Hello everyone, there is no much to say in this little update, but that I will put one more chapter of this fanfic. Then, the cycle will start again, also ... news coming soon! Stay tuned!
Chapter 3
Lelouch stared, confused by Suzaku standing before the classroom, and while she was happy to see him again. Their last meeting was still lingering in her mind. The irritation and exhaustion that Suzaku brought to her were incredible. Yet, even though yesterday, Lelouch was furious, today she wasn't. It was just a bittersweet feeling or having a friend not agreeing with you. Still, Suzaku was her friend. Not a slave. He had saved her life multiple times before, when she was weak. How could she just kill him like that? How could she make him his slave? Those questions annoyed her and brought sadness to her. A friend shouldn't be treated like that. Especially one she owned her life to.
Stupid Suzaku with his stupid perfect brown hair.
Lelouch thought with dismay as she exhaled. "Pleased to meet all of you. My name is Suzaku Kururugi," he said with a small bow. Lelouch cringed. That's now how you present yourself in Britannia, Suzaku.
Suzaku saw her, and he seemed shocked and relieved to see her alive. Yet, while he smiled softly at her, he didn't want to cause a scene and kept quiet. So, he only sat down and allow the whispers began. The class went on as it would normally. Yet, there were whispers, jabs at him, calling him a terrorist, murderer, and many other awful things that Lelouch knew were lies. She scoffed at them, obviously, yet she also remained silent. For now.
And when school break came, the students all practically gathered around the doors, or away from him. They only glared and pointed their fingers at him, like a zoo animal. Well, Lelouch wasn't someone who liked following trends, or people, for that matter.
"Why's an Eleven here?!"
"He was a suspect in Prince Clovis's murder!"
"But the teacher said it was a false arrest!"
"Even son, he seems kind of suspicious, doesn't he?"
"You don't think he is a terrorist?"
Lelouch grew tired of hearing those words, especially to him. Yet, she also remembered the words he told her. So, deciding to remind him who she was, in the only way she knew how. Lelouch stood up and walked up to him. Kallen, Shirley, and pretty much everyone saw her walking up to him. Suzaku stared at her, shock and from what Lelouch saw. He did not want her to be involved with him. Suzaku did not want to drag her name down, just because of him. And that made Lelouch very angry.
He is always trying to sacrifice himself for others.
"Eh, what can I help you with?" Suzaku muttered nervously, while staring around him.
Then, surprising everyone in the room, a loud slap was heard. Lelouch's hand hit Suzaku's face, and it shock not only him, but the entire classroom.
"Idiot."
Lelouch only said, as she walked away, only moving her hand over her collar, to signal him, that she wanted to meet him on the roof. Still, Suzaku was baffled by her action, or maybe not.
Women are strange.
Suzaku thought, feeling the itch on his face. He didn't really hurt him. But it was Lelouch, the one in pain, as her hand was trembling while cursing Suzaku's hard cheek. So, leaving that aside, Suzaku wouldn't like to make her angrier. And ignoring everyone, who could only wonder what the heck was going on. He left the room, hoping the next time they met, would not lead to another slap in the face.
And slowly, Suzaku walked to the roof and wondered if things could just be normal for once. A hard thing to expect, but something he would really like. And as he opened the door of the school roof, he saw the blue sky and the breeze of summer. It truly was a beautiful day.
"Ugh, your cheek felt like a wall, you know? That's not normal!"
Suzaku looked at his side and saw Lelouch muttering while holding her hand. He couldn't help but chuckle. "Sorry, I am quite used to being punched in the face by strong people. So, I guess that is the reason."
"Are you calling me weak now?" Lelouch asked, offended.
"Eh… no, just… not really… physically strong?"
"Do you want me to kick you in the balls?"
Suzaku cringed at the idea. "No. I apologize, you're very strong… powerful even!"
"Now, you are mocking me," Lelouch said, with a sigh. She slowly approached him and punched him in the chest. They were just soft and gentle punches, as Lelouch was muttering something. There were a lot of things she would like to say, but it would never happen. So, she just stood there for a few minutes, while Suzaku stared at her gently. Then, Lelouch hugs him. It was just a tender hug. One, two siblings would give each other. Nothing more. Suzaku smiled, returning the affection of the person she would consider a sister in anything but blood.
"You're an idiot… always trying to get yourself kill… the last time I saw you, you were shot in the back. And then, you were charged with murder. You truly want to live your life at the edge, don't you?" Lelouch whispered.
"Sorry, is seems as if bad luck just follows me," Suzaku replied.
"Yeah, yeah… bad luck, surely. I was the one with bad luck, remember?"
"I think you still are," Suzaku joked.
"Do you want me to twist your nipples?"
"No."
Lelouch scoffed, as she then sat down on one of the benches in the near the balcony of the roof. She sighed deeply, and Suzaku sat next to her. There weren't words to say, at least for a while. And a part of Lelouch wondered what she should do now. Right now, she wasn't Zero. She was just Lelouch, and her friend, her only best friend, was next to her.
"I'm happy you're safe… I was worry about you. Everything that happened, it was too much," she said.
"Lelouch, what happen in the tunnel? What happen to the green-haired girl?"
"I do not know… when you fell to the ground… there was an explosion. The truck burst in to flame. I manage to run, but… there was chaos everywhere. Thankfully, I had my noble I.D. card, but I was lucky to get out of that place."
Lelouch lied as easily as she breathes. Yet, Suzaku, not knowing better, sighed.
"I'm happy you're safe."
"Well, I am happy to be safe, too. Yet, what happen to you?"
"I was... taken to a medical post. I woke up when all ended... and then, you know."
Suzaku lied too, a funny scene where two friends were telling half-truths and lies. Yet, for some reason, both believed it.
"Yeah, but what are you doing here all the sudden?" Lelouch asked, intrigued. "What happened in the court-martial?"
"They set me free of all charges. Still, they allow me to stay in the military."
"And they allow you to assist at this school?" Lelouch asked, confused.
"It surprised me too, I know! I didn't even know it either until yesterday. They said someone of my age should be in school, and the unit I am in allowed it. So, here I am."
"You sound rather happy about the arrangement," Lelouch noted.
"Well, it would allow me to study and to... rest. I guess. Besides, I didn't know you were here... so I am happy.
"Mm, I see."
"What about you? Are you still going by your name?" Suzaku whispered.
"Yeah, Lelouch Lamperouge. That's my new identity. Still, records of my death are still... missing. I don't know if they count me among the death. Or something," Lelouch sighed.
"You should be careful, if someone discovered your identity... they could try to use you... or something worse."
Suzaku whispered, remembering the words of Zero. If the world discovered that, she was still alive. It could be used against Britannia. And now, that he knows, how close Lelouch was to some of her siblings. It could really harm not only the Royal family but Lelouch and Nunnally.
"Well, I do hope nothing like that happens," Lelouch said, hiding her smile.
"That's why... it should be better if we didn't speak at school... otherwise," a twist suddenly stopped Suzaku, as he stared at Lelouch's hand, doing what she threatened him to do early. He let a small squeal, while Lelouch only glared at him.
"Don't you dare... finish that sentence."
"But, Lelouch!"
"I don't care, Suzaku. I will not pretend that I do not know you while in school. Not happening."
"But...!"
"Suzaku, you know me... do you honestly think that I would do what you say?" Lelouch deadpanned. And Suzaku could only groan loudly.
"No... you won't. You never do."
"Exactly!" Lelouch smiled brightly. "Now, don't look all sad. We can come up with a... history about... I don't know, knowing each other for a while, and you saving my life. I don't know, we'll think of something!"
Suzaku sighed tiredly. Yet, he couldn't help but enjoy the energy emanating from Lelouch. She was always a person; you couldn't just deny anything. It was her charm.
"Also, I would like to present you to someone!" Lelouch smiled as she pulled out her phone. And selected a picture of Lelouch and Kallen together. Well, it was mostly Lelouch putting her face next to Kallen, while the red-haired girl was eating. It looked like an ambush of sorts, as Suzaku could see the food almost falling out of Kallen's mouth, while she tried to not blush and push Lelouch away.
"Who is she?" Suzaku asked.
"My girlfriend! Well… not yet! But we are un-official right now! Look at this photo, isn't she cute?!" Lelouch squealed, as she showed a series of photos of Kallen almost passing out on the floor, while Lelouch was on top of her, trying to feed her. Is she trying to kill her? Suzaku thought nervously.
"Well, as long you're happy!" Suzaku replied, as Lelouch kept on showing pictures of her torturing the poor girl. Yet, he was happy to see Lelouch so excited to be with someone. He would always remember how much she kept on talking about robust and fit girls. Well, he knew about Lelouch orientation and was never bothered by it. It made their friendship more unique in some way. He loved her as a sister, and she felt the same thing about him. But, Suzaku hoped, nothing would change it.
"Also, I am going on a date with her tonight," Lelouch said with a very eager voice.
"I see, dinner?"
"Mm, perhaps. Although there is something… Suzaku, I am going to tell her about me… my identity."
Suzaku's eyes almost fell from his face. "Lelouch, are you serious?" He whispered.
"Yes… I want to do it right. I don't want to hide it from her."
"But… you don't even know her yet. At least, not too much," Suzaku pleaded worryingly.
"I can trust her. Please, Suzaku, I know she is someone to be trusted."
"I can't really change your mind, but… I hope you know what are you doing," Suzaku sighed.
"Don't worry, she'll never betray me."
Lelouch said with a big smile. My bunny is too deep in the rabbit hole. She won't betray me.
The night came, and Lelouch felt as if the day turned out for the best. She was also excited about the present Nunnally would like. And hearing the doors opening, Lelouch hissed to Suzaku to remain silent.
"Sister, I'm home."
"Hello, Nunnally, Sayako... before we have dinner. I brought you a present, I hope you'll like."
"Oh, a present?! What could it be?" Nunnally asked happily, and Lelouch only smiled, while pointing to Sayako, the Japanese maid, to be quiet. Then, Suzaku held his breath, while staring at the sweet young girl. Thank God she is still safe. He thought, with an almost whimpering tone. He strolled to her, and Nunnally having keen senses of hearing and touch. Wondered what was happening, and who was the person approaching her.
Then she felt a hand. A very familiar one. Nunnally gasped, as she started to touch the face of that person. Her lips quivered, and she sobbed.
"You... you're safe," Nunnally whispered softly. "Thank heaven, you're safe. I knew it... you're all right."
"It's been a long time, Nunnally," Suzaku replied gently, while cleaning the girl's tears.
Lelouch giggled softly. "Let's eat dinner. I believed there is a lot to catch up."
The rest of the night came as a surprise to Lelouch. It was just a slow evening of questions and histories. Lelouch could finally understand how Suzaku ended up in the military. The boy was homeless for a time, and couldn't do much since they considered his last name a bad omen. Suzaku's family was a pariah in the Japanese society, what was left of it, anyway. So, there was only one thing he could do. And it was to try to do something with his life. And it was to start a new, and he joined the program to acquire a Britannia honorific citizenship. Lelouch couldn't blame him for his decisions.
What else could he do, honestly? Nothing.
He wanted to find his place in the world, and do something worthwhile, no matter how small. Lelouch listened and wondered what would have she done in his place.
"You'll stay the night, won't you, Suzaku?" Nunnally asked.
"Don't worry, Suzaku's a student at the school now. Although, he sucks at math. So, don't worry, you can visit him all the time now," Lelouch said.
"Really?!" Nunnally exclaimed.
"I do have work to do for the military, though. So, it can't be every day. Still, I will try to be here as much as I can."
Lelouch frowned at those words.
"You... you're still in the military? After everything?" Nunnally asked.
"It's all right. I've been assigned to an engineering unit. So, it's not that dangerous. Besides, the pay is good."
"I see. An engineering unit, uh? Why, thought, you are terrible at math. Does Britannia even know what are they doing?" Lelouch teased.
"I'm not... that bad! 2 x 2 = 4! Minus three is 1. Quick math!" Suzaku joked.
"Whoah!" Nunnally exclaimed, clearly impressed.
"Yes... Whoah," Lelouch drawled.
"Hey, I'm decent enough on it. Besides, is not like I am the one doing the engineering things."
"Alright, alright... I believed you. Oh, do you want more tea?" Lelouch asked, as she stood up from the table.
"Oh, thank you… but you don't have to do it. I can do it myself," Suzaku said, but was quickly stopped by Lelouch.
"Sat down… unlike seven years ago. We're your host now. Truly, you've really mellowed since then."
"And you've gotten a lot rougher."
"Hey, I am still the cupcake."
Lelouch smiled as she left the room, while only hearing Suzaku and Nunnally speaking about other things. However, her good humor left her body when she saw the green-haired girl in the kitchen. She looked amused, and rather annoyed for some reason.
"I told you to stay in the room, didn't I?" Lelouch hissed.
"That man is the Britannian soldier from Shinjuku, isn't he? Are you sure about this?" C.C. asked.
Lelouch scoffed yet, she sighed. "He's all right. He's… a friend after all."
"He could be your doom," C.C. replied.
Lelouch said nothing, but she thought about it. Yet, what type of person she would be if she started hurting her friends?
"Well, if you trust him… I guess is fine."
"Weren't you angry at him?"
"I am… still, very irritated by his view. I found it rather naïve, and frustrating, that he thinks he could change Britannia from the inside. That will never happen. I know how the royalty works."
"Then why are you nice to him? You're behaving, all nice and sweet with him. As if you do care for him even thought, you thought of killing him."
Lelouch narrowed her eyes at C.C. "I do care for him… and because I see him as a brother of sorts. It infuriates me to no end that he would choose to be Britannia's lap dog. Yet, then again, I still understand his way of thinking."
C.C. tilted her head, confused. "You do?"
"For someone who has lived for over six hundred years, you don't seem to understand what desperation and guilt can do to people."
"Mm, well, as long you know what are you doing. Still, you should be careful."
Lelouch only nodded, but her good humor returned as she then heard a ring coming from the door. The green-haired girl tilted her head, wondering who could it be. And by the bright smile, hiding dark intentions, C.C. was now sure of who could it be.
"Your girlfriend?" C.C. asked.
"Mm, perhaps? You jealous?" Lelouch teased.
"Not really. I am the one who sleeps with you naked. And she does not. Besides, you seem to know what to do with her. Are you still going with that plan of you?" C.C. asked.
"I need people to fear and respect Zero... yet, I also need people to love and cherish, Lelouch vi Britannia. Two sides of the coin, two roads that lead to the same point."
"Mm, you're going to use her, then?"
"My dear, C.C. I truly like Kallen... I would have loved to be with her even if she was not part of the rebellion. But she is, and truthfully, she is one hell of a pilot. So, making her loyal to Zero, and having her fall in love with Lelouch, it's just a bonus."
"That doesn't answer the obvious."
"I will not use a geass on her. She would make all the decisions. If she doesn't want to be with me, I'll respect that. And if she does, well... the truth would set her free."
"Mm, you'll give her the illusion of having a free will. That's rather cruel. Are you sure you're not a demon?"
Lelouch chuckled. Who says, I am not?
"My dear, C.C. didn't you do the same with me? Unlocking my memories and returning my power, just I could help you with your own goal? That's rather selfish."
"Point taken... I guess I will need to share your body with her," C.C. sighed, disappointed.
Lelouch scoffed and ignored the teasing smirk of C.C. who enjoyed her petty victory. "Just for now." Lelouch whispered with a huff.
Kallen sighed while looking at her clothes. She was wearing the school clothes, and felt ashamed really. I should have worn something better. Kallen thought with a groan. The red-haired girl wasn't sure of where she stood with Lelouch. They were mostly just eating together and talking. And it has been a few days, so nothing really has changed. Well, at not entirely. Kallen was learning more about Lelouch. But from what she has seen. That girl was a bag of mixed emotions. There were times where Lelouch would have a streak of mischievous endeavors and would practically flirt with her, in the lewdest way. Then, there were times were, Lelouch would do funny remarks and jokes. Her teasing was legendary. And there was as well. The few times where Lelouch would simply stare at nothing. She would look so lonely. And fragile. It was weird, but Kallen would admit that each passe was interesting to see and learn about.
"Ohgi told me to give it a shot... should I? Would be worth it, especially with everything going on?" Kallen muttered.
The opening of the door before her interrupted Kallen's thoughts. The red-haired girl smiled softly at the sight of Lelouch, who seemed overjoyed to see her there.
"Kallen, you came!" Lelouch said, while giving a soft kiss on the cheeks to the red-haired girl, who blushed.
She is being more physical with me. Nothing really different from gently kissing on the cheek and holding hands. But, I think, she really wants more. Kallen thought.
"I said I would, didn't I?" Kallen replied.
"Yeah… but you came with the school outfit," Lelouch huffed disappointedly.
"I… I didn't know what to wear," Kallen said truthfully.
"Alright, I guess, but you'll have to wait for me. I will dress properly! Please come in!"
Lelouch took her hand and dragged her inside. Kallen was already used to Lelouch's way of doing things. Then, surprising her more, she saw how at the dinner table, Nunnally was having a conversation, with none other than Suzaku Kururugi. What is he doing here? Kallen thought baffled, but then recalled the slap from Lelouch in the morning.
What is their relationship? How do they know each other?
"Oh, please to meet you!" Suzaku said, standing up while giving a gentle bow.
"The pleasure is mine," Kallen replied, noticing how Suzaku used the Japanese way to greet people.
"Ah! Kallen! Good afternoon, or well, night. Are you taking my sister to dinner?" Nunnally asked happily.
"That's the plan," Kallen said, blushing.
"Well, you must be careful, she eats a lot… like, really a lot!" Nunnally said, making Suzaku chuckle.
"She does then to eat more than any person I know," Suzaku added.
"Can you not?!" Lelouch groaned. "I'll change clothes. Please wait for me, Kallen. I will back shortly… and don't believe anything they say is false."
Kallen giggled as she saw Lelouch leaving. The red-haired girl sat down, while still glaring at Suzaku with mistrust.
"So, Kallen, how do you meet, Lelouch?" Suzaku asked with a smile, that Kallen noticed was forced.
"Well, she came to me during lunch. She just… confessed her love to me… it was really out of the blue, honestly. But I couldn't reply to anything before classes started. Since then, she has been with me," Kallen said.
"Yeah, that sounds like something she'll do."
"My sister truly speaks her mind, and it's someone few people can say no to," Nunnally giggled.
"Yeah, she does have that effect, people," Kallen replied. "But… I've been enjoying our time together a lot. She is easy to love and care for."
"So, you are both going to make it official?" Nunnally asked with a grin on her face. It looked rather cute on her face.
"Well, I don't know yet… maybe," Kallen replied, red-faced.
Kallen kept on with the gentle face, and while she was thinking about Lelouch and her being an item. She couldn't stop feeling Suzaku's gaze upon her. What is his problem? Kallen thought, getting annoyed by him.
"Suzaku, how did you meet, Lelouch?" Kallen asked politely.
"We've known each other for a while," Suzaku replied easily.
"For a while? It just weird that the son of the last minister of Japan, is a friend of a girl like Lelouch." He flinched.
"You said it yourself, Lelouch has that type of effect on people," Suzaku said, adding nothing more to the conversation. And that intrigued and annoyed Kallen. There was something strange to him. And she did not like it.
"Does she know you're in the military?" Kallen asked, hiding her inquiry in a soft voice.
"She does, yes."
"How does she feel, having a... honorific Britannian soldier as a friend?" Kallen said, not hiding the sudden jab to Suzaku title.
Suzaku frowned, as he was not that stupid to not see the insult on his title. "Do you have a problem with an Eleven choosing to join Britannia? To try to make things work for everyone?" Suzaku asked, and he then saw the jaw on Kallen getting clenched.
"Make things work for everyone? Are you talking about the nobles... or the Eleven? How do you think, some of them would see you? You're the son of a minister who committed suicide, some say to stop the war others because he preferred to die as a Japanese than a slave. How do they see you, now that you have joined the forces of Britannia, while the rest of the Ja... Eleven citizens are being oppressed by them?" Kallen hissed at each word, while she also noticed how Suzaku flinched at the name of his father's suicide.
"Perhaps that we must move forward and seek for a better future. We can join and keep having our culture, while also avoiding a useless war that will not benefit no one. They should just take the honorific Britannian citizen test. If they do, they could see how much we can all learn from Britannia by doing so. We don't need to be enemies."
Kallen felt as if she was about to jump the table and punched Suzaku's face repeatedly. She was beyond furious. No, it was more than just anger. Rawer.
"So... you want to decide for them?" Kallen hissed.
"I don't, but I want to show them that life could be a lot easier if they do. I would like to speak to those rebels and show them that end doesn't justify the means. That's my only hope, to end the violence."
Suzaku said while noticing the serious face of Kallen.
"Besides, why you care so much? You're a Britannian citizen. A noble at that. What do you know about being an Eleven?"
I'm not an Eleven... I am Japanese! Kallen thought, filled with fury.
"I then to have a modicum of respect for people who have suffered, or are suffering. And especially those who fight for what they believe," Kallen said with a condescending voice.
Except for you. Kallen thought, glaring daggers at Suzaku.
"Fight for what they believe? You think that their ways, are the correct ones?" Suzaku asked, with a patronizing voice.
"And you think, you know the correct way, don't you? That only you, know what suffering is, and you alone can change the world."
"I am willing to try it!"
Me too! Kallen screamed in her mind.
"Eh... we shouldn't... talk about things like that," Nunnally whispered, feeling the tension in the air.
"You're right, Nunnally, is not the place… I apologize, miss Kallen."
"No, you're right… we shouldn't bring these topics here."
Nunnally felt nervous since the table then grew silent. But the tension was still there. It only took five more minutes before Lelouch finally arrived there. But, Nunnally felt as if was more than an hour since she left.
Lelouch smiled. She was wearing an elegant yet simple blue dress. It was one piece, with two sexy, but not necessarily lewd, high stockings. It allowed her to look not only formal, but also comfortable. And in her bag, there was the medicine she would need for the night. For the act, she would put on. She was sure Kallen would like it. Yet, her thoughts were stopped as she reached the dining room and felt the rather heavy tension in the air. Whoah, Whoa! This felt like an aftermath of a Touch-me and Ulbert discussion. Lelouch thought nervously, while Kallen smiled brightly at her.
"Lelouch, you look beautiful," Kallen said softly. However, Lelouch noticed the glares of Kallen to Suzaku. And Suzaku only replied with a smile of his own. It felt fake. Uh, this feels like two parents hiding their anger while their children are with them. Mm, what were they talking about? Lelouch thought, bemused.
"Uh, what happen here? Did someone die?" Lelouch joked nervously.
"Don't worry, Lelouch, we were just exchanging opinions, that's all," Suzaku said.
"Yeah, that's all. Don't worry… we must go now, before it gets late! Besides… it stinks here," Kallen said happily.
"Really?" Lelouch asked. "Ah, alright… Nunnally, I am going, don't stay awake all night!"
"Yeah… I think I will sleep now," Nunnally said tiredly.
"Good night, Suzaku, see you tomorrow," Lelouch said smiling.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Lelouch. Have fun."
Kallen, for one last time, threw a glare to Suzaku, who only sighed. That was not a good first impression. He thought apprehensively.
The date went normally, all things considered. It was a peaceful evening for both of them. Kallen could forget almost all things wrong for a night. She wasn't even worried about how people would look at them, as she was contentedly holding Lelouch's hand while walking through the streets. It felt just right.
"Oh, Kallen, come here! I love this post!" Lelouch said happily, approaching a food post. Kallen sighed, but smiled.
How much can she eat?! It's like she doesn't know that eating too much is bad! Kallen thought, amused.
"Hello, Hideo!"
Kallen's face was shocked, as she saw Lelouch talking with the vendor as she knew him. But not only that surprised Kallen. Lelouch's face wasn't a fake one of gentleness, it was an honest one of kindness. Also, of hunger.
"Oh, miss Lamperouge! The same as always?" The Eleven asked joyfully.
"Yes, please!"
"An order of Yakitori, two orders of Takoyaki and Yakisoba!"
That's too much! Kallen nervously saw the face of appetite in Lelouch. "Hey, Lelouch, do you often eat... Eleven food?"
Kallen then saw a bright smile on Lelouch as the girl with violet eyes turned around to meet her eyes. "Japanese food, Kallen. Saying Eleven food made it sound as if it comes from a store or something. I love Japanese food a lot."
Besides, back in my old world, they reserved this type of food for the elite. A normal person wouldn't be able to taste the original cuisine of the country. No matter where I am, I still need to remember that I was a Japanese woman at one point. Lelouch thought with a bittersweet smile, but shook it off, as the man brought her order. She didn't notice how Kallen was looking at her with a proud beam on her face.
"Yeah... Japanese food is the best," Kallen whispered.
"Here we go, miss Lamperouge!"
"Thank you, Hideo! See you later!"
"Do you come here often?" Kallen asked, while helping Lelouch hold all her food.
"Yep, every time I can. Nunnally also likes Takoyaki a lot. So, it our little secret treat."
Lelouch said while enjoying the taste of the food in her mouth. "Really? I didn't know that. Do spend time looking for... Japanese culture?" Kallen carefully asked.
"I've been living in Japan for a while now. Seven years."
"Before the war?"
"Yes, before the war."
"So, you liked... Japan?"
"I loved it... and still do."
"You seemed to be friendly with the... Japanese people. Don't you think less of them?" Kallen asked carefully.
"No. Never."
"I see..."
"And do you, Kallen? Do you dislike them or think less of them?" Lelouch asked.
"No... I don't."
"Good, the I like you even more!"
Kallen smiled, not realizing she was just taking a bait with the conversation.
Kallen and Lelouch walked. The small chat was not awkward, just rather friendly banter, until Lelouch saw an arcade and smiled brightly.
"Come, Kallen, let's play some video games!"
Kallen, once again, was dragged by Lelouch to the inside of the arcade store. And there, the red-haired girl saw all kinds of video games being played by many people. Dancing games, fighting games, all of it. It overwhelmed Kallen, who was not used to that type of entertainment, yet. The face of Lelouch stopped her from saying anything negative. Lelouch took her too, where a strange, but a familiar type of controls lay before her. It was an arcade recreating the insides of a Knightmare Frame. It looked almost realistic. And there, a few people were already playing.
"Let's play, Kallen!" Lelouch whispered excitedly.
"Ah, I don't know... I'm not good at violence videogames," Kallen said nervously. Lelouch scoffed at the lie of the girl.
"Please, it will be fun!" Lelouch used her most powerful power yet, and it was not the geass or any Yggdrasil ability. But her beautiful and cute face. Nothing could stop her then.
"Ah... alright," Kallen moaned.
And while both Lelouch and Kallen were ready to jump in the arcade. A group of high school boys from another school, it seems. Pushed their way in. Lelouch, of course, being the drama queen she was, jumped to Kallen with a small kya! Very pathetic and cringed, yet none believed it to be an act. I'm such an excellent actress! Lelouch thought, while Kallen was holding her with a worried look on her face.
"Lelouch, are you alright?" Kallen asked.
"Y-yeah, what is their problem?!" Lelouch hissed.
"Hey! We were here first!" Kallen yelled.
The group of boys sneered at them with a rather arrogantly look on their faces. It was clear; they were looking down on them for an odd reason. Well, it was until they saw Lelouch, then they blushed. And one of them, who Kallen believed to be their leader, approached them. He was fat and had small eyes and glasses. A mommy boy's, no doubt. He coughed while elegantly he bowed to both of them.
"I apologize, my ladies… my rudeness seems to cause you problems. Let me help you by asking both your numbers."
Kallen and Lelouch both looked at him in silence. They were trying to figure out if he was serious or an illusion. There was no way someone could be that cringe. Yet, from what they could see. That fat boy's friends were all gasping for air, clearly impressed by his pickup line. It was such a sad scene to see.
"Eh, no, thank you," Kallen replied.
The fat kid couldn't believe someone says no to him. It was impossible. "How?! How could you refuse giving me your number?! The magazine said that it would work on girls 100% of the times!" He said all dramatically.
"Don't worry, boss!"
"Yeah, don't worry, they… they are just shock by your gits!"
"Exactly!"
"I… I see, my dear friends! I should have known that no one could resist me! This awfulness and crude reaction from these beautiful ladies could have been avoided if they knew who I am! But… my name… my names cannot be said to those who wish to live a peaceful life. It filled with the horrors of my past! And future!"
"We just wanted to play," Lelouch said, while feeling mortified by the fat kid attitude.
"Oh! I see… mm, amateur girls playing a game for warriors! I do apologize, but… as you can see. My friends and I are busy. We have to prepare, after all! We're going to a tournament soon. I must have my revenge against a certain person! So, please go away. Or face the punishment of the Great Player, Zimbian!"
Lelouch wanted to jump out of a window and die. The level of second-hand embarrassment was getting to her. It was such a cringe-worthy scene; she hoped it would end soon.
"Uh, I thought so, no words from lowly amateurs, begone now!"
"Kallen, let's just go," Lelouch whispered softly. She was about to puke, by the way, the fat boy moved his body. It was enough for her to cry in horror. Ugh, this makes me remember a dark time of my life! Ugh! I can't believe I was as cringe as this kid! Please, kill me already! Lelouch put her hands over her face, ashamed of her , Kallen misinterpreted the whole situation, by believing her dear Lelouch was sad she couldn't play with her. And there was no way Kallen would leave like that.
"No! We were here first! You can't just push people around!" Kallen said, bringing Lelouch to her embrace.
"My girlfriend wants to play! And she will play!" Kallen said all proudly, and while Lelouch was thrilled to hear those words. The place, the situation, the sweaty face of those boys, and that fat boy who fell backward to the ground, trying to recreate the classic Anime shock reaction, only made her regret ever being born. If this is Kallen's declaration of love to me. I don't want it! Lelouch moaned.
"Could it be?! The Gods have cursed me with the pain of staring at two beautiful girls who are in a relationship?! And while I enjoy watching the freedom of other people, and their ability to love other people regardless of their gender! THIS PROGRESSIVE WORLD HAS MADE ME A VIRGIN FOR ALL ETERNITY!"
The fat boy said while hitting the ground. He was crying. He was truly crying.
EWWW! Kallen and Lelouch both thought at the same time.
"So be it, red-haired goddess! If you bet me, 1 vs 1 in this game, I should leave at once this cruel world... and go back to my home to watch my series! But if you fail! AND YOU WILL...! You both are going to kiss and I will take a picture of it!"
He said, standing up.
"Kallen, don't... let's just go," Lelouch whispered. She wanted to leave and never return to that place. She was already dying of embarrassment. Having to endure that fat kid more would lead her to an aneurysm.
"No, I got this, don't worry," Kallen said, already fired up.
"Mm, amateur!" The fat kid replied. "I do hope you know how to press the buttons. But I doubt you know. You don't seem particularly smart."
Kallen's eyebrow twitches, remembering the prior discussion with Suzaku. She needed to blow off some steam. That's why she laughed darkly.
"You'll see," she muttered.
Kallen sat down in the arcade and felt a rather familiar feeling. Mm, it truly looks like the interior of a Glasgow. She smiled while getting used to the controls.
"Best of five... good luck. You'll need it!" The fat boy smirked.
Kallen growled. And as the game started, it took not long until Kallen's brain worked things out. Lelouch, although still embarrassed, enjoyed looking at the face of Kallen, as she was moving like would normally do. The fat kid was surprised by how natural the girl was, yet he couldn't admit defeat. Not even after dying one time.
Why do you care so much? You're a Britannian citizen. A noble at that. What do you know about being an Eleven?
Kallen sneered furiously, as she imagined the face of Suzaku in the other Knightmare Frame. She was destroying the fat kid mecha. Eh, easy there Kallen, this is just a game. Lelouch thought nervously.
"Take this!" Kallen yelled, while smashing the head of her opponent.
Lelouch now was more curious about what Suzaku and Kallen talked about. The red-haired girl seemed ready to fight Britannia all by herself. Even her hair was starting to get spiky as the sweat was making her move more and more while playing.
"AND THIS! ARGH!"
It is true what they say about red-haired girls. They can be quite dangerous when angry. Lelouch thought as Kallen kept on smashing the other Knightmare Frame to the ground repeatedly.
"You didn't have to go all the way," Lelouch said, with an entertained face.
"I... I don't know what took over me," Kallen whispered, as she was groaning internally about what she did to that poor fat guy.
"You made him cry."
"Well, he kind of deserves it," Kallen muttered.
Lelouch only chuckled as they walked near a park. The lights of the city were beautiful, and the wind was refreshing. Kallen could now enjoy Lelouch beauty. Lelouch looked, incredibly gorgeous, and she felt thrilled now. It was a fun evening, regardless of what happened. Well, even what took place in the arcade was fun for Kallen. And she was able to see a new part of Lelouch.
"Kallen, you called me your girlfriend," Lelouch whispered teasingly.
"Ah… uh," Kallen moaned internally, remembering what she said in the arcade.
"Do you mean it?" Lelouch whispered sultry, slowly walking to Kallen. The red-haired girl breathed shakily, as she could see those red lips of Lelouch. The ones that have kissed her cheek many times now. Lelouch's deep and darkest part was smiling secretly. She knew only one more push would be needed.
"Do you mean it?"
Kallen then put her hands on Lelouch's waist and without thinking too much. She brought Lelouch closer to her, bringing those red lips to her own. And they kissed, and for the first time. Kallen could finally taste those gorgeous red treats. Kallen's actions impressed Lelouch. She allowed the red-haired girl to take control, and she put her hands around Kallen's neck, enjoying their closeness. And Kallen enjoyed greedily those lips and allowed her hand to clasp themselves on those hips. And for long minutes. There was nothing more but them.
My sweet Kallen, you just kissed a demon. You don't know that it could soon eat you.
"Do you take this as a yes?" Kallen whispered sultrily.
Lelouch giggled, but then go serious as she left Kallen embraced. She walked to near the small little lake and sighed loudly.
"I love nothing more than to be with you, Kallen… but first, if I want to do it right. I need to tell you something."
"What is it?" Kallen asked, confused.
"You want to know, when I met Suzaku, right? Well, I met him seven years ago. When I was exiled."
Kallen froze, not understanding what that meant. "What do you mean, exiled?" She asked, unsure.
"Kallen, please… don't hate me," Lelouch whispered, with lingering sadness in her voice.
"Lelouch, what are you talking about?" Kallen asked again.
Lelouch smirked secretly one more last time, before changing her face while she turned around. Kallen saw tears forming in Lelouch's eyes. Very dramatic tears.
"My name is not Lelouch Lamperouge…"
"What...? What do you mean by that?"
"Kallen... My real name is Lelouch vi Britannia, eleventh princess of the Holy Britannia Empire and seventeenth heiress to the throne."
Kallen's face went white, as she couldn't comprehend what she just heard. No, there is no way... there is no way she is a princess. A Britannia princess. No. No. Kallen, frenetically thought. She walked backward, realizing she just kissed her enemy.
"You're kidding, right?" Kallen whispered.
Tch, she is really going to route, eh? Lelouch thought, annoyed.
"I do not want to lie to you... that's why, before anything. I would like to come clean... as much as I can."
Kallen faced went from betrayed to hurt to confusion. "You're a princess." Kallen muttered.
"Please... Kallen... please let me explain...!"
"Princess... Britannia royalty," Kallen whispered, hiding her disgust or hurt.
Ugh, I guess I should now start the next phase. You're making it harder for me to do it in the proper way, Bunny. Lelouch groaned as she suddenly felt a pain arising inside her chest. Good timing. She thought, while coughing loudly. And the pain started to arrive in her chest. Kallen snapped out of the stupor of her mind as she saw Lelouch holding her chest and having a hard time breathing.
"Hey! Lelouch!" Kallen approached the girl, who was then coughing blood. The sight of blood coming out of Lelouch mouth shocked her.
"My... bag," Lelouch said with a raspy voice. Kallen helped Lelouch get her bag, and when she opened it, she saw strange things.
"Pill... my inhaler... the injection."
Kallen had no time to argue. She gave Lelouch the strange pill and the inhaler. Kallen saw horrified how Lelouch would take the pill and inhaler. It was as if she was craving to breathe. Her chest would just look inflated. Then, Kallen saw the strange, pistol-like injection, and now she was completely confused about what that was supposed to do.
"Kallen, please... I need your help," Kallen moaned in pain, as she opened some button of her chest, and before Kallen could stop whatever Lelouch was doing. The scar there, completely horrified Kallen to no end. It was nasty, and it looked throbbing. How can she be still alive? Kallen looked afraid at the strange injection in her hand.
"Aim the injection to my chest, directly... to my heart."
"Lelouch, we should... go to the hospital?" Kallen stuttered.
"Please... Kallen," Lelouch whispered. Kallen, this is hurting, so can you please do it?
Kallen's hand trembled for a bit, but then taken a deep breath, she pointed the injection to Lelouch's chest and pushed the trigger. The sound of the injection going on made her skin crawl. Yet, she knew, what Lelouch was enduring was even more painful. The body of the girl with violet eyes clenched into hers. Trembling in pain, while the only thing Kallen could do was to hold her. A few seconds ago, she was angry, terrified, and confused about the revelations of Lelouch heritage. But now, she was in her arms, breathing softly.
Ah, the things I do to get the girl I like.
Lelouch softly moaned while relaxing her body. "Sorry, Kallen... please don't hate me."
Kallen sighed, holding her close. "I don't hate you."
Kallen helped Lelouch stand up and brought her to a bench nearby. There, she noticed how that nasty scar seemed to look less inflated. "A nasty little thing, don't you think?" Lelouch said with a raspy tone.
"How...?"
"Ah, I don't know... my mother used to tell me it was a birth defect. Other people told me it was from an accident when I was a baby. At this point, I don't know."
Kallen nodded gently. She said nothing for a few minutes, but it didn't last long. "It's true then… you are a princess."
"Exiled princess, like I say… no really one anymore. My family thinks I'm dead."
"Why?"
"They sent me to Japan to die, Kallen. They were going to invade, no matter what. My father… the emperor was not kind to me. Or my sister, I think… he saw us as weak. And he exiled us to Japan as political prisoners practically. And then, you know… they invaded and bombed the previous minister home a lot."
"It was intentional," Kallen replied. "That's why you know him… this is too much. Wait, does anyone else knows?" Kallen asked.
"Milly, her family supported my mother… they are one of the few allies I have left. Without them… I would have died already."
"Die?"
"Kallen, I have heart problems… if I hadn't that injection and medicine with me… well, Nunnally would be sad."
Kallen gulped as she saw the face of pain and sorrow from Lelouch. "I guess it's dangerous if people knew you were alive, right?" Kallen asked.
"Yes… can you imagine if someone knew about it? I'm afraid, Kallen. And not only from them, but my father too. The emperor… is someone horrible. I don't want to even think what would he do if he knew I or my sister are alive. They'll use us for something. I don't want my sister involved in all of that. She already suffered enough. I don't care what happens to me, but I don't want anything to happen to her."
"Then why did you tell me?" Kallen asked.
"Because… I like you. And I want to be with you, but I couldn't… keep it secret."
Kallen felt a sting in her heart after hearing that. And Lelouch knew exactly why, yet she showed no emotions of knowing. It would ruin her plan.
This is too much. What do I do? What would have you done in my shoes, brother? Kallen thought wearily.
"I always try to be the best person I can. I have learned what suffering is like. The bodies of dead people, I saw them all in the war. I don't want to see anything like that anymore."
Kallen turned around and saw her violet eyes. "Do you think... that those Eleven fighters should put their weapons down and surrender?" Kallen asked, trying to know if she thought the same thing as Suzaku. Lelouch, of course, smirked internally.
"I hate Britannia, Kallen. For what they did to me and my sister. But also, for what they have done to Japan. I'm not indifferent to other people's suffering. And I see why the fight it is always good? No, but then again. Britannia is not the saint of the history. But what do I know? I'm just a sick girl, trying to get by, and hiding myself in the shadows, perhaps all my life. Yet, I want to believe there is someone capable of doing miracles. There has to be, right? A person who has the strength to stand up to Britannia, somewhere... ready to lead."
Lelouch whispered, already watching Kallen mind thinking about who could it be.
"Yes... I think there is," Kallen whispered.
There is someone out there, Lelouch. I know there is a person who would bring a better world for us. A person who would make a better world for you. A safer world. Kallen thought.
Lelouch's voice was the perfect catalyst for Kallen's thoughts. The violet-eyed girl allure started to grow on Kallen, who only nodded quietly. A soft demon, whispering in her ears, and the red-haired girl didn't even notice it. Kallen felt at peace now. Yet, she wasn't ready to tell the truth. It hurt, but it was alright. Lelouch wasn't looking for Kallen to tell her secret. Not yet. That was for later.
"Kallen, can I kiss you again?" Lelouch whispered, and the red-haired girl only smiled. And once again, they shared their love under the stars. Sweet bunny. You're already mine.
"Can you stay with me? Just today? Try pretending I said nothing," Lelouch muttered, as she put her head on Kallen's shoulder.
"Okay," Kallen replied, her mind a hole filled with confusion, weariness, and exhaustion, yet she held Lelouch's hand tightly.
Lelouch smiled as the morning sunset in. She was ready for another day, and inside her mind. The night prior was a tremendous success. Kallen was now dancing on her palm, and it felt good. Yet, a part of Lelouch, the good part of her, so to speak. Felt horrible to manipulate, and practically gaslight Kallen into linking her. It was an inner conflict that brought nauseously feeling. One side felt as if was only normal for Lelouch to take whatever she wanted, or whoever she wanted. No matter how, or when. And another side cried about what she has done. About the possibilities of lying to a girl that she genuinely likes. The conflict was there, and not leaving anytime soon.
"Mm, I'm truly a mentally unstable person."
Lelouch whispered with a bittersweet feeling inside her. "I guess the worst part is that I truly adore Kallen a lot. But... yeah. This my doing."
Her communicator started to blink, and with a sigh, Lelouch pick it up.
"Zero, this is Ohgi."
"Ohgi, I told you to not contact me unless was serious."
Lelouch instantly changed her voice, hair, and eyes. She was now Zero and not Lelouch.
"I got something. It hasn't made the news yet, but Cornelia crushed the Blood of the Samurai group not too long ago."
Lelouch nodded, already knowing it as well. She looked at the email and scoffed. "They were bringing too much attention to themselves. It was obvious that Cornelia would aim at them first."
"Yeah, but that leave us open. They were the largest group we had in central Japan. Look, Zero, it won't be long till she comes after us."
"And she will."
"Then what do we do?!" Ohgi asked anxiously.
"Trust me."
"Eh?"
"Ohgi, trust me. Don't worry. I know that Cornelia would try to bait us out. That's why I need you to search the tunnels down below. Try using the underground line 9."
"Line 9? That place is in ruins. There is no way out, every entry is blocked."
"Not one. I'll send you the details. And start digging. That would be the escape route for the people there. Don't waste time. I'll contact you later."
Lelouch hanged up and moaned loudly. There was a lot to do, and her dear sister, Cornelia, would soon begin her operation. Well, it was about time. She thought, as she tilted her head when she saw C.C. entering her room with a pizza in her hands.
"Pizza time."
"What is it?" Lelouch asked.
"Triple cheese, pepperoni, beef, ham, and bacon. Also, we are 89 points from Cheese-kun," C.C. said as she gave Lelouch a piece.
"Tired?" C.C. asked, wasting no time to taste the delicious food.
"You have no idea."
"Mm, you seemed happy yesterday. That plan of you was a success, wasn't it?"
"Yeah, but… just dealing with the existence of morality in the decision making of my being."
"Ah, of course. The Machiavellian art of a good heart. Such an interesting view of the world," C.C. said, without much care.
"Yeah, such an interesting view… although, I do believe selfishness, and greed could be easily be part of that Machiavellian heart."
"Of course, nevertheless, you must never falter in the future. You know what you must do. Even if you have to burn this world to obtain it."
Lelouch tilted her head, as she saw C.C. laying on the bed, unbothered by anything. Lelouch smirked at the response. And she approached C.C. who saw how Lelouch crawled on top of her. The green-haired girl, again, looked amused by the naked body of Lelouch. It seemed as if; she was already used to watching that gorgeous goddess naked. A privileged, she knew, would lose soon, as Kallen would surely get the luck to see Lelouch naked and more. Yet, C.C. couldn't help herself, but smirk.
"You're saying things like that again. You honestly don't care about what I am, or what I am going to do?" Lelouch asked in a sultry tone, as C.C. felt shivers.
"Lelouch, I have lived for six hundred years. I have dead bodies in my closet. And while I do enjoy life, with all the bad and good. I am cynical about it. I'm not a saint or a good person."
C.C. whispered as she touched Lelouch's chest, tracing her finger over Lelouch's breast, and then her scar.
"And you are not either."
Lelouch chuckled. "Truly, we are two... unholy people with no sense of morality."
"We know what morality is, and I do see we followed it to an extent. But we also break it when it benefits us. Very hypocrite."
Lelouch huffed as she got off from C.C. who seemed rather disappointed. "I thought you'll kiss me, or do something naughty to me," the green-haired girl hummed.
"I could really well do it now, if I wanted but, what should I? When I have, Kallen?" Lelouch teased. "I know she will be very passionate in bed, I can't hardly wait."
"But, you don't want to sleep with me? I'm here you know?" C.C. asked teasingly.
"No thank you." At leat not now. Lelouch thought smirking.
"So, manipulating, killing and controling minds is good, but cheating on your new girlfriend is where you draw the line?" C.C. said, amused.
"Oh, don't worry about it. Perhaps, in the very near future, I would have a threesome with both of you."
"Ah... I knew it. You're a pervert person. Do you want to create your own harem of beautiful women?" C.C. drawled while returning to eat her pizza.
"Uh, that's an interesting idea. Yet, I don't have the time now for something like that. There is an empire to burn."
Lelouch told C.C. as she changed clothes.
"Shocker, a person who dismisses sex for a goal. Doesn't your father have a like... a hundred wives and mistress?" C.C. asked, bewildered.
"Yes... and I honestly cannot comprehend how could he keep up with all of them."
"There is a medication for that... I believe. To last longer, and keep it... up."
"I do not want to think about my father's sex life!" Lelouch yelled while cringing.
C.C. giggled as she took another bite of her pizza. This is turning to be very interesting.