A/N: Hello everyone, I'm back! I want to first apologize for the loooong wait, I know, I know it's been literally months. But don't think I have forgotten this story, not even for a moment. Ive had a few messages from readers about the continuation of this story and it made me very happy! I wasn't expecting that, it was a pleasant surprise that my readers are still awaiting the anticipation of this story. I've recently finished exams and now it's my break and i'm back at home so I'm pleased to announce I'll be uploading the next few chapters easily now.
Well this chapter was suppose to be twice as long, but I decided to split it into two seperate chapters. Once again, thank you for your patience and your loyalty to this story. Please regard me kindly till the end of the story. Enjoy! :)
The steady rhythm of raindrops that pounded against the cave's rooftop filled the silence that stretched on between Lelouch and I. I avoided looking at him, and instead focused my sight on the small oil lamp that separated us. I tried to keep my pulse steady. Just Lelouch and I? For the night? This can't be happening to me. Most would consider me lucky, but I wasn't keen on being alone with him. A movement from Lelouch made me push myself back against the hard rock wall. I felt a soft fabric brush against my hand and I realized it was a balled up clothing. Looking up, Lelouch met my eyes with a stony stare.
"Get changed or else you'll catch a cold," he told me flatly. He walked toward the entrance and sat with his back to me with a towel in hand. Geeze, why am I so jumpy? Lelouch just did me a favor and all I've done is think negatively of the situation. Feeling a little embarrassed, I quickly changed into the sweatshirt he had given me, which was ONLY slightly bigger on me. I delicately sniffed it and I recognized Lelouch's scent immediately. More than that, Lelouch and I are roughly the same size. My cheeks burned with horror at the thought. I glanced at Lelouch's figure and a wave of emotion washed over me. I was looking at the back of someone who shouldered a lot of burden. Someone who seemed just fine in the surface, was not. I forced myself to stand and join him. As I sat down slowly next to him, I noticed how his body stiffened up. I drew my knees to my chin and wrapped my arms around it.
"Thank you." Despite him not answering, I knew he had heard me. He cast me a sideway glance as a small smirk formed at the corner of his mouth.
"I don't know whether to be offended that my sweatshirt fit you just right." I narrowed my eyes at him as I felt a vein pop.
"You should be embarrassed to call yourself a man," I quickly shot back.
"And you consider yourself a woman?" I tried to refrain from trying to crack his pencil neck and turned away crossing my arms. I heard his low chuckle and it somehow got me to relax. "Lelouch, can I ask you something?" I knew the atmosphere between us was just right and I was about to ruin it. But I couldn't help it any longer.
"You were bound to anyways." I took that as a yes.
"Who's Nunally?" I blurted out. I had a completely different question in mind, but that was the question I managed to ask. Another silence formed, and I quickly regretted my words. "You don't have to answer, it's out of place anyways."
"She's my sister," he replied in an emotionless voice. Sister? A confusing, wave of relief overtook me.
"Ah." Was all I could manage without giving away my feelings right at the moment.
"Is that all?" I nodded despite the questions that stuck at the base of my throat; like the fact that he was using refrain, the big elephant in the room. He turned his face the other way so I couldn't see his expression. Being this close, I could feel the electrifying heat emanating from his body despite the cold weather. It made me feel warm. We stayed that way, Lelouch and I. Eventually, the silence grew into a comfortable rhythm. My mind drifted to Suzaku. I wondered what he was doing right now. Was he with that girl who confessed to him? I shook my head to release those thoughts. I'm being spiteful. I shouldn't have these small waves of jealousy. I let out a loud, frustrated sigh. "Thinking about someone?" What the heck? Can he read minds? "From the surprise look on your face, I'm guessing I was correct."
"Lelouch, why did you have have a backpack? Were you going somewhere?" I decided to redirect the attention on him.
"Not exactly," Lelouch replied offhandedly. I knew he wasnt telling the truth, but I decided to not push any further. "Were you my partner?" He added. Oh right, the Test of Courage should be done by now. "Yeah."
"Then no one would look for us," Lelouch stated as I peeked at him from the corner of my eyes. "Rivalz drew the partners. He basically set us up, so I'm positive no one would be looking for us, yet." Oh my gosh, he was right. The next time I see Rivalz...
"I'll get him back," I muttered.
"I may be willing to help you," Lelouch mused thoughtfully. I glanced at him and let out a small giggle.
"What's with you now?" He gave me a small sudden smile that made my heart beat faster.
"Huh? Why is your cheeks turning red?" He asked with a confused expression.
"Because I may be running a fever," I replied quickly, turning away from him as I silent cursed myself. For a genius like Lelouch, he can be very slow at times. I felt a cold hand gently cup my cheek and I quickly pulled back in surprise.
"You do seem a little warm," Lelouch commented with a slight hint of concern in his eyes. I quickly averted mine and my words came out flustered.
"Well, I wonder why, Lelouch!" I blurted out. Lelouch looked quizzically at me. He stared hard at me for a moment as I felt my palms begin to sweat. "What is it?"
"I have to ask," he began. "Why have you stopped calling me Lelou?" He hesitated on his nickname as I blinked in surprise at the question.
"Isn't it bothersome?" I replied back slowly.
"You always called me by that name," Lelouch continued. "But around the time Suzaku came, you stopped. Is there a connection?"
"What are you implying?" I asked, baffled.
"I'm simply curious." I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Do you want me to call you that?" I queried as he shrugged.
"Beats me," He answered. "It's troublesome."
"Oh? The more reason to call you that...Lelou," I emphasized before I burst into a fit of giggles.
"You are indeed a troublesome girl," Lelouch replied as he held his hand over his face. It took me a moment to realize he was holding himself of laughter. He eventually gave in and laughed freely. I joined him, knowing this was the first time he laughed freely WITH ME. More than that, it may be the first time in a long while we've had a comfortable conversation. It felt like we were truly friends.
"I thought it would be so bad to be stuck here with you.." I began, feeling a little bold. "But now, I think I'm starting to change my mind. You're not so bad."
"Hm," he had a small hidden smile on his face. The cold, stoic prince I thought I knew, wasn't here. Without giving it a second thought, I moved closer to him. "Lelou." His eyes locked on with mine, and his amethyst eyes never looked more beautiful than they did right at that moment. My words caught in my throat, I completely forgot what I wanted to say to him. The small act of gentleness rocked me as his slender fingers lightly tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, accidentally caressing my cheek in the process. His gaze was piercing, but I couldn't look away. I held my breath, my heart racing faster and faster. Time stood still for a moment as we both gazed at each others eyes. His face is so close...just a little more and...
"It stopped raining," he announced as he pulled away suddenly and stood up. I heard his footsteps fade as he walked outside. I stayed rooted to my spot as my heart was still beating uncontrollably. I'm grateful he didn't stay around. I need to recollect myself because through that ordeal I realized I didn't breath once. I took a deep breath and walked to my consecutive spot deeper in the cave in front of the oil lamp. He was teasing me, wasnt he? My mind was blank as I waited for him. Soon after Lelouch sat across from me and leaned against the rocks. He closed his eyes without saying a word. I silently studied his relaxed expression. What did he think of that moment? Is he thinking about it right now? As I studied him, I thought to myself..who knew Lelouch could look a lot younger like this. I hugged my knees to my chest as I lowered my gaze to the dim lamp. It was flickering now, almost out. "Your hair looks lovely in this light," Lelouch suddenly spoke up just as the light went out. In utter darkness, I was glad he wasn't able to see my expression. I wonder if he saw me staring at him. He was definitely teasing me. I wasn't very fond of my hair color; strawberry blonde. But he complimented it, and my heart fluttered because of it. I remembered this was the second time Lelouch and I almost kissed. Maybe it only seems like it in my end..unlike Suzaku's case. But this seemed different. Very different, but I couldn't figure out why it was as sleep overcame me. My last thought: I didn't want this night to end.
I woke up in a daze as I could see a bit of light from outside. It was still dark, but it seemed like the clouds has cleared and the moon was out. I glanced towards the dim light of the entrance of the cave and saw Lelouch just outside. I rubbed my eyes of sleep as I walked and stood beside him. I tilted my head upward and was immediately overwhelmed. Lelouch finally got his star gazing. The stars glittered across the night sky, looking like diamonds. I noticed right away they were as bright as the moon, Lelouch was right. This was a spectacle to see.
"Nice isn't it?"
"It's beautiful, I haven't seen that many stars," I gushed as I clasped my hands together. We both stood there, enjoying the sight. When suddenly Lelouch pointed.
"Look, Shirley," I followed his finger and spotted another one streak across the sky.
"Shooting stars?" I asked in amazement as another one appeared and disappeared just as quickly.
"Technically, you're wrong. But at least you got the right idea," Lelouch chuckled.
"Make a wish, Lelou," I teased as he looked at me and grinned.
"Such a kid," he replied. I closed my eyes and the first thing that popped in my mind surprised me. I shook it off and tried making a wish. I couldn't make make up my mind and I eventually gave up.
"What'd you wish for?" I asked.
"If I tell you it won't come true," Lelouch replied jokingly as I playfully shoved him.
"I'm glad I witnessed this with you."
"Same." We both looked at each other and smiled, our words and feelings genuine, as streaks of dawn began to appear over our heads. I didn't think of what lay ahead of us, in our future. I didn't care at the moment what awaited us. I knew that this night, this moment was mine and his alone. It was enough for me.
A/N: Please review and let me know what you thought of this chapter :) I've already completed the next few chapters and things will only get better from here and out, thanks for being so supportive everyone!
