Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass. I do own the plot. (Also, many thanks for the reviews! You keep reviewing, I'll keep updating!)
Chapter Four: Memories and Little Gestures
Jade eyes widened happily as they looked at every inch of new lands. Normally he never believed a word Yosuke said or did any of the things he suggested but this once he was glad he had. Getting to see the land he would one day be in charge of was something his mother never let him do. He felt a little bad for disobeying his mother but was far too excited about everything around them. Suddenly a shaking ball of sandy fur bumped in to him, ears flat against the skull and tail pinned against his inner thigh. "Suzaku, I don't like this! Father always told me to never leave the village!" He whimpered fearfully, voice getting an octave higher with his rising hysteria. A small scoffing came from the third party, his silver coat already tinted light brown with the fresh dirt he'd just rolled around in.
Hazel eyes narrowed dangerously at the jumpy member of their group. "This is exactly why no one likes hanging out with you, Takashi!" He snapped, not caring when he saw the other flinch at the hurtful comment. Takashi swallowed hard before standing more sternly. He was still shaking but he was trying to look more powerful, more courageous.
"Don't insult me, Yosuke," He growled in a voice he tried to make sound ferocious. Instead it sounded like it belonged to a person who lacked self esteem or the will to stand up for themselves. The addressed boy merely smirked and started walking, a bit of a cocky bounce to his step. Takashi and Suzaku exchanged glances, wondering briefly if they'd made the wrong decision, before following after him.
"You two need to get out more. I come out here all the time," He stated in an almost mocking voice, trying to make them feel either jealousy or admiration at his knowledge of the outside. He hopped on to a nearby boulder that gave him a bit of leverage over them. He leaned down a bit in a bow before looking around suspicious and then looking at them. "I come out here all the time, by myself." He whispered lowly, a smirk slowly quirking up his furry face as the other two stared at him with wide eyes.
"Are you serious?! Wow, Yosuke, you're so cool!" Suzaku laughed happily, tail swishing rapidly as he stared with bright eyes. Takashi nodded in eager agreement, causing the other boy to hop from his perch and shrug.
"It ain't no big deal. I'm not afraid of anything," He stated proudly, leading them along with him. He led them to a nearby river that gleamed silver in the moon's bright glow. He hopped on to a fallen tree that formed a bridge to the other side of the decently sized water way. "Why, I'm not even afraid of Slayers!"
With a small smirk Suzaku hopped on as well, following at Yosuke's heels excitedly. Takashi suddenly stopped and whimpered, sitting on his little rear. The other two looked back, one in annoyance and the other in concern. "Don't talk like that, Yosuke. My Father says that Slayers aren't to be taken lightly," He whined softly, ears again dropping to his head and disappearing.
"So what if your old man says to be afraid?! He's just a pansy!" Yosuke snapped angrily. At this Takashi perked up, ears going erect immediately and a look of surprise marking his features. He then growled lowly, getting in to a fighting stance.
"Don't insult my father!" He barked back harshly. It was Suzaku and Yosuke's turns to be surprised this time; Takashi had never reacted like this to any of Yosuke's multiple insults and taunts. The silver coated boy sneered at him, a wicked glint lighting up his eyes.
"Why so defensive? Maybe because you know I'm right?" He taunted, voice filled with loathing and mockery. Suzaku looked between them frantically, trying to think of some way to stop the fighting before the fur began to fly. Instead Takashi scoffed, shook his head and began walking back the way they had come. Yosuke fumed at this. "Where are you going?!" He cried.
Takashi shook his head again, not even bothering to turn around. "I'm going home. I'm not going to risk getting in trouble or getting hurt," He stated evenly before disappearing in to the dark path they had just travelled. Suzaku watched him retreat, completely stunned by Takashi. Normally he never stood up for himself or left the group, even if what they were doing could get them in a lot of trouble.
"Keh! Forget that loser! Come on, Suzaku, let's go," Yosuke scoffed, continuing his travel along the long log. Only looking off at where Takashi had disappeared for another moment Suzaku faced forward again and followed his other friend to the other side.
…
The two ended up romping and playing once they were far from the river. Neither of them was feeling the paranoia that had crept in to their other associates veins and had ended up agreeing that he was just being a chicken. Suzaku fell to his side, laughing and panting, as Yosuke fell on his belly in a similar state. They grinned at one another. "This was a pretty good idea, Yosuke," He commented, praising the other. He was answered with a victorious smirk from the other.
"What did I tell you? Takashi was just being a pansy," He stated with a laugh. Suzaku smiled but did not agree with the statement. He may not see what his other friend had been so afraid of but he wasn't going to bad mouth him while he wasn't around. "Slayers aren't anything to be afraid of! They're all too stupid to find us!" He howled happily.
A low, rumbling laugh suddenly snapped the two pups from their cheerful daze. They jumped to their feet and turned just in time to see a large man standing a few feet away. The man before them watched with bemused lavender eyes as slowly the two realized their faulty logic. The wind blew his golden locks from his face, a smirk coming over his features as they backed away. He shifted, his red cape shifting with him. "Well, what do we have here?" He drawled slowly, his voice causing both young boys to flinch. He delighted inside over this little factor. "Two young pups that are bad at following their elders' warnings? Shall I teach you a lesson you'll never forget?" At his offer the two ran off, retreating the way they'd come. His smirk became more devious. He loved it when they tried to run.
Suzaku glanced over his shoulder, eyes widening when he saw their pursuer close behind them. "Yosuke, run faster! He's right behind us!" He cried in a panic. Takashi was right! He told them Slayers were dangerous and now they were going to die! They had reached the river but how far could they get? He scrambled on to the log right after Yosuke, praying that they'd be able to escape. When he heard a loud banging followed by a searing pain on his back left thigh he knew it was over. He yelped in pain and fell in to the water, a large splash of red coming from him when he hit the water. He struggled back to the surface, gasping for air and whining in pain. He looked up, emerald spheres coated with panic, as he looked up to see the Slayer standing on the log above him.
"Say goodbye, little atrocity," He chuckled darkly, cocking the gun again. Before he could pull the trigger, however, a large blur of dark fur knocked him over in to the water. After ramming in to him the figure landed in the water in front of Suzaku, snarling and baring its fangs.
Suzaku's eyes lit up. "Mother!" He cried. She looked back at him before whining and turning to him. She nuzzled and licked his little face, fretting over him. He whined and tried to get up but end up yelping and falling back over.
"Oh, Suzaku," She whispered softly, picking up by the scruff of his neck. His little body curled inward, looking up at her worriedly. She perked up, jade orbs locking on the Slayer regaining his balance. She quickly trotted out of the water, not even bothering to shake off her coat. She glanced over at another female wolf, with a pale blue coat and luminous hazel eyes, who had a squirming and frightened Yosuke in her grip. Lady Kururugi looked around frantically. They could not lead him back to the village; the men were out hunting and many of the women were currently carrying puppies in them. She suddenly tossed her head to one side, releasing her grip on her son and sending him right in to a tall tree branch. He yelped upon impact but scrambled on, pressing himself against the trunk to the best of his ability. "Kanna, toss him!" She barked harshly. The other nodded and repeated the action, sending Yosuke in to the branch with Suzaku. The two boys looked on, fear and horror painting on their features, as the Slayer stood and approached their mothers'.
Kanna was the first to move. She pounced, aiming for the attackers throat, but he quickly pulled his gun out again and fired. It clipped her in the shoulder, causing her to yelp and lose balance. She toppled to the ground and rolled for a few feet. The glint of silver, the bullet stuck in her flesh, caught the moonlight and shimmered as blood came to glaze over it. She growled lowly before biting in to where the burning wound was and ripped out a rather large chuck, tossing her flesh and bullet aside. Lady Kururugi winced visibly and tried to press the concern now coming to mind away. If there was one thing they all knew better than to do it was remove a silver bullet, the only type that could kill them, in such a damaging way.
Before the Slayer could even cock his gun Lady Kururugi clamped her law down on his wrist. He cried out, turning at her with loathing marring his face. She smirked and bit down harder until a loud cracking and screaming bounced off the trees like a melody of pain. She then tossed him aside carelessly. He hit a tree trunk on his left side, letting out an audible gasp. He rolled to his side and glared at her through his sun colored locks. She glared down at him and prepared to strike again when another shot was heard. She yelped and stumbled, the bullet piercing right through her sides. She stumbled for a moment, the unbelievable pain temporarily paralyzing her, before she quickly hopped back in front of the tree the pups were in. She trembled as blood flowed down her side evenly, the pain trying to force her instinct to run to kick in to gear. Her instinct to protect her young, even at the cost of her own life, was at a higher calling to her.
Another figure stepped out, clad in a large red cloak with a hood hiding the features. "Schneizel, go finish off the other one. This little bitch is mine," The deep, harsh voice of the cloaked figure snapped as he approached Lady Kururugi. She growled lowly at him, baring her blood covered teeth. "Is that his blood on your fangs?" He received no answer from her. He scoffed lightly at her resistance, cocked his gun, and shot at her. It went through her front right leg. She swayed unevenly for a moment before studying herself again, ignoring the burning sensation that crawled up her entire limb with the overexertion of the damaged appendage.
Suzaku forced himself to stay silent and in place. He knew that if he jumped down to help his mother it would only cause more problems. This newcomer didn't seem to know he and Yosuke were in the tree, meaning that as long as they were quiet and didn't draw attention to themselves they'd be safe. He shook terribly, anxiety and fear for his mother churning his stomach.
Another shot was fired, this one gazing the top of her head. She held in the pained cry that tried to bubble out and stood strong, eyes turning darker with her determination. "Tell me, Rin, where's that whelp of a child you had? I wanted to play with the little fellow," He laughed darkly, walking until he was standing right before her. She glared up, a snarl rumbling from deep within her throat. He chuckled lightly. "Oh come now. Don't be so cruel. I only want to let you know how it feels to have a loved one taken from you."
"I only did what I did because of you! You tainted her, ruined her! You corrupted her and turned her against me! It hurt me to do that to her but it had to be done! And don't think I've forgotten you," She stated lowly. She felt her leg tremble and give, forcing her to fall to her right. Even in here weakened state she still held firm to her defiance, glaring upward. Suddenly four shots were fired at Kanna, followed by a loud whine from Yosuke, causing both Rin and the Slayer to turn their attention toward the tree branches. Rin felt her stomach churning with fear as a low laugh began coming from her enemy.
"Mother! Mother!" Yosuke sobbed hoarsely. Suzaku growled, trying to think of a way to get out of this terrible predicament. They needed help but there seemed to be no hope. Suzaku perked up as an idea suddenly struck him. His father knew his cry. He could try howling for help! Tossing his head back and putting his whole heart in to it Suzaku let out a loud plea to his father.
"It's too late, little brat. No one will be coming to he-"He fell silent when a deep baritone vibrated back off the trees, deep and angry. Suzaku's eyes widened and brightened with hope. It was his father and he was pissed! The soft thumping of multiple paws striking the earth caught the wolves' ears. "Schneizel, we'll be leaving for the day." The younger male looked annoyed but contented himself with firing a last shot in to the periwinkle wolf bleeding at his feet before following his superior in to the surrounding shadows. As they disappeared Suzaku and Yosuke squirmed down, ignoring the pain in their sides from being tossed so roughly and, in Suzaku's case, having a silver bullet wedged in to his back leg.
Yosuke was at his mother's side in seconds, screaming and sobbing. Suzaku darted to his mother, ears against his head and looking at her worriedly. Her eyes softened adoringly on him as she settled herself on the ground. She reached over and gently tugged him to her, licking his head over and over. He blinked a little bit, stunned that his mother was more worried about him than herself, before burrowing in to her warm fur and shutting his eyes tightly, fighting off tears. It was the first, and second to last, time Suzaku ever left the pack grounds without permission from one of the elder wolves.
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Suzaku opened his eyes to be greeted by bright gold spheres gazing down on him. He twitched, startled at first, before sighing and flopping over, pulling a pillow over his head. "Cici, leave him be," Lelouch's velvety voice chided flatly as he entered the room. Suzaku glanced up from under the pillow and through curled chocolate bangs at his Partner. Lelouch was wearing his usual attire outside of the classroom; a sleeveless black tank top and his regular black uniform pants. The two glanced at each other before a small spark of curiosity arose in the plum hued orbs the young wolf had become so accustom to seeing. "Was it that same dream again?" He asked softly, offering Suzaku a glass of water he'd been holding. Suzaku sighed and sat up, letting the bed covers fall off his shoulders and exposed his naked torso to the cool air.
"Yeah," Was all he said before taking a swig of his Partners' beverage. He offered it back, which the other took back and took a sip from as well. It sometimes surprised the tanned teenager; he had only been living with Lelouch and his younger sister, Nunnally, for around five months but already they were very close. He had learned all sorts of interesting little facts about the other boy in the time, one being he was a bit of a procrastinator when it came to school. Another was that though the raven haired male was not a grave robber, which Suzaku was more than relieved to be wrong about, he would often cut classes with Rivalz to gamble for a bit of extra profit. When he had tried to convince Lelouch to stop he was casually brushed off. His aloofness with some matters but complete obsession with others, such as when they had argued if ghosts were just as guilty the parties that created them in Student Council, always had Suzaku picking his battles with the other carefully. Though he disliked that trait of his Partner he did like that Lelouch was not the type to pry.
A nod was given in response as Lelouch set the glass down on his desk. "Well, I have two surprises for you today. Change in to a wolf and meet me outside in a few minutes," He stated with a small, hopeful smile. Suzaku raised an eyebrow inquisitively as the other walked out of the room, Cici slipping through the door after him.
…
After doing as instructed the auburn colored wolf headed out to the back porch. Nunnally sat at the small blue table in her pink winter coat and matching hat with the furry white trim and fluffed ball at the end. She looked at Suzaku with a bright smile. Though she was damaged Suzaku was surprised at how close he had become with her. When he first came to school and was confused on many things Nunnally helped Lelouch in tutoring him. Through this gentle guidance on her part he came to see why Lelouch was so fond of her; Nunnally was sweet and loving. She reached down and gently stroked his head. He smiled and when a soft giggling came from next to her he looked over. He hadn't realized they had company!
Another girl was seated beside Nunnally. This girl had flowing ebony locks that went down to her hips. Her olive toned eyes were alive with joy and good cheer, making her pale skin seem to turn a little pinker. She wore a long white coat with a red bow in the center of the bosom that trailed down to her shiny black snow boots. It was then Suzaku noticed a thin gold headband that went across her forehead with a small red gem in the center. Also some of her hair draped over her shoulder to about her stomach, gold trim wrapped over a small portions of it a few inches above the ends of it. She smiled and nodded at Suzaku in a small greeting.
The other visitor was a male. His eyes were a similar green, a little earthier colored than the girl's. His hair was an equally forest like green, as dark as his eyes. They went surprisingly well with the males light apricot flesh tone. He wore a mahogany colored jacket with a goldenrod star where his heart was with a pair of storm cloud grey pants, and also faded black boots. Lelouch walked out, wearing his black winter jacket, and carrying a small tray with tea cups and a pot on it. He set it down in the center before looking at the curious wolf seated beside his sister. "Suzaku, I'd like to introduce you to two more members of the H.A.W.W. This young woman is Kaguya Sumeragi, leader of the Kyoto chapter," He explained calmly. Kaguya, as the woman was called, smiled at him sweetly. "And this man is Kaname Ohgi. He helps werewolves locate their Partners and establish residency until united." The other man smiled and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kururugi-San," He stated warmly. Suzaku smiled and let out a small bark of a welcome. Lelouch chuckled a bit to himself. Suzaku suddenly blinked and looked at him.
"Hey, Lelouch," He began cautiously, "it's nice to meet these people but what does this have to do with my two surprises you mentioned?" He asked calmly. Lelouch chuckled and gestured out to the yard, which Suzaku finally noticed. His eyes widened in sheer joy and his tail began wagging eagerly. The snow had finally fallen! It was the first fresh coat of snow for the winter! He looked at Lelouch pleadingly, who nodded with a soft chuckle, before charging out and proceeding to enjoy the fresh powder. He rolled in it, rubbed his face in, and all in all took great pleasure in the feel of soft flakes against his fur. After having a sporadic burst of enthusiasm Suzaku sat, panting and grinning, and looked at his smiling Partner across the yard. "What's the other one?" He asked excitedly.
"All I'm going to say is that Kaguya's a blessed human just as I am," He stated lightly before taking a seat and pouring his sister and guests each a hot cup of tea. Suzaku tilted his head, not necessarily getting it, until a hay colored blur rammed in to him full force. He was sent tumbling over in a full body roll through the soft snow. He glanced up at the form bowing playfully a few inches away and his entire being was lifted.
"Takashi!" He cried happily. The other grinned and approached, butting their heads against one another's lightly as their greeting. Takashi smirked at him happily. "What are you doing here?"
"My Partner, Kaguya, knows your Partner. He asked her what my name was," He explained with a bright smile, "and then asked if we could come by for a visit before we head back to Kyoto." Suzaku blinked in surprise.
"You had to run all the Kyoto? That must have been horrible," He stated, shaking his head in distaste. The other boy laughed lightly, finding the gesture more comical than insulting.
"It wasn't as bad as you may think. It only took me about a day," He stated with a shrug. As they spoke the humans watched from the porch. Kaguya smiled before taking a sip of her tea and looking at Lelouch.
"This really was a good idea. Thank you for inviting us, Lelouch. I know that this must be comforting to Takashi," She stated softly, her eyes sweet on her Partner as he romped with the other wolf. Lelouch perked up, eyes becoming a bit more business-like and interested.
"What do you mean, Kaguya? Has Takashi been unnerved as of late?" He asked evenly, dropping his friendly tone. She glanced at him, green eyes narrowing a bit, before she closed them and gazed back out at the snowy field. "If there is reason for concern you are obligated to tell me." His voice was more demanding, growing smug at her resistance. She opened her eyes and looked at him. The thick tension made both Nunnally and Ohgi, who sat by with worry on their faces, feel uncomfortable but that if they moved to try and resituate the others would snap and lash at one another. It was almost frightening.
She blinked slowly, lazily, before nodding in silent agreement. "A few days ago we stumbled across a wolf that was sent to find her Partner with Suzaku and Takashi's group. She and her Partner were both dead when we arrived upon the scene. It was, from what we could tell by the preliminary assessment, was that it was Euphemia," Lelouch's entire body went rigid, his eyes widening at this. Nunnally looked at her older brother in fear, knowing that whoever this person was they had a connection to her brother. Kaguya waited for him to wave a hand, signaling he was calm enough for her to continue. "I fear that she's trying to track you. Considering all the moving we helped you and Nunnally squirm through in the past you fell off their radar. We believe they may have an inside source telling them everything they need to know about you. I suggest you use extreme caution; they're planning something big, from the sounds of it."
"Is there any way we can move Nunnally somewhere safe until this is all over?" He asked slowly. She gasped lightly, reaching out and grabbing his arm. Her eyes welled with tears immediately.
"No, Lelouch! I can't leave without you!" She cried mournfully. Suzaku and Takashi both perked up, hearing the young girl's plea. Lelouch kept his head down, midnight bangs hiding his eyes in shadow. She was shaking, clenching the fabric of his coat so tight her knuckles were turning white. "Please, big brother, don't make me go away alone."
He rested a hand atop hers gently, letting his hand warm hers a bit. "I promised you that I'd always protect you after mother died. If you stay here something could happen. These people are not like the ghosts or other things Suzaku and I fend off, Nunnally. These people are murderers who won't stop until they get what they want. It's only for a little while," He explained softly, finally meeting her gaze. He was just as torn, as broken hearted, at their upcoming separation. She whimpered, tears falling, and pressed her face in to his shoulder. He gently ran one hand through her long chestnut locks, trying to soothe and calm her. The two wolves off in distance glanced at one another again and just knew what was happening. Suzaku watched sadly, feeling pity for his Partner and his sister.
…
As Lelouch explained a few things to Kaguya about Nunnally and Ohgi helped the younger girl pack Takashi and Suzaku rested by the warmth of the fireplace. Takashi stretched out and yawned before shaking his head and looking at Suzaku seriously. The other male was laying with a goofy, sleepy grin in place. "We need to have a very serious conversation for once, Suzaku. There are things I noticed about the attack on the other wolf that my Partner didn't," He stated sternly. Immediately emerald eyes lost their lazy glaze and turned hard with keen interest. The sand pelted wolf sighed lightly, glancing at the small blaze nearby for a moment before deciding to speak. "Some of those wounds weren't from a Slayers gun. There were bite marks on the human's body. Kaguya says the bodies were probably nipped at by some griffins passing by I know those marks, and you'd know them if you saw them too. We make those marks. We're the only creatures with enough force and a strong enough stomach to make the marks I saw. No other creature could do what was done to that body." He stated lowly, shivering viciously at the memories.
"What was it like?" Suzaku pressed softly. Their eyes locked for a moment. Even though Takashi knew why Suzaku was asking he didn't want to reply. He had been battling inwardly with himself over whether or not he would mention this to Suzaku. The future alpha had the rights to know but the facts, the way the marks were made and where they were made, sent part of him in to a frantic frenzy. It was no longer just a matter of safety for his kin; it was a matter of how loyal he was to his Partner and pack or the person who was undoubtedly involved in the terrible attack.
"The stomach was torn out first, while the human still took air," He began slowly, his eyes sticking to Suzaku's to not back down, "was what I noticed first. The humans small intestine was ripped out next, left in a small heap next to the body. After that the other organs were removed with intellect and cunning. The assailant removed them slowly, so the human would suffer longer, and made sure that the vitals ones came last. After the organs removed but before the human was gone they severed the spinal column and ripped a small part of it out. The later stabbed that part through the heart, like some flagpole without the flag. It was so bloody, Suzaku, and it was the only time I've ever been revolted by our own kinds killing ability." He forced himself. He looked away, ashamed, as the style slowly added up in Suzaku's mind.
"It can't be," Suzaku whispered frantically. His long time friend didn't look at him, eyes a portal to sorrow and rage and miserable curiosity. The mahogany colored wolf's breathing became more rapid, more ragged, as he tried to add three and three and get thirty four as the answer. Alas, he knew the answer was six but didn't want to admit it. "It can't be Yosuke, it can't be! He'd never work with a Slayer, even if they were his Partner! Slayers killed his mother!" He tried to argue, to reason, but he knew the end result would always be a yes.
"We should have seen it coming," Takashi whispered in a soft, remorseful voice. Suzaku looked at him, eyes light with his new pain. "He's always been really sadistic. I mean, the facts he likes to play with his meals like that before he actually eats should have warned us. We should have told someone, should have spoken out of concern. He's never been right in the head, not since his mother died." They both bowed their heads and gazed at the flame close by. They were shaking under their winter coats, but not out of the cold on the outside. They were afraid of what might be coming to pass. They were afraid they might have to kill their friend in the near future to preserve the packs, and their own and their Partners, safety.
…
Dinner was quiet for Lelouch and Suzaku. Both were weighted down by heavy hearts and didn't feel up to conversation. Even Cici's attempts to annoy one of them in to at least snapping at her failed. She dismissed herself, saying she'd be haunting the dormitory for the remained of the night. After their quiet supper the two headed to Lelouch's room. While Suzaku stared up at the ceiling, his mind wandering to regions he never wanted to explore, Lelouch tried to lose himself in a book.
'Maybe Takashi was wrong,' Suzaku thought with a thin line of hope, 'or maybe that Partner went berserk and it was self defense. It could all just be a big misunderstanding.' He thought but it brought no comfort. If it had been in the heat of the moment or in self defense the work wouldn't have been as gradual, as calculated as Yosuke liked it. 'What if I'm the one making the mistake? What if my denial leads to Yosuke pulling this on…' He tried to stop where the thought landed but his gaze ended up on the pale raven haired boy with amethyst eyes a few feet away. He tried to push out the thoughts of Yosuke mutilating Lelouch, of the screams that would be torn from his Partners pale rose lips, but they kept flashing briefly. He continued to struggle, sitting up and gripping the sides of the mattress tightly while a low growl vibrated through his throat.
"Suzaku, are you okay?" Lelouch asked worriedly, pushing himself away from his desk and setting his book down. He walked over, kneeling down so he could meet the snarling werewolf's face. He was frozen for a moment with surprise. Suzaku was crying, teeth gritted to hold back any noises other than the growl. His eyes softened. "Suzaku." He stated softly, taking the other male's forehead and pressing it to his shoulder. One of his hands was drawing small, hopefully soothing circles along his back while his other hand stroked the mop of curled brown locks.
'Oh, dear God,' Suzaku thought fearfully as he broke. He grabbed tightly to Lelouch, face shoved against the column of pale throat and wetting the warmed flash with his tears, as he broke in to full blown sobs. 'I'm in love with him. I'm in love with my Partner, Lelouch Lamperogue.'
End
Sorry if this chapter seems a bit rushed and jumpy but it's actually flowing with my schedule quite well. The plot has progressed nicely and maybe, as a reward for all your support, I'll give you all a pretty little lemon next chapter. But you only get your beloved citrus if you review! Deal? See you in the next (hopefully) steamy chapter!
