Hi everyone! First, I'd like to apologize for the tremendous delay of updates for my ongoing series especially for this one. Even I couldn't believe that I let several months pass by without posting a new chapter and now all of the other series are also delayed. I am truly sorry. I'd like to say that I don't have enough time to write during the day. I got a second job and established a small business which made it hard for me to find time to write (the second job is from Monday-Sunday). But lately, I also find it hard to fill a page with words. I can't say that I am having a writer's block for all of the ideas are all ready to be typed but somehow, I would find myself staring blankly at the monitor until a large amount of time passed by or my jobs call for me. I have the drive to write but my mind is flying elsewhere - towards other stories, other worries- until without noticing, I wasted almost five months. I'm very very sorry for the long wait.

Anyway, I'm doing good, though August has been a tough and sad month for our family due to unfortunate events (if only I could rewind time back when everything was okay) and I hope you are all doing good and being healthy. Thank you for your continuous support, patience and understanding. Rest assured that all of my ongoing series are active and not discontinued. I still feel strongly for the Lelouch x C.C. pairing (in fact they're still my top OTP) so I won't be disappearing anytime soon. The updates may be slow, but I'm still here trying to get one word at a time. If you want to get updated on my progress, or see pictures of my pets and my fail attempts at fanarts, or know if I'm still alive, you can visit my twitter account: yume005_geass

Again, thank you very much and I hope that this chapter would be at least worth the wait. Have a nice day and stay safe!

Chapter 16

"Do you know each other?" Shirley asks, her eyes going back and forth between them.

"No!" Ceci answers while Mr. Lamperouge says, "Yes."

Mr. Lamperouge looks at her confusedly before she says, "I mean, yes, we know… each other." She holds onto the former's sleeve before turning to her sister. "Will you excuse us for a minute?"

Ceci brings Mr. Lamperouge to an alley at the side of the shop. It is narrow and somewhat dim despite the high sun but at least it can conceal them from her family's curiosity. Peeking outside for the last time to make sure that Shirley didn't follow them, she lets out a breath of relief.

"What are you doing here?" she inquires at the wall behind him.

"I've been going here for several times. Gino is my friend. I helped fix the sign outside while the shop customizes my knife."

" 'Gino'? You're on first name basis?" She is suddenly getting dizzy.

Mr. Lamperouge rubs the back of his neck and Ceci tries hard to focus at the lone sun ray that was able to penetrate the alley.

"Uhh, we met at the plaza one day. He is a very friendly man and I think he's good and perhaps, he also thinks I am good so, yes, we are on first name basis."

Why does he sound nervous, too? And he reeks of cigarette again. Oh no, no. His scent is invading her senses and, and she wants to close her eyes but she shouldn't. It would be too dangerous. She looks at their shoes. He has a pair of large feet. Hers look like a dwarf's compared to his.

"You did the sign and you designed the knives…"

Mr. Lamperouge clears his throat. "Yes."

"So you basically, saved our business from its death." She can feel her cheeks heating and her heart beating fast.

"It's all coincidence. Why are you looking down?"

"I'm not looking down," she says as she lifts her head up and directs her gaze at the wall behind him again. She sees him smile from the corner of her eyes.

"And you're the missing sister."

Ceci rolls her eyes. "Whom you are angry with." She sighs. "Anyway, we have to tell them how we knew each other. Mr. Lamperouge – "

"I thought we are also on first name basis now. Ceci, look at me."

She closes her eyes. And then opens them again and she finally meets his bright violet ones.

"Hello, Ceci. I missed you," he greets sweetly.

And just like that, all of her efforts to block her all-consuming feelings and memories of him instantly disappear. She clings tightly on his sleeve so as to prevent herself from giving in to the temptation of embracing him. No one told her that being… being, oh, Heavens, can she call this being inlove? Could be so weakening and exciting at the same time. She never felt such strong emotions that would render her daydreaming or squirming all the time whenever she thinks of Lelouch. And she thinks of him always. That's why when news of her vacation arrived to her just after the night of their confessions, she tried hard to push away the thoughts of him at the very back of her head just to keep her sane during their three days apart.

But now… Through an incident that could only be conspired by the sun and moon, now, he is standing before her, all handsome and manly, with his large hand already enclosing her small one, with his bright eyes blinding her field of vision, and all the barriers she set up for herself crumbled in just one touch, one gaze, one voice.

Her voice shakes. "I… I missed you, too… Lelouch."

They stand there wordlessly, taking in each other's existence like the air they needed to breathe.

It is Ceci who breaks the spell first. "We must go back soon. Shirley will certainly look for us if we are gone for too long."

Lelouch clears his throat but doesn't let go of her hand. "Right. Let me be the one to explain to them about our situation." Despite the darkness, Ceci sees the blush creeping on his cheeks. "I might have said a couple of lies to them in order to conceal my identity." When he sees the unpleasant expression on her face, he immediately continues. "Nothing serious. I just didn't tell them that I am staying at the mansion, instead, I told them that my house is near the estate. And that, uh…" This time, he rubs his nape with his other hand and looks outside of the alley. "I have a pair of younger siblings. So, yes, I have some explanations to do. Well, that is if it's alright for them to know about me staying in the mansion?"

Ceci thinks of corroborating Lelouch's story for it seems to be harmless and done without any ill intent, but starting a lie would only give birth to more lies in order to support the first one and she doesn't want to be dishonest with her family especially to her sister. And there is also the possibility of her and Lelouch telling two different stories at two different times. They would only just be delaying the discovery of their dishonesty, but discover it will be.

"I don't want to lie to Shirley," she answers.

Lelouch nods. "I understand."

"You are staying in the mansion as the viscount's guest, that is a truth you can tell them. Then you can explain why you weren't unable to tell them this before. Remember, friendship is founded on honesty and trust."

A different look passed by the man's eyes but it vanishes too quickly for Ceci to comprehend. Instead, he flashes her his signature smirk and teases, "If you were my governess, I would be in big, big trouble."

Ceci nods then smiles playfully. "You have that air of a trouble-maker, I suppose."

The talk with Ceci's family went alright. As expected, they were hurt at first (especially Gino) but after they heard Lelouch's explanation, they gradually forgave him.

"So, the twins you were talking about were actually the viscount's children?" Gino asks incredulously.

"Yes."

"Huh, to think that you said that they were your siblings," the tall man shakes his head and Ceci quickly thinks of swaying sunflowers. "You're unbelievable, Lelouch. We have to drink later so that I can forget what you did to me." He says this so dramatically that everyone laughs at him.

Ceci feels a nudge on her shoulder and finds her sister standing next to her.

Shirley wears a content smile on her lips as she says, "I can't believe how everything turned out. Fate must be on our side." She scrunches her nose. "Well, perhaps not on my side since I'll completely lose our bet. You two are used to each other. There's no way that you'll blush because of him now."

Oh, Shirley, if only you knew.

Marianne has decided to ban Kallen from her life for several days.

This is for the sake of her sanity and health but most importantly, for Kallen's sake because Marianne cannot promise anyone that she wouldn't lash out on the younger woman.

Just thinking of Kallen disobeying the most important rule that Marianne repeatedly reminded her brings the latter a phantom headache that she wanted to disappear and wrinkles she never wished to have.

Did their numerous tea dates not enough for Kallen to internalize her wise words and live by them?

To say that she is disappointed is an understatement. Kallen was one of her favourite people. She had adored the girl ever since she became Lelouch's friend and later on, lover. She brought the rare goodness out of Lelouch and tamed and prevented her son from being a complete bastard just like his friend, Mr. Bradley.

Marianne scowls as his face appeared in her mind. This is one thing that made her furious at Kallen. The latter forced her to ask a favour from Mr. Bradley which she swore she would never do. She doesn't want to group herself to the likes of such people. Only her son could stomach being in the company of such mannerless and classless men. And look how Lelouch turned out.

Instead of finding a noble and famous job, her son wasted his time doing paintings of ordinary people who paid him less than what he deserved.

He lacks ambition, truly that boy. He settles for what is just infront of him and spends every penny at the pub every night. Marianne could still clearly remember what he looked like the night before he left for the Britannias and that night, she stayed up late worrying if he could really pull off their plan successfully.

It's a miracle, really, how he is able to stay in the mansion this long. Perhaps, he has gained the viscount's trust already? But it is now too long. He should have claimed his inheritance a long time ago and made her a noble in her own mansion. Indeed, she had always appeased Kallen that Lelouch is threading carefully in the estate. But if Marianne thinks about it now, it's been months since he left and still he hasn't reported any progress. In fact, he hasn't sent a report recently yet. And now she has no idea what is happening in the estate. Huh, perhaps, she can sympathize at Kallen's desperation for a bit.

Ah, so there is one way to find out what Lelouch's current is.

After asking an innocent boy passing infront of her house to fetch the lady, Kallen arrives at the patio looking gloomy and terrible – physically terrible. As if she hasn't eaten for days, or… or hasn't taken a bath for days and her red hair is in complete disarray and there are dark bags clinging under her eyes. Is this the effect of her fear from disobeying Marianne? The older woman frowns. As much as she likes to be feared and obeyed, terrorizing someone to the point of causing them physical stress and unwellness is something Marianne is against to.

Immediately, she ushers the young woman to her patio and lets her have a sip of tea before interrogating her.

"How have you been, Miss Stadtfeld?" Marianne inquires with a lift of her eyebrow.

The woman looks away, sighs, then glances back at her cup.

"If you would like to apologize for what you did, you better do it now while the tea is still as fresh as my patience."

But Kallen remains silent with her lips trembling. Now, this is not the Kallen that she knew. Although there were rare times that the younger woman showed her vulnerability and tears before Marianne, they all happened when she was still a child, a girl in her blossoming years that the reasons were mostly mundane and easy to laugh off.

But the Kallen before her is different. The hurt she is carrying is far from being called 'mundane'. Marianne could have reached her hand and grasp it in hers if she isn't maintaining a stubborn façade of an offended woman.

"Do you hear me, Miss Stadtfeld?" Marianne sternly asks.

"I…" Kallen lets out a shaky breath. "I'm sorry, ma'am. I should have listened to what you said and obeyed your advice. I should have so that…" And when she finally looks up and meets Marianne's gaze, the tears that she had been holding since she arrived fall freely on her cheeks. "… so that I wouldn't have known…"

"Known what?"

Sniffing, Kallen retrieves a napkin and wipes her tears away. "That he fell inlove with someone else."

Shocked, Marianne bursts out laughing.

Offended, the younger woman asks, "What's laughable about this matter?"

"I'm sorry, but I don't think that Lelouch is capable to feel such emotion." She realizes her mistake. "Except for you. I can't picture that boy to be inlove with someone else. Are you certain that it isn't just a simple affair?"

"I saw it with my own eyes, how he gazed softly at Miss Corabelle. He never looked at me like that. He never smiled at me like that."

"And who is Miss Corabelle?"

"The governess of the house. She looks after the twins."

Marianne raises a brow. "Governess? Well, I'm pretty sure that it is just a passing infatuation like how he was with the girls in this town. Perhaps, she is the only woman he encounters often in the mansion. You know Lelouch, he chases anyone in a skirt and – "

"No, you don't understand! Miss Corabelle is very beautiful and well-mannered and… and pristine… She's soft spoken, too. She moves like a breeze, so light and quiet. She's the definition of a proper lady and the opposite of Lelouch's preference of women. Lady Marianne, what does it mean when he is attracted to someone who doesn't meet his criteria?" The desperation in Kallen's voice reminds Marianne of her younger self – desperate for recognition, desperate for attention and love, desperate for validation. She has to look away and find something that will take her mind away from looking at her past.

"He's inlove with her," Kallen mumbles, defeated. "Truly, madly inlove with her."

"You can't be so certain about that."

"He wanted to end our relationship so that he can properly pursue her." A bitter smile appears on Kallen's lips. "That is so unlike your son, isn't it? And if it isn't enough proof, he acts so gentlemanly now. His manners and posture are refined. He became the kind of son that you've been dreaming of for so long." She shrugs. "It could be part of his plan to get the inheritance. But it could also be that to impress Miss Corabelle."

Marianne's eyes narrow as Kallen's words hit her unpleasantly. "You mean to tell me that after failing for more than twenty years to raise him into a gentleman, a woman he only knew for months was able to turn Lelouch into one?"

"That's right, Lady Marianne."

"Hmp." Now, if put that way, it sounds like Marianne is inferior to Miss Corabelle and that doesn't bode well with her ego. Yet, she doesn't have to act based on her emotions and make careless decisions just like Kallen. "So, are you separated now?"

"No, ma'am." Suddenly, Kallen avoids her eyes like a criminal avoiding an interrogation. "Please understand that I did what I did to save our relationship. For Lelouch not to forget his roots and real family. It's the only thing that I could think of that time and – "

"What did you do, Kallen?"

The younger woman swallows. "I threatened to expose his lies to Miss Corabelle if he attempts to end us."

Marianne closes her eyes and takes a deep relaxing breath so as to avoid from exploding infront of her guest. Breathe in, breathe out. She applies the breathing techniques used by actors to internalize scenes she read in drama books. Breathe in, breathe out. Keep calm and composed. Do not ruin your image. What would Miss Corabelle do in this situation? Perhaps, she won't even lift a brow and frown. Wait, what is she even thinking? Why is she considering the governess's responses to situations, who she hasn't even met yet?

"She's the definition of a proper lady."

"From what I can understand, you are willing to ruin my plan just for a boy."

"But he's not just a boy, he's your son."

"Yet it doesn't change the fact that you almost jeopardize what he had been working hard on for months."

Her statement obviously surprised Kallen, evidence that she hadn't thought about the situation in that light. Beyond frustrated, the older woman tells her to leave before Marianne cannot stop herself from lashing out on her. No, she shouldn't lash out on her. Shouldn't shout nor even attempt to speak so loudly to anyone.

No, starting today Marianne would be well-mannered, pristine and soft spoken. She will move like a breeze, so light and quiet. She will be the definition of a proper lady who deserves to head a mansion such as the Britannia's.

This is the least she could do while Lelouch is doing his part in the estate. Tsk, that boy. He better not let himself be distracted by some ridiculous infatuation with a mere governess. Inlove? It's a truth that is hard to believe when it comes to her son. In fact, even Marianne knows that what he felt for Kallen is not something that would last forever nor worth of promises. From the very start, it was obvious that it was a one-sided love affair with Kallen the only one devoted party among the couple. It was always her who is understanding, patient, and enduring of Lelouch's escapades. Often, Marianne wonders why the girl fell inlove with her son when she can do so much better than him. Lelouch only has his looks and his cocky attitude to survive a day. His talent for art seldom brings income to the household since most of the time he did it for free just to woe a woman. He has bad judgment in terms of choosing his friends and acquaintances and he loves to garner attention even if it means he has to give trouble to others.

Kallen had been Marianne's hope to change her son to a better man. She had always entrusted him to the maiden and expected that one of these days, her hardwork will come to fruition and Lelouch will one day come home modest and well-mannered.

Well, nothing truly meets the expectation, eh? Or rather, things happen out of people's expectation, for who would have thought that a woman stranger to Marianne – one who is free from her wishful thinking and manipulative musings – will be the answer to her prayers.

Marianne is yet to be comfortable with this fact. But as long as Miss Corabelle wouldn't be a hindrance to their plans, a distraction to Lelouch to perform his duty, perhaps, there is really nothing to worry for now. Lelouch might have proven to be capable of feeling genuine adoration for someone, but will he be able to make it last?

"So, how is my sister doing as the governess of the Britannia household?"

Ceci's eyes widen from the other side of the table as she tries to stop Miss Fenette from asking silly questions which answers the latter might use to tease her in the future.

"What? This is the first time I am with the presence of someone who sees you work everyday. I just like to listen to stories about the great Britannia governess," Shirley grins at her sister, then to Lelouch she asks, "Is she a mama bear?"

"More like a ferocious lioness ready to attack whoever hurt her cubs," answers Lelouch. Stretching his right leg under the table, his shoe finds Ceci's and gently taps it causing the lady to look up at him.

"A ferocious lioness?" Shirley laughs, "I can totally see that though nobody in our town would believe that if ever they hear such story about our mild-mannered Ceci."

"Shirley, your food is getting cold," the subject of the conversation interjects.

"And strict," the sister adds with a nod, though she heeds Ceci's words and begins eating her meal.

Sitting before them, the Fenette sisters placed side by side, is like watching the sun rise on the meadow, or set in the forest. Lelouch couldn't help but marvel at how contrasting the sisters are yet they manage to compliment each other's differences.

Scarce during his past visits, Miss Fenette wears an unusual glow and bubbliness now that she is in the presence of her sister. Older sister, he reminds himself. Ah, that's right, Miss Fenette wears the energy and youth of a younger sister – cheery, spoiled (in a good way), and exuberant. It is far from the image she had shown every time he visited in the past when she had to manage the affairs of the shop – serious, composed, almost distant.

And there's Ceci who might appear to be behaving the same outside but the subtle changes in the way she stares, the way her eyes twinkle like the northern star, how she smiles wider and more freely, her hair tied in a loose braid swept over her left shoulder and she who foregoes her usual governess clothes for a more comfortable and casual country dress. There's Ceci looking like a warm home where hot chocolates are served to laughing children.

"She was very intimidating when we first met," Lelouch laughs as his shoe taps Ceci's again. "For our first conversation, she told me to stop smoking and throw my cigarette away."

"That's because, it is a danger to your health," the ladies retorts simultaneously.

Raising his hands in surrender, Lelouch says, "I can never win against two women."

"Tell me more, Mr. Lamperouge," says Miss Fenette.

"Ah, she declared war on me."

"I did not," Ceci disagrees.

"Well, it's more likely an implication."

"You were a stranger and I was just doing my job to protect the twins from bad influences."

Miss Fenette, with her eyes curiously going back and forth Lelouch and Ceci, interjects. "Did you give her a reason to see you in a bad light, Mr. Lamperouge?"

"Ah." Leaning back, Ceci crosses her hands infront of her chest and raises a brow at Lelouch, challenging. In return, Lelouch stretches his other leg and with his both feet, squeezes Ceci's ones in between. The maiden eyes widen at his boldness but she maintains her composure. "Did you, Mr. Lamperouge?" she inquires, the tinge of teasing in her voice is only obvious between the two.

Lelouch scoffs. "I've always been a good man, polite and pure."

"Pure?" Ceci says, incredulous.

"The epitome of a gentleman – well-mannered, respectful, courteous and talented."

At this, Ceci is trying so hard to stop herself from giving in to a full pledged belly laugh and Lelouch couldn't help but smile back. Then, he turns to Miss Fenette, "It's the cigarette, I think."

"It's not just the cigarette," the governess chuckles while shaking her head. "The twins were afraid of him because he showed them some unpleasant behaviour during their first meeting."

"Well, that's quite true, but I've changed tremendously now, don't I?" he smiles, then glancing at Miss Fenette, he adds, "Actually, they might be favoring me more now than Miss Corabelle."

"Impossible!" the women appeal.

At the sight of them giggling, Lelouch couldn't help but gaze beyond the warmth and sisterhood before him – at the quaintness of their home, the soft sunlight that enters through the sky blue curtains, the flower vases holding daisies that are placed on top of drawers, and windowsills, the little piano attached against the wall and the few picture frames placed on the surfaces. One cannot exactly call the Fenettes rich but they are not poor either. Certainly, their fortune is greater than what his family has but their home does not feel empty unlike his back in his town. It feels… familiar… like a sanctuary one always seeks for comfort. And despite this only being his first time inside the house, it welcomed him with wide-opened arms.

"Isn't it lonely to live alone?" Lelouch blurts out taking the sisters by surprise.

Ceci looks thoughtfully at Miss Fenette as the latter mindlessly touches her hair. "I'll be lying if I say that it isn't because it is, but the shop keeps me busy and I regularly receive a letter from Ceci. Also, sometimes Uncle Jeremiah and the others join me during lunch here." Placing her hand on top of Ceci's, Shirley's eyes shine with assurance. "Also the thrill of waiting for my sister's next visit and the excitement of knowing when is enough for me to keep looking forward. And just like that, the days pass by quickly."

"Oh, Shirley," Ceci utters.

"But it won't always be like that. The day will come that Ceci will return here and never leave again. It will not be a visit anymore but something more permanent." She shakes her head. "Anyway, enough about this gloomy topic. Tell me, Mr. Lamperouge, does Ceci have a secret lover in the mansion?"

Not batting an eye while slicing his chicken, the man replies, "None that I know of."

"Really?"

"Well, if she has one, she hasn't mentioned it. But…"

"But?"

His eyes fleet teasingly towards the subject of the conversation who, in return, is subtly glaring at him. "But I don't think she has one."

Intrigued, Miss Fenette leans forward and lends all her ears to Lelouch. "And why is that?"

"I think I know her type and no one living in the mansion would meet the qualifications."

"My type?" Ceci says.

He holds one finger up and proudly answers. "A gentleman but with a touch of recklessness."

Miss Fenette gasps, "With a touch of recklessness?" She shakes her head. "I don't think you know my sister well."

"Then, will you do me a favor and share what she would like in a man?"

"Three things: he must be kind, sincere and honest, then every good quality will follow."

Lelouch says while nodding, "I see." Briefly glancing at Ceci, he gives her a meaningful stare before turning the conversation to Miss Fenette. "And how about you, Miss Fenette? Do you plan on getting married soon?"

He sees the quick surprise that appears on her eyes, the almost unnoticeable pause that she made after hearing his question. But Miss Fenette doesn't know that Lelouch is aware of her and Gino's plan. It is quite admirable, really, how good they are at hiding the matter that even Lelouch sometimes forgets that they are already engaged for the couple never talked about it nor had a slipped up infront of him. Most importantly, the way that they are in full control of their feelings, not showing even a slight bit of daze or glimmer in their eyes when they see each other is truly remarkable.

Because for Lelouch, it is so goddamn hard to keep himself from staring at Ceci even for just a second.

"Oh, my. Isn't it rude for a man to ask a lady about her marital plans?" Miss Fenette playfully retorts.

Lelouch shrugs, leaning against the back of the chair. "Is it? But you asked about Miss Corabelle's private matters, too. I think it is just fair."

"Hmmm. Well, then. Of course, I want to marry the man that I love in the future. But it is not my priority right now since we still have a lot of things that needed to be settled. And with the business doing good, I want to focus on keeping the momentum until the income becomes stable. Then, perhaps, I'll find someone to fall inlove with."

Impressive how she can easily answer the question infront of her beloved sister without even flinching, yet who is Lelouch to judge someone who lies with good intention when he himself is lying for self-gain?

The conversation over dinner flows like that of old friends' who haven't met for a long time. Unsurprisingly, Ceci is the quiet sister. Despite looking more loose and relaxed in this environment, she still maintains her 'governess' composure.

Miss Fenette shares tales of childhood unabashedly – stories of two sisters making flower crowns for each other, of riding their wagon to go to the market with their father, of learning how to stitch from their mother, and of helping in their then small shop.

"But Ceci has a weakness," Miss Fenette conspiratorially says with her other hand covering her mouth as if the subject isn't sitting beside her.

Curious about what her sister will reveal more, Ceci leans in, not a single trace of annoyance visible on her face.

"Oh, are you granting me the honor to be privy of such information?" Despite he is asking Miss Fenette, the question is more directed at Ceci. Still, he doesn't want her to feel uncomfortable with whatever her sister is going to say. Miss Fenette tends to over share, he understands it now though, it is not done with malice.

A tap on his shoes and he subtly looks at Ceci who gives him an equally subtle nod.

"I am wondering if you could do something about it."

"Well, what is it?"

"Water," Miss Fenette utters with a grin on her face at the same time, Ceci sighs, leans back and crosses her arms infront of her.

"Water?" repeats Lelouch.

"At this point, it is useless information since there is no situation that would require me to sw – "

"She doesn't know how to swim and refuses to go near any body of water that reaches above her waist."

"Any body of water which I couldn't reach the bottom," Ceci corrects. "Everyone would certainly feel nervous, at the very least, when you cannot feel the ground to steady you in the midst of dark waters."

But her sister ignores her. "Father tried many times to teach her how to swim but she would often find a way to hide in the trickiest places of our little home. Once, she hid under a pile of pillows, under a thick blanket during the hottest summer of our childhood and when we found her, she was sweat in human form."

"Hmmm," Lelouch hums as he sees Ceci under a new light.

"There's a small river lying a quarter mile behind our house and we often had picnic at the bank when we were younger. There's a cliff, well, it's not too high, but decent enough to give you the thrill when you jump off of it and land in the water. Gino loves to do it during summer."

He eyes Ceci who is now avoiding his gaze. "I see," says Lelouch.

Ceci clears her throat and failingly attempts to appear nonchalant. "As I've said before, there is no use for me knowing how to swim, after all, there are no deep waters at the Britannian estate."

"Didn't you hear what I said yesterday? There's no use!"

"I heard it loud and clear. You've mentioned it for a few times but, Ceci, what if a flood suddenly happens? And not just the shallow-kind of flood, but the kind that could erase this little town of yours from the map?"

"That wouldn't happen."

"It could. Something like that is written in the bible, if I'm not mistaken."

"That happened thousands of years ago."

"And history repeats itself."

"Then, I'll just drown."

"Now, I can't have that. I haven't finished painting your portrait."

"My portrait? Shouldn't you be designing Her Majesty's fountain?"

"Hush, Ceci, stop changing the subject and focus at the matter at hand."

"The only thing that is in my hand is yours."

Lelouch looks down at their clasped hands and smiles as if he just witnesses a miracle. "It feels nice," he says while squeezing her hand and Ceci thinks that she would be drowning in her own loud heartbeat. "But you can't distract me with your pretty fingers. Come now, just a couple of steps and we're there."

Gazing beyond his shoulder, Ceci can already catch a glimpse of their destination. Her heart begins hammering harder inside her chest as the mere thought of just standing at the edge of the cliff fills her mind. Tugging Lelouch's hand lightly, she asks, "Should we really do this now?"

The man raises a brow. "And when do you prefer to do it?"

"Never," she shyly mumbles.

"Exactly. Come, I won't let go of you."

By the time they are standing near the very edge of the cliff, Ceci is a mess of nerves and prayers to all the saints. The sight alone of the waters below makes her feel like her soul is leaving her body. She grips Lelouch's hand tighter. "If I knew this will happen, I should've covered Shirley's mouth before a word came out of it."

"But you trust her enough to reveal your weakness. Why didn't you stop her?"

"Well… Because I know that she wouldn't say anything that would hurt me."

"Ah, it must be wonderful to have a family like yours." A wistful look crosses Lelouch's face but it is gone too soon before Ceci analyzes it. "So, what are you afraid of? Is it the height? The river's depth? The act of jumping?"

"It's not knowing what's beneath me," she answers as she stares blankly at the darkness below. "It's not having something to stand on to. It's not being able to emerge from the bottom after a jump. I'm afraid of the water invading my lungs, of staring helplessly at the sun as I sink. They say it's painful – a slow and painful death."

"Whoa, no one's going to die today, I promise you," Lelouch says with a nervous laugh. "After all, you have me. I'll be there with you when you jump, when you submerge, and when you rise out of it. I'll be there, Ceci."

She stares up at him and sees the sincerity in his eyes. There's no doubt that he wouldn't let anything bad happen to her. But still… "What makes you think that I'll go with you when I even hid from my own father?"

"Because…" He leans to her ear and whispers words that make a maiden blush. Ceci's cheeks heat up as his low voice drone out sentences she never heard a man say to her before, and she can only read in romantic books. Goosebumps cover her skin when his breath tickles her ear. As soon as he pulls away, he gently guides her to the edge, wraps his arms around her waist as she mindlessly wraps hers around his neck, in a daze, still in stupor from what he had said.

"Deep breath, Ceci."

She does and then they are in the air - soaring in the cerulean sky, the clouds a blur of white fuzziness – and in an instant they are falling and falling and falling and Ceci's heart is in her throat, her scream is trapped in her chest and she is a body of unexploded fireworks and the urge to burst and paint the sky red is consuming her whole being.

"Close your eyes."

And they are underwater.

And there's silence.

And she can't breathe.

She starts to panic as her feet reach nothing, but as soon as they submerge, they are quickly floating on the surface with her desperately holding onto Lelouch, their bodies pressed tightly together, her chin above his shoulder.

She gasps for air as if it's her last.

"See? You didn't die."

Pulling away enough to see him smirking, she lightly hits him on his shoulder. "You tricked me," Ceci hisses as the shock from jumping begins to wear off. "You didn't give me time to prepare."

"You've been preparing your whole life, darling. Or rather, you've been delaying and avoiding this moment for a long while and it's time to finally face your fears. You know, sometimes, it's better to do things blindly and think of the consequences after. It gets more things done."

"You'll get killed with that way of thinking."

"And most importantly," Lelouch continues, ignoring her. "I didn't trick you. Look."

Following his gaze between them, his words earlier echo like a secret hymn of sirens and once again, she blushes. Ceci is suddenly aware of how close they are, too close, the closest she ever has with a man other than her father. Their wet clothes do nothing to separate their similarly wet skin and despite the cold water around them, Lelouch's body exudes heat that travels through Ceci's fingers, her palms, her stomach, her chest. Glancing up, she watches as waters drops from raven fringe that is sticking on his handsome face and Ceci fights the urge to reach up and removes it from his face. She loses the fight and sticks her hand out until it is swiping Lelouch's hair back giving her a full view of his forehead. Lelouch does the same to hers and she feels exposed and bare and vulnerable infront of him.

"What are you thinking?" he murmurs while tracing her lower lip with his thumb. The way he is staring at her makes her want to stay and freeze the moment forever.

"Nothing," she answers. "I'm not thinking at all. I'm all… feelings."

Gone is her worry about drowning, about dark waters for all she sees, all she feels at the moment is the man holding her steady so she can breathe. She doesn't need to feel the riverbed below to know she is safe.

"Ceci, precious Ceci," he prays then kisses her.

If kisses have a name, she would call this the 'Kiss of Shivers' for not only she is shivering from the coldness surrounding but also at the little bites, little sucks that Lelouch does to her lips as the kiss turns into something more aggressive, something needier and very much different from what they shared at the gazebo.

She hums in his lips while her arms cling tighter around his neck. The planes of his chest makes her aware of how soft she is at certain places, how smaller and narrower her shoulders are that he can completely envelop her in one embrace.

In fact, this feels more like drowning. He takes her breath away without mercy as she desperately tries to inhale his sighs. Yet, it is pleasant. More than pleasant.

There is something liberating and rebellious in kissing in the middle of the river. The thought of someone catching them should have frightened Ceci by now, yet instead, she feels more daring to test how long another person will emerge from the woods and call their attention. Good gracious, what is happening to her?

Suddenly, she is pushed away and Lelouch buries his face on her neck. His ragged breaths match her own as she blindly stares at the sky above.

"I'm sorry," he says.

"Why?"

"I wasn't able to control myself. I should have been gentler."

All of a sudden, the things he did yesterday during lunch come back to her – how he stole glances at her, asking silently for her permission before asking a question, the subtle worry on his face when he felt that the topic was too invading, the taps against her shoe. Ceci greatly appreciates his respect for her but she doesn't want him contained in a perpetual feeling of worry for her.

"Lelouch?"

"Hmmm?"

Taking his face in her hands, the woman stares at him and firmly says, "I appreciate your concern for me but you mustn't treat me as something fragile to hold. I am not fragile. I am not made of porcelain that breaks easily."

"Concern?" Confusion laces his voice as a crease forms between his brows. "I'm not just concerned about you, you should know that by now. I cherish you."

Briefly rendered speechless by the unexpected declaration, Ceci could only gaze at him for a while until a cold breeze finally breaks the silence and Ceci becomes all aware of her surroundings, of where they still are, of how damp they are.

Lelouch swims them together to the bank where two towels are waiting for them to dry with. "I will teach you how to swim properly next time," he says while drying his hair.

"There will be a next time?" Squeezing the water out of her skirt, Ceci begins to calculate how long it will take them to reach her house. The coldness is starting to seep in and she couldn't hide the tremble that envelopes her body. If luck won't be on her side, she will probably catch a cold tonight or tomorrow which she cannot afford to have for she will be returning to the estate the day after tomorrow. She cannot risk infecting the twins and make them ill. Suddenly, a dry towel is placed on her shoulders and she looks up to find Lelouch with his own on top of his head. "Thank you," she utters.

Lelouch nods. "Maybe not in the near future, but I will certainly teach you the right way later. We'll never know when that big flood will arrive."

"Alright."

Her quick agreement catches the man off guard but Ceci just takes his hand and leads them out of the woods.

"Is it my body? Did you grow fond of my damp skin?" Lelouch playfully inquires behind her.

Ceci laughs. "Oh, shut up, you."

"Then, why did you agree so easily now when earlier you wouldn't stop debating with me about the realness of the big flood?"

"Because…"

"Because?"

Without looking back, she lets go of his hand as she catches sight of their backyard. Making sure that Shirley is not anywhere near the house, Ceci takes the path to the backdoor which is completely concealed from the view of the Fenette shop.

Holding the knob, she stops before the door and finally answers his question. "Because you cherish me and that is enough reason for me not to be afraid."

"It's nice to have you back before dinner, Mr. Lamperouge. "

The young man stops on his tracks as he is startled by the greeting of the head of the estate. Charles watches as Mr. Lamperouge swallows as if he is caught doing something he shouldn't do which precisely might be the case.

Deliberately, Mr. Lamperouge looks up at the staircase and gives him a respectful smile and bow. "Good evening, Sir. I would never miss a lovely dinner with your family."

"Good to hear. Say… Did you have a change of attire while you are away?"

At this, the man in question glances down as if he is just seeing his new clothes for the first time. Without missing a beat, Mr. Lamperouge answers, "I had a little mishap while I was doing some errand outside of town and got wet."

"Well, I hope it wasn't something dangerous like falling from a high place and landing on water. You should be more careful with yourself, Mr. Lamperouge especially now that you have a task to finish. But, I'm glad that you are alright."

"No, it isn't something like that. I just slipped on a puddle. I wasn't looking where I was walking… sir."

Charles scrutinizes the man before him and inwardly enjoys how Mr. Lamperouge won't meet his eyes as the former overthinks if Charles knew where he actually went. Call it a little mind game to remind Mr. Lamperouge of his place in the estate and to maintain his focus at the important task given to him.

"How is the design doing, Mr. Lamperouge?" he asks with a smile in his voice.

"I've already finished three designs. The fourth one is at the polishing stage. If there will be enough time left, I'll do another though I wouldn't like to submit something rushed to Her Majesty, the Queen."

Charles raises an impressed brow at his productive report. Somehow, he didn't expect for Mr. Lamperouge to come up with four designs at such a short span of time. In fact, if it would be his younger self facing such situation, he would be too nervous and be too meticulous with his work that he doubts he would be able to finish three designs and show them to the Queen. He might have settled with two – two outputs that would have cost him his entire month and mental capacity.

"Four? You seemed to be quite inspired."

Mr. Lamperouge tucks his hands in his pockets and shrugs sheepishly. "A lightning strike at the right time, I suppose."

"Lightning? Ah, the lightning," utters Charles, remembering their conversation about art inspiration before. "Then, that's great. If it isn't a bother, I would like to see your finished works after dinner."

"No, it isn't. It would be a pleasure. I will be looking forward to your insights."

After dismissing Mr. Lamperouge, Charles heads to his office where he rereads the opened letter he just received earlier from the investigator.

What an interesting turn of events aside from being quite disrespectful to his position. He didn't think that Miss Corabelle would be too naïve to fall for someone who spouts lies everyday and to do so despite knowing that there is a possibility of Mr. Lamperouge being Charles's son – the possibility of Mr. Lamperouge being one of her masters. Charles can't believe that Miss Corabelle allowed herself to lose her mind. Cecilia Corabelle whom he had known since she was a child and never went astray from her principles and morals is now having an affair with a younger man.

What a turn of events indeed!

Perhaps, Charles would let them enjoy themselves for a while after all, it seems like the governess is Mr. Lamperouge's current muse who inspires him to be productive in his craft.

Hmmm. Let them enjoy their little bubble of romance as long as it wouldn't get in the way of Charles's plan to get close with the Queen and not hurt the twins.

In fact, this would be the last time that he would insinuate that he is somehow aware of their relationship.

For now, Charles would sit back and watch the scenarios before him unfold. But when the right time to reveal the truth comes, he will not think twice to deliver it firsthand.