milk + sugar

04


Pulling her sleeve back, the young woman glanced down at her watch before lifting up her phone to see if there had been any new notifications in the last minute. There had been two: texts asking if she'd checked whether their flight had landed on time, and if not, where she could do so. Pulling her white jacket close around herself, she returned her phone to her purse as she scanned the crowd of reunions and goodbyes. It wasn't like her to be so restless, but considering the barrage of anxious messages, she considered searching for a different spot in the hopes of yielding better results.

No sooner had she decided to move, she heard a familiar voice.

"C.C.!"

Turning, she lifted her hand up to wave, only to stumble back from the sudden force of warmth and excitement that had run into her. Instinctively wrapping her arms around her, C.C. smiled as she regained her balance. Beaming at her, Nunnally squeezed her tightly in a greeting befitting their years of separation.

"You haven't been waiting long, have you?" she was asked. C.C. shook her head.

"Not at all," she replied as she patted her head. "Suzaku."

"Hi, C.C." Catching up with his charge, Suzaku set their bags down before bending down to briefly hug her. Relieved to have arrived in Stockholm without incident, he furtively glanced around the baggage claim area to see if anyone had suddenly noticed that Emperor Lelouch's Knight of Zero, the scourge of the free world, had suddenly returned from the dead. But just as he had been reassured, no one paid him any mind. Still, he was glad when C.C. quickly urged them towards the escalators that would lead them to the parking deck. Just because they'd evaded detection thus far didn't mean they always would.

Lifting up the suitcase at the bottom of the escalator, Suzaku followed after the two women, when they abruptly slowed to a wobble. Rushing forward, he caught Nunnally by her elbow, steading her. C.C. held her other arm and swept away the hair from her eyes. They were closed tight and opened only when they called to her gently. Worriedly, C.C. glanced up at Suzaku.

"Shall we get a wheelchair, Nunnally?" asked C.C. softly.

Nunnally shook her head. She was okay; she had underestimated the impact of such a long flight so soon after her surgery, but anyone would be tired after a 12-hour flight. She tried to soothe them with a smile, but Suzaku only grimaced. They should have waited. No one would have expected otherwise than for Nunnally to excitedly accept C.C.'s invitation, but Suzaku? He should have known better and advised her – asked, even begged – her to wait until she'd had more time to recover from her procedure. What had he been thinking, agreeing that it was a good idea? Blinded by his own selfish desire to see his best friend, he'd ended up only betraying said best friend's wishes by putting his beloved sister in unnecessary risk. What had he done?

"We should sit," suggested C.C. "Even for a few minutes."

Stubbornly, Nunnally pushed them to continue forward. Surely the car couldn't be much farther, and she'd waited so long for this moment. Nothing was going to get in her way. She would drag herself there, if needed.

C.C. sighed at the streak of stubbornness so characteristic of the vi Britannia bloodline. Nunnally looked up at her with pleading eyes. Squeezing her hands, she promised she could keep going. Please, C.C.… She'd waited a decade, and she didn't think she could wait a moment longer.

Shaking her head, C.C. gave her to Suzaku as she took their bags. Setting the duffel bag on the small suitcase, she waited as Suzaku carefully took Nunnally into his arms, cradling her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"I'm sorry, Suzaku, for making you carry me."

"You're more like your brother than you know."

When she flushed and averted her gaze, Suzaku hurriedly said, "Both of you practically weigh nothing."

Of course, it hadn't helped that Lelouch had been his prisoner at the time, and Suzaku had been dragging him into the imperial throne room, like some poached beast. But that part, Suzaku decided not to mention. There was no need to make Nunnally feel even worse than he'd accidentally already made her.

"I might actually forget I'm carrying you,"

Nunnally smiled. What a silly thing for him to say!

"But we really should see a doctor as soon as possible," he added seriously. "Even if it turns out to be nothing, I'd feel more comfortable if we made sure."

"I'll call ours," said C.C. "She's excellent and exceptionally discreet."

"Oh, I couldn't-"

"You're seeing Dr. Eriksson tomorrow, and that's final. I can be stubborn too, Nunnally. Just ask your brother."

C.C. ended the conversation firmly with a smile. Sure enough, as Suzaku carefully placed her into the passenger seat of the black SUV before loading their bags into the trunk, she confirmed the appointment with the physician. Nunnally could only watch, helpless, as C.C. climbed into the car and set her phone down onto the wireless charging pad. Reaching across, she gently squeezed her hand.

"It's okay. We'll still have plenty of time for fun. I'll sneak you out if I have to."

"Thank you, C.C."

She winked in reply.

Eager to turn their attentions elsewhere, Nunnally ran her hand across the smooth leather and polished wood interior, expressing surprise over the luxuriousness. She'd only known her brother to be pragmatic and frugal. Taste could change with age, but even so… Was he still gambling?

C.C. smiled as they left the airport far behind them. Nunnally had nothing to worry about – he was still as pragmatic as ever. Considering the public transportation system within the city, personal cars were more based on want than need for its residents. As such, luxury was called for, if only to blend into the landscape. As their primary driver, C.C. had had no qualms, and when she'd realized the seat warmers could be used to keep any pizzas warm… She quite enjoyed the splurge.

"And you have nothing to worry about. He doesn't gamble anymore. At least, not in those kinds of places. Every now and again, he's partial to a casual wager for something like dinner clean-up duty, but he could never break his word to you. He'd sooner wash up every night for the rest of his life – which is what he's been doing for the past month. But he has no one to blame for that other than himself. He shouldn't have placed such a large bet."

Curious to hear the story, Nunnally begged her for more detail. What had they bet on? Why had her brother overplayed his hand? Did she think he would ever play against her again, considering such an injury to his pride?

The two listened to the story intently as they looked out the windows at the passing scenery that was now familiar to the two expatriates. It was curious to them both that they'd chosen Stockholm as their new home. They would have guessed Naples or Rome, for its weather, geographic location, and of course, culture. Perhaps Lelouch had considered Italy to be too great a danger to C.C.'s health? Nunnally smiled to herself; during their phone calls, he'd often complained about his health concerns for her, how exasperated he was with her undying love for pizza and how difficult it was to convince her to expand her diet beyond cheese, tomato, and bread.

It was a struggle that had followed him since his childhood. The memories were fading now, worn with the years, but Nunnally could still remember how her brother had patiently coaxed her to eat all her vegetables as he tirelessly searched for the perfect recipes that would turn even the blandest and yuckiest ingredients into the most delicious dishes. No doubt her brother was exerting that same effort, expending the same time and energy, because of the very same reason he'd done so for her – because he cared.

And he did care for her, immensely. Not that Lelouch wasn't a loving person – he had, after all, given up unimaginable power, wealth, his own life, for all of humanity. But when it came to C.C., surely, it had to be separate and distinct from his agape. After all, he had returned from the dead for no one else, and no other had the power, the influence, to convince her brother to stay by their side. No one else, save C.C. – his accomplice, his companion, his equal and other half.

The car filled with a flash of bright light as a chiming bell interrupted Suzaku's recount of their journey. Curious to see if it was Dr. Eriksson with a sudden cancellation, Nunnally realized it was simply her brother's advice that C.C. ignore the GPS and take his proposed route. As she prepared a dry response, Nunnally tilted her head to the side, slightly surprised by something she'd only just noticed.

Lelouch had always been quite private about his affection. He'd never mentioned to her once, in all their life together, of anyone who'd piqued his interest. For a long time, she'd assumed it was because he was either too busy looking after her or wasn't the type to be interested. In any case, she'd hoped that her brother trusted her enough to tell her when he did, but to this day, he somehow always skillfully evaded answering her questions. Gentle probing had proven to be equally as fruitless, and while she had yet to directly ask him, she'd thought that, considering he'd run after her and changed his name… In addition to her brother's penchant for commitment… Not that a ring was needed to prove anything, especially to those that it would matter to most, she'd always considered her brother to be one that admired etiquette.

Had she misunderstood their relationship?

If she had, then Suzaku and Kallen and Kaguya and Anya and Nina and everyone had. Even Jeremiah Gottwald, who'd prided himself on his devotion to her brother. But was it possible that that many people had assumed incorrectly? It certainly wasn't impossible. After all, searching through past conversations, not once had her brother confirmed anything, directly or indirectly. Perhaps they really had just misunderstood.

As they filed into the elevator, Nunnally furtively glanced at the young woman who pressed the button for the penthouse. C.C. caught her and smiled.

"Nothing but the best for L.L."

Nunnally returned her smile, but it wilted as soon as C.C. turned away to watch what floors they flew past. In her pride, she'd thought that, even if her brother hadn't said anything, she knew him well enough to presume the nature of his innermost thoughts and feelings. But Nunnally could see now how it had been nothing but hubris to assume as much. Not once had she ever suspected him of the Black Rebellion or his intentions as Emperor Lelouch. That she'd be so bold to presume to know his heart! How mortifying.

This was not how she'd wanted to feel mere seconds before a reunion ten years in the making, but the elevator didn't seem to care as it dutifully carried them directly into a small foyer. Lifting her head up high, Nunnally tried desperately to cool herself as she stepped into the intimate room.

Herding them towards the front door, C.C. reached into her purse for her Cheese-kun keychain. Picking out a small silver key, she raised a finger to her lips as she quietly unlocked the door. Carefully, she began pulling it open, when the door suddenly and violently swung forward. C.C. neatly stepped to the side, just barely avoiding an unfortunate fate. Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said for their guests, who were now vulnerable to the overwhelming affection and impatience of their host.

Nunnally laughed as her brother's embrace lifted her up off the ground. Wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, she kissed him on the cheek, quickly forgetting all her previous worries and troubles the moment she was enveloped in his warmth. It had been too long! He must promise that they wouldn't be apart for so long again!

Carefully set down, she received her solemn promise. Satisfied with the pinky he offered her, Nunnally reached up to behold her beloved brother. His untouched youth was truly amazing, and while she was sure a decade of seeing each other only through video calls wasn't helping, she suspected how her shock would only grow with every passing year.

His smile was blinding, and she buried herself once more in his warm embrace, just as she'd done countless times as a helpless child. Even when he extended an arm to Suzaku to welcome him with his own hug, she refused to let go. She didn't think she could bear it.

"It's good to see you, Le… Ah. Sorry." Suzaku smiled sheepishly. "L.L."

"It's alright," he said kindly. "Tonight, I'll be Lelouch."

"Don't listen to him," said C.C. "He still goes by Lelouch, and happily, when the mood is right. Isn't that right, Lelouch?"

Nunnally stifled her laugh as her brother's face darkened. But before the bickering could begin, Suzaku mentioned the enticing smells coming from the inner depths of their home. It was an obvious ploy for distraction, but it worked nonetheless. Forgetting his embarrassment, Lelouch busied himself with collecting their coats and jackets before leading them through the beautifully appointed living room. Entranced with a promise of hors d'oeuvres and an aperitif, Suzaku and Nunnally followed closely with compliments and gratitude.

Locking the front door behind herself, C.C. left the party in the kitchen, choosing to retreat into their bedroom. Passing through into the ensuite and the walk-in closet, she slipped off her jacket and draped it over the small stool for someone else to bother with. Considering her outfit, she half-turned in place. Briefly, she toyed with the loose cowl of her wool turtleneck before pulling the entire thing up and off. Her long plaid skirt survived only two seconds longer before it joined the rest of the abandoned on the floor of the large closet. Neatly stepping over the mess, she began rifling through her side of the closet, quickly moving past hangers and hangers of blouses, shirts, and dresses.

Any other day, she wouldn't have cared what she wore, but considering what day today was and all that it'd taken to get here…

She didn't bother looking up as the door opened. There was no one else it could have been, though she did briefly doubt herself when there was no comment on the heap of clothes that had suddenly appeared on the floor. Glancing behind her, she made sure she wasn't accidentally exposing herself to someone who had no business with such a pleasurable view.

Lelouch held onto ignorance as he wordlessly retrieved a white garment bag from his side. Hanging it before her, he waited until she left the rest of her clothes – and what little floorspace they had left – in peace. Tucking her hair behind her ear, she waited as he unzipped the bag for her.

Sensing her approval of the delicious rose-gold satin inside, he shed the protective cover for her before finally addressing the mess he'd barged into. Bending down, Lelouch did his best to organize as much of the chaos in what little time he had before she'd finished slipping into her gown. Resigning himself to simply getting the clothes off the floor, he draped the armful of dresses over a chest of drawers before rejoining her in front of the mirror. Sitting her down, he knelt before her as he helped her into a pair of strappy gold heels. Smiling, she asked him if he shouldn't have dressed her earlier. It wasn't proper to keep their guests waiting – not to mention how suspicious it looked.

"You know I'm not one to skip foreplay."

She raised a brow. "But you haven't ruled it out entirely as a possibility."

Standing, he offered her a hand and helped her up. C.C. looked up at him coyly, splaying her hand flat on his chest before running it up to take hold of his shirt collar. Pulling him closer to her, she waited with bated breath. Lelouch clenched his jaw tight as he struggled against base instincts. He mustn't. It wasn't appropriate. They had no time. And yet… His resolve slipped, weak against that look she was giving him now, and he leaned in ever so slightly.

C.C. would have laughed if it weren't for her own heart skipping a beat and racing to match his. But she liked the way he held her and how he hesitated, torn between indulgence and responsibility, and she found herself closing her eyes as his lips finally brushed against hers. Releasing his collar, she slid her hands around his waist to pull him towards her, when he muttered, "You're going to wrinkle your dress."

He was laughing at her. C.C. stepped back quickly, her cheeks still pink but her eyes ablaze. Haughtily, she tossed her hair over her shoulder.

"Just know that it's your loss for putting me in it so quickly."

"Not according to history."

She turned towards the door. She had no need to prove herself to the boy. This history he spoke of? Ha! As if she hadn't been there, hadn't seen his face or heard his voice as he moaned and groaned and cried out her name. Never mind that she'd done the same – that wasn't the point.

And yet, when she felt his hand close around hers, she stopped, even before he said, "Wait." Glancing over her shoulder, she asked him if he was determined to keep Suzaku and Nunnally waiting.

"I also have this for you."

It was a necklace – a circular pendant with a hollow center hung on a thin gold chain. It was one of the more modest pieces for her collection, which already boasted various precious jewels, but she accepted it just as graciously as she had the lavish pieces. Lelouch watched with pleasure as she cradled the pendant in her hands before turning around, sweeping her hair over her shoulder and offering herself to him.

Clasping the pendant around her, Lelouch let his hands settle onto her shoulders. She was soft and delicate, and as she bowed her head to look at her necklace, he couldn't help but kiss her on the back of her neck. She shivered as his hands slid down her arms until he could take hold of her hands. Stepping closer, he wove their fingers together before wrapping her arms around herself. Resting his forehead on hers, he smiled at her.

"To ten years of bliss," he murmured.

"To a hundred more," she answered.

And wrinkles be damned, he surrendered himself to her gladly.

. . .

There were cheers at the couple's entrance, for more of Lelouch's fabulous cooking and for C.C.'s new outfit. To allow everyone to fully appreciate the vision she was, C.C. turned smartly in place, the ankle-length dress tightening in all the right places, before ending with a pose that featured the split leg. Already one drink in, Suzaku averted his gaze as Nunnally applauded with delight. Reaching out towards her, she asked to touch the soft satin. C.C. was happy to oblige.

Running her hand along the hem of the dress, Nunnally admired the way the cowl neckline had been draped effortlessly with just enough give and the soft, shimmery material moved and played with the light. Tucking her hair behind her ear, C.C. looked at her coquettishly.

"You might like it as much as Lelouch."

Without missing a beat as he refreshed the tray of appetizers, he said, "Of course I'd like it. I made it."

"I wouldn't say that's the only reason you like it," she sang. At that, no more orange twist garnishes were made to properly address the affront to his polite upbringing. Hiding behind delicious canapés, Suzaku and Nunnally watched, entertained, as C.C. effortlessly parried and disarmed every single one of Lelouch's jabs. It didn't take long for Lelouch to retreat, though not without a dirty look that suggested a more private continuation at a more appropriate time and place. She only rubbed his back as if in sympathy. Now or later, it didn't particularly matter to her, so long as he was prepared to lose. But for the time being...

C.C. lifted her glass in toast.

"To Suzaku and Nunnally – for heroically saving me from a very long lecture over dinner."

"C.C…"

The toastees only smiled as they lifted their glasses. They'd drink to that.

. . .

It wasn't long until C.C. returned the favor for Nunnally. Having decided that the poor girl had paid her dues and done her time, she whisked her away under the guise of showing her the artifacts they'd collected over the years. When Lelouch tried to stop her with something about needing help with dinner, C.C. refilled everyone's glasses and pointed out how they were helping by keeping out of his way. Suzaku offered himself as a consolation prize, only to be promptly rejected with a command to sit, relax, and enjoy himself. Satisfied with herself, C.C. looped her arm with Nunnally's before the young girl could change her mind and led her towards their study with a story about their recent return from the Yucatan. Slipping his apron on, Lelouch muttered something under his breath as he picked up an oven mitt and his baster.

Alone together for the first time in a long, long time, Suzaku pondered what to do with the privacy as he took a long, slow draw from his glass. Across from him, Lelouch busied himself the roast. It was then that Suzaku truly took in all the splendor of the brass, marble, and stainless steel. To his right were enormous windows that would undoubtedly allow in a flood of bright light, come morning – the same windows that could be found in the tastefully decorated living room.

Money aside, it couldn't have been quick or easy to pull together such a stylish home, and while Suzaku knew it had been a year since they'd moved into this new space, a year was much too short considering their constant traveling and the renovations of the…what had he said? Formerly 6 bedroom-space?

As Lelouch closed the oven door and removed his apron, Suzaku resisted the urge to reach for another hors d'oeuvres – some kind of shellfish on rye bread. Neatly folding his apron, Lelouch set it aside before coming to rest against the counter with his drink. Recognizing the look on Suzaku's face, he nudged the serving platter closer to him. If it had been anyone else, he would've let them be, but Suzaku's appetite, he knew could be trusted. Bashfully helping himself to another, Suzaku promised to take his time with this one. Conversation also wouldn't hurt.

"How's traveling been?"

"We've actually been spending more time at home these days."

Suzaku raised his brows, his mouth too full to voice his question. He would've thought someone with Lelouch's drive would spend every waking moment – or at least most of them – working towards their quest. Lelouch smiled, as if he could read his thoughts. Swirling his drink, he watched the ice cubes bump and jostle against each other before raising his glass to his lips.

"Gathering the Geass fragments is a priority, but it's not my only priority."

When he saw that Suzaku was still as puzzled as ever, Lelouch left his glass alone. Resting his hands on the edge of the kitchen island, he leaned forward, as if drawing together the conviction and the words for some earth-shattering declaration. Curious, Suzaku found himself leaning forward.

"Is it C.C…?"

Seeing as how Lelouch hadn't said otherwise, Suzaku frowned. He had never particularly thought of C.C. as lazy, especially in regards to such a vital mission. But what did he know? By now, he'd known her for over a decade, but there were plenty of times when he still couldn't quite figure her out. He wouldn't be surprised if he never did. But even so, surely there was no way he was this wrong…?

"It was her eyes, Suzaku. The look, how light just bloomed in her eyes, when I told her this place was ours to make into our own…" Lelouch drifted off into the memory of that happy day, but it was enough for Suzaku. In fact, it was plenty – more than anyone had ever been given.

"So… I take it that everything is going well with C.C.?"

When he hesitated, Suzaku tried not to grimace. He wasn't so naïve to see love and unhappiness as mutually exclusive things. Not that you could be or were happy all the time, but he'd hoped that their bickering had been nothing more than playful teasing. Awkwardly, Suzaku considered how best to approach this particular minefield, when he noticed the look of guilt that had appeared across from him.

"Are things not going well?" he finally asked.

"No, it's…extraordinary. She is," he said softly. "It's not that."

Suzaku was quiet as Lelouch lowered himself onto his elbows.

"I don't have many regrets, and I'm willing to accept all the consequences of my choices. But there were – are – people I made that choice for. Who have to live with those consequences, whether they agreed to them or not. It was easier back then because I was too angry. Because the intended ends justified the unintended. But now I'll wake up in the morning and see her in the morning light, I'll glance over while we're working and see the look of focus on her face, and…"

Suzaku couldn't help but smile. Even with all this time, Lelouch was still Lelouch. That much was obvious. Dusting his fingers over a napkin, he reached across to touch his shoulder. Lelouch looked up from the deep depths of his drink.

"I was the same. You're lying together in the garden, watching the clouds and sharing your hopes and dreams, basking in her kindness, her smile and laughter, and then you come crashing back down because a part of you realizes you don't deserve this feeling. You've sinned too much, caused too much pain, so you can't possibly deserve it. I remember it well."

Lelouch nodded his head. Sitting up, Suzaku reached for him. Gently squeezing his shoulder, he smiled at him.

"I remember, so I know better than anyone else and can be trusted better than anyone else when I tell you that you do deserve it, Lelouch. I know you do. We all do."

It was a relief that everything was going well. Not that Suzaku had truly worried, but now he could reassure Nunnally with certainty that Lelouch would never feel alone.

As it was, Nunnally would never worry again.

Throughout the evening, as they were served a multi-course feast, she could see for herself that there had been no need for her worst fears. When setting the table, he placed the flatbread closest to her. When the cool evening truly set in, he brought a cashmere shawl to wrap around her shoulders. But it was his expression as C.C. regaled one of their misadventures. Taken to another far-off time and space known only to them, he was overcome with a look so tender, so precious, and so pure, she'd only ever seen it from one other person in all her life: from the very woman who had inspired such softness from her brother.

It had escaped no one's notice how C.C. had taken all their requests upon herself to allow Lelouch the most time in their company. Nor the way she laughed and chided him, coaxing levity and lightheartedness out of him. Her brother had always seemed advanced for his years, but seated across from the couple, both she and Suzaku saw how youthful he seemed, as if immortality – the witch – had granted him what had been lost to him in his first life.

Growing up, Nunnally had always worried about her older brother. Even when she'd been blind and unable to walk, unable to look after even herself, she'd worried about him. He'd always seemed lonely, even when surrounded by people, and, given his personality and pride, had always been the type to put on a brave face for the sake of others. But Nunnally could see now how that fear would never come true. She knew that, regardless of what they may be to each other, from now until the end of time itself, he would never feel lonely ever again because he had found his other half.

She felt a twinge of sadness and jealousy. How wonderful it would have been to be that person for her brother, to repay him for all that he'd given and done for her. But Nunnally also knew that they couldn't have asked for a more loving and beautiful person, someone so peerless in her understanding of and dedication to her brother, than C.C. and for that, Nunnally would be eternally grateful.

"—dessert?"

"Oh, yes!" replied Nunnally. Lelouch smiled; good. He'd prepared Pavlova. Delighted, she lightly clapped her hands. It had been much too long since she'd had her brother's Pavlova!

"Then it's decided – dessert will be served in the living room. C.C."

Yes, yes, she knew, he didn't have to remind her. Letting her shawl slip from her shoulders, she generously poured the last of the bottle into Suzaku and Nunnally's glasses before excusing themselves from the dining room. Following after Lelouch into the kitchen, she set the empty bottle down beside the other two. Tying her hair up, she opened one of the large cabinet doors where her special edition Cheese-kun apron was hanging. Slipping it over her head, she said to him, "You ought to know that you're quite fortunate."

"Oh?" He didn't even look up from the fresh fruit he was slicing. "Why is that?"

Tying the apron with a loose bow, she ducked under his arm in a bid for his attention. His plating tongs frozen mid-air, he looked down at her. Reaching up, she gently took hold of his face, bringing him closer to her.

"I don't take orders from just anyone."

"Nothing I wouldn't expect of a witch."

"But you're just cute enough that there are times when even I don't mind."

"And I suppose you want me to thank you?"

"That's right. Fair's fair, and I've come to collect my due. What do you have for me?"

"As impatient as always. Who's to say you won't get what's yours at the end of the evening?"

"Who was it this morning that used our guests as an excuse and wanted to 'make up for lost time'?"

"I don't remember hearing any complaints from you at the time."

They looked at one another, no longer smiling. Lelouch blamed the haze of drink for striking him with an intensity that electrified every fiber of his being with desire. He blamed the way her eyes had shone when she'd delivered her gift into his arms, the way she'd made them laugh over stories that he'd borne witness to and were a part of, the sound of her voice, her laughter, the light touch of her hand as she played with his hair in the way that pleased him. The look she was giving him now, their bodies too close to each other for their own good.

Lelouch dipped down, closing most of the remaining distance. Eyes hooded, he dropped the tongs, bringing his hand to her waist as she leaned in the rest of the way, when the French doors to the dining room swung open.

"This is the least we can do!"

Preoccupied with their preemptive defense, Suzaku and Nunnally failed to notice the compromising scene they'd stumbled upon until far too late. Faces red, they froze in place, stacks of dishes in their arms, as they fumbled for an apology. C.C. only smiled as she leaned her head against Lelouch's chest.

"We were just adding the secret ingredient."

"Love?" squeaked Nunnally.

"Something like that."

"We'll, uh…We'll just leave these in the sink for you, if that's okay," said Suzaku.

Pulling away from her mortified co-host, C.C. took the dishes from them.

"You really shouldn't have. Now who knows how long Lelouch's lecture is going to be?"

If it even occurred at all, all things considered.

"The only thing to do is make him guilty of the same crime. Nunnally, would you be willing to help your brother prepare the living room?"

"Of course!"

C.C. smiled at her, affectionately touching her cheek.

"You'll be with me, Suzaku. Are these all of the dishes?"

She needn't give her commands twice. Before she could even put the rubber gloves on, Nunnally was in the living room with dainty pastry forks and dishes. Folding cloth napkins into neat triangles, she glanced at her brother, who was far too busy nurturing a kindling flame to sense her anxiety. Setting the last of the napkins aside, she folded her hands in her lap as she considered whether to indulge in her curiosity. Ever since the airport, the question had been burning inside her. The kitchen had been rather encouraging, urging her to trust in her instincts, but it had done nothing for the mystery on her hands. Not that it was her business – or anyone's for the matter, besides the two involved – but it would be nice if she was allowed to call C.C. her sister. Especially when she already felt like one.

"Lelouch?"

"Hmm?"

Pleased with himself – he'd gotten much better at starting fires, thanks to C.C.'s tutelage and their globetrotting – he replaced the ornate screen in front of the growing fire. Wiping his hands clean of soot and ash with a nearby towel, he neatly folded it as he turned towards his sister. She'd been quiet since they'd left the kitchen, and while he'd understand if it was from awkwardness, he hoped it wasn't. He wasn't quite sure if he was prepared for such a conversation – never mind his sister being an adult in her own right. Rising from his knees, he complimented her handiwork in setting the table. He couldn't have done it better himself.

Nunnally smiled in thanks but steeled herself. If she wanted to know so badly, then there was only one way to find out. In the very least, she owed it to her brother to be perfectly honest with him. She owed it to him to hold herself to the same standards she held him.

"What is it, Nunnally?"

Taking a deep breath, she looked up at him.

"What are your intentions with C.C.?"

"Intentions…?"

Nunnally pretended she wasn't flushing. Perhaps he wouldn't notice in the dim light of the living room. But the longer he stood in front of her without saying another word, the hotter and redder her face became, until she waved her hands and shook her head.

"Never mind! I—wait! Lelouch!"

But he didn't stop. He didn't even turn or look over his shoulder as he walked down the hall away from her nosiness. Scrambling to follow after him, Nunnally soon unwittingly found herself in a bedroom. It was a simple room, with wooden furniture, clean lines, and fresh linen and could very well have come out of a catalogue, if not for the enormous Cheese-kun plush lying on the bed. Its size slightly horrified Nunnally. How many pizzas had been eaten for a toy of that size? And where did it go when they slept? Could all three truly fit?

She tread lightly, wondering if her brother had meant for her intrusion. Surely not. It hadn't been like him to just ignore her, so it was likelier that he simply hadn't heard her. Wasn't it? Taking care not to disturb the sanctuary, Nunnally turned to escape to the living room, when she accidentally bumped into a small side table. She squeaked as a picture frame fell, its gold frame clattering.

Hurriedly, she picked it up. It was of a large tree with buttress roots, thick tendrils of wood that curved and splayed out across the rainforest ground. Neither Lelouch nor C.C. could be seen in the photo, but Nunnally decided not to question the peculiar subject matter. Quickly, she returned the frame to its upright position on the dresser. Keeping her arms to her side, she quickly looked around herself to make sure she hadn't inadvertently caused any other mess, when the door to what she presumed was the bathroom suddenly opened.

Nunnally jumped. Offering an explanation, she moved towards the hallway, when she was asked instead to close the door. Obediently, she pushed it shut. Her eyes lowered, she apologized for bothering him, when she heard him gently call her name.

When she saw the small box in his hand, she nearly ran to him. Her hands falling around the velvet case, she watched as he revealed the thin, delicate band of gold nestled inside. A refined thing, its simplicity was effortless and timeless – no doubt all reasons her brother had thought to choose such a design. And if she wanted something larger, that sparkled, then he'd be happy to oblige and they could go together to find the perfect one. But for now – for tonight, this was his intention.

Her eyes widened. Tonight!

"She's wearing mine right now."

"She is?" Nunnally frowned. She thought back to C.C. but couldn't remember any jewelry, except for… "Oh! Her necklace? Does she know?"

"Surprising someone like C.C. is difficult, even for me. But no, I don't think so."

"Why didn't you tell us sooner? We could have helped."

"You are. Tomorrow, with the two people closest to us, we'll celebrate."

"Even so…"

"Will you find it in your heart to forgive me?"

"Oh, how could I not!" Jumping up, she wrapped her arms around him and held him tight. "Oh, Lelouch! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you both!"

Returning her hug, he thanked her. Beaming at her brother, Nunnally laughed as he wiped the tears from her. He had always taken care of her, she knew out of kindness, love, and duty. That he would have someone do the same for him…

Tomorrow would come much too slowly for her, when she could at last embrace her dear sister.

. . .

Lowering her gently onto the bed, Lelouch leaned on his elbow as he looked down at her. Gently brushing the hair from her face, he ran his hand down her cheek, wiping away the last of her tears. Her eyes fluttering open, C.C. reached up to hold his hand. His ring glinted, like her teardrops had, in the light of a single bedside lamp. Sliding her fingers into the empty spaces between his, she brought his hand to her lips and kissed him softly.

"And how was your day today?" he murmured.

"Perfect," she said softly. "In the most complete sense of the word."

"As it should have been."

She laughed. Enchanted, he leaned down and kissed her. Tangling their legs together, she smiled up at him.

"How are you ever going to top this next year?"

He smiled. There was still plenty he wanted to do, that she deserved. She had nothing to worry about; he would find a way.

He always did. My warlock.

My witch.

My beloved.


End.