Episode 3, Part 2

The Hiking Trip!

"Lelouch, wake up or we'll miss the sunrise!" C.C pushed him with her foot and he rolled over the edge of the tatami mat in the ryokan they were currently lodging at. It was 3am and only 3 hours after they arrived in Wakayama.

C.C rolled her eyes and kneeled down to roll up the tatami mat. Lelouch rolled back onto the mat and wrapped his arms around her waist, causing her to fall onto him. Her long green hair draped over him. He smiled as he basked in the lavender scent coming from her hair which she had just washed in the shower.

"Can't we stay in a little longer?" he pleaded softly.

"No, and eww, your breathe smells terrible!"

After pouting, he finally let go of her and sat up. C.C covered her nose and pointed to the bathroom.

"I got it commander, I'll be ready in no time." he joked as he got up and headed to the bathroom.

Thirty minutes later, they were trekking along one of the Kumano Kodo's pilgrimage routes. The forest was dewy but the air was fresh, relieving them of the musty fumes of the city. They held their backpacks tightly as they ascended a steep staircase.

"Are we going all the way up?" Lelouch asked as he wiped sweat from his brows.

"Yes, this is a small path where I come to see the sunset before taking the longer ones." Looking at his exhausted state, she couldn't help but laugh. She held out her hand to him to offer support.

"This will actually be beneficial for you so come on. I know you can do it!"

Lelouch was surprised by her sudden cheery attitude. Maybe the refreshing atmosphere of the pilgrimage affected her mood.

'Whatever it is, I like it.' he thought as he held her hand and ascended the stairs at the same pace as her.

After trudging up a flight of steep stairs, they made it to the top of one of Kumano Kodo's small mountains. They walked hand in hand to the edge of the lookout. Only a wooden railing separated them from a long descent. They both gazed at the cerulean sky that started to be painted with deep oranges, yellows and reds of the sun that was slowing rising from its nights rest.

C.C let go of Lelouch's hand so she could clasp her own hands together. She closed her eyes and said a prayer silently to herself. Lelouch followed suit and recited a prayer of his own.

"What did you pray for?" he asked her and she leaned over the railing and gazed into the sunrise that started to illuminate where they stood.

"I'm praying for Diana's happiness, and your happiness. What did you pray for?"

"I prayed that I would find peace in this world for Nunnally and now, for you. Who is Diana?"

"It's a long story…" She insisted but he still wanted to know, so she told him. She told him of the time Diana cared for her when she was an orphan, and how Diana left her to be tortured in a cult. Lelouch wrapped his arms around her as she spoke about the tortures she endured for a year before the cult was found out by the police.

"It hurts every time I imagine what Diana must have endured for years. I pray that my sacrifice was not in vain, so that I was useful for once in my life. I wanted to grant her happiness because during that time she granted me happiness…but ever since last week my hope has drifted away. Are my prayers being heard? I wonder…"

He was moved by her deep thoughts. So much was on her mind, so much tormented her. He wanted to erase it all and be the one to make her smile.

"Remember our promise C.C? That we would stand by each other and hold each other up?" he asked and she tilted her head back to look up into his violet eyes that had strong conviction. She placed her hands atop his that rested around her waist. He continued to speak.

"From now until forever, I'll be there."

'Diana said those same these words to me and just like a fire, they light up my heart,'

She smiled happily at him.

'…but like a knife, they stab me as well. Lelouch, when you leave, I hope you find peace for yourself because I'm not the one to give you that peace. For now, let me live in your world, this fantasy of mine…I'll be selfish until it's over,'

She thought to herself as she turned around, tipped toed and connected her lips with his. The moment was beautiful as the now risen morning sun shined on them, as if opening a door to a bright future. A future she couldn't see…

They pulled away and shyly smiled at one another, deep red blushes painting their cheeks. C.C decided to speak,

"Well, now that we've seen the sunrise, we can begin the real journey!"

"Let's do it." he replied enthusiastically and they headed off into the pilgrimage.

The pilgrimage was filled with religious shrines and of course beautiful trees of differing species that lined the enormous mountains. The sound of waterfalls and chirping birds enveloped them as they trudged along the rugged and steep mountain path. Lelouch almost slipped a multitude of times, causing C.C to constantly hold his hand as they ascended one of the most rigorous paths. She pointed out the most insignificant details of the path to him and told him stories of the times she would climb this same trail. He listened intently and was amused by how talkative she was being.

When he was starting to become exhausted, she would stop to have a break even though she was used to walking all the way to the top by herself without stopping. Currently they were taking a break next to a river stream. He loved how she showered only him with attention. Furthermore, the conversations they were sharing were so different from his usual social media/gossip chatter.

"Have you thought of marriage, and what your family would be like in the future?" he asked her and she almost choked on the sushi she was currently chewing.

"…I have, even though I think it's impossible. I've still thought of what it would be like to have a family of my own. Hmm, I want to be married somewhere warm…maybe a beach and if I were a mom? I want to be a mother who showers their child with love, gifts, food, just everything. I'd give them everything I never had. What about you Lelouch?"

"Getting married at the beach is a nice idea."

"What kind of father would you be?"

"I'd devote all of my attention to my children because I don't want to waste the time I have with them. I'd cherish it all and be sure to listen to their problems and never abandon them."

C.C smiled at him.

"When I become a famous fashion designer, I'll give you and your wife a discount on your wedding outfits. It's my wedding gift to your future family, remember it okay!"

He looked at her solemnly. 'In my future you're standing next to me…is it the same for you?' He wanted to ask her but chose not to. He couldn't deny the indescribably warm feelings he felt in her presence, but maybe it was different for her. This relationship, she treated it as if it would soon come to an end. She didn't fully trust him and he could feel it. 'I don't want to let go of you whom I'm discovering myself in…if I lose you, what will I become?'

He splashed her with water from the river.

"Why did you do that Lelouch?!"

"Because you're an idiot!"

She moved to splash him back, but he quickly got up, grabbed his backpack and ran away. She chased after him.

"You don't even know the way! You're the idiot, now get back here and pay for your crimes!"

Lelouch promised not to use his phone during the trip, but he couldn't resist taking a selfie of him and C.C at the top of the mountain. He promised to not post the picture and only sent a copy to Nunnally. They savored the fresh air and beautiful view of Wakayama before descending the mountain for the day. They completed their hike successfully!

It was currently 5pm and the sun was soon to set as the sky turned orange and pink before them. Along their way back C.C hyped up the hot spring she goes to after her hikes. Lelouch was excited to relax his aching muscles. Today was the most physical thing he had done in his entire life!

"C.C dear, nice to see you again- Huh? Did you bring a boyfriend with you this time?" The old lady who worked at the small hot spring asked, to which Lelouch confirmed before C.C could disagree. The old lady, whom always worried for C.C because she came all the way from Tokyo on her own, was relieved to see her accompanied by someone. She mischievously smirked.

"Actually C.C, the regular baths are undergoing renovations. I'm afraid only the mixed bath is available. Don't worry you two are our last guests for today so I'll reserve it especially for you."

The hot spring was currently receiving an influx in tourists so, the old woman thought she could get away with this story easily. C.C scrunched her nose though, as she saw straight through miss Hiroko's lie. 'Why not though?' she thought, having already deciding to go all in with this last relationship. She looked at Lelouch who gazed back at her to see if she was okay with what was taking place. She let out a fake sigh,

"Weeeeell~ we have no other choice and I've already boasted about the place to you. So, let's go Lelouch."

"C.C, are you sure?" he asked, the blush he tried to surpress was now crawling onto his cheeks.

"Don't worry, I'll cover up the important parts to not startle you." with that being said, she flipped her green hair, a smirk plastered on her face, as she walked to the changing room.

After taking a shower in separate rooms, they were ready to enter the hot spring that was outside. The spring was on the edge of a mountain that overlooked the small town where they lodged. Lelouch entered the spring first with a white towel around his waist, and black briefs underneath. He let out a loud sigh of relief as his body was soaked in the steaming, therapeutic water. A smile creeped onto his face as he thought of how he was spending his weekend. Not checking his phone was relaxing, he didn't feel nervous at all, especially with C.C's company.

'If every day could be like this~' He thought as C.C exited the women's shower area and entered the spring and sat across from him. Her hair was tied up in a bun and she wore a blue one-piece swimsuit. It looked like a high school's swim uniform. The white moonlight shined brightly on them as they relaxed.

"Do you always come here alone? Isn't it dangerous to come to this discrete town with no one with you? Aren't you afraid C.C?"

She thought for a moment before answering. She thought of a serious answer, and she thought of a comedic one.

"I'm a black belt in taekwondo so I can defend myself." she said proudly and Lelouch rolled his eyes.

"Frankly, I think you're the one that makes rash decisions. What can you do against a man who has more power than you?" he asked and she smirked as she stood up.

"Although it's a bit difficult to fight in water, why don't you try to pin me down then?" she challenged him and he accepted. He stood up and moved closer to her. They met in the middle of the spring and stared each other down. Lelouch made the first move, and tried to grab her hands. She easily slipped past him and pushed him forward. It caused him to stumble, but he didn't fall.

"Come on, use a little more force!"

She then teasingly splashed him with water as revenge for earlier. He combed his black hair back and walked towards her again…He sat down, which confused her.

"I give up, you can protect yourself." C.C smirked down at him.

"You let me win so eas-huh!"

She was interrupted by Lelouch pulling her hand, causing her to fall on top of him. This time he smirked.

"Or so you thought. Not everyone is going to attack you head on C.C." he lectured her and she pouted, causing him to blush. Her devious smirk returned as she leaned closer to his ears, currently she sat atop his lap.

"Not everyone's a master strategist like you, Lelouch~" She whispered and he blushed further. How could this devilish woman tease him all the time? And with no shame she sat atop his lap, wearing only the thin material of her swimsuit. She was a different breed…a breed he could relate to because deep down he was a demon himself.

"I lied C.C, you are very dangerous."

His hand caressed her face and then her long green hair, pulling it out of a bun. The way his sultry eyes gazed into hers, made the already hot atmosphere feel even warmer. Hotter than the dressing room! Max level heat!

"Don't look at me like that." She said finally, breaking the silence.

"I don't want to stop."

"Then will you take responsibility for whatever happens?"

He leaned forward and captured her lips with his. This kiss was filled with longing for they were apart from each other this whole week. After meeting again, they explored deeper into each other and uncovered more and more. They pulled away,

"Let me into your heart Camellia."

They kissed again. This time his hand drifted down her waist and he pulled her closer to him, causing her to moan within their kiss. They pulled away to gasp for air,

They continued their exploration without going too far. She didn't want him to discover more of her so they played in the shallow end of the pool. Lelouch was ready to dive in but she was too afraid, perhaps he'd have to find her a life vest, or become that life vest.

It was closing time now and they had to leave the hot spring. Lelouch intertwined his hand with hers and spoke,

"I decline your family discount on my wedding outfit."

"Why? Anyone would say it's a great deal." He rolled his eyes.

"Idiot, why would I pay for the outfit my fiance is making for our wedding?"

To be continued~