Chapter Seven: Zero Makes His Move
Disclaimer: I do not own Code Geass.
Author's Note: Warning this story will contain shounen-ai and eventual yaoi...
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Zero glanced up from the reports he was reading upon seeing C.C. return from wherever she disappeared to. He never truly knew where C.C. went only that she would be gone for a few hours and it never seemed to be at a particular time other than when she deemed it necessary. Sometimes he would believe that she leaves out of boredom, but others appeared to be with an objective. After a while, he learned to not bother asking questions when he knew she would either be purposefully vague or just give him a blank expression, what was a silent refusal to answer.
However this time she was more forthcoming, which worried him when she stated out of the blue, "I talked with Lelouch."
"You made contact with Lelouch?" Zero immediately felt silly for reiterating what she said not even a second ago. "So that's where she went this time," He hummed reflectively.
C.C. came back from visiting the thought to be dead exiled Prince about a couple of hours ago and decided to be generous for once and tell him about her little adventure. "Yes, he has grown up quite well, but that's to be expected," She smiled briefly.
The revolutionary was actually out of costume. His silken golden locks brushed across his shoulders, his light violet eyes gleamed from the light of the computer screen. He hadn't turned to face her yet. Melancholy reflected in those violet orbs, "I knew he would."
"Aren't you curious to know what his Geass was and how much it developed?" C.C. baited Zero with those words, trying to pull him out of his brooding.
Zero finally turned to face her, his tilting in silent inquiry. He doubted she would actually tell him what he wanted to know, but his curiosity managed to get the better of him.
"No, I don't think I'll tell you what it is. Think of it as a challenge, Lelouch finds the idea to be fun," C.C. snickered, the trap was sprung.
Zero sighed looking a bit disappointed that she wasn't going to tell him what Lelouch's Geass did, but excited at the prospect of figuring out what it could be for himself. "Very well it would be hard to guess based on personality alone or desire. He has always been protective of Nunnally, but I can't assume that's what his Geass is centered around. It could be something else that motivates him," He placed his hand on chin, looking down pensively.
Trying to get Zero to focus on other matters C.C. asked, "Shouldn't you be checking up on our new recruit?"
"Yes, Diethard Ried was most helpful in last night's little escapade," Zero pulled up the man's picture and information on his computer to look over.
"I'm sure Cornelia was quite happy to see the media waiting for her outside the entrance of the warehouse she raided looking for Zero only to find a few corrupt noblemen," C.C. said cynically.
Resting his chin on his laced fingers Zero purred in satisfaction, "Luckily enough for her I told Diethard to spread the word of her location, but not what the operation was about. She would have looked very foolish if the media knew what she was truly after."
"I believe she will be aware of that fact that you did her a favor by not telling the media of her plans. It's going to anger her greatly. You always did love pushing her buttons," C.C lied down on the bed and stared up at the ceiling as if she was tired.
Zero sighed wistfully, "If her reactions weren't so entertaining I wouldn't have the urge to annoy her so much. She was always hotheaded."
"You can't change the past Zero," C.C. said softly, her eyes glistened a little in sympathy.
"I know, but you can't help but look back and wonder. It is human nature to look to the past with some form of regret," Zero whispered.
C.C. shook her head she knew she had to once again snap him out the cloud of gloom he constantly liked to shroud himself in. "I know something that will cheer you up, Lelouch is willing to join you, but you will have to discuss the terms with him. I'm sure you can arrange another meeting," She said causing Zero to perk up.
"Oh that, is good news. You did get his contact information before you left, right?" Zero asked. C.C. silently passed a slip of paper with Lelouch's phone number.
"I know just the place to go to meet with him. I'm sure he'll enjoy it. If I remember correctly he was an avid fan of classical music," Zero chuckled turning back to the computer rapidly typing away on the keyboard.
"Well looks like my work is done. He's not nearly as charming when he's depressed," C.C. lied back down on the bed, hugging Cheese-kun to her chest.
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Sunday when by fairly quickly, too quickly for the students of Ashford Academy since they were right back in school, it was now Monday, the most dreaded day of the week.
Lelouch having already finished his assignment pulled out one of his new books to read whilst the rest of the class weren't even close to completing their worksheets, which gathered several looks of envy. "Maybe I should have taken more time to do the assignment, but if it wasn't so easy I wouldn't have to bring my own books to class," He sighed, doing his best to ignore the heated glare Rivalz was giving him.
"Is there a Lelouch Lamperouge here?" A delivery man suddenly called out from the doorway of the classroom. In his hands were a bouquet of a dozen red roses and a small rectangular velvet box.
Almost simultaneously the class pointed to him, embarrassed Lelouch quickly walked over to the delivery man. The man smiled politely handing over the roses and box, tipped his hat, and departed to go out about the rest of his work.
Exhaling in dismay Lelouch carried his gift to his desk and tried to not make eye contact with anyone, to his relief the teacher got the class to concentrate back on their assignment.
Glancing down at the card that the roses and gift came with Lelouch read the note: A simple gift of appreciation. You shall help me a great deal. Lelouch knew the gifts could have only come from one person, so he slipped the card into his pocket before anyone else could read it.
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"I think coming here was a poor choice," Lelouch groaned. He had decided to have lunch in the student council room to avoid nosy schoolmates, which had been ducking all day especially his fan club.
"So what's this about getting gifts from a secret admirer?" Milly stormed into the room and locked eyes with Lelouch as if she was attempting to read his mind, quite ironic.
Lelouch rolled his eyes, "It was too bad I forgot about Milly the center of Ashford Academy's gossip ring. I wouldn't have sought refuge in the meeting room otherwise."
"He got a dozen roses and a gift," Rivalz helpfully filled in earning glare from Lelouch at his betrayal, but what did one expect when the guy's not so secret crush was the one asking the question and he knew the answer.
"So did the card actually say anything like the name of the girl who sent it to you and what exactly was the gift?" Shirley asked, hoping it wasn't from a lover. Lelouch was always so secretive, he could have had a girlfriend and not tell anybody.
"The card wasn't signed and the gift was a ticket to a "Medley of Romantic Era Music". The concert was sold out for months," Lelouch replied.
Everyone looked contemplative at his response. Whoever it was that sent the roses and the concert ticket had plenty of money to spend those tickets don't come cheap and specifically since the ticket was one of the reserved balcony seats.
"Wow someone is trying really hard to impress you, but how did they know you were fond of classical music," Milly folded her arms. She wouldn't say it aloud, but he did worry her a bit, she hated to imagine Lelouch gaining a stalker or worse someone from the homeland discovered him.
Rivalz asked, "Are you planning on going?"
"It would be rude not to and I did want to go in the first place," Lelouch smiled down at the ticket.
"What if she's going to be there? What if she is a crazy serial killer?" Shirley tried to deter Lelouch from going.
Milly rolled her eyes, "I think it was obvious that they are going to be there why else would there be only one ticket. If they sent two then there's a chance Lelouch would invited someone else. They want this to be a date so whoever Lelouch sits next to is probably be the one who sent the gift." She remembered from the last time she went to the music concert hall on an outing with one of her suitors her parents forced on her that the balcony only held two seats.
"Don't you mean, she …why are you using the word, they?" Shirley asked her eyes narrowed.
A mischievous glinted in a pair of sapphire colored eyes as Milly smirked, "I don't know if you noticed but Lelouch has admirers from both genders." Her reply resulted in Lelouch's head hitting the desk, Nina's and Shirley's faces turning bright red, and Rivalz merely patted Lelouch on the back in mock sympathy.
"Sorry I'm late… um… what did I miss?" Suzaku came into the student council room only to be confused. He was used to seeing the Student Council room in chaos, but it was rare to see Lelouch ready to bolt from the room this early. Unless it was time for Lelouch to cross-dress for whatever reason Milly decided it was necessary for, though in Suzaku's opinion it was just for her entertainment.
"Oh that's right you haven't heard yet," Rivalz proceeded to tell Suzaku of what happened earlier.
Looking around the room Suzaku could see how everyone was taking this bit of news. Shirley appeared to be crossed between sadness and anger. Kallen was absent probably due to her illness. Rivalz and Milly looked to be in high-spirits most likely at Lelouch's expense, and Nina was quietly sitting at the computer though the bespectacled girl did peek at Lelouch once or twice as if contemplating something.
Suzaku sighed, "This is what I get for coming to school late I miss all the exciting stuff." Yet he couldn't help, but feel a bit jealous of whoever sent Lelouch the roses and gift. He could tell Lelouch was excited about going, knowing his friend's love of music especially classical music. Another thing was that he had so far failed to give Lelouch a gift after he received the cell phone from his best friend. It was something he planned on rectifying soon.
"Yeah you missed how embarrassed Lelouch was. He was blushing the entire time," Rivalz chuckled. His amused expression turned to a pained one due to Lelouch hitting him in the back of the head.
"So are you going?" Suzaku asked.
Lelouch really wished he didn't have to explain his reasoning mainly because he knew Suzaku would object to him going. "Yes and I don't see why not. So before you state that it's not safe, it will be held at a crowded concert hall. Why would someone go through such lengths to harm me when there's easier and cheaper ways to do it," He crossed his arms.
Suzaku looked rather put off by how desensitized Lelouch was, nevertheless he continued to listen.
"Two tickets to the concert are at least three hundred and those are the cheap seats. These are place directly to the right and above the stage where the musicians will be performing. My so called crazy serial killer spent a grand on these tickets, not a very cost effective killer if you ask me," Lelouch smirked.
"Fine but call me before you go and when you get back so I know you're alright," Suzaku said seriously.
"Do you want me to call during intermission, too?" Lelouch asked sarcastically rolling his eyes in annoyance.
Failing to sense the sarcasm Suzaku replied, "Oh that's a good idea."
Shaking his head at his obtuse friend Lelouch only agreed to Suzaku's request knowing if he didn't Suzaku would follow him or at least slip a GPS tracker on him. A sudden thought passed through his mind for a moment and Lelouch gave Suzaku a considering glance, "No, he might still slip a GPS tracker on me," He mused.
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Night fell and another package from the mysterious Zero arrived. Upon opening the box Lelouch gasped at the fine quality tuxedo that inside, along with a long white silk scarf to drape over his shoulder, soft white gloves, and a pair of black leather shoes.
After removing the clothing from inside the box he found a note inside stating that transportation would be waiting for him at six o'clock, an hour before tonight's performance. "It looks tailor-made, but how in the world does he know my measurements," Lelouch murmured.
He shook his head, feeling it was best not to think about it any further. Taking a quick shower and changing into his outfit that did not fail to turn many heads, he walked outside of the academy's entrance to where a limousine was waiting for him.
"Mr. Lamperouge if would please come inside," The driver said. Lelouch noticed once again the driver was acting exactly like the one from the other night where he first met Zero.
"Thank you," Lelouch climbed into the vehicle, the driver closed the door, headed back to the driver's seat, and soon pulled out onto the street. Fortunately for Lelouch the limo left before the members of the Student Council could make their way towards him.
"Oh we just missed him!" Milly snapped her fingers in disappointment.
"Did you see what Lelouch was wearing? He was in a tux and everything," Rivalz looked impressed, Shirley looked ready to either cry or strangle Rivalz for his comment.
"Actually the tuxedo was a gift that arrived this evening," Nunnally said from the doorway of the clubhouse. She saw Lelouch off on his not date or so he told her earlier.
Everyone's eyes widen at the new bit of information. The first to recover was Milly who giggled, "So Lelouch's admirer sent him the clothes. This guy really wants to impress him."
"We don't know if it's a guy Madame Pres. It could be a girl!" Shirley exclaimed.
"Um… well… this isn't normally a girl's style. Men usually shower their lovers with gifts not the other way around," Nina surprisingly spoke, blushing a bit at realizing she what said aloud.
"She has a point," Rivalz agreed, though it took a moment for him to collect himself due to it being Nina of all people who said it.
"Well come on we might as well go. We can interrogate Lelouch in the morning," Milly grinned determinedly.
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Entering the concert hall, Lelouch glanced around to marvel at the beauty of the building. It was modeled after ancient Greek architecture, consisting of marble columns and statues all masterfully created to be striking, yet tasteful. What Lelouch never knew was that he was just as eye-catching as the décor of the concert hall. People were marveling at his attractive features, one pair of golden eyes.
After looking around the building and graciously declining several drinks when offered Lelouch was in his seat quickly noticing he was the only one present. "Calm down it's just Zero… yeah just Zero the most wanted man in the Empire," He tried to quell his nerves and failing.
Suddenly a pair of black gloved hands covered Lelouch's eyes. "It's only me," Zero purred into the dark-haired boy's ear.
Lelouch immediately was aware that Zero seemed to be unmasked as warm soft lips brushing up against his ear. Not that Lelouch could see, but Zero was disguised in a dark wig and golden colored contacts.
"Will you do me the favor of allowing me to place a blindfold around your eyes?" Zero asked.
"I guess it's a bit early to show me your face," Lelouch said softly feeling the man nod his head. "Go ahead, at least I'll still be able to hear the music," He inhaled deeply when Zero reached around him and removed the white silk scarf from around his shoulders.
Zero stroked Lelouch's cheek and smoothed his hair before gently tying the scarf around Lelouch's eyes. "Thank you," Zero hummed against Lelouch's skin.
This caused Lelouch to exhale the breath he did not realize he was holding. Without his sight, it seemed as if his sense of touch had multiplied in strength. Lelouch briefly wondered if this is what his sister had to deal with her blindness, having the other senses grow stronger to compensate. He could even smell the intoxicating scent of Zero's cologne more strongly with a perfect blend of basil, cardamom, juniper, and cedar.
"Now let's enjoy the evening shall we," Zero sat down in the adjacent seat, grasping Lelouch's hand and placed a kiss on his knuckles.
Lelouch's hand trembled slightly after being released with him struggling to regain enough composure to speak. He wasn't able to in time for the concert had begun. "Well, he certainly is charming," He sighed.
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A brief intermission took place giving Lelouch time to talk, "I can assume even though I'm blindfolded you're wearing a disguise."
"Correct I don't want anyone else to identify me. You are more than smart enough to take note of my facial and body structure to help in discovering my identity," Zero stated.
Nodding his head agreeing with Zero's logic Lelouch spoke once more, "What exactly do you want with me? Oh just so you know I am aware of your second reason for blindfolding me, but let's not dwell on that."
"Can't fool you… yes I don't know what your Geass is capable of so I took some precautions," Zero commented.
"Too bad you don't know my Geass doesn't require eye contact meaning his most likely does since he assumed mine had the same weakness." Lelouch thought, choosing to not use his powers at the moment. He was curious to see how much Zero would reveal of his own free will. However if Zero was hiding something more from him other than his identity then all bets were off. The man's identity was not something that important to him, Zero obviously hides his face for a reason.
"I believe we shall discuss your role in my plans another time this isn't the right place for that," Zero chuckled seeing Lelouch stiffen.
"Then why take the time to invite me here?" Lelouch asked, frowning slightly. He didn't enjoy having his emotions toyed with.
Zero took Lelouch's hand into his once more as he purred into the other's ear, "I only wish to spend more time with you. The last time we met wasn't very fulfilling don't you agree?"
Shivering from the warm breath blowing into his ear, Lelouch licked his suddenly dry lips to moisten them, "I… I agree besides I want to play with you again… in a game of chess I mean."
Snickering at seeing who flustered the younger male was from the unintentional double entendre Zero sat back to give Lelouch some space. He didn't want to push the boy too far.
It was fortunate for Lelouch that the intermission was over and the concert was beginning again he doubt he could take anymore flirting from Zero. "Now I know how Shirley feels after Milly is especially playful," Lelouch thought pitying the auburn-haired girl.
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The concert ended and everyone was leaving when Zero turned to his companion. "The concert was quite excellent, but I'm afraid I have to go. I will have to take you to dinner once we know each other a little better," Zero placed a kiss on top of Lelouch's hand.
"Will you let me see your face then?" Lelouch asked.
"I do believe when that moment comes you will be able to see all of me," Zero purred, knowing Lelouch was blushing neon red by now.
Ducking his head down trying to regain his lost sense of balance Lelouch didn't know what else to say, "I… I look forward to it."
"Goodbye for now Lelouch I shall contact you soon to discuss things... in more detail," Zero said leaving Lelouch alone and quite shaken, but hardly disturbed. Exiting the building Zero slipped into a limousine of his own where C.C. was waiting for him.
"So did you have fun on your date?" She asked, somehow she found it necessary to take her Cheese-kun with her.
Zero smirked, "Quite a bit. He looked very lovely in the tuxedo I had sent to him. I also learnt something very interesting. His Geass must not requite eye contact. He was not alarmed in the least about my blindfold. That's a useful advantage his has over my own."
"How did you figure that out?" C.C. asked curious to see how he was able to deduce that bit of information.
"Lelouch might be a masterful actor and maybe an accomplished liar due to leading this life as Lelouch Lamperouge, but some reactions can't be faked especially since I was doing my best to keep him off-balanced," Zero replied.
A raised eyebrow was all he got in response. "That and seeing him blush was entertaining. He still holds some of that innocence he had as a child," Zero chuckled.
"I think I'm rubbing off on you," C.C. snickered. She did love to toy with people's emotions, though she was inwardly disappointed that Zero had gotten used to it as time passed. He was once one of her favorite targets.
Zero took off his dark wig and golden colored contacts, "In a good way I hope. Anyway thank you for taking care of the security and broadcast footage for tonight. I may have been disguised, but I don't want to chance things."
"Your paranoia does come in handy sometimes," C.C smirked earning a glare from Zero.
"Exercising caution isn't a crime with Britannia is our enemy," Zero sighed.
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End of Chapter
Author's Note: I loved writing this chapter, releasing my inner slightly perverted muse was fun!
I drew inspiration from watching some Ouran High School Host Club episodes, they're so educational!
Well Suzaku better step up his game or he's going to lose.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter I know I did!
