Its 12am…meaning I failed to upload this weekend ;(! I'm sorry, but I still hope you enjoy this chapter~

Episode 6

Opening Up

The soft bristles at the end of the thin black stick moved carefully across her right eyelid at the command of his hand. The brush left a dark metallic purple powder that contrasted her pale white skin. He narrated each stroke he made as he layered a magenta powder on top of the purple and blended it out towards her eyebrow. A glittery gold was used to line the borders of her lid giving her a dynamic look. He then bestowed her with a heavy black wing that accentuated the colors on her right eye.

The man who painted her face then turned to speak eye to camera with his audience. His voice was powerful and commanding as he spoke.

"The first eye is complete, and with that we draw closer to finishing our prestigious midnight look. As always, I will finish the next eye off camera and come back to work on her lips and highlights."

His fingers snapped both for style, and as an indicator of where he would cut the video when he edited it later.

"Do you want something to drink before we continue?" he asked, the power from his voice subsided as he spoke cautiously to her. She refused.

The atmosphere in the room, as he worked on her left eye, was extremely tense and there was no way to escape. She looked at his lips that were turned downward and then looked up at his eyebrows that were slightly furrowed and she felt his hand tremble slightly as he applied the makeup.

"You've been wanting to ask me about it since yesterday right? And I have a big feeling that you're the one that took it."

The brush stopped moving, and eventually it was laid on the white table in front of them. His shoulders relaxed as he let out a deep sigh. He looked into her unwavering eyes which contrasted his nervous state. He was so shaken up about the whole situation over these past few days of which they didn't talk. Scary thoughts went through his my mind of why she possessed that dangerous weapon used for killing another human being in cold blood…but who did she want to kill? He was afraid as he thought of the countless times she referred to their relationship as 'temporary'. Maybe he took it away from her that night because he didn't want it to be true. He hoped it wasn't true, but the only way to find out was to ask her and hope she told the truth.

"…Why did you have it on you? Do you always carry it?"

"I carry it for protection."

"Don't lie! Why would you need protection? Guns are practically illegal outside of the military and black market. And our countries haven't had a war in decades, so why would you need it?"

"I have secrets I want to keep to myself, and besides, I already told you we could end our relationship from that night but you refused. If you're not satisfied with my answer then let's end it for real."

Silence took over the room for a moment. Lelouch's frown deepened at her evasive answer. The cold look in her eyes combined with the dark makeup he applied made him say something he didn't want to say, but was necessary in order for C.C to speak the truth.

"The look in your eyes is cold Camellia. You came into my life and gave me the ability to see what was wrong with me. I feel comfortable and at peace when I'm around you. I'm trying my hardest to hold onto you, but you're hiding from me and drifting further away…just like a witch…Why do you have a gun? You always say we are 'temporary'. So...are you just using me? Are you going to throw me away and abandon me?"

The room grew silent once again. Because he couldn't bear the tension, Lelouch got up and left to get water from his kitchen. Immediately, the girl who froze her emotions in ice let out a heavy sigh. Her eyes shut tightly as she clutched at her chest with her right hand. His words pierced through her ice cage. He was trying so hard to show her love once again, but her self-doubt caused her to push him away, just like everyone pushed her away. She was so afraid of the world repeating itself as it always did in her life, yet she was causing it to repeat in her attempt to stop it!

'Lelouch you have such a bright future ahead of you! I don't want to taint it with my life full of pain and misery. I just want to go. I have to go!'

Lelouch walked back into the room earlier than she anticipated so he was able to witness her wretched state. The glass of water he held, dropped to floor in an instant as he flew over to her side. He held her hands in his and called her name to get her attention. Apologies flew out of his mouth as he figured his words hurt her more than intended. She shook her head to reassure that she was fine, however he was not convinced. His arms wrapped around her small body to embrace her and stop the trembling that always happened when she was feeling lost and afraid.

'…yet again, his embrace is enough for the fear to go away-'

"I don't deserve you. Just let me go…and move on."

She confessed and he adamantly refused, stating that he was the liar and coward that didn't deserve her.

"I'm not perfect…I'm just like everyone, and you've seen it right C.C? The time we spent together, you have seen the clumsy, unsure and non-confident side of me. It was almost as if I was dead until the moment I met you!"

Her eyes widened at his words for she was truly shocked by his confession.

"D-do you depend on me Lelouch?"

The question she asked was one of importance to her. She always depended on others but it seemed like no one ever truly needed her.

Lelouch nodded his head in agreement. He could feel how fast her heart was pumping at his response. It confirmed to him that she hadn't truly abandoned this world.

"Don't."

She protested and he pulled away from the embrace to look into her eyes to find some bit of truth.

"Why?"

He asked and she just stared at him with hesitant eyes. She chose not to answer him at that moment, only promising to talk once they finished filming his video.

They continued, and he finished off the dark look with black lips that had shimmering gold and purple highlights. Finally, he shut off the camera and looked at C.C to receive an answer. Her mouth opened to form words, but she quickly shut it. Instead, she squeezed his hand tightly and stood up, ushering him to the black couch in his studio. Once they sat, she started to unbutton the black blouse she was wearing specifically for his video. He was taken aback by her sudden undressing, but maintained his composure. He noticed the anxiety in her eyes as she reached to pull up the black camisole she was wearing under the blouse. She then let out a deep breath as she pulled it up to reveal her pale stomach.

Her navel was revealed, followed by a red mark under her left breast. The rest of the mark was hidden beneath her black bra of which she was currently unhooking. At this point Lelouch was in complete shock. The mark, or rather, the scar look deep and crooked, meaning someone had painfully etched it onto her. He frowned deeply as she fully removed her bra to reveal the rest of the scar. She trailed the mark that looked like a trident as she explained how she got it.

"The first thing they did was strip me of my clothes. They then washed me or 'purified' me as they called it, before throwing me into a circle and etching this symbol onto my body. No matter how hard I screamed or cried, they didn't stop. I can still feel the pain when his dagger scrapped the skin off of my body. My blood spilled endlessly yet they didn't stop until it was finished…Do you want to know the saddest part of it all?"

"…E-ven worse than this?"

"Yes, even worse. My body, soul and mind was tainted for a year. Every time I close my eyes I relive the horror that took place. I tried to get counseling to live a peaceful life, but it didn't work and I continued to have nightmares knowing that the cult that did this to me and to Diana, and to all the other victims are still out there. Just before the party I was able to confirm it, so truthfully I wasn't angry at you that night Lelouch. I just wanted to escape my past through being angry at 'normal' things but it's impossible."

And there it was, the truth he had been looking for. She spilled all of her secrets, just like the glass that broke on the floor, spilling its contents and revealing everything.

Lelouch's hand unconsciously moved forward to touch the scar. He traced it from the top of her breast, causing her to shiver under his gently touch. With every moment his mood became gloomier as he imagined the pain she endured.

"Every time I look at this scar, I am reminded of my painful past…and I look at this scar every day because it never healed. It will never heal."

The dark, glimmering makeup also enhanced the sadness in her golden eyes. She looked at Lelouch to see his hands now clutched tightly together as his eyes were locked on her scar. He then looked up slowly to lock eyes with her. How could he preach to her about 'living with her wound' when she already tried to live with it to no avail…'Still, we can face it together'.

As soon as she buttoned her blouse he captured her in his arms. His right hand petted her long green hair gently.

"Thank you for opening up to me."

She looked up at him with an unsure gaze. 'Am I really going to drag you into this?' She thought but was hypnotized by his eyes which held love and concern all for her. She cupped his face in her hands as he leaned forward and lovingly kissed her shining lips, ruining the lipstick he applied earlier. His back slowly slid down onto the couch as she returned his kiss with a force that conveyed her longing for him and her regret for dragging him into her world. Their long kiss continued with her straddling his waist as he held onto her waist. After a minute they pulled away to breathe.

"I want to go further with you Camellia."

"There is no turning back once you enter Lelouch."

He was prepared to fight alongside her. He needed her to win his battles, and she needed him to win hers.

"Once I enter, you can't push me away." he stated strongly as he flipped her onto the couch and gazed down at her with half lidded eyes. Even though her face was covered in makeup, he could see a red tinge start to form on her cheeks as he scanned her with his violet eyes. She bit her lips shyly which made his heart beat faster. She reached up first to pull him towards her and she pressed her lips onto his. She let go of his lips and breathed heavily as they both stripped each other of the fabric that held in their humility.

It was like a pleasurable adventure as they explored each other on the small couch. Loud noises filled the apartment as they explored deeper and deeper into each other, bringing them closer than they had ever been. The adventure lasted for a long time until it reached its climax, which filled them both with an indescribable feeling. Their first journey together would be one they could never recreate. That's why they savored the ending and held tightly onto one another, never letting go.


It was now 8pm and C.C and Lelouch had moved from the small studio and settled on the bigger couch in the living room. They snuggled with each other under a soft blanket as they watched a sci-fi movie on his large tv. C.C covered his hand with hers as she began to tell him the reason why she I had a gun.

"To answer your question of why I carry a gun. It's because I am going to kill the man that tortured me, Diana and a friend I made in that place. His name is Mao and after the police busted the cult, we were separated. I'm also going to put an end to that cult by exposing everyone that was in it along with the vial things that took place."

"How will you do it?"

"I've been writing everything that happened on my computer after realizing that rehabilitation wouldn't help me find closure. Once I gain my revenge, even if it means taking myself down as well, I know I will find closure to this terrible life…That's why, I don't want you to follow me into this darkness. This world where you could die at any second."

"…as I said. Before I met you, I was dead. I'm going to help you find closure just like you are helping me find myself."

A loving smile graced her face as she caressed his hand. Suddenly he remembered the video he took the night she was drunk. He picked up his phone that was next to them on the couch and immediately searched for the video. She tried to find out what made him so excited but he told her it was a surprise. She tried to peak at his phone but he held it closer to him and laughed to tease her.

"Okay, if you don't want to tell me then I'll leave!"

She 'hmphed' and moved off of the couch. He playfully pulled her back and hugged her warmly to him as he showed her his phone screen. The video played of her confessing her love for him and she instantly tried to grab his phone away to delete the video.

"Delete it now." she demanded but he shook his head in protest.

"How could I delete the video that kept me company these few days when we weren't talking to each other?" his saddened voice and cute pouty expression made her heart thump.

"You're acting cute so I won't delete it aren't you? You're trying to use your magic to trick me…just like a warlock."

"I learned it from my witch~" he teased. The phrase that was used to belittle her. He wanted to change it to one that uplifted her and was more playful rather than malicious.

She pinched his cheek and grabbed his phones whilst his guard was down. He protested but she slyly grinned at him.

"Don't let your guard down. I learned it from my warlock~" she teased, referring to how he tricked her at the hot spring. Laughter escaped his mouth as he couldn't hold in his amusement at her cheeky behavior. Frowning, she poked him, which caused him to poke her back. The room was now filled with laughter as they prodded and played with one another. The tense mood that was between them earlier felt like it never happened as they laughed merrily in each other's company.

*JIBUN WO~*

They were surprised when Lelouch's phone (that was now in his hands) rang off. On the screen was a woman with long wavy black hair and violet eyes. On top of her photo was the word 'mother'. Lelouch looked at the phone with annoyance as he moved to decline the call. C.C stopped him.

"It's the vice president…and more importantly your mother. Why don't you want to answer it?"

"I don't want her to ruin this moment with her selfish demands. It's always something more she wants from me whenever she sees me." he confessed. Understanding his concern, she let him not answer the phone. It then rang for a long time before stopping.

"Do you hate your parents for not being there for you and Nunnally?" she asked and he sighed.

"When I came home with bruises she never noticed. When father saw them he scolded me for being weak. They only cared about me being the best in school so that they could brag to their colleagues. They spent the most time with my older brother Schneizel, whom they groomed to secede them as prime minister of Britannia when we moved to Japan."

Suddenly she became more curious about his family. She had only heard bits and pieces of how Charles Zi Britannia, the former prime minister of Britannia built a lot of respect in his country despite having multiple wives and children. What was even stranger was how he left his home country with Marianne to establish a university in Japan along with the Ashford family.

"Why did your father move here with your mother in spite of his other children?"

Lelouch couldn't answer her question fully, as he had no idea why they moved to Japan of all places. The only thing he acquitted it to was the fact that his parents were so obsessed with the establishment of Ashford University.

"My father had the closest relationship with my mother. I was told by my uncle that they were like partners in crime. As to why we moved to Japan, the only thing I know is that it was to be fully involved in managing the university…but even that is strange, since the Ashford's were handling it well even before we moved over."

Even in his own family he was left in the dark, especially being one of the youngest of Charles' lineage. Wanting to move on from the dreary topic of his family, he offered to make dinner as he heard her stomach growl.


After ushering C.C back to the living room, as she insisted on ordering pizza for dinner, Lelouch returned to the kitchen to prepare a creamy carbonara with pancetta pasta. C.C flipped through the t.v. channels to find something interesting when she landed on her favorite cooking channel which was currently airing a show called 'Chopped'.

*DING DONG*

The bell to Lelouch's apartment rang. He assumed it was a visit from Suzaku, so he let C.C answer the door. Looking at the tablet on the wall that showed live footage from the security camera at his front door, she saw the same black hair and violet eyes that were on his phone earlier. Behind the woman was Shirley, who was carrying a stack of bento boxes. She immediately turned around and called Lelouch as his mother rang the bell for a second time.

"I have a small feeling that you are not going to like who is at the door Lelouch."

"Isn't it Suzaku? He said he would visit me this weekend." C.C shook her head and moved away from the door so Lelouch could answer it. She retook her seat back on the couch as her mind and soul was prepared for the drama she knew was about to take place as soon as she saw Shirley.

Upon seeing his two surprise visitors, Lelouch's eyes widened. He thought he would pretend to not be home but figured his mother saw his car in the underground garage when she came. Taking a deep breathe in and out, he opened the door and tried to give his best welcoming smile

"Hello mother…and Shirley. What brings you two over so late?"

"Why didn't you answer your phone Lelouch?! There is a very important matter that needs your attention. Shirley and I drove here immediately from home to check on you because we were worried!"

She burst past him, took off her outside shoes, put on slippers and entered his apartment. Shirley followed suit after handing Lelouch the stack of bento boxes she made for him at his home with his mother.

Marianne showed surprise and then annoyance when she saw C.C curled up inside a blanket on Lelouch's couch. She quickly masked her emotions with the plastic smile she always wore.

"Hello C.C." she greeted as she walked over to the living room. C.C stood up, revealing the fact that she was only wearing Lelouch's black t-shirt that was just long enough to hide her underwear. Marianne's smile cracked for a second as she shook C.C's hand.

"I finally get to meet my son's girlfriend."

"Nice to meet you vice president."

"Don't be so formal. When we're not at school you can refer to me as Mrs. Britannia." she insisted and C.C agreed as Shirley joined them.

"Hey C.C!" Shirley greeted with a strained smile. C.C waved back at the girl.

"Shirley and I have prepared dinner for you Lelouch since we were worried but it seems like you've already prepared dinner. No matter, you can save what we brought for tomorrow."

"Is there a reason why you had to come see me in person mother?" Lelouch asked as he returned from putting away the bento in his refrigerator. His mother placed her hands on C.C's shoulders which made him nervous. 'Just go back home woman!' he thought.

"Shouldn't we have our first meal together with C.C? I'll tell you what I came for after~"

With that they headed to the kitchen to eat. What was supposed to be a relaxing dinner for Lelouch and C.C, turned into a disaster as Marianne interrogated C.C with unnecessary comments from Shirley.

"It seems like you two were very comfortable before I came here."

"Yes mother, she is my girlfriend and we are both adults." Lelouch snapped back.

"Lulu, you shouldn't talk like that to mother. We were worried about you!"

"It's fine Shirley…I remember when the two of you were in high school and I would always tease you about the same things when you were alone together, but now that you are older Lelouch, you are teasing me hohoho~" After laughing Marianne looked back at C.C. "I'm sure your parents teased you as well C.C?" she asked.

Lelouch frowned at his mother but C.C answered her in a calm manner.

"I don't know my parents, as they left me at an orphanage since I was a baby. However, a nun who took care of me always teased me about boys and such, so I do understand what you are talking about Mrs. Britannia."

Marianne raised her eyebrow at the fact that C.C was an orphan. She finished her bite of pasta before talking.

"So, you don't have any family at all?…you must be the special scholarship student that the committee in charge of the arts department spoke about. They boasted about your eye for fashion in our meetings…hmm~. It's such a shame that you have no background to further your success, otherwise you would have been perfect for my son!"

"Mother!"

He shot his mother an uncharacteristically annoyed expression which made her gasp on the inside. Her obedient son was lashing out at her because of this girl? It was shocking and she felt a bit insulted.

"Actually, Mrs. Britannia. It doesn't matter if I did not come from a prestigious family. The fact that I made it into your prestigious university on my skills alone speaks volumes already. In fact, don't you think its narrow minded to believe success is only passed on to those born into rich families?"

Marianne smirked at the daring girl. 'She's honest~' she thought as she continued to eat the rest of her pasta. C.C was successful in gaining just a little respect from Marianne, however Shirley didn't notice as she scolded C.C for talking back to her 'mother'. She looked at Lelouch to see if he had noticed how close she was to his mother compared to C.C.

Dinner was now finished, and Marianne was ready to tell Lelouch why she came.

"There will be an important banquet tomorrow celebrating the accomplishments of our university. You are to be in attendance along with Shirley as your partner. I expect you to be welcoming to our important guests to leave them with a great impression of the students of our university."

Lelouch nodded in agreement as Shirley began to speak.

"The dress I'll be wearing is blue, so you have to wear something that matches okay Lulu?"

'Not again.' Lelouch thought as Shirley rambled on about matching outfits. This time he wouldn't let her push him around. He needed to cut the rope she desperately tried to hold onto.

"Actually mother, I believe C.C should attend the banquet with me this time. She has been producing amazing work in her department and I believe our guests will be honored to hear her story and how our university supports people from any background."

Marianne pondered the idea before agreeing. If she wanted to see C.C's worth, then what better event than this one to test her at?

"Please C.C, I hate to be embarrassed especially in front of government officials. I'll let you attend, however Shirley is still attending as I have trusted her with these events for a long time now. Hmm, now that you've brought it up Shirley, matching outfits would look nice on the three of you." They talked for another thirty minutes about their outfits. In the middle of the conversation, Shirley disappeared to use the bathroom whilst Lelouch and C.C washed the dishes. After another hour she came out with a disturbed expression of which she dismissed as soon as they questioned her about it. Marianne then looked at the time on her watch and saw that it was 11 pm.

"It's quite late so we should get going. Goodnight my dear son~"

She pecked Lelouch on the cheek before leaving the apartment along with a disgruntled Shirley. C.C glared at Lelouch as soon as he came back inside.

"I never agreed Lelouch." she retorted angrily as he walked over to her and hugged her from behind.

"Please?~" he begged as they waddled over to the couch to continue cuddling. C.C shook her head in disagreement and he hugged her tighter.

"What if I buy you pizza?~"

"Hmph! Just pizza?"

"Weren't you saving up for a cheese-kun plushie? I can get you cheese-kun and all the pizza you want~"

"You haven't even collected any stickers to get it."

"I have my ways~" she pouted at his persistence.

"Fine. However if you don't have my plushie by the end of that day I will destroy all of your makeup." he smiled and placed a kiss on her forehead at her amusing comeback.

"I'm sorry you had to deal with my mother…and Shirley again."

She poked his stomach aggressively which made him wince in pain.

"The women in your life are so protective of you."

"It's more like an obsession to own me."

She laughed at his demise which made him start to tickle her in retaliation. After playing around, they returned to watching tv until slowly drifting to sleep on the couch under the warm blanket. The apartment returned to a state of peacefulness as they breathed slowly together.

To be continued~

p.s, should I change the rating? Idk, I'm terrible at writing smut so I don't know if I want to go all into detail with those types of things uwu I love reading it but I'm so embarrassed.