"Any status on the plane yet?"

Lelouch grew impatient as he leaned against a nearby wall, though careful not to stain nor wrinkle the Zero attire he wore once more. Soft static filtered through the intercoms as Suzaku kept close attention to the incoming detail relayed by the airport's watchtower. Suzaku turned over to Lelouch after a new update came in.

"They just received a report. Looks like Flight 512 had to stop in the Philippines to fix a glitch in their operating system. Other than that, the flight should come in straight afterwards."

Suzaku returned to the intercom once Lelouch nodded in confirmation. C.C. leaned idly by near Suzaku with dazed eyes as the multiple screens projected various data and projections, though Lelouch wondered if she was even curious about it.

"No unusual activity at the docks, and does not appear the local military suspects anything," C.C. notified in the commonly flat tone as though she was not paying attention. Lelouch pulled at his collar to relieve some agitation caused by the cloth.

"Don't get lax just yet; anything can go wrong at a moment's notice. Once the plan arrives, we'll move into the phase."

Paranoia must have rose Lelouch's anxiety to a new height, the pressure of the situation amplified by the claustrophobic atmosphere tucked into that small room (used as a temporary intelligence niche). The space was already filled to the brim by the handful of persons working the cluster of computers, radio equipment, arsenal maintenance, and powering the large industrial fan to keep the place at room temperature.

Suzaku and C.C. were placed in charge of supervising and executing this retrieval in addition to tracking incoming signals on progress. Of course behind the scenes stood a handful of makeshift soldiers 'persuaded' into guarding the operation in case of a worst case scenario. Each was clad in the standard Black Knight attire though their faces were cloaked behind large visors to assure secrecy.

These minutemen were comprised of random civilians that Lelouch came across then used the Geass to convey a simple yet complex order: obtain the individual target, prevent and engage in any oppression, and once the target is handed over to C.C. attire and weapons must be returned then resume their previous activities. Lelouch was extra careful to phrase his command with precision, as too many unwanted variables could exist by the time and plane arrived and they must escape the vicinity. Although he had done this sort of preparation numerous times in the past, he still felt uneasy with the current situation.

Perhaps due to all the overwhelming revelations and turnabouts that occurred since then, Lelouch failed to account for possible stalls for the supposed one-way trip from Venezuela to Japan. Then again, the astronomical odds of the plane inconveniently requiring a patch on their flight pattern were far beyond the strategy to anticipate. The back of his mind could not reject the possibility of a trap in motion. In that case, he might regret not enlisting more professional units versus the common pawns at his disposal. The Avalon and Shinkirou units were poised underground near the extraction, so a retreat was assured. This operation was a necessity through Lelouch's eyes, especially in order to close loose ends for Shirley. He was more than willing to reveal his identity if that may be the case.

Lelouch's attention drifted to the piece of newspaper laid atop the desk, a copy Suzaku acquired before arriving and installing their equipment. The headlining story took the majority of the print:

Britannian Army Announces Ceasefire with Black Knights

The announcement came as no surprise for the former leader. The two forces wanted to take advantage of the mutual arrangement: to see the symbol of Zero destroyed, the allusive prince Lelouch captured, and appeal to the mass audience that the conflict was abolished. Unfortunately for the two forces, they were no match for Lelouch's talent at escaping dire straits. Moving within the shadows became a grand quality for him as he recalled all the events that lead to the involvement in the war. However such drifting thoughts eventually reminded him of his consequences for that through the girl he came for…

Suddenly Suzaku stood at attention, replacing his headset for a Black Knight visor. "Information has been confirmed. Flight 512 has arrived at the designated port."

Lelouch cleared his throat as he regained composure. On the physical level, his body was ready to repeat this success a millions time, however in his mental capacity…

"No. There is no time for doubt," Lelouch reminded himself as he adjusted his attire once more, scanning the room as the subordinates gathered their arsenal. He reached into his left pocket and produced a small time bomb and set the timer. This was yet another quality he refined over the years: destroying the evidence. He stuck its holster against the entrance wall, primed the device, and opened the door for the others to proceed.

"Everyone, move together to the dock with haste. We will commence the operation once the boarding lane is opened."

Zero led the way down the corridors at a good jogging pace. The compact explosion behind them resonated through the hallways as alarms and sprinklers engaged in response. They paced quickly through the long illuminated corridors and managed to blend in with the other employees as panic encompassed the faculty. The mass confusion worked towards the team's advantage as stationed security worked to commence safety procedures.

Their team began to run as they entered the main lobby of the airport and rushed to the landing dock. The surrounding audience burst into screams and cowered as they immediately recognized Zero and his 'Black Knights.' Guns were armed and pointed towards nearby targets as they approached the airlock and Zero motioned for the assigned teams to move out. C.C. took the initiative to infiltrate the expanded stairway followed by the civilian soldiers.

Suzaku remained close to Lelouch in case close quarter combat was necessary. He noticed the signs of nervousness as Lelouch's hands shook just before he clenched his fists. "… Are you sure about this? I doubt that she will forgive you if you reveal yourself, Zero. You did murder her father, after all."

"…You may be right about that. She might beat me to a pulp or even kill me… but I'm willing to accept that," Lelouch glanced down at the ground for a moment before looking back up. "She deserves to know about it- it's been kept hidden for too long."

Lelouch could not determine if Suzaku understood his resolve other than by the soldier nodding his head. Lelouch tried to soften the heavy atmosphere of the subject with a chuckle. "Besides, she's the most forgiving person I know. If even you can forgive me for Euphemia, I have a pretty good chance with her."

The point was unintentionally harsh and narrow, evident when Suzaku turned his head to the side. The only response given was how he departed towards the terminal to oversee the operation. "…I'll stay behind to deal with the civilians. I doubt you will want me there with you."

Lelouch turned on his heel and walked towards the extraction point as his soldiers returned from the plane. "Understood. If either the Britannian or Black Knights forces are spotted moving towards here, engage with the Avalon. Shinkirou's interface has been synchronized with the Avalon so it will move automatically to support." Lelouch heard a soft affirmation as he made his way out.

Even many meters away from the dock Lelouch could still hear the screams from the passengers of that flight, the common reaction to the perceived hostage operation. Obviously this act was unusual for the 'Black Knights' to commit and caused an uproar to the supporters. Lelouch grinned at the thought of his actions becoming harm to the Black Knight's reputation, considering how they left him for dead. After all, no one would trust a governing power that still resorted to terrorist activity to its own citizens. His appearance at this port will surely stir up that decomposition quickly.

The newsletter he took with him from the operations room hinted and claimed Zero had died, that the symbol had been deceiving the Elevens all along for his personal gains. That the Black Knights were innocent of the brutal tactics that Zero concocted to ensure victory.

Just how many people will believe that propaganda now that Zero reappeared within the command of the Black Knights once more? Lelouch considered to relish in the fact as he carried on through the abandoned hallway, but his mind returned to the reason behind the action: Shirley.

Shirley knew his identity as Zero, Lelouch deduced as he paced down the poorly lit hall. Evidence existed from their numerous 'encounters' to prove the case true: the extent that she avoided him, the unwillingness to hold a conversation with him, the hesitation she displayed during their first intimate moment, the discrete manner she used another pretty boy to forget her love.

She knew, and she regretted that. Despite Lelouch understanding that possibility and the pain he caused her, he still kept pulling her in.

Lelouch wearily turned the doorknob into his makeshift office and leaned against the frame to open inward. The many countless nights forfeiting sleep took its toll on his body, made worse by the dread over him at the thought of judgement. Just where did the strength he possessed moments ago disappear to before he collapsed on a one-seated couch?

He may not have fallen directly into the couch, but he found himself hobbled onto its armrest to support his weight. His heart was racing rapidly as Lelouch tried to regain composure. In a few minutes, Shirley would enter this room and his fate would be in her hands. Whether that judgment demands death or forgiveness, he could not know without fail.

He felt a heavy burden as he remained clothed in the accustomed costume he wore, as though the very fabrics were made of stone. Before now he never regretted bearing the figure of Zero, even endeavoring through a forged hell by his own hands in the wake of area 11. Those very hands that gripped the couch killed kin and families in order to reverse the injustices of the world; his own hands meld the sorrows in his life and those around him; his own hands would be the executioner to his life if chosen at this moment. The stamina he tried to conserve seemed to seep quickly as his eyes slid shut…

He was in a dream already, following that quick slumber. There was a platter of footsteps approaching him. His legs pushed him back into the regal stance allowed to Zero as Lelouch attempted to comprehend his surroundings. The airport, the operation, Shirley. Know the situation made sense: Shirley was here. Through the dark visor, his eyes registered the dull and unfamiliar scenery of the makeshift office, but found the place a case of déjà vu.

This was like that one dream, Lelouch recalled. He was always alone in that dimly lit room, the only source of light from the single dingy lamp stationed on the nearby desk. Numerous shelves filled to the brim with clustered binders and books decorated the boundaries of the room, and the twilight night seeped in through the large grotesque window behind him. He rose to attention in the center of the room, waiting for the door to open.

The approaching steps stopped at the entrance. Despite anticipation and fear brewing in his heart, he remained composed. There was no longer any reason to neither delay nor dread the possibilities bound to happen- this had to be done. A long pause lapsed in the meantime, the visitor refused to turn the knob. Lelouch knew his body was sweating profusely beneath his costume, that his hands were clinched tight in anxiety, and that his breath was hitched in anticipation of the door bursting open.

Without warning, the door opened with a loud clank, the rustic metal hinges creaking as the wooden door rotated on their axis. Once partially opened, the hallway greeted the figure of the girl Lelouch knew so well. Shirley slipped into the crevice and closed the door behind her in caution. Shirley was dressed in the most casual apparel he'd seen on her yet: black shoes with a feminine décor that swirled to the bridge of her toes, worn light-blue jeans that clung to her slender build, and a dark blue blouse with similar simplistic swirls that adorned her front. As usual, her hair was bunned in the way unique to herself.

Lelouch knew this was not a pleasant surprise for his friend, considering that she was face-to-face with her father's murderer; her uncertainty expressed by the shock on her face and her stagnant breathing as she inched closer. He followed her eyes intently: she was examining his fully body from boot to mask. For the first time, she was in front of this person without any obstacles or influence. The grimace she bore was unbarring as those emerald eyes stared through his mask, as though examining his soul. She must know that Lelouch was behind that mask, despite how coy she insisted during his investigation. He could do nothing but stand as she observed him.

"…I know you," Shirley finally spoke in a rather calm tone. Lelouch remained impassive at the statement, unsure of how to properly respond. Could she see how he drew harsh breathes as his chest rose and dropped rapidly? His nerves were tinged with madness as she drew near- as she saught to verify her understanding. Shirley's face remained unsatisfied at each step.

"I know you…"

Shirley repeated the words with intentional emphasis.

"I know, I know that I do."

Still, the figure Zero remained motionless as she stood just shy of his touch. She was hesitant but nonetheless forced herself to inch closer. She was a mere inch away with a hand brushing his. Her eyes dropped to his hands that consistently shook, evident of the growing tension. With each passing second, Shirley came closer to knowing the truth behind Zero (even if she was sure).

"Outside this place… You know me too, right?"

Again, Lelouch remained unconditional to answer. The words formed in his throat, but his mouth refused to spurt them out. Her sight scanned the contours of his pristine mask, as though seeking a way into its contents. He felt his body shiver as her hands moved up past his wrists and skimmed his forearms. Those livingly fearsome hands traversed his shoulders to slip beneath the scarf around his neck. Her cold touch contrasted to the feverish heat coming from his skin, causing him to shiver more in place.

Once more her eyes peered into the mask, narrowing on the possibility of the person inside. He pondered if she would be caught off-guard once she noticed how much he's sulked through the day. He waited as he felt her fingers move up his throat. She traced along the bottom of the mask, searching for the elusive hidden button to unlock the parcel. He counted anxiously as she swiped across the necessary area before she touched the mechanism. The tight-lock gears let loose with a hiss before the mask gave away, left limp from its hinges on his chin. The piece of technology was the only thing left that kept Shirley from determine who was Zero, and she seemed to cling to that thought in hesitation.

Shirley breathed in long paces in an attempt to cool her nerves, opposite of the usually stoic leader in front of her. He was starting to feel the numb tendencies of asphyxiation before she carried out to action, lifting up on the freed mask. The confirmation of his person brought her to a shocking conclusion as her eyes grew wide. His facial expression betrayed his attempt to hide the subdued remorse as he was drenched in sweat, his eyes lingering to look up at her. He appeared so fragile before her that he'd potentially break after one punch.

*Wham*

That very fact came true as she shoved him backwards onto the edge of the couch. The recoil forced him to cradle into the couch as he clung to life, knowing a beating would commence.

Do it. Hit me.

Despite the long stall and the heavy breathing that came from Shirley, the assault never came. All courage bled out of him quickly at his spot, thus leaving Lelouch unable to neither glance aside nor fix the deep frown etched on his face.

Instead, what he felt was the familiar warmth from days ago, the sensation of intimate kindness without aggressive intent. His eye squinted open to notice that Shirley had moved in closer, raising one knee up on the couch and along his hip. Before long, Shirley was boldly sitting atop his knees, similar to how she was pulled into his lap back during class duty. Lelouch tensed once more as her hands reached his face, cupping his cheeks unlike what he expected. She was gentle and insistent on the pressure before she traced his jaw and skimmed along his throat. Lelouch expected and knew he was about to be strangled.

Please. Make it quick.

Despite waiting for the act, her hands simply lowered into a comfort against his chest, and she stared straight into his eyes. He closed his eyes, refusing to look up at her; he could not bear to endure seeing another who suffered because of him.

"Look at me," Shirley demanded as she stood atop the tactician. With reluctance, he slid his eyes open to scan her disposition. As always, her gaze was as soft, sincere, and honest whereas his was only a rare glance of vulnerability. They shared a healthy length of silence without saying a word; hers was steady and adamant, his was worn and burdened.

"I'm sorry," Lelouch pleaded without hesitation though his eyes could not bear to follow the act. Despite the possibilities available to her in this circumstance, her hand reached up into his damp, unkempt hair and caressed his scalp. He could no longer restrain himself from speaking the truth withheld a year ago.

"If I… If I had known… about your father," his voice conveyed but failed along the way. "I wouldn't have-"

*SMACK*

The sound from the slap was the loudest clap Lelouch had experienced in his life, and it resonated around the office. His cheek blared with pain from the slap, making the previous slap received from Kallen feel like a mosquito bite. Lelouch's feeble mind shattered instantly at the sensation- bits of bright specks and rings clouded his conscious as his body flowed with the motion. His torso twisted to the side where her fingertips ended, and his head collided with the couch. He attempted to support his weight on one elbow against the lumpy cushion, but his body shook violently from the shock. He could not find the strength to speak, apologize, nor cower.

His struggling could only wait for the repeating hits that were bound to follow. However, such actions were never Shirley's intent. She made the next move by positioning her hand onto the upholstery then leaned down, hovering over his lousy body. He felt the softness of her nose brush against his earlobe as she nuzzled him.

"I forgive you," Shirley responded in a practical sneer as her offensive hand found a spot to rest against his exposed neck. "Lulu."

She straightened herself onto her lap then pulled him up into her. Her delicate fingers closed around his scarf, keeping him ever so close. Despite the situation before, Lelouch found himself relaxed once her arms wrapped around his shoulders and gripped him tightly. He drowned in her overwhelmingly calm scent.

"You stupid boy," Shirley added in through a sharp tone. "Idiot. Moron. Son of a bitch. Jerk."

Despite the intensity of the remarks and how she seemed on edge to tear into him, Lelouch felt the comfort in her demeanor. Everything was put on the betting table, and Shirley accepted his truth in earnest. He was finally forgiven. Gladly, he slid his arms up her jeans towards her waist, embracing her against him. Even if neither could breathe from the tight proxy, everything was fine in that instant; the enclosed intimate air between them was enough.