Hello all..

Chapter Ten.

Lelouch sat in his bed, holding his sleeping daughter, wrapped in her soft baby pink blanket. He stared deeply into her tiny pink cheeks as she held his index finger like a tether. He could hear the white noise of the bustling hallways outside his door, but it was muffled by his closed door. The large pane glass window in his room letting in the setting sun. The slanting rays of the setting sun gave a warm orange tinge to the sky. Light enveloped the room and caressed his daughters porcelain face giving her this angelic glow. She just looked so ethereal. He was wrapped in this insurmountable feeling. He was full of love and pride. He made this beautiful little person. She was perfect and the way she clang to him made his heart soar. An almost overwhelming sense of affection, and a strong desire to care for and protect them wash over the raven. He knew he would do anything for her. She was his and he couldn't he happier. Another 10 days had gone by and after a few test, he now was able to hold her & keep her in the room with him. Dr. Ohgi said it would be good for them if they could recover together. That feeling when they first placed her in his arms was such warmth, his heart felt like it was going to burst with the joy, he began to cry.

That was 3 days ago.

Now all Lelouch has done was hold his baby girl, talk to her, sing to her, and promise her anything she could ever want. He rarely put her down, and when he did he became so anxious without her there. She suddenly became an extended part of him and when she wasn't in his presence, he really felt her absence. So when test would come around, scans or even a Minimally Invasive Surgery, he would missed her greatly. Even now he knew a nurse would be coming to change his bandages and he would have put his baby girl back in her bedside bassinet , even that would be agony. He couldn't help it, he waited so long for her and now he didn't want to leave her side for a moment.

The only place he trusted with her safety was his arms.

"Lelouch?" A soft voice carried from the doorway. Coming from his musing, the raven looked up from his little girl's face and towards the doorway. Standing in the doorway with a gentle smile was Shirley though she had a guilty glint in her eyes. She was one of his main nurses and she was so sweet and caring, she always came by to check on him when she had time, she didn't usually work with newborns so she was excited to come by and see the baby. Lelouch smiled back at her, figuring that was what she was here for.

"Hello Shirley." He whispered. "She just fell asleep if you came by to see her." Shirley walked into the room closing the door behind her. When she didn't skip over to see the baby like she normally did, he can tell something was wrong. "Is everything alright?" The brunette sighed, before walking towards the raven.

"I really hate to do this, I know you wish to rest and enjoy little Nozomu, but..." She trailed. In this moment she took the raven in. In the days he had been at the hospital his hair had grown, just gracing his shoulders, but he was thin and his shoulders still hung with this transparent weight on them. She sighed and looked to the door. She really didn't want to do this but the door opened again, Showing two men in plain cream color suits. Lelouch eyes scanned the two men one was wearing a beige cream suit, slightly larger than needed, but he could still tell this man was muscular. He was tall with board shoulders they had sandy brown hair and ocean blue eyes. The other was a slander man wearing light brown cream suit that matched his eyes, his suit was more form fitting. His long black hair tied into a back ponytail with an white ribbon. The raven eyes locked to their hips and his breath aught in his chest. There hanging on their slacks were police badges.

"I..."

"I'm sorry Lelouch, but they wish to speak with you." Shirley told him, she felt awful he looked terrified and flustered. He was holding the baby like they were going to take her away. This pulled at her heartstrings. They had been putting the visit off for the ravens sake, and maybe she was being protective of her patient, but she still didn't think he was ready for this. "Maybe-"

"Kururugi-San." The slander man spoke with a stoic tone, cutting through the room. Shirley began mute at the mans voice. She wanted to voice her concerns, but she knew they were going to have to come speak to the raven one of these days. Lelouch snapped from his trance and locked eyes with the officer.

"Y-yes..?" He stuttered meekly. He instinctually held his daughter closer to his chest, his eyes never leaving the man walking slowly up to him.

"I'm Detective Li Xingke and this is Detective Britannia." He said stoic, both briefly flashing their hip badges.

"You can just call me Odysseus." The larger man said with warm smile. Lelouch's eyes flash between both men. He knew this day would come he just wasn't sure when and didn't know how if he could ever say out loud what happen. That would make it feel real and he didn't think he could handle really thinking about that day.

"Can I even say what happened...?" The raven could feel his chest heave. Did this have to happen now? he wasn't ready, he just wanted to enjoy his solstices with his baby for a little longer. His eyes never left the two men even as the Detectives gather two seats from around the room and sitting close to him in his bed. It was silent in the room, the three men just staring at each other. Shirley, who was standing off to the side, believed she was forgotten in this moment, so decided to find a reason to leave the room so they could get comfortable.

"Would anyone like water?" Shirley said, her gentle voice cutting into the rigid air of the room. Detective Li shook his head, not even looking for her, but Detective Odysseus looked back at her and smiled.

"I'd love som' than' ya'." Shirley returned his smile and looked to Lelouch.

"I'll be back soon ok Lelouch?" Lelouch nodded. Shirley excused herself & left to get water. When Shirley left the room it was quiet again for a moment. The men could tell the raven was scared. It was all over his face. They knew the questions they were going to ask were going to be tough. It was clear he had been through a very traumatic experience and they were sure the victim had these preconceived notions of being judge from even being in such a complex situation. All of it could leave anyone feel wary of others.

Odysseus went over the case with Li and others. This case was kept as close to the vest as possible and even then, things were leaked to the press. Mainly his "alleged' pregnancy. They didn't know if the leak was police or hospital staff. Maybe they were even working in conjunction of each other, they didn't know. What they did know is it was making this case harder. People sneaking in to try and get proof of the raven and his special condition were sickening and could build distrust between the public, the victim, and police. They weren't even sure how much Lelouch knew of this or just how popular he was in the press at this time. Even knowing it was true he gave birth, the two men had no idea what to expect when they walked into that room. Even then it was still jarring walking into the room and seeing him cradling a swaddled pink blanket. Even now, as the evening sunset illuminated the room enveloping his small figure in a warm orange hue. The light reflecting off his vibrant, woeful eyes. If Odysseus wasn't on this case he would have just thought Lelouch was a small woman who had just given birth.

Finally Odysseus decided to break the ice.

"Well, first I gotta say congratulations!" The tan cladded man cheered with a tender smile. "What's the little one's name?" Lelouch shifted his gaze to him, their eyes locking. The raven was quiet for moment before looking down at his sleeping daughter.

"She actually... doesn't have a name yet.." He admitted rather shyly. It was true in the days he's had her he hasn't been able to come up with a name. It just wasn't on his mind, he was just grateful for this moment. "The nurses have been calling her Nozomu... "Odysseus laughed seeing the raven's embarrassment.

"That's fin' my mother didn' know wha' to name me 'til I was a month ol'." Lelouch let a strained small smile grace his lips. He relaxed a bit at the bubbling personality and blusterous tone the detective had.

"How did she choose..?" He questioned shyly, looking up at the man. "How did she know when she found the right name?" Odysseus felt the nervousness that surrounded the male slowly dissipate.

"Well, she'd say she was lookin' at me an' it came right to her." He answered. " She'd say 'my personality' really came through when I was upset." he laughed. Lelouch let out an amused huff.

"She's such a peaceful baby, she rarely cries and she smiles these bright joyous smiles." The raven looked down at his little girl and smiled fondly at the thought of their short time together, his finger lightly grazing her cheek. "I'd do anything to protect that precious smile." The detectives shared quick glances. They must admit they had their own ideas on what they would expecting from a male had just gave birth, but this aura they gave was familiar as any other. It was fondness, warmth, & pure untainted love.

This was a mother's spirit.

The two chatted a little longer, Odysseus wanting to ensure the raven was relevantly comfortable with them. After a while Lelouch was speaking and talking about all the little things his little girl had done in short time she's been there. Odysseus shared his own stories of his wife when she gave birth. The raven honestly reminded him so much of her. Odysseus couldn't help, but to feel more for the raven in this meeting. Lelouch truly was just a young mother that seemed to be attacked by some crazed person; now he was involved in a media circus all wanting to see the man who gave birth. But even then every smile from the man was genuine in every way. He wasn't sure how he could smile in the face of such adversity. But, he was going to make sure he and his child got justice.

Li cleared his throat.

"I know you wish to get back to healing, as any mother in your condition, but..." Li Xingke stoic tone brought the reality of the moment back into the room. Odysseus sighed.

"Ya' buzzkill, Lelouch jus' remind me so much of Tianzi-Chan!" He laughed, but soon his tone and face gave way to a more serious one. "But... he's right." Odysseus put his hand on top of the ravens in an comforting manner. Lelouch flinched at the touch, recoiling his hand. Odysseus suspicions raised at this and thought back on his old friends words.

"He always wore long sleeves, turtlenecks and heavy foundation no matter the weather and skiddiest... real skiddiest." Odysseus contained a sigh. Yuki really was good at what he did. He remembered his promise to his old colleague about keeping an open mind, so wanted to go into this with no assumptions.

"We are here to do are job's." Odsysseus said in gentle way. We came to talk to ya about the incident in ya home, earlier this month." Odysseus started slowly.

"Can you tell us what happened? we can start with what you were doing." Li added. Lelouch looked down at his daughter. He took a deep breath. He could feel hisb heart beat faster, as he tired to push some of the memories away.

"I was making dinner..." He answered in a hush tone. Odysseus gave him a reassuring smile.

"Good, for you and your husband?" Lelouch eye twitch at the mention of Suzaku, which did not go unnoticed, but was not commented on.

"Just my husband, he likes to eat alone." The raven realizing what he said might sound bad he brought his hand to his mouth. The pair raised an eyebrow at this as well, so Odysseus queried.

"Oh, so you guys eat at different times?" Lelouch his shook head, removing his hand for his mouth.

"He just likes his time to himself after work." He said trying to make it not sound so bad. "He's a busy man, he works so hard.." Odysseus nodded.

"Military right?" he queried. The raven nodded.

"I understand," Li use to serve." Li nodded in conferment.

"Yes he's... a very distinguish man." Lelouch muttered, but he sounded hollow when he spoke of his husband. "He works very hard..." He repeated. Odysseus took a mental note of every reaction, tone, and phase the raven said. He noticed the raven even when speaking of his husband he didn't sound happy, not an once of the natural fondness he had for the little girl in his arms. It seemed he was worried about saying the wrong thing about him without him even being here. It was like an autopilot switch had flipped for him and he began giving almost robotic answers. He just seemed under duress.

Odysseus wanted to press him a little more on this.

"How did you guys meet?" Lelouch eyes glossed over with a sorrowful glint and it felt like a dark cloud entered the room. He looked crestfallen, it was clearly not a rode he wanted to go down, but still he answered trying to be polit.

"H-high school he was a year above me." He answered. "He use to be so kind back then..." A wilting smile, graced his lips. "I didn't have any friends I was a quiet person, never really interacted with others, I don't think I really knew how, but he went out of his way to get to know me..."

"You guys must had some fun times together." Odysseus said, but Lelouch face drained of color as the memories the attack floored his mind, the things Suzaku said and how it was "game" to him. He could feel the bile raise in his throat. A gurgling noise could be heard coming from the male. Lelouch brought his hand to his mouth and forced himself the shallow the acid, little pained tears clinging to his eyes. He just wanted to forget, just to repress it and go away. Odysseus stood up immediately leaning close the male and putting a hand on his back.

"Ya feelin' ok?" Lelouch looked away embarrassed out of his room window.

"U-um yeah..." He whispered, "I'm sorry, I just haven't been feeling well.." Just then the door opened open showing Shirley holding a tray with several cups of water on them. When she walked in she saw how pale Lelouch looked. Quickly coming over, she sat the tray on an end table walked to Lelouch's side.

"Are you alright Lelouch?" The nurse asked. Li grabbed a cup of water and gave it to Odysseus to serve the male. The older man brought the cup to Lelouch's and he took a hesitate sip. He mumbled an apology to those in the room. Odysseus rubbed the raven back reassuring him.

"Ya fine, I'm sure this can be overwhelming." He told him, before sighing. "Listen Lelouch... I don't wanna keep ya' any longer so.. I'mma cut to the chase here." Lelouch eyes met the older man's.

"Do you know who shot you Lelouch?" Lelouch felt his head get lighter at the question.

"I...I..." He didn't know how to answer, if he told the truth what would Suzaku do to him? That tether of loyalty still had a very strong hold on him. Suzaku has done something so awful to him, but he couldn't come to terms with it, what Suzaku inflicted onto him. But..

He still wanted his family.

He wanted so desperately to have the family he never got as a child, he didn't want his daughter to not have her complete family. A mommy and a daddy, and if he told the truth she would never have that. If he told the truth what would happen to him and his little girl? Lelouch didn't finish high school, and seeing as he had no skills, he would never be able to get a job. He had no family or friends to help with his daughter and where would they stay?

If he lied, would that prove he was adequate enough for Suzaku?

"But what about Senji?" Lelouch chest heaved at the very idea of Senji. Lelouch was suffering from true inner turmoil. It was like he was at war with himself. His heart and mind fighting for control all the while he just wish to repress this memory and go back to normal. He wanted all of this go away. He knew he couldn't lie, that would mean Senji would get the blame and pay for something he didn't do, even after he saved his life. It would ruin everything the young artist had build for himself and Senji life mattered so much more than his. The young was this amazing person who made him feel special, he brought a smile to his face no matter what. He took him in when he had nowhere to go and he gave him such happy memories that he would cherish always. Even now he just wanted the brunette near him and here him say he would be ok, even when he knew he wouldn't be...

But even then he wanted a family.

He wanted his daughter to have a family.

"Lelouch?" Shirley kind tone brought him from his musing. Everyone in the room could see that Lelouch was in a lot of pain and whatever had happened in that home was too much for him to bare. Lelouch looked to her acknowledging he had heard her, but said nothing. Odysseus tried to step in.

"Lelouch its ok, ya' hear me?" He told him. "I know this is so hard, I can only imagine what you saw, but please..." Odysseus sat back into his seat.

"There two men in holding claiming to love you very much." Lelouch's eyes widen his head spinning to face the older man. "And I'm beginning to believe only one of them Lelouch and I think you know which one." Lelouch's eyes began to tear and before long he was quietly sobbing, using his one free hand to cover his face in shame. He couldn't do this, this was too hard.

"P-please.." He cried. "I-I don't remember." He hunched over wishing to disappear. "Please I really don't know..." He cried. "Please, I just want to rest please..." He begged. He couldn't say it. Lelouch felt torn. He still felt this overwhelming loyalty to Suzaku even after this. He did so much for him, he would have never had this little girl without him. He was the one who had slip up after slip up. He was here because his husband caught him cheating, which he knew was wrong and still went to go see Senji. He believed in some way, this was his fault. If he hadn't been so selfish none of this would have happened.

This was all his fault.

And now everyone was suffering.

Lelouch looked to Shirley with pleading eyes, hoping she would make them leave. The kind nurse smiled reassuringly, resting her hand gently on his shoulder.

"Let's try again another time ok?" She said to Lelouch. The detectives nodded in agreement. The last thing they wanted was to push the young mother into a breakdown so soon after birth no less.

"We'll com' bac' within a few 'k?" Odysseus told the raven. Lelouch felt so ashamed being such a coward, couldn't bring himself to look at the kind man any longer and just nodded.

Outside of the hospitals Odysseus and Li sat on a dark wooden bench. The sky ablaze still with its beautiful orange and warm yellow hues. Odysseus pulled out his cart of cigarettes, hitting the cart against his knee to dislodge one. He lit the cigarette, taking a long drag from it, before exhaling. He let out an exacerbate sigh after, leaning his head back and taking in the evening sky. This case was supposed to be easy. Someone broke in, fight insured, victim caught in the middle. But between his old friend coming to ask for leniency for his employee to when he walked into that room and saw that frail little person. Who looked so fragile he would break from a simple touch sitting there everything had change. From the moment they sat down to their interactions with the raven all of them gave off the same signs he had seen time and time again in his 20 year old career.

"Didn't think we where going to leave here thinking that the husband did this, huh?" Li's stoic tone cut through his musing. He sighed again. Li was right, he didn't want to think it to be true, but between the raven actions and his overall reaction to even hearing his husbands name or even speaking about him. It seemed to unlock these repressed memoires he didn't want to think about. They even had a redheaded nurse come up to them saying that the male had many bruises in varies stages of healing all over his body. The pair had observed that a lot of the staff were so protective and shared great compression for the male, even asking them both to please gentle with him. And once meeting the raven the pair could easily see why. Lelouch just gave off as such a raw and vulnerable aura, his soft sultry voice, and apologetic personality made him look so meek. He just seemed so delicate, with a lot of interpersonal chaos that can be viewed through his eyes.

All were hallmarks of the battered wife.

"This was what Yuki was hinting at." in their last talk, Yuki seemed to not want to come out and say it. It seemed he wanted Odysseus to see it for himself.

"I hate that ya' always on to somethin'." Odysseus mumbled. Li raised an eyebrow. "Not you!" He leaned forward his arms resting lazily on his legs. "Yuki..." Li huffed.

"Indeed, you did mention he hinted there more to this case than we knew." Li held his hand out and Odysseus quietly passed him his lit cigarette to share. It use to always drive him crazy, how good Yuki was at his job, but it was times like this he missed the apathetic man.

"Now we just have to find a way to get him to tell us." Odysseus told him. "There isn't a single police report or call in from that house until earlier this month."

"Meaning not once has anyone heard anything coming from that house until the shooting." Li interjected. "So chances are he has a notion of not being believed as well as a devotion backed by the terror he's often endured from his husband."

"He did say they met in high school & that he was a loner." Odysseus added. "Though.. his loyalty could be waiving.." Li gave him a curious look "He never once asked about his husband, where he was, is he ok."

"But the moment I mentioned the other one he started crying, he looked... remorseful." Odysseus could feel the guilt run off Lelouch like water.

"He knows if he tells us he doesn't remember, that means we'll have to believe the husband and release him, leaving the kid to take the fall." Odysseus groaned at this.

"Now I'm not one to give people time if they didn't do the crime." Li rolled his eyes at the ill mannered joke.

"Agreed. I'm sure it's not something he wants to do, but coercive control is something built over years." Li muttered. "He most likely thinks deserves this, that he owes him everything for not leaving him alone in high school." Odysseus ran his hand through his hair annoyed. He was a good cop, but getting someone to open up about this level of trauma to him would be hard. He could only assume this abuse has been going on for years. It would take some level of trust to get him to talk and Lelouch didn't know him.

Just then Odysseus had a light bulb moment. He let at small forced chuckle out at the idea, but he didn't have a choice.

He was just hoping he didn't get in trouble for this.

"You gonna call him aren't you?" Odysseus just gave him a cunning smile.

Word Count: 4,342