Hi! Hello! I'm very sorry for the late update. I actually lost track of time and by the moment that I realized that it was almost two weeks since I uploaded, I was already preparing for my vacation. Yeah, I was on an island vacation so I had been away from my laptop and the internet for a while. So sorry.

Anyway, the publishing schedule of the chapters might be irregular now since I also started Geass Playlist, and it will also depend on my work load T_T. But I am going to finish this story and also 'Please Come Back'. I actually know how both stories will end and some of the events that will lead to it so yeah, I hope you understand.

And have you seen Handou? The Lelouch x C.C. scenes are golden.

So here's the very long overdue Chapter 9. Hope you'll enjoy!


Chapter 9

Shirley stares at the pictures with wide, incredulous eyes. Mouth hanging open, speechless, her shaky hands tentatively touch one that shows the pair wearing matching cat ears head bands and laughing together. In the other photo, the prince has his arm around the girl's shoulders seemingly saving her from colliding into an oncoming cart carrying carnival stuffs. Meanwhile, another one shows the prince gazing softly at his companion who is totally unaware of it as she orders from a hotdog stand. Then, there is one where they are just looking at each other – smiling, contented, and at peace.

A familiar ache in the princess's heart is starting to suffocate her.

"They look so happy and lovey-dovey, don't they? Like they are the only people on earth."

Looking up, she tries to stop the tears from coming and addresses her guest. "Why are you showing me these? And aren't these invading their privacy?"

The man laughs mockingly as if he is finding the whole situation entertaining. "Why, oh why, Princess you ask? I'm just concerned about you. Hundreds of headlines have already been released anticipating a 'Royal Wedding' between you and the prince but all of a sudden, his childhood friend appears out of nowhere who is not even a royalty, and steals the prince away from his princess. A witch is a proper way to call her." He taps his chin and raises his eyebrow at her. "And no, I'm not invading their privacy. They are out in the public and a lot of people had also taken photographs of them."

Shirley steadies her voice and tries to show superiority over her company for his eyes are manifesting a crazy glint that she does not like at all. "Well, I don't know why you are doing this, but this is not in our agenda. I thought we are going to talk ab - "

"Blah, blah, blah. You're boring me, Princess." He looks pointedly at her as he picks up the picture of the pair inside the Ferris wheel and holds it between them. "This is more important than whatever you wanted to talk about. Let the Tianzi handle all the political matter." He snorts and Shirley is feeling more and more uncomfortable.

She secretly glances at Kallen and finds her already on alert with a calculating expression on her face. This calms the princess a little bit. At least she isn't the only one sensing the oddity in Mao's behavior and she has full confidence on Kallen's strength and skill, trusting that her knight would be able to get them out of there if the situation turns worse.

"As if that little girl knows anything about those things. I just left for a few years and everything in the Chinese Federation is friendly. Tsk. At least those dumb eunuchs can still be easily manipulated. Anyway... Here's my offer, Princess."

The princess holds her tongue. As much as she wants to appeal or to disagree to whatever Mao will be offering, she can sense that upsetting him will be the worst thing to do right now.

"You see, C.C. and I dated when she was studying abroad. We loved each other so much to the point that we almost got engaged." A familiar longing and nostalgic look touches his purple eyes which Shirley knows so well. And her suspicion and guard starts to disappear when a soft, genuine smile appears on his lips as he continues, "We were happy, so, so happy. She was my tutor before we got together. We did things together, had regular dates three times a week. We never fight, instead almost all of our interests are the same. I fell inlove with her intelligence, independence and beauty. I loved her so much… so, so much, Princess, but…" Shirley can't help but touch the top of his hand to give him comfort because she understands. She deeply understands loving someone too much that they bring you happiness with just a single glance or just by them calling your name. How happy and giddy she was when the prince finally called her by her birth name.

"But I thought she loved me, too." Mao looks at her with broken and pleading eyes – pleading her to make him comprehend how his loved one hurt him too deep, pleading her to tell him that he did nothing wrong, that it was not his fault that they fell apart. Pleading her to understand his pain which she already does. She squeezes his hand. Maybe, she misjudged him at the beginning.

Eyes brimming with tears, Mao reveals, "She told me that they were just best friends. I was fine with that, I mean, they've been friends for years and he is a prince so there's really nothing I can do. They had this regular video call every night which I was okay with, too. But eventually, there were phone calls in the morning, in the afternoon, during our dates. It reached the point that she almost forgot our date because she's been talking to him." He wipes the tear that escaped his eye. Shirley's heart is aching for him.

"And then?"

"And then, one day she wanted to break-up with me. I asked her why, what I did wrong, where I lacked as a boyfriend for her. She said that she just didn't love me anymore, and that's when I knew. She was cheating on me with the prince, for a very long time. I… I'm still giving the prince the benefit of the doubt, perhaps, he didn't know about me and C.C. had been playing with us throughout the whole time, but I just couldn't believe it. It still hurts so much, Princess. I still love her so much."

The man before her is so broken and miserable that the princess sits beside him and encloses him to a comforting embrace. She gently pats his back as he finally cries out for his heart break. Her own heart is in pain, is in pieces for him. His genuine love for C.C. reflects in the way his eyes shone when he spoke of their happy times together, and in the way his voice cracked when his love betrayed him.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," she whispers. This is all unbelievable. How can C.C. do this to a person? She had seemed like a nice, bright young woman whom the Royal Family adores so much. The princess herself had also fallen into her charms and wanted to be friends with her but time didn't give them a chance. But now, knowing that underneath that enchanting beauty lies a conniving witch that hurts people's feelings… Shirley shakes her head. How cruel and heartless.

"Thank you, Princess." Mao moves away and fixes his appearance. When his face is all dry and presentable again, he continues, "I'm just thinking about the prince's welfare that's why I want to talk about this to you. I know you're the right person who will understand for you love him sincerely and you're the rightful one to have his heart. I just want to save him from an impending heart break. He is clearly falling for her so hard the way I did. So, will you help me, Princess Shirley? This is not just about me and you, but this is about the future of the Britannian Empire and your kingdom. There's really nothing in it for me but to get C.C. and make her realize that what she is doing is wrong. But you, Princess, you can save a country and the heart of your beloved. At the same time, the King and Queen would be proud of you."

Shirley thinks back to Mao's broken and helpless expression earlier and she decides that she does not want to see the same expression on her precious Lulu's face. Oh, Lulu who only loves his family too much does not deserve to be deceived and hurt by someone he had trusted so much. She will do anything to preserve his happiness no matter what happens.

"I would be honored to help you, Mao."

The man smiles. "I'm glad. Thank you so much, Princess. So here's what we are going to do…"

And Shirley feels that finally she is doing something right.


Someone has been knocking eagerly on the prince's door this early morning but he seems to have other plans and continues to sleep soundly on his soft, comfortable bed. Meanwhile, C.C. has been wide awake since dawn with Lelouch's serious words echoing in her mind.

"Cera, will you be my queen?"

She hugs Cheese-kun tightly and buries her face on the yellow soft stuff toy's head. A whimper comes out of her. What is he thinking saying those words to her calmly and all composed as if he's just stating a fact? Is he aware of the weight those words carry and what it would mean to him and to her? Yes, yes she would be there for him until the very end but asking her to be his queen is a whole different thing in a whole different level. It's like… like a proposal. She lets out a whimper again as she buries her face deeper into Cheese-kun, her toes curling. Because how can she be his queen if they don't get married, right? And in order to get married they should at least be… i-inlove? With each other?

Her foot jerks involuntarily kicking the leg of her friend. Lelouch grunts but does not wake up.

Idiot, Lelouch! Saying something that would keep her awake the night before Cheese-kun's party. Idiot! Idiot!

If he finds her in this state – blushing and worried about his simple words, he will be laughing and claiming victory.

The knock hasn't stopped.

Sighing, C.C. gets up and glances at her companion's sleeping form – unaware of the turmoil he had caused her. She fixes his bangs that are dangerously sticking into his closed eyes and her heart skips a beat upon catching a glimpse of his peaceful beauty. He will be a great king in the future, no doubt about it. And no matter who will be beside him when that time comes, she firmly believes that the prince will be able to stand on his own feet and lead the empire with dignity and sincerity.

Finally, she goes and opens the door only to find the Empress on the other side.

"O-Oh, C.C.?" Surprised, Marianne's eyes travel on her figure, her eyes narrowing on Lelouch's white polo that she is wearing, then on her bare legs and lastly on her disheveled emerald hair. "Good morning, C.C. Care to tell me what you are doing in my son's room this early?"

"I am actually here since last night."

The empress's eyes widen. "Last night?"

"And the night before, and the night before the night before, and – "

"Hush! I get it, you've been here every night," Marianne huffs. "I am asking what you are doing here. I understand that I've been nagging Lelouch to find a wife and it is very fine with me if it will be you, but please, the twins are still minors and you're not children anymore – "

"Your son is the one who wanted me to sleep here."

She can see how the empress's mind scrambles with the latest information and stutters. "M-My son? You mean my very much naïve, unromantic son was the one who wanted you to sleep here?"

C.C. nods. "Right, Lelouch?" she shouts.

They hear a "Mmm-hmm" from the bed.

"I do not believe this."

In a rush, the empress enters the room and quickly pulls away the thick blanket that hides the prince.

"Wake up, Lelouch! It's already late!" the empress calls.

Lelouch groggily opens his eyes but upon realizing that two sets of eyes are looking down on him and one of them is from his mother, he scrambles to get up, almost bumping his head on the head board. "Mother, what are you doing here?" he gasps.

"Good morning to you, too, my lovely son. I'm here to fetch you personally but it looks like I discovered something interesting, too."

C.C. sees the moment Lelouch realizes that his mother is already making conclusions from finding out that they are sleeping in his room. His amethyst eyes widen and a blush starts crawling on his cheeks. Cute.

"Whatever you are thinking, it is wrong, Mother. It is just safer for C.C. to sleep in here and avoid being taped again. Or if something bad happens, she won't be alone."

"Uh-huh. At least get married first before giving me grandchildren," Marianne teases.

Lelouch shrugs. "Sure."

The empress blinks.

C.C. blinks harder.

"Son, are you okay? Are you feeling well?"

"I'm fine, Mother."

His mother gasps and grabs him by his shoulders. "Then does this mean that – "

"Okay, Marianne," C.C. cuts. "It's time to go. We'll just change our clothes and we'll go down for breakfast." She practically pushes her out of the room before Lelouch could spew weirder things that his mother can intentionally misinterpret. Of course, she was part of that, too, but it was so unexpected of Lelouch to casually answer her like that with regards to the talk of marriage. Lelouch, who basically shuts his brain down whenever the conversation turns about love and marriage. What is happening to him?

Returning inside, she finds him buttoning up a black polo. Leaning against the wall, she crosses her arms infront of her and asks, "What do you mean by that?"

"By what?" he asks back.

"Agreeing with your mother about us getting married first."

"Well, she actually has a point."

C.C.'s furrows her eyebrows in confusion. "Are you okay, Lelouch? You've been acting weird since yesterday. Did something happen?"

"Actually, yes."

This puts C.C. on high alert. Is it Mao? Did he do something again?

"You never answered my question yesterday."

Question? Oh, that question. "Because that's a strange question and I don't know if you're being serious."

"Well, I am." Done with wearing his polo, he walks towards her and stops a few feet, forcing C.C. to tilt her head up.

"If I would court you, will you let me?" he asks seriously.

To say that she is caught off guard is an understatement. "Huh? W-Why would you do that?"

"Because I'm inlove with you."

C.C. blinks at him.

And blinks again.

She blinks some more.

She has been blinking a lot of times this morning.

"Excuse me?"

"I said I'm inlove with you."

Of course, she had heard him the first time but… but what… how… this suddenly comes out of nowhere – totally unexpected and shocking, and she is not ready for this.

"I knew it something is definitely wrong," C.C. starts mumbling. "You must have gotten sick when we rode the Ferris wheel. Or you must have eaten something you shouldn't. Good job for getting sick during Cheese-kun's special day. What a nice father – "

"I am not sick, I am perfectly fine and I am inlove with you."

"Then why are you being so calm about it?" she cries.

Lelouch smiles gently at her as if he is totally decided. How can he just smile like that while she is on a verge of a panic attack? She can already sense an oncoming mental breakdown that a pepperoni pizza can only cure. He is being unfair putting her on the spot without any warning.

"Because it's the truth and I can't help it," he simply answers.

"As simple as that?"

The prince nods. "As simple as that."

This is unbelievable.

"Then since when?"

"Hmmm..." The prince glances up as if he will find the answer from the room's ceiling. He puts his hands into his pockets and just casually stands there like he is talking about the simplest thing on earth. "I really don't know. Maybe since we were kids. Maybe that's the real reason why I asked you to be my pseudo-girlfriend during highschool. Or maybe after that kiss in the airport before you left. But does it really matter?" He holds her right hand and starts tracing the lines of her palm. Both their eyes follow the smooth movement of his finger as C.C. tries not to squirm from feeling ticklish. "What matters is that I finally realize it and most of all, your answer to my question."

C.C. looks away because the expression on Lelouch's face is too much for her to handle. "This changes everything," she quietly says.

"I know."

"And you're still determined to do it?"

"Very much, yes."

"Well then," C.C. closes her eyes and takes a deep, decisive breath. She thinks of their more than ten years of friendship, of all the things they've done and experienced together. Flashes of bright, happy and warm memories filled her mind from the moment she met him during that very dark time of her life when both her parents were killed in an accident, she goes back to how, in his own little way, a young Lelouch comforted her and tried his best to distract her whenever she felt sudden sadness from their death, to after everytime she and Suzaku did something adventurous and dangerous, Lelouch would immediately go to her and check for injuries while scolding the both of them.

She thinks of the moment when they were going to be separated for the very first time – when she was informed that she got accepted in a university in Japan and how he smiled and congratulated her when she told him the news yet his eyes were telling another story. The very much unexpected yet breath taking accidental kiss that they shared in the airport that kept her up for countless nights, the silent tears she spent in the plane, and the homesickness she immediately felt upon setting her foot on her new apartment.

How their regular phone and video calls were the things that she mostly looked forward to everyday. She remembers the moment when she received the invitation for his birthday party - the way her heart skipped because of extreme excitement and happiness, her face warming up upon knowing that she's going to see him, until to the moment when they were finally face-to-face again and all she could think of was I missed you, I missed you, I missed you yet she tried to hold herself back and settled on teasing him as if the past three years of separation never happened.

She thinks of how her heart is always full whenever she looks at him.

Opening her eyes, she faces the prince and holds his gaze. "I am looking forward to your courtship, Prince Lelouch vi Britannia. I will be expecting so much from you." She gives him a levelled gaze. "Don't disappoint me."

The prince holds her hand that he was just tracing a while ago and formally shakes it. "I am the First Prince of Britannia, the heir to the throne, failure and disappointment is not in my blood," the prince highly declares.

And in that morning, a contract between the prince and the witch was made.


Slicing her piece of beef, the empress observes carefully the behavior of the pair who are sitting on her left. She watches as her son lightly reprimands his friend when a small piece of beef jumped out of her plate and went straight to his clothes. She can clearly see how Lelouch is holding his irritation back and just settled on calmly wiping away the sauce while C.C. is watching him with a sly smirk on her face.

So far, it seems that nothing had changed in their relationship. Lelouch surprised expression upon seeing C.C. in her Cheese-kun mascot costume was very much expected, as well as the girl's carefree response. But still… But still something is different. Despite their usual banter, a blanket of calmness is enveloping the two as if they just made a serious deliberation and came out in a mutual agreement. The prince no longer looks at C.C. with a mix of worry, shyness, alertness, and fondness. Instead, a perpetual adoring gaze is always directed to the girl even when she is not looking, and the way that he is treating her is more gentlemanly than before.

Meanwhile, a pink blush has never left C.C.'s cheeks ever since they entered the hall, even while she is teasing the prince. She also emits a very subtle shyness whenever he gazes at her.

Whatever happens after the empress left Lelouch's room must be life-changing.

"You've been silent, dear. Is something wrong?"

Marianne glances at her husband and gives him a reassuring smile. "Everything is alright. I am just wondering, would it be okay with you if Lelouch's chosen wife is not from a royal family?"

The emperor looks at his son and goes into deep contemplation. "He looks extra happy today, isn't he? Something must have happened earlier. I don't care whether who he is going to marry has a royal blood or none. As long as it is someone who makes him happy just like today and who he can depend on when times get tough. Someone who is loyal and would love him back greatly."

"How about our dear C.C.?"

"C.C.?" This time, the emperor directs his gaze to the green-haired lady. "Ah, I see." A fond smile appears on his lips. "Her parents must be laughing their hearts out knowing how things between our children turned out. Just like how things had turned out between us."

"You mean, how I was set up in a blind date with C.C.'s father, and you with her mother on the same night and restaurant and how we left the restaurant with different partners? Oh, wonderful times." A hearty laugh escapes from the empress as she leans into his husband. "It's so nice to be young and inlove. I just hope that they will be together forever and ever," she says dreamily.

"Hmmm. I thought you liked Princess Shirley for Lelouch?"

"Oh I did. The princess is a nice girl. But Cera brings out the sides of Lelouch that are so fascinating. He is so energetic and lively whenever he is with her. Hohoho!"

The emperor sighs. "You just love to watch your son suffer."

"Well, think about this," Marianne says giddily. "The time when Lelouch gets married also means that the twins are next."

"NO!" The emperor's sudden outburst stops all activity in the hall. Everyone turns their eyes to the appalled emperor. "NO! They are still babies! My babies! They still can't get married!"

Marianne tries to calm him down but the damage has been done. "Hush, Charles, I'm just joking. Lelouch really takes from you."

"Who's getting married, Mother?" the prince asks.

"Are you having more babies, Marianne?" C.C. adds.

"What? No! It's just a misunderstanding."

"We're going to have a younger sister or brother, Mother?" The twins are already excited.

The empress slaps her forehead. "Good lord, Charles, see what you've done."

"Well, it's your fault for causing me a mini heart attack. That is not funny." Exhaling, the emperor goes back to his normal calm demeanor and gets the attention of the guests. "Everyone, today is a very special day as we welcome the newest part of the Britannia Family. We honor him for playing a very important role in our dear C.C.'s life – for bringing her immense happiness, entertainment, company…"

"C.C. really put thought in your speech, huh?"

"… and for keeping her safe whenever she is alone and lonely. Join me in giving toast and welcoming Cheese-kun as an honorary member of the Britannia family!"

"All hail, Cheese-kun!" C.C. shouts while lifting her stuff toy up.

The twins, Suzaku, Clovis, Euphemia and Milly join her. "All hail Cheese-kun!"

When the prince didn't follow her, she looks pointedly at him.

"All hail, Cheese-kun," Lelouch mumbles at which C.C. raises her eyebrow.

"Fine. ALL HAIL CHEESE-KUN!"

And the banquet was filled with cheers and laughter that the empress wishes to stay forever.


"It's Princess Shirley."

"Why would she be calling you?"

C.C. shrugs and stares at the caller ID. "Well, she might as well be calling you since I'm using your old number." Handing the phone to Lelouch, she starts getting out of her Cheese-kun costume when the prince returns it to her.

"It's for you."

"Hello?"

"H-Hi, C.C.! I hope I am not disturbing you," says the cheery voice of the princess. C.C. nods at Lelouch and goes infront of the window.

"You are not, Princess. How may I help you?"

"Oh, well you see. I believe we weren't able to know each other well during my stay there and I really appreciated your kindness especially when we had that small talk in the guest room. I am wondering if we can meet again? Like uhmmm, a friendly meeting? I just… I just really wanted to talk to you more. But if you can't, it's fine."

Hmmm, this is unexpected. But Princess Shirley has been kind and pleasant to her, too.

"I think I can do that, Princess. It will be an honor to be your chosen company."

The princess laughs. "Please, don't be so formal to me just like Lulu. I'll just text the time and date and have a car fetch you."

"I don't think that's necessary. I can just ask the driver here – "

"It's fine. I'm the one who is asking you a favor. And I wouldn't like to bother the Britannias."

"I understand."

"Soooo… I'll see you, then? I'm looking forward to seeing you again, C.C."

"Me, too, Princess."

As soon as the call ends, Lelouch asks. "You're meeting the princess?"

"Yes. She would like us to know each other better because I was kind to her when she was here. Ah, she's so precious, isn't she?"

But the prince doesn't answer, instead he says that he will come with her.

"I don't think that's necessary, Lelouch. The princess is harmless, and Gino and the rest will be with me. Your presence might just make her nervous and we won't be able to talk properly because of that."

Lelouch stays silent and looks out the window, seemingly in deep thought. Touching his arm, C.C. assures him. "It will be fine. The princess's guards would certainly be there, too so it will be totally safe. If it will make you feel better, I'll text you every minute."

Finally, Lelouch shakes his head and faces her again. "No need to text me every minute, perhaps every hour will do." C.C. snorts. "Father will be leaving for China tomorrow. Let's hope he'll come back with a good news."

"Now that's settled, help me get out of this costume."

The prince goes behind her and sweeps her hair onto her shoulder. "I don't know how you managed to wear this alone but needed help to take it off," Lelouch mutters as he stops unzipping the back.

"Be careful, Lelouch. I am not wearing anything underneath, you might cut my back," she warns.

And she gets the reaction she expected for the prince blushes and shouts. "C.C.!"