Title: Memories

Rating: K

Summary: Lelouch thinks about the memories he has of his father.

Author: PunPrinceStar: archiveofourown . org /users/Pun_Prince_Star


Lelouch didn't remember much about his early childhood.

Most of his memories were from just before the time of his mother's death and beyond. There were bits and pieces, places, and snippets of memories, but otherwise it was mostly blank.

Photographs were essentially non-existent. Most of them likely destroyed or thrown away; the rest, far beyond his reach in Japan.,

Of the few memories Lelouch did have, most of them were of his little sister Nunnally, a few of his mother, barely any of his other siblings.

One of his father.

Compared to every other moment he remembered, or had seen of the Emperor, it was vastly different.

To the public: stern, righteous and powerful. Unforgiving, and merciless.

Lelouch remembered a slightly different version, still emotionally distant, but friendly. Loving, even.

His mother had organised afternoon tea for the three of them—his sister, his mother, and himself—and they were enjoying it in the gardens of the Aries Villa.

It was a rare peaceful day, one without any of his other siblings around as well, when they saw his father approach.

"Charles! What a lovely surprise, I don't suppose you have time for tea?" Marianne asked pleasantly.

"I have something for Lelouch, but I can join you." He held out the book he was carrying.

"For me?" Lelouch asked.

"Yes, but you have to take good care of it." He eagerly took the book, reading the title. Something about chess strategy and moves, all of which he remembered was that he thought it was the best gift.

"Thank you, father!" The Lelouch of his memories was thrilled. He had played a few games against Schneizel, but he had barely won any games.

"I suppose I'll call the servants for more tea." Marianne waved over the attendants.

Lelouch didn't remember his father ever playing chess, and certainly never with him, but that day he called the attendant to send for a chess board. While his mother looked almost disapprovingly before seeing how happy it made him.

Looking back at it now, it was funny for Lelouch. It helped him understand his father a little better, and in hindsight he did not like the man.

Still, Lelouch supposed, he was his father.