"It's been two years, now."
Outside of society's reach, a young man sits at a burial site. Underneath a large, leafless oak tree stands a small, wooden cross with the name, "Lelouch" printed on the front. A bright red rose lays at its base, a thin layer of snow already covering the flower's fragrant petals. The man is sitting in front of the tree, his back leaning against its trunk.
"Do you know what day it is, Lelouch?"
Silence.
"It's December 5th," the young man named Suzaku says.
Suzaku's body begins to tremble, but not from the freezing snow or ruthless winds.
"We really have terrible luck, don't we?"
Suzaku takes off his mask and sets it on the ground, careful not to put it over where Lelouch's body lies. Tears are streaming down his face as he smiles.
"Nunnally's learned to walk."
...
"You'd be proud of her. I can see the same spark in her eyes as you used to have."
"That's why I've decided to protect her forever."
Suzaku reaches a hand up to his face and wipes his tears with one gloved hand.
"Don't worry, I'll always watch over you and her."
The winds begin to pick up, filling the sky with a mournful howl. The snow falls harder, encasing Suzaku in a white sheet. He leaves it there, ignoring it, and doesn't even think to shrug it off.
"I remember it like it was yesterday."
"I know I'll never be able to undo what I've already done. I'll never be able to make amends. But I accepted that Geass already, didn't I?"
On the other side of the trunk, a shimmering figure sadly sighs.
"So, today, I get to say something I've wanted to say since that day."
"...I love you, Lelouch."
The figure slumps, a silent scream coming from its mouth as tears fall from its eyes.
Suzaku stands up and the figure disappears into the wind. He picks up the mask in his hand. He begins to walk off and holds the mask in front of his face, but before he puts it on, he stops and turns his head.
"Oh yeah. Happy Birthday, Lelouch."
And with that, Suzaku walks off. Behind him, the rose that was sitting on the grave is picked up by the figure draped in white, and disappears along with the man named Lelouch.
