*KSSH*
"This is E2. We have arrived at the destination point. Awaiting orders."
"Understood. Wait on G1's bait to get behind the enemy lines as swiftly as possible. You'll get amble support from L3's barrage."
A swarm of affirmatives and confirmations jammed through the intercom as Lelouch lounged back into his pilot seat.
His Shinkirou unit soared overhead of the upcoming skirmish along the way to the Tokyo Settlement. As expected, the Britannians made sure to set as many makeshift thresholds beforehand to slow down Black Knight advancement. Obviously Zero's intent was well-known at this point.
The short dispatches received counted as the fifth skirmish thus far. Much like the rest of course the defense was beyond mediocre: old Knightmare frames made up the entire rank, and the soldiers' experience was too notice to match up with the greenhorns within the Black Knights. Through such careless tactics and blatant structure, the appointed commander was guaranteed to have no caliber- more than likely all suitable opponents were pulled back to prepare the Tokyo defense. Despite the lackluster, Lelouch had to ensure precaution was taken, should some deep-rooted ploy actually exist.
*KSSSSSH* "I1- we got dem support troops routed fer ya!"
"Damn straight! *Ksssh* 'eep pushing them back even farther!"
Lelouch could not resist the sigh that left his lips while his hand ran through the damp ends of his unruly hair. He regretted having to act so patient at a point like this, positioned as the guard-point in the battle. Shinkirou's absolute defense matrix worked wonders against the strongest of attacks, thus could open many venues of attacks against such small fries. To compensate for such power though, such delicate and expensive attention was required to multi-task such mechanisms all the while acting as commander for the army. Indeed if able a blitz would surely route the poor combatants.
Lelouch was surprised by how well he could actually adapt to such overwhelming feats in controlling the Shinkirou unit, given its radical operation. Scattered around himself at the helm were a hetwork of holographic keyboards and monitors, each specified to handle a specialized aspect of the unit: the projection of the Absolute Defense field, integrated trajectory matrices for incoming projectiles, shifts and disposition components for power reserves, activation toggles for the shields and interchangeable with primary weapons, and the initializer and distribution procesors for the Structural Phase Transition Cannon. In in all, the frame was only functional by someone of Lelouch's caliber.
Back to the action at hand, portable stations were adjusted for the convenience of communication amongst key members: namely the division leaders, the bridge deck operators on the Ikaruga, and all of the Holy Swords. Most of the feedback was only permitted to said persons whereas the open communication channels were available to the main force (in addition to counter-intelligence to the enemy's communications). The perfect set-up for a commander to have absolute control over the field.
In addition 3 other devices were set on standby inside Lelouch's cockpit: 2 private two-way channels assigned to the special operations between Rolo and Sayoko. In the current time they should be traversing through vacant docks within the Tokyo Settlement, quickly approaching their targets as the main army moves into attack range. The last chancel was a special one-way receiver given to Rivalz who was attending the 'Spring Fling Auction' event back at Ashford Academy.
Lelouch set the transmission to only work through input so he could avoid the student from overhearing any commands that would leak his identity as Zero. Granted such precautions may not have been necessary, given how Rivalz never was the brightest of persons to connect the logic. Through the annoying static, Lelouch could hear irrelevant chatter commence among peers in the background as the event came closer.
Lelouch was once again surprised at himself, based on how quickly he was able to pull that even off so well based on the minimum time afforded. Under a week's time, he savaged the optimal amount of funds, logistics, and marketing necessary to garner attention and profit of the event (all the while not letting his objectives become known to the candidate he wanted). Of course his talent was unmatched in the preparations and processing, and the fact that he strived towards perfection helped raised that prowess to new heights. His reputation among his friends, however, probably suffered as he rarely showed up at classes, attended the meetings, and unintentionally hid from Shirley.
His cockpit became more filled with laughter and gloating instead of operation chatter as the auction as set in motion, overzealous by the keynote speaker and the fact he could hear Rivalz bragging he would bid the most on Miss President. Lelouch once again could not resist the smirk at the pathetic thought of Rivalz spending all his earnings to seek her earnest with him, despite all her teasing just to embrace his anxiety. Then again, where was he to denounce the boy when he was not too far in regards to Shirley.
"W-Whaa~? You want me to buy Shirley too? Do you want me to look like such a womanizer at this auction?!"
"Not too far from the truth, really."
"You're not getting me rolled into your schemes this time, man! I want to keep my dignity!"
"Of course you will be highly compensated for the effort. Much more than you think I was offering," Lelouch had added on to his proposal as he pulled out a large clip of money, then extended it out to Rivalz's hand. The boy was easily baffled by the sheer size of the clip, let alone the large values printed (his jaw would have easily dropped if unhinged). His fingers had nervously glided across the tip to sum up the amount.
"Y-You've got to be kidding! This is- this is a lot! Like… 350,000 yen!"
"425,000 yen to be exact," Lelouch stated with ease as though money was a luxury that could sway any person then placed his hand on Rivalz' shuddering shoulder. "That amount should be plenty to woo your date and secure Shirley for me. Also consider the extra as payback for your assistance during our gambling trips."
Rivalz didn't seem ready to reject the offer now, even going so far to rub the wad of money against his cheek. The greed was quite apparent at this point. "Hot damn Lelouch, I didn't think you would go THIS far for a simple date! I mean I'm sure she would willingly accept it without you having to weasel a bid for her."
"True, but it's beyond something as simple as that." Lelouch turned back around as he looked to the sky in thought. "I suppose you can say it's more to do with pride."
Rivalz's cheeks suddenly flared up, then he giggled in the manner befitting a school girl.
"Aaaaaaw, is 'Lulu' jealous someone else might get to the girl before him~?"
Seriously, he takes too much after Milly in every regard.
"Shut it, it has nothing to do with that. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more important matters to attend to." Lelouch hastened towards leaving the rooftop, ear to quall the possibility of a blush brushed on his face. He could hear Rivalz's laughter echo through the stairwell. Despite more distance placed between them, the laughter just kept going…
*KKKSSSH* -lllllright ladies and gentlemen, are you ready for the galore of your school's finest~?"
The overwhelming static and loudness from the receiver brought Lelouch back to reality, just in time to hear Milly's announcement to start the auction. Although Lelouch could not afford to drift off from the battle at hand, he kept a portion of his mind attuned to the noise whilst monitoring the intercoms and cameras from the battle overview.
The act was meaningless as the skirmish was easily already won. The remaining fragments of Britannians were scattered, mostly desperate to cling to the fallen base. A few more ploys and pushes and he could finally reach the throngs of the Tokyo Settlement. The troops were fueled by the thrill of excitement ushered in by the battlecry over the open channels. Each cry became more and more eager to engage the enemy and bring back their long-lost comrade. Of course Lelouch was more than confident to oblige that wish. However, only fools rush in where angels dare tread, and haste does not always favor the victor. He knew this fact far too well in the previous campaign.
"Good, seems like this is the last line of defense. Everyone, exercise caution out there: I don't want any unnecessary casualties. We have not reached the goal just yet. Z1 and E2 are to hold their ground until G1 and D3 can lure the trenched units into our firing range.
Underneath his vocal commands, the auction was well underway. The first candidate to be heard was the polo team captain: a sturdy man of much charisma and popularity amongst the ladies (easily a contender against a pretty boy like Lelouch). He didn't catch what the highest bid came down to, but projected it reached the ten thousandths digits between several haughty girls.
Gino himself had a very high profile, settling down at an exact 35,000 yen. Even Anya managed to get a suitor of 4,000 yen (a loli-con in the audience surely). The other faceless 'items' up for auction were quickly bought out as time progressed. By the time Milly was up for auction, he could only hear cheers and wolf-whistles from Rivalz who desperately tried to get the upper-hand. As expected, Rivalz put up a frightening figure of 95,000 yen to ensure victory.
How depressing.
*kkkksssssh* and now for a secret item. For our lovely Miss Shirley Fenette-"
Finally, it's time.
"-swim team beauty and student council member: the opening bid starts at… 5,800!"
Sigh, leave it to Miss President to pump up the attraction.
In earnest, the bids started to flow in. 6,000 to 7,400 to 8,300 to 9,300. The numbers were escalating without relent, but Lelouch had yet to hear Rivalz speak up. The impatience began to tinge the commander as he focused in on the action.
*Kkssh* "Come on big spenders! You should see her in that swimsuit. She's quite~ a sight!"
Damn it Milly, shut up already!
In accordance to the feed, the amounts started to really excel. 15,000 yen was spouted out with a loud whistle. 25,000 yen followed shortly to take the lead. Even 35,000 yen was called out and yet that damn high-pitched voice had yet to speak!
"That's the spirit! Who wants to take this lovely lady out on a date? Think about it! The spring dance is coming up and she's bound to look AMAZING in a dress. I should know, I've seen her in it! She REALLY sets out among the rest!"
Damn it, damn it, damn it, just quit it!
Lelouch gritted his teeth as larger bids rolled in without relent, and still his damned lackey did not speak up. The commotion started to die down just as a last bid of 65,000 yen was yelled out. Lelouch's stability snapped just as Milly moved past the last bid and started the countdown to finalize the amount. A few seconds remained just before the call was accept-
"GET TO IT ALREADY DAMN IT!"
"*Kssssh* You heard the man, lads! Press the attack! Leave none standing!"
More than a second passed before Lelouch could settle and realize the error he made in speaking aloud. In his spite of rage, and while the intercom was active, the rest of the divisions interrupted his outburst as a command and took the initiative to assault the stronghold. This would spell disaster if the enemy was anticipating the bold move.
"No! Ignore the last order! Shit! L1, G2, D3- give the enemy your full attention and unleash fire! Kepp the enemy's focus off E2 and Z1! P2 and O3 quickly circle the encampment and hit them with a pincer attack!"
Lelouch set to work inputting multiple prompts onto the keyboard at his hands to operate the Shinkirou, opting to fire the Structural Phase Transition Cannon into the opposition to offset a counter. With a clap of thunder, the bolt of pure energy shot forth through the ranks of the enemy vanguard to place a dent for the advancing E2 charge. This small window allowed just enough for his units to breach in without suffering a heavy loss, and avoided them from being caught in the middle of the furious barrage overhead. Just as favored, the tide of the battled turned to the Black Knights' advantage.
"*KKSSH* Aaaaand the winning bid is-"
"180,000 yen!" As though hailed by angels, the shrill of a voice broke the tension and halted progress. The amount was baffling, but it was just enough to prevent all others from raising the bar. The sheer gasp before the silence was enough of an award for Lelouch to grin at the outcome.
About damn time, Rivalz. You're going to pay severely for this antic later.
Milly obviously allowed the victory bet, albeit dismayed that it came from her own buyer and much larger than her own. She would have her suitor pay hell for the act later down the road, Lelouch was sure. At least the worst part was over: Shirley was covered. Despite the inevitable event that he'd have to explain why Rivalz was the buyer, the act was well-worth it.
"Everything's clear over here, Zero. We're ready to move into Tokyo Settlement without resistance."
Lelouch rubbed at his temple to help clear his stirred emotions and resume his battle persona. Those issues would be resolved later. Right now, retrieving Kallen and Nunally were of top-priority. This was a battle he must win with absolution.
"Indeed. Black Knights, prepare for battle! Operation Free Queen is at hand!"
Lelouch wandered the halls as he stumbled towards the morning class that following Thursday. Although his strongest piece was reclaimed and most important enemy aces were decimated during battle, the event did come at a severe cost. Somewhere in the time line granted, Britannia had developed a godsend device, the FREIYA, capable of nuclear devastation, and Suzaku had used it. The majority of the Black Knight army simply disappeared from existence within its radius, taking along with it some of the Britannian forces and vast architecture of Tokyo. Worst yet, Rolo was unable to locate and extract his sister, therefore her whereabouts were unknown. Even worse, she may have been within that blast range, thus dead. His would was truly set asunder.
Lelouch was unable to cast his usual neutral expression as he carried down the hall. He wanted to break down in tears and cry for his loss, but he could not afford to reveal such a weakness. Schnitzel had a plan composed, and the older pricne was eager to deploy the scheme after the FREIYA successful payload. With the loss of another Holy Sword, the Black Knights began to show doubts in their masked leader. Conspiracy became the main topic, and Britannia must have caught wind of such. Lelouch avoided confronting Kallen in fear that she would unleash hell about the risk and neglect. After all, he lived in a fake world as it stood-
Shirley.
Lelouch was no more than a few feet away from entering the classroom when he caught sight of the orange hair flowing in the air. She didn't' seem to notice him staring at him, her attention focused to the ground below. Just seeing her lessened his burden, and gave him comfort as he approached. At least she was real.
"Hey," Lelouch whispered to her just as his hand grasped her elbow, effectively stopping both from going inside. Her expression suggested she was surprised to see him at this moment as she glanced back. "Don't forget we have chem lab set up afterwards."
Lelouch's statement was acknowledged by a blank stare after a slight nod. "…Right."
Something stirred inside his detriment as he escorted her in, his hand still tight on her elbow. A need to confirm a certain suspicion overran his need for sorrow.
The lecture came and went so quickly just when the class was dismissed for a short break. 30 minutes were permitted for the two students to prepare the laboratory portion of the assignment, thus Lelouch and Shirley divided the task between organizing and cleaning the chemical utilities. Lelouch wondered if Shirley was relieved to learn no glass apparatus were to be used today, then brushed off the thought as he skimmed through the inventory.
He dictated the names of materials as she wrote them down in the logistics. His attention would eventually shift between forgotten labels to the tired sensation felt by Shirley's yawn, dreary eyes drifting at her clipboard. His eyes happen to fall down to her bare legs, memories reborn about the incident that occurred in that very room. He left an excitement churn inside him as his eyes roamed up farther from her legs to an eyeful of her thighs. He couldn't take it anymore.
"How's your leg?" Lelouch abruptly asked just as he finished listing the final liquid. Her expression said it all: that was not expected.
"Its fine," Shirley replied blandly.
"May I see?"
Despite herself, Shirley followed a humble command as she stood up and lifted her foot to rest at the edge of his seat. She deliberately made sure that her observer would not gain another glimpse at her underwear this time, Lelouch deduced as he glanced over the meager mark still on her calf (although he desired to see something more).
He slid his graceful fingers across her calf just before making his move, taking a hold of that very limb. His thumb covered the blemish as he stared back up at her, only to see her eyes so very concentrated on him. Those emerald eyes were gorgeous from afar, but they were so much grander up close as he pulled her down.
Lelouch could not tell if she understood that she was now sitting atop his knees; her legs spread around him in a straddle that allowed her skit to ride up. The full view of her waist and feminine curves were in full view and it riled him up beyond anything felt before. His pants became too tight at the point as she settled atop him. His face moved closer to hers, the glimmer on her lips beckoned for him to come. He felt her try to retreat back but he cut that exit off by locking his arms around her lower back. That wonderful curvature against him seduced him further into a wanton desire to close the gap.
"L-Lelouch," Shirley spoke under a soft tone as she stared intensely into his velvet eyes. "What are you… doing?"
Lelouch. That moment was the rare instance where she ever called him by name, not as the cutesy nickname she adored. Lelouch smirked a bit as he hilted his head back slightly and let his eyes close before reaching her. He would rather not engage with words; a kiss would suffice to explain the reason.
His lips engulfed hers as he pressed into her. He did not expect to feel her hands travel up his neck and into his hair, then felt the sharp tug as she plunged deeper into their kiss. Taste overwhelmed all his senses about her: hints of cherry and orange resided on those wonderful lips that all he wanted was more.
Because of his delusion, he failed to register the ringing clatter caused by the fallen clipboard from her hands; he willingly drowned himself in her everything. Had she not gasped so sharply as she reached for a breath, he wouldn't have noticed how aware Shirley became. Her arms pushed him into the back of the chair in a panic. "N-No," she whimpered out between hot breathes. He held onto those wrists as he frowned.
"The door's locked."
"R-Really?" That initial reaction of relief was shaken off as she nudged her head back and forth. "Wait, that's not the point."
"Then what is?"
Shirley's attention was desperate to find something to glance at. The ground, the ceiling, or a certain tile at the other side of the room. Lelouch chuckled at her rash avoidance.
"This- This is wrong," Shirley mumbled by the time she looked back at him. Confusion settled on her expression as she thought of the disposition. "A-And Rivalz!"
Lelouch frowned more at her attempt to change the subject. He already knew where this derail would lead.
"You know- auction!" She began to blurt out in a hurry. "A-And I'm pretty sure I'm his date for the spring dance or whatever, what with all the money he shelled out for me and I have no idea why he'd do that and with Milly upset- I-It's so unexpected and did you know about any of this? Because no one ever told me a-and this is just so out of the blue a-and I'm here with you instead being all clumsy a-and getting hurt and-"
Lelouch cut her ramble off short by planting his thumb over her lips. His fingers brushed against her smooth cheek as he comforted her worried eyes.
"I asked him to," he explained with such simplicity. Her eyes expanded in a way that emphasized the surprise by what he meant, yet she also seemed to already knew that answer. Her mouth opened and closed once in a while as though to pose a question, but refrained. The act did not bother the prince, instead so pleased that he could occupy her refrain with something else. He plunged in yet again, giving her another heartfelt kiss.
"Why?" Shirley managed as she gasped for air. The way she refused to let go of the situation became too much for him as he leaned into her jaw, trailing sweet kisses along her skin. He climbed up to just below her ear and nipped at its rim.
"For me," yet again, Lelouch explained so simply. "As a favor."
Lelouch continued to rain affection on her as she stood still. Their close proximity caused him to ache as he wanted to seek more intimacy in this rare moment. However she clearly did not want to participate as she placed her hands on his shoulders to stand back up. Lelouch was too riled up; he would not allow such so easily.
His mouth found its target on her lips as he kissed her once more, the way his tongue slid against her lip caused her to falter. His hands found the opportunity to penetrate into enemy lines by this distraction.
His left hand secured around her lower back once again and his fingers tightened around her rear as his opposite slid further down below her skit. From there, that hand slithered its way up and beyond the stretchy later of underwear, finding warmth and smoothness in abundance. With a slight bend around the elastic, his fingers slipped into her and breached her virgin feel.
She was beyond slick to the touch, far superior quality to satin and silk as he teasingly brushed against her entrance. Shirley chirped out from the sudden intrusion then settled into a heated moan, her body shivering in obvious excitement. Their eyes were overly focused on one another as his middle finger traced her wells with tender care. She was panting hard as her legs trembled.
"Sorry," Lelouch breathed out during his own arousal then kissed her neck just above the collar of her shirt. "I can't explain any better."
His teasing urged him onward as she cooed against his words. He no longer cared about repercussions at this point- the rest of the world could barge in on such a revealing scene and he would not reject any notions. He wanted her.
"This is… wrong," Shirley repeated herself in a more fierce tone than before, her eyes half shut as she tried to reel back. Her conviction was easily killed off as she let out a pleased gasp caused by Lelouch probing into her.
There was no longer any reason to hold himself back.
Her eyes glistened with raw lust as she stared at him, panting for more of this touch. He knew she wanted him.
"Maybe," Lelouch gasped out in sharp takes as he felt the pressure under her seductive scrutiny. "But you like it."
"Do you?"
Her question hit the prince hard. That pretty frown set on her face elaborated it all. Shirley was hesitant because she was unsure of him. She may not have known everything about him, about his secret identity and everyone's he's been associated with. She showed no restriction in claiming to know anything more- the gist of the situation was more than enough.
To this boy teasing her, she must have been nothing more than another puppet at his arsenal; once used at any moment's convenience then disposed of promptly.
This was the moment to define their relationship.
Lelouch's left arm pulled her trifled figure back atop his lap, her form falling even closer against him. His hand circled the inside of her thigh as though tracing nonsensical patters on his silky patch while his right hand indulged her.
Lelouch felt her heating up underneath those caressing hands, so evident by the deep blush on her cheeks and the way her eyes darkened so guilty. By sheer instinct, the tension became unbearable as Shirley threw herself at him with such intimate intensity, eager to trail kisses along his cheek and neck. His body gave into deep shivers as she paraded that subdued affection all over him.
I need you.
Their lips easily found one another again she plunged into his mouth, exploring the wonders of his mouth. Then just as suddenly as she dug into him, she withdrew and pressed him hard into the chair. Her lips ran across his chin, and then her teeth clamped onto his lower lip to pull him in. Despite such twisted development, Lelouch thoroughly enjoyed it.
I have to.
"Yes," Lelouch bluntly replied to the forgotten question as he arched beneath her seeking form. Shirley conceded defeat at his probing fingertips as she panted in sheer desperation into his ear. Her curves and hips grinded into him to seek more pleasure. He could feel his heightened erection brush against her sex at every stroke. He thoroughly enjoyed it all.
"I want-"
Shirley wantonly whisptered inside his ear in such an alluring, thick voice.
"-You."
Lelouch's eyes feebly fell back as he concentrated at controlling his shaky breath. They were so close to reaching the turning point.
"I want you," Shirley repeated in the same heated urgency, clutching his jacket and raining kisses all over his face.
"Lulu."
Lelouch's hurt pulsed fiercely and indubitably for the first time in his life.