Alright here is the second last chapter. The dress I am trying to describe in the story that Kallen is wearing is the one in this video on youtube. The main singer of Ali Project wore it when she sang Chivalrous Youth Song at an Anime concert. Just type in Code geass ED 1 and it's the first clip in the list. I just love that dress and I could see Kallen wear that, a perfect fusion of Japanese and Britannian couture. The 1ST ED song of code geass R2 is the core of this chapter so please listen to it near the end of the story. ( I personally teared up writting one part of this.)
Enjoy!
She couldn't stop gazing at the thing, it caught every speck of light, drawing her gaze every time. Even worst, she was sure she looked like some flighty schoolgirl which annoyed her endlessly. Tearing her eyes away from her ring, Kallen brought her attention back to making breakfast as Lelouch had conveniently dismissed her whole staff last night. She sneaked a glance at her Lelouch who was searching for ingredients in the pantry.
A terrible blush shaded her cheeks as she pulled her hair into a loose ponytail before placing some water on the stove and pulling some things out of the fridge. True to his word he had not let her leave that room until they were well reacquainted. It wasn't just mindless love making either, he talked to her about everything that had occurred these last 4 years and she as well. It was like reconnecting with a part of yourself again.
Her heart had swelled when he just held her close and told her about his mother, what kind of woman she had been. Kallen could tell just from that that things were going to be different this time around. Placing some bread in the toaster she leaned back on the counter, watching Lelouch go about making 10 different things at the same time. A soft grin graced her face as she made a mental note to thank Milly for forcing him to learn how to cook.
"Kallen, you're burning the toast."
"Eh?" She turned around and freaked when she saw the smoke emitting from the stupid toaster. She quickly took the burnt toast our and opened the window over the sink. She turned around to find that Lelouch had taken over the kitchen, giving her a peck on the cheek as he past her.
"Why don't you sit down, you seem a little distracted." He suggested placing a cup of tea in her hands, forcing her to sit a the kitchen table with a pout on her lips.
"I'm just a little off. I mean, I'm now engaged to a prince of Britannia." She mused sipping her tea. Lelouch, took the muffins out of the oven and flipped the eggs adding sausages into another pan.
"Give me some slack, I'm marrying the warrior princess of Japan. I expect riots to break when news gets out," he replied setting the food on two plates and depositing the first before Kallen and the other at his spot facing her. He brought the French toast, hand made jam, fruits and tea over before he seated himself.
"That's another thing Lelouch, do you really think the people will stand for us to be married. If it was Zero marrying me they'd jump for joy but a member of the empire that subjugated them plus the Britannian nobles are going to have a fit…"
"I'm aware of the facts Kallen, but there is nothing to worry about. We are getting married and that's that. The world will have to deal with it." He said taking a bite of his French toast.
"And if they don't?"
"They will," he said in his Zero like tone. "They'll have no choice. No one at court can ostracize you since you are half-Britannian to begin with and your marrying into the royal family. That makes two reason. And even if they do, you'd put them in their place as the Ace of the Japanese takes no cheek from any nobles. That makes three reasons." Kallen smiled fully interupting before he could finish.
"So all the conditions are met for us to get married, right? You've sure put some thought into this."
"I've been planning it for a while. I made sure all obstacles were eliminated before I made my move." Lelouch said with a smirk. Kallen tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear.
"I'll leave the plotting to you, I trust you." She said getting up. "I'm going to pack my things, thanks for the food. Call me when we're leaving." She said leaving the kitchen.
Lelouch was left alone in the kitchen but the smile on his lips didn't diminish one bit.
He had finaly recaptured that peaceful feeling he had grasped momentarily four years ago and he wanted to bask in it's warmth.
Once they were inside Tokyo city, driving towards the shrine, Lelouch started explaining things to a suddenly very nervous Kallen.
"I have the private Japanese ceremony all ready and waiting for our arrival. They'll dress you and I and perform the ceremony. Then Milly has an after party ready at the club house before we must take a flight back to Britannia to present you to the court tomorrow where I will gain back my title officialy. Our Britannian marriage ceremony will take some time to plan but everything else is ready."
"What? But-Who will sit with me during the ceremony today?"
"Everything has been taken care of Kallen, relax. Unless your having second thoughts."
"Of course not, I want to marry you. I don't care what anyone else thinks." She reaffirmed, taking his larger hand in hers. "I've got you, I'm not about to let you go. We made a pact, remember."
Lelouch brought their intertwined hands together, kissing her hand. Soon, enough, they were close enough to see the torii gates of the shrine.
"You call this private? We are getting married at Meiiji shrine!" Kallen's face took on a pained expression for a fleeting moment just as the car pulled up to the shrine. "I just wish you would have asked me 6 years later, then…" She mumbled to herself just as Lelouch got out og the car. He went around and opened the door for her, bringing Kallen out of her stupor. He extended his hand to her.
"Are you ready Kallen?" The red head nodded, shaking off her gloomy face and took his hand in her own. Together they mounted the shrine's steps, Lelouch getting a stitch in his side for his valiant effort to keep up with Kallen but she still made it up there before him.
Her eyes widened at the congregation that seemed to be waiting for them. Old members of the dark knights were there along with Toudou, Ougi and even Tamaki was there. They crowded around her, pulling her into their bear hugs.
"So, our little Kallen's finally getting hitched and to a prince no less. You teach those Britannians how we Japanese roll!" Tamaki said giving her a noogie. Chiba gave her a strong hug before taking her place beside Toudou. He smiled down at her, presenting her with a katana wrapped in silk. Kallen accepted it with both hands, spying the emblem of the Black Knights engraved in the hilt and guard.
"You're a fine warrior Kozuki Kallen, the pride of the Japanese people. Take this and bear it with you in your new life." Kallen bowed deeply in reverance.
"Arigatou Toudou-san." Ougi wrapped her in his arms, placing a hand on her head, fighting back tears.
"I never thought I'd see the day little Kallen would get married. Naoto would be proud of the woman you have become Kallen, I know I am."
"Ougi…"
"Look what you've done to the poor girl, you've got her crying on her wedding day." They all turned to look at the group approaching them, led by Milly.
"Where is your slip of a groom Kallen?" Villetta asked as Kallen greeted a grinning Milly, Nunnally and Rivalz.
"Still climbing the stairs." She said just as Lelouch finally made it to the top. Villetta grinned evilly.
"You should have just come to those damned P.E. classes when I told you to Lelouch."
"Yes but somehow, I managed to graduate and survive without them." He shot, getting to his feet.
"Welcome to the family Kallen. Please take care of my brother." Nunnally said grasping Kallen's hands in hers.
"I will Nunnally."
"Wo hoo, look a the size of this baby. Lelouch sparred no expense here eh Kallen?" Rivalz teased.
"Where are Suzaku and Shirley? Are they not coming?" Kallen asked accepting the handkerchief from Nunnally to wipe her happy tears. Lelouch placed a hand on her shoulders, leading her and the group towards the inner sanctum.
"They're bringing the last guest here." He said pointing at the door that had just slid open before them. Kallen's eyes widened as her body shook with disbelief. She took a shaky step forward as Shirley and Suzaku smiled at her before stepping aside to completely reveal the woman standing behind them.
"Congratulations Kallen." The young woman threw herself into the older woman's arms, clinging to her as tears poured down her face.
"Okaa-san…How…?" Her mother gently stroked her hair, holding her close.
"She's been pardoned by the royal family and her record has been destroyed. She has a new life Kallen." Suzaku explained tearing up at the sight before him. Kallen smiled shakily, not believing this was happening. She had been sad that she was going to get married without her mother to witness it but everything was alright.
"I've already taken care of everything, relax Kallen."
"Lelouch…" She murmured. Her mother took a step back to get a good look at her.
"You've grown into such a fine young lady Kallen. I'm so proud of you." She turned her azure eyes to the only person who hadn't left them to have a private moment. "Please, take care of my daughter Lelouch."
"I will my lady." He promised bowing deeply in her direction before leaving them alone. Kallen caught up to him, barrelling into his body.
"I love you…" She sobbed into his shirt. Lelouch pried her off him and wiped her tears away.
"This isn't a funeral Kallen, we have to get dressed." He soothed.
"This is what you really meant, by having al the conditions set."
"You know me too well. Now get dressed or I'll marry Kaguya instead, she's waiting on standby in your dressing room." He said leaving to head to his dressing room.
"Like hell I'm going to let you marry that loli-con chibi! Over my dead body!" Kallen yelled after him through her teary smile before she left to rejoin her mother and the girls to get dressed for her wedding.
The champagne bottle popped open, Rivalz holding it victoriously over his head, everyone clapping as he poured them into their glasses.
"And this time you didn't get it all over you," he pointed out jabbing Kallen in the side. "And we're not underage anymore!"
"Yeah, except for Nuna-chan. Hey Suzaku, make sure she doesn't drink any." Shirley said as the knight was about to hand a shoot to Nunnally. "Nuna-chan!"
"It's just sparkling grape juice." He reassured her. Milly brought in a trolley full of food, apron on, flanked by Lelouch.
"And here comes the amazing food prepared by your former Student Council President and Vice-President for our extravagant-super-delicious-celebration-of-our-eternal friendship party!" She announced throwing streamers and confetti everywhere. "Gather round don't be shy. Shirley, Kallen, can you go and get the silverware, I left it back in the kitchen. Nunnally can you go upstairs and turn on the music?" She asked setting the hot platters on the table with Lelouch and Suzaku.
Shirley stood along with Kallen as they headed towards the kitchen, walking down the quiet hall together.
"It brings back memories, ne?" Shirley said breaking the silence. Kallen glanced at her with mild surprise before agreeing.
"It seems like only yesterday we were all doing crazy things here in this club house. I miss those days." Shirley admitted entering the kitchen. Kallen followed spotting the case of silverware by the stovetop. She moved to pick it up but Shirley caught her hand half-way.
"Kallen, I want to tell you I am happy for you." She said facing the pilot. "I know that you gave Lulu up so that I could be happy but he never looked at me the way he looked at you, however rarely you showed your face at parties. It took me some time but I figured it out especially when I found that headband. But it was by accident, I didn't go snooping or anything."
"Shirley I…"
"Don't apologize." She said leaning on the counter with a sad smile. "I got to love him with all of my heart, I can live on with no regrets. I know you'll make him happy. You're the kind of woman that can stand shoulder to shoulder with him in the cruel word of nobles and royalty. I just wanted to thank you. You could have taken him selfishly but you didn't. So, thank you Kallen. For letting me have Lulu."
"You're my friend Shirley, I couldn't do that to you." She admitted picking up the silverware. "Not after all the sins I comitted."
"We've all done some terrible things we would rather forget about in our lives but we can't live in regret. You're too kind Kallen. Always thinking about others just like Milly says," Shirley pointed her finger at her as they headed back to the hall. "Now it's time to think about yourself and your husband. I can't wait until our children can all play together in this clubhoouse!" Kallen's face eased into her carefree expression she used to wear when she was young.
"Thank you Shirley." They returned to the others, all smiles until they saw Rivalz hand Lelouch a wad of money.
"I bet him that's you two would fight to the death in the kitchen. Clearly I lost."
"Lulu! You shouldn't gamble! You're an adult now!" Shirley said smacking him with the silverware box lightly.
Everyone sat down, one seat left empty, all eyes falling to Lelouch. He stood up and looked at all of them.
"We've all come a long way from bratty high school students. We lived through the war, the rebellion and gained new friends and lost old loved ones. Let's make the first toast to our dear friend Nina, may her soul rest in peace. To Nina."
"To Nina." They chorused.
Rivalz stood next.
"A toast to the newly wedded Lelouch and Kallen Vi Britannia. Still can't believe you two are royalty now. Just remember that you guys aren't alone anymore, you'll always have us to rely on now." Shirley rose after him a warm smile on her pretty face.
"You two have a long road ahead but we'll support you every step of the way." She swore.
"We may not all be related by blood," Suzaku said looking at them both. "But we are a family."
"And this Clubhouse in Ashford will always be our first home." Nunnally said in her soft voice looking at them all with bright blue eyes.
"We will cherish the bond we share forever." Kallen added raising her glass as she stood too.
"And never forget the friends who stood by our side in our darkest moments" Lelouch said quietly.
"So cheers to all of us and our wonderful durable friendship! May our children share a friendship like ours and may god have mercy on Britannia when you two show up to court." Milly finished with tears in her eyes.
"Cheers!" They all cried in unison, raising their glasses in the air.
"Introducing to the court his highness, Lelouch Vi Britannia." Everyone's attention turned to the opening doors, anticipating the return of their lost prince. Lelouch stood tall between the arge doors, dressed in fitted royal deep violet garments with a splash of gold on the sleeves and collar. A large red cape rested on his shoulders, a golden rope holding it. His neutral expression and consuming aura brought silence to the chattering hall. He extended his gloved left hand and they were all shocked to see a woman's bare hand fall into his.
"Introducing to the court his wife, the Red Flash of Japan, Lady Kallen Kozuki-Stadfeld!"
Stepping to stand by Lelouch's side, Kallen revealed herself to the shocked nobles, starring straight ahead as Lelouch led them to the throne where Schnizel was seated.
The court was in awe, Kallen was legendary but her rumoured beauty seemed to be dead on. Her long locks were pilled into a pony tail held up by a strip of stiff cloth dyed vermilion floating behind her, the ends of her hair curled into ringlets. Her fair face had minimal make-up, just a dash of pink lipstick, eye shadow and mascara.
Her dress was causing a stir as well. It was definitely a court first. She wore a silk black furisode, with large white and red patterns of flowers woven across its fabric. The bottom part had been cut into strips to fall over her full black silk skirt she wore under the lovely kimono. A silver obi was tied at her waist, the knot made in the front to signify her wedded status. What was more shocking was that she wore a katana at her waist.
Lelouch looked at her from the corner of his eye as they got closer to the throne.
"You can still back out if you want," he whispered in Japanese.
"We're in this together you and I."
"You are aware that we are embarking on a path that may lead to chaos one day."
"It's been that way since day one. I'll just keep walking by you side on that path wherever it may lead." Tightening his hold on her hand, Lelouch starred ahead, that familiar smile hanging on his lips.
"Arigatou Kallen."
She didn't know what the future held for them. If they would have to take arms again or if they could live in peace, but she did know that she would brave whatever came their way as long as he was by her side.
And that their dream of a peaceful world had come one step closer.
To all those who opposed them, be ready to lose your life in their wake.
Happiness Tone (tv size)
ORANGE RANGE
I'll try gathering up the pieces of happiness that I picked up some other time in my chest
A melody that I started to forget about is right in the middle of me, unfading
Mune no naka itsuka hirotta shiawase no kakera atsumete miyou
Wasurekakete ita merodii iroasezu boku no mannaka ni
Thank you
From my heart
I owe it to everyone for that to be in me now
Arigatou
Kokoro kara
Boku ni ima ga aru no wa minna no okage sa
Thank you
From my heart
Next it's me who will deliver happiness to everyone, Wow
Arigatou
Kokoro kara
Tsugi wa boku ga minna ni HAPPY okuru yo Wow
I won't forget just about everything since me back then was also me
It was useless that I didn't always say 'I love you'
On a long night when my tears seem to spill, I suddenly turn back
And follow my footprints, so that I won't forget about that day
Nani mo kamo wasurenai yo ano hi no boku mo boku da kara
Daisuki da yo tte itsumo itte agenakatta dame da ne
Namida ga koboresou na nagai yoru wa futto furikaette
Ashiato o tadoru n da ano hi o wasurenai you ni
FIN