AN: Hope you enjoy! There's a fluff storm heading your way in this chapter. ;)

P.S. Sorry for any mistakes I may have missed.

Chapter 10: Like Seahorses

"You know what Papa, this place hasn't changed much since I left." C.C. propped her chin on the palm of her hand, gazing out the window at the city scenery before her as her father drove them home. Finally after all the hassle of packing and waiting for permission from the hospital to take flight, she was finally back home in Japan.

"Is that a good or bad thing?" The older man looked over to his daughter with a small smile. "With you, nothing is simple."

"I guess it's a good thing." She returned her father's smile.

Despite the gloomy mood she's been in ever since he picked her up at the airport, he looked back at the road with a smile on his face. If he's allowed to be selfish, he's ecstatic that his daughter will only be a few miles away from him than in a whole other county. He knows that she's upset about leaving the life she worked so hard to build in Britannia only to be forcefully drawn back to square one because of her illness.

It's not fair, but that's the way life works and for her life hasn't been fair enough. But at least she has someone besides him who has great love for her and is willing to jump in and off of anything just for her.

Speaking of that someone-

"How are things with you and Lelouch? You haven't talked about him lately, is everything okay between you two?"

"We've been arguing a lot and it's becoming a killer." C.C. closed her eyes keeping herself calm with a breath. "I've been in a bitchy mood, but I can't help it sometimes. I feel stressed about everything and even though I don't want to admit it, I'm afraid that moving in with him will only force a greater gap between us."

"Ah, young love. I remember when your mother and I argued all the time over nothing." He's seen it all before because once upon a time... he was in Lelouch's position. "I think you and Lelouch just need to have a face-to-face talk. He's a strong individual who can be scarily calm sometimes." He joked and C.C. giggled at the known fact. He sure can handle and hold in a lot before he releases his fiery rage. Taking his daughter's hand in his, he continued. "What I'm trying to say is that Lelouch probably feels the same way. That man is head over heels for you so don't underestimate how much he's willing to shoulder for you C.C." He kissed her hand before letting it go.

"You're right... how do you do it Papa? You always know the right thing to say." C.C. genuinely smiled at the man who had a few strands of grey in his hair.

"It's called being a parent along with a few years of experience on my back." His eyes met hers. "Plus it's called being observant in which you still lack in my sweet child."

"Ha-ha, you're not funny."

"I can say the same, you stubborn girl." He chuckled when C.C. playfully hit his shoulder with a smirk before turning back to look out the window. The father looked at her a little longer before facing the road with a sad smile. "You have so much to learn about the struggles of loving someone."

#

"Don't worry about the luggage, I'll get that for you." C.C.'s father handed over the keys to his home before opening the trunk so he can take out her luggage.

"You know, I don't remember the airport being that far away." C.C. commented, putting on the specially designed backpack that held her oxygen tank before stepping out of the car. Walking to the door, a sense of nervousness washed over her easily. Now it's only a matter of time before Lelouch comes over to her father's house and pick her up and bring her to his. The idea alone of starting a life with him 'officially' brought her great happiness. She may have left her life in Britannia, but none of it will ever come close to the life she'll be building with Lelouch alongside their friends and family.

After unlocking the door she waited patiently for her father to reach her side before entering the home together. He announced that he'll put her luggage in her room and asked if she could take out the ice cream so they can celebrate her return with a sweet dessert. Laughing at his enthusiasm, C.C. traveled down the hallways of the quiet home making her way into the kitchen and then-

"SURPRISE!" Loud voices filled the quiet atmosphere as confetti poppers went off. Being caught off guard, C.C. jolted in shock, taking a step back whilst placing a hand over the heart that pounded hard against her chest. "WELCOME HOME C.C.!" The loud voices shouted again and probably traveled throughout the house. Getting over the surprise, seeing the familiar faces of her close friends and family with wide honest smiles on their faces filled her with great love and happiness.

"AH! How did you like it Hun? You totally wasn't expecting that weren't you?" Milly shouted then pushed past a couple of people to embrace the ill woman tightly. C.C. released an awkward giggle, hugging her friend back. She looked around to see welcome home banners hanging along with colorful streamers and balloons that found their places around the kitchen walls and counters. "I missed you C.C.! Now you're stuck with us forever! No more running away sweets."

"Yeah, I guess I have no choice." She smiled politely. When Milly pulled away, one by one people started coming up to her saying the same things along the lines of "I miss you" or "How have you been?". It was great seeing them all again, failing to realize back in Britannia how much she really cherished all her close friends. She really did miss them all, but there was one person that she missed the most and he was standing quietly in the back with a smile on his face among the crowd. Waiting patiently for his turn to overbear her with hugs of longing.

When everybody had their chance to spend a little time with her and gravitated towards the food her father and Marianne helped out serving. Her heart fluttered in her chest when her tall, handsome, midnight-haired boyfriend made his way towards her.

"Welcome home C.C." His smooth voice brought goosebumps to her skin. Lelouch brushed her hair out of her face, provoking a pretty dusty pink blush to cover her cheeks. Making the usual sly woman shy away underneath his loving gaze. "What's the matter? Why are so shy all of the sudden?" He lightly teased.

"Who said I was shy? That's a false accusation you know." Feeling a little self-conscious, C.C. fidgeted with her nasal cannula, but then- Lelouch's gentle hands placed over hers, stopping her movements before bringing it down, letting their fingers interlace.

"Don't be ashamed, you're still perfectly beautiful in my eyes."

"I don't like liars Lelouch."

"I know… that wasn't a lie." Lelouch leaned in slowly, carefully pressing his lips against her soft ones, absorbing the overwhelming sense of the end of longing. Oh, how me missed kissing her or just being around her in general. His patience may have ran thin a few times at the distance, but finally the day has come where they'll be together. Pulling away from her sweet and intoxicating self, he whispered: "I love you."

"And I love you." She smiled at him prettily, sending his heart soaring high into the sky. "I hope you don't mind, but I have to change into something a lot more presentable than this." C.C. stepped away from him so he could clearly see what she was talking about. Embarrassed that she looked sloppy being dressed in her baggy sweats and a very loose t-shirt.

"Alright." Lelouch gave her one more kiss then let her go. He watched as she excused herself from the party before waltzing into her room and shutting the door.

Immediately upon entering C.C. took a moment to switch her oxygen tank from her bag and over to a rolling one so she didn't have to carry it. After doing so, she went to her closet in search for an outfit whilst dressing down to her white spaghetti strap and panties when a few soft knocks striked the door before it opened- revealing the young midnight-haired man.

"Geez Lelouch, have you no sense of privacy? I didn't give you permission to enter." she covered herself slightly. "I'm not decent."

"I've seen a lot more than what you're showing now." Lelouch present her a smile. Entering the room and clicked the door lock, he took stride towards her bed then sat on the edge of it, holding out his hand as he kept his eyes glued on her.

"I wonder how you became such a crude man." The green-haired beauty smirked taking his hand and he assisted her in straddling his lap. "We can't play 'adult wrestling' right now… not with all these people here at least."

"Now look at who's the crude one, that wasn't my intention in coming here." he chuckled. "There's something I want to ask you."

"Okay?" C.C. tangled her lithe fingers in his ebony locks.

"W-would you like to go on a romantic getaway with me?"

"Of course." she answered without hesitation. "When are we leaving?"

"Tonight."

"Tonight?"

"Yeah, I'm off this weekend and-" he pulled her body closer to his, encasing his arms around her tiny frame. "I want the chance to reconnect with you before you move in." His hands idly traveled along the expanse of her back before resting down on her waist. "We've been arguing unreasonably so much lately and I don't like it C.C. I'm not going to lie to you, but I questioned our life together, I doubted my love for you."

"What?" C.C. felt a hard jab in her heart. One thing for sure is that she's scared of Lelouch leaving her. It's a fear she has even before she'd fell in love with him and hearing him clearly say that he doubted his love for her upset her. C.C. looked away, "A-Are you still in love with me? Do you still doubt-"

"No no… never again will I think like that. I was weak minded and I never want to feel like that again." He cupped her cheeks to face him again, his violet eyes meeting her amber. "C.C., there's no words to justify how much I love you and that's why I want to fix things between us. Let's go away, just the two of us and no one else."

"...what I'm trying to say is that Lelouch probably feels the same way."

C.C. was reminded of her father's words, making her realize that she's not completely alone in fighting off the wormhole that's been trying to pull her away from their happiness. "Alright, I think that this getaway will help us. I don't know about you, but I was afraid that if we moved in together with they way that we are then we'll only drift further apart."

"Yeah… I feel the same way." Lelouch gave his girlfriend a quick kiss.

"I'm sorry for being a bitch, you didn't deserve it."

"I'm sorry for being an ass and for doubting us. I promise to try harder and talk about our problems more often so they won't build up like it did."

"Sound like a plan." They both smiled and she pulled him in for a small kiss, breaking away, "So… what will be doing on this romantic getaway you're having us go to?"

"Hmmm… it's a secret."

"Okay." She smirked. "Well let me finish dressing before people start to wonder and I really don't want Milly to start asking embarrassing questions and showcase our business in front of everyone."

"Agreed." Lelouch smiled and C.C. did the same, giving him a sweet kiss to which he happily reciprocated. "I love you."

"I love you too." C.C. got off of him and waited for him to leave before going back to her closet to find something nice to wear for the party. "Hmm...what to wear, what to wear." She pulled out casual sleeveless pastel mint dress. "This should do."

#

C.C. couldn't have asked for a better reunion with those she cares about. As usual, Milly had to be extravagant and busted out a karaoke machine. It was hilarious watching Suzaku sing his little heart out painfully and very cringe worthy against the surprisingly good singer Kallen. Euphemia sang softly while of course Milly outdone herself by adding spontaneous choreography. The others were not half-bad in singing. After everyone had their turn, Rivalz and Gino harassed her until she finally gave in and embarrassingly sang alongside Shirley. She's not the best, but she's definitely not the worse; especially when compared to Suzaku.

But all that mattered was that she came out of her shell and enjoyed a perfect night in her long overdue reunion with her friends.

The rest of the night consisted of various of games, drinking, and recalling embarrassing moments of their childhood. Towards the end of the night they filled their stomachs greedily with delicious foods before the night finally had to be called. Most had work in the morning and others, mainly Milly and Kallen, thought it was best to leave before the alcohol got the best of them.

After saying her goodbyes, C.C. packed a bag for the trip, bidding her father a 'see you later' who in return made sure she doubled checked and had everything. It must be a parent thing as she simply laughed it off and doubled-checked anyways to get him off her back. Once she was cleared C.C. left the home and joined Lelouch who waited patiently in the car.

"Ready to go?" Lelouch asked when C.C. settled herself in the car.

"Yup. I saw that you had a packed bag back there." she nodded her head to the backseat. "You assumed that I would agree to go on the trip?"

"Sure, why not?" Lelouch reached for her hand, lacing their fingers together affectionately. "Even if you said no, I know how to change your mind."

"Oh yeah, how?"

Lelouch swiftly kissed the back of her hand softly, "It's a secret."

"You sure do have a lot of secrets I don't want know about."

"Problem?"

"Maybe one day." They both smiled and met halfway for a loving kiss. Pulling away with fluttering hearts as they started their destination to their romantic getaway.

#

When they arrived at the hotel and into their suite, C.C.'s heart literally dropped down to her stomach, leaving her feeling breathless at the sight.

"What is this Lelouch?" Walking in in slow strides, pulling her oxygen close behind her, C.C. ogled and awed at the highly romantic, cliched, rose petal covered bed and the ice bucket with a champagne bottle inside with two glass on the table. "You're awfully cheesy." She mocked and Lelouch just ignored, setting their bags by the dresser with a TV propped on it. "The area is very beautiful too, far enough from home and the bustling city."

"Well, it is a special night. It's the beginning of our newly refreshed start of our life together."

"Ohh, if I didn't know any better I would mistaken this as our honeymoon."

"Thinking about marriage already C.C.? Are you eager to marry me?"

"What? No! That's not what I meant." A heated blush found it's way on her cheeks when he stepped closer to her. "You're in my personal-"

"So you don't want to get married?"

"I never said that."

"So you do want to marry me."

"I didn't say that either."

His brow lifted teasingly. "Hmm… okay. What do you want to do then?"

"That's not up for discussion." C.C. turned around to escape his gaze, wanting to push away the subject. "Anyways, I assume you planned this way before I came back home." she idly walked over to the bed, playing with the delicate rose petals. "You always have to be ahead of the game, don't you Lelouch."

The said man came from behind wrapping his arms around her small waist, pulling her body closer to his, inhaling her sweet scent as he placed wet kisses along her smooth neck.

"This is a nice suite, very spacious and carefully decorated, I like it." she tried to carry a conversation, but her attempts were futile since he currently occupied himself in giving her tickling kisses, making her let out a few laughs.

"Good, I'd hope you would." She shifted slightly out of his grasp but Lelouch pulled her back.

"Oh, look a balcony!" C.C. tried to escape him again, but-

"Where are you going?" he chuckled, pulling her firmly back against his chest and continued to assault her neck with kisses.

"I want to look outside."

"You were just outside before you came in here." he smiled turning her around to face him, swiftly indulging her in a heated kiss. His hands almost instinctively trailed down to her hips caressing her there before giving her a light push away from him, breaking their kiss as she landed on the bed resting on her back.

"My, My. A little aggressive aren't we? I didn't know you were into that."

"Just a little." Lelouch brought her oxygen tank that was in the rolling bag a little closer to the bed so that her nasal cannula wouldn't have to stretch. Carefully getting on the bed shadowing over her frail figure, "I missed you so much."

Reaching to gently caress his cheeks with cold hands, "I missed you too… now we don't have to worry about ever being apart."

"Yes… I'm forever by your side. I love you so much C.C."

"I love you too Lelouch."

They kissed again before he removed himself from her with a last gentle kiss on her porcelain cheek. He walked away, "Would you like have a drink with me?"

"Seriously?" C.C. half sat up, supporting herself by propping onto her elbows to get a good look at him as he continued to walk across the room.

"What?"

"You practically assaulted me, forced me onto the bed, lead me on, and now you're going to leave me hanging for a drink?"

"Geez, you make it sound like I took advantage of you, plus it's not my fault you read the wrong signals." he sexily winked at her before sitting at the small table where the ice bucket was at. Pouring himself and C.C. a drink, "I heard that this particular champagne is good. You should- Oh?" Lelouch's amethyst eyed the pastel mint dress that was haphazardly tossed in front of him on the floor. A sly smirk crossed his lips and when he looked up to her and his eyes darkened.

"How about we play first then drink later."

"You don't have to tell me twice." Lelouch smiled widely, tossing back both his and her's drinks before speedily rising from his chair, taking off his shirt and tossed it on the ground, kissing her passionately when he reached her side. Lifting her up and her legs wrapping around him, he then carefully placed her on the bed with care than like what he had done earlier. "You're a tease, you know that right?"

"Who knows, it's a secret." she playfully mocked.

They both laughed before kissing again for the nth time that night, leading up to a night full of honest and passionate lovemaking. Having the starry night and moon as their witnesses. The drinking glass that were once filled had been forgotten in the midst of their long awaited reunion.

#

Everything felt like a dream… is it too good to be true that she feels this happy right now? Will it be taken away from her sooner than she wants it? After an explosive and very passionate night with Lelouch, she considered herself a very lucky woman to have a lover like him. As she stood outside on the balcony gazing at the beautifully pink, blue, and purple painted morning sky, the crisp cool air brushed her skin and made her feel like a complete and whole new person.

C.C. awakened early to dress, change her tank, and cleaned her cannula before it became a problem as they went about their day. After enjoying the fresh air a few minutes longer, C.C. walked back inside, coming to the view of her adorably cute boyfriend sleeping on his stomach who wore a tiny frown in his sleep. Not really sure if she should being feeling jealous over the pillow that he snuggled so comfortably against, she smiled prettily and went to his side of the bed, gently getting on and laying close to his side.

"Goodmorning Lelouch." she beamed then placed a few absent kisses on his bare shoulder. The sheets of the blanket that covered his waist down were the only things that kept him from being fully exposed in his birthday suit. "What are we doing today?"

"Hmmm?" his eyes opened, showing that his beautiful violets were heavily clouded in sleep. "What time is it?"

"It's 6:48."

"What? Why are you up so early?" His voice came out in a hoarse whisper.

"I had to change my tank and tube."

Flopping his head back onto the pillow shutting his eyes, "Come back to bed Early Bird." His hand reached out for hers and she grabbed his, rubbing the pad of her thumb on the back of his hand.

"After I shower Night Owl." After seeing a faint smile cross his features, hers did the same and ruffled his already messy hair before he quickly fell under the sleep spell again. Leaving his side, C.C. went to her bag taking out fresh undergarments and shorts to wear. Searching through her bag for a shirt- "You know what, I change my mind. I'm going to wear one of Lelouch's…I'm almost certain that he packed extra." Opening his bag, she dug through his clothes looking for the right shirt to wear when suddenly her hand touched a small box that was buried deep inside his bag.

Looking back to the bed where he continued to sleep soundly, her curiosity got the best of her and took out the small box. Her heart raced at the sight of the small white jewelry box. "Oh, no." beginning to feel lightheaded, "I wonder if it's what I think- no… It's probably a gift. Yeah a welcome home gift he forgot to give me last night… I shouldn't open it… just put it away." Battling herself over whether or not she should open it, she tried to do the right thing by tossing it back inside his bag… but curiosity got the best of her again since she pulled it right back out.

Opening it slowly, her soul instantly left her body. Heart stopping, throat tightening, the continuous flow of oxygen couldn't even help her from feeling breathless. Golden hues animatedly widened and hands shook when her suspicion was confirmed. Inside is definitely not a welcome home gift, but a beautiful diamond engagement ring.

Placing a hand over her mouth for a silent scream of shock, C.C. then lightly threw herself backwards onto the carpeted floor pretending to pass out. Shutting her eyes tightly momentarily, she sat up and looked back at the delicate diamond ring of the white box in her hand. Cheeks flushing in a crimson, "Is he going… to propose to me today… tomorrow?" Forced to pull away from her thoughts when Lelouch moaned out sleepily, she hastily closed and buried the white box where she found it. Taking a shirt and zipping his bag back up, C.C. hurriedly entered the bathroom before Lelouch woke up and see the guilt on her face.

With one thought in mind… if he asked her this weekend… what would she say?

#

When Lelouch woke up, his eyes landed on C.C. who sat next to him as she adjusted and put in her nasal tube. He could tell that his beautiful girlfriend had just gotten out of the shower from her wet hair that cascaded down her back. He also could see that she took it upon herself to wear one of his t-shirts. Always perfections in his eyes. "Goodmorning C.C."

"Morning Lelouch." she said blatantly, unable to look him in the eyes.

"Can I have a morning kiss?"

"After you brush your teeth and shower, maybe then I'll bestow you a morning kiss."

"Fair enough… want to know what we have planned for today?"

"Mmmhmm." She turned to him nervously wondering if his proposal is part of the plan.

"We're going on a adventure since I know how much you love that."

"You are very right." she smirked, putting on a facade to hide her extreme nervousness. All she could think about is that ring.

"And then towards the end of the night, we can just lazily lay in bed and watch movies and eat junk food." Lelouch sat up, scooting closer to wrap his arms around her waist warmly giving a kiss on her cheek. "We're going to be out all day today having fun. How does that sound?" He held her closer, basking in their shared warm as he laid his head on her shoulder. Failing to notice how tense she'd gotten.

"Yeah-" her throat cleared, "sounds good."

"Okay, around 12pm we're leaving and because it's still a bit early you can dress now or dress when the time gets near. In the meantime I'm going to shower." Lelouch pressed a quick kiss on her head before leaving the bed shamelessly in all his glory. C.C. watched as he dug through his bag taking out a few articles clothing and her heart pounded hard wondering if he'd noticed that the ring had been moved. Though he never said anything as he grabbed the rest of his hygienic things and entered the bathroom shutting the door.

"Oh man-" C.C. lazily got underneath the sheets, trying to calm her racing heart. "I'm in so much trouble."

#

"C.C. have you seen my- never mind I found it."

The green-haired woman sat quietly in the car feeling a little disappointed. Yesterday they had so much fun sightseeing, playing games at the arcade, visiting natural gardens, and went out for pizza. They ended their night exactly how Lelouch wanted it, but the entire time she was out, she kept a very close eye on him and wondered in anticipation of when he was going to pop the question. Does she want him to ask? Or does the weight of knowing getting to her?

Today is their last full day here since they're only here for the weekend.

"Hey, are you okay?" Lelouch asked.

"Huh?"

"You've been… sort of out of it since yesterday. Is something bothering you?"

"No, just have a lot of my mind." Quickly pecking his lips she exited the car putting on her portable oxygen backpack before shutting the door.

Staying in the car a little longer after her departure, Lelouch couldn't help but feel a little conflicted with her sudden awkwardness. They're not fighting or anything and their relationship has been improving a lot as they continue to work out a few things; but so far according to his knowledge, he thought they were pretty good. Not really sure if he had said or done anything to make her act this way. Exiting out of the car and locking it, he walked over to the woman who waited patiently for him. "Are you sure nothing's bothering you? I want to make sure that everything is okay between us."

"Everything is good, I promise you didn't do anything wrong." she reassured, holding his hand and giving him a satisfying sweet kiss to top it off. "Now let's go see some Whale Sharks."

Still feeling a little doubtful even if he felt like she was telling the truth, he didn't let the little negative feeling control him. Walking at the entrance of the large aquarium the young couple handed in their tickets and Lelouch allowed himself to be pulled around by his eager lover.

C.C. may come off as a stone-cold, heartless woman; especially when her mischievous and cunning attitude came to play, but because he's known her for most of his life, he knows for a fact that C.C. has a soft spot for animals. "What do you want to see first? It doesn't really matter to me." Lelouch asked, looking around the semi-crowded area that were filled with families and school trips.

"Mmmm… we should probably start off small with the fishes before we get to the bigger ones." Looking at the signs for directions, Lelouch and C.C. made their way around the extravagant place. One thing Lelouch loved about visiting the aquariums were the overwhelming calm atmosphere that brought him into another world. Only separated by large glass, he was reminded to make sure to appreciate all the beauties this world has to offer. From the smallest fish to the various of colorful aquatic plants, everything was just so eye capturing and intriguing… just like her.

"Hey look C.C." he gave a tug on her hand to avert her attention from the tank she was looking at to the one he gave his attention to. Pointing down at the informational plaque, "It says here that seahorses mate for life. Isn't that cool?" He looked in large tank where there where a few seahorses inside.

"For life huh?" she giggled. "Is this your way of asking me to-" her heart stopped "Is he going to ask?" Looking down at his free hand that wasn't holding nor reaching for anything in his pockets, C.C. tried to calm herself down, but being reminded that he has an engagement ring with him on their romantic getaway put her on edge again.

"C.C.?"

"Huh?"

"What were you saying?"

"Oh uh-" she swallowed hard, pondering if he could feel how sweaty her hands were becoming. "That's really sweet that they find their soulmates."

"Yeah, lucky them." Lelouch smiled at her.

She smiled back, carefully biting her lip as she is reminded that she's very lucky that her boyfriend is her best friend from childhood. "It's Sort of like us in a way... when we get married and have kids then we-" C.C. stopped herself from spouting more. Her already racing heart only sped as she stared into his wide eyes. Did she say something wrong? He does want to be with her forever right?

Lelouch felt himself become flushed and a little flustered. His palms sweating profusely, heart racing erratically, and butterflies violently fluttered in his stomach. Did she know? He was worried that she might've seen the engagement ring when she took out a shirt of his, but she hasn't said or mentioned anything about it. So she couldn't have known. "C.C.-" Lelouch nervously scratched the back of his head. "Do you see us… being together for that long?"

Feeling how incredibly tensed he got it surprisingly put her anxiousness at ease.

"Yes, I do. You always talk about us being together forever so… did you change your-"

"No!" he said a little bit loud, briefly grabbing the attention of nearby people. "I- it's just that you don't really talk about us having a long future so I wasn't really sure if you felt that way."

"Well now you know… I feel the same as you." She smiled and he did the same.

"Good to know." He started to walk away pulling her in toll when suddenly she tugged his hand back, grabbing his attention once more. "Yes?"

"A-Are we going to be like seahorses and stay together faithfully?"

An easy smile crossed his handsome features, utilizing his free hand to brush her bangs before resting it on her cheek. "Unless you have someone else in mind-" his heart pounded excruciatingly harder. "I'll be your seahorse."

"You mean it? You're not going to turn to that sleazy coworker of yours? What's her name again?"

"Amanda?"

"Yeah her."

"C.C. stop being silly." he let out a chuckle, "I already told you nothing happened."

"But you did go out with her to lunch a few times and she's very flirtatious according to what you've told me."

"Yeah, but that's all in the past now. I made sure to set extra boundaries." C.C. looked at him in disbelief. "There's no one but you," he softly kissed her on the lips. "Now… are you going to be my seahorse?"

"Naturally." she gave him a smile. "How about we finally go see those Whale Sharks, I've been itching to see them."

"Show me the way." He let go of her hand and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, kissing the shell of her ear making her giggle. He never really minded public display or rather he doesn't notice that he's doing it because he's always swept away in their little world when they're together like this.

"You know male seahorse gives birth right?"

"C.C..."

"Are you going to birth our children?"

"Ha-ha, you're not funny. You like mocking me don't you."

"I don't like it, I love it. You're a very easy target."

#

No matter where they are in the world, as long as it had a beach, it will always be their go to place. It's their place to be themselves and open freely. Not having a single care in the world and act like small children on a summer day. Today for him was as perfect as perfection can get. After they left the aquarium, they had lunch before going back to the hotel for more lovemaking sessions that followed by a much needed nap. When they both woke up it was late in the afternoon and that was when he suggest that they should take a walk on the beach until the sun goes down.

Meanwhile, C.C. was losing her mind. Not as much as today; but almost like yesterday, she observed Lelouch hard and tried to pick up on any hints or clues that might signal him in proposing. The anxiety of not knowing when he was going to do it bugged her. Every drink she drank or food she ate, she doubled checked to see if he might have stashed the ring in there as a surprise when she wasn't looking.

But he didn't.

Besides the whole seahorse thing, she's been running high and dry and was beginning to feel a little hopeless. It's their last romantic full day here right? So he should be proposing to her right? The beach is their place, long-lived elderly couples who's been together forever take walks on the beach like this, hand-in-hand not caring about anybody else in the world. Normally she wouldn't let something like this play with her mind… but-

"C.C.?" Lelouch responded when she abruptly stopped and pulled her hand away from his. Her golden orbs were focused and seriousness washed her easily. "What's-"

"Why haven't you proposed to me yet?"

"W-what?" His heart started to race.

"Don't play dumb. The little rose petals, champagne, romantic dates, hangouts, and all the sweet and slow lovemaking… it's made me so happy, but am I wrong? Am I reading the wrong signals?"

"C.C. what are you talking about?"

"I saw the ring box in your bag." There's no point in beating around the bush. She wanted to know so she might as well use her unknown source of courage while she still has it.

Electric shocks coursed through his body in shock, his eyes widened and his mouth became dry. "Did you open it?"

"What do you think?" she looked at him pointedly. "Lelouch… ever since I saw it I've been on edge about everything. I tried to not let it bother me and just wait, but with everything we've been doing, I couldn't help but connect the dots and wonder how and when you were going to ask me." A blush dusted her cheeks. "That's if… you still want to ask."

Lelouch couldn't help himself when he let out a loud laughter, confusing C.C. even more as she questioned if she totally missed the ball. His joyous laughs filled the quiet afternoon easily, mingling with the sounds of the crashing waves of the ocean and small gusts of wind passing by. After he calmed himself down a little later, "Is that why you've been acting weird lately? Is this the thing you've had on your mind?" He pulled out the ring box from his back pocket and carefully presented it to her.

Seeing it again had her heart thundering fast in her chest. Lelouch smiled at how tense she became. "C.C., I brought us out here because I really did want to fix our problems and rekindle our love again before you moved in. I knew I should have hid it somewhere else, but I didn't want to propose to you this weekend."

A cute frown contracted onto C.C.'s features. "Then why do you have it with you?"

"I worked really hard and long for this ring and you know me, I can be a bit on edge also so I didn't feel comfortable leaving it at home while we were away."

"And I assume you didn't feel comfortable leaving it at the hotel?"

"Yeah, I left it yesterday and I had anxiety the entire time."

Funny how he's not breaking up with her, but that's what it felt like. This is what she gets for overthinking things because right now… she just made a fool out of herself. How embarrassing…

"C.C.?" Lelouch stepped closer to her when her beautiful hues shined with unshed tears. He's not oblivious to the fact that she embarrassed herself and the fact that she's not saying anything in retort must mean that she has no words to say to keep the spotlight off of her; but he couldn't help but laugh at her a little, she's so cute when she pouts. He definitely didn't see this coming, so… maybe he should surprise himself. "There's no such thing as planning when it comes to you. You know that right? You do what you want and you don't care about those who stands in your way. Ever since we were kids I was always wanted to be by your side, you helped make me become a better person and you showed me that there's more to life than what we can see in front of us. Before we became a couple, you had me running in circles; but now, you have me running around the world. Through every hectic blizzard, I go through it for you and I will continue to do so because I love you more than I can bare sometimes. I've always been in love with you, even before I had realized it."

Keeping his eyes on her, he stepped away a little ignoring how his heart is about to combust and the giddy sensation he felt as he got down on one knee, opening the box slowly and presented the ring in front of her. "T-There's no one else in the world for me except you. You continue to surprise me everyday, make me the happiest, you give me strength even when I don't need it. I hope that I can be that man of your dreams who gives you a fulfilling life." His words touched C.C.'s heart deeply as those tears she fought to hold back fell freely. "This moment couldn't have been any better than what I have planned… and I thank you for these past six years for giving chance to love and be loved by you. It was difficult, but I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Lelouch." His name came out choked as her breaths continued to hitch.

"Cecaniah Corabelle… Will you marry me?"

AN: So how was it? Did you like the fluff? The cliffhanger? At first I was going to leave the proposal out since I wasn't sure if I should have a long chapter, but because I'm going to be really busy within the next few weeks and the next two(?) updates will have a little longer of a wait; I thought I would treat you guys with a long chapter and something for you to look forward to during the long wait. Anyhow, thank you so much for reading! I hope you are enjoying this story as much as I like writing it. Feel free to let me know what you think, comment, ask questions, review, etc. Until next chapter.

P.S.S. Next Update will be on 4/21/17

(In case you want another reminder of the next update, it will also be posted on my profile/bio)

Thank you for the new favorite and new followers! You are awesome!

Thank you reading and reviewing, it really means a lot! LLCC Reader, blackhellbutterfly, Guest, and Shi Tzu.

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