Here's the new chapter!
Oh! And this is a reply for MythGaiden's review:
Your questions are interesting, but I can only tell you that your answers will all be in the future chapters. It will be a surprise for all of you in fact. So, do wait for it, okay? ^^
Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass and its characters but the plot.
Chapter 9
The morning breeze blew by; the sun was not too warm either. Tiny petals were blown away from its flowers; the fallen leaves, too, were blown away from its home. Lelouch was sitting on the bench, reading under the shade of an enormous tree, while allowing the breeze to play with his silky hair. His beige silky dress was following the flow of the breeze, his low heels sat underneath the bench while his bare feet lay on the soft and smooth carpet grass. From anywhere, anyone who passed by would definitely be attracted by that scene. Even the two bodyguards, who were just a few steps behind him, were mesmerized by the pretty settings in front of them, though it was not shown on their faces.
"Ka-chak!"
Lelouch looked up as he heard the sound of a camera shutter. Looking towards his left, he caught another flash from the camera. Before he knew it, he was already in the camera held by the smiling prince, Rolo.
"A very nice position to have a nice photo, don't you think?" Rolo asked as he went to sit beside Lelouch.
Lelouch smiled, "I thought it was some paparazzi that snuck into the palace ground unnoticed, but that would not be true since the both of them did not move." Lelouch glanced behind him and noticed Kallen smiled and nodded, while CC looked on uninterested.
Rolo chuckled, "They've seen me a while ago when I was just taking random pictures here and there. It was till I've taken two photos of you did you turn around for the third one."
Lelouch replied while still smiling, "Sorry for not noticing you earlier. May I look at them?"
"Sure," Rolo replied as he handed over his camera. There were a few pictures of the garden, flowers and trees before it reached to the final three. One was in a far angle of Lelouch reading the book, unnoticed of the surrounding. Another was a zoom-in photo of Lelouch, still reading the book, unnoticed of Rolo. The last one was a photo of the top half of Lelouch and him looking into the camera unknowingly with his right hand holding back the hair that covered his face when the wind blew.
"Amazing! You're pretty skilled in this," Lelouch told him.
"Well, it would not work if it isn't the right person in it," Rolo smiled. "It interests you so much? Our history?" Rolo looked at the book in Lelouch's lap, now closed.
Lelouch followed Rolo's gaze before facing him again. He nodded, "Pretty interesting, and besides, I don't have much to do here."
"I see. Then, you should have joined Suzaku for today's event. It's something to do about arts and portraits I think."
"Yes, but…it's okay," Lelouch replied, looking down as he remembered the short embarrass moment he had yesterday.
Rolo noticed it immediately and tried to console him, "You shouldn't take into mind of what happen yesterday. It happens sometimes towards popular people like us."
Lelouch looked up at Rolo and said, "Did Suzaku told you about it?"
Rolo nodded, "It was quite late last night when he came to me. I think you were asleep already."
"I see," Lelouch replied, though it was not quite true that he was asleep. He did turn in early, but it did not mean he was asleep. He had been sleeping late every night after he had come into the palace. There was no curse, but only his nervousness. When will he be free from those? He would not know.
Rolo had silently given orders to Kallen and CC while Lelouch was not paying attention. Kallen nodded and walked away with CC till they were both out of sight. Then only he turned his attention back to Lelouch.
"I suggest that you go with him to the events often, so that you'll be able to get use to it soon. It's not good to hide in the palace all day as the rumors will get worse. You have to show them that you're strong and real, and prove them that their wrong."
Lelouch was listening, but instead of nodding as he agreed to Rolo, he sighed.
"I don't know, Rolo. I'm not that confident anymore. The more I stay here, the more I feel weak and useless. I…I just want to live a normal life. I want to leave this place. I want to be who I am, and not what I have to be."
"Lelouch…"
"I'm nervous all day long. I'm worried about the truth that might be revealed every day. I don't feel safe at all. And, I don't even know what I'm supposed to do with Suzaku anymore," Lelouch ended as he closed his eyes and faced down. He looked stressed but he held his tears in strongly. He would never show his weaker side to anyone in the palace, not even Rolo who knew him more than the others.
Rolo was quiet as he kept on looking at Lelouch. Rolo had a rather complex expression. He had been thinking for a moment before he gave a shocking reply.
"Don't worry..." he said and Lelouch looked up at him. "I'll find a way. If getting out of here is what you want, I'll find a way. All you have to do is trust me and give me some time, okay?"
Lelouch's eyes went wide opened. He could not believe what Rolo just said.
"But, how? I don't think there's any way to do that. What reasons are you going to tell them? How would you know if it would work?"
Rolo smiled as he held onto Lelouch's left hand. He said determinedly, "It will work. Trust me."
Lelouch was dumbstruck. Would it be true, that he would have the chance to escape the palace? Would it be true that he would be able to be himself again? Would his dream finally be achieved? Would it?
"Trust me, Lelouch. I'll make it work."
His words were real. There were no lies within them. He could believe him. Lelouch would finally be saved.
Rolo had always wanted to meet Lelouch after the day Shirley had started talking about him. Back then he only knew Lelouch as a 'her' and had started to imagine her looks till Shirley sent him her class photo, where Lelouch was in too. That was when Rolo had been attracted to him. From the photo, he described him as simple, yet attractive. He had first thought that he was not interested in woman at all and he might be homosexual, but when he saw Lelouch, he finally had his hopes high as he had found the perfect one for him.
Since then he had been jolting down each and every word Shirley said about him. To his surprise, Lelouch's life was very simple. Lelouch had never spent his money like most girls do. He had never asked for anything special for his birthday and everything Lelouch had or did were a surprise to him, and that had attracted him more towards Lelouch. Rolo's daily life since then were all about getting back to his hometown quick to meet this girl he was attracted to. He even had plans in his mind and his daily planner to propose to her to first, ask her to be his date, and second, to ask her hand of marriage.
Well, that was all nicely planned till the day he was told that Lelouch was going to marry the crown prince, which was his dear brother. His legs crumpled underneath him and his heart almost stopped. It was as if his life had gone in just a second. But then, he was back on his feet after that few minutes when Shirley told him Lelouch's true identity. Later, he had no interest in what-so-ever Shirley told him about.
He had decided. It was time to head back.
"Rolo!" Suzaku called out as he came marching into Rolo's room. Rolo, who was printing photos, was back from his thoughts as soon as he heard the call.
"Yes?" he turned around then put on a smile as he realized it was Suzaku. "Oh! You're back, brother."
"So how did it go? What did she say? Everything went well?" Suzaku asked as he pulled out a chair opposite Rolo and sat on it. Rolo took the photos from the printer and went to sit behind his desk.
"Well, it didn't quite turn out what I had expected," Rolo answered casually as he arranged the photos.
"Why? What happen?" Suzaku asked as he leaned onto the desk and stared at Rolo straight into the eyes. It was scary for a moment, but when Rolo looked at him longer, he laughed.
"Don't look at me like that. You look as if your eyes are pooping out soon."
"Oh…sorry," Suzaku apologized and leaned back onto his chair. "So, how…"
"I told her that she should go out to the events with you often," said Rolo as he set his photos aside.
Suzaku nodded, "Then?"
"I know she agrees with me, but she said she felt insecure," Rolo continued.
"Insecure? Why?" Suzaku asked, worried.
"She said that she isn't confident anymore, that her secret would not be safe anymore. She feels like leaving this place and wants back her original life."
"But none of the palace people will spread it out. No outsiders will know that she was not one of the nobles. It's a secret that had been sworn by everyone here. She's definitely safe!" Suzaku replied as he became more agitated.
"Yes, no one from here would spill them out, but the people have their own minds and eyes to judge," Rolo explained calmly.
"But…what can I do? How am I supposed to show her that she'll be fine staying here?"
Rolo was quiet for a moment as he thought deeply. Suzaku only waited for a reply. Soon, Rolo looked up and suggested calmly.
"Try getting her things that she likes. Try to use those to build her confidence and persuade her that the palace would be safer for her to be. Then, bring her with you to all the events that you'll be attending. These might work for the meantime."
Suzaku stared at Rolo. He seemed dumb from the outside but then suddenly he laughed.
"You're right, Rolo! Why didn't I think about that? Thanks for the advices. I'll do the rest," said Suzaku as he stood up and ran towards the door.
Rolo was smiling as he watched Suzaku left his room. His smile faded away though once Suzaku was out of sight. His idea would definitely work, but Suzaku would not be able to do it, since he did not know much about Lelouch to begin with. Holding up the photos he had printed, he brought up the last photo to the front. He looked at it dearly and caressed it.
"I'll save you, Lelouch. I promise."
He was furious, not because he was mad, but he could not figure out what was Lelouch's interest. He had been walking thru and fro in the living room while thinking of any idea he could think of. Gino slumped on the sofa as his gaze followed Suzaku and sighed, his master had gone crazy again.
"My prince, wouldn't it be much easier if you just ask her instead?" Gino asked rather impatiently.
"I can't do that! It's a surprise, Gino," Suzaku replied, rather impatiently too. "I need someone who knows more about girl's type of gift, but I couldn't think of anyone."
"Don't you have lots of female fans, Prince? Anyone of them would do," said Gino as he grinned.
"They're going to stick to me as if their lives depended on me, and you're just going to enjoy the show," Suzaku countered. "Gino, be serious. Help me think of anyone that's close to Lelouch and was able to pick out the best thing for her."
"If it's that, you've got the answer already, Prince," Gino replied. Suzaku stopped and looked at Gino.
"I did?" Suzaku asked dumbly.
Gino laughed, "My, oh my! Prince, why are you so dense? There are only three of them who are very close to Lelouch."
Suzaku thought for a while. His stare at Gino was blank till he finally lit up a light bulb and suddenly shouted, "Ah! Milly! The chairman's daughter! She's one of Lelouch close friends."
"Right on, Prince! All you need to do now is to command me to call her and ask her to meet in the shopping complex," Gino grinned and prepare his cell phone.
"Tell her we'll meet at the largest shopping complex in this district in half an hour," Suzaku ordered and quickly walked towards the entrance. Gino already had the phone beside his ear calling Milly as he got up and followed Suzaku.
"Call Jeremiah to meet at the car straight," Suzaku shouted back to Gino as he walked, unnoticed of the incoming person.
"Suzaku, you're back."
Suzaku stopped immediately but his momentum was still in effect and he fell forward, hugging onto Lelouch. Lelouch was shocked but still he helped Suzaku back up.
"Sorry! I didn't notice you," Suzaku quickly replied as he stood back up.
"It's okay. Are you…in a rush?" Lelouch asked.
"Erm…uh…well, sort of," Suzaku replied, hoping Lelouch did not know what they were planning.
"Oh…I see…" Lelouch replied. Suzaku was sort of confused as Lelouch looked pale.
Caressing Lelouch's face with both his hands, he asked, "What's wrong? You don't look happy."
"N-Nothing... You're having an urgent meeting right?" Lelouch asked back instead.
"Ah! R-Right! We're on our way there," Suzaku lied as he suddenly remembered about the meeting. He then turned back to Gino and pretended to urge him. "Gino, go get the car now. We'll be late."
Gino had hid his grin nicely and nodded as he left quickly. Lelouch looked on as Gino was on his way to the car. He then looked back to Suzaku when Suzaku started speaking again.
"I'm not sure what time I'll be back. If I'm late, have dinner first without me, okay?" Suzaku asked gently as he was still worried about him.
Lelouch nodded and replied, "Okay. Good luck."
"Eh?" Suzaku was surprised. Good luck?
"Well, you're going to meet some important people right?" Lelouch asked.
"Oh! Good luck for that. I see. Thank you! I'll be heading off then," Suzaku replied quickly and started running towards the direction Gino had gone to. "See you later!" he shouted back.
Lelouch only waved as Suzaku was gradually out of sight. Lelouch finally tore away his stare as Suzaku was gone. He walked back into his room and lay on the bed.
"I was about to ask him about the event. I wonder if everything's alright." He sighed into the pillow. Lelouch had wanted to know if the rumors had died down, or else he would need to force himself to join another of the event Suzaku goes to. Still, he really wished that he could just be gone from this celebrity's life and everyone would just forget him as if he was some dust. He sighed again. Life was never easy.
Milly was waiting at the main entrance where the prince said he would meet her. She was totally shocked when the royal servant gave her a call and she could hardly believe it. But, when she heard Lelouch's voice calling the prince at the back of the phone call, she relaxed and confirmed to meet them in a while. Thus, the reason why she had to lie to her parents that she was going out with a friend.
Milly was anxious. Not only because she was given a private date with the prince, but she was even more anxious of people finding out who they both were. She had on a flower hat and white sunglasses to avoid people recognizing her. However, people were much attracted to her weird fashion and often turned to stare at her. Milly ignored them and trying hard not to feel anxious as the more she thought about it, the more she felt like fleeing home. Yet, she could not just run away as this meeting was important for both the prince and the princess, which was her best friend. She had to help them, even though she had a bad feeling about this meeting.
She was looking around anxiously when suddenly there was a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw a tall man with suit, extremely black sunglasses and a black fedora on his head, covering the brown curly hair.
"Let's go, we don't have much time to waste," Suzaku told her quietly and he nudged Milly to lead the walk. Milly gulped nervously before she started walking into the complex with Suzaku following her at a distance.
Milly walked rather quickly but Suzaku was not about to lose sight of her. Scanning through the shops, Milly was having a hard time finding one of Lelouch's favorite. After going through the whole ground floor, first floor, and second floor, Milly had finally walked into a shop in the third floor. Suzaku had allowed Milly to get in first so as to avoid people thinking that he was a stalker. Suzaku was looking at one of the cell phones two shelves away from Milly, waiting for a signal. Keeping his distance from her, he finally caught a hint as Milly called the sales girl towards her.
"The iPhone 4S please," said Milly as the sales girl nodded and brought it out. Suzaku was still pretending to be interested in one of the phone models while he listened to Milly's hint carefully.
Milly looked carefully on the cell phone and commented, "Hm… Pretty! It would definitely suit her."
"Buying it as a gift, madam?" asked the salesgirl.
"Not now. Do you think you would still have stock till I come back next time?" Milly asked.
"Yes, till the new model is out," the salesgirl replied.
"Very well. I'll come again when I have yet to find another. Thank you very much," Milly replied and left. The salesgirl bowed as Milly left the shop.
Milly purposely passed by Suzaku as she walked out. She whispered, "Get that."
Suzaku walked towards the place where Milly had gone to and asked the same salesgirl for the same phone. Immediately without much thinking, he bought it and left the shop. When he was standing outside, he noticed Milly was still there, standing in front of the shop, moving her index finger, indicating him to follow. When she left, Suzaku followed her again in his safe distance.
Walking down the emergency stairs, Suzaku finally noticed that Milly had stopped half way. She finally took down her sunglasses and gestured Suzaku to come nearer. Suzaku did as was told and he, too, took down his sunglasses. It was definitely dark to wear it at this time when the sun was already down.
"Did you get the right one?" Milly asked. Suzaku showed her the paper bag which contained a box. Milly took it out and opened it before nodding and closed it back. She had no intention to put it back into the paper bag yet.
"What happen? Why did you need to get a gift for Lelouch all of a sudden? Did you bully her?" Milly asked sternly.
"It's not what you think it is. She was upset about the rumors," Suzaku replied, trying to be patient with her.
"What rumors?" Milly asked again, frowning.
"People gossiped that she wasn't one of the nobles, so I had to think of ways to cheer her up," Suzaku replied, his patience still under control.
"So you think by getting her things she'll cheer up?" Milly asked but her temper still under control.
"Yes?" Suzaku asked back. It was Rolo's idea and he never had a doubt on it.
Milly was furious, but she quickly took in a deep breath and exhaled. Then she explained, "Look, Lelouch isn't the type of person to care much about things or money. If you're going to cheer her up, the best way is to talk to her and be with her all the time. Get it?"
Suzaku did not like the way Milly was ordering him around, but still he nodded, the advise was important to him.
Milly stared at him for a while more before she said, "It sure isn't your idea. You're not that bright after all." Then, she took down her hat and put it into her handbag.
Suzaku was embarrassed as her words had hit the truth directly. Feeling unsatisfied of being mocked, he countered back, "As if you know it was not my idea."
"Oh, I know. Don't deny it," Milly replied immediately.
"Chak!"
Both of them heard the same sound and turned up. There were footsteps coming nearer towards them. Quickly, Suzaku wore back on his sunglasses while Milly whispered, "I go up, and you go down." Then, she walked passed him and up the stairs. But, before Suzaku moved, Milly whispered again, "Hurt her, you die." She gave him a deadly stare before disappearing up the stairs. Suzaku rolled his eyes and walked down the stairs.
"As if I would do that," Suzaku whispered out but no one was listening. Then, he quickly walked towards the basement where his car was waiting and disappeared from the complex.
Both Milly and Suzaku thought they were safe and none had noticed them. Sadly, there was one and his presence was not obvious either. Holding tight onto his camera in his bag, he grinned and left towards his publishing company.
To be continued…
Oh my god! I'm so anxious myself! But, for this chapter to be able to finish fast was all thanks to my dear sister who gave me a brilliant idea! I doubt she would be reading this though. X/
Stay tuned for the next chapter! ^^
