Author's note: So...here's chapter 3. Been working on it since last week. Thanks to everyone who left a review,a favorite,a follow and even a view. PLEASE REVIEW GUYS. Your reviews will let me know if I should continue the story. I've been real busy this week,but I finally found time to finish this chapter. This may be one of the last fluffy chapters in a while,since Lelouch proceeds with his mission after this chapter. Enjoy!
Chapter 3:Cupid Day
I woke up a few hours later. I sat up,rubbed my eyes,and got up from bed. I went on and took a shower,as usual. I dried up and went over to my closet to grab my school uniform. After dressing up,I went to the kitchen to prepare some breakfast for Rolo and me. Things we're starting to get boring,especially during school days. It's the same old routine,wake up,shower,dress and cook breakfast. But then again,school days are when I can meet up with Anya,so maybe it's not such a bad thing. Once breakfast was ready,I called Rolo and ate with him. When we finished our meal,I prepared our lunches and cleaned up after. When we were all set,we went to school.
On the way to class,my thoughts wandered back to Kallen. I really have to devise a plan to emancipate her from Britannia. I can't just charge into the Britannian Headquarters and just raid the place until I find Kallen. That's like signing your own death insurance. And I'm not dumb enough to send the Black Knights on an all-out assault just to save one pilot. She is our ace,but that doesn't mean that I'm willing to sacrifice our whole rebellion just to save her. I guess I just have to wing it until I can come up with a plan.
Aside from Kallen,another thing bothers me. Schneizel has come to Area 11,but why? Does he plan to defile the mind of my little sister and to use her as a political tool? Dammit,I can't let him do that!I have to save Nunnally,I have to. I will,or I'll die trying. If I can't save before it's too late,she might become the one thing that I'm working so hard for so that she won't be-a puppet. If that happens,then everything I've done will be in vain. I won't let them manipulate Nunnally!
Then,there's also Anya. What am I supposed to do with her? After last night,something about the way I feel changed. I know that it's impossible for us to be together given the incentives. But I really can't help it. I think...I think that I really really really like her now. I always thought that it would be impossible to have feelings for someone who's supposed to be your enemy. I guess I just proved that the impossible IS possible with that. I just can't forget about what happened last night. She went out on a date with me...and even kissed me before she left! I smiled at the memory. Lately,whenever I think of Anya,I just seem to forget all of my problems. Thoughts about her just seem to relieve me. The only drawback of thinking about her,is that I forget that I have problems. Then when it's time to deal with them,I start to cram. I can't risk being so careless like yesterday just because of a girl! I forgot about Kallen when I was with her when it was the perfect time to devise a plan,since the Black Knights are in a deadlock with Britannia. That's not happening again,not on my watch. I have to remember my mission,my duty-to create a gentle world for Nunnally. And I'm not letting anyone get in my way,not even Anya. Having feelings for Anya's not an excuse to impede the progression of my mission. Why did I have to fall for a Knight of the Round? Wait,what? I can't believe I just thought about that!
"Um,Lelouch?" Rolo asked as he elbowed me lightly to catch my attention.
"Hm?"
"Is there something wrong? You've been kinda...passive lately."
"Oh, just...thinking about things."
"I see. You haven't forgotten about your promise,have you?" That reminds me. I promised Rolo a future. Nah,I can worry about him after I've saved Nunnally. Who does he think he is?
"Of course not,Rolo. I'm working on that too,don't worry."
When we entered the school building,we went our separate ways to our respective classes. I tried to focus in class,since I'm starting to lose credit. Apparently,Sayoko isn't really the best when it comes to academics. Key word being 'tried'. A lot of things were on my mind. Things like saving Kallen,rescuing Nunnally,obliterating Britannia and of course,the thought that bugged me the most-Anya. I didn't want to think that Anya's a distraction. She really isn't,because she's not even here. I'm just distracting myself,which is very peculiar of me. Maybe it's just that I feel guilty about lying to her. Somehow,I am guilty,because I'm playing with her feelings. I am Zero,I am Britannia's enemy,her enemy. But somehow,I'm scared to tell her,because I know that I'll lose her if I do. I forcibly regained my composure. With just enough concentration,I was able to focus on my studies. The thoughts still bothered me,but I decided to let it be for now. Mhm,procrastination at its best.
When it was time for lunch,I went to our usual spot and ate with the student council members. When I got there,I was shocked to find Gino and Anya eating with us. Oh yeah,they became council members when they enrolled. I looked for an empty spot,and coincidentally,the only empty spot was the seat between Anya and Shirley. Ooohhh boy...I am not liking this. I felt my cheeks heat up,but nonetheless,I sat down between them. I pulled out my lunch and started to eat. I noticed that Shirley had a morose expression on her face. Oh nuts! That's right! I was supposed to have a date with her yesterday!
"Hey Lelouch?"Rivalz called out,catching my attention.
"Yeah?"
"Where were you yesterday?"
"Yeah Lelouch,where were you? Everyone was looking for you yesterday."Milly chimed in. I have a lot of explaining to do.
"I attended to something important yesterday."
"Really?And what might that 'something important' be?" When Milly asked the question,everyone looked up at me,except Anya.
"I-it's personal." I gushed out,hoping that they won't press the issue further.
"You sure you didn't go gambling?" Gino asked playfully.
"No,of course not. It's just...something that I can't discuss with anyone. Sorry about that."
"Man,you sound just like Anya." WHAT THE HELL?! My eyes widened when Gino said that. I almost spat out my food in surprise. I took a glance at Anya and saw her glancing at me too. When she saw me looking,she blushed profusely and turned away. I decided to do the same,as to not raise any suspicion. "She wasn't in head quarters yesterday and the night before. Everyone was getting worried when she didn't go back at night. She went back to HQ yesterday though,but then,she left again a short while after,claiming that she had something important to attend to." This is getting awkward...for Anya and me that is. So she did bluff as well.
"What a coincidence then." Rivalz commented.
"Aw,don't worry about it Shirley. I'm sure that you'll go out with your Lulu next time. Right Lelouch?" I choked on my food right after Milly said that. Okay,this is getting REALLY awkward.
"What?!" Shirley blurted out as she blushed. I took another glance at Anya and saw that she her eyes were cast downward. Her face was turning red,so I thought that she was blushing. That was until I saw her fists. She was clenching her fists so hard that I thought that she would draw blood. She almost bent the spoon that she was holding in anger. Uh-oh.
"Apparently,Shirley's not the only one who's upset. A multitude of girls bombarded Rolo with questions about where you were yesterday. "Where's Lelouch?!" here,"Where's Lelouch?!" there. "He's gonna miss our date!" here,"He's gonna miss our date!" there. There were girls everywhere! I was so scared for him that I just took him away and sped off to somewhere safe with my motorcycle. We had to stay at the park to cool off for a bit. When the girls weren't around,I gave him a lift back to your house. Isn't that right,Rolo?" Rivalz explained.
"Oh,uh,yeah,that's right."
"Old man Lelouch! You really are quite the womanizer,eh? Almost every girl in the school wants a piece of you!" Gino chimed in as he tittered. Dammit guys! At this rate,Anya's gonna think that I'm just playing with her! I glanced at her direction and saw her fuming. Goodness,why does this have to happen. Fortunately,Anya knew how to hide her emotions. She hid it enough for everyone else to not notice it. Except for me that is. All I can do is just keep my mouth shut as to not get myself in bigger trouble.
"Will you guys stop!" Shirley gushed out while blushing.
"Fine." Ah,thank goodness.
"Anyways,guess what guys? I've finally decided what will my graduation event be!" Milly exclaimed excitedly.
"Really Madame President?! What's it gonna be?" Shirley asked,sharing the same enthusiasm.
"Is it one of those giant pizza-making events again? You know I'm up for that!" Gino commented.
"Not telling! You'll have to wait until the end of the day to find out! I'll announce it publicly in a few hours."
"Aw come on prez!" Rivalz whined.
We finished our lunch as we continued to talk,or rather as they continued to talk. Anya was really quiet the whole time. Well she is known to be an introvert,but her clenched fists say that that's not the reason why she's not talking to anyone. Why did those guys have to be so noisy? Now Anya's gonna think that I'm some no good-cheating-player. I gotta fix this... we were done eating and were about to head to our respective classes,I caught up with Anya and explained everything.
"Anya! Wait up!" I called out. She looked just looked at me dully. I had a very good idea as to why is she acting like this. Or maybe,I'm just assuming. Maybe she's just in a bad mood today. Argh,why not ask her to be certain? "Are you okay?" She just looked at me,as if she was bored out of her brains. "Anya,what's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong. What makes you say that." She replied lazily.
"That's what makes me say that." I retorted as I gestured to her face.
"I'm always like this." She was lying. I can see right through her face. I know,because I very well know the difference between Anya being the usual,passive,bored and stoic Anya and Anya being the Anya who's trying to hide her emotions under that aloof persona of hers. I haven't been around her for a very long time,but I'm keen enough to spot the difference between the two. And right now,she is being the latter.
"Anya,please,stop hiding whatever it is that you're hiding. I know that you're lying,I can see right through you. Just tell me what's wrong? Please?" As I gushed this all out,Anya sighed and avoided my eyes. Yep,I was right. "Is it about those girls that Rivalz and Milly were talking about?" Her face flushed,but she nodded. She must be really embarrassed right now from the looks of it. I tilted her chin so that she could look at me,but her eyes still avoided me. "Anya,look at me." She slowly casted her eyes on me. I gave her a reassuring smile,but all it did was make her blush. "Are you jealous of those girls?" I teased. She just looks so cute if she's blushing so much like this. And the fact that she's embarrassed just makes her look more adorable. Although,that's not how she takes my comments. She blushed to the point where I thought that her head was going to explode because of so much heat when I teased her. She furrowed her eyebrows and stared at me.
"Are you having fun doing this to me? Because I'm not."
"Doing what?" I asked innocently.
"Teasing me!"
"I'm just asking you if you are jealous of those girls. That's all that I'm saying."
"You know I am." She whispered. I decided to be a little more cruel...
"What?"
She hissed and sighed. "You know I am. Happy now?" It was then I decided to stand down and stop the nagging.
"I didn't mean it that way,okay? But why?"
"What do you mean why?"
"Why are you jealous?" I remember,when I was about six years old,I asked my mother about the difference between envy and jealousy. She told me that envy is felt because you want to be in someone else's position or if you want to have something that somebody else has. On the other hand,jealousy is felt because you are afraid of losing someone close to you. Anya just said that she was jealous of the girls that Sayoko promised to go out with. I'm not doing this for sheer amusement or pride. It's just that Anya's answer will depict who I am in her eyes. Although,Anya may not know of the concept that I know,but either way,this should give me a glimpse of what she really feels about me.
Her blush has not subsided yet. This leads me into thinking that she really feels something for me. All sides point to that,the way she acts,the way she talks and her sudden jealousy of me promising a date to a number of girls. However,I am not one to assume. I need the truth,and the only way to get the truth is to talk to Anya about it. She once again avoided my eyes and scoffed.
"Why are you asking me all this?"
"I just am."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm just asking you a simple question."
"Simple?! You call that a SIMPLE question?!"
"Isn't it? What makes it so complicated for you then?
"
"It's...it's...it's just complicated!"
"I can't comprehend with what you're saying."
"Well I can't either!"
I sighed. "Anya,I'm asking a simple question. All I want is a simple answer to the question. Why are you jealous?"
"It's just hard to explain..." She sighed.
"Okay then,what makes it so difficult for you to answer me?"
"Because I like you!" She blurted out. Now it was my turn to blush. My eyes widened and I almost collapsed. So she really does feel something for me. She turned away from me from embarrassment,but I can imagine her face in a deep shade of crimson like a tomato. A minute of silence passed between us. We were trying to get a hold of ourselves after that sudden outburst. It really shook us up,but in a good way though. At the back of my mind,I was saddened. A Knight of the Round has feelings for me? The Knight of Six has feelings for Zero? I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Our feelings to each other will only lead to our ultimate demise. But it's too late now,and I'm not backing down. I deserve blame for this anyways,but what happened happened. I promised to protect her and to make her happy. I don't intend to break that,ever. I'll take care of her then. Doesn't matter who I am or where I am,I just will. We'll find a way to make this work,we will because we have feelings for each other. And I think that if our feelings are true,then we can overcome anything.
"Lelouch,I understand if don't feel the same way. But th-"
"No! It's not like that at all!" She's getting the wrong idea. I turned her around to face me and looked her in the eyes. Why bother hide what I feel? I grabbed her shoulders and took a deep breath. "I like you too,Anya." Her eyes widened and her face glowed right after I confessed. She could not fathom with what I just said. "It's true Anya. I'll never lie to you,I swear. I'm not interested with any of those girls that they're talking about. You're the one I like,okay?" I gushed out with pride. Tears formed at the corner of her eyes,and a wide grin was making its way across her lips. "Don't cry." I wiped her tears away while frowning. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing...I'm just..." She leapt and wrapped her arms around my neck. I wrapped my arms around her waist as she wept in my arms. "I'm just...I'm just so happy." She choked out. I rubbed her back trying to stop her from crying. "I'm glad to have met you,Lelouch." I teemed with happiness at her confession. But the sight of her crying dampened my spirits.
"I'm glad to have met you too but please don't cry."
"I'm sorry,I'm just...so happy." She leaned back and wiped her eyes. She looked up at me and smiled. There was nothing I could do but smile back at her. She leaves me powerless everytime she smiles at me. Paradoxically,I wondered what would happen if she would smile at me in the middle of a battle. That won't end good for me now,will it?
"I hate to leave,but it's time for class now." I declared,killing the moment. She frowned at my words.
"I guess I'll see you later then."
"Yeah,see you. Bye."
"Bye." She kissed me on the cheek and headed to her classroom. I stood there,with a stupid grin slapped on my face. I'm starting to like this. I turned my feet and headed to my next class.
I went to my next class with a bounce on my step. I was turning into someone else,I can feel it. I've never been this giddy before in my life,not even when my mother surprised me during my seventh birthday. Man,I'm starting to turn into those mushy guys who go crazy over romance. I'm so lame! But if it means being with Anya,then maybe I can live with that. Shockingly,I was able to focus in my studies for the second half of the day. I was able to gain extra credit for doing more homework. After I've gained all the credit I lost during my absence,I packed my things and headed home. I removed my blazer and immediately flipped my phone open. I gave Kallen a call to check up on how things were going while I was away. She told me that there was really nothing much going on between both camps,and that they did nothing but stock up weaponry and additional knightmares to add to our arsenal. I ended the call and started to browse my desktop. I researched about all kinds of knightmare specs and its functions. I found some very interesting armaments that will surely give as an advantage against the Britannians. I called Rakshata to do some research as well and to see if she could find some of those parts and install them in some of our knightmare frames. Soon,I noticed that it was getting dark. I stood up from my desk and looked out my window. The sun was about to set. I grabbed my blazer,slipped it on and went outside.
I walked around the campus like I normally do,but this time,I was thinking about Kallen. I haven't devised a plan to rescue her yet. With Nunnally's arrival,security around Area 11 has tightened up drastically. Not only that,but Schneizel is here as well,therefore,enemy reinforcements should triple in number. My big brother truly is a shrewd operator. The perfect opportunity to bargain with the Chinese Federation presented itself and he grasped it at sight. Losing Kallen will be extremely tough. She is our best pilot,our ace. No one can replace her. But any attempts of rescuing her will be futile by the looks of it. I guess that our remaining pilots will have to compensate for now.
My thoughts shifted back to Anya. She just confessed her feelings to me earlier. I couldn't help but smile at the memory as I remembered how she poured out her feelings. She's so cute if she's all flushed and embarrassed like earlier. Suddenly,I felt as if my spirits were lifted by some cosmic force. Thinking of Anya never fails to make me smile,happy or even glow. But reality came crashing down,and my spirits were again dampened. I've heard the truth from her-she really likes me. I frowned and felt guilty about lying to her. What if she finds out about me being Zero? That will leave her heartbroken...and I can't even imagine what she would look like if she's heartbroken. I don't want to hurt her,I can't hurt her,she's important to me now. It's not just some silly old crush or some sort of limerence,I really really like her. I like her as in...ugh. What I feel for her is ineffable,because not even words can describe what I feel. Eventually,I,rather we will have to deal with it. I can't keep running away from reality,for it is futile.
My thoughts were interrupted as I came across the shrine. I immediately smiled at the sight. This was where she first opened up to me,where everything began,where I started to like her. I feel too hard too fast for her,I admit,but there's something about her that draws me to her,something that cannot be described as well. I just felt like I was meant to do what I did for her. I rarely have hunches about anything,especially about emotions,but when I do,I follow it,without a second thought. I continued to walk around the campus and finally saw her. I immediately grinned as a result. She made her way towards me and smiled at me as well. I met her and wrapped my arms around her waist as she hugged me back.
"Hey. How've you been?" I asked.
"I've been better. You?"
"Same here."
"Do you mind if we go for a walk?"
"I was about to ask you the same exact thing." We giggled as she replied.
We walked around the campus together,just telling each other what happened today. When the sun was almost setting,I sat down the grass and asked her to sit beside me. We watched the sunset together as we enjoyed each others' company.
"Anya?"
"Hm?"
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Of all of the men in the world,why choose to like me?" I asked as I looked her in the eyes. She remained motionless,and continued to stare at the setting sun. For the next minute or two,there was nothing but silence between us. A few moments later,she finally opened her mouth to respond.
"It's because,of all of the men in the world,you were the only one who was able to give me the one thing that I've always wanted."
"Really? And what would that be?" She smiled and turned to look at me.
"Memories." I let out a chuckle at this.
"I see. But still,I can't fathom with how you lost your memories. Must be hard,not remembering anything that happened from your past."
"I admit,it is...quite difficult."
"Don't you have friends though? I mean,I'm pretty sure that I'm not only person that you hang out with. Don't you ever talk to them?"
"If you haven't noticed,Lelouch,I am a very introverted person. I don't have many friends,mainly because I don't even bother interacting with others."
"You have Gino and Suzaku though. They're you're friends aren't they?"
"Yes they are,but even if they are my friends,I never socialized with them."
"Why?" When I asked this,she casted her eyes downward and let out a sigh.
"It's because I'm scared."
"Scared?"
"All my life,I never really socialized with anyone. The only person,apart from you,that I always talked with was the young prince during my earlier years. When he left the homeland,my memories started to fade somehow. It was as if he ran away with my memories. Since then,I didn't even try to approach any other person in my life. Because somehow I knew,that if I started talking with them,they would either think I'm crazy or they would satirize me. Who would ever want to get know me? A person without memories,how stupid. That's why I became who I am,I became a loner,an outcast,an introvert,because people will never understand what I had to through. Losing your memories in just a snap of a finger isn't really the most normal thing in the world."
I was saddened by her words. So that's why she's not such an amiable person. But wait,she is if she's with me though. Now why's that...
"Well that sucks. One question though,why do you act so differently around me? Not that I don't like it,but doesn't that kinda contradict your true persona?" Instead of remaining silent,she giggled. What?
"No,silly. You're getting the wrong idea. I am an introvert,but I do have an expressive side. I only show my expressive side to those whom I trust. And it's safe to say that you're the only person in the world that has seen that side of me. I never showed anyone that I am expressive,because like I said,they would gibe me because I tend to be aloof ,until you came along. You're the only one in my life that understands my condition,and I think that you're the only one who knows too. That's why I talk to you much more than I usually do,because I feel comfortable with you. I know that we haven't known each other for too long,but that's how I feel."
I can't help but smile at her words. I swelled with pride as she said those things to me. It's been merely days,and she already trusts me. I didn't know that I've made her feel that way in such a short period of time. And the fact that she is showing me a hidden personality of hers that she hasn't shown to anyone else makes me feel...somewhat prideful.
"Woah,I didn't know that I did all that to be honest." I chuckled.
We continued to watch the sunset. When the sun completely vanished from our sight,we stood up and continued to roam around the campus. We engaged in light-hearted conversations as we did so. I was glad that she was comfortable around me,it made my confidence rise somehow. While we were walking around,we heard Milly go over the microphone and announced something.
"Good afternoon everyone! This is Milly Ashford,the president of the student council and I am here to announce my graduation event for tomorrow!" Oh great,what kind of shenanigan is she up to again? "Tomorrow will be 'Cupid Day' event! Every student will wear a hat,blue hats for boys and pink hats for girls. The objective of this game is to switch hats with another student. Each student must pick a target student to switch hats with and must do so. However,if you switch hats,you have to be boyfriends and girlfriends!"
Typical of Milly to hold such a peculiar event. According to the objective of the game,this is going to be like an early valentines day somehow. It is a completely demented and useless event,but she is the president after all. The students gathered up in the courtyard,since Milly and Rivalz gave everyone their hats for tomorrow's event. Once Anya and I got our hats,I told her that I had something to take care of and scuttled away. But before I could turn my heels,she kissed me on the cheek once again. I went back to my room and started to prepare some dinner. After cooking,Rolo arrived,so I sat up the table and ate with him. We cleaned our mess then headed to our rooms to prepare for bed. I brushed my teeth and changed into night clothes. As soon as I plopped down my bed,I fell asleep.
Morning came. I went through my daily routine and headed to the control room. I discussed my situation with Rolo,Viletta and Sayoko. I continued to observe the video feed to plan my approach. Since I left a horde of girls hanging,they would most likely come for my hat to go out with me. I don't want to get involved with any girl,mainly because they will nag me to death and secondly,because Anya won't like that very much. I asked Sayoko to diguise as myself and to play along. That way,running away won't be a problem,since Sayoko is capable of doing just that. Besides,she was the one who promised to go out with all of those girls in the first place. Another problem is about who am I gonna switch hats with? I have to be discreet in choosing a girl,since we would most likely be pronounced as a couple. I want to switch hats with Anya,but at the same time,I don't want anybody to find out about our status. Aside from her,I couldn't find anyone else to switch hats with. I need to switch with someone who has a little bit of consideration and someone who won't cling to me for dear life.
"Argh,it's Cupid Day."
"Who are you going to switch hats with,Lelouch?" Rolo asked.
"Good question. I still haven't made up my mind about that."
"There are a lot of girls out there who are willing to switch hats with you." Viletta noted.
"I know,but that's not my problem."
"We have to make sure that Lelouch's hat doesn't end up in the hands of some weird girl."
"Since we got the teachers to participate,Viletta,I want you to grab my hat and-"
"Wouldn't that just attract pure weirdness? Why not let Shirley grab the hat? That girl is completely head over heels for you! In fact,she did shoot me in order to protect you." Viletta suggested. She did make a legitimate point on that.
"Very well,Shirley then." Even if Anya's gonna kill me for this,I have to do it. If it won't be Anya,then it has to be Shirley. Since Shirley isn't as weird and clingy as those other girls. And I'm sure that she'd understand.
"Let's end this."
I got up and took the elevator to the library. I made my way to my classroom and wore the blue heart-shaped hat that Rivalz gave. I leaned against the lockers and hoped for the best. If I can make it to the library,then I'm home free. A horde of girls surrounded me,cutting me off in all directions. It was kinda creepy,all of them were atleast two meters away from my face. Shirley was in front of me,preparing to charge at me and snatch my hat off my head.
"Good morning everyone! This is Milly Ashford,speaking as the Student Council president for the last time. Before we get this event underway,I just have something to say." Then,there was a short pause. "Any club that brings me the hat of Lelouch Lamperouge from Class 3-D,will get their budget increased tenfolds!"
WHAT?!Everyone eyed me as if I was a piece of meat and charged towards me. I backed against the lockers,completely hopeless. Suddenly,everything stopped. The next thing I knew,I was inside a locker with Rolo. He was panting,which lead me to the conclusion that he indeed used his geass to get me out of that horrible place.
"Sorry about that."
"It's okay,we're good."
I stayed inside the locker with Rolo until the crowd dispersed. Once the coast was clear,I sneaked my way into library. Everyone was running around looking for me. I arrived at the library completely undetected. Now,all that's left is for me to switch places with Sayoko,and let her play along with the president. However,I felt someone snatch my hat off my head.
"I got it! Now I get to be Lelouch's girlfriend!" A congenial voice exclaimed in a sing-song tone. I took my contact lens off and turned around.
"Of course. Miya,right?"
"What's up honeybunch?"
"Would you mind very much,giving me that hat back?" I casted my geass on her afterwards. And here I thought that I sneaked past everyone.
"O-okay." She said absentmindedly as she gave me my hat back.
I made my way to the elevators and met up with Sayoko disguised as myself.
"Where shall we switch?"
"Here will do."
"Very well then."
I went over to the control room to check on Sayoko's progress. I observed the all the footage that was recorded all over the campus to warn Sayoko. Apparently,we switched places just in time,for when she stepped out in the open,hell ensued. The rugby team spotted her. They tried to charge at her but she skillfully avoided them by jumping over them. I directed Sayoko around the campus,advising her to take certain routes as to avoid the pursuers through my microphone. She turned the corner and encountered the Science Club. The Science Club members fired fireworks at her but Sayoko just did some kind of acrobatic move to evade the explosion. As she made a right turn,she encountered the Fantasy Seduction club. She easily passed them by hurdling over them. Everyone knew that I'm not athletic enough to perform such acrobatics,that's why everyone was stunned at Sayoko's display of skill. Milly was going crazy over the microphone,relaying instructions like a madman in order to capture me. Geez,she really is going all-out. Then I decided to end this charade.
"Take the operation into final phase,Sayoko,to the library." I ordered. I went outside and used the elevator to reach the library. Once the doors opened,there stood Shirley,looking around as if she was confused. Perfect. She turned her head and caught sight of me. She perked up when she did so.
"Lulu! What are you doing here?" She asked as she approached me.
"Shirley? Aren't you supposed to b-" I was cut off as I saw something out of the corner of my eye. It appeared to be a knightmare's hand,reaching in for Shirley. "Watch out!" I cried as I dove forward to shove her away from the incoming knightmare.
As I dove,everything went in slow motion. When the knightmare busted the window,there emerged Sayoko disguised as me. It appeared that she was dodging the...what? The Mordred?! What's Anya doing?! As I shoved Shirley away,I landed on the Mordred's hand. The Mordred withdrew its hands back outside the building. The Mordred landed on the ground,then its hatch opened. Anya emerged from the cockpit then hopped on the Mordred's arm to approach me. I like her and all that,but doesn't she possess at least a grain of common sense? Who the hell would pilot a knightmare frame just to get someone's hat? Doesn't she realize that it's illegal to pilot a knightmare within school premises? Not only that,but she also damaged school property! And for what? Some dumb hat? Doesn't she know the consequences of her actions? I stood there,frozen on the spot. Everyone was gathering around the knightmare,gaping,gawking and pointing at us. Some of them even started to mumble amongst themselves. As Anya came face-to-face with me,she smiled at me. I couldn't help but smile back at her cuteness. But that doesn't disregard the fact that she just broke about a dozen of school rules.
"Anya? What's up with you? Why are you piloting your knightmare in school premises? Don't you know that that's illegal?" I chastised. Although,my tone wasn't very convincing. In fact,my tone was still gentle for some reason. I wanted to get angry with her,I wanted to tell her that she just can't do anything that she pleases. But somehow,I couldn't,I just simply couldn't get angry with her.
"To get this." She replied dully as she reached for my hat. She replaced my hat with hers then she wore my hat. The crowd's gasps increased in volume as she did this.
"Isn't that Anya Alstreim,the Knight of Six?" Someone in the crowd asked out loud.
"Yeah,I think so."
"What is she doing?"
"Isn't it obvious that she's switching hats with Lelouch?"
"But Lelouch is just a student and she's a Knight of the Round! They can't be together!" The crowd started to talk amongst themselves. I decided to just ignore them. I don't care about what they say about Anya and me.
"Anya,you know what switching hats mean right?" I asked Anya,trying to ensure the fact that she knows what she's doing. She just blushed and nodded. My eyes widened a little. She's really serious with me,isn't she? Even though that this is going to be a problem later on...it's not like I don't want this anyway. In fact,I'm really happy that she wants this too. I placed my hands on her shoulders,making her look at me. I smiled. "Are you certain that you want this?" She didn't answer vocally,instead,she just nodded her head and avoided my eyes. "Okay then." I guess this officially makes us a couple then. Somehow I am terrified that she just fell for a rebel like me,but I am also teeming with joy. Our moment was interrupted by a voice on the megaphone.
"Anya Alstreim,Knight of Six,this is an operating area of the O.S.I. please,milady,withdraw your knightmare at once." Viletta said over the megaphone.
"You better go ahead and follow,Anya. This is illegal after all." I chuckled. She smiled at me,pecked me on the cheek and headed back inside her knightmare.
She sat me down on the ground and went ahead to return her knightmare. A few moments later,she caught up with me. I gave her a small hug and patted her on the head. She smiled at me and playfully slapped my arm. Something in the sky caught my eye though. I looked up to see and saw a squadron of knightmares airborne. Maybe when Anya activated her knightmare,headquarters detected a knightmare activation and thought that there was an emergency. That would explain why they responded so quickly. Typically,any trooper would respond if his commander pulls out his weapon,and that's what happened here. Milly and the other student council members met up with us. Anya started to blush profusely,since everyone including Gino saw that we switched hats.
"Hey,Lelouch! Are you...okay?" Shirley asked. She seemed to be dumbfounded by the picture before her.
"Yeah. How about you?" She just nodded in reply.
"Hey,what happened,Anya? Why'd you use your knightmare?" Gino checked. She just blushed and avoided Gino's eyes. "Did you just switch hats with Lelouch?" Anya was completely flushed and embarrassed. When Anya refused to talk,Gino seemed to get the message and smiled. "Wohoho! I think I get the picture here!" Everyone looked at Gino in wonder.
"Lelouch,did you switch hats with her?" Milly chimed in.
I sighed. "Yes,I did."
Everyone's eyes widened,except Gino's. They all couldn't believe what just happened. "So,buddy,does this mean that you...you know...?" Rivalz choked. I simply nodded in reply. Everyone was taken aback by my response. I bet that they were expecting for me to have feelings for Shirley since Shirley's always with me.
"Well,old man! I gotta hand it to ya! I never thought that Anya'd have feelings for you. You really are a charmer,eh?" Gino chuckled loudly. It was my turn to get embarrassed. I felt a little guilty because of Shirley. Everyone expected us to be together,since we are very close friends. But what they don't know,is that I've been friends with Anya since I was a prince back at the homeland.
"We're happy for you guys,you know?" Milly declared as she smiled.
"Yeah! Who would've thought that you'd fall for a Knight of the Round,Lelouch?" Rivalz teased.
"If that's what you really want,then I'm very happy for the both of you." Shirley said as she smiled. I could sense that she was upset,but she tried her best to hide her true feelings from everyone.
"Thanks you guys." Just then,a britannian soldier came running up at us.
"Lord Gino,Lady Anya,I am sorry to disturb,but Lord Suzaku requests your presence in headquarters." The britannian soldier announced.
"Very well." Gino responded as he nodded. The soldier went ahead afterwards. "I guess that's our cue,guys. Come on Anya,maybe Suzaku's got something important to tell us. Thanks for everything guys,and good luck in college,Milly!"
"Thanks Gino!"
I turned to Anya as she looked at me. I could see disappointment in her eyes. She was hoping to spend more time with me now that we have each other. I smiled sadly at her and hugged her. I could feel everyone's eyes on us,but I didn't care,this may be the last time that Anya and I get together like this. I pulled away after a few moments. She smiled at me for one last time,approached me and pecked me on the cheek.
"Bye."
"Bye."
"Come on Anya." Anya and Gino went ahead as they were escorted by the military units that responded to Anya's knightmare signals.
"Hey Lelouch! You're crazy buddy!" Rivalz exclaimed as he draped his arm on my shoulder.
"Yeah,Lelouch,you never told us that you like Anya." Milly added. Oh man,I am so dead.
"Come on,tell us about her!"
The day went by quickly. After the event,classes were dismissed,therefore,students were sent home. I felt a pang of guilt everytime I looked at Shirley. I felt as if I only got her hopes up. I talked to her afterwards,she told me that she was indeed upset,but she understands. She also told me that if I'm happy,then she's happy too. I smiled at her and embraced her as a sign of gratitude. She did understand. Milly told us that she was going to work as a weather forecaster in the local TV station. We held some sort of send-off party for her. We ate some pizza together and talked about her life as a forecaster. At the end of the day,Milly hugged each one of us,thanking us for all of the memories and fun times. She told us that it was time to face the real world. Shirley shed a few tears at the departure of a good friend,Rolo remained stoic,and Rivalz was heartbroken. I told him to confess his feelings for her before she graduates but he told me that it was better this way. I respected Rivalz' decision in return. Milly left for the settlement,since she told us that she was going to reside there from now on. Rivalz and Shirley soon went home,and so did Rolo and I.
When we came home,I cooked dinner,sat up the table and ate with Rolo. During our meal,we discussed about Anya. We talked about Anya's impact in my life,and that if she's going to change my outlook. I told Rolo that Anya won't bother me,not even a bit,and that Lelouch is different from Zero. I cleaned up afterwards and headed to my room. I brushed my teeth and got changed. I plopped down on my bed and pondered on my situation. Anya's gone now. She may be gone for a while if she gets assigned to a mission,and I will have to resume my mission of rescuing Nunnally. It was just getting good,but life goes on. The last three days have been paradise. Tomorrow,it's time to go back to the real world,because even the sun sets in paradise. Reality's at my doorstep,and I have ignored it long enough. It may be a long time before we meet again,and it may have been just a short time that we were together. The last three days have been one of the best three-day periods ever,and in those three days,Anya and I were just two teens who developed feelings for each tomorrow,she becomes the Knight of Six,and I become Zero once again. Since my mind was made up,I closed my eyes and drifted off to a regretful slumber.
A/N: That was a veeeeeeeeeeery loooooooooooooong chapter! Phew! Glad to get that out of the way! Guys,please read and PLEASE REVIEW. Let me know your thoughts and insights about the story. Also,let me know if I should continue and that if you guys are enjoying the story. If you guys like it,next chap comes out in a few days. Thanks guys! 'Preciate it!