold you too long. I tend to grow as tired of my own voice as anyone else does." Scattered laughter from the crowd. Another sniff of indifference from Kain. "Mingle, enjoy yourselves and when you're ready to retire, Light see you home safely."

Hideo stepped away from the balcony and started down the curving staircase, stopping to greet and exchange words with every person along the way. The man did it so well, speaking to everyone as if they were long-time friends but with none of the over-familiarity. At its base stood the Commander and his wife. All smiles, just the same as the others when the Executor stopped at them. Hideo's form straightens out, his shoulder square. Deference to the Commander, maybe. Or just respect. Crona's told Aro of Hideo's hopes for Zavala. To have him as the undisputed, unquestioned and unquestionable ruler of their City. Aro once thought he agreed with them until he read their Seventh Tenets. Now he wonders how the name failed to clue him in.

They're talking about...something. Aro doubted Hideo would be so brave as to press the issue right here, right now and Aro was too far to hear them so he turned away, started to search through the crowd. He's done his mingling for the night, almost entirely unwillingly. Now he'd rather be around someone he knew. He still hadn't seen Daniel since the previous night and had set himself on searching for him when he heard his name. His full name. In a voice he did not recognize.

"I say it right?" Hideo asked as soon as he turned around. "Arochukwu?"

"I…yes. You did." It was a surprise, anyone getting it on the first try. The other surprise was how the man got over to him so quickly.

"Good, I've been practicing." He reached down and grabbed Aro's hand in both of his, that same bright, unwavering smile on his face. "It is very good to finally meet you, Aro. May I call you Aro? I'm told it's what you prefer."

"You may."

"Excellent." The man beamed, finally dropping Aro's hand. "I've got to say I've been looking forward to this meeting for a long time. Your incursion into the Vault, Aro, it's almost legendary."

Aro's eyebrows shot up. "Legen...I don't know about that."

"Oh, come off it." Hideo clapped him on the arm "Don't sell yourself or your team short. More experienced Guardians have gone in there and didn't return. Some did but...not quite whole." Hideo's smile lowered and his tone took on a somber, serious note. "You do Kabr and Pahanin proud."

"I...thank you, Executor." Aro found the praise even less comfortable than the attention. And the need to correct Hideo was surprisingly strong, in defense of a man Aro still could not definitively prove ever existed. Kabr, Pahanin and Praedyth. Yet another part of their lives they would have to keep secret, maybe forever. The panic that would spread if it were discovered that the Vex could erase people from history, make it so that no one remembers that they ever existed, would rival the panic that the Heralds would bring on. "I'm sorry we haven't been able to meet beforehand."

The Executor was already waving his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about. You're busy saving the world and I'm busy trying to help run it." Aro offered a rather weak smile and Hideo took what he wanted from that. "Besides, don't need to tell you about the burdens of leadership, do I?" Hideo laughed. "Tell me, where are the others?"

"They're…" Aro twisted at the waist, "They're around. Not sure but they're somewhere in this crowd."

"I'm sure I'll meet them at some point." Hideo's eyes flicked up over his head and widened slightly. "Here's one now, though I've known this one for a while."

Hideo bade him turn and Aro did, finding him face to face with Daniel striding up to them. The man cleaned up as well as any of them but he still looked haggard, frustrated.

"Daniel." The sound of his own name in Aro's voice ceased whatever warpath he had been on though. It failed to clear the stormy look in his eyes.

Executor Hideo was smiling widely again. "Ha! Little Daniel Suros!" He clapped him on the shoulder in the same manner as Aro once the other man was close enough. "Well, can't call you little anymore, now can I? It's been much too long, cousin."

Aro's eyes jumped back and forth between them. Cousins? "I...was not aware-"

Hideo waved a dismissive hand again. "It's nothing really. It's a distant relation, true but we do share blood. His paternal great-grandmother was my grandmother."

"Ah," was all Aro could muster. He had known both of their faces for years and never once put it together. He was never told either.

Daniel spoke up for the first time, his tone sharp and biting. "What were you two discussing?"

Hideo answered immediately, "The Vault." He gestured to Aro. "Was just telling your illustrious leader how impressed I was by your efforts." His dark eyes flicked between them and he smiled again. He was always smiling. It was unsettling. "But I see now that you came to steal him away. No problem. I've been meaning to find your big sister. You'll greet the others for me, won't you?" He clapped Daniel on the shoulder again and turned to Aro. "I'd be interested in talking further, Aro. Kain will get my contact info once I get a second to myself." He held out his hand and Aro took it. "Again, it was a privilege to meet you, Guardian. Keep up the good work, we're behind you all the way."

"Thank you. We appreciate it." Despite everything, Aro was sincere when he responded. Only because he felt it in turn.

"How did he know my name?" Kain questioned. Aro hadn't even realized. Kain was always "Kain" to him.

Aro turned at the sound of movement to find Daniel's back to him, retreating. Aro called out his name. The man slowed but did not stop. Aro let out a long exhale and followed. Daniel still did not stop until he was at the drink table. By the end of their little walk, Aro had run out of patience. "You and Hideo. Why was I never told?" The table was mostly empty but habit still had Aro lowering his voice.

Daniel downed the entirety of his drink. "It was never really important." Big shoulders rose and fell in a shrug. "Still isn't, to be honest," he mumbled into a second cup.

"You still could've said something. You don't need to hide things from me."

The cup lowered. "I wasn't 'hiding' anything. I just didn't tell you." The cup rose again. "You should be an expert on the difference."

Aro's mouth opened and closed, the last jab taking any wind out of his sails. He shoved down the hurt welling up in his chest and asked, "Is there something wrong, Daniel? We've been here for hours, this is the first time I've seen you all night and you're already angry with me."

"What happened between you and Maya last night?" He demanded, hard eyes never leaving his.

"This...isn't really the place to discuss th-"

"You left finger marks where you grabbed her, Aro." Daniel cut him off so harshly, Aro found himself flinching. Whatever air that remained in his lungs left with what he was told.

"I...I didn't…" He reached out but Daniel moved away. "You know I would never…" He stopped before he could say something utterly stupid. He knew that was a lie. He had seen that it would be a lie. "I'm sorry. Daniel, really, I'm-"

He was cut off again, this time by a sharply raised hand. "Be careful, Aro. Especially around her."

Aro nodded limply. "You're right. I'm…" he let out a shaky breath. "You're right."

Daniel's mouth opened but Aro was walking off before he could speak.

"Aro…"

"I didn't mean to."

"Aro…" Kain said more forcefully.

"I hurt her, Kain. I hurt-"

"Stop walking and look at your hand."

Aro froze in his tracks and did as told. The skin of the palm was red hot. He paused, forced himself to take deep, chest-filling breaths and calm down before his hand burst into flames in the middle of a crowd. He was lucky that no one seemed to be paying him any special attention. "I didn't mean it," he said again.

"I know, Aro," Kain thought back, "I know. It was an accident. Nothing more." Aro's hand began to tighten again and his lips curled into a snarl. "Aro, dead ahead. Ikora."

Aro lifted his head and met her eyes. She was talking to someone or more like, he was talking to her, unaware that her attention was elsewhere. She beckoned him over. Aro approached as order.

"Aro, allow me to introduce Araach Jalaal of Dead Orbit."

Aro forced his voice to steady. "Honored, Jalaal."

The dark-haired man nodded, orange eyes sparkling brightly. "Leader of the Will of Light, the honor and privilege are mine." He gestured to Ikora. "We were just discussing your recent and rather famous exploits."

Him and everyone else. Aro was sick of it. "I never would've guessed that someone with Dead Orbit's philosophy would find stories of the Vault so inspiring."

"He doesn't," Ikora said, her flat tone suggesting that she was quickly tiring of the topic.

"Nonsense, Master Ikora." Jalaal smiled, "Anyone with a basic sense of humanity would find such a victory inspiring. Those with my philosophy, as you put it, would find the challenges you must have faced vindicating. At least others would."

Such a stark difference from Hideo. Aro could already feel himself being pulled from both sides. "And you specifically, Araach?"

He answered, "I see it as a portent of things to come, Arochukwu. One can only overcome the impossible so many times." He leaned in slightly. "Would you not agree?"

Ikora was having none of it. "This is neither the time nor the place, Jalaal."

"Of course, Master Rey. My apologies." He bowed slightly, meaning nothing of what he just said. "If you'll excuse me, I need to speak to the Executor. Again, an honor, Vaultbreaker. Good victory and many more."

Jalaal bowed again and stepped past Aro, leaving him alone with Ikora. She watched him and said nothing for a long time. He must look a sight.

Finally, she called, "Cayde, come over here." The Exo was at their side before Aro even noticed that he had been nearby. "You're free to leave earlier than we agreed." Cayde practically started hopping. "On the condition you see Aro back to the Tower."

The hopping stopped when Cayde got a good look at Aro's face. Aro turned away, almost bristling. Pity; he hated pity. He'd take raging or cold silence if it would spare him from pity. Cayde took his shoulder with a firm hand, giving him a comforting shake. Then quickly but gently, he steered him towards the exit.

"You good to ride, kid?" He asked once they were outside. Aro simply nodded.

"Good. Call your Sparrow." Cayde's own appeared in the driveway. "Start up. I'm right behind you."

Kain called it from his ship in the Tower. Aro mounted and revved the engine, loudly enough to garner some attention from those nearby. He paused to take one last look at the hall, the people still walking around, the sights that he found mesmerizing at first but now failed to draw anything from him but anger and hurt.

He took off down the empty road, forgoing a helmet and hoping the night air would do him some kind of good. It would be the only good he received all night.

The Tower was quiet. The walk back to his dorm was uneventful and went unbothered. Traveler be praised.

Aro practically dropped through his door once it had opened. The second it closed behind him, Kain began removing his clothes and placing them somewhere he could find them later. A good thing to do, seeing as he was prepared to fall asleep in them. The sooner he put this night behind him, the better.

It wasn't until he was in his own bedroom that Kain removed the rest of his clothing. Aro trudged to the bathroom, turned the shower to near scalding and stepped in, letting the sound of water very nearly drive him to sleep. When he had come a little too close, Kain shut the water off, forcing Aro to grab a towel, dry off and seek out clothes to sleep in.

"It wasn't right," Kain said, speaking up for the first time since they returned. Aro didn't need to ask his meaning. "It wasn't right for Daniel to treat you like he did."

"He's just worried for his sister." Aro's croaking voice was monotone and stilted, sounding pathetically rehearsed. If he didn't believe what he was saying and yet, he said it. Instinctual movement to defend someone he loved. "Could you send a message to Maya apologizing."

"I did on the ride home. It was an accident. Those were her words, Aro." Kain floated past him standing at the closet and settled on the nightstand. "She said it didn't even hurt."

"As long as it was sent." Aro slid stomach first onto his bed until his head was against the headboard.

Then Kain said, "She asked when was the next time she could see you. Talking really helped." Aro cracked open an eye to find the Ghost staring back. "I told her I'd get back to her."

"Things have come up and I won't be able to visit for some time." Aro flipped onto his back, placing his arm over his eyes. "But she can call me. Anytime she wants."

A few seconds of silence passed before Kain indicated he had sent it. Aro dropped his arm and turned his head towards the window. The Traveler was in his view and behind it, the Moon, both stark against the dark, starless sky. He wanted to leave again. Just a few weeks out in the wilderness, nothing but his Ghost, his guns and a book for company. The spiteful part of him bade him go as far as to cut off all contact. Traveler knew he could use the quiet. The quiet and a form of hostility that he could be sure of. Out there, he knew everything wished him gone. Here at home, it was harder to tell.

Aro shook his head clear and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was being ridiculous. "I want to send a message to Daniel," he whispered into the dark.

Kain spoke back, at full volume. "I know what you want to send," he said, "And I'm not sending anything."

Aro propped himself up. "Kain, he was just scared. Maya-"

"Is his little sister, I know that already." Kain lifted off the nightstand and floated closer. "I was there, Aro. I saw that dark future, I heard of what would be my fate. That doesn't make how any of them have treated you right and you know it." He settled back down, his voice a clear message of his refusal to argue or budge. "I will send nothing. I will be receiving nothing either. If Daniel wishes to talk, he can come over here and find you. To apologize."

"And if he doesn't find me?" Aro asked, "If he doesn't apologize?"

"Then I'm sorry but…" Kain could probably feel the pain that had welled up in Aro's throat.

He tried to swallow it down. "Could be for the best."

"Aro…"

"He could find someone better," he muttered, "There's a million men out there better for him than me."

"You aren't in the state of mind to decide that, Aro."

The ceiling was blurring from both sleep and tears he refused to let fall. Finally, Aro squeezed his eyes shut. Sleep took him just seconds later.

Kain woke Aro to the sound of movement in his room and his eyes cracked open to find his Ghost's bright light directly in front of them. He shut them again with a weary groan and rubbed them, using his free hand to push his Ghost away.

Aro sat up, still just barely cognizant of whoever was making noise around his room. Focusing and finally learning who it was did nothing to help his confusion; the opposite, in fact.

"Daniel?"

The man at his closet stopped in his rummaging but did not turn. After a few seconds, he started again. "I kept some clothes in here," he mumbled, "Was just looking for them."

Aro lay back down and let him do so in silence. Daniel had divested himself of his dress shirt already. He pulled something from inside, Aro could not see it in the darkness. Daniel turned slightly, seeming to watch Aro out of the corner of his eye, holding the pair of sweatpants close to his chest. "The party ended about two hours ago," he said. When Aro made no move to respond, he finished, "Wanted to stay here tonight."

"You have a room."

Quiet. Then a response, just as quiet. "I know." He put the sweatpants over his shoulders and removed the rest of his clothing.

"Is something wrong at home?"

"No." He pulled the clothing on and after a second, moved onto the bed. On instinct, Aro slid over, made room for Daniel's wider frame. They would joke about it before. They were both already too tall for the bed, if Aro got any bigger, they'd be shoving each other off with the smallest movements. There wasn't much joking now. Now Daniel laid down and Aro kept to the edge of the bed, giving him his space, too tired to figure out why he was here in the first place.

It was quiet again for the few seconds after Daniel settled. His breathing hadn't evened out and he shifted around every few seconds. If Aro had been less exhausted, he would've just taken a pillow to the couch, let Daniel have his bed. It took a few more seconds of shifting for Aro to finally slide his hands underneath himself, preparing to push upwards.

Daniel sat up first, swinging his legs over the side and rising to his feet. Aro relaxed his arms and listened to the sound of footfalls pad their way around his bed. Reluctantly, Aro cracked open an eye and found Daniel standing before him. A hand touched his shoulder and pushed gently, prompting Aro to slide back towards the center. Daniel crawled into the space that he made. He took Aro's arm in his hand, lifted it over his head and let it settle over his body.

Aro's eyes remained open, watching him. Daniel watched him back. They were nose to nose, chest to chest and still, Daniel's arm snaked around his side and drew him even closer.

Before Aro could ask what this was about, Daniel lifted his head and kissed him, bringing his hand up to Aro's face and tracing it with his thumb. He pulled back before Aro could make any response and pressed his lips to Aro's forehead before pulling back again and burying his face in Aro's neck.

A silent apology, he realized. Aro would take it for what it was.

An essay turned in, an exam taken and a chapter uploaded. I'm tired. And working on the next one