As my muse was quite insistent on me writing this, here is the next chapter. And the plot is finished in my head! Yay!
I want to thank my three reviewers. I can't believe it, three! XD You're absolutely awesome and I can't thank you enough!
Warning: kissing at the end of chapter
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Chapter three:
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CC had stopped by Ginos rooms getting an update from him and sharing her own story. It seemed like both of them had been only partly successful. While both had been able to break through to them on some level they had not been able to do more than plant seeds of doubt. Now they had to decide what to do from here and what a night to themselves would bring come morning. Well, maybe only in the case of Suzaku, she fully intended to ambush her contractor in his rooms and see if she couldn't finish what Gino had started.
Maybe in the morning Gino would be able to accomplish something with Suzaku, they were friends after all and the dislike between the Japanese and herself was mutual and may have hindered the talking more than helped it. Well, it was more hate than dislike on Suzakus side as he also blamed her and her giving Geass to Lelouch for all the problems that had occurred.
She checked his office first but he had already left which was probably a good sign as Gino had told her that he had left while the other was shell-shocked. That meant he had at least gotten over whatever the Knight had not told her and retired to his rooms.
When she finally walked into his quarters she found him pacing around in his living room muttering to himself. Perfect, agitated and confused Lelouch she could work with, a brooding one would have been more difficult. Before she could say anything the other already started towards her, clearly angry.
"What do you think you're playing at, witch?"
"Don't look at me, I had nothing to do with it."
"I don't believe you. Gino knew more than I told him and admitted that he had gotten it from you!"
"I have not told him every little detail if it's that you're worried about, but I did elaborate more on certain parts of your story. Nothing too damaging, I promise."
"I can't believe you set him up to do your dirty work..." The anger was already cooling down, a good thing for her.
"I did no such thing. It was his idea and he begged for my help. I have just... given him more ammunition but even without it he would have still done it."
Lelouch sighed and ran his hand roughly through his hair before throwing her a much softer glare.
"Did you have to tell him anything? Why not let him do it on his own?"
"Because while I will not hinder you in any way, doesn't mean that I too don't want you to die. So when the opportunity presented itself to change your goal I simply grasped it, you can't fault me for that."
"I guess. You've always worked towards fulfilling your wish and I know that, so I really can't blame you."
He settled down in his favourite armchair and slumped into it without grace. Here in this rooms he never was the Emperor, simply Lelouch and as long as no other was there he would always let his guard down. It warmed something inside her that, after her betrayal, he was still this open with her.
She settled down in front of him, taking his hands in her own and started stroking small calming circles.
"Talk to me Lelouch. Beside the obvious, what has you so agitated?"
"How much did you tell Gino?"
"A lot you concealed but nothing too personal. Your reasoning behind some of your earlier actions as Zero, what happened with Euphemia, the exact reason why you were gone for a year, some details about what happened at the Kururugi Shrine and the following battle and I had the opportunity to tell him how very much unwilling the Tianzi was about her wedding which gave his face an interesting green colour."
The last part got her a breath of laughter like she planned. Lelouch had done the same to Suzaku when the opportunity had presented itself on their way to Britannia, showing that he still held at least some resentful feelings towards his friend and his blindness to Britannias cruelty even that late.
It had also turned a lot of stomachs in the Black Knights, especially for those who hadn't understood the political reasoning behind that particular plot. Most had just taken it as one more point to hate about Britannia and only few had seen the true culprit behind it. The plan had been one step nearer to the throne for Schneizel, getting the heir apparent out of the picture as he would have to stay in the Chinese Federation taking over the governing from the Eunuchs. For the alliance any child of the Emperor would have done but Schneizel had taken the opportunity to get his most evident opponent for the throne out of the way. Odysseus only had his birth as first-born as claim to the throne while many viewed Schneizel as the next Emperor for all his highly known accomplishments for Britannia. Wedding his older brother to the Tianzi would have served two purposes, showing that he could even bring one of their greatest opponents to an ally and getting Odysseus out of the picture.
After getting his stomach under control even Suzaku had ground out a thank you for stopping that wedding which she had of course told Gino about so that he may use it against Suzaku in their talk. Which brought her back to the problem at hand, showing Lelouch a different path.
"Lelouch?" Her soft question got him talking, telling her what Gino had said to him. While she knew most of it already it was still good to hear it from his point of view, this way she could work out what had the most impact on him and where the crack in his wall was. What did surprise her was the slight blush and the tale of the kiss Gino had apparently forgotten to mention.
She attributed the blush to the fact that it was a kiss from a boy because normally Lelouch didn't have such problems with surprise attacks of the romantic kind. She had done her own fair share of them, even if they were not really romantically intended. He also had the ability to detect a crush from a stranger a mile away, not surprising with the way girls threw themselves at him at school, it was the people close to him that sometimes were able to surprise him. She was certain she had detected Kallens crush on Zero before Lelouch had. Lelouch also knew that there had also been boys at Ashford who had their eyes on him so it probably was a combination of things that made him blush now. Possible also that it was the fact that it happened NOW at the most unlikely of times. Interesting.
"You can say what you want but he is right. There are people who still like you despite everything you have done. Kallen knew her fair share of things you did in the past and it didn't stop her from following you and believing in you, so much that you had to trick her so she wouldn't be killed alongside you. A perfect example is also Shirley, despite everything she loved you and was ready to do everything for you. And there are a bunch of people who may not have an idea of what you have done but would most likely still stay your friends and would want you to live. You haven't lost everything like you seem to believe, you still have much to fight for. It isn't too late to try and right the wrongs you think you have done. You don't have to die to do so."
"Why are you so adamant about this? Because this way you may get the chance of me fulfilling my promise to you?"
She shook her head sadly, looking down at their hands.
"No. Believe it or not I have accepted that you will not fulfil it after I sided with your parents against you. Remember after that, when I renewed my promise to you, that I would help you reach your goals, that I didn't expect any response of you. Answer me something Lelouch, did you ever hate me for giving you your geass? I changed your live quite drastically."
The hand on her cheek surprised even her, Lelouch moving he face upwards again so he could look into her eyes as well. His strong voice reassuring as he answered.
"No CC, never. You only started me on this path, everything else was my decision. Every victory and every failure."
"This is exactly why I gave Gino more information. You're one of a kind, Lelouch. I have never met a man quite like you. You have been able to give me back enjoyment while alive. Treating me as a partner. That has never before been done. I had lost all belief in mankind and then you came. I would enjoy watching you go on and seeing you bring a change to this world will show me even more what an outstanding person you are. I would also prefer to see you do that while still alive and not working towards your death. I too firmly belief that you can accomplish that."
"I don't know, CC. Suzaku..."
"Is currently in a prison cell and hopefully finally thinking beyond his own selfishness. Please Lelouch, let him stay there for tomorrow while you think things through and forget your promise to him for a while. Isn't the promise to Nunnally much more important? And didn't you give that one first? I too think she would prefer you alive over dead if she could make an educated decision. The same with Euphemia. Despite her mourning of Clovis she protected your secret and wanted to work with you. Rolo gave his life for you and you honoured his death even though you never liked him. Think about all the other people who are still alive and care for you. Don't make another rash decision. Go to sleep and think about it more tomorrow."
When he only nodded it was enough for her. There were cracks in his wall and giving him time to think and them more time to attack these cracks may lead to success. He hadn't reacted bad to her telling of Suzakus momentary residence. Hopefully that would still be true come morning. The last thing they needed would be a freed Suzaku who hadn't changed his mind and decided to end Lelouchs life and thus taking away there chance of changing his path.
But all that had time, for now she pulled her partner up and stirred him towards the bedroom and to the adjoining bathroom. While he vanished in there she pulled off the prisoner garb she had started to wear again. Before she dropped it on the floor she gazed at it for a long time.
She had enough hope for tomorrow that she went and stuffed it into a corner of the wardrobe before taking out the dress Lelouch had designed for her and which she had refused to wear until now. She hung it out and studied it. It was as beautiful as the one she wore as a Black Knight, only more elaborate and would certainly lead to even more speculation of her place at Lelouchs side. But it may be the constant reminder for Lelouch tomorrow that she too wished him to live, for he would clearly work out why she had reverted back to wearing her prisoner suit and if not he would do so soon. (1)
When Lelouch stepped into the bedroom again he did stop for a moment to gaze at the dress. The brief sad smile she saw made her musing, if he had understood her change in clothes, non-relevant. She stroked along the fabric before getting into bed and surprising Lelouch when she rearranged him slightly so his head lay on her stomach. Before he could say anything, she started stroking his hair "Let me. Just tonight." He grumbled a bit and muttered a 'damn witch' which sounded far too affectionate to be of any importance before settling down.
Theirs was a complicated relationship but they did understand each other on a level others couldn't fathom. After she had kicked him out of his bed when she first arrived at Ashford and some time later when he stopped sleeping on the floor he had quickly worked out that she hated being alone, especially sleeping alone. Soon he had come to realise that not being alone at night helped against nightmares and it was also nice that someone was there to stop one or calm you down after it woke you up.
Even then he had had his fair share of Nightmares, having seen enough to give him plenty and they only increased the further he took his rebellion.
Tonight she wanted him to have a good sleep so she would stay here. Stroking away his dreams and hoping that the new day would bring a new future. Normally she was able to not expect much from others but Lelouch had surprised her more often than any other and she couldn't stop the hope blooming in her chest that he may again surprise her and change his plans.
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Lelouch woke more slowly than he was used to and definitely better rested than in the last weeks. It didn't take long before he remembered everything that happened the day before. He sat up with a groan realising that today would probably be a headache. While managing an empire the others would clearly continue to try and change his mind. He was conflicted if he should allow it or simply refuse to listen to them. In truth he was conflicted about a lot of things that happened in the day before.
Movement on the other side of the room made him turn and he couldn't help but stare.
There was CC standing in front of a mirror brushing her hair while actually humming! He clearly woke to a crazy world. What actually made him stare was the dress she was finally wearing, it fitted her even better than he had expected.
"Finally awake boya? Did you sleep well?" and she was as much as a headache as ever in the morning. Smirking teasingly at him and gliding over to him she surprised him by kissing his forehead.
"I did, thanks for that. I like the dress by the way, let's hope I can still enjoy it at the end of the day. See ya!"
CC couldn't contain her chuckle at the perplexed look of her accomplice and left his quarters in good spirit. She had work to do before the Emperor started his daily duties. She didn't have to walk far until she found just the person she was looking for. The blonde Knight stopped in his tracks and stared more openly at her than Lelouch had.
When she reached him he hadn't moved an inch and had used the time to thoroughly check her out. Really, teenagers! She flicked his forehead which brought him back to the present, an apologetic smile being thrown her way.
"Really, it's not nice to stare like that, lover-boy. Or did the kiss you bestowed upon our dear Emperor last night not mean anything to you?"
"What?"
Really, he made toying with him far to easy, the blush was certainly much darker than the one Lelouch sported the evening before.
"Come along, lover-boy. We have much to discuss while Lelouch tries to wake up."
"Did you..." She didn't give him more time to say anything else before pulling him down the corridor and back to his own rooms, humming along the way.
Gino stared at the woman in bewilderment as he let himself be dragged through the palace. It was like meeting a whole new person! She was acting completely different than any other time. He did wonder what had happened between her and Lelouch since she left him yesterday but would wait until they were out of the corridors. Servants were the best gossipers, he knew and he really didn't want to become their new main topic because he had forgotten himself and kissed the new Emperor.
What did it mean that Lelouch had told her that part? Maybe the two were lovers? But she said they weren't and still it seemed like she had spent the night in the quarters of Lelouch. It also didn't help that she was suddenly wearing a dress that complimented the clothes of the Emperor and no one could fault him his staring because it hugged her in all the right places and he had always been one to appreciate beauty, be they male or female.
When they arrived in his rooms, still without guards and unlocked, she pushed him down on one of the couches before settling down next to him.
"So, before you ask dumb questions again, no Lelouch and me are not lovers, but we are close. Yes, I sometimes sleep in his bed because it's nice. Don't interpret more into it. Now tell me why you forgot to mention that you kissed him."
CC enjoyed the renewed blush and the stuttered answer that she got. "Well… you see... I just..." She stopped him by ruffling his hair which shocked him into silence. Maybe she should change her behaviour around others more often just to get all these entertaining reactions.
"You're funny. Don't let me stop you, go ahead and ravish the boy, I don't mind." That got her the most funny look, a mix between shock, horror and want. She really enjoyed unsettling this boy.
"But what's more important is that you cracked him more than you thought. No idea if the kiss played a role in that… Nonetheless it seems like we will get free reign today, which means you go talk to Suzaku and I will continue working on Lelouch. I may bring Orange-boy with me, we'll see how well it goes. Sounds good?"
"Sure..."
"Then I will leave you now. Don't forget to point out the failings of Charles and Schneizel, they were just as bad or worse than Lelouch and he still followed them willingly. Remind him that there are more important things than revenge. Feel free to also mention the truth about Shirley that I told you, that should shake him up pretty good. Do your best."
With that she patted him on the cheek, shocking him further. She walked to the door chuckling but stopped in the open doorway to tease him one last time. "Do please pull yourself together before you go down to talk to the idiot. Your continued speechlessness is not helping." With a last wink to him she closed the door.
She made another stop at Jeremiah's rooms were she told him that Suzaku was still indisposed and he should take over his duties and stay at Lelouchs side while he brought further chaos to Britannia. Really, one day of changed clothes and behaviour and the people were staring at her as if they never met her. But as long as she got this much amusement out of it she wouldn't stop. Just as she still couldn't stop the hope that this day would bring change to their future. For as long as the future was still undecided she would enjoy the day and the possibility of not loosing her accomplice.
For now she decided to update the mad scientist and see if she could get the same new reactions and therefore amusement out of the crazy man.
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Lelouch hadn't been surprised to find Jeremiah outside his rooms waiting for him, while the cyborg kept his usual stoic mask he had seen the small hope in his one normal eye, bringing home the truths that Gino and CC had tried to show him.
He had worked on the most pressing matters concerning the empire with Jeremiah as a silent companion before he had pushed the rest of his paperwork aside and took out one of his chess sets.
He moved the figures around to his liking and contemplated everything.
After CC left him alone he had gotten ready for the day and ate the breakfast that was brought to him but his mind had been miles away during the whole time. He understood CC's reasoning the best as he knew her quite well and seeing her peek out of the shell she had hidden herself in again had brought home that she truly wished the best for him. Jeremiah had not been happy about his plan from the start but had not went against his decision and had followed every order to the letter just not with the same dedication as before.
But Gino Weinberg… He was harder to understand. Despite the kiss it was clear that it wasn't the blind love that had driven Shirley. He still cared for Britannia and seemed to think that he would be able to change Britannia for better. And therein lay his problem. He had never wanted to rule the empire, he had only ever wanted to destroy it. Taking it over had been a mean to an end and nothing more.
"Do you think I would make a good Emperor?" He didn't have to elaborate as the other was clearly in the know of what was going on.
"Of course, sire. I have no doubt that you could lead this country into a bright future despite your hatred for it."
"Do you want me to?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"Hmph." He moved a knight to a new place. Figures. He continued to stare at the board before getting all the pieces back into their starting position.
Before he could even contemplate making a decision he had to see if what they wanted was even possible. So he started again with his rearranging of the board.
Schneizel was his biggest concern. His FLEJA-warhead, the Damocles as he was most likely still in hiding because the fortress wasn't finished and whatever else he had hidden in Cambodia. A fight between them would occur no matter his path.
Then there were the Black Knights and the UFN. He could use the meeting with the UFN for true peace-talks instead of as a starting point to his dictatorship. Most likely the information about his geass had not been spread around as it was unlikely that anyone would believe them without proof. The UFN was new enough that the Black Knights would not risk it crumbling because they were being seen as crazy and believing in magic.
But they would never really trust him and probably would always work against him in some ways and he had only himself to blame. If they had just given him an opportunity to explain himself! But alas he had embraced his imminent death at their hands at that point of time. Only Kallens willingness to die with him had made him open his mouth, otherwise he would have just silently accepted the firing squad.
But that was a different matter all together. The lies that he had told them to get Kallen out of the range of fire would be his biggest hurdle in accomplishing anything. He would have to think up something to let them give him the opportunity to clear a few things up. Despite their beliefs he had never used his geass on them. Clearly he had overestimated their intelligence as they would not have been able to hold him even at gunpoint if he had. No, despite geass being a better excuse they had all followed him quite willingly. They had all bathed in blood for the freedom of Japan and peace.
Which brought up an idea. The trade of Zero for Japan, Suzaku had told him about. If he was able to bring this information at least to Kaguyas attention he may be able to get her to arrange a meeting. Most likely they hadn't shared that part with her because they all knew how important the UFN was to the young girl. She had wholeheartedly understood that they needed more than an army to go against Britannia, to conquer Japan and hold it. And while she too had worked for the freedom of her own people she also had had the desire to bring peace to other countries as well. There was a reason why he had chosen her as the chairwoman.
She would immediately understand that this agreement between the upper echelon of the Black Knights and Schneizel would have destroyed the UFN. That had been the bigger picture of his brothers plan behind the trade. Without Zero there would be no one that could match Schneizel and the prince would have certainly lorded it over all of them, blackmailing them with telling the world how they gave up their leader for only one country. The world would have laughed at them if they had tried to counter it with the argument of geass. That would have easily destroyed the most prominent opposition of Britannia shortly after it had been established. After that Schneizel would have concentrated his efforts on gaining the throne. It was all fairly clear to him.
Kaguya had the political mind to work this out on her own and if he could gain even a bit of her trust back she was the more important ally than any of the Black Knights. They couldn't move without a decision of the UFN and if the last member of Kyoto house had at least a bit of doubt about the whole incident…
It would be doable. Giving him the chance to concentrate on his brother first without fear that the Black Knights would attack him from behind or alongside his brother. He just had to word everything right so that he didn't reveal that he had been Zero to the rest of the UFN.
He would have to think up a few more ways and plans to accomplish what he needed, he never moved without one or two back-up plans, especially not on something this important.
He settled back in his chair gazing down on the newly arranged board. Before he thought further he should go back to thinking what brought this on in the first place. He now knew that it was doable. With Britannia under his control, the UFN and the EU as the other major players of the world it should be possible to bring peace to the world. Not as good as the one that would come after the Zero Requiem but something they had definitely lacked in the last decades of war.
The question was, did he want to do it? Did he want to break the promise to his friend and stop the Zero Requiem and everything that would entail? Did he even have enough strength left to carry on?
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They had silently stared at one another for a good ten minutes before one of them finally broke the silence.
"From all the things I have learnt in the last days there is one part I really hold against you. You probably had a fairly good idea what caused Anyas memory blanks. You knew about the Emperor Charles' geass and the likelihood that he had something to do with it. Now, when I remember all the sympathetic words and looks you gave her I can't help but resent you for it. You knew how much she suffered because of it. I may understand that you couldn't say anything but it doesn't really help."
It was the one thing that had played around in Ginos mind quite a lot after he learned about these different powers. While it may have been Marianne that caused all these memory losses he was quite sure that Suzaku, knowing what Emperor Charles Geass was, must have had at least a suspicion. Knowing that something like that existed was the perfect explanation and really, even he had at one point wondered why, more often than not, Anya seemed even more withdrawn after a meeting with the Emperor.
The fact that Suzaku was now refusing to look at him and wore quite a sorrowful expression led him to believe that he was right and he couldn't bring himself to feel sorry for pointing it out.
"I'm sorry."
"I know. I also accept and understand that you couldn't really do anything about it."
They fell silent again, both occupied by their own thoughts. Gino wasn't really sure how to proceed. He had never fully understood Suzaku and while he now had more information he was still unsure how to get through to the other. CC had a great understanding of Lelouchs personality and that had helped him in that conversation but no one really understood the inner workings of the Japanese. Well, Lelouch might but that wasn't possible at the moment and they had to try it on their own.
"Why did you agree to bring me here, Suzaku?"
"I didn't want to see you killed. That could have happened in the next battle were more chaos would reign and someone else might fight you and would not try to spare you. Despite everything I do view you as a friend and I thought it may be nice to have you here and not have to worry about meeting you on the next battlefield."
"Do you regret the decision now?"
"I just can't understand how you can look past everything Lelouch has done and still accept him."
"Hm… yes, I can see that. He has his faults, I know that. I also understand that he has done some horrible things in the past. But I like to concentrate on other things. I am Britannian. While I had my doubts about it and certainly didn't like aspects of it I'm still loyal to my homeland, it's not all bad. Lelouch has the potential to change it into a worthwhile country and has already started to do so. If he would just stay as Emperor he can bring this country to new heights. I care about that. It's probably the reason why so many Japanese followed him as Zero and why he was able to bring together the UFN. He has a vision for the future and knows how to accomplish it despite all odds. He makes a great ruler. You need a certain ruthlessness to hold such a big empire together but he has also a lot of kindness which will improve the life of everyone."
"Everything he has done he did solely for his own reasons."
"Maybe. But despite that it brought a lot of good to more than only himself."
"I will never forgive him for killing Euphemia!"
"No one asks you to."
Gino received a shocked look for that. Really, what did Suzaku think? That they would demand that of him? He could wholeheartedly understand that that fact would always stand between the two friends.
"Think about this: You followed Emperor Charles despite everything, followed every order and never once wavered while probably hating him. You then pledged yourself to Prince Schneizel, despite the FLEJA and everything. Even you must know that he isn't so much better than his father and Britannia would not have changed under him. You can decide to follow Emperor Lelouch despite not liking him and watch as he changes Britannia into a better country. Wasn't that what drove you to the Britannian Army in the first place? The wish to change Britannia?"
He met the incredulous stare of the other Knight with a sad one of his own and decided to let Suzaku think about this for the time.
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Gino met up with CC again and they went to Lelouchs office. He would take over for Gottwald so that the older Knight could go back to his duties while they talked some more to the Emperor.
The three of them enjoyed lunch together and he was quite fascinated by the banter of the other two accomplices. Some of the things they threw at each other were downright nasty but were only met with humour and a scathing reply. It was nice to watch, as it brought a spark of excitement into both of their eyes.
After they were done with their meal it was CC who brought them back to the most important topic.
"Have you thought some more about everything?"
"A bit. I also had work to do, as you know, I do have an empire to run."
"And you probably only did what was needed so it didn't crumble and used the rest of the time to think. I see the chess board and I know you. You can plan a lot in a short time. Don't evade the question."
CC met the glare with her usual stoic expression. She was done being cheerful, especially as Lloyd hadn't reacted to it as well as the others, taking the entertainment out of it. While she certainly had begun to feel more than in the past, maintaining this sort of cheerfulness for a longer period was difficult. But for a few hours it had been fun messing with the others. Now she just raised an eyebrow at Lelouch, waiting for him to give in.
"I have not come to a decision. For now I have tried to work out if this change in plans would even be possible."
That didn't really surprise CC, it was typical Lelouch.
"Verdict?"
"Difficult but doable. It would certainly require some more changes in the running of Britannia as to get even more on the good side of the UFN before the meeting."
"The Black Knights?"
"A problem for sure, but if I can get Kaguya at least a bit on my side during the negotiations they can't do anything and would certainly not side with Schneizel again. Some of the countries that have joined the UFN have more hate for my brother than they had for my father."
What Lelouch would for now not tell was that he had also thought about others. He knew the people here and their reasons of why they would want him to stay alive. But he had also thought about others that he could help should he stay as Emperor and on top of this list were the Ashfords.
He had much to thank them and while Ruben seemed content as headmaster he knew that Millys parents were doing their utmost to get their past positions back. It was Milly that suffered the most under that, she certainly also seemed content with being a normal Britannian but was used to regain their family's former glory.
They had been discredited because they had been allies of his mother, the best known ones, and while he no longer held any love for his mother, they certainly had done nothing to deserve such a fate. He could look into all the people who have been punished just because they were affiliated with Marianne and maybe work on getting them back on his side and maybe into their former positions. He certainly would enjoy having Ruben as a confidant or an advisor. He had always respected Millys grandfather for his foresight and his craftiness, maybe he would leave the school in his foster-sister's care to come help him rebuild Britannia. He would just have to find a way to deal with the geass of his father they were still under.
"Share your thoughts Lelouch. Let us help you." It was CC that brought him out of all his musings about a possible future, a path he hadn't even decided to take yet. He sighed and let his gaze travel back to the chessboard.
"While I have been able to work some plans out; I still can't decide if I should take that route. If it is even my right. I have never wanted to rule Britannia, only to destroy it."
"You don't have to decide today. You still have time. The meeting with the UFN is still three weeks away and whatever is needed before that I'm sure you can quickly work these details out. This is one choice you can't make rashly and you should definitely not rush it."
"Maybe."
"Is it because of Suzaku that you're hesitating?" CC received no answer to that question. Lelouch just avoided her gaze, telling her more than enough. It was actually Gino that said something next.
"I can understand that. I consider him a good friend and I know that you still view him as such. But he is but one man. And there are a lot more persons to consider than him. Friends, allies and other promises."
While a good point, she knew Lelouch still needed more than that.
"You don't owe him anything despite what you may think. Yes you have hurt him a lot, taken away much from him, but he did the same to you. In my book you could say you're even. But while you're more forgiving than he deserves, he still lords all your faults over you and you have taken more blame than you should."
Lelouch still didn't answer, wasn't even looking at them, he was just gazing at the chessboard with a look that was far away from this room. She exchanged a look with Gino and shrugged, for now they couldn't do anymore. Like she said, this was not something they should rush and from the looks of it, Lelouch had already formulated some plans to use should he change his path so he could take his time.
For now she would leave him, while Gino took over the guarding of their Emperor.
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When nearly half an hour later Lelouch had still not moved from his position, Gino decided to take action. He moved behind the chair before settling is hands on his Emperors shoulders. The flinch was expected, showing how deep in thoughts the other had been. Before Lelouch could draw away he gripped the shoulders more firmly and started massaging the stiff muscles under his fingers.
"Relax. Overthinking will not help you. Just... let me help you relax for a bit."
He continued to work and slowly but surely Lelouch started to relax, settling back into his chair and allowing him to work out the kinks he had. He was careful not to let his hands start to wander like he wanted to. For now he was content in knowing that he did something to help that didn't consist of fighting or talking.
Lelouch had nearly forgotten how nice it was to simply accept human contact. While never one for overly affectionate behaviour he was still human and thus required contact once in a while. During his childhood he had never lacked it, from his mother to his sisters, there was always someone more than ready to jump him and give him a hug. After their exile he only had Nunnally left and it was enough for him. Milly of course had come after, always trying him to get him to smile but also sometimes just sitting next to him silently, their shoulders brushing each others. Of course in later years she had gotten overly exuberant in her affections but sometimes they had still sat in silence together when one of them needed the support of the other, he had often been Millys confidant, especially when it came to all the things her parents demanded of her.
After he regained his memories he had a harder time being carefree around his friends as they weren't really the same anymore after his father used his geass or he himself had always been too cautious in his dealings at school and every interaction with Rolo had been forced on his side. While he still sometimes had CC, theirs was a different and unique relationship.
Gino had a certain demeanour that made it easy to relax around him, well at least now when he didn't have to fear the other finding out his real or alter identity. And he certainly knew what he was doing, making it easy to just let him work and let himself relax. He let his mind shut down, knowing that such an opportunity was always hard to find and using it to let go for just this moment. Just for this short moment he wanted to ignore the world around him.
In the meantime Gino was quite surprised how much Lelouch was letting go, how his breathing evened out and the tension slowly left his whole body. The grip of his hands on the armrest relaxed and he couldn't help but smile down at the raven hair, wondering if it would feel like silk like it looked but still never wavering in his ministration. Working out all the knots he could find and reach.
When a knock on the office door sounded Lelouch actually let out a sigh which he answered with a small chuckle. Still he couldn't stop himself from leaning down and pecking one cheek, which actually gained him a low growl and he answered it with laughing before moving back to stand in front of the desk.
Before he turned to the door he answered Lelouchs glare with a wink. The Emperor only shook his head before bidding whoever waited outside to enter, starting their duties back up.
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CC had worked some more on Suzaku but without obvious success and then she went on to Cecile, hoping to get the scientists more to their side and contemplating letting them have a go at Suzaku. She also decided to have another talk with Gino but this one for an entirely different reason.
She wasn't blind to the attraction the blonde Knight held for her contractor and while she certainly had no problem with it, she would not let the other hurt Lelouch.
While he always had the ability to become quite a playboy it just wasn't in his character. With the life he had led and everything he had endured he had quite the trust issues. No ordinary girl could ever keep up with him and accept him with all his faults and there always was the fact that he was living a lie as Lelouch Lamperouge. Letting anyone come this close to him would have been a danger that he hadn't allowed himself.
She didn't quite know Lelouchs leanings but if she had to make a guess, she would say he didn't care. He had handled his fan-girls and fan-boys at Ashford equally and had never shown disgust or something like that over the fact that his fanclub also contained quite a few boys. Lelouch just had never let himself contemplate love or a relationship of any kind outside the friendships he had allowed himself.
Kallen would have been a good choice, head strong and confidant she had known what she wanted in life and also having had a bit of a hard life herself. It also had helped that she too had been quite ready to dirty her hands for her beliefs. But she had always had problems accepting all the personas that were Lelouch, in time she may have been able to see past all these masks to the man underneath but that was most likely out of reach now.
Now in the most unlikely of places there was someone new that seemed quite enamoured with her boy. The problem was she didn't know the other enough to see how serious he was about this. Lelouch didn't need someone that would just move on after some time, he needed someone that intended to stay.
Gino seemed like he could be quite well fitted to the young Emperor. Despite all he had seen while serving Charles he still maintained his cheerful nature which would enable him to make Lelouch have some fun now and then, which Lelouch often forgot. It was always work with that boy.
But Gino also had a different side to him, a more stern one enabling him to do what must be done and his determination for his beliefs had led to their current situation of trying to change Lelouchs path. He knew quite a lot about Lelouch, the good and the bad and seemed to still be able to see the great man underneath.
Yes, if it wasn't just a passing attraction or the excitement of flirting she would definitely see if she couldn't help those two along. Before that she just had to corner the lover-boy and she couldn't stop her smirk at the thought of teasing him.
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Lelouch couldn't help but smile. Just today he had announced that yes, he would adhere to their wishes and stop the Zero Requiem. It had taken two days of re-evaluating everything while the others continuously pointed out things he should contemplate. It hadn't been an easy decision.
He had had to take the rest of his work back to his rooms after dinner because the happiness of the others had been too much. But of course CC had different plans and not half an hour later she and the rest of her partners in crime had ambushed him in his quarters. She had declared that they needed to celebrate this and had gathered the others and brought alcohol and snacks.
Now CC, Gino, Jeremiah, Lloyd and Cecile were gathered around in his living room. He was sitting in his favourite armchair sipping from a glass of scotch as his witch had refused him his usual wine, observing these people who may have gone against him but were looking to him to bring a better future for them.
CC was talking with Lloyd, both probably mad enough to enjoy the conversation while the other three were standing not too far away talking easily and happily with each other. It was then that Jeremiah glanced at him again, like he had done regularly, before he came over and stood beside him, also looking around the room and at each person.
"Are you happy, sire?"
"I think so. I'm content at least."
"Take pride in the fact that you made everyone gathered here happy. We all believe in you or we wouldn't have agreed to the Zero Requiem in the first place, we're just more happy now.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, Majesty."
They watched as Lloyd finally had enough of CC, as he rushed over to his assistant complaining loudly that the crazy immortal wouldn't stop insulting his beloved Lancelot. While Cecile tried to calm her boss down Gino looked to them before fleeing over to the green-haired woman.
"I think your mother would also be proud of you."
Lelouch couldn't stop himself from tensing, mentions of his mother still did that. He hadn't had the heart to reveal to Gottwald the truth he had learned about her in C's world. He had come to respect the cyborg greatly, one of the things that had made him change his mind.
"I hope that sometime in the future you would trust me enough to tell me why you suddenly get uncomfortable at the mentioning of your mother. Whatever it is, please know that my loyalty may have started out to you just because of your name but since then I have come to realise that you're worthy of my loyalty all on your own."
With that Jeremiah left him again to refill his glass before joining one of the conversations. For now Lelouch was content to just observe. Revelling in the happiness these people clearly showed, because of his decision, which made all this easier on himself.
It was nearly two hours later when things dwindled down. The two scientists had already left and CC was currently walking out of his rooms with Jeremiah at her side. Before she was through the door she sent him a sly smirk which couldn't mean anything good.
Looking around he soon discovered the reason behind it.
On one of his couches Gino sat, well more like slouched, with his eyes closed. He used the opportunity to observe the blonde Knight in peace. In the last days the other had taken over many of Suzakus usual duties and had stayed with him for the better part of his days. While he had continued with his little flirtation he had most of the time been a silent guard or helped him when needed. He broke his professional behaviour only when they were alone and had never been overbearing in his actions.
CC had of course teased him for it but not too much and she seemed to edge the younger on. Normally she would have been insufferable to both of them but Gino also had come to have a quite good relationship with his witch as those two had started everything together.
All that led him to believe that she would be quite happy if he decided to accept the advances of the Knight. For whatever reason Gino seemed to have gained the approval of his witch and that meant something. He had never really thought of these things, there had always been more important things going on and there had never really been someone that he thought would be able to accept him with all that he had, all his secrets and the danger his life had always been in. Kallen had been a possibility, he had at some point entertained the idea but whatever may have been possible between them, he had ruined it himself when he lied to her in order to protect her.
Maybe his staring had finally been detected but at this moment Gino sighed and opened his eyes, running a hand through his hair before their eyes met. Gino gave him an easygoing smile. He just continued his staring.
"You know, you really are beautiful."
"Are you drunk?" For some reason Lelouch couldn't be angry or disgusted at the other if he was. Despite his probable intoxication he was quite cute looking half asleep and content.
"Don't know. Maybe. Haven' drunk enough for that..."
Lelouch thought back on the evening, reassessing certain moments.
"I think that may have been CC messing with you, she probably spiked up your drinks because she thought it was funny." The Knight only groaned at that assumption before slumping back.
"Great. She really is one of a kind."
"You have no idea." And Lelouch blamed her for coming up with an idea and deciding to actually going through with it. But the other had teased him enough so he decided that a little payback was in order and now that he decided to live he should probably also try to enjoy life for once. So with a wicked grin he approached the other.
Gino's head may be a little slow because of the alcohol but he felt the shift in atmosphere and the glint in the amethyst eyes that were staring at him as their owner approached him didn't bode well for him. He tried standing up to flee the room as graciously as he could in his state, as it was clearly time to leave the Emperor to his well deserved rest.
Or that's what he wanted to say and do before delicate but strong hands pushed him back into the cushions and when he looked up his mind froze as his gaze was once again captivated by amethyst.
Before he could react Lelouch put one knee on the couch beside him before leaning forward and running his free hand through his hair before gripping it and tilting his head back and then he stopped for a short moment, staring down on him. He forgot to breath as his intoxicated mind tried to process what was happening and being this near to Lelouch was certainly not helping.
The staring seemed to drag on forever before the smirk grew to a smile and those same lips forming it were suddenly against his own.
By the time he finally realised what happened the hand on his shoulder had eased up and agile fingers were drawing small circles against his collarbone while soft lips were moving against his own unresponsive ones. It took a teasing lick of tongue for him to finally react and his hands flew up to settle on Lelouchs hips while he finally reciprocated the kiss.
When the tongue appeared again he immediately let it in and it was accompanied by a tightening of the hand in his hair which resulted in his head being pulled back even further but without breaking the kiss. While on the brink of being uncomfortable he certainly wasn't complaining, not when he was so firmly captivated by the person leaning over him.
When Lelouch slowed their kiss down he couldn't help but tighten his own grip on the other, refusing to accept the end of the kiss Lelouch had initiated. That gained him a nip on his lower lip, which drew a small moan out of him. He still had his eyes closed in bliss when smaller hands settled on his own and eased them off, but they definitely flew open when suddenly the body leaning over him vanished.
He was met with such a devious smirk that he couldn't help but groan and drop his head back against the back of the couch.
"You better sleep on the couch as I'm not sure it would be a good idea for you to stumble back to your rooms in your state." Lelouch chuckled as he went into his own bedroom to retrieve a pillow and a blanket. When he came back Gino had a most funny expression, something between a pout and a glare. He carefully stayed out of reach as he put the things down.
"You're absolutely evil, you know?"
"I'll take that as a compliment. Sleep well!" And with that he left the other on his couch but not before giving him a wink which increased the glare. He just laughed and made sure to lock the door to his bedroom.
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I hope that kissing scene wasn't too bad as it is the first I have ever written XD
While it may be a bit rushed, I personally think everything of importance has been said. I could have of course wrote another dozen conversations but it would have been writing in circles.
(1) I actually read that on the CG wiki. That CC wears the prison garb because she doesn't feel free, in the second season she mostly wears her Black Knight dress before going back to the prisoner outfit during the Zero Requiem. As I quite like that idea, I used it.