Episode 4
An Ashford University Kickback
Part 1
The sun illuminated the large campus of Ashford University, which caused the students to be in an exceptionally good mood compared to the week before. This was because mid-term exams were done! Furthermore, spring brought back the warmth of the sun they so desperately desired. However, there was something else that made them so excited that they couldn't stop texting their peers and giggling amongst themselves.
"Our student council is the best! This kickback is going to be awesome, I can already feel it."
"Thank you our golden council!"
"Last year was wild guys. From the girls, to the alcohol and the music, ugh I can't wait."
The student council of Ashford University was conducting its annual spring kickback, which was another way of saying they were having a spring party, but in a way that did not bring shame to the esteemed reputation the school's higher ups had created. At this kickback, the 'esteemed' students of Ashford got a chance to drink, dance, hookup, go crazy, go stupid and unwind from their demandinglives.
So now, the student council, which consisted of Milly Ashford (president), Lelouch Vi Britannia (vice president), Rivalz Cardemonde (Secretary), Shirley Fenette (public relations officer as well as Ms. Sophomore), Nina Einstein (tech assistant), Kallen Stadtfeld (treasurer) and Suzaku Kururugi (tech assistant), were in their meeting room, finalizing the plans for tomorrow night.
Shirley was in the midst of questioning Milly about this year's prize for the Mr. and Mrs. Spring. Last year Milly sent the winners to a romantic spa trip in Hawaii, which got them into huge trouble with the administration.
"Milly, I know you said it's a surprise, but if you pull something like last year again, all of us will be replaced. Mr and Mrs. Vi Britannia were not impressed with the negative articles entitled 'The Unnecessary Splurging of the Rich Kids of Ashford'."
Milly folded her arms and grinned from her seat.
"Don't worry your cute little head Shirley. Father scolded me last time so I'll be a little more budget friendly this time."
"A little?" Rivalz retorted, not believing the president's word one bit.
"Well~ I guess it's our last administration as the student council. It's been nice working with you guys." He joked, which garnered a laugh from Suzaku. As Shirley sat down next to Lelouch, Milly stood up to give her final word and close the meeting.
"Okay guys! The plans have been set and the venue will be prepared tomorrow morning. Now that all the stress is over with, let's have a good time for ourselves tomorrow!"
With that, the meeting was over. Before Lelouch could leave, Shirley stopped him and asked to talk in private. He agreed and they sat next to each other in the club room. Today, Shirley wore the university's signature cardigan, which was light yellow with gold and green trimmings. On the left breast, Ashford's insignia was embroidered. Her outfit was very preppy, which made her embody her title of Ms. Sophomore. The tile that gave her the most confidence. Lelouch took notice of this as she was not nervous today like she always was when she talked to him.
"Lelouch." She called his name confidently.
"Thank you for asking C.C to talk with me."
"Did you settle the misunderstanding?"
"Yes, and we are on good terms now. Actually, I also asked her if she was attending the kickback. I wanted to go with her, but it looks like she isn't. If you don't have anyone to go with, I'd be happy to accompany you."
"I'm going with Suzaku and Rivalz like I always do, but if you want, you can join us."
"Actually, Suzaku told me he was going to ask Euphemia out. You know he has the biggest crush on her. And Rivalz is probably going to ask Milly…"
"You are right about his crush, it's obvious to everyone…Well, I guess it's me and you tomorrow Shirley. Should I pick you up?"
"Uhh, yeah Lulu. How about at 8?"
Lelouch agreed and they exited the club room to go home for the day. Somehow he felt that going to the party with Shirley would not be a good idea. But he didn't want to turn her down and upset her. Suzaku and Rivalz did not mention that they would ask out their crushes, so that detail was strange. He also wondered why she didn't go to the party with Kallen or her other friends.
'I hope it's not what I think it is. We've been friends for so long and she's never come onto me like this. I must be over analyzing this…'
He sighed loudly as he entered his car to head to his family home to visit Nunnally who was eager to hear about his trip to Wakayama with C.C.
Breaking News
Former priest and cult leader, Cristian Leonardo, whom had escaped his prison sentence on the day of his hearing 2 years ago, has reportedly been spotted in Kyoto Japan. Investigations are currently being conducted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, along with outside help from Britannia and the United Republic of Europia.
Police Commissioner Kyoshiro Tohdoh, has stated that the cult leader is suspected to be involved with some powerful members of society. He also noted that there are no traces of the victims of the incident who could aid them in the investigation, therefore, the investigation will be a difficult one on their part. He encourages the citizens of The United States of Japan to not worry as his team works diligently to solve the case.
In other news, Prime Minister Kaname Ohgi…..
*crash*
Was the sound of C.C's tea cup as it crashed on her dorm room's floor. Her roommate Nina, turned away from her television at the sound of the crash.
"Are you okay C.C?" She asked but C.C didn't answer. The girl could not move as she processed what she heard over Nina's tv. Nina called out to her once more and she finally snapped out of her stupor. She reassured Nina and moved to clean up the mess.
"By the way C.C. Are you going to the kickback tonight? All of us in the student council worked really hard on it, especially Lelouch. And it could be the perfect opportunity to relax and get your mind off of whatever you've been stressing about lately."
"You've noticed, even though it seems like you barely care that I'm here? But to answer your question, no, it's not my type of event Nina."
"Uhh yeah, even though I'm quiet, I tend to notice a lot about you…Umm, it's not my place to speak C.C, but everyone's been talking about how you never show affection to Lelouch. They say you're a terrible girlfriend…uh sorry um it's not like I think you are, but people like to gossip…am I being too nosy?"
C.C sat on her white desk chair, and faced Nina, the quiet girl who never really cared about her presence in this room as she diligently worked on her science projects before leaving like a ghost. These past few days, Lelouch's friends and acquaintances have all tried to start up random conversations with her. It was annoying, but she let Nina say what was on her mind.
"Well, these parties can get wild…and by that I mean sexual. Every girl in the school wants Lelouch, except me of course, but the point is, if you don't go, who knows what Lelouch would do when you're not around? You can never trust men, all they care about is one thing, and you know what that is. Lelouch may be my colleague but he comes off as mysterious, as if he's hiding something. So, be careful of him okay?"
C.C gave Nina an 'okay', before returning to her laptop to work. However, it was impossible. She leaned back in her chair and sighed as she looked up at the blank ceiling. Something, if anything could clear her thoughts right now she would be grateful. And she couldn't take another trip to Wakayama, because she already used the money she made from her last paycheck.
Her trip healed her mind for a moment, but as always the students of Ashford had a commitment to breaking her peace. Just yesterday Shirley pestered her about Lulu~
~Flashback~
C.C sat opposite of Shirley on a picnic bench in the schools' garden. She called the preppy girl yesterday, after receiving her number from Lelouch. He nagged at her for the last half of their train ride back to give Shirley a chance because she was a nice girl. Tired of listening to his nagging, she agreed and decided to meet with Shirley to discuss what had happened with her teammates.
"First of all C.C, I want to apologize for coming off as a 'bitch' to you. I bothered you a lot about our project and even forced you to participate in the show after all the work you did."
"It's fine, and you didn't force me. I only said that so that your friends would stop bothering me."
Shirley's emerald eyes started to well up and she bawled her fists. Her friends that threatened her image frustrated her. She was not a bully!
"I sincerely apologize for what my teammates did. They didn't mean to hurt you, they just wanted to make me feel better…Truthfully, everyone on campus treats me like I'm a princess. The fact that I'm Ms. Sophomore doesn't help either. They just wanted me to be together with Lulu since he's the prince and I'm the princess. I hope you understand."
C.C took a sip of the strawberry smoothie Lelouch made for her. She nodded her head at Shirley's apology, which felt sincere at first but devolved into discrete bragging at the end.
"Is that all you wanted to say Shirley?"
Shirley looked down and delved deep into her thoughts. She then looked back up with a determined expression.
"Actually C.C., I wanted to talk to you about Lulu. Is that okay with you?"
C.C really wanted to leave and finish working on a dress she started to design after the hiking trip. She had gained a sudden burst of inspiration and didn't want to lose it.
"Can you make it quick?"
"Why? Are you meeting someone after this?" C.C so desperately wanted to roll her eyes at the girls' obvious inquiry. 'No I will not be meeting your prince today princess'. She thought as she answered Shirley in a monotone voice.
"No. I'm busy with a design, you know we have a lot of work to do as fashion design majors."
"…Right, well I wanted to let you know that I haven't given up on Lulu. I've been in love with him since high school. I'm not trying to steal him from you and if I'm being honest, I know Lelouch has feelings for me. We've hung out a lot and the way he looked at me was something more than friendship, but because we were young and immature, nothing happened. So, from now on I will approach him confidently!"
What did she wanted C.C to say? Good luck? I'm rooting for you? Even C.C didn't know, so she just nodded which made Shirley think she didn't care about Lelouch. This frustrated her.
"Is that all?"C.C asked.
"One last thing C.C. You're probably not going to the kickback, so I'm going to go with Lulu since he'll be all by himself. I really care about him, so I hope you don't mind me keeping his company as his friend right?"
'What is going on?! She sounds so nice even though she's obviously being a bitch to me right now. I don't even think she realizes, she's so blinded by 'love'. Amazing…'
C.C had no words to answer Shirley with, so she simply gave an 'ok' so that she could escape this battle Shirley had concocted between them.
~end~
Pictures of Lelouch dancing, drinking and having fun with Shirley at the kickback started to invade her mind. Then, as the two were having a drink in a secluded corner, they moved closer to each other and….they kissed. Her golden eyes flared up angrily. Finally, she felt the severity of the situation and it made her furious.
She desperately tried to mask the news she just heard, with her annoyance at Shirley's childish antics.
"What time is the party Nina?"
"Hello students of Ashford! I, Milly Ashford, student council president, do welcome you to our annual spring kickback! Once again, we are conducting the Mr. and Mrs. Spring competition. Everyone who has entered those doors will receive a sticker with a number on it. If you see anyone you think embodies spring tonight, then log onto our school's app and vote for them! The prize will be announced when we crown our two winners. Now, without further ado, please enjoy the party!"
The venue for the kickback was huge. The student council, using Milly's and Lelouch's family connections, were able to book an extravagant ballroom in a 5-star hotel in Tokyo. Purple and magenta lights illuminated the dance floor, turning the ballroom into their very own dance club. The bar was full, the music was popping and the students were pumped as they danced to the trendy trap and hip-hop songs being played.
Everyone was minding their own business until Lelouch arrived outside with Shirley right by his side. Everyone inside started to freak out as pictures of the two popped up in their phones via airdrop. In the photos, Lelouch and Shirley were wearing color coordinated outfits. Lelouch wore a light brown beanie and light blue jean jacket over a white long sleeved shirt with black pants and white converse. Shirley insisted they match, so she wore a long sleeve off the shoulder shirt with a short light blue jean jumper/dress, along with tall white platform pumps. They looked like a real couple…and it made Lelouch very uncomfortable, but Shirley was being very persistent earlier so it was hard for him to say something. Maybe his suspicions were correct.
"Shirley?" he called out to her, as they entered the ballroom and a waiter gave them each a white sticker. His had the number 50, and she had the number 51.
"Yes Lulu?" she answered as she stuck the sticker onto her dress. They continued to talk as they walked through the crowd and to the bar where they could grab a drink.
"We are friends right?"
His question caused her heart to stop momentarily. She reached out and held his hand. Now was the time to let him know what had been weighing on her mind during those days she locked herself in her room, when the rumor of him and C.C spread.
"Can we talk in private? I have something very important to tell you."
"Recently we've been talking in private a lot Shirley."
"Yeah, we have. So?"
"Oh, sure. Let's talk outside."
Nina and C.C scurried around their room as they hurried to get dressed as Suzaku, Kallen and Rivalz arrived to pick them up earlier than expected. C.C put on her white sneakers that complimented her yellow, lace bodycon midi dress. The dress had spaghetti straps and a short slit along with wiring that outlined her waist and bust, which made her look especially sexy. It was a dress she completed yesterday. She grabbed her white purse and they were out of the door.
"Is Lelouch not driving this time?" Nina asked as she noticed the raven haired boy was nowhere in sight.
'He always goes to these types of events with Suzaku and Rivalz….' She thought.
"Lelouch didn't message us, so we assumed he'd drive there by himself this time." Suzaku answered to which caused Nina to become suspicious. The trio finally noticed C.C beside Nina and their eyes widened in surprise.
"C.C, you are coming?!" Rivalz blurted and she nodded.
Rivalz, Kallen and Suzaku were shocked to see C.C when she exited the dorm. They complimented her outfit before entering the car and driving off. Suzaku drove and Kallen sat in the front, whilst Nina and Rivalz sat in the back with C.C. Nina checked her phone and gasped, causing C.C and Rivalz to look at her.
"Is something wrong Nina?" Rivalz asked worriedly, but the girl reassured them and returned to her phone. A minute later, Rivalz phone dinged as he received a private message from Nina. She sent him a video of Lelouch and Shirley entering the party. This time Rivalz's mouth opened widely, but he didn't make a sound and only replied to her.
"Why would Lelouch do this when he's dating C.C? He probably thought she wouldn't come."-Nina
"This is bad, but let's not jump to conclusions Nina. Maybe it's a misunderstanding."-Rivalz
"If it isn't C.C is going to be heartbroken."
"It doesn't seem like she knows, so I'll message Lelouch first to see what's going on."
Nina gazed at C.C whom was reading a book on her phone. Rivalz sent a text message to Lelouch, but he didn't answer. Suzaku asked Rivalz about what was going on, but the blue haired boy made him wait until they arrived at the party.
C.C sighed at their obvious attempts to hide the video from her. She saw it in the reflection of the screen on the car window. The anger that was boiling inside of her died down, leaving her to feel empty, which would explain her calm expression when Nina looked at her.
She wanted to be angry at Shirley, as she already expected that from her, but she expected more from Lelouch…Maybe she was overthinking it, maybe he didn't throw her away yet.
Lelouch and Shirley escaped the crowd and went to the hotel's outdoor pool to have their conversation. Shirley took a deep breathe before starting.
"Lelouch, we've known each other since high school. We've eaten together, played together, laughed together, cried together and even fought with each other a couple of times."
Lelouch nodded to acknowledge the friendly relationship they've shared thus far.
"I remember quite well Shirley. We were there to bail each out of tough situations as well."
"That's right. You were there for me…and truthfully, you felt like more than a friend to me. The time that I spent with you made my heart race. I was in love with you ever since high school, but you never made a serious move even though you continued to treat me so nicely. And when our friends would tease us about being a couple, you wouldn't say anything, you didn't even deny it!...so I thought I would wait until we were older and you were more mature."
Lelouch frowned, but not at Shirley, but at himself. His gentlemanly behavior had led her on. The mask he wore, the one that helped him maintain a perfect image in everyone's eyes, was starting to crumble right before him. And it all happened when C.C entered his world. He started to think that C.C was right, and that maybe it was time to let go of the mask.
"Shirley…I'm sorry."
"No, don't apologize! It's my fault for being complacent. You got tired of me, so you found someone else to play with…I won't be complacent anymore Lelouch. I will show you my heart, because I know that the way you smiled at me was not a lie."
"It was a lie Shirley. The gentleman I was to you, I was to everyone. You are a bright, and cheerful girl, and I did view you as a friend after getting to know you better, but I couldn't show myself to you."
Shirley furrowed her brows in confusion at what Lelouch was saying. It couldn't have been a lie because it all felt very real, and all of their friends saw them as the perfect couple, so why? Lelouch was supposedly confronting her with the 'truth', however she couldn't accept it, especially since he decided to accept C.C, who he had barely known.
"Then why C.C? You haven't known her for long, so how can you tell if she's the one you can show yourself to?...Why couldn't you be yourself around me?"
'It's time to put an end to this', he thought as he gave Shirley a very serious look. He was going to confront her with the real truth. The one that he hid whilst being her friend. And the main factor as to why they continued to be friends despite being so close.
"It's because you and I are the same Shirley. We both make relationships that benefit our own image. That's why I was your friend, because I understood you. And I know, that you only loved the thought of being Lelouch Vi Britannia's girlfriend, just as I liked the thought of being one of Shirley Fenette's most closest friends."
Shirley shook her head in denial at the nonsense he was spouting. However in the back of her mind, she knew that a little of it was true, but some of it was wrong as well.
"Even for a split second…did you think of me as more than a friend?"
She pleaded for him to say yes, but he let out a sigh which she did not like.
"No."
She balled her fists and flared her emerald eyes at him. If he could see her as a friend after getting to know her, then why didn't he see her as more?!
"What you said is true Lelouch. I love the thought of being the girl who made the dark prince fall madly in love with her. I do admit that, that is my personality, but the time we shared together felt genuine to me. I did fall in love with you. And you did say that you saw me as a real friend after getting to know me. Therefore, I will make you see me as more than a friend Lelouch!"
One thing Shirley had was persistence and Lelouch was not strong enough to fight her perseverance. Once she made up her mind about something, she would not stop until she got it or figured it out. The only thing that could stop her was if her memory were erased and she forgot what she was after.
After the intense conversation, Lelouch and Shirley went back into the hotel to go back to the party. Lelouch checked his phone that had been vibrating whilst he was talking with Shirley. He looked down to see a few messages from Rivalz.
Lelouch are you with Shirley?!
I just saw the video so that means you are. And that means you are in big trouble because C.C is with us right now and we are soon at the hotel.
Why aren't you answering Lelouch, we are here now!
"Lelouch!"
Lelouch looked out of his phone as he heard Suzaku, who should be with Euphemia, but was with Rivalz, Nina, Kallen and….C.C! His heart raced both from the excitement of seeing her and also the fact that she would misunderstand him coming to the party with Shirley, and also the fact that they were currently wearing matching outfits.
Shirley noticed Lelouch's frazzled demeanor when he locked eyes with C.C, and she did not like it one bit. What did C.C have that made him lose his composure?
"Lelouch." She called him and he turned to look at her. She tip-toed and wrapped her arms around his neck to bring him closer to her as she stole a kiss from him. She then backed away quickly before Lelouch could push her away and make it look like he didn't want to kiss her. She waved goodbye to Lelouch and nonchalantly walked past her council members. As she walked pass C.C, she stopped and whispered something in her ear before walking towards the ballroom.
Lelouch's eyes immediately travelled to C.C for her reaction to the scene that had just taken place.
'Shirley, you've gone too far! Just when I said I would gain her trust…just when I started to show her that I was genuine. No! This will not be the end for us…'
"C.C?"
He called the girl who looked at him with her usual stoic expression. She just looked at him without saying a word, which made his heart stop. He knew that she was hurting, but like always she kept it to herself without showing anyone.
Do we look like a couple?
"Shirley." she called to the girl who stood in front of the ballroom doors. Shirley stopped in her tracks to listen to what C.C had to say.
"To answer your question. Yes, you look perfect…"
The others were confused to C.C's sudden compliment. However, Lelouch knew what it meant, and it made him angry.
'Perfect…perfect…I'm tired of it…'
C.C walked towards the ballroom. Her hands clutching tightly to her white purse as she walked past Shirley and disappeared into the party by herself.
'I tried to forget but it was useless. I don't hate you Lelouch and I agree with Shirley, you two do look perfect together. I understand, I'll disappear…hmm, it seems like the perfect time as well, with Cristian reappearing it's all too perfect. I'll take us all out before I go.'
Her expression turned sour as she spoke the priest's name out loud.
'Tonight will be long and I have no money and no ride home...I might as well enjoy my time~'
To be continued~