This. Was. A. Pain. In. The. Ass. To. Edit. Please, if you enjoyed this monster, review.


December 26, 2012 A.T.B.

The newly minted Baron Suzaku Kurururgi followed the Princesses Cornellia, Euphemia, and Prince Lelouch into his new home, the recently completed Viceroy Palace still reeking of recently applied drywall mud and fresh paint. Glancing about the opulent palace he was stunned by how wasteful it all was, looking over her shoulder Cornellia noticed his bug eyed and rather judgmental visage, slowing her pace to be next to the boy she let out an exasperated sigh.

"Ridiculous isn't it young one?" As she spoke Lelouch and Euphemia noticed the other pair of their group walking in tandem so they both matched their pace to hear what their sister had to say, "Just so you know my personal tastes are far more...subdued. This place was designed by my elder brother Schneizal who can be a bit..." as she trailed off Euphie began chuckling causing Suzaku's heart to skip a beat for some unknown reason, huh...weird.

"Schneizal has tastes that belong somewhere in between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, its a bit gaudy but it's just a cute little quirk of his. Now all the other..err...ornamentation..."

Lelouch picked up the conversation as a look of disgust was featured prominently upon us face, "The tacky, overblown, and oft offensive decor is thanks to our dear brother Clovis. Don't worry you will get to meet him soon and you will want to shoot him in the head at least thrice in your first conversation, its not that he's a bad person per say he's just...".

Lelouch paused as he searched for the right words, eventually he just shrugged and continued, "His vapid vanity has a tendency to grate the nerves, sorry my friend we cannot have it all."

Nodding in agreement Euphemia let out a vexed sigh, after a moment she added, "Yes...yes Clovis is a bit of a ponce sad to say," realizing they'd reached their destination her mood brightened once more "Anyway here we are."

As they approached a set of intricately decorated doors the guards standing on either side of the entrance reached for a handle and pulled the gold trimmed panels aside allowing the royals and noble entrance, as the group looked about the large state room the doors slammed behind them.

Euphemia spun on a tip toe to face the new noble sending her skirts swirling while grinning widely, "These are your personal quarters. Lelouch and I were tempted to leave you at Ashford for expediencies sake but Big Sis Nelly insisted that if you were to be a ward under her care you were to be under her guidance as well." Feeling understandably shocked that the woman who conquered his nation was to care for his well being he simply looked at the violet haired Princess blankly, she stared down at him for a time before shifting her gaze to an expectant Lelouch.

After a moment her reticence broke and she smirked at the Japanese lord, "Our father's...acquiescence has changed a great many things, it obviously brings its own headaches from the press but it also means nearly everyone is too terrified to even question your appointment. Long made short young one? No one will ask questions in so long as you stay in line, understood?" Trying to grasp the maelstrom of chaos known as his life Suzaku glanced towards the two younger royals and once receiving nods of encouragement from both he bowed deeply towards Cornelia.

"I understand milady, I will do everything in my power to prove myself as an asset rather then a liabilty, so I swear upon the blood of my ancestors."

Cornelia for her part watched the boy emotionlessly for a moment before giving him a heart stopping smile, "Very well, you kids wanna go get a snack? Heard Schneizal had a full fledged ice cream bar installed before he left, that man and his sweet tooth..."

With that Suzaku followed the trio through the maze like palace arriving at the officer cafeteria shortly. Euphemia let out an adorable squeak of happiness as she ran up to the massive array of topping trays and freezers, Lelouch then let out a light whistle once he saw the variety of flavors.

Turning to Cornelia he asked, "Err, has Schneizal always gone all out like this for sweets?"

The Viceroy chuckled a bit while shaking her head, "Like you wouldn't believe, remind me sometime to tell you what happened to your mother's cake on her wedding day, I swear Father would have exiled him if Lady Marianne hadn't been laughing so hard."

So with that the quartet sat down taste testing all the various flavors while chatting amiably about family and politics, Euphie and Lelouch doing their best to draw him into the conversation the whole while. It was a strange feeling, having this sense of belonging and contentment even though his act of betrayal had landed his father in custody and brought his country to heel beneath Britannia; to add to his personal conundrum he couldn't feel any shame in the act, and the reasoning was quite simple really.

When the invasion had seemed all but inevitable Suzaku had researched what Emperor Charles' Empire did to conquered areas and it was...horrifying, mass executions, burning of national landmarks, once beautiful cities run into ruin so the local culture could be overwritten by that of Britannia. It was disgusting, and as luck would have it the pair put in charge of planning the invasion had agreed fully; so in exchange for a swift decisive victory Japan retained her soul, aside of changing who they had to pay their taxes to and having to put up with stuck up colonists little changed.

"Better than China taking over at least," he mumbled to himself over his bowl of mint chocolate chip.

Lelouch met his eyes being the only one to hear his utterance, smiling sadly he whispered, "The worst choice aside from all the other ones, I know, and we'll make the changes necessarily so our Empire is a strong, but gentle place to live...Hey Euphemia!" Raising his voice at the last bit the prince gave all those around the table a wide devil may care grin, "Its about time isn't it?"

Pulling a small pocket watch out by its dainty chain she popped it open then grinned in return, "Indeed it is dear brother," both Cornelia and Suzaku stared at the pair questioningly but they remained silent. Suzaku was a bit worried but Cornelia just looked mildly amused, she opened her mouth to say something but Lelouch leaned over the table and stuck a spoonful of raspberry ice cream between her lips.

"Try this flavor Nel its pretty good, now don't say a word, you will not want to miss this for the world," rolling her eyes at her half brother she swallowed the frozen treat and sat silently for a moment, suddenly a deep keening wail reverberated through the palace. Jumping up in shock he felt his arm being grabbed by Lelouch who pulled him back down to his seat.

As the cafeteria doors slammed opened a lanky man wearing fine white clothes trimmed with gold stitch work frantically looked about the room until he spotted Cornelia. Now, it should also be noted that the mans pale complection was currently complemented with eye sweltering bright pink hair, Suzaku would go in so far as to call it dayglo. As he silently thanked Kami that he had missed the 1980's by a couple decades the man rushed to the table.

"SISTER! Its awful some horrible hooligan has tampered with my shampoos! I have to plan the New Years Ball with the committee today!" There was now a manic gleam in the mans eyes as he continued all on the same breath, "I can't possibly show my face like this what am I to do?!"

Cornelia, for her part looked placid but even Suzaku could tell their was mirth beneath her calm mask, placing a hand on the frantic mans shoulder she attempted to sooth him, "Don't worry Clovis, I'll take care of it why don't you see if you can make an appointment with your stylist and get this taken care of before the paparazzi catch wind?"

Ah, so this was Clovis, the Prince thanked her profusely and as suddenly as he had appeared he was gone. Turning to the now violently shaking younger royals they both exploded with pent up laughter, falling shoulder to shoulder they leaned their heads together tears of mirth rolling down their cheeks.

Cornelia shook her head smiling and let the pair vent their amusement for a bit longer.

Eventually she asked, "So, any particular reason our brother has suffered the shame of having hair pinker then his little sister?"

Sniffing indignantly Euphemia stuck her nose in the air with a light huff, "There is nothing wrong with having pink hair, that happened to be fuschia, which is just tacky, he should know better."

Lelouch nodded solemnly in agreement as he took another bite of ice cream, Suzaku decided to throw in his two pence at that bit, "All right and why was his hair fuschia?"

Lelouch smirked and whispered conspiratorially, "Brother dearest really should check who his Christmas presents are from before he starts mixing his new hair care products, who knows if someone would put a two step hair dye applicator and activator in his shampoo and conditioner."

With that Cornelia finally lost it and broke down into peels of laughter, once she finally got herself under control she reset herself to dignified princess mode and rose from the table.

"Well Lelouch when I had asked you to find a way to keep Clovis away from the new years ball committee I probably should have anticipated something like this. Very well you kids have no lessons for today so I've cleared you for the Knightmare sims, go enjoy your afternoon."

Once she was gone Suzaku turned to the still grinning pair and dropped his voice into a servile tone, "Please Masters, teach me your ways, allow me to become your apprentice."

Lelouch barked out a laugh while Euphia just grinned wider, since her brother was otherwise occupied she replied for them both while dropping her voice to mock serious tones.

"Yes join us young padawan and we will show you the ways of the Darkside," giving a half bow Suzaku returned the grin while thinking 'You know what, things could have been much, much worse then this.'

Roughly an hour later found the trio in Lelouchs room playing with Lohengrin, the excitable pup running back and forth between Suzaku and Lelouch as they rolled a ball to each other, eventually the simple game was interrupted by Euphemia scooping the dog up and cuddling it to sleep. Leaning back Suzaku just basked in the moment of peace, it was...nice no longer having his own personal Sword of Damocles above his head, the old fable seemed like an apt comparison.

Stirring he addressed Lelouch, "So since you people are having yet another ball, who are you taking?"

Looking up from the magazine he'd been thumbing through his friend gave him a lopsided smile, "Our arrival ball didn't count, that was all Clovis and I caught it on fire anyway, and thanks to that the Christmas dance was cancelled, you're welcome. Just as a heads up, there's normally only about five the entire year, expect twenty or so with Clovis here."

Suzaku grimaced at that as his friend continued, "As for who I'm escorting, Euphemia as always, it is how we avoid the...creepier denizens of the courts, you?"

Shrugging Suzaku stood up and kneeled next to Euphemia to scratch behind the passed out pups ears, "I don't know honestly, I was asked by Duke Ruben to take Milly but Milly is..."

At the mention of their mutual and dangerously perverted friend both royals straightened their backs as their eyes widened, exchanging a glance they nodded to each other, this cannot happen on his first social foray.

Clearing her throat Euphie had a suggestion, "Why not allow Baron Kururugi to escort myself while you ask to escort the Lady Stadtfeld? You two seemed to take to each other quickly. It would help solidify an alliance with her House as well as avoiding Millicent getting her hands anywhere near either of our arses." Lelouch mulled that over and smiled, hopping up he offered his hand to his sister to help her to her feet disturbing Lohengrin who let out an annoyed whine.

"Sounds like a plan dear sister, lets go hunt down Jeremiah and have him drive us over to their estate, I'd like to do this in person."


Stadtfeld Estates less then an hour later

If there was one skill Kallen Stadtfeld had refined to an art in her short life it was her ability to hide who she really was from the public at large, she was always courteous, always demure, and always the picture perfect Britannian Lady.

She didn't do this out of any desire to be submissive, nor to condone a repressive misogynistic system, rather her mixed heritage could have her family put under the scrutiny of the Nobility at any moment, and if they found her family wanting they would cast them down.

Add to this that her extended family had been attempting on a near constant basis to have her parents marriage nullified so her father could marry a "proper" Britannian for political reasons, as well as the half dozen assassination attempts on him it was no wonder that she did her best to blend in for her family.

Even with the new laws in place the bigotry wouldn't go away quickly, or even at all if one were to be honest with themselves, so while she was no longer legally a target Kallen would still have to play the role she detested for the foreseeable future. At this moment though she did not have to be the mask, right now she was in her home, in the family gymnasium prowling back and forth waiting for her opponent to make his move, all while the lanky red headed man in question was just standing there smiling calmly as he lazily twirled his wooden staff.

"Come on little red I told you before you gotta make the first move," Naoto drawled never losing his smile.

There was a snort from the man leaning against the far wall who added, "You'd think she was used to taking the first move, after that little stunt with her prince charming," teasing tone aside Kallen still blushed and growled a reply.

"Stay outta this Ohgi this is between me and my ugly arse brother."

The school teacher chuckled at that while Naoto gave her an exaggerated pout, "You wound me Kallen, now if- Whoa!" he exclaimed as Kallen charged forward twirling her staff around her and extending it to strike him in the sternum, the mans quick reflexes just barely saving him from a nasty bruise as he deflected the blow.

Taking advantage of his sisters position he grabbed her weapon and jammed it back out her, yelping as she twisted her head out of the way she managed to free her staff and took a swing for his knees. Much to her annoyance he managed to hop over the blow and return a strike in kind at her ankles, unable to move in time she was swept from her feet and landed rather gracelessly on her back.

"Well...shit," she muttered from the floor, laughing Naoto extended his hand helping to pull his little sister back to her feet. As she regained her balance a slow clap was heard behind her, twirling around she flushed again this time in total mortification. Leaning in the doorway next to her smiling mother was none other then Prince Lelouch, he had a bemused look about him as he finished his clapping, standing strait he walked towards the pair of redheads.

"Well Lady Stadtfeld when your lovely mother told me you were exercising I hadn't quite expected this," still too mortified to move she only let out a quiet "Meep" as the prince turned his violet gaze to her brother. Bowing lightly then offering his hand to Naoto he froze her world with a wide smile.

"Sorry introductions are in order, I am Prince Lelouch vi Britannia, and you are?"

Looking a bit nonplussed Naoto grasped his hand and shook it, "Lord Naoto Stadtfeld, first in succession to the Duke Norris Stadtfeld," Nodding to this the young prince looked over to Ohgi and raised his brows in question, the Japanese man looked like an animal caught in front of an oncoming train.

Eventually he gave a quick bow and said, "Err...umm...that is your highness...I'm a school teacher, er... Naoto's best friend, Kaname Ohgi..."

Trailing off glancing about nervously Lelouch eventually returned a formal Japanese style bow while stating, "Hajimemashite Ohgi-sensai, a pleasure to meet you."

Now being goggled at by three adults and one preteen the Prince turned back to face Kallen, "I must say initially you held my curiosity, now you hold my attention, how long have you been practicing martial arts?"

Realizing that her performance or lack of...tact hadn't scared away the prince she stammered out, "Oh umm, Naoto and daddy...err father have been teaching me since I was six, I'm much better in hand to hand but this red ape insists I learn weapons too."

Naoto let out an irritated "Hey!" at the ape comment but kept quiet otherwise, the prince nodded then suddenly as if remembering his manners he gave Kallen a courtly bow while taking her hand.

"I'm sorry to have interrupted the exercise then, now as to my reason for being here, as you are likely aware the New Years Ball is still to take place much to my consternation. Seeing as how I'm not authorized to cause any mayhem at this gathering I'd much like to escort someone who I can at the very least say is interesting."

Realizing what he was about to ask her she felt her heart skip a beat, 'Seriously just like that?' her inner fighter scolded, she of course ignored that voice as the prince continued, "So I was hoping, if you would perchance feel up to it would you do me the honor of allowing me to escort you for the evening?"

Much to her relief she managed to keep calm with her reply, "With permission from my Lady mother I would gladly take you up on that your highness."

Grinning it was as if a switch had been flipped in the Prince's mind, "Excellent! By the way please call me Lelouch that 'Highness' bunk is for those I don't consider friends, or Knights who have no idea how to relax, oi. Anyway you will be coming with myself, my sister Euphemia and my buddy Suzaku, hey if you're not too busy we're all heading over to Ashford Academy to hijack Ruben's simulator room, would you like to come with?"

Feeling a bit...railroaded she turned her wide eyes to her mother who was doing her best not to laugh, "If Naoto agrees to go with you I do not see why not dear, you have fun."

The prince's grin never left his face as he turned to the older man, "I don't mind a chaperon, heck you might find out you enjoy blowing things up, its quite cathartic, well I'll be waiting out front in the limo, oh if you want to bring Ohgi-Sensai feel free, rude to just make off with a guests hosts like that."

As Lelouch left the room whistling Naoto turned to his mother, opening his mouth and closing it a few times but not knowing what to say.

The three were left standing there as the Duchess Stadtfeld walked away laughing, Ohgi shook his head lightly and muttered, "Well...that just happened."


Ashford Academy

Euphemia would readily admit she wasn't quite sure what to expect when Lelouch had dragged her and Baron Kururugi off to meet the Lady Stadtfeld, but she could honestly say seeing the heavily blushing girl being escorted by a pair of gobsmacked young men into their limo was not on her list.

Suzaku though took one look at the trio and gave them a knowing wan smile, "Let me guess, you guys just got Lelouch'd yes?"

The two men nodded numbly while the girl blushed deeper, which in Euphemia's opinion was a rather impressive feat at this point, deciding to help alleviate the tension she added her opinion.

"You will eventually get used to it, the consummate politician and royal is a mask he wears well, he's more akin to..."

Trailing off she thought a moment before Lord Jeremiah spoke up from the driver seat, "He's Loki, a well intentioned Loki."

That pulled a true laugh from her, "Indeed, the trickster god is a wonderful way to describe him, although he doesn't really have jealousy issues per say," with that Suzaku coughed "Schneizal" under his breath but Euphie decided to ignore it. The redheaded male seemed to finally pull himself together and introduced his group.

After some idle chit chat the school teacher spoke up for the first time, "Err...where is the prince by the way I was under the assumption he was waiting on us not the other way arou..." he trailed off as they saw the royal in question being escorted by a pretty oriental woman towards the limo. As they reached it Lelouch gave her a bow and kissed her hand causing the woman to blush and Kallen to growl a bit.

'Feisty' both Suzaku and Euphie thought in amusement, a short moment later found Lelouch hopping into the limo smiling broadly, "That law is certainly paying dividends. Lord Naoto, Lady Kallen, your mother the Duchess is a wonderful host, I'm quite glad her position has been solidified."

Eyeing the boy wearily Naoto cautiously asked, "And what pray tell were you doing with my mother?"

Lelouch being Lelouch completely missed the undertones to the statement as he flippantly replied, "Oh I simply wanted the name of the woman who was trying so doggedly to depose her of her position as your families matriarch. Apparently it was a blonde tart from the Duchy of Illinois who is supported by a very respectable and very...financially wanting family. I already have enough dirt on her father to cause her family to lose their nobility status, I was simply wondering if your Lady mother wanted me to proceed on her behalf."

With that his smile turned feral as he glanced to Kallen, "I do hope you inherited some of your mothers calm vitriol, I would never want to mess with that woman, now what did I miss?" Naoto regained his earlier gobsmacked visage before it melted away and he burst out laughing, he lashed out and grabbed Lelouch's hand shaking it vigorously.

"Your highness, my apologies, Lelouch, thank you, you have no idea how much I wanted to smack some dignity into that who...woman, thank you." Still chuckling as he fist bumped Ohgi Lady Kallen just stared at Lelouch's satisfied smirk as he began explaining the situation to Suzaku.

It was only Euphemia who caught the redheads lips turning up into a satisfied smile as she whispered, "Loki indeed..." After a time they finally reached Ashford Academy, the strange maid from earlier in the month was awaiting them, Lelouch bowed and greeted her in Japanese and the maid returned in kind further confounding their new friends.

Soon they were being led through the facility and the Lady Kallen's excitement peaked as she began hopping on the balls of her feet, "Oh wow those aren't Glasgow's!"

Smiling the maid shook her head, "No they are not my lady, those are the new RPI-11 Sutherland Main Infantry Unit's and the RPI-13 Gloucester Close Combat Unit. We'd need another year or two to roll them out but with Baron Kururugi's test piloting we've ironed out most of the issues with the platform already."

She pointed at a trio of half finished machines, their spindly limbs still held in the claws of their manufacturing gantries, "These are Lord Rubens next pet project, the RPI-15 Nevermore, a jet fighter that can shift into a Knightmare frame."

At this even Lelouch looked excited, the boy ran up to the machines in question, Suzaku and both young ladies quickly following to ogle the lithe machines.

"Bloody awesome," Kallen breathed, Lelouch nodded in agreement as both herself and Lord Kururugi began to play rock paper scissors over who got to play with the first completed unit.

Euphemia's tunnel vision was soon shattered by a very amused cough from the maid, "The simulators are this way my lords and ladies."

After that the adults had to use the proverbial crow bar to pull the enticed preteens from the new war machines they all ended up in a large well lit room lined with Knightmare cockpits, the group soon split up and Euphemia found herself looking at a new setup.

Soon Lord Rubin's voice came from the speakers, "You are all in the new Gloucester configuration, those of you who are going to be the vanguard of the Empire best get used to it, this is what you'll be piloting for the foreseeable future." Two hours later a few things became clear, a pilot Ohgi was not, but he was a very respectable field commander, Naoto was easily Euphemia's equal in frame combat (Lelouch's secret training cessions behind Nelly's back not withstanding) and Kallen was the same unholy horror that Suzaku had proven himself to be.

As the sims wound down and cracked open the first thing Euphie saw was Lelouch's self satisfied smile as he stared at Lady Kallen's machine, before she could make a snarky comment Naoto rushed to his sister and picked her up swinging her at every angle imaginable.

"Kali you rock little sis! I had no idea you could pilot like that this is amazing!"

As the small girl was dropped back to the ground she shakily smiled to the group while shrugging her shoulders, "Daddy let me pilot one of the guards Glasgow's a few times, its always fun driving a Knightmare, its so...so..."

Lelouch walked up to her and leaned against the sims body, "Liberating?" he asked with a knowing smile, she returned it and nodded.

Before anyone could say anything else a blonde haired Indian woman rushed into the room, pointed at Kallen and yelled, "Shes mine!"

Before grabbing the now confused noble's hand and rushing off with her, it had happened so quickly that no one knew how to react. A second later a bemused grey haired man with large glasses walked into the room tailed by a pretty bluenette.

"Damn, Rakshata got to the devicer first, ah well looks like we're stuck with only Suzaku for now, come Cecile we've still got to iron out those issues in the MVS systems," and as quickly as they appeared the pair walked off.

Naoto looked left and right, slouched his shoulders then said what was on everyone's minds, "Ok...what the fuck just happened here?"


December 30 2012 A.T.B.

Cornelia glanced over her halfmoon glasses towards the wall of her study hearing raised voices for the umpteenth time in the past half hour, sighing she placed the documents she'd been going through on the desk and pushed herself off.

Cracking her back as she stood from the rolling chair for the first time in hours she began mumbling to herself about obnoxious kids as she exited the office and banged on Lelouch's bedroom door.

The formerly raised voices dropped quickly followed by a pensive silence.

Eventually the door cracked open and a vexed looking Suzaku smiled seeing who it was, he muttered, "Thank Kami," as he swung the door all the way open to show a half dressed Euphemia straddling Lelouch trying to force his arms into a violet suit jacket.

Meeting Suzaku's jade gaze he just shook his head before uttering, "They're your family...your highness."

Staring at the two teens for a few more seconds she groaned out, "What. Is going on."

Euphemia, probably for the first time since this little altercation started realized she wasn't wearing pants squeaked and ran into the closet, Lelouch for his part sat up grumbling about insane girls when a blushing Euphie reentered the room wearing a skirt.

Flicking her eyes to both teens she rose a single brow and waited for an answer, finally Lelouch spoke, "We were taking turns trying on outfits for the ball, she was in the middle of changing when I said I was just going to wear black as usual."

Euphemia put her hands on her hips as she scowled at her brother, "And I told him that he needs to wear something with color if he's to be escorting the Lady Stadtfeld. Seriously Lelouch I get the symbol of grieving thing but this is a very big deal for our image and her social standing, you can't dress like you are going to a funeral!"

Grumbling to himself he pulled the crumpled jacket off looking back towards Cornelia, "Anyway, we started arguing, I said she couldn't force me to do anything, and next thing I know she bolts out of the closet and tries to strangle me with formal wear. All while Suzaku" glaring at his friend a moment he continued, "Just stood there and watched."

Raising his hands he huffed out, "Hey you're both my friends and I've seen what happens when you two get riled, I didn't want to get caught in the middle of that!"

Cornelia nodded in agreement as she rubbed the bridge of her nose, she looked Lelouch up and down and sighed, "She's right Lelouch, I let it slide before because I didn't care about Clovis looking bad, this evening will reflect on us and our friends, so stop being a child and just listen to some female fashion advice.

"I swear if you didn't have Euphemia around you'd be running around with a cravat and cape, now I'm going to go finish this paperwork and you three," looking at Suzaku she shook her head and looked back to her siblings, "you two behave or I'm going to make Suzaku your babysitter."

Looking completely scandalized the pair of royals both acquired masks of betrayal as their friend broke out into laughter, after a moment he cheekily replied

"Oh I'd do it too!" Cornelia nodded as she turned around and entered the hall,

"I know you would, good man, now get yourselves organized we have dinner with the Darlton's at six," as the door closed she could clearly hear Suzaku snickering, shaking her head ruefully she slumped back into her chair and stared down at the paperwork listlessly.

Eventually she glanced to the clock and saw she had a half hour till dinner, muttering "Screw it," she opened her desk drawer and removed a bottle of brandy, filling two snifters she called out, "Guilford!" Her ever loyal knight entered the room and saw the bottle, smiling he sat down, taking one of the glasses he lifted it to his Princess as he cocked his head lightly to the side.

"What shall we toast to your highness?"

Smiling wanly she clicked their glasses together, "To having family around to drive you completely mad and entertain you on the way."

Snorting the bespectacled knight grinned and downed his drink with a "Cheers."

December 31, 2012 A.T.B.

Lelouch fidgeted with the collar of his suit as he and Suzaku awaited their dates in the ballroom antechamber. The truly irritating thing about their social standing was having to put up with such formalities as being announced and getting gawked at like they were street performers. Gritting his teeth in an attempt to ignore the fact that he was decidedly uncomfortable in the high neck outfit he observed his friend casually leaning against the wall, for all the world looking like a bored noble in his green trimmed white outfit.

"Sometimes I forget that you had to do such events before the war, this is old hat for you just a change of venue, isn't it?"

Suzaku glanced over then nodded slightly, "Funny I was just thinking the same thing, the faces are different but it's pretty much the same thing really, a bunch of self important over entitled arses trying to network while basking in how amazing they are."

Lelouch let out a disdainful sniff at this, "Yes well, we must show how superior we are to the common rabble mustn't we?" Dropping the snooty tone as the boys exchanged a chuckle they went silent as Kallen and Euphemia entered the room, Lelouch was loathe to admit it but he felt his breath catch when he looked upon the Lady Stadtfeld.

The grin she gave him when his jaw dropped didn't help his disposition.

The scarlet dress was not in the normal formal gown style with billowing skirts, it was a slip of glittering fabric that clung to her figure hanging off her right shoulder leaving the left and her back exposed, the matching elbow length gloves and heels further adding to her allurement. Her hair was pulled up into an elaborate bun that had several lockes artfully loose to frame her face along with a light application of makeup, to put it simply she looked absolutely stunning.

"Lady Stadtfeld, as radiant as ever it would seem, it is obvious that you were able to pull yourself away from Rakshata long enough to properly prepare."

Returning the smile she nodded lightly, "Just barely your highness, she is umm...demanding...and to be perfectly honest I'm not quite sure if she is sane, the prototype she's designing involves me grabbing enemy knightmares with a giant claw and making them explode with radiation...I rather hope the cockpit is lead lined."

Chuckling Lelouch took her arm and Suzaku did the same with Euphemia who was smirking at her semi-smitten brother as Suzaku quietly complemented her midnight blue gown, Lelouch surrendered a chagrined smile as he replied.

"Trust me that was the first thing Ruben demanded when she floated the idea his way, having mad scientist's in your employ is great and all but you have to set ground rules, they tend to go a bit...barmy when you give them free reign and a blank check."

Suzaku snorted at this as he handed the courtier his announcement card, "Indeed, it took me an hour of arguing with Lloyd to get him to grasp that the emergency ejection system wasn't optional and I wouldn't be piloting it otherwise. The man is a genius but the fact he keeps calling me a "devicer" and has me listed as a KMF component in all the documentation leaves me a bit unsettled."

Euphemia sniffed a bit indignantly at this, "Indeed, personally I am looking forward to spending more time with Miss Cecile on the Nevermore project, she's far more socially acclimated then her compatriots, though truth be told that wouldn't be difficult, I think Lohengrin would have them beaten at this point."

Snorting Lelouch rolled his eyes as he handed off his card while continuing to approach the ballroom door, "Succinctly put dear sister. Before I met those two I would have never thought a pup would have more social grace then a pair of engineers, ah well at least they don't leave surprises in the corner like 'Grin does."

That earned a brief chuckle from the group as the doors swung open revealing the massive ballroom, the garland bedecked walls and prominent Christmas tree still drawing the eye to their splendor, though nothing could change the fact the place still smelled like fresh paint.

"Announcing Third Princess Euphemia li Britannia twelfth in line of succession and escort Lord Suzaku Kururugi Baron of Tokyo," the crowd turned and watched the pair gracefully walk down the stairs as they tried to keep their nervousness under wraps. This being Suzaku's first exposure to the nobility at large they had every right to be a bit apprehensive, ignoring the leers and glares from the sea of caucasion faces they were intercepted by a rather amused looking Cornelia.

The Witch of Britannia's pleasant smile towards the pair became an immediate endorsement and the halls atmosphere changed instantly, egotisticaly self entitled the nobility may be but they knew better then to cross those that the Viceroy considered friends.

As the trio stepped to the side of the grand staircase the courtier bellowed out, "Announcing Seventh Prince Lelouch vi Britannia sixth in line of succession escorting the Lady Kallen Stadtfeld second in her line of inheritance," the room watched the violet and scarlet clad pair descend the stairs as they practically radiated confidence.

Those in the room who could read body language noted both young teens had a predators gait to them as they scanned the room assessing threats and exit points, seemingly oblivious to several camera flashes they reached the bottom of the stairs and approached their compatriots.

"See I told you that suit would complement Kallen's dress," Euphemia beamed happily, Suzaku snagged a couple glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and raised his brows to Cornelia who nodded in acquiescence.

Handing one to Euphie he replied, "Oh indeed, the whole room took a breath when they saw you two enter, bit jealous really."

Kallen blushed lightly while Lelouch rolled his eyes, "Yes yes, now aren't we supposed to be socializing, pretending we care what these people think in a vain attempt to keep something resembling peace on the political field?"

Cornelia smirked at her little brothers desire to deflect attention away from his date and himself, "Note quite, the dance will start soon so there's no point in getting involved in a conversation we'd have to dismiss ourselves from."

Before she could continue this thought a tall man with long red hair approached the group, his dress uniform proudly displaying the rank of captain.

Kallen's eyes bugged a bit, "Naoto what are you doing here?"

Grinning he bowed to Lelouch, offered a nod to Suzaku and kissed all three ladies hands, "Since I came stag and snuck in with the rest of the military crowd I avoided getting announced, its the best way for me to avoid being approached with betrothal contracts."

He glanced at Suzaku and gave him a pitying look, "You won't know it for awhile but trust me, it will get very very trying on your nerves."

Gulping a bit Suzaku met Cornelia's eyes while she gave him a knowing smile, "Oh until he reaches his age of majority they all go through me, Guilford has taken to making tiny forts out of the stacks when he thinks I'm not looking."

Guffawing into their hands Lelouch and Kallen tried to cover their mirth as Suzaku flushed and Euphemia scowled, after a bit more playful banter the tempo of the band changed and central floor began clearing.

Naoto looked towards the cleared floor and then bowed to Cornelia, "Princess Cornelia would the Viceroy deign to have a dance with a lowly captain?"

Brows raising at his audacity a feral smirk curled up her lip, "No, but I'm willing to give a dashing young Duke in training the opportunity to prove himself," returning the smirk Naoto took her arm and escorted her to the dance floor.

Lelouch and Euphemia were struck silent a moment before she asked, "Did...did Cornelia just agree to dance? At her own vocation? In public?"

Lelouch mutely nodded as he watched his sister part the crowd with but a look, "Lady Kallen, your brother is either the most audacious man I've ever met or the craziest."

Kallen grinned widely as she began dragging Lelouch to follow, "Why not both? Come on I wanna see how well you can dance and I know all eyes are going to be on those two for a bit so lets use them for cover all right?"

Grinning in return he allowed her to pull him along as they were trailed by Suzaku and Euphemia the latter of which was explaining why it was such a big deal to see Cornelia acting like a lady.

"You have to understand Suzu that Cornelia is much like Lelouch's mother, she earned her position through conquest and has to have this 'woman of steel' persona around her at all times to demand respect from our rather patriarchal society. Her accepting this dance and not leading it sends the signal that she considers the mixed heritage officers and nobles as equals, more so then the traditional 'purebloods' back home."

Suzaku pulled a face at that as he shook his head, "Yeah I can see that, what's with this pureblood thing anyway 'I have an incestuous background so my weakened genetics makes me superior,' yeah, don't get it."

Shrugging she leaned into his shoulder to whisper, "There is a reason we're trying to change the way things work do recall."

Giving her a knowing smile he released her arm and bowed lightly, "My Lady, may I have this dance?" Curtsying she accepted and they joined Cornelia and Lelouch on the floor.

Cornelia had to admit, Naoto Stadtfeld was intriguing, she had honestly been a bit surprised to find out he was military like herself, when she mentioned that she hadn't seen his record when she was initially building up the garrison he chuckled sadly.

"That's because before you and your little brother pushed through the new laws I was persona non grata, never mind the five years of prior service since my mother was born Japanese I was basically barred from doing anything related to the military."

She closed her eyes and let out a quiet sigh at that, "Yes, what a waste, luckily for all of us my little brother's scheming typically has altruistic undertones; I shudder at the thought of what would happen if he went down the path of vengeance and conquest."

Naoto agreed before stating why he was there, "Not that I don't appreciate the dance, and may I say what a graceful dancer you are your highness, but the reason I'm here is actually to offer my assistance to your cause. While I've been reinstated into the military I have no assignment and while that won't last forever it gives me an opening to help those that allowed my mothers birth nation to retain its soul, even if you have no openings I understand I simply wish to make the offer."

Meeting the taller man's blue gaze she reflected that Lelouch chose a good family to get himself involved with, "I'll get in touch once I view your dossier. I'm always in the need of competent officers," grinning winningly they continued to dance for a time.

Soon the music picked up its pace and the twirling couples on the dance floor mirrored it, grinning Lelouch's eyes glittered in amusement, "Lady Kallen I must say your grace is only matched by your beauty, how long have you been practicing at this?"

Blushing while smirking she lightly smacked his shoulder causing him to grin, "Charmer, and since I was very little, my mother was actually a ballet dancer when she met my father. She took to the ballrooms as well as I do so she trained me so...so..." she cut off while Lelouch gave her a small not unkind smile.

"So no one would ever question your heritage?" She nodded quickly at this and right then the Black Prince decided he wanted to keep this girl in his life even if just as a friend.

"My mother was a commoner you know?" She met his eyes in shock as he nodded, "Indeed, she fought tooth and claw to the top of the food chain with nothing but her wits and guile, eventually she became the Knight of Two and her combat prowess earned my fathers interest.

"She...she had to deal with much prejudice as did I and...Nunnally..." Kallen kept respectfully silent as Lelouch swallowed his grief before continuing. "Anyway I know to an extent what you and your family have been through, so if you ever need to talk I'm here to listen."

Tears gathered at the corners of Kallen's eyes but she managed to blink them away, "Thank you your highness."

Grinning he gently tapped her forehead with his own, "Now now friends don't stand on formalities, just call me Lelouch ok?"

Grinning she agreed in so long as he stopped constantly calling her lady all the time which earned her a laugh, eventually as the dance called for a partner swap off Lelouch found himself holding Suzaku who looked flabbergasted. Features schooling into a scowl Lelouch glanced to his sister who was laughing loudly leading a bemused Kallen away.

Realizing what happened Suzaku shook his head and smirked at his friend, "I'll have you know I only put out after the third date," Suzaku stated flatly.

Lelouch looked at his grinning visage in shock for a few moments before busting out into laughter, returning the smirk he nodded, "You're at least going to have to buy me dinner first, so what do you think the tabloids will capitalize on first, my sister taking interest in a certain red haired man or that we're suddenly poofters?"

Allowing Lelouch to twirl him to the giggles of the surrounding girls Suzaku shrugged, "Probably both, next spin off is coming up, if you don't mind I'd rather we didn't repeat this."

Agreeing Lelouch immediately re-entered his comfort zone as Kallen ended back up into his arms.

"That young lady was uncalled for," grinning she winked at him with a wry grin,

"Aw come on, you should have seen the look on your faces, the Viceroy nearly fell over laughing if my brother hadn't caught her," shaking his head in amusement the song wound down and he offered his arm to Kallen. Escorting her off the floor he made his way to the refreshments followed by Suzaku and Euphemia, unfortunately waiting for him was the bane of his existence,

"Oh Lulu you looked so dashing out there with that hunky young Baron, if I'd known you swung that way I'd have brought a camera!"

Lelouch closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose as he turned to his best friend, "Hello Milly, having a pleasant evening?"

The blond grinned, her periwinkle gown sparkling lightly as she shifted her posture, "Oh yes Lulu, quite fun. Now imagine my shock when I find out my dear friend Kallen was being escorted by my dear friend Lelouch to a ball neither wanted to go to, and to top it off you both look so...happy!"

Dropping the flippantly amused tone she gave both her friends a warm smile, "I'm glad you two get along, you've both had it hard, you're good for each other." Neither knew how to handle this as the blonde sauntered off, more then likely to go embarass people she didn't particularly like.

"Did...did we just get some odd Milly blessing?" Kallen asked incredulously, Euphemia sipped from her drink a moment before nodding slowly in turn.

"I think you did, anyway it's getting late why don't we head to the sitting the room and wait for the evening to die down, I don't know about the rest of you but my feet are killing me after all that dancing," they all agreed and went to find a bit of privacy having no idea the PR coup they had accidentally pulled off.

January 1, 2013 A.T.B.

Emperor Charles zi Britannia was doing the one thing he despised more than playacting a heartless dictator, the paperwork involved with said playacting. Grimacing as he threw another form into the out basket a large colorful magazine displaying his offspring, namely Lelouch and Euphemia, with some other teens was tossed onto his desk.

Glancing to his right he saw the petite form of young Anya grinning at him. It really did honestly freak him out when the child displayed his wive's, Marianne's, facial expressions, leaning against the desk his disembodied wife began chattering.

"So, our son has done it again, he and his sister escorted the former Prime Minister of Japan's son and a Britannian halfblood to the ball last night, they were noted to be having fun and even had the girls mess with them by tricking the boys to dance together. Now the real coup de grace to their being nothing between my boy and the Stadtfeld girl is this is the first time he's been seen in public wearing color in two years, my little boy is growing up!"

Hearing all of this in a squeaky child's voice just further wierded Charles out, but alas lack of options, "Indeed dear, he is making important allies and business deals all the while garnering public support, I wouldn't be shocked if he took a shot at the throne in the next decade or so, if our plans fall through I just may allow it."

Chirping happily Marianne/Anya hopped into his lap further making things awkward, thankfully he had some morals and self control, "That'd be amazing Chuck! But really I don't think the kids realized what a boon this will be for them, the world over will see them as progressives and the youth will be pining after them and their friends, once the current generation dies off well...equality can't be that bad can it?"

Patting his wife/ward on the head he placed her back on the ground, "Indeed not, Lelouch and Euphemia have impressed me greatly, lets give them a few years to mature before we make any decisions, without C.C.'s help we cannot continue with the plan as it is so we'll consider our son a contingency plan."

Grinning happily Marianne skipped out of the room leaving Charles to his thoughts, "What will the future hold for you my son?"

February 27, 2013 A.T.B.

Clovis was not in a good mood, not in the slightest, his social standing had fallen to record lows, his allowance barely covered his preferred lifestyle, and his position as the deputy to his sister offered limited power, in a word he was in a rut. So when he had been contacted by one of the few men on this cursed chain of isles solely loyal to him he deigned it necessary to meet up with the man. General Bartley saluted his prince as he entered the secure facility, waving it off he stated in a bored tone,

"Why am I here general?" Nodding grimly to the prince the general led him deeper into the facility, after a few secure checkpoints he found himself in an observation lounge viewing a beautiful young woman with lime green hair, cocking an eyebrow at the general he motioned to a guard who shot the restrained woman in the head."

"O...k... I really don't see the point of wasting a perfectly good lady like that, what are you doing here Bartley?" The man remained silent as he kept staring at the propped up body, sighing Clovis turned back to the window to see the hole in her head seal and for her to jerk back up glaring at the window. Gasping Clovis stood and stared at the woman for a solid five minutes before stating, "Whatever you need general...it's yours."