Chapter 2: Witch Who Loved

To make this as clear as it can, all characters depicted, said or otherwise implied to have sexual relations are 18 years and older.

Night had cloaked Area 11, and over the Tokyo settlement, the skies were pristine, unveiling a brilliant moon and a cascade of shimmering stars. It was one of those rare moments when C.C., clad in her Ashford school swimsuit, could simply gaze upward from the highest diving board at Ashford's pool without worry. While most students remained tucked away in dorm rooms or at home, she allowed herself to marvel at the night.

After a few light jumps to test the board, she executed a near-perfect dive, slicing through the water with graceful precision. Nearby, Lelouch sat on a pool chair, wearing the school’s men’s swimwear—a design by Milly’s meddling, was little more than a speedo—kept modest with a jacket wrapped around him. His attention was absorbed by the files of recruit applications displayed on his laptop.

His expression remained impassive, yet a quiet satisfaction showed as he reviewed names of individuals endowed with education or practical skills valuable for their operations. Amid the list, one name stood out: Diethard Ried. “A Britannian?” Lelouch remarked with a smile, his curiosity piqued. He had anticipated that the recruits would be the easily swayed lower classes, but Diethard defied that expectation. “He seems too self-assured to be a spy—maybe even an extremist?”

Before Lelouch could offer further thoughts, Kallen interjected from the chair opposite him. The redhead lounged effortlessly, her racy fire slingshot bikini accentuating her allure as she tossed Lelouch a playful glance. "You don't get the chance to call others out for looking smug, you know," she teased, her tone light but knowing.

Kallen couldn't help but reflect on the transformation since Inoue's batshit insane theory emerged, which, strangely enough, had improved matters. It had allowed her to shed the guise of the fragile woman expected by others, at least around Lelouch, Nunnally, and C.C.. Though Lelouch could be infuriatingly cocky at times, she treasured his company. Their closeness even provided a welcome distraction from her concerns over her mother's new job, and the principal's contrived invitation that morning served as an excuse for a private morning of shared tears away from prying eyes.

And sure, maybe it was a bit of an extreme reaction to that act for Kallen to jump Lelouch's bones, but she harbored no regrets. Their spontaneous encounters, the tender embraces, and light-hearted banter—especially with his congenial sister—proved far more appealing than an isolating night at home with her bitch of a stepmother. Though she wished that Nunnally wouldn't tease them as much as sweet she might be, she was just as much of a smart-ass as her brother when she wanted to be.

Lelouch offered no reply to her comment, though Kallen caught his lingering gaze and savored it. They had fucked several times since that night, yet his fascination with her remained unabated. She relished the power of drawing his attention, which is why she chose to wear that revealing outfit. This daring piece clung tightly to her flesh, offering a clear view of what lay beneath.

"You must be pleased; the number of recruits just keeps growing," C.C. remarked as she floated by, eyes fixed on the glowing moon above.

Lelouch rolled his eyes. "It's simpler than I expected. 'While I bitterly hate the Britannians, I refuse to condone terrorism'—that's what most Japanese claim as if they'd rather cling to their morals than face reality." His tone dripped with sarcasm as he dismissed such shallow justifications.

C.C. snorted at his remark, glancing at him while she relaxed in the water. "That's a struggle you don't seem to face," she retorted. "It's why you adopted that 'Knights for Justice' façade, right? So supporters back you even if by not reporting your actions.”

Lelouch’s smirked. “That backing has enabled several successful operations, drawing more support from those ready to take up arms for a ‘noble’ cause. I’ve even heard a group called Kyoto is sending us some knightmares.” His moral code remained as convoluted as ever—a necessity forged from a lifetime of struggle and responsibility, especially toward his sister.

C.C. emerged from the pool, letting water trail off her slender form. “All because you style yourself a knight for justice,” she quipped.

Lelouch looked up from his laptop, its light lending him an ominous aura. “People can’t resist a hero. And what better hero than a knight?”

“That’s a line that proves you’re anything but,” C.C. replied with a smile, amused by Lelouch’s duplicity.

Kallen stepped forward from her chair and joined him, pressing her back into his and wrapping an arm around him. “Watch it, Lelouch—lies have a way of biting you. It might be a clever plan, but people hate deceit. Perhaps you should believe in our mission for more than a means to an end.”

"Don't get your head so far up your ass that you can't see the truth: our strength and success depend on the people, so you better respect them, or you might just be doing your father proud," Kallen warned her tone as hard as a knightmare's fist. This remark cut deep for Lelouch. He despised Charles, perhaps even more than his subdued subjects. If she were anyone else, he would have brushed her off.

But Kallen was no ordinary person. She was his best pilot, a key pillar in his plans, and someone he cared for deeply despite only knowing her for a couple of weeks. He valued her opinion and couldn't dismiss her aggressive, emotional, yet honest insights.

He grunted in response—too proud to verbally agree, yet too wise to outright deny her words. Satisfied, Kallen rose. “That’s enough work for now. Back in the pool, Man of Miracles—your training isn’t over.” With a teasing stretch, she pushed her chest toward him, only to withdraw it at the last second, leaving him looking glum.

“I already swam four laps, Kallen,” Lelouch protested. Yet she grabbed him firmly; he knew escape was futile—a constant reminder of his physical shortcomings.

"And you're doing another four," she continued, her tone unyielding. "Beginners still. I'm not about to lose my lover or tell Nunnally that her brother got captured because he's in worse shape than a 60-year-old pensioner with asthma. Back in the water." The barb stung, but Lelouch understood that Kallen's colorful critiques of his physical prowess would persist until, in her eyes, he proved himself worthy.

Such insults only fuelled his royal pride, compelling him to give 110%—a response his coaches had failed to elicit since arriving at Ashford. Watching him plunge into the water for his drills, C.C. admitted she was impressed. Not even Marriane could coax her son to exercise like most men his age. It was yet another sign that Lelouch truly valued Kallen.

Ignoring the sting in her heart, C.C. eyed the redhead—now a strict drill instructor barking orders and offering no mercy when Lelouch slowed or faltered. “You, my dear, might be the only woman in history who could fear her rebel lover not being in good enough shape without it being unreasonable.”

C.C.'s quiet admiration for Kallen's forceful demeanor mingled with concern. Yet, she could not deny that the redhead's strict discipline was crucial in shaping Lelouch into the leader he aspired to be.

Line Break

The following night, in a nondescript warehouse bay at Tokyo harbor where security was lax, the Black Knights assembled. They were not gathered for an attack but to receive their shipment from Kyoto. Along with provisions, munitions, and medical supplies, the highlight for many fresh recruits was the Burais—Japanese variants of the old Glasgow models that had played a key role during Japan’s swift downfall years earlier.

Yet, among the veteran ranks of Zero's command, all eyes were fixed on the main attraction: the "front girl" delivered with her less impressive sisters—the Guren Mk II. "Those guys from Kyoto really believe in us," remarked Sugiyama with a smile as he admired the sleek, red, and dark yellow knightmare before them.

Minami said, "Of course, they sent Japan's first produced knightmare, claiming it's 7th gen too." The Burais were merely knock-offs of the outdated Glasgow models—better than nothing, yet still subpar. But the Guren Mk II was a complete game-changer.

Tamaki was drawn to the unit's right arm, where its true weapon was mounted—a large silver claw reportedly known as a radiant wave…something. Though he couldn't recall the full name, he remembered the report's promise. "Man, I'm loving this! With a weapon like that, we'll tear through the Britannians like sharks devouring fish," he exclaimed.

“Tamaki-san! Could you show me how to operate this equipment?" someone asked. Tamaki perked up, pleased to be recognized for his expertise, and headed over as the others chuckled and followed.

Meanwhile, Naomi, who preferred to remain close to Kallen, kept her eyes fixed on the new weapon. It suited them perfectly, for Kallen needed a unit that showcased her prowess. Now, she only needed to convince Zero to let her take it.

Before long, Zero’s voice emerged from the shadows as if he had materialized from thin air. “First Tamaki, then the rest of you are acting as if this were some sort of party,” he declared.

Kallen and Naomi jumped in fright, and Kallen glared at the masked man. “Jesus, we need to get a bell on you. It’s like you teleport,” she snapped.

Zero replied dryly, “It pays to remain unseen sometimes.” Naomi suspected he enjoyed his mysterious theatrics.

“Believe me, our PE teacher knows and hates that,” Kallen muttered, attempting to lower her voice, though Naomi heard and smiled.

Noticing their camaraderie, Naomi teased, “I see you two are getting along; have you done the deed yet?”

Zero’s answer was hidden, but Kallen blushed fiercely. “Inoue! You can’t just blurt that out,” she hissed.

Naomi threw up her hands in surrender as Kallen’s embarrassment grew and could lead to violence—a fact Tamaki knew all too well. “Relax—the rest are busy assisting the recruits. Besides, you’re the one making a big fuss,” she observed.

“You are being loud,” C.C. noted, emerging from the very shadow where Zero had been watching. Naomi found her appearance peculiar, especially dressed in a restraint jacket.

Kallen blinked, noticing others had turned to watch. “Well, aren’t you going to say something?”

“I chose the wise approach and didn’t counter facts,” Zero replied, and Kallen sensed a hidden smile behind his mask.

"Ass," Kallen grumbled as she refocused on the matter at hand—namely, that they no longer needed to rely on their old, beat-up Glasgow. "You shouldn't be so cynical. Kyoto is the biggest backer of Japan's resistance movements. We're gaining more resources and knightmares daily with them on our side."

"They even handed us the Guren Mk II. Not even the JLF has a seventh-generation unit," she added, gesturing toward the gleaming machine before her. Its sleek lines and dangerous aura promised power far beyond mere appearances.

In her cool, measured tone, C.C. interjected, "It's not exactly support—it's a test. This new machine is a prototype. They want us to push it to the limits so they can refine the design and perhaps even mass-produce improved variants. Oddly, their golden child, the JLF, will get the lion's share."

Kallen frowned at the remark. “So what? We’re still receiving help from high places, and this unit can outperform nearly anything the Britannians throw at us.”

Zero’s voice cut in, smooth and authoritative. “That optimism is why you’re the best pilot,” he said, tossing her an activation key fashioned as a red and silver winged keychain.

At that moment, Naomi's eyes widened in surprise. She noted with mixed emotions that Lelouch had taken decisive action—an act that had salvaged her work—though Kallen clearly disapproved. "Wha—me? But those defenses should be used to keep you safe. You're our leader, after all."

Zero turned his gaze toward Naomi, his eyes flicking momentarily in her direction before returning to Kallen. "Exactly, I'm a leader. Yet, as Inoue can attest, I'm not naturally a warrior despite my…lineage. You're the superior pilot here. You'll bring out the best in our new Guren, while I'll stick with a Burai like everyone else."

Lelouch bristled at the comment. Though he had inherited his mother's striking looks—enough to pass for her if needed—he had not inherited her combat prowess despite countless hours on simulators.

As the conversation continued, C.C. silently slipped away without warning, a move that puzzled Naomi. However, neither Zero nor Kallen seemed to find it unusual, which only deepened Naomi's curiosity about their mysterious companion.

“Listen,” Inoue piped up. “Who exactly is she? I haven’t seen her around before.”

Kallen hesitated. “Should we…?” she began, torn between loyalty and honesty. This wasn’t just her secret to reveal.

Lelouch took over; his tone was matter-of-fact. "She's been surprisingly forthright with us. And honestly, our revelation still sounds like the more insane part of our situation. Her name is C.C.—don't ask me her real name; she refuses to share it. As for her role with us…" He recounted the details: the truth about Shinjuku, the power of his geass and its limitations, and the time he forced Jeremiah to release Suzaku during their desperate escape.

“Oh… ohhhh…" Naomi murmured, overwhelmed by the torrent of information. Kallen quickly helped her sit, and her compassion was evident in how she supported Naomi through the revelations.

“Yeah, that was my reaction too,” Kallen admitted, recalling the shock of learning that Clovis had delved into occult research—and even attempted to wipe out a ghetto before letting the plan leak.

"And… he hasn't used his geass on any of us, right?" Inoue asked her tone a mix of disbelief and cautious inquiry. Though she trusted her memory, she wondered if a lapse might have occurred during those chaotic moments.

Zero shook his head. “Only Kallen when I asked about Shinjuku—being suspicious about my sickly schoolmate being an active terrorist—I didn’t realize it was a one-time use till then.”

Inoue mulled over his explanation, calculating the implications in her head. “Which led to you flashing him?” she prodded Kallen sharply.

Kallen glared back. “When you put it like that, it sounds like I wanted to,” she retorted, her voice edged with indignation.

“Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it in hindsight,” Inoue smirked, amusement threading through her voice amid the chaos.

“Emphasis on hindsight!” Kallen hissed, her tone softer now yet edged with irritation.

Lelouch enjoyed this, but it wasn’t the time. “With our C.C. situation, I doubt this was part of your…adult game.”

"In an eroge SRPG, perhaps," Inoue countered unabashedly. She never hid her love for a game packed with smut—it was part of its charm.

“You can’t be serious,” Kallen demanded.

“Not everything translates,” Inoue replied with a shrug. “The series never featured any geass or magical nonsense, so I’d never have guessed we’d wind up with all this.”

Kallen’s eyes narrowed. “How is that the part that’s nonsense?”

Ignoring the query, Inoue continued, "C.C. comes off like a character who appears early in the game—around the midpoint of the first title. You don't learn her name or see her face until later installments. Eventually, you discover she's been hurt too often and refuses to form bonds." She sighed, wishing she had her fan book to show them pictures at home. C.C. fits the role of Trinity(Shelta Zimmer), though they're very different. C.C. is young with green hair, while Trinity is a mature, bald, and buxom MILF in her mid-forties.

"Once you break past those barriers, though," Inoue said, "she becomes a remarkably useful ally. Her lineage of scholars and researchers means she's loaded with wisdom about the world, people, and warfare. Her route in the game avoids major pitfalls like secret enemies or hidden truths that slow you down."

Zero exhaled harshly. "That won't be happening here. She's as obstinate as ever—I don't know why she came today when she'd usually spend my money on endless pizza."

“Have you really tried getting to know her?” Inoue prodded Zero.

“Of course I have, but she never answers my questions,” Lelouch replied, earning a quizzical look from Inoue.

“Zero, with all due respect, that’s as moronic as Tamaki’s flirting,” Inoue stated.

At that moment, Tamaki, busy instructing a young recruit on reloading a submachine gun, felt an odd sting—as if he’d just been slighted.

"You can't just interrogate her," Inoue scolded sharply. "Spend time with her, do thoughtful things, show that you care. Otherwise, she'll shut you out like a bar cutting off the local drunk."

“You merely tolerate her, and that won’t build any connection,” Kallen added, uniting with Inoue.

With both of them agreeing on this, Lelouch just gave up as there was no point in fighting them.

Defeated, Lelouch sighed. “So what do you recommend?”

Inoue grinned mischievously. “Well, Clovisland just opened, so… indeed.”

Line Break

The following afternoon, after class and time with his sister, Kallen was away chatting with Milly (code for spending time with her mom), so Lelouch entered his room. He found C.C. lounging on his bed, wearing one of his shirts that now reeked of cheese and pepperoni.

She barely acknowledged him until he cleared his throat. “C.C., would you like to go out this afternoon?” he asked.

Her yellow eyes fixed on him, unimpressed. “And where would we go?” she replied coolly. “You’re always so uptight when I leave the clubhouse,” she added.

"We're going to an amusement park," Lelouch explained. "It isn't right for me to keep you confined to work only." C.C. snorted at his notion that she could be ordered around. Her previous takeover of his bed—forcing him to sleep on the floor—had long confirmed she did as she pleased. The only reason he'd been intimate with Kallen so often was her permission, which complicated her feelings.

“Like a date?” C.C. queried, stamping out any hope. She knew all too well that Lelouch was still entangled with Kallen.

“Yes, like a date. Now, would you really go? I’ve heard good things about that place near campus,” he pressed, sparking enthusiasm in her. It had been ages since C.C. had been on a proper date, yet her tone remained cool. Though hesitant, she paused. So Lelouch pressed since neither Kallen nor Inoue would approve if he gave up.

"I must admit, this wasn't my idea," Lelouch remarked dryly. "It was Kallen's who dubbed me a 'Royal Ass' and told me to show I care." C.C. found Kallen's description amusing and accurate, though she felt a sting as it wasn't his plan.

Bored of loitering around the council building, C.C. finally relented. "Fine," she said, changing to something more suitable. Opening the closet, she began rummaging through his belongings—a reminder that he needed to buy her proper clothes since his limited selection rarely fit her without looking odd.

“Get out, pervert, I’m about to change,” she snapped, already stripping as Lelouch turned away.

“Don’t act like I was going to stick around,” he retorted, heading for the door.

“And yet, you hadn’t moved,” C.C. quipped.

“That’s because you’re going through my stuff,” he shot back, catching sight of his half-naked self.

“My, what a gentleman,” C.C. dryly commented, prompting Lelouch to groan as he left, muttering about how things used to be simple.

Line Break

Clovisland was, in many ways, a colossal vanity project orchestrated by his brother. After all, who else would name an entire amusement park after themselves? The entrance boasted a giant cardboard cut-out of Clovis for all to see. At the same time, attendants paraded about dressed as him and other celebrated figures from his entourage.

Yet despite its ostentatious origins, Lelouch couldn't help but appreciate the vibrant energy pulsing through the park. The joyous laughter of children mingled with the carefree chatter of older guests, creating an atmosphere of unbridled delight.

Above, a roller coaster twisted and soared, its steel tracks flashing in bursts of colored lights, while a nearby merry-go-round brimmed with excited children waiting their turn. Spinning teacups filled with screaming, cheering riders contrasted sharply with the gentle, steady rotation of a Ferris wheel that offered stunning views of both the park and parts of the Settlement. Carnival games lined the walkways, their flashing lights tempting guests to try their luck—even if everyone knew the games were rigged, the allure was irresistible.

The sweet scent of cotton candy and other treats filled the air, assaulting Lelouch’s senses with its sugary promise.

Yet amid all the gaiety, what troubled him most was C.C.’s apparent disinterest. She showed no enthusiasm for the rides or attractions. When forced to join him on the roller coaster—a ride meant to evoke childhood wonder—her expression remained impassive. At lunchtime, while others eagerly devoured their meals, she merely poked at her fries, lost in thought, only perking up briefly at the sight of a pizza stand.

But just his luck, the pizza turned out to be abysmal, plunging her mood even further.

Lelouch’s concern grew; he couldn’t bear to see her so detached. “Are you sure you’re alright?”

"I'm fine, boyo." Her tone was as dry as sand, as if she were merely going through the motions without emotion.

The only moment of genuine warmth came when Lelouch won her a giant stuffed bear at a ring toss game. When he handed it to her, she looked momentarily confused before accepting it, clutching the toy tightly afterward.

As they strolled through the park, Lelouch couldn’t help but wonder, “Have I ever truly seen her smile?” Over time, he’d also won her other small prizes—a crown, a monkey-themed backpack, and a pizza-slice handbag that especially caught her eye.

Since meeting her, he had seen nothing but smirks, eye rolls, or blank stares, save for that one exception: the time he threatened to kill himself. Reflecting on that incident and how his near-fatal display had shocked her into silence, Lelouch suspected that her pained, concerned look wasn't merely about that…no, it was after he started speaking, talking about how he wasn't living, merely existing as a corpse that went through the motions of life, all because he couldn't do anything towards his goals.

When she relented, her voice revealed that she truly understood the pain of living without a goal or the means to reach one.

‘Inoue was right—I never even tried, did I?’ Lelouch thought bitterly, wishing he could punch himself. Instead, he resolved to focus on the future and do better.

“We should head home soon, but before that, how about a ride on the Ferris wheel?” he suggested, gesturing toward its glowing outline against the setting sun.

“It’s as good a ride as any to cap off this trip,” C.C. replied, her tone lacking cheer, being bland as bread. Despite her cool response, Lelouch pressed on, and they joined the line as dusk turned to night.

They boarded their carriage amid bright park lights that outshone the darkness. As the wheel slowly ascended, Lelouch peered out the window. The view was surprisingly romantic—the kind that made young couples swoon and snap countless photos.

Meanwhile, C.C. appeared so detached that she nearly dozed off.

Frustrated by her indifference, Lelouch decided to confront the issue. “C.C., this trip was meant for you to have fun. If you’re not enjoying it, we could have gone somewhere else,” he said gently.

"You mean you'd have tried harder to please your lover?" C.C. retorted, eyeing her new pizza slice bag. Though saddened by her infrequent outings, she clung to the bag.

“Partly,” Lelouch admitted, “but I really want to see you smile. I haven’t seen one since we met.” His concern shone through his usually arrogant, calm eyes.

She looked away. “I’ve felt joy before, and I will again. Why does it matter if I don’t feel it now?”

Lelouch leaned in as their carriage paused at the top. “It matters because you can’t keep merely existing, C.C. You need to find something worth living for—something that makes life valuable, even if it at times seems to wish to disprove its worth.”

His words hit closer to home than she would have liked, and she could see he knew that. Their talk prior to Saitama surfaced as she grimaced, having hoped he had forgotten it.

“I find part of that in passionate people—those who fight for what they desire, whether through battle or sheer wit,” Lelouch murmured, drawing C.C. close in his embrace. She did not resist; instead, something long-dormant stirred within her—a flame she’d tried to extinguish for centuries, now flickering back to life.

“And you, C.C., possess that same fire. I’ve seen it, yet you hide it. Why?”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” she snapped, bitterness lacing her tone. What could he understand of her endless struggles? Did he grasp the curse of eternal youth—condemned to live without aging, denied the sweet release of death—while he, blessed with healing and mortality, could grow old?

She was trapped in this youthful body on the cusp of womanhood, as she had been before his family's legacy began.

“I would, I truly would,” Lelouch insisted, unwavering. He was determined to break through her guarded exterior, not merely for his sake but for hers. Though he could not fully comprehend her pain, he vowed to help her find release.

In a sudden, tender move, he pulled her onto his lap. His hands cradled her face as their eyes locked, his nearness revealing soft, hidden details. “I promise you, C.C.—beyond the bounds of our contract, whatever that may be—I will help you unleash that passion. I will draw a smile from you, come hell or high water.”

Before he pressed on, his tone softened further. "But first, I must thank you." He wrapped her in a warm embrace, his chin resting gently on her shoulder. The simple words surprised her, making her heart skip a beat. "You saved my life in Shinjuku, giving me a chance to truly live after years of despair. You rescued me again in Saitama, pulling me back from my pride. I don't say this nearly enough, so let me say it now."

His hands moved tenderly along her back, each touch conveying his earnest gratitude. He did not know that her trembling was not born of anger or resentment but from an inner war—the cynical witch inside her, long resigned to renouncing her humanity, wanted to dismiss his words as mere sweet lies meant to draw her deeper into his schemes.

Yet, beneath that hardened exterior, the young maiden still lingered—the innocent soul who yearned simply to be loved, to feel genuine affection, untainted by the cold calculations of her geass or mere desire. How long had it been since she truly felt joy? That tender part of her fought desperately against the hardened witch.

Lelouch’s voice continued, sincere and unyielding. “Both times—whether due to my inexperience, arrogance, or sheer unpreparedness—you were there to save me. I owe you everything, C.C., from the bottom of my heart.”

At that moment, C.C. felt a subtle shift—a fragile hope that perhaps, at last, she could begin to feel.

"I'll get stronger, grow wiser, and learn to be humbler so that you and everyone else won't have to keep sacrificing for me. If I'm to achieve my ambitions, I must ensure you can finally find a reason to express the woman I know you truly are." Lelouch murmured with a gentle smile, resting his head in the crook of her neck.

For C.C., that tender moment stirred something long-dormant; the young maiden inside her, hidden for centuries, began to reawaken.

“You foolish man," C.C. sniffled, momentarily pulling away as Lelouch caught the raw emotion in her golden, bleary eyes. She felt exposed, seen, and appreciated in a way she'd never known. A watery smile blossomed on her lips, and she pulled him in for a passionate kiss.

Lelouch’s eyes widened briefly, but he quickly deepened the kiss, drawing her closer. When C.C. broke the kiss and rested her forehead against his, she whispered, “Chantal.”

“Pardon?” Lelouch asked softly, but C.C. turned away even as she leaned into his touch.

“Don’t make me repeat it—it’s the only thing I still have,” she murmured, her voice trembling with vulnerability. Lelouch understood the weight of her words and offered her a tender smile.

Drawing her close once more, he kissed her cheek before capturing her lips again, savoring her taste and the warmth of her presence in his lap. "It's a beautiful name—it suits you perfectly, Chantal. And I promise I will help you gain so much more. I made a vow, didn't I?" His voice was husky and sincere, and C.C. responded with equal passion.

As their embrace deepened, the carriage grew stifling. Their hands roamed freely, tugging at each other's clothes in their heated desire. C.C. hated wearing pants at moments like these as she pressed herself against him, feeling his arousal stir. Lelouch's hand traveled over her toned skin, now soft to his touch, shifting from her lips to her neck, where he traced kisses along a delicate vein. Her heart pounded as she clung tightly to him.

“P-pardon me, but the ride’s over—could you kindly vacate?” a startled park attendant stammered.

They halted abruptly, glaring at the attendant with such intensity that he yelped and nearly toppled over. How did they appear so fearsome? And why was he suddenly cast as the villain when they were nearly lost in passion in the middle of a carriage?

Despite the gawking audience—parents shielding their children’s eyes, onlookers offering thumbs up or impressed glances—they cared little. Disembarking from the carriage with ruffled clothes and tousled hair, C.C. proudly displayed the fresh hickeys on her pale neck.

Hand in hand, they began walking, planning to head home once they’d indulged their desires. But suddenly, mid-path, C.C. stopped.

"Something wrong?" Lelouch asked, noting a mischievous smile tugging at her lips like a scheming cat.

“We’re riding the Ferris Wheel again,” she declared, turning toward its glowing silhouette.

Lelouch glanced in its direction. Though they were meant to go home with no fixed schedule, one more ride was welcome. "Okay, but why?"

“You wanted to see me happy, right?” C.C. replied, eliciting a confused nod. Her smile widened. “I want to see that spark again—to push you further before the night ends.”

Lelouch paused, absorbing her challenge. "I need to see more of this side of you," he declared as they rejoined the line. They both anticipated the mischief that awaited them and wondered how the attendant would react the next time they stirred up trouble.

Line Break

Kallen and Inoue pored over Lelouch’s blueprints for the next operation—his most ambitious plan yet. “I get the idea, but it’s incredibly high risk,” Inoue observed, her tone edged with concern.

Kallen snorted, “No shit—we’re up against Cornelia, and if they hold a grudge, the JLF too.” Even though the Guren packs a punch, this mission would push them to their limits.

“Good thing we’re planning to level the playing field before we deploy,” Inoue replied, comforted by their contingency plans. She knew her role would keep her out of the worst of the fighting; she wasn’t eager to test that unruly A.I. called God after all her previous meddling.

Kallen's phone vibrated violently, nearly toppling off the table. "What's that?" Inoue asked.

Kallen quickly checked and replied dryly, “Message from Lelouch…he’s spending the night with C.C.” She held up her phone, displaying a photo of Lelouch and C.C. grinning as they embraced tightly, with a dismayed attendant in the background—a hint of their wild exit from the Ferris wheel.

“Ingenious—if it were that easy to get into her pants, he wouldn’t have had to try now,” Inoue scoffed. It was much simpler to hook up with C.C. than to get Kallen and Lelouch together.

Though Kallen should have felt hurt or angry seeing her lover with another, she didn’t. Instead, she tucked her phone away. “For a genius, he can be a real dumb-ass. Now, should we run some simulations? There’s a town nearby and…”

Line Break

Lelouch's bedroom door hadn't even closed, and the two couldn't keep their hands off one another. Unlike Kallen, who made a show of getting ready for their fun, C.C. was ravenous and impatient with Lelouch being on the back foot.

She tore off his shirt and tossed the remains into the corner, pushing him onto the bed where she claimed his lips, her tongue getting involved as she moaned into the kiss. Lelouch, for his part, knew who was in charge. Still, he was no dead fish as his hands were all over her, managing to get her top and pants off, exposing her naked body to his hands, covered with just her underwear, with Lelouch’s hands going under her panties to palm her ass as she laid atop of him.

She let out a moan as his fingers seemed to be magic, dancing over her toned butt, hitting nerves she didn't know she had as he moved onto her neck, adding to the collection of hickeys for a bit before she pulled his back into an intense make-out where tongues danced between them and in each other's mouths, tasting what the other ate.

C.C. wasn't a virgin, hadn't been for centuries, and had partaken in plenty of sex over the years with men and women alike. Still, she was never so…ravenous about it. She treated it like fine dining, slow and steady, building up to a main course, and often, she was the one being pleasured.

But that was always hollow, or in hindsight, bitter as she never cared for them, not more than just fuck buddies would. The exceptions happened when she let herself be tricked a few times in her younger immortal days, believing she found someone who cared, only to learn later that she was just a mark, another warm body, and all other terrible things.

But this? This was so much different. Maybe she was being foolish or insane, but she couldn't bring herself to care. She had finally, after over 700 years, found someone who cared. Someone who wanted her for her, not for her power, body, or anything but genuine affection. And she refused to treat this like she would any other lay if those were fine meals; this was her treating it like the first morsel of food after being starved.

And she was hungry.

C.C. was dripping her desire between her soft, meaty thighs. Lelouch was well aware of it, grinding against it to keep her wet and ready, his cock hard as steel in his pants and rearing to be released. Feeling the warmth of what had to be a sizable cock through his pants, C.C.'s nipples hardened, and Lelouch dived in to enjoy it, abandoning the kiss and pushing her bra up, not having the time or skill to quickly remove it, giving him access to her breasts.

They were perky and plump, with her nipples being pointy, hard, and deliciously pink. He couldn't resist as he dived on in, latching onto one and suckling it, drawing a deep, impassioned cry out of C.C., who felt like she would cum just from that. God, how was he this good after just a couple fucks with Kallen? She's slept with actual prostitutes that didn't have half the effect on her as he was. Dammit, C.C. was burning up; her body went so hot, so needy, like every nerve was pulsating as she ground against him harder.

“Lelouch…pants…get them off.” She cried as it was killing her, this level of pleasure, combined with the fact that she wasn’t getting the full thing. She could dry hump him all she wanted, but it wouldn’t be the real thing.

“As you wish, Chantal," She came a little with how much lust and love was in his voice; Lelouch grabbed his pants and tugged them off to shins, along with his boxers, which he kicked off. C.C. had risen to give him the space. Still, as soon as it was clear, she slammed down onto him, both groaning as Lelouch's thick, pulsating cock pressed against her pussy, the shaft being perfectly between the lips as she rode it, covering it in her arousal as Lelouch went back to ravaging her breasts, moving from one tip to the other, his hands feeling up her ass and hips.

"Oh yes…" C.C. hissed as she felt his cock against her, his long, hot and fat cock. It would be entering her soon, claiming her soon, and she…

She didn’t deserve it.

The realization crushed into her, drawing tears from C.C. as she started to cry, all thoughts of lust and fucking draining and being replaced with a deep sense of shame and dishonor.

Lelouch picked up on this immediately and stopped, looking worried that he had done something wrong and had offended her. "Chantal?"

Hearing him say that name with affection and concern only made her feel worse. "I don't deserve your love…I don't deserve any love." C.C. hurriedly tried to flee, gathering what little clothes she could.

“Says who?” Lelouch got out of bed, naked but uncaring for it as he approached her, but C.C. kept backing away from him till she was in the corner, holding her hands out like she was afraid he would hurt her. Seeing that drew pause from him and also a sense of hurt.

“You…you don’t understand….you can’t love me…” C.C. said as she continued crying, feeling like she had been a fool this entire time, and now it was time for reality to remind her of that.

“I’ll love who I’ll love, no matter who or what says otherwise-!”

C.C. yelled over him; she refused to hear it; she refused! "No! Don't say that name. I'm not Chantal; I'm the horrid witch, C.C. I'm someone who doesn't get loved; I get used because that's what I deserve!"

“You’re deserving of love, Chantal!” Lelouch yelled back, trying to get through to her even as C.C. seemed to have an emotional breakdown.

She laughed, but it held no joy, only pain and self-loathing, as she fell to her knees, sobbing all the while. “You wouldn’t say that if you knew! I’m just a witch…a lonely, horrible witch that could…”

She felt his arms around her, Lelouch soothing her as he. “Please don’t say that about yourself, Chantal-!”

He had no idea that her name would set her off. “I know who killed your mother!”  She yelled at him, the loudest she'd ever been, as she pushed him off her and stood, glaring at him as she pointed at herself like she was the killer. "I know everything, I know it all, and I knew you wanted to know, but I didn't tell you!"

"I didn't tell you because…because I wanted to use you! If you knew you wouldn't need me, you wouldn't have fulfilled the contract! Can’t you see, I’m not…I can’t take love from you, from anyone. I’m a horrible person, no-I’m not even a person, I’m a witch, the devil’s bride who should-!” She was close to pulling her hair out, but again, Lelouch grabbed her, holding her as she tried fighting back, but the strength left her, leaving her sobbing into his chest.

“Tell me everything, and then I’ll decide.” Lelouch had a feeling he would be up late.

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C.C. revealed everything.

She explained how geass worked. How it took a fully matured geass, marked by when the symbol appeared in both eyes and couldn't be turned off, to kill an immortal as only such a being could strip them of their code. She revealed how she gained hers, having originally been given a geass that forced others to love her. However, she grew to hate it as it was forced; it wasn't real love, which was what she had wanted to begin with. When she had told her code-bearer this, she had attacked her and forced her to kill her, though not without scarring C.C. in the process.

In doing so, she lost her hated geass but gained a new curse in the form of code. She talked about how she'd lived for centuries, outliving everything. Friends, family, and even the France she was born into. How she grew tired of life, how she wanted it to just end. As she poured her story out, Lelouch just held her, combing a hand through her hair. She explained how she met his parents, along with the uncle he didn't know who was still alive, V.V., who was like her, a code bearer. Shortly after she made contact with his mother, she met his father and fell in love with him; soon, the two were wrapped in Charles and V.V.'s plans to create a world without lies.

She explained more about how she met his parents, along with his uncle, V.V., who was like her, a code-bearer. She talked about how she first met Marriane, giving this ambitious commoner a geass so that she might one day do her in, only for Marriane to have quickly met Charles, falling in love with him and the trio coming up with a plan that would see God killed. She didn't care much for it, but she worked with them nonetheless to see it done as it was her best chance to die, especially as Marianne proved unwilling to use her geass, never needing it no matter what was thrown at her, forcing even the Knight of One, Bismarck to use his just to keep up with her.

She revealed that it was V.V. who killed Marianne, jealous of the fact she was close to Charles as well, and how Charles and Marianne covered it all up to fool V.V. into believing his attempt was a success, which included banishing him and Nunnally to Japan to protect them else V.V. try to kill them too. How his mother lived because her geass allowed her to transfer her consciousness into others, which she used to escape her dying body and hide in Anya Alstreim, the current Knight of Six.

By the end, C.C. was just drained, her immortal body producing more tears than it could shed, but she didn't have the strength to cry. All she could do was lie slumped in Lelouch's arms, as he had no idea how to take…any of that.

“I don’t even know where to start…” Lelouch groaned/

C.C. looked utterly defeated. “You can begin by simply…forgetting about me. I’ll tell Marriane something—make her think I broke things off and vanished. It wouldn’t be the first time.”

Lelouch frowned at her response. “Is that it? You’re just going to keep running?”

She sighed and lifted her gaze, her eyes filled with pain, loss, and defeat. “What choice do I have? If I could end it all with a bullet, I would have done so centuries ago.”

That admission pierced Lelouch like cold ice. “I don’t want you to die, Chantal,” he murmured, holding her closer. C.C. stared at him, astonished that he didn’t resent her; instead, he embraced her with unwavering care. “I refuse to lose the people I care about—not even God can change that.”

Before she could reply, Lelouch leaned in and pressed a gentle, loving kiss to her lips. It was pure affection—nothing carnal, only tenderness and, dare she say it, love. When they broke apart, he tenderly wiped away the tears streaming down her face, hating the sight of her pain.

"We're different, my love. Our geass reflects that. I longed for the power to change my destiny, and you… you simply desired love. What's so wrong with that? Why should you be condemned for wanting a basic human right—a joy everyone else takes for granted?"

Her lip trembled at his understanding. “I could have told you…”

"You already have," he interrupted softly, gazing into her golden eyes to confirm his conviction. "You could have remained aloof, continued deceiving me, even forced me or any of your former contractors to end you—but you didn't."

"You can act all you want, but there's still a beating, human heart in you," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around her. C.C. felt confused and relieved, clinging to him as if he might vanish.

“How are you not angry?” she asked in a trembling whisper.

“Angry? I’m furious, confused, hurt—but none of that eclipses what I feel for you. We’re flawed; we all make mistakes. Free will means sometimes we choose poorly, do terrible things.”

"But we learn and change—even if just a little," Lelouch replied as he struggled to stand and carry her up. Shit, Kallen was right; he really did work out. "We'll talk more in the morning. For now, we both need sleep." He carried her to bed and collapsed onto it, sweat glistening on his skin, while she lay against his chest, the blanket forgotten.

“Hold me?” C.C. whispered as he began to doze off.

“You have to ask?” he replied, wrapping his arm around her. “Goodnight, Chantal.”

“…Goodnight, Lelouch.”

Addition: C.C. referring to Lelouch as 'boyo' is by no means imply he's not 18, she's just much older then him.

All right, I’m starting this Thursday night as I also have an assignment due tomorrow. Fun. Hopefully, I can get maybe 2.5K words down, which I can build up on tomorrow, especially as I already finished my other chapter for the MHA story with the Friday slot. You all seemed to really like Chapter 1, which was appreciated as I was a little worried about it, NGL. But I'm going to try and improve things with this chapter.

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