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CHAPTER ELEVEN: (Area 11) Then and Now
"Kallen! Oh my goodness, it's so good to see you!" chimed the seated empress. Kallen smile from being with Lelouch still stood on her lips and she knelt down to hug her old friend. Nunnally squeezed Kallen firmly to herself as she sighed a pleased "How are you?" Zero resided behind her with his fingers possessively wrapped around the handle to her modified motorized and push-able wheel chair.
"I'm great, your highness." Kallen murmured as her gaze fell onto Suzaku hidden behind the mask of black, purple and gold; he nodded as way of greeting but said nothing.
"Oh Kallen, you can call me Nunnally. You and Nina need to start calling me by my name." Nunnally instructed, releasing Kallen from her grasp and she threw on a fake injured look. "At least Milly calls me Nunnally still." Zero hummed to get the ladies attentions as he turned the chair and started down the hallway towards the entrance of the apartment building.
Kallen followed suit and opened the door for the pair as they made their way to the street and to a waiting black limousine with a Britannian and Japanese flag fixed to the spoiled. As Zero pressed a button on the side of his mask he mumbled into it and the door they were standing in front of swung open and a motorized ramp slid onto the curb. To Kallen's surprise there were no escort vehicles around to follow the modified limo on their trip around the town, Kallen figured that having Suzaku and Kallen there was enough security for the empress; however, she believed no one would wanna attack her in the first place and risk hurting not only her but Zero the 'savoir of the world' as well. Zero assisted Nunnally aboard the vehicle before sliding out of the way for Kallen to board as well. Kallen passed him and entered the spacious interior of the car sitting next to Nunnally with a happy expression, then Zero closed the door and moved to the passenger door of the car. Why would he sit all the way up there? Suzaku. . .
"I'm very happy you'd come out with me, I have a few plans for us today if that's okay with you." Nunnally informed Kallen as their car pushed into motion. Kallen nodded quietly and Nunnally continued, "I would love to see Tokyo Tower with my own eyes. I also plan on having tea with Milly at the Academy." Kallen took in a deep breath in order to stay calm after hearing about the Ashford. If Lelouch doesn't get there soon enough we're gonna have a tough time keeping him undetected, Kallen noted to herself, This might end up like the last time except instead it won't be keeping C.C. from being seen by Suzaku. It was tough that time, this could be worse if he's spotted. WHY DO I HAVE TO BE THE SECRET KEEPER?! Kallen berated as the car made a turn and she snapped out of her mental complaining. "After that I wanted to go shopping, I have to pick out a new outfit and I rarely get to go shopping, that is If you'll be my guide." Nunnally ended with a cheery smile and Kallen's gaze landed on her bright violet eyes. Those eyes matched her brother's for both beauty and kindness though Kallen was sure she was the only one who saw those qualities from Lelouch's gaze. Kallen thought about how different his eyes looked now having only a fraction of the purple peering out of the blue contacts but she knew that his eyes and those of his sister remained the one color in the world she wished she could see every moment of the day.
"Uh of course," Kallen mouthed trying to snap out of the trance she'd fallen into by staring at the young woman. "Why do you wanna go shopping? You have a lot of people who can make you something beautiful right?" Nunnally smirked at the question and leaned closer to Kallen.
"I want to get something nice from Tokyo to remember my trip mostly, but I also want something nice to wear when I head to Hokkaido to meet the man who looks like my brother." Nunnally admitted and Kallen frozen, thoughts snapping back to why she was really in Japan. Crap, how could I forget.
"You really want to visit him? I thought they buried. . ." Kallen couldn't finish the line, not wanting to lie to her friend.
"Yes," Nunnally sighed lips sinking into a frown, "he is dead, but I really want to see my brother's face one last time. To say good bye properly." Kallen's eyes tightened as she gripped Nunnally's shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. Kallen wanted so badly to tell her the truth, to scream she knew the real story and that they could all have tea together. . . But Lelouch didn't want to see her; Kallen eyes were swimming due to the conflicting desire to make them both happy. Nunnally turned her gaze up to Kallen and turned her lips up in a sorrowful smile, upon seeing Kallen's emotions swirling she added, "You loved my brother, didn't you Kallen." Shocked and feeling slightly numb Kallen nodded; even if Nunnally hadn't asked the question, she needed to answer. Nunnally needed to know that her brother wouldn't die, or as it seemed now live, unloved by anyone but her.
Kallen's voice shook as she stumbled for the words, "Yes. . . I really did love Lelouch." Kallen's eyes leaked out a tear as the weight of it all landed on her; she wasn't crying for Lelouch, it was for Nunnally who may never get to tell her brother in person how she felt about him, or how much she loved him ever again. Nunnally hummed a soothing tone as she gave a tightly squeezing hug to her weeping friend. Kallen hugged her back wishing she could be happy that Nunnally would see her brother again once she went to Hokkaido but she knew better, he wouldn't be there.
"It's okay Kallen, it makes me glad to her that you did. I don't think he was as evil as he made it seem. He did terrible things but it was so we could be where we are now, I'm sure of it." Nunnally said brushing Kallen's red locks of hair as the woman pulled herself back together. Kallen slowly pieced her regular personality back in order as she listened to Nunnally's coaxing assurances. I'm sorry Nunnally, I can't betray Lelouch's trust, not again, Kallen apologized internally as she retreated to her chair fully.
"Yeah, I know he wasn't." Kallen said under her breath before she straightened and threw on a smile for her guest. "I could use some cheering up and I know just the woman to do it with. You wanna grab Milly and have her come with us to Tokyo Tower? We can get tea after that." Nunnally beamed at Kallen and stuck out her hand with only her pinky finger extended.
"Sounds wonderful, it's a promise!" The tiny empress excitedly chimed and Kallen took her finger with her own. Both women laughed while they shook and in time lost themselves in the throes of friendly reminiscing over their time together at school, time they had with Lelouch.
Lelouch sat still, pleasantly tired as he now lay in Kallen's bed letting the minutes grow into hours. He loved how her pillow spiced the air with her fragrance and for a second when he had his eyes closed it was like she was lying there with him. Since he didn't have any plans for today he remained in her room toying with the idea of just waiting for her to come back so he can kiss her goodnight again and then head back to the school like he had planned to do the night before. For the first time that he could remember his brain wasn't looking for an explanation for the events around him and he relished the silent contentment he was experiencing. BZZZT-BZZZZT. . . What the hell is that? Lelouch thought as his eyes fluttered opened in annoyance. He rose from the bed slowly drawing his phone out of his pocket and glaring at the outside screen. An Unlisted Number Again? Sliding the phone back into his pocket he fell back onto the bed to resume his pleasant wary state but found he could not fully regain that blessed and rested status.
Looking to the ceiling he felt an overwhelming desire to call Kallen but knew she was out with his sister, Calling would probably get us in trouble. Lelouch picked up his black shirt from the desk he had set it on the night before and started to drape it over his shoulder as he staggered towards the door. His leg muscles voiced their wariness as he opened the door and closed it behind him. Kallen's mother sat in front of the television, and she coughed slightly startled when she found that she was not alone in the apartment. She eyed him speculatively as he started buttoning up his over shirt and he cleared his throat, trying to purge the tension he knew his was exuding.
"I didn't hear you leave but I didn't realize you had stayed either." The woman shot glancing him up and down. "You were safe about it?" She joked and Lelouch blushed profusely.
"We didn't do anything like that, I wouldn't." Lelouch affirmed red face stricken.
"Well why wouldn't you? My Kallen is a beautiful young woman." She pointed out with a slight smile.
"That's not what I meant. I-" Lelouch paused looking for the right way to explain his way out of this particular situation. "I feel silly because I feel a sleep after finishing my tea. It was warm and relaxing and Kallen wore me out with all the walking we did yesterday."
Kallen's mother giggled as brought her hands to her lips to cover her growing smile. "You know I think she's right, you are really cute when you're embarrassed. I should try to embarrass you both more often." Lelouch huffed at that and she brought her hand down to the couch's armrest, "It's alright, I know you didn't do anything bad. Sleepy Time Tea tends to put people to sleep like that. Just take care of her, okay?"
With that Lelouch grinned and strolled his way past the television and towards the door. "I will, I promise." He vowed as he waved to her and exited the apartment with a soft audible click.
Milly finished pouring her own glass of tea as Kallen peered at her dark reflection in the cup of tea. Nunnally and Kallen spend two hours at Tokyo Tower enjoying the view and each others company before heading to meet Milly at the Academy. Since Milly couldn't meet them earlier Kallen squeezed as much as time out of the trip as she could, hoping by the time they returned to the school that Lelouch would have arrived and be settled in - well out of sight. Though she focused on giving him as long as he needed, Kallen thoroughly delighted in sight seeing with her boyfriend's sister. Nunnally relished the ability to look over the beauty that the renewed city shown and the fact that Kallen shared in helping her witness it for the first time in her life. Nunnally now rested only meters away at a white granite table deep within the newest garden addition to the Ashford Academy campus.
"Milly, you should have seen what the city looks like from up there, that and Mount Fuji! It was wonderfully gorgeous." Nunnally appraised before noisily raising her cup of tea off of it's saucer and to her lips. Sipping loudly Kallen remembered to drink her tea as well and not to think about Lelouch. Today is my day with Nunnally, I have Lelouch for the rest of the week, she smiled over the idea and drank a small swig of her own tea.
"I am sorry I couldn't come out with you, I did get away from the T.V. Station thanks to the fact that Zero called ahead of time." Milly laughed with one eye open over her raised cup, throwing on a manipulative smirk before continuing, "They made him promise to give us an interview before they let me go." Kallen stifled a giggle but Nunnally let it go freely as she rested her cup back down into it's rightful place.
"Poor Zero." Kallen mentioned, cup still to her face. She thought it was humorous that he had to do that just to make Nunnally's day in Tokyo perfect.
"He is sweet, I hope it makes your rating go up Milly. I can give you a short interview later if you think it could get you in better standing with your station." Nunnally informed the reporter while giving Milly a genuine smile. Milly's eyes brightened but she shook her head, declining the offer.
"Thank you Nunnally but I wanna spend all the time together catching up and talking about the old times. I felt really silly when I found out that I had-" Milly paused to regain her focus, "been made to forget about you and Kallen. When I got them back it was soothing to remember all the good times we all had together." Kallen set her cup down as her stomach began to disagree with the idea of having more tea. She felt sick knowing the whole time about Nunnally and Lelouch when Milly had not. Jeremiah was pardoned from his crimes with Lelouch when he agreed to use his anti-geass ability to free everyone that was affected by the power from it's control; Kallen thought he hadn't gotten everyone on purpose but with the world as it was. . . But she didn't feel letting others in on the truth about Schneizel would do any good. Kallen's mind snapped back to the conversation when Milly said something she didn't expect. "So Nunnally, I have to ask. How do you feel about your brother? Honestly." Kallen glared at Milly as she speculated as to whether Milly planned on selling her and Lelouch out in order to make Nunnally happier.
"Well," Nunnally started gazing down at her tea, "He did unforgivable things to this world and I as the leader of a nation frown upon what he has done. I loved him very much though, he was my brother and as a brother he was the most wonderful person in this world. It is a shame his drive to get back at our father and take over the royal family drove him to lose himself." Milly smiled a light smile hearing Nunnally speak about her feelings for her brother but her brow was furrowed and her eyes shot an apologetic gaze to Kallen. Nunnally sucked in a deep breath then sighed out before drinking again from the tea cup.
Pulling out a large white binder from a bag she kept at her feet Milly smiled and pushed the tension out of her face. "Here you go Nunnally, I was hoping we could take a look at all the embarrassing things that we got Lelouch to do during his time here." Nunnally turned her eyes to the book and Milly opened it, revealing that the binder contained pictures of Lelouch and the other student council members doing various odd tasks and feats in strange costumes and settings.
Kallen blushed upon seeing a picture of everyone in cat outfits and Lelouch having been tied down to a chair as the other members of the student council put make up onto him. "It's a scrapbook of his most embarrassing moments?!" She blurted swinging her chair to sit aside Milly and across from Nunnally to get a better view of the photographs. Her furrowed brow smoothed as she found it impossible to withhold her laughter. She liked this side of her life. It was at that time she realized, it was the best part of her life and these moments seemed more potent now that she could relish them properly. Out of the corner of her eye she witnessed Nunnally's confused look bloom into a overwhelming grin; behind her a slight movement caught her attention and all the blood in her face drained leaving her pale. Kallen's mouth dropped and a ugly sound slipped from her and she muffled it by her hand rising up to coral it back in. . . Lelouch stood a mere twenty meters behind Nunnally causally walking down the path towards the school.
Milly drew her tea to her lips and spit the brown liquid back into her cup as her eyes trained on to his moments only seconds after Kallen eyes locked on to him. Nunnally kept ooh'ing and ah'ing over a picture of Lelouch with a blue heart shaped cap on top of his head running full speed past a group of girls with similar pink hats in hot pursuit. Milly softly jostled Kallen's arm with his elbow before loudly exclaiming to Nunnally the point of the event. Nunnally giggled looking at Milly pointing to the final picture on the page of Shirley and Lelouch standing next to each other hats exchanged. While Milly worked on keeping her attentions there, Kallen sipped her tea and fought her instincts to watch Lelouch traversing the path past them to his hiding spot. That fool is going to ruin everything if he doesn't hurry up and get inside. WHAT TOOK HIM SO LONG TO GET BACK HERE?! She furiously fumed as she dredged up a smile for Nunnally who gave Kallen a telling glance as if to apologize for the fact that Kallen couldn't be there to claim his hat and take her place besides him instead of Shirley. To apologize because instead of being in a relationship with Lelouch, she was stuck in a cell as a prisoner of Britannia.
Kallen picked up her cup and nodded lightly to tell Nunnally it was okay and as soon as Nunnally returned her vision to the scrapbook and flipped a page Kallen's eyes shot back to note Lelouch's progress. He entered the building with a slow casualness that ticked her off. He was in danger of ruining everything and he was gonna hear about it. . .
Lelouch settled into his old bed with a huff, This was home, Lelouch noted as if it meant more than he initially thought. It feels relaxing but is it really my home right now? Can it be home again? His mind sifted from what little he could remember and what he knew now trying to figure if he could answer his question. His eyes shut and for a long time he searched for any scrap of a memory that spawned from this room. Nothing came to him but as he began to relax and his mind unraveled the tension in his body he felt something growing.
A sadness? He murmured beneath a whisper as his brain begun to function without his direction. He couldn't process what his brain stirred up, to him they were simple picture with intense emotions tied to them. One picture struck him as odd, he kept seeing it and it made he feel sad. More than sad, his mind tugged, this feeling was akin to despair and anguish. Eyes, the color of a sickly gold with a hue of red rimming them, appeared to him with tears shedding upon blood stained cheeks and a crop of orange hair sprawled over her face. . . and the ground was sticky with her blood. He held onto that thought, hoping to keep it when he awoke. Though he didn't know what it meant he knew it was very important to him. Another faded past his subconscious as the sound of rapping on wood began to force his mind away from this flurry of painful past moments in time. . . A green-haired girl in a his bed, a long black hair man in blue reaching out to shake his hand, Piles of dead bodies in a stadium and a woman reaching for him, Kallen in a park with her hand raised as if to hit him, the violet eyes and intense stare of the empress of Britannia who sat holding a scepter all rose up through his awareness. Something shook the bed and his eyes lids flung upwards and away from the images he'd be straining to understand.
Gasping and stifling a yelp Lelouch shot up off the bed to find Kallen with a mix of anger, and surprise for scaring Lelouch, sown upon her face. Scowling at him she moved her way to his side. "Damn it Lelouch." Kallen hissed as she arrived in front of him. Is she angry at me? What did I- his thought cut short as she slapped him firmly across his face and he quickly fixed his eyes to hers as pain radiated from his cheek. "You walked right past Nunnally! You could have ruined everything." Kallen eyes creased in worry and she pulled him close to her as he processed what she'd said. The silence clawed at his being as she squeezed him tightly to her, I. . . could have ruined everything? I could have ruined us? "I lost you once before, I don't want to again." Kallen pulled away and she gazed into his eyes, her worry easing as she continued, "You have to be smarter than this. Milly's taking Nunnally to the roof while I'm here, you have to stay out of sight for the rest of the day. Promise?"
Lelouch sat still his eyes distant, silent. Kallen's brow furrowed as she stood and shifted from foot to foot in concern. She took a breath to speak but was cut off by Lelouch standing and heading to the window. He shifted the curtains shut and went around the room making sure no one could see in. "Kallen," He said back to her and head slightly bowed, his voice was quavering and he hated that she could hear it, "I'm sorry."
Kallen took a step towards him but she rocked to a halt when she realized he tensed when he heard her step closer. "Lelouch-"
"You shouldn't leave Nunnally waiting. Just promise me one thing, can you come by later tonight. Before you go to bed, I wanna talk." Lelouch said back starting to relax from it's tensing but he still did not turn to face her. Kallen hummed a relieved yet understanding sound and walked out of the room quietly but for Lelouch he was far from relaxed; he knew what he had to do to make it up to her and he was not looking for to it. With a sigh he turned towards the door "Not at all."
AN: Another Chapter? Another A.N. Wooooot. Hello ello! Times passes very slow in this story it seems, that's part of having more details than are probably needed but I don't mind. I hope you don't either. The story will start to feel like it is speeding up a bit from here on. First fight for the lovers, it was bound to happen do too people with their personalities. Will there be less Lemons/Limes? Perhaps but it's only been two days since they've been together soooo the 'honeymoon' MIGHT be ending soon. We'll find out. . .
Classy Reading? Keep at it. Staying Classy and Keep Reading the Good Stories!