Turn 4: Setting the Stage

I blink as I slowly wake up, the next day. A quick look at the clock confirms that it's 9:20am.

Feeling a tightness on my lower body reminds me that I'm still deep inside CC. Judging by the smile on her face, though, I'd say she definitely had fun.

She looks so peaceful, I really don't want to wake her. So, with nothing to do, I pull out my phone and check the news.

The anchors are still talking about the little surprise I left after the parade last night.

Shortly after the nightly newscast started, a time-delayed program was activated. It contained authenticated security footage from Clovis's G-1 of him arguing with Bartley about the response to Code-R being stolen and his decision to cover up the destruction of the Shinjuku ghetto as 'urban renewal'.

While things like this do happen in Britannia, the government never likes having its dirty laundry aired.

Clovis' reputation is ruined, and thanks to the appearance of the terrorist Zero? The Purist organization is now under suspicion of treason.

Huh. Smart move, Orange. Showing up in bandages and looking pale and haggard.

He held a press conference denouncing Kewell as a traitor and declaring that Viletta Nu as his new second-in-command while he launches a purge for suspected traitors.

At this time, he's apparently also admitted to the press that he would never have escaped the Eleven terrorists without the help of Honorary Britannian Suzaku Kururugi.

Hmm. Not a bad plan. Certainly won't make him popular with the Purists, but their organization is finished, anyway. And he and Viletta can skate by, by making themselves out as innocent victims.

Knowing Chuck, he'll send Cornelia and Euphemia to replace Clovis as Viceroy. Publicly for the strategic importance and the message that the government does not tolerate being embarrassed by terrorists. Privately, in order to fuck with me because he knows I'm Zero.

Were I just Lelouch, it might have worked. I doubt he really cares, honestly.

As long as I don't tip my hand about knowing his real agenda, he's not going to care...yet.

Feeling a tightness on my cock alerts me that CC is awake and looking at the news on my phone as I read it.

"Sleep well?"

Her response is a kiss on the lips and snuggling up to me as she turns over to lay face down on my chest.

"God, I needed that," she whispers.

I stroke her hair as she grabs my phone to peruse the latest news.

"So what's next on the agenda?"

I pause to consider. There's not a whole lot to do. Mostly just checking in with the various machinations I have in the works.

Aw shit...I do have one thing I can't avoid.

"While today's schedule is largely clear, we both do have ONE thing that has to be done today."

CC raises an eyebrow at me questioningly.

"Kallen," I say simply.

"Trying for a threesome already? You really are your father's son," she giggles.

Even if she wasn't trying to be insulting, that's still a low blow.

"I'm spanking your fat ass next time," I say with a mocking smile.

She then promptly sits up and clobbers me with a pillow.

"You really are a glutton for punishment, aren't you?" she says as she goes into the bathroom.

"CC, dear, believe me when I say, you asked for it," I say back snarkily.

"You can make it up to me later," she calls out.

I stretch, feeling my body ache. I move over to start getting dressed.

That's it, I'm hitting the gym.

"Any requests for breakfast BESIDES pizza?"

"Killjoy," she mutters.

"Unlike you, my sister and I cannot subsist solely on junk food."

Annnnd that remark gets me smacked on the ass with a wet towel.

CC is standing at the bathroom door, taunting me with her body and hair wrapped in a towel.

"Your turn," she says cheekily.

I walk past her, giving her a smack on the ass as I dash in and close the door.

I am sorely tempted to just fuck off the rest of the day and just spend the next several hours fucking her limette ass all over my room.

But? Priorities.

I send off a quick text to Kallen requesting a meeting later today, and a status report and inquiry of well-being to Jerry.

At this point, I know where Suzaku is, roughly. He's likely on his first date with Euphie. So I'm not going to cock-block him by calling.

Hmm, probably need to call Ohgi and check in. Have to delegate logistical specialists for on-the-ground work, munitions procurement, keeping an eye out for rumors, and see about getting that nice mobile home that showed up later.

Such is the life of a rebellion in the making.

After finishing my shower, I make my downstairs and start on a nice breakfast of French toast, fried eggs, bacon, and toast.

Midway through, Sayoko joins to help with the prep. Hmm. Probably should make Congee next time.

Unfortunately, Lelouch doesn't have the kind of bread I want for this in his pantry, so I'm forced to settle for rye bread. Then again, where the hell would you get Challah in Japan anyway?

A yawn indicates CC has finally decided to join us, and the squeaky wheels is Nunnally coming to the table.

Come to think of it? Since I have only one thing to do, why not just take the day off and have a family outing?

"How does everyone feel about a day out?"

Thinking about it, I'd rather tell Kallen and Suzaku at the same time.

Probably going to get punched for it, but eh, I might actually deserve it.

After thinking about it, I realize Suzaku, despite being put through the wringer, is not likely to visit any violence or ill will towards me for it.

Kallen, on the other hand...Probably should wear a cup, just in case.

Luckily, I have something to mollify her anger.

The impromptu picnic went off well. Nunnally enjoyed being out in the park. Sayoko spent the time doing origami with her and taking in the atmosphere.

As for CC?

She got roped into "girl-time" with Nunnally.

I made myself scarce during that, which let me check in with Orange, Ohgi,and Suzaku.

Orange reports that a group of Purists did attempt to assassinate him by luring him with a false sighting of Zero. Surprisingly enough, Kewell actually had nothing to do with it.

Unfortunately for the Purists, without Kewell Soresi to lead them this time, Jeremiah slaughtered them all to a man.

Suzaku said he was acquitted as expected, and spent the day with a girl called "Euphie".

Surprise, surprise, turns out to be my pink-haired sister Euphemia. More surprising is that their date wasn't interrupted, and Suzaku is clueless about who the girl he spent the day with is. His reaction will doubtless be hilarious and adorable.

Ohgi reported that the new Viceroy is arriving tonight and that rumors are going around about a reorganization in the Area military.

I think I ruined his day when I told him that the new Viceroy is the "Witch of Britannia".

He and the gang are under orders to lay low and to keep an eye out for suspicious activity in the ghettos. When asked why, I mentioned how Cornelia has now lost three siblings to this country, so punitive actions are a strong possibility.

Can't guarantee that it will be Saitama again, but better safe than sorry.

Kallen wasn't happy about delaying my explanation, but she acquiesced after I explained that today was for my sister and that the resistance is on downtime until Cornelia arrives.

The rest of the day is rather mellow. A bit of calm before the storm.

Milly is wondering why I'm so much more relaxed...and knowing her, she's figured out I had sex.

I would not put it past her to have a pervert detector ability.

The pawns are moving, the game board is set, and the first act is over. With Cornelia comes the real test. And...Lelouch's greatest failure.

The Massacre Princess incident.

If I want any kind of happy ending, that event cannot happen. Euphie didn't deserve to die so stupidly, my Suzaku's innocence dying with her.

Even sitting here, enjoying dinner with this second family I'm building, I cannot help but think about the future.

What will happen? Can I stop Charles' plans without sacrificing what I care about?

...Yes. I can. I refuse to let whatever fucked up incarnation of Murphy that runs this universe fuck me over like in the original timeline.

As CC and I lie back to crash out for the night, a single thought stands resolute in my mind.

I am Lelouch vi Britannia. I am Zero. The man who will destroy and remake this accursed world.

End of turn.