The newspaper crumbled beneath Lelouch's tightened grip while he read its headline in reluctance:
Kyoto House Representative Sumeragi Kaguya Announced Her Engagement to the Black Knight's Enigmatic Leader Zero
The grandiose performance and exaggeration on Diehardt's part was not as devastating an effect as the accompanying picture: as Zero, he stood upon the announcement pedestal, hoisted above his legion who honored the endorsement with the Sumeragi organization (thus granted great access to their armaments and finances). Among him were the cluster of Black Knight high ranks who acted as protection and temporary legislation in his absence. The photo was not far off from the many others taken at these global proclamations. The single outstanding piece was the small figure eagerly clung onto his cloaked left arm. The young princess, graced in both elegant garb and elaborate ritualistic hairstyle, was snuggled against his stiff frame, thus presented herself with the most blissful smile towards the camera.
No wonder people were obliged to throw this out of proportion.
Thankfully for Lelouch, the number of people who knew the truth behind Zero was minimal at best. Otherwise he would have to endure much ridicule (even criminal offense based on the age difference) at this incident. The best case: C.C. would give her witty remarks that were so easily brushed off. The worst case: if even regained her knowledge and learned of this, especially after how –involved- they had become this past month.
Since that unfavorable debate, Lelouch found being within her vicinity quite awkward and demoralizing. Her accuracy cut deep into his perspective in moving forward. Any attempts made to regain what was lost would only carve deeper into the despair between them, and he dared not venture that far and risk the repercussions. The unsubtle desire to consume her once more, much like that sorrowful night under the rain, cursed his resolve.
Lelouch found himself accompanied by Rivalz and Suzaku later that day, off to some unspoken destination as they traversed the school halls. He could not recall what ultimately obliged him to agree in participation (more than likely a bribe made by the shorter fool), but he was prompt to mutter a curse at it. Lelouch's agenda had more drastic actions to be taken at this time rather than partake in pointless banter and wander, albeit nice to have leisure walks once every blue moon.
Lelouch did ponder though that he did gain some benefit in this saunter: he could gain a closer observation of the Lancelot pilot, Suzaku, and earn the chance to extract some useful information about his enemy. Alas, such advantages were not easily earned by the time Rivalz took reign at every topic and bashed all segue into verbal oblivion. Without a doubt, that fool must be the one blunder amongst Lelouch's resourceful tools. A conversation once inciting the casualty figures after a recent skirmish turned into an observation towards the behavior of fellow girls who sat front row in 2-E; an exploit into the possible infrastructure in the Britannian Empire turned into a discussion over who liked whom.
What have I done to deserve this?
The latter case was especially unfortunate, dragged on much further than it should have. Rivalz was highly assertive that their president had her eyes set on him, despite the obvious fact that she toyed him on more than anything. Suzaku attempted to broaden the fool's horizons by listing other possible suitors, but to no avail. After several minutes of running arbitrary circles, the conversation jumped into dangerous territory: Lelouch's stance with Shirley. Of course he was quick to brush off the subject at every chance.
"Come on, Lelouch! It's a known fact that she has feelings for you!" Rivalz projected in dashing hope to gain a confession from the pretty boy.
"Yeah Lelouch, and I've heard it straight from her mouth. Though, I have no idea as to why she feels that way," Suzaku jested with a wink. His dubious sarcasm provoked the young prince's anger, but Lelouch managed to keep a cool head. He didn't even bate a glance towards either of them even as they tried to barricade his progress.
"Though it may be the case, it is none of your business." His retort was adequate to say the least for Suzaku, but barely dented Rivalz's obsession as he carried out relentlessly and foolishly.
"I know you too well by now."
"So you say-"
"Any time you quickly dismiss something means that you are thoroughly, and I mean THOROUGHLY, involved in it. Much like when the teacher asked if you skipped glasses intentionally to go gamble. [BAM] you threw the topic to some other subject matter." Rivalz scratched his nose as if boasting at this knowledge (even if such information was crude and ambiguous). Lelouch only picked up his pace in response before he was pinned again.
"I do not know what you mean," Lelouch brushed off after moving the arm aside, "it is only natural to talk about more important observations when you cannot further the topic-"
"Oh, but there IS more to the topic than you might think! Remember that we know about how Shirley asked you out on a D-A-T-E last year! A high price concert no less!" Rivalz once again scratched at his nose.
That bastard.
"Attending the same event does not simply lead to romantic involvement. Besides I had to cancel the arrangement at the last moment anyways. Shouldn't you be aware of that much?"
"Of course I am proud of my rumor network, ya know. Especially certain girl things get passed my way when I'm around Miss President."
Should have known…
"But that's beside the point, Lelouch. I learned that there was more to it- AFTER the concert that is. Something about a certain [gallant knight] holding a dear, crying girl after succumb to the brilliance of the performance, and how you took your time to steal a ki- Huh? Is that the President over there?"
What luck.
Right as Rivalz was about to unravel Lelouch's most unfortunate slip-up, his eyes caught the glimpse of the curvaceous blond standing by the student council homeroom, with Nina cowering to her side. One most show awe towards how Rivalz could spot that woman from any distance or angle, and it was the shining savior of the prince's life. The boys hurried over to the two after being hailed so quickly.
"Ah 'Lulu', you are just in time!" Lelouch cringed at the foreboding thought. Shirley was involved somehow. "We're going to need your humble opinion on a certain [subject]. Come come, hurry over here!"
Lelouch wasn't offered a chance to rebuttal or refuse as Milly gripped his arm and dragged him inside. He was sat down in a single chair resting in front of a tall mirror, somehow prepared as though for review. He deduced a sort of fashion take from the situation, noticing the numerous dressed piled to the side beside a closed closet. Was this in preparation for the spring dance a few months away? He doubt even as vice president his opinion would weigh heavily on these details.
"Can you not get Rivalz to partake in your opinions? He is more suited to your [intricate] tastes," Lelouch moaned out while he adjusted to his seat. Whether intentional or not, only he and Milly were present in that room; Suzaku and Nina stayed behind on request from Nina. Lelouch was sure to expect Rivalz to beg and drool like a dog to see Milly in a seductive dress.
""Oh no~, it isn't for me you'll be commenting. I know you are the right person to his opinion in THIS matter." Milly eased beside him in a lean, her bust finding rest on his shoulder as her arm remained coiled around her victim. She was obviously impatient to find out what would come next.
"If not for you, then who- ?!"
An abrupt rattle came from the closet handle as it stirred open. Shirley slipped out while her attention was directed towards her bosom, her arms fumbling to secure a strap on her shoulder.
"Guys, I don't know about this… one… ?!"
Shirley barely managed a few steps out before falling silent, both in voice and in pace. Her pale expression was of great shock as she took in her expected audience. Milly squealed in a typical girlish excitement as she clapped her hands.
"IT'S PERFECT!"
"EEEK!"
Shirley dashed back into the confines of her safe space as Milly jumped about laughing. She was practically proclaiming on high as she looked towards the only boy in the room. "They're like 'boom' and 'boom'!" Milly's intruding statement was further emphasized by cupping her breasts and pivoting her shoulders at each word.
From afar, Nina looked aside in embarrassment though a giggle did manage to sneak out. Rivalz and Suzaku were equally in shock as Shirley upon seeing her attire. All stood dumbfounded with mouths gaped open. Lelouch appeared the only one calm and composed before the incident… however, that was only from his physical appearance. Mentally, he was completely awestruck by the woman.
The mere glimpse was sealed in his mind as though a photo was framed. His observation started at the bottom: he followed up from those bare feet then traversed the smooth figure of lean milky calves. The dress started just shy at the start of her thighs, teasing its audience to desire even more by its mere transparency. The black silk wrapped tightly around her slender waist, covered in intricacy beneath straps and strands looped around her curves. The flashy fabric clung more tightly about her abdomen, emphasizing her well-maintained build. The cut of the dress was very short leading to her chest, revealing quite an amount of cleavage due to the lanky twin straps lying against her shoulders, before being laced closely behind her neck. Her wonderful face was severely flushed red at the development, contesting in brightness against her glace emerald eyes. Her hair was wrapped up in a simple bun to expose more of the dress, also giving sight to her long smooth neck.
That dress… was meant for her.
"Well? What do you think, Lulu~?" Milly inquired in that exaggerated sweet tone before she nudged him with an elbow, attempting to knock him out of his fancy.
"…It's nice."
Lelouch was tempted to say more, but refrained. To say he was honored and aroused at such a wonder would be the highest level of regret at this point. Despite the attempt to remain composed, his fist tightened over his knee. He wanted more.
"Hahaha awww~ Really Lelouch?! She's not even wearing a [bra] and that's all you have to say?"
Lelouch was about ready to keel over at the reminder, surely aware of that fact on first glimpse. That view of Shirley's bosom was nothing more than cloth and nature. His eyes closed to relive the moment once more.
"Then that means she filled out the dress rather… nicely."
Milly let out yet another incredulous laugh, obviously amused by the choice of words. He could almost register the aggravated gruff within the closet as Shirley hastily dressed into her uniform.