This is what happens when the real world becomes a bit too demanding. Sigh. I am a corporate zombie. This is the product of a quick 15-minute free-writing exercise – no editing was allowed. And since some of you had been waiting for my updates, here's something that should satisfy the fan girl in you.

Disclaimer: Code Geass isn't mine.

003 – Stop Interrupting (2013 a.t.b.)

She couldn't breathe for half a minute.

He had seen her smile, glare, laugh, cry, blush in embarrassment, pale in fright, slur in a drunken state, throw a tantrum or be the merciless Goddess of Victory. Guilford has seen it all on Cornelia's face. He wasn't prepared to see her gape at him like a fish. He wasn't sure if he should be insulted or take a moment and enjoy the new expression. Clearly, it didn't occur to him that his Princess would be surprised by anything; not with her hardened mindset.

Guilford cocked an eyebrow, "Yes?"

Quickly, the Princess' eyes narrowed, "Would you be so kind as to repeat what you just told me, my Knight?"

He sighed impatiently, "Princess, I'm here to inform you I've been ordered to participate in the Knightmare demonstration in Pendragon two weeks from now, using the newly completed Gloucester, with the possibility of being summoned to have an audience with His Majesty – your father –"

"Not that,"

"–and therefore, I would like to request that you grant me time to prepare for the event as–"

"Gil."

"–I will be piloting as the Knight of the Second Princess and Chief General of Britannia–"

"Hey!" He flinched slightly as she slammed her palm on the table a little too hard. Guilford's frown softened slightly; her wince didn't escape him completely even if he did ignore the scowl on her face. His eyes met hers. He could tell that he had just annoyed the hell out of her. Again.

"–and shaming my Princess would be the last thing that I'd want to do." Guilford finished with his mouth forming the customary flat line he had become well known for.

"I'm not interested in what His Majesty has to say or what he wants." The Second Princess said slowly, "I'm not going to grant you that preparation time; you don't really need it. Also, I trust you enough to know that you won't end up making a fool out of us, both."

Guilford held her stare. If anything, they still have yet to figure out which one of them is the more stubborn one. There was something unreadable in the eyes that haunt him even in his sleep.

"What I'd like you to repeat, my Knight, are the words that I thought I heard you say."

With that, his shoulders relaxed and worry played on the edge of his lips. Guilford, who maintained a respectable distance, closed the gap between himself and the edge of her desk. In fact, the dissatisfaction that he felt with the distance between them urged him to walk around the desk until he was next to her. He reached for her hand, still flat against the cold surface of the antique table. His gestures were gentle – almost loving – as he peeled the silk glove from her hand.

Cornelia waited silently, her eyes never leaving his form. Her glance traveled from his face to their hands. His long, slender fingers massaged her palm gently. She saw his lips move, but no words reached her ears.

"Lord Guilford..." He knew that tone; it was a warning.

"I said, Princess, that should fate deem it fit that I do not come back from the meeting with His Majesty or should something happen at the demonstration, know that I had given my very best in serving you–"

"And...?"

"And," Guilford rolled his eyes at her interruption, "... that I love you and had loved you even before I knew what it was called and I will probably continue to dream of you even if I'm forced to close my eyes forever."

Cornelia fell silent. Guilford lowered his head until their eyes met. He grinned, "Happy now?"

"Not really." She snatched her hand from his.

Unable to help it, he allowed a bit of exasperation to creep in, "Oh sure, trample all over my heart and pride, why don't you?"

She poked his arm, "Let me remind you, Lord Guilford, that you promised that you would crawl out of your grave and always find your way back to me at the end of every single day."

With a sigh, he pressed his lips gently on the back of her hand as he snatched it back. "I'll try, Princess."

The Second Princess tossed her hair haughtily before returning to her work, "After all, a girl needs to be spoken sweet, sweet words to. Even if in private." He saw her mouth quirk into a smile.

With a chuckle, he prepared to leave only to be interrupted – again – by her. She still held on to his hand. Cornelia gave it a gentle squeeze, "Make me proud, Gil. Who knows, my father might just let me marry you."

Will try to write more soon. Thanks all, for reading and for reviewing!