**DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN CODE GEASS OR ANY OF THE RIGHTS TO IT'S CHARACTERS!**

CHAPTER TWO: Beneath the Surface

"Kozuki Kallen?" Luke hummed finally able to put a name to the woman's face. He thought about her and what he'd read about her in Lelouch's Diary. She guarded Lelouch, protected him and stood by him in every mission. Did she actually know Luke? Feelings washed over him in a dizzying flurry of confusion and heartache. For all he felt for her, he knew so little about her. Even with the confusion he knew they were. . . right. He was upset that he knew her in intimate detail from the prospective of another person accounts and not his own. How had they met? How often did they see each other? Was he crazy for wanting to see her again? The war was over; could they share anything outside of the Ikagura? His face twisted in unknown emotion as he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey! Snap out of it." Lucire pleaded, his panicked eyes shot into reality as Luke shook himself from his furious mental debate. "I am sorry if I startled you." Lucire added removing his hand from Luke's bad shoulder.

"No it is alright. I just realized who you were talking about." Luke soothed as he attempted to return his face to a neutral expression. "I guess I have high standards," he joked pausing to take a swig from the cold bottle dripping in his hand, "Captain of Zero's bodyguard." Lucire sighed in relief and gave a sizable grin to Luke. He hadn't noticed Luke's other hand still gripping the arm of the chair with a white-knuckled strength and Luke sighed internally as he summoned a soft smile. Relieved that Lucire regained his normal silly mien, he silently let his eyes wonder the room.

The dogs rested on mats near the front entrance to the house eyeing their masters, curiosity peaked by all the excitement. Looking around the room no one would figure two young men lived here. It was very comfortable and clean though only slightly furnished. A brown leather-coated reclining couch and two wooden chairs rested in a semi circle a few meters from a red-wood dresser that clung against the wall opposite to the entry-way. It served as the table for the television which also hid it's bulky weight against the back wall. The living room had only a single painting, it was of Mount Nukkibetsu, and a several pictures of their past life which hung sadly like an alter in a corner of the room. Luke never wanted to admit it but the emptiness made him feel better about not knowing what had happened in his childhood. Not remembering, he thought calmly as he viewed the sliding door to the kitchen that remained open from when Lucire got them waters. The island counter stood in view through the doorway and it held several vegetables which he assumed were going to be used for salads. The daylight's glow faded more and more with each passing minute and before he even looked back from the kitchen his stomach audibly growled it's desires.

"Ahhhh," Lucire growled in an overly husky voice which fit his exuberant smile, "You're hungry? Good!" Lucire placed his hand and out to Luke's empty hand gesturing to let him help his friend stand up. After a quick tug, and a new shooting pain in his chest which he mentally cursed at, Luke staggered his way to one of the tall stools that sat around the island counter. Sitting on the one closest to the living room he looked out the window to the bales of hay that occupied his field of vision into the world, they reminded him of boats on the ocean; they just loomed there trying to remain together without being too close. The idea reminded him of an action zero had taken to save the Ikagura from the Britannian navy back when it was still a submarine. . . Kallen had convinced him to come back, Luke mused as he thought of what Lelouch had written about the whole ordeal. his gaze returned to the counter as a bowl of green leafy vegetables, sliced turnips, horseradishes and carrots landed in front of him with a small clatter. "So," Lucire mumbled as he grabbed a bowl of other fixings, "do you want feta cheese on your salad? I also have lemon and cracked pepper if you'd like." Luke smiled wistfully at his previous thoughts and snagged the feta cheese out of Lucire's hand before it noisily landed upon the black and gray granite counter-top.

"You don't suppose we could visit Kallen do you?" Luke asked absently as he drizzled tiny chunks of cheese onto his salad. Lucire's eyes shot up from his own meal as he blinked over the comment.

"Uh," Lucire drawled face contorted in thought, "I suppose." Luke waited patiently for more input only to realize none more seemed forth-coming. His eyes fixated on Lucire until he looked back at him. "You are being serious aren't you?" He continued with a deep exhalation. "I don't mind you going to see your 'Girl-friend'" he stated and it pissed Luke off how he emphasized the words girl friend, "but you seriously want to go to Tokyo? The reporters and journalists will eat you alive..." he finished with a chomp as he took a bite of his salad.

"That is what you are worried about, I thought you use to be a Knightmare pilot." Luke mocked as he followed suit and started devouring his salad. I am a lot hungrier than I thought, Luke berated himself for not noticing sooner. Lucire scoffed loudly and dropped his fork to make an exasperated gesture with his hands. The dogs padded their way into the kitchen after hearing utensils clinking on their masters plates. "I am serious though," Luke amended as his eyes met Lucire's "We finished the field, well most of it, and you said we needed to celebrate once I got better. Why not go to Tokyo? We can have a good time and I can see her again." Lucire's face showed emotion but it wasn't the reaction Luke expected from the former soldier.

"I meant we'd go visit Rika and her brother down the road for some drinks." Lucire said dryly. "I didn't think you'd suggest anything like that." Lucire strolled to the large two door gray refrigerator and retrieved two beers from a hanging rack inside. He handed Luke a Sapporo and opened his own beer - a Stella Artois, with the edge of a can-opener. "Jesus," he swore before bringing the beer to his lips, "You're a bastard you know that?" Luke smiled seeing Lucire give in. He was better at this than Lucire was and he marveled at the thought of seeing her again.

"Kallen. . ." Luke mouth at the thought. Before he had realized it he had finished his salad and Lucire breathed a sigh of fulfillment and slammed the empty bottle of beer on the counter. "When do you think we can go?" Luke inquired trying to hide his growing excitement. Lucire smiled and grabbed a bowl of noodles from the stove hidden in the corner and placed it in front of Luke. It was peanut butter-noodles, a dish Luke first thought sounded awful but after Lucire assured him it was an old favorite of his he tried it and realized he was on to something with the entree.

"A man of many thoughts," Lucire poked as he turned to the stove and checked the knobs to ensure the gas wasn't leaking out, "If you'd like we can go tomorrow, I just need to make sure someone can watch the dogs." Lucire left the room laughing and making babying comments to the dogs who followed him into the living room. He'd probably feed them and make a call if he was serious about what he just said. With a warm smile, Luke grabbed a pair of chopsticks from the drawer and skillfully grabbed a bite full of Noodles.

Kallen visited the 'official bar' of the Black Knights. She had promised Tamaki that she'd visit but she was really there to see Ohgi. Ohgi stood in for her as a brother figure after her own had passed away. That of course was before she met Zero. Ohgi retained the title of First Prime Minister of the new United States of Japan and he kept telling her about the events. How he'd be hosting Zero again soon for example. That Zero is not my Zero. . . Kallen remarked in her mind as she made her way to the bar weaving past empty tables and unoccupied chairs.

Ohgi sat in one of the bar stools waiting with a smile and a glass of some amber liquid. Tamaki jostled around on his side of the bar as he tried to mix a drink for a pair of guys who wore their red headbands proudly and boisterously made fun of Tamaki's efforts. Other than them it was pretty quiet. Kallen didn't think much of the bar but was happy it was doing well. Kallen strolled her way next to Ohgi and patted his knee in lieu of a hug. Kallen greeted everyone at the bar and sat as they returned the hails.

"Kallen. I know I said I'd make it but the fact of the matter is Zero is arriving tomorrow morning." Ohgi explained trying to excuse himself from his previous promise to her. Kallen shot a furious glare, this is the first time I am getting into a Knightmare since the negotiations and he's going to miss it for him?!

"That's fine Ohgi." Kallen lied turning to see Tamaki drop a metal mixing canister. Curses shot across the bar as he scrambled to pick it up before his concoction spilled all around his feet. "I really wanted someone to be there to watch me work, but what you are doing is pretty important too."

"Sorry again Kallen. I know you will do outstanding." Ohgi voiced over the panic Tamaki had caused. "I am sure I will hear about it on the news, it is an Ashford Academy event. They always make the news." Ohgi joked as Kallen turned towards the door and snatched up her bag. She didn't really have time to sit around and this news didn't compel her to stay any longer than she really needed to.

"Yeah. Milly is gonna be there this time around." Kallen offered over her shoulder as she headed out of the establishment. She was tired, a day of planning, calling Milly and the former president's previous contacts had exhausted her. She really wanted to get to sleep because tomorrow would be the big day. She also wanted to apologize to Lelouch for not touching base with him that morning, at least she would get her chance tonight before she drifted to meet her in her dreams.

"Hey Kallen! Make sure you call me when you get done with that! Chigusa and I wanna have dinner with you when ya get the chance. We wanna talk to you." Ohgi shouted as she pushed herself into the doorway.

"Sure! Give her my love." She offered as she waved goodbye. She heard Tamaki yell something out to her but it was too late, she had already placed her mind on tomorrow's festivities as she prepared for the hectic schedule. The streets were always busy with cars this late in the evening but very few people walked down this particular street. Making her way home at a relaxed pace she found she was actually looking forward to tomorrow. She didn't know why but she felt like some good could come out of the spectacle.

She walked through her door and called, "I'm Home!" She kicked off her shoes and walked to the kitchen to kiss her mother's cheek. The small apartment was all she could afford when she decided to leave her father's graces. It was tiny in comparison to her father's lavish manor but she thought Lelouch would approve of her living her own life after what he gave for her. She smiled remembering what she promised herself. Hey Lelouch. . .

He thought he wouldn't be able to sleep but it was a lot easier than he expected. Even though his excitement was palpable he was so tired from the day in the field he almost collapsed onto his futon. His dreams swam around Kallen as they always did but these dreams felt different than normal. It was almost as if finding out her name had helped him remember more about the times he spent with her. . .

He was behind her, standing on a flight of stairs. She was wearing a black knight uniform and in his mind it made her look all the more gorgeous. She was gazing at him expectantly before she surged forward and kissed him. It felt so real and he felt heartbroken because he felt like he couldn't say what he wanted to. She pulled away and as she was looking into his eyes. He felt her love in his soul but before he could kiss her back he awoke to the sound of zero scratching at his door, trying to get inside. His dog zero, not the demon emperor... He thought about what it would be like if he was woken by the demon emperor scratching at the door with a lethargic sounding laugh as he stretched and kicked his feet off the futon. I can't believe this dog woke me from a dream like that. . . was it even a dream to begin with, or was it- echoed through his mind as he reached his door. Upon sliding it open he meet eyes with a short blonde girl who had to be in her middle teens. He backed up with a start as zero passed between his master's legs and panted his excitement towards having the visitor here.

"Rika?" He blirted out in surprise, "What are you doing here?" Rika was their neighbor and she was a friend of Lucire's; he would say a friend of his if he could remember ever being friends with the polite spaz.

"O-HAI-O!" Rika beamed as she twirled a yellow ribbon dangling from her dress with her finger, it was her favorite dress and every time Luke had seen her she was wearing it. Perhaps because she has a crush on me, he internally jested. "Sorry if I startled you but Lus told me to come get you, I'm watching over your house for the weekend!" Rika chimed musically. "Dai is gonna watch over the dogs for you guys and finish the field work, isn't that fantastic, ne?" Luke thought about that and smiled, Dai was her nickname for her brother Daisuke and Lus was her nickname for Lucire. She hadn't ever given him one to which he was happy about. He concluded it was another reason to believe she had a crush on him. "Hey, Luke. . . where does Lus keep all of his embarrassing secrets?" She giggled as she pondered. "It'll be fun to get some dirt on him while you guys are away."

"Check the bath house." He lied with a wicked grin forming on his lips. He didn't realize Lucire would be ready to go so soon and Luke rubbed his shoulder as he turned to his one small two-drawer black dresser sitting in the middle of one of the walls. He hadn't packed yet, he didn't realize he fell asleep so quickly. "Hey Rika, what time is it anyway?"

"Ohhhhh. . ." Rika drawled looking to the ceiling as if it would help her remember. "A little past One O'Clock I think. You were out like a lamp." She sung as she leaned out of his room with a hand on the sliding door which was keeping her balanced. One?! Luke chastised himself as he grabbed a large black duffel-bag and tossed a few pairs of shorts and undergarments into it. Lord, Lucire didn't plan this quickly I was sleeping the day away! he continued his mental tie-raid. "Ohhhhhh, I like that dress shirt, you should wear that and your leather jacket." Rika said as Luke grabbed a shirt she had gotten him for Christmas a few years ago. It really did look good on him he admitted to himself as he tried to figure out what Kallen might like the most. "Model it and I will tell you if it looks good on you!" She sweetly called as she smiled like the cat that ate the canary.

"No time." Luke called out to her throwing the few nice shirts he had into the bag and sliding at a 'full sprint' through the open doorway despite her protests. His body complained via sore aches and a throbbing headache but he ignored it. He slipped down the hallway as he slid to a halt at the door to the living room, I never really got use to these sliding doors - only the front door had a 'normal' door with a knob. Slipping it open and shut behind him, he trotted his way to the foyer and slipped his shoes on and stomped them into the correct position. The sounds echoed throughout the house and Hiro stretched his hind legs backward while wagging his tail and added a little doggy huff of a yawn as he watched one of his masters getting ready to leave. Luke gave Hiro a delighted smile and he threw his bag over his shoulder to escaped out the front door.

He didn't need much time to locate Lucire, as he often noticed if Rika found her way to him by herself then Lucire had busied himself by chatting with Daisuke. Lucire hung over the passenger side window of Daisuke's truck as their voices rose and fell in pleasant conversation. "Ohayou Luke" called Daisuke, he raised his hand in greeting as he spotted him. He had the same facial features as his sister but with a longer face, a light stubble on his chin and long brown hair that rested just past his shoulders. He moved his hand back in the car and straightened his gray shirt that bunched up at his arms and shoulders. "Ditched my sister ne?" He laughed as he finished the statement and moved the gearshift into park. Why does he and his sister have to say 'ne' all the time? Luke thought sourly as he stood a stride away from Lucire.

"Yeah a little, I didn't realize I had slept that much. Once I found out how late I was I rushed to get everything together and out here." Luke admitted staring at the old Toyota logo on the front of the Daisuke's truck. Lucire laughed jovially and nodded to Luke.

"Yeah, you were the one excited to get outta town for a few days and you sleep well past the time we should have left." Lucire pointed out with a smirk on his face. He wore a dark gray hoodie-jacket and his one pair of dark blue jeans topped off with his old black leather 'army' boots. That doesn't stand out much Luke mused as he studied Lucire's appearance. "But he is right, I'm sorry Daisuke, we really gotta get going." Lucire reached in his pocket and pulled out a hand full of notes and bills and handed them to Daisuke. "This ought to take care of you guys while we are gone, I'll call before we head back." He told his neighbor with a smile, "just make sure you're sister doesn't feed to dogs to death, they don't know to stop eating."

"And she doesn't know when to stop feeding, I got ya. Have a safe trip guys!" Daisuke called out to them as they turned and headed for Lucire's own truck. They didn't hear what he said when he shouted to his sister but he parked the truck while he yelled to her. Luke smiled and pulled on the handle to the passenger side door, it gave a happy click as it unlatched and he climbed into his seat. Setting his bag in his lap, he watched Lucire threw his bag into the small open space behind his seat and he sighed as he threw the key into the ignition. Luke closed his eyes thinking of what he would say to Kallen when he saw her.

As the Truck roared to life and lurched into motion with a jerk Luke took a quiet breath in and started to fade into unconsciousness once more. Lucire flipped on his self installed CD player and a light relaxing melody wafted over them; Lucire was a sucker for jazz and it only helped to lull Luke into sleep.

Soon. . . he thought sleepily, I'll get to see Kallen again. Soon.

AN: Hello again everybody! Two chapters down and we get to see a little more humor this chapter. I hope you all enjoy the subtle jokes I throw in there to spite the characters from the show. I like to be very descriptive but I was a bit worried I was going overboard so if anyone could tell me how it feels with the story so far. Also if you hadn't figured it out yet Luke is Lelouch, and Lucire is a OC, don't worry about him though he's only here for a bit of plot and adding a fun little twist to what we all know and love about the odd world of Code Geass.

I wanna personally thank Magery for helping me with this story. He is not only an amazing writer and editor but an outstanding person/friend. Thanks a lot Mag...

Everything gets better from here on, The reunion is fast approaching! I can't wait to get it up on the site! See you guys soon with the next chapter. . . Which I am gonna have up tonight anyway but still. . .

So Keep on Reading my Friends and Stay Classy!
(I didn't mean to make an Anchorman quote but I still like it.)