Author's Note: I'M SORRY, I'm very sorry for the late update (2 days). Typhoon struck our tropical country and our area's internet connection and electricity suffered. Good thing we're 100 back now.
Also for you to know, I'm now busy and I'm a hermit for two months already; meaning to say that I sleep in a relative's house and transfer to another one almost everyday, making it harder for me to write. Don't worry, they are only blocks away each other.
Again, I'm terribly sorry for the late update, enjoy!
Suzaku's face was rather…troubled. The others didn't seem to notice, except for Lelouch, Kallen and CC who stole glances at him since the word "Zero" was spoken. Lelouch however, was able to sense that something was wrong with Suzaku: What if he suspects that I'm Zero? What if he is secretly investigating me? What if Euphie…I have to dig his secrets!
"Suzaku what's the matter?" with a worried face, he asked tapping his shoulder.
"L-Lelouch…it's nothing…" he made himself sound happy, blending into the laughs around.
"You can't lie to me Suzaku, you know that didn't you? You can tell everything now; it's the last council meeting."
Suzaku lowered his gaze and Lelouch could see him clench his fist under the table. Then it came to him that he might have to prepare for the worst: take a life, to protect the lives of his children. But then a sudden question broke his thinking:
"Lelouch, I don't want spoil this evening, but can I talk privately with you? It has something to do with Euphie and Zero… I-It's just that I think this is my only opportunity…" Because tomorrow…
Lelouch's heartbeat throbbed faster, all the voices, the babies' laughs, faded from his ears. "Sure Suzaku, let's talk outside the room." He then said to the others "Everyone, me and Suzaku will just be outside, it's just something private"
Every step they take away from the room echoed for him, getting heavier with every step. Before closing the door, he gave CC and Kallen a "leave it to me" look.
There at the dark corridor, Lelouch can see from Suzaku's moonlit face that he was avoiding eye contact. "Suzaku, let's talk about it…"
"Lelouch…is Zero really a friend of the weak?"
What is this, why suddenly Zero? "Suzaku that is what he claims to be…"
"So what do you think Lelouch?"
"I might say that what he was doing is practical than hypocritical reformists, but he makes the weak weaker with their dependence on him."
As if his words had weighted on Suzaku, tears were building from his friend's eyes. "Lelouch, my resolve is crumbling down…I'm beginning to believe in Zero's words…I just don't know what to do!"
"Being an Honorary Britannian, a pilot and Princess Euphemia's Knight…I know it is hard for you, but you must stick with your dream for the Japanese people, for it is greater and more powerful than any of your personal desire."
"I believe that so far all that I have been doing was right, but now I can feel that I can't help feeling that I'm a hypocrite; believing that what I am doing is always right, refusing to look at the other's side's perspective. But now, experiencing what they are experiencing right now, I'm starting to feel that the correct righteousness did not exist, all that there is, is the truth…"
"What happened?" He looked at him straight in the eyes "What has Euphie have to do with any of this?"
But he replied something different, in a forlorn manner "Lelouch, what if your dream and ideals that took hold of yourself suddenly crumbled because of your duty as a human, your duty to the one precious to you?"
"Suzaku…"
"But still…" Their gazes met "Lelouch, I'm very sorry but…"
Suzaku pulled a pistol out of his pocket.
-
The First Birthday
-
Cornelia was really getting impatient; there was no military attacks, no interventions on the other terrorist groups' actions, nothing. Nothing. Zero didn't do anything political for the past few months except some insignificant raids and the mysterious deaths or disappearances of dozens of investigators.
Zero won't do something with the economy, such as assassinating share holders that exploit Area 11's resources since its downfall will be always disadvantageous to the Elevens. Britannians may always go back to the mainland once they go poor, but poorer Elevens will make them incapable of buying firearms for rebellions.
Cornelia deployed a number of forces to the whereabouts of Britannian figures that Elevens surely hated, making Zero unable to do anything for the masses. Her advisors applauded the success of her tactics but can't help feeling uneasy with Zero's silence, there must be something, something that he is planning…
Yes there was. Zero was doing something. Who needs firearms when you planted thousands of bombs in the Toyko area underground system?
Surely Cornelia noticed that most of the investigators missing were the ones assigned to the underground system. But when asked some of the ones who returned:
"There were no suspicious movement underground, furthermore, the subway tunnels are 80 unusable and won't function as effective routes for the Black Knights"
"But what about the deaths or the disappearances?"
"They were attacked by some Eleven gangs."
The investigators showed her some plausible data and it made Cornelia relax a little.
But of course they were under Geass.
…
But Cornelia also had something up her sleeves, she would lure Zero using that plan.
While Cornelia killed herself with work everyday, Lelouch and the others were just as carefree as ever. Their plans involved…college, homecomings (after just a month), new places to live in, and of course, Aurora and Eirian's first birthday.
The last council meeting was really no the last at all; they still agreed to meet every morning and walk at the park with Lelouch and his family. That proved to be useful for Lelouch who won't need to bring an extra wig on Saturdays.
Speaking of wigs, CC changed her hairstyle since she cannot hide her very long hair anymore. She cut it, much to everyone's surprise, especially Lelouch. Her bangs were still there, and the hairs at the side of her head still covered her ears. But now its length barely touched her shoulder. She layered it in a way that the ones in the center were the longest strands while the ones at the side were gradually getting shorter. She also used rollers; she made the edges of her hair curl inward, making the shorter, side strands touch her cheeks.
Lelouch commented that her hair made her look more mature and gentler and also gave an elegant feel. CC gleefully took the compliment, telling him that she just wanted to change her hairstyle that is older than the oldest tree in the world. Her hairstyle only changed once; it was when all of it was burned, but it grew in a very fast rate like her regeneration and stopped at its usual length.
But Lelouch can also see that she just wanted to feel very special at the two's birthday, or rather it was also her birthday; they decided that date would be hers too, for since that day, time ran again for her.
"Lelouch can I dye my hair?"
"No-No-No! I um…just think that I won't recognize you anymore, don't change your appearance so drastically…"
Through phone calls Lelouch invited the Ashford family, Shirley, Kallen, Rivalz, Euphie and Suzaku. Decorations and the baby's clothes were planned by Sayoko and CC, while food belonged to Lelouch and Nunally. As usual, Mao would be the cameraman, so there were no pictures with him in it. Their friends offered help in the preparations, especially Milly, yet Lelouch politely refused the offers, explaining to them that family occasions are different from school celebrations.
Mr. and Mrs. Ashford sure did scolded Lelouch for having a "wife" at such an age they know nothing about; no background, no status, not even having a last name. His kindness to her should have been handled with responsibility they said to him. They lessoned that if his mother was still alive she would have spanked him with a Ganymede.
Yet Lelouch trusted the Ashfords more than any family or group, for when the worst comes, when he fails or when the Black Knights turn against him, his family will always have a home to run to.
There was no party, just a simple feast in Lelouch's dining room. Everybody wore simple party attire, not too casual, not too formal either.
But the twins were dressed wore costumes; Aurora wore Snow White's outfit while Eirian wore a prince's with a fake sword on his side. They were both seated on their mother's lap at the center of the big table.
And in front of them, was a big chocolate cake, purely chocolate; chocolate chips stuck between layers filled with choco fudge. Lelouch baked it all by himself. And on top of it was three small sweet-scented candles; one for each of the celebrants.
After happy conversations, they decided to start the lunch soon since the twins can't stand "boredom" and were hungry. So they lively sung "Happy Birthday" thrice followed by an applaud, with CC blowing all of the three candles.
"So CC, you moved your birthday to this date? So what do you think your age is?" Kallen asked her
"Definitely not younger than Lelouch…"
"Haha impossible CC!" Rivalz responded "I think you just turned 17!"
"You really think so? Appearances can be deceiving" Lelouch answered back.
"We agree with Rivalz!" said Euphie and Suzaku
"I also agree with Rivalz" said Shirley.
"I agree with Shirley!" said Milly.
Lelouch hoped that his friends would think that CC is older than him, so it wouldn't look that he took advantage of her age but his friends anonymously decided that her age was 17.
After the singing they had their sumptuous lunch; pasta and pizza prepared by Lelouch and Nunally (she was the great taster and cheese grater), CC's favorites. All of them especially CC who complained why he didn't make one for her before, complimented that Lelouch's was better than Pizza Hut's and he should run a pizza store himself and he told them that he was planning to do so.
The people also remarked about the changes they observed from the children, who were beginning to have separate identities:
No doubt that Eirian looked exactly like his father. And how hair became darker, seeing only its green shade when exposed to light, right now he has the same hairstyle as Lelouch. His fat face was still a bit fat and he was a little bigger than Aurora. His usual expression was either a blank face or a glare.
There was also no doubt that Aurora looked exactly like her father,yet her eyes show the same expression as her mother's. Her hair remained the same; dark green, but now one can see it's curliness with Nunally's hairstyle. She eventually became paler than her brother but her rosy cheeks dabbed a rich pink color on her face, matching her eyes. Unlike her brother, she always smiled but she was much more silent.
Aurora learned more words than her brother: "Zero", "Papa", "Mama", "Auntie", "and "Good Night", "Good Morning" and "Bye." People would always praise her and tell that her soft voice can melt everyone's heart.
Yet Eirian also improved: he could now say "Zero", "Lelouch", "Black Knights", "CC" and…"Geass(though he never spoke it outside the house)." But his favorite word was still "Zero" and he also mastered the Zero chant: "Zero! Zero! Zero! Zero! Zero! Zero! Zero! Zero…" The passersby during their walks would look at them with surprised faces whenever they heard the loud Zero chant of the baby. Up to now, Lelouch, with his brains, still haven't found a way to effectively shut him up.
The first birthday was really a precious experience for the couple, especially CC, who never celebrated a birthday before. After eating the twins slept again at their crib while the adults enjoyed conversing with each other. There were no problems and concerns so far…
"Suzaku!?" CC, Kallen, please come out!
Moonlight struck the shining silver in Suzaku's hand. "Lelouch…I'm sorry…"
As Lelouch eyes widened, Suzaku pointed the gun…
to his head…"Lelouch, I want to die!"
…
"SUZAKU YOU FOOL!!"
Lelouch hurled himself forward and knocked Suzaku down (It's a miracle!) throwing the gun away, he punched the boy under him"...If your going to commit suicide go somewhere else dark and isolated!"
"…"
"Suzaku what's happening to you!?"
"I can't be a Knight anymore…and it's better for me to die for Euphie!"
"What happened!? Does Zero has something to do with this?"
Suzaku began whimpering "No not really, I was considering to side with him for Euphie…"
Lelouch thought:What about my sister? This is good, Suzaku siding with me, must I press the reason? But whatever it is I must take advantage of Suzaku's fragile state.
He sat beside Suzaku who was still lying on the floor "Just tell it!"
"Please don't be angry…" Tears were streaming down his cheeks.
"What is it!?"
"I don't want her to be beheaded by the emperor…"
"WHAT IS IT!?"
...
"Euphie's pregnant and I'm the father!"
"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!"
X)
X3
XD
I was laughing hard when I thought of a possible reason for Suzaku to join the Knights. Haha don't worry, Lelouch and CC will still be the focus. If this fic is serious Suzaku would have acted differently but I tell you again, this fic is semi- serious. The conversation will have a continuation next chapter.
I hope you liked CC's new hair, just for a change. Imagine her hair as Ayanami Rei's + Rey Za Burrel, yep, blue + yellow green.
I also hope you liked the twins so far, which one do you like better?
Also imagine:
Suzaku: Lelouch, I have something to tell you…
Lelouch: What?
Suzaku: Nunally is pregnant and I'm the father
Lelouch: NUNALLY!? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! (Faints) or: (empties a pistol at Suzaku's head) Suzaku, what did you say again?
-
Anyone may use this idea for his/her fanfic because i don't plan on making one.
HAHA PLEASE REVIEW!!