Lelouch posed in front of his mirror, his cape swishing with the movement. It was one of the few days he had free time, just enough to practice a few speeches before dinner.

Admittedly, it was a bit embarrassing, dramatically posing in his full Zero attire in front of his bedroom mirror, yet necessary. Well, necessary was a stretch - he knew he could easily come up with a speech on the spot, for whatever subject may arise, but he much preferred to be prepared, to have things planned to a T. It was just in his nature.

Such preparation may not seem needed when he could simply conjure the words in his head, but speeches were like a performance. The posing, hand gestures, and intonation were just as important as the words themselves. And, wearing the outfit completed it. It was the best way to truly get into character. (Although he forgo the helmet; it wasn't needed.)

Lelouch shifted his pose again to something slightly less dramatic. He had just finished his monologue for if the Black Knights started to disagree with his ways, and was about to start the one for if they figured out he was a student, when suddenly his door opened.

He immediately turned to see Milly in his doorway, looking down at a small stack of papers.

"Hey Lelouch can you-" She looked up and stopped.

The two just stared at each other.

The silence lasted only a second, but it felt much longer for Lelouch. In that moment a multitude of thoughts crossed his mind, as a series of emotions rapidly washed over him: shock, fear, anger (didn't this woman know how to knock, or rather, why couldn't he remember to lock his own damn door), despair, determination. Would he have to use his Geass? No, he couldn't decide for certain yet. Maybe there was a way out of this. Could he pass himself off as a fan of Zero? Milly, knowing his circumstances, would certainly understand, but, realistically, it wouldn't be enough to explain why he owned a perfect replica of Zero's outfit.

Milly let out a small gasp and brought her hand up to her mouth. "No way..."

She didn't look or sound as shocked as he would expect from someone who found out their classmate was a well known terrorist - in fact, she was even smiling - but, then again, this was Milly. He never really knew with her.

He still itched to use his Geass, but, since her reaction seemed favorable, it was better to wait.

Milly's smile grew. "I had no idea you had a costume for Halloween!"

Lelouch's mind stuttered to a halt. "Halloween..?"

She strode into his room. "You never participate in these kinda things, and with you missing all that school lately, I thought there was no chance!"

Lelouch forced himself out of his confusion. That's right, it was October, nearing Halloween. He sent a quick glance at his calendar and saw that the day was actually tomorrow. And, each Halloween, Ashford would allow its students to wear a costume instead of the uniform, with an extravagant contest at the end of the day. With all his extracurricular activities, he had completely forgotten.

He felt a wave of relief. This was the perfect excuse.

"Yes, I was hoping for it to be a surprise." He said to explain his earlier shock. "I wanted to try and make up for missing all that school."

"Aw, that's actually quite nice of you." She walked over to him and lifted a small portion of his cape, feeling it between her fingers, as Lelouch chose to ignore the subtle drag. "And the costume's amazing too! Did you make it yourself?"

"I just bought it online and made a few adjustments. But.. I'm not so sure about this in the first place." He looked down at his outfit, projecting the perfect amount of feigned worry. "It's quite.. controversial."

While he was certainly glad with this turn of events, he didn't actually want to end up going to school dressed as his alter ego. It was just too risky.

"Oh, come on! I'm sure no one will take it that seriously." Milly effortlessly brushed off his attempts, as usual.

"But-"

"Besides," She cut him off, "no one will even care that you're a Zero fan."

"I'm not-!" He sputtered.

"Tons of people in school like him - even Rivalz was talking about how cool he is the other day."

"I suppose so..."

"Anyways, here's the paperwork I meant to give you." She held out the stack of papers and Lelouch automatically grabbed it from her. She turned around and headed back towards the door, then looked over her shoulder and said, "I expect to see you in that tomorrow, okay?"

While her voice was cheerful, it had a particular menacing tone to it that made Lelouch know that if he didn't, he would face the consequences.

Before he could even fit in one last closing remark, the door closed behind her, leaving Lelouch with just feelings of regret and dread.


It was the time of morning when Lelouch would be adjusting his uniform jacket to look perfect as always, yet instead, today he was fastening on Zero's cravat.

C.C. lay relaxed on his bed with an eyebrow quirked up. "I didn't think you'd actually go through with it."

Lelouch let out a sigh, sounding more defeated than he intended. "You know Milly would have my head if I didn't."

He had considered skipping out, but he could imagine Milly dragging him back and putting the outfit on him herself, and he would like to avoid that.

"Why don't you just pretend to be sick?"

"You know that wouldn't work on her." Lelouch grabbed the cape off the end of his chair and hoisted it over his shoulders. "Besides, this could actually be beneficial in the long run. It's the perfect excuse if anyone comes across my costume like last night.. or if Arthur decides to break into my room again." He remembered with a grimace.

"Or you could just lock your door."

He popped up the collar to hide his faint embarrassed blush. "I suppose I could..."

Lelouch ignored C.C. and left through the door, grabbing his helmet on the way out.

Sayako had made breakfast as usual and his sister was already seated at the table.

"Good morning, Nunally." He sat down, placing his helmet next to his breakfast.

"Ah, good morning, brother." She didn't sound as enthusiastic as she normally would. Her head was turned questioningly in his direction.

Lelouch paused with trepidation. She couldn't possibly know what he was wearing, right?

"That doesn't sound like your school uniform..."

"Oh," he relaxed, "I figured I'd go in costume today after all."

Nunally's smile returned. "That's great! I didn't think you'd be participating."

"Neither did I." Lelouch muttered. With the room being so quiet, she obviously heard. "Well, I wanted to make it up to Milly for missing so much school. But I didn't have much time and it was such last-minute..."

"Ah, so what are you going as?"

Lelouch hesitated, awkwardly looking to the side. It seemed he hesitated for a bit too long, since Nunally had adopted a concerned expression.

"Uh, Zero..." He eventually said. "I didn't exactly have any other ideas and, again, it was last minute..."

Thankfully, Nunally took the explanation and didn't seem too bothered by his costume choice. "I bet you look great, brother."

Lelouch smiled. "Thank you, Nunally."


It felt almost sacrilege, and just plain wrong, to be walking around in his full Zero outfit on the school campus. It wasn't like any feeling of nervousness he had ever felt as Zero before - probably because he wasn't even supposed to be Zero right now. Every instinct of his was screaming at him to turn around, but he knew he had already made his decision and forced himself to continue forward.

The only normal thing about this situation was the student council paperwork he was holding to turn in to Milly. Some of it she needed earlier, so unfortunately he couldn't just drop it off at the student council room.

For the third time since leaving the clubhouse, he adjusted his helmet. He had debated on whether not to include it, but he knew Milly wouldn't let that stand. Although he didn't have it fully on, instead it was just lightly resting on his head for easier removal.

As he rounded the corner, he came across one of the school guards standing in the usual spot. As soon as he did, he came to a realization that he should've had much earlier.

The guard immediately jumped in shock and exclaimed, "Zero!?" Before fumbling for his gun and shakily aiming it at Lelouch.

Lelouch reacted quickly. He held up his hands in a defensive gesture. "No, no I'm not-!" He grabbed his helmet off. "It's just a costume!"

The guard visibly relaxed, lowering his gun. "Oh, it's just you Lelouch. Sorry, you really looked like Zero there." He lightly laughed.

Lelouch chuckled. "No worries."

He continued past, tucking his helmet under his arm, sighing.

So, no helmet.


Lelouch barely even made it into the school building before he met his second problem.

"Zero!?" A voice he recognized as Kallen's called out to him from behind. "Wh-what are you doing here!?" Her voice was frantic and hushed as her footsteps got closer.

Lelouch immediately realized what was happening. Even though he wasn't wearing the helmet, the collar must've been high enough to block the view of his head.

He plastered a perfectly innocent and sheepish expression on his face and turned around.

Kallen stopped, nearly flinching. She was shocked and clearly taken off guard. "L-Lelouch..?" She sputtered. While she, above all, looked confused, suspicion was starting to creep its way in as well. Her eyes began to narrow.

Seeing as she wasn't in costume herself, and considering the many days she had missed recently, it was safe to assume she wasn't aware of the Halloween event.

"It's Halloween." He simply explained. "Milly wanted me to wear a costume."

Kallen's mouth formed a small 'o' as she realized. "Oh, sorry I- I didn't realize. I thought you- you looked like... Your costume's really realistic..." She settled on, giving him a bashful smile.

"Ah, thank you..."

They both paused and an awkward silence quickly formed.

"Anyways, I best be going." He lifted up the papers slightly.

"Yes, right..."


His trip to Milly's homeroom was not fun. The looks and whispers sent his way were painfully obvious. Of course he knew that, because of his popularity, this would cause quite the stir, but he had to admit he was pleasantly surprised. Milly was right, it seemed no one really cared that he was dressed as Zero specifically. Most of the reactions consisted of girls squealing at seeing Lelouch of all people in such an outfit. Although some sneers and worried looks were still thrown in.

The reaction when he entered the classroom was much the same. He ignored the squeals and gasps as he made his way to Milly, who was dressed in a fancy ballroom dress and hat meant to resemble a witch. It was far too extravagant and elegant than it needed to be, which was completely unsurprising.

"Here." He placed the papers on her desk.

Her eyes shone. "You actually did it! I'm glad, I was almost worried you'd bail out on me." Lelouch chuckled; they both knew he had wanted to. "And I have to say you look great in it too." She slyly smiled, trailing his body with her eyes, momentarily stopping on the helmet tucked under his arm. "But why aren't you wearing your helmet?"

"One of the guards stopped me this morning." He said sheepishly. "It seems my costume was too good."

Milly burst into laughter.


Lelouch sighed as he sat down at his desk. Suzaku had paused the conversation he was having with some other student to stare at him owlishly. He, like Kallen, wasn't in costume either. Lelouch wished he could've joined them.

Suzaku kept staring for a few seconds, before saying, "I didn't know you were a fan of Zero."

Lelouch nearly choked, having not expected that to be his first response. "I- I'm not..! This isn't like that!"

"Oh?" Suzaku said teasingly as he lifted an eyebrow, clearly not believing him. "I mean.." he leaned closer to Lelouch and lowered his voice so the others couldn't hear, "knowing your background, I couldn't blame you, even if I disagree."

Suzaku actually sounded quite genuine, and it made Lelouch feel an odd sort of warmth, but he disregarded it.

"Thanks, but I swear this isn't like that." Lelouch fought the blush that was starting to rise. Suzaku leaned back with the same disbelieving look. "There just.. weren't many options."

"If you say so..."

Lelouch just brought a hand to his forehead. This was pointless.


By the time lunch had arrived, Lelouch couldn't have felt more relieved. The extra attention along with the fear of potentially being found out had exhausted him.

He made a quick leave, longing to get away from all the stares and retreat into the peace and quiet of the clubhouse. But, despite his rushing, he wasn't the first to arrive.

When opened the door to the student council room, he first saw Nina. She was hunched over her computer in a well made Euphemia costume. It was almost comical, the disparity between them.

She perked up at the sound of the door opening. They locked eyes. First, there was brief shock, then she quickly shifted her expression to something more normal, yet still slightly scared and confused.

While he didn't harbor any ill will towards her, he knew her opinions of the Japanese and Zero were far less than favorable. He was simply too tired to try and explain this to her right now.

He sighed, sat down, and just said, "Milly."

A look of understanding dawned on her face. "Ah, I see."


Surprisingly, Milly was right again. There were quite a few other students in Zero costumes - although not to as high caliber as his. They were mostly just blank black capes and a cheap tie on helmet added onto the school uniform, but the fact that there were others made Lelouch feel a little better about the situation, and oddly smug too.

Yet still, he had welcomed the end of the school day. If he was already exhausted by lunch, he was even more so now. It seemed no matter how much news of his costume had spread, people just wouldn't stop staring at him.

The thought of relaxing in his bed and getting out of this damned outfit was heavenly. He just had to avoid Milly and whatever plans she surely had up her sleeve.

As if by cosmic fate, he had almost made it to the clubhouse when Milly intercepted him. "Where do you think you're going?"

He began to feel dread pool in his stomach. "To my room..."

"And skip out on the costume contest?"

The dread solidified. "You mean the optional costume contest..?"

"Not anymore it isn't!" She cheerfully announced. "From now on all student council members with a costume must participate!"

Lelouch groaned, defeated. Damnit, he knew this would happen. "You're joking." He said, deadpan.

Milly laughed evilly. "Nope!" She grabbed his wrist and began dragging him towards the auditorium. "I'm not letting you get out of this one, Lelouch!"


Lelouch slumped down his chair.

The costume contest was not fun. Milly had ended up forcing him to do a Zero impression in front of the whole school population, which was actually quite embarrassing. Zero's dramatics always fit well into the throws of battle and strategy, but on a stage, in front of an audience, it just felt far too theatrical. He was glad he had to wear the helmet; it hid his flush quite well.

He removed his helmet and the first place medal around his neck, placing them on the table in front of him, as the rest of the student council settled into their seats. He had felt kind of bad taking first place from the many students who actually worked hard to make their costumes (since he didn't even make his), but it wasn't the least bit surprising.

He lifted an arm to wipe the sweat from his forehead - the bright stage lights and multitude of layers in his costume did not make a pleasant combination.

"So," Milly looked at him. "Who're you choosing for your prize?"

He won a study date with any student council member of his choosing. "Myself."

"Hey! That's not allowed."

"Nunally then. She needed help with quadratics the other day."

"Tch, you're no fun." She crossed her arms petulantly.

"Man," Rivalz drawled as he leaned his chair back, glancing at Lelouch. "You make way too good of a Zero."

"I do..?" He asked, a sliver of worry beginning in his voice.

A moment later Kallen said the same. "He does?" Although instead with a sliver of disgust.

"Yeah!" Rivalz said, absentmindedly leaning forward to pick up his Zero helmet. "Your costume is like, way too good. I almost thought you were the real thing when I first saw you."

He began messing with the helmet and Lelouch had to clench his fists to stop himself from snatching it right back. He wouldn't have a reason to be so defensive of it.

"It's true!" Milly pointed up a finger. "He told me one of the guards stopped him earlier today."

"Eh, really!?" Shirley exclaimed, her clip on fairy wings bouncing.

"Yes, it was a pain." He said indifferently.

Rivalz took off his cowboy hat and replaced it with the helmet. It looked like a mockery of Zero, combined with the rest of his outfit. Lelouch struggled to keep a neutral expression.

"So that's why you weren't wearing the mask." Suzaku realized.

"That's a shame." Rivalz said, his voice muffled. "This thing is super cool." The others giggled a little seeing him, Kallen seemingly the most amused. "Kinda uncomfortable though. I wouldn't wanna wear it for long."

Rivalz took it off, and laid it back on the table, shaking his hair back into place.

Lelouch waited a few seconds, in order to not seem eager, before grabbing it back and wiping the glass with his cape. Rivalz got his fingerprints all over it.

Rivalz relaxed back into his chair, looking at Lelouch. "And your impression was scary accurate too."

"Yeah, scary..." Nina muttered, not looking up from her computer.

Lelouch didn't like where this was going.

He chuckled, not an ounce of the nervousness he felt coming through. "I'm sure it was just the costume..."

"Really, you sounded just like him." Rivalz continued.

"Y'know," Milly said ominously, smirking at Lelouch, "I bet he practiced it."

"Practiced..?" Lelouch questioned.

"I totally heard you talking to yourself in your room last night."

Lelouch felt himself pale. Damnit, so she had heard him. "I was not!" He denied.

She chuckled maliciously. "Don't deny it. You were posing all dramatically in front of your mirror. You're such a fanboy, Lelouch."

The color immediately returned to Lelouch's face, as the others began laughing. "I-I'm not a fanboy!" The laughter only increased.

"C'mon man," Rivalz smiled, "you know we won't judge you."

"I'm telling you I'm not!" Lelouch slammed his fists into the table.

"You have a near perfect replica of his costume." Suzaku mentioned through giggles.

"It's for Halloween!"

"You didn't have to go as Zero." Shirley pointed out.

Lelouch just groaned, resting his head in his hands, partly to hide the blush he surely had.

As embarrassing as this was, it could be worse. It was better they think he was just a Zero fanboy than Zero himself.

Suddenly, Rivalz gasped, loudly and obviously as if he came to an epiphany. "I've got it!" He stood up, slapping his hands on the table. "Lelouch isn't a fanboy, he's Zero himself!"

Lelouch paled all over again. He could tell Rivalz was kidding, but this line of thinking was bad enough. He just had to jinx himself.

"That's why his costume and impression were so good!" Rivalz added.

The second of silence that followed was almost torturous.

Kallen was the first to burst into laughter. The others joined in, even Nina, as Rivalz sat back down and Lelouch just sat there in mild confusion.

Kallen was nearly completely doubled over at this point. "Lelouch?" She paused, sucking in more air. "As Zero?" She managed to get out, sounding like that was the most ludicrous thing she had ever heard in her life.

"Yeah, what was I thinking?" Rivalz was in a similar state as Kallen's. "That's way too ridiculous!"

Lelouch didn't know how to feel. He was glad they didn't take it seriously, but to be laughing this hard? The concept of him being Zero couldn't be that ridiculous...

"He has the smarts for it, but he's just too unmotivated." Shirley said.

"You mean lazy." Kallen corrected.

"I'm not lazy..." Lelouch mumbled weakly, even more flushed than before.

"And frail too." Suzaku added, ignoring him. "Zero jumped off a bridge when he saved me."

Rivalz cackled. "No way Lelouch could do that!"

He very much could, actually.

"Yeah, I couldn't imagine Lelouch willingly doing something physical!" Milly chuckled.

Lelouch couldn't even say anything. All of this was pretty much true of the Lelouch Lamperouge persona he had created. Denying it was futile and may just alert them that something was amiss.

Although, at least it was clear, they didn't think he was Zero and likely wouldn't anytime soon. His identity, for now, was safe.

"He's way too arrogant, too." Kallen continued the insults. "I think one loss would devastate him so much he'd just give up."

But at what cost..?