Esile kept her gaze down throughout the whole funeral. She was standing off to the side with the other council members. Her head jolted up as Shirley's mother fell to the floor crying and begging for them to leave her husband alone. Shirley began comforting her and Esile felt the guilt eat at her again. Esile looked to Lelouch even though she knew his face would be covered by his bangs. She and the raven head haven't spoken since that day to which the brunette was thankful for. When the respected guests left, Shirley walked up to the little group and Kallen immediately apologized.

"Oh stop. What do you have to apologize for?" Shirley asked causing both Esile and Kallen to looked down in guilt.

Everything. Esile thought. I knew this was going to happen yet I did nothing to prevent such a tragedy. Rivalz went on to say his words and Shirley smiled it off. Milly grasped onto the orangette's shoulder and told her it was okay for her to cry. Shirley explained how she was okay since she's already cried a lot.

"Cowards," Suzaku finally spoke out, "Zero and his people. Their methods are just cowardly. He doesn't even get his hands dirty. He stirs people into a frenzy, tips the world into chaos and then sits back and congratulates himself. It's not going to change a thing. Anything gained through his kind of tactics is just meaningless." Milly, feeling the heavy atmosphere, told their little group it was their cue to leave. She told Shirley that they will be waiting in the student council room as always and the orangette simply nodded. They were on their way and Rivalz was going to say something to Lelouch but the blonde stopped him. They went on leaving the raven head and orangette.

"We were all so happy just the other day and now... Now that's just a memory of the past." Esile mumbled to herself but Suzaku heard her and snapped out of his trance.

"Madam President," the brunette boy grabbed everyone's attention, "Is it okay if Esile and I have some alone time? We'll catch up with everyone later." Milly nodded and led the remainder of their group back to the school.

"You have something to say to me, Suzaku?" Esile gasped as Suzaku suddenly embraced her. "Hey, what's all this about?"

"You don't have to be strong, Esile. It's okay." She was about to question him until he spoke out again. "This is bringing back memories about your mom, right?"

Oh yeah, that stupid lie I made. Little do you know, Suzaku. Little do you know... Esile thought and before she realized it, tears began falling down her eyes. She continued crying into Suzaku's shoulder while he rubbed circles into her back.

Once her sobs died down and her tears were dried up, Suzaku let go and Esile felt her cheeks flush red. I can't believe Suzaku just witnessed me crying.

"Everything good?" The glasses girl just nodded. "Alright, let's head back."

"You go, I don't really want to see the others right now. Tell Milly that she can give me any punishment another time." The brunette boy agreed and the two went their separate ways.

Esile was sitting on her bed with her blanket wrapped around her when her phone began to ring. She reached out for it and saw the caller id was Lelouch.

"Go on without me. I'll catch up later, alright?" She immediately ended the call and recovered herself in the warm fabric.

Okay, this isn't the time to be regretting my choices. I know I told myself I wouldn't do anything but now I know that is bull. I can't just idly sit back and let things happen when I know there is an alternative route. I have to snap out of my angst and actual do something.

She sprung out of the sheets and went off to retrieve her Cerberus costume. Hoping she remembered where to go, she set off with a look of determination.

Another short chapter, please don't kill me! I want to thank my readers who actually enjoy this awful fan fiction and hope to see you lovelies soon!