Finally, finally, finally! I've been aching to get this two-shot out of my head for months! And it's done. Phew! This is how I thought the scenes after Zero Requiem but before the epilogue should be. It is just my interpretation of the ending so I'd like to note once again, don't bring up the subject of Lelouch's death, resurrection or whatever. I don't own Code Geass and thanks for reading!

The Moment of Truth

"You sure are cautious. The camera has already been switched off."

"It's because I've always been hiding." Lelouch took off his mask and with his other hand, he revealed a gun. "Thanks to a certain Imperial Empire. This is a ceramic needle gun. Detectors can't find this." He pointed it straight at the pink-haired princess.

"Lelouch, you won't fire at me, right?" Euphemia spoke, brimming with confidence.

"Yes, I won't fire at you. Euphie, the one firing will be you."

"Eh?"

Suzaku watched through Lelouch's eyes, spellbound. The conversation progressed and somehow, Suzaku felt the exact burn spreading through his left eye. And then, anger, frustration…

"Stop it! Stop feeling pity for me! I won't accept sympathy from you! I'll try and achieve it with my own power!" Lelouch staggered up, shouting. "I'm willing to taint myself to do that! Euphemia li Britannia!" Lelouch opened his eyes, his Geass activating.

No! He did not want pity! Did not expect it and despised it. What's worse, it came from someone that was part of the Imperial Empire… part of the Emperor's family!

"I have already relinquished that name!" Euphemia replied.

Lelouch paused, his Geass gone and his mouth parted at her words.

The princess stood up, "I think it won't be long before the main country announces it. I have relinquished my rights to succeed the throne as well."

"Why?" Lelouch asked, his heart pounding in his chest.

Growing horror and worry for the princess started to fill Suzaku's heart. But (he realized with a start), in truth, these were all Lelouch's emotions.

"Don't tell me it's because you accepted Zero." Lelouch's guilt was underlying his sentence.

"Since they listened to my selfish request, in return I have to pay an appropriate price, right?" Euphemia lifted her shoulders slightly in a shrug.

Now Lelouch just could not believe it.

But he caught himself rather quickly, "You sure abandoned it easily. Are you going to say it was for my sake?"

Euphemia giggled, "As usual, you sure are conceited. It's for Nunnally's sake. That girl said that she doesn't need anything as long as she can stay with her brother."

"Just because of that?"

The memory progressed. And suddenly, Suzaku's heart gradually grew lighter.

Lelouch smirked and let out a short bark of laughter, "What about Cornelia?"

"It's not as if I won't see her again…"

"However, because of your recklessness, you managed to attain everything in the end." Lelouch glanced away, gaze wistful before facing her again. "Come to think of it, before you're a Vice-Governor or a princess, you're just Euphie."

"Since I'm just Euphie, are you willing to work together with me?" Euphemia held out a hand.

Suzaku knew Lelouch had his poker face on, but the gratitude that he felt was rather overwhelming.

"To me… you're the worst kind of enemy I face." Lelouch's smirked, grasping Euphemia's hand firmly in his own. "You win. Let's plan how we can make this Specially Administered Zone survive." He said, in reply to Euphemia's puzzled look. "Ah, but I won't become your subordinate."

And then he saw it. That one horrible mistake. That uncalculated possibility. That careless misstep. Suzaku shared in Lelouch's desperation in trying to get Euphemia to stop. But it was to no avail…

The first gun shot.

Suzaku's hand went up to his heart, as if unconsciously trying to comfort Lelouch. Emotions rushed through him. His pain, guilt, regret, grief. All the feelings in one dark, violent maelstrom that had to be kept out of his voice when issuing orders. Lelouch however, did not try to stop his tears from streaming down his cheeks. Lelouch's thoughts echoed in his mind, and a tiny resolve shone through the ball of emotions. A resolve to bear and atone for Euphie's sake. Using that resolve, Lelouch lifted a gun and shot at point blank.

Back in the confines of a small room, Suzaku listened to the conversation between C.C. and Lelouch. A crushing sadness overwhelmed him before he felt Lelouch lock it up and seal it deep within his heart.

When he came to, he heard C.C.'s voice. It seemed that she was arguing with someone. His vision was blurry as his eyes refocused, his mouth dry and patchy. It didn't help that C.C. sometimes didn't face the person she was talking to, but he could not see anyone in the room. He saw Erica and Maya standing behind the couch he was propped on, their eyes deceivingly normal.

"Wha…?" Suzaku's eyes flitted around randomly, still rather disorientated.

Erica cheekily placed a finger in front of her lips while Maya once again used her Geass. A red sphere soon surrounded the three of them, and a deep baritone was picked up by their ears.

"Witch." It muttered, not at all pleased.

"The look on your face was really quite comical." C.C.'s Cheshire grin was much too obvious.

"I had no time to come up with any response!" Lelouch argued, indignant. "There were at least 124 things I could've said! And who asked you to tell Suzaku to meet me?"

"Myself."

Lelouch looked as if he wanted to strangle her, but he settled for an extra loud sigh and a click of his tongue.

"But it is unlike you to be shy." C.C. smirked, biting into a piece of pizza.

A bright red hue dusted Lelouch's cheeks, and the normally excellent orator had no clever comeback, instead becoming quite flustered. He held his arms, avoiding C.C.'s penetrating orbs. And Suzaku… Suzaku smiled.

"Lelouch." The brunette got up, calling his name.

The raven's head jerked sharply towards where Suzaku was sitting before he quickly lowered his eyes, as if ashamed.

"Suzaku." The raven murmured softly, a certain fondness to it.

C.C. hoisted herself up, finishing the last bit of pizza. She and the twins took this as their cue to leave the two young adults to themselves.

"You're…" Suzaku broke the silence between them before growing hesitant. "You're alive?"

"Ah, I figured you would ask that." Lelouch allowed his lips to form a small smile. "But no, I am not."

"Then how…?"

"As you know, the twins have Geass. C.C. granted it to them. The elder one—Maya—can see spirits. She can pass the power on to others as well."

"Oh." Suzaku lifted his eyes thoughtfully, everything making sense to him.

Another silence fell on them, as each struggled to know the right words to say.

"Suzaku—," Lelouch began.

"Lelouch—," Suzaku said at the same time.

The both of them looked at each other.

"Oh, you go first." Suzaku offered, patting the seat next to him.

Lelouch paused before tentatively taking a step forward. A few more and he was settling down beside Suzaku, hands clasped tightly together.

"Suzaku…" Lelouch looked into the depths of green that made up his former knight's eyes. "Forget what you just saw."

"What?" Suzaku frowned, confused.

"Forget what you just saw and go back to Nunnally. I won't disturb your peace anymore." Lelouch repeated, his voice trailing off.

Suzaku's face grew solemn, "I just have one question." He held Lelouch by the shoulders, "Did you kill Euphie because you didn't want her to bear the sin of initiating a massacre?"

"I…" Lelouch tried to shy away from him.

"Look at me, Lelouch." Suzaku's tone held no room for argument.

"I—There wasn't a time limit for that order. I thought she would be more at ease that way. I didn't want her to suffer after she had realized what she had done. I never wanted to…" Lelouch's already soft volume turned into a whisper.

"I see." Suzaku's shoulders slumped and he let out a long breath, releasing Lelouch.

"Suzaku?"

"You thought I was at peace after I killed you?" Suzaku asked, leaning back against the lumpy couch.

"Well…"

The conversation was left like that for a while, the both of them reminiscing about the three months they had together as Emperor and knight. While they acted normal, there was no more of that closeness that they had shared. No more teasing, joking around, no laughter. Suzaku made sure to draw a bold line the two of them by keeping a professional distance. Lelouch knew he deserved it, but the brunette's hate did not quell his want to reach out just a little. But he didn't. Not until the very last moment, the one time he could allow a slip of truth to surface. No one saw the gentle hand cupping Suzaku cheek, leaving ugly blood stains on the mask of Zero. No one but Suzaku saw that last smile, triumphant… and compassionate.

"I expected it too." Suzaku said, more to himself than anyone else. "But something else happened."

This time, it was Lelouch's turn to gaze at him in confusion.

"Suzaku…" Lelouch rested his hand on the other's shoulder lightly. "You need to learn how to really forgive yourself."

"And you don't?" A wry smile appeared on Suzaku's face.

Lelouch chuckled, the sound filling Suzaku's ears, "Maybe… But know that even if you don't forgive yourself, I do."

"Lelouch…" Suzaku's eyes widened.

"Don't be so hard on yourself."

In that split second, Euphemia's words came back to him.

"I order you to love me! And in return, I will love you back!"

"So don't hate yourself!"

"Farewell, Suzaku."

Suzaku blinked, snapping out of his reverie and saw Lelouch already heading out of the cottage. Body took over mind and he made a grab for Lelouch, hugging him from behind. His nose nuzzled the crook of the surprised raven's neck and his grip grew tighter. The smell of Lelouch filled his senses and he sighed contentedly, not knowing how much he actually missed the raven's presence.

"Suzaku?"

"Don't go."

"Huh?"

"Stay. For a little while longer."

"…What about Euphy?" Lelouch hands curled into loose fists, while he looked away.

"Euphy?" Suzaku drew away slightly, blinking in curiousity.

"You loved her." Lelouch pulled away from Suzaku's hold, a hand coming up to rest on his arm on the other side. "So… you shouldn't betray that feeling by getting any closer to her murderer."

"Lelouch, what are you saying? I saw what happened and—,"

"Stop it."

At that moment, Suzaku's next words died on his mouth. It was how Lelouch sounded—pained. There was a certain anguish to that phrase.

"Suzaku…" Lelouch smiled ruefully, "I am a killer. You are a hero. Don't forget that."

The brunette stared after him as he left, not knowing what to do. Yes, he was a hero. Yes, Lelouch killed Euphy. Yes, why should he bother about the raven anymore?

Yet, it hurt to watch him go.

He stayed in that cottage, leaning on the window ledge and staring listlessly out the smudged window. He remembered the night before Zero Requiem was completed. He had asked whether Lelouch was really going to carry out the plan. It was an impulse—a sudden desire to find another solution. He didn't know why he asked about that back then—he thought that was the most befitting end for Lelouch.

Somehow, without knowing it, I… seem to have to have forgiven him already. Before knowing the truth. Suzaku rested his chin on his knee. Lelouch… just what exactly are you to me? My best friend? My greatest enemy? Euphy's killer? The Demon Emperor? Nunnally's brother? You wear so many masks…

"And I thought you were a little sharper at recognizing feelings. Seems you're just as dense as Lelouch." C.C. walked in, not at all surprised that he was still here even though night had fallen.

"What do you mean?" Suzaku asked, not unkindly.

"When you are in battle, you can always lose a shield. But if you lose a sword, you cannot continue fighting."

Suzaku waited.

"A sword can protect as well, Suzaku." C.C. sighed tiredly. "Why do you still yearn for Lelouch? You thought about nothing but him after his death. And you even mourned it, did you not?"

"I…"

"The answer should be clear enough. Whether you accept it or not is not my business." C.C. set down the box of pizza she brought in with her.

When she finished making herself comfortable on the couch, Suzaku was already gone, the door wide open behind him.

A brunette's silhouette flitted through the lush foliage, going so fast, he was almost a blur.

"He's at the Exelica Gardens." Erica called from above the trees.

"Thanks!" Suzaku nodded, sprinting faster.

"My power lasts until the day is over. Make full use of it." Came the gentle voice of Maya as he passed the flower fields.

"Understood!"

So in the end, this was why. This was why he had felt so torn. This was why he cried. This was why. It was such a simple answer. But they had so much going around them. There was no time to fully understand or relish that precious feeling. That one special emotion…

Suzaku felt his lungs burn with exhaustion. Just a little more… He thought, increasing his strides. And as if on cue, the sight unfolded before him. There Lelouch was, in all his magnificent beauty. There was no doubt that the raven was stunning. However, somehow… tonight, he took Suzaku's breath away.

Still in those white emperor robes, his hair shone as a stark contrast. And those eyes…

He looked damn good. Even if he was a spirit.

Suzaku didn't slow down. In fact, a mischievous smile crept up his face (it hadn't in forever), and he pounced, making Lelouch yelp in surprise. They fell over, with Suzaku laughing so light-heartedly, it was as if nothing had happened between them. The black blood between them, that river of hate and everything that was in it… all of it was gone.

"Suzaku!" Lelouch cried, shoving the still laughing brunette off him, his hair all ruffled. "What are you doing?"

Lelouch was definitely questioning his friend's sanity right now.

"What?" Suzaku choked out, laughter finally dying. "What, I wonder…?"

Lelouch opened and closed his mouth, completely at a loss of words. It didn't help that it was dark, he couldn't really see the expression of the other. The sky above them was pretty—littered with plenty of stars. The moon later revealed herself from behind a dark cloud, it rays gently bathing the two young adults lying on the grass. Lelouch's right arm rested lightly on his abdomen while his other was supporting his head from behind.

"We used to do this a lot, staring at the night sky…" Lelouch sighed, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "If we… could have stayed like that…"

"Yeah." Suzaku agreed, his hands holding the back of his head. "But… you didn't regret it, did you? Everything…"

"No." The answer came, firm. "I chose this path on my own. I… don't expect forgiveness from anyone." His voice took on a more reserved tone.

"I didn't know forgiving someone would feel so good, actually." Suzaku sighed, content, his eyes closing.

A little pause. Then,

"Suzaku, what did you just say?"

"I. Forgive. You." Suzaku grinned, not looking at the raven.

He wanted to. Badly. He knew that Lelouch's mouth would be hanging open like Grand Canyon. But he kept his eyes shut.

"Suzaku." Lelouch's voice dropped to a mere whisper, the slower than usual pronunciation of his name suggesting that his thoughts were all a flurry.

"Yes, Your Highness?" Suzaku smiled, still teasing.

Whoosh.

And when he opened his eyes again, he was looking directly in amethyst ones. The latter's was hesitant. Afraid. Hoping. And they were shimmering with something that strangely resembled tears.

"Say it." Lelouch fisted his hands in Suzaku's Zero garb.

He rested his forehead on Suzaku's chest, as if begging.

"Say what?" Now, Suzaku was being mean.

"Say it again. Please."

"Ah," Suzaku's grin turned affectionate, and his hand came to rest lightly on the back of Lelouch's head, "I forgive you." He murmured into the raven's ear.

And he repeated the phrase throughout the night, gently holding Lelouch close to his own body, stroking the raven's back with what one could call love.

That night, C.C.'s soft, amused chuckling filled the gardens.

The chirping of birds disturbed Suzaku's sleep, and he reluctantly awakened, opening his eyes to the still-dark sky of dawn. His hand was no longer wrapped around Lelouch's waist as it had been the night before, and was now resting on his belly. He started, panicking at Lelouch's disappearance.

"Lelouch?" He stood up, seeing black spots behind his eyes from getting up too fast. "Where are you?"

"I did tell you my powers would only last until the day was over." Maya approached him, not fazed by the wild look in Suzaku's eyes.

But then, her eyes softened and she touched Suzaku's hand in an effort to calm him down. The light touch drew Suzaku's attention, and he stilled.

"Enjoy yourselves." Maya flashed them a beautiful smile, squeezing Suzaku's fingers.

Once again, Lelouch suddenly appeared out of thin air, and there was sudden weight on Suzaku's right shoulder. He found himself staring into concerned purple eyes and was so overcome with relief, he sagged against Lelouch. Maya was nowhere to be found. Arms came to circle the thin body that was Lelouch's and the grip was tighter than need be.

"Suzaku," Lelouch patted Suzaku's head comfortingly, not knowing what else he could do to ease the brunette, "please remember… I'm not alive anymore."

A muffled, shaky laugh, "Kinda forgot. You just seem so real." Suzaku brought their hands up, locking them together. "I can feel your hands, your lips, your hair…"

"Oh, that." Lelouch smiled, recalling something. "Maya's Geass actually gives her the power to communicate with spirits to this extent. But she can only grant her Geass to others for up to three people at one time."

They stayed like that for a while, relishing each other's presence. Before a bell tower sounded from the well-known Ashford Academy, signalling lunch time for it's many students.

"Oh, yeah! There was that meeting that I was supposed to attend. Come with me?" Suzaku turned, just tilting his head to one side.

"Suzaku…" Lelouch paused, "You're supposed to be dead." He deadpanned.

"Oh, right! I need the mask." Suzaku jolted, dashing away to find it.

"It's in the cottage, you idiot!" Lelouch called after him.

"Then, let's go!" Suzaku zoomed past Lelouch in the opposite direction, not wasting a second more.

And of course, leaving no choice for Lelouch but to follow him.

Halfway through though…

"Wait—," Lelouch gasped for breath (apparently his physical prowess didn't improve even after he died), "I said, wait, you exercise—," another pant before doubling over, "nut!"

"C'mon, Lelouch!" Suzaku jogged back to him, raising an eyebrow in mirth.

"Idiot…" Lelouch looked as if he wanted to die (pun not intended).

Suzaku shook his head helplessly at him, and grabbed Lelouch's hand… before taking off into a full sprint. Lelouch, needless to say, was not pleased. He yelled, and fought against Suzaku's grip, telling—no, ordering Suzaku to stop.

Well, when he finally did, they were back at the cottage.

"There, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Suzaku had his hands on his hips, grinning.

Lelouch had a sheen of sweat coating his forehead, a hand holding a nearby tree to steady himself. He didn't even have the energy to retort.

"I'll get the mask," Suzaku coughed, trying to hold back his chuckle, "so you can rest here for a bit."

"You… brute…"

Though Lelouch just had to have the last word.

As Suzaku entered the abode, he spotted the mask left forgotten on top of the rickety table. He leaned down to pick up, before turning around to greet C.C., who had made no noise at all as she moved.

C.C. didn't reply, her eyes scrutinizing Suzaku with a wisdom accumulated over the years she had lived, "I see you've realised."

"Ah yeah. Thank you for helping." Suzaku bowed once to express his gratitude. "But… didn't you love him? If so, why?"

C.C. met his eyes, steady, "What do you think of Euphemia?"

"Huh? Well, she was an angel." Suzaku rubbed the back of his head, thinking. "I guess you could've said she was the light to me. But somehow… Lelouch is different." Suzaku turned serious and in all honesty, said, "I love Lelouch."

"Then you have your answer." C.C. scoffed lightly, "The both of you, that is."

Suzaku heard the door creak hesitantly open, and Lelouch stepped in, the surprise written all over his face.

"Suzaku, what is the meaning of this?" Panic crept into Lelouch's voice. "I thought… No, you're supposed to love Euphy. You can't…"

"Lelouch, what do you mean 'I can't'? I don't understand—," Suzaku held out a hand to touch Lelouch's cheek.

"Don't touch me!" Lelouch slapped his hand away harshly, causing Suzaku to recoil and stare.

"Lelouch?"

Lelouch then realized what he had done and quickly avoided Suzaku's face, "I— I'm sorry."

"Why can't I love you?" Suzaku attempted to reach for him again, but Lelouch backed up against the wall, afraid.

"B-Because…" Lelouch's shoulders shook, his voice barely above the smallest of whispers, "you're not supposed to."

Suzaku blinked twice, and then he understood.

I don't deserve this.

"You can think that. But you can't change what I feel. And what I have always felt for you." Suzaku spoke, effectively trapping Lelouch as he laid his hands on the wall, one on either side of the raven's head.

"You can't…" Lelouch repeated. "I can't…"

"And who was the one telling me I shouldn't be hard on myself?"

"Shut up."

"Everyone," Suzaku drew Lelouch into another hug, "Everyone deserves happiness, isn't that right?"

"You do."

"So do you." Suzaku replied firmly.

"You sure thought otherwise." The prince scoffed softly, eyes darkening.

He did not resist however, the hug that grew tighter.

"I'm sorry…" The apology came from Suzaku.

Honest, sincere and most of all, regretful.

"Idiot." Lelouch's slack arms now came up to hook around Suzaku's neck.

"I can't say I didn't miss that nickname." Suzaku's hand came up between them to grasp Lelouch's.

Their faces were so close, and angled towards each other. Their breaths were mingling as they pressed harder against each other, as if trying to mould their forms into one. Both pairs of eyes went half-mast, before Suzaku closed his and moved in. Their lips met in a soft, hesitant kiss. Suzaku backed away slowly afterwards, gauging Lelouch's reaction. Lelouch's eyes brimmed with tears, but he refused to cry. No. Instead, his hold on Suzaku's neck tightened, and he jerked Suzaku towards himself again. The second kiss was clumsy, their teeth clipped against each other, but they didn't care. Even though it was a rocky start, the need, the desire was definitely there, no doubt.

C.C. allowed herself a ghost of a smile before she resumed her usual air of disinterest.

"My, my." C.C. smirked. "I seem to have been forgotten."

The two broke apart, jerked out from their own world. Suzaku gave a nervous laugh before clearing his throat. Lelouch's face reddened, his cheeks giving away his embarrassment.

"Oh?" C.C. was so enjoying this. "No, no. Don't mind me. Continue your frolicking."

Suzaku then flashed an apologetic smile as he took Lelouch's hand and led him outside. C.C. took a look at the Zero mask, which was once again, forgotten.

"It will be soon, will it not?" Maya came up to her twin who was sharing the couch with C.C..

"As long as Lelouch does not have anymore regrets, it is only natural for him not to linger in this world." Erica shrugged. "Which reminds me, we still have a job to do for him. And after that, we will travel the world ourselves, helping those who need it."

"You are right." Maya nodded, linking one hand with her sister's.

"Ho~" C.C. lounged, bored out of her mind, "He actually had the time to give you one?"

"C.C.," They spoke in unison, "you were the person who acknowledged our existence in replacement of our parents who are no longer here. We were determined to be useful at least once in our lifetimes. And it seems we have achieved that."

C.C. sat up, watching them curiously. Both raised their hands to her forehead, and the Code started to shine, shafts of light piercing through the dull windows of the cottage. The witch's eyes widened with shock.

"In return for granting Lelouch's wish." They finished before C.C. could reply. "And ours as well."

C.C. gasped, tearing away from their grasp, "Don't! What are you two thinking?"

She grabbed at their hands, her mouth going slack at the marks. The impossible had happened.

The Code had broken in half, almost certainly relinquishing whatever effects it had.

"Suzaku, where are we going?" Lelouch asked.

"I didn't really think about that." Suzaku admitted, chuckling at his own abruptness. "But I just wanted to be alone with you."

"Idiot." Lelouch's cheeks coloured again. "Don't say such embarrassing things."

"It's true, you know." Suzaku cupped Lelouch's cheek tenderly, his thumb moving back and forth to caress it.

Lelouch leaned into the touch, closing his eyes and letting out a small, satisfied sigh. Suzaku was about to take another step forward and kiss him, but was stopped short by the hand on his wrist. He looked at Lelouch questioningly.

"Suzaku," Lelouch said, not opening his eyes, "ask Cornelia to put my body in the Damocles. Then, send the Damocles to the sky. Both will eventually reach the sun, and be destroyed by it."

Suzaku's hand stopped and his smile faded.

"Promise me, Suzaku." Lelouch held Suzaku's hand with both of his. "We are both symbols of hate, so it is right that we are destroyed. I need no memorial nor tombstone. It is only fitting that the Damocles becomes my coffin and my final resting place."

Suzaku made no move to face him, but laid his other hand on top of Lelouch's, bringing them close to his heart, "Yes, your Majesty."

A final look of bliss filled Lelouch's expression, and Suzaku noticed that the weight of the hands he was holding was decreasing at an alarming rate. Suzaku snapped his head to face Lelouch. He had the same smile on his face, that smile before his moment of death.

"Lelouch?" Suzaku breathed, filled with dread.

"Suzaku…" Lelouch continued to hold that expression, giving his knight's hands a last comforting squeeze—a gesture that Suzaku hardly felt.

Suzaku, in desperation, clung to his emperor, his best friend, his enemy and now, his newfound lover. He didn't want to let go. No. No! Not so soon. He clutched tighter, pulling on the fabric that was fast disappearing from view. It wasn't fair, dammit! This time, it was Lelouch to rub Suzaku's back soothingly, the touches already like a butterfly's. Tears pooled in Suzaku's eyes, as he tried to fight against fate.

Lelouch brushed away the bangs covering Suzaku's eyes, then as gently and he could, swiped away the tears that threatened to fall, "I will find you again, Suzaku. No matter how many times I am reborn, I will find you again."

"Lelouch, wait! I—," Suzaku leaned back, so that he could see that face one last time and burn it, etch it into his memory.

"And no matter how many times I once again walk this world," Lelouch touched his forehead to Suzaku's, his eyes voice going husky from emotion, "I am sure I will come to fall for you again."

Suzaku's hands were now fisting in thin air.

"Live, Suzaku. For my part as well." A single tear was brought by the wind, landing lightly on Suzaku's outstretched hand—one last futile attempt to reach for the other.

"Lelouch!" Suzaku choked through a sob.

And then, as if he never existed, gone were those stunning amethyst eyes that bore the love that he returned. Gone was the face he couldn't get out of his head throughout the whole ordeal of Zero. The wind blew strong across the afternoon sky, picking up blades of grass.

Suzaku once again fell to his knees and cried.

For destiny had taken Lelouch away from him… and this time, the discarded prince was not coming back.

Cornelia skimmed through the speech prepared for her in advance. As usual, Guilford's English was flawless, the meaning she wanted to convey was there. But somehow, she felt unsettled. Her eyes searched the crowd that were attending the Demon Emperor's funeral. It wasn't even a funeral actually. No minister, no procession and no official announcement. It was just a simple gathering of people.

Nunnally, was here of course, Sayoko, Kallen, Tamaki, Ōgi, Viletta, Tōdō, Rakshata, Kaguya, Tian Zi, Xingke and surprisingly Nina, Lloyd and Cecille. Rivalz showed up, demanding to be let in until Milly arrived, granting them both entrance. Cornelia spied C.C. in one corner and Jeremiah in the other. Gino and Anya decided to tag along even. All of them were in black.

When she glanced back at Nunnally and saw those earnest violet eyes, she knew at once it was not her place.

With a rueful smile, she folded the speech that had been painstakingly prepared for her and motioned to the soon-to-be Governor General of Area 11. Sayoko understood in that instant and pushed Nunnally forward, turning her around to face the crowd of people gathered at the control room of Damocles. The girl was resilient, and it showed—there was not a tremor in her voice. Her hands clasped together, the girl began:

"Lelouch Lamperouge, or Lelouch vi Britannia, a name that my brother hardly used, was… a man like no other. Yet, he was the same as us. He had loved ones he wanted to protect. He wished happiness for those that stood by him. He was kind to those he deemed important. He fought for his own beliefs, principals and happiness. However, he sinned just as greatly. He killed many in battle for the sake of revenge, sacrificed the blood of thousands and scorned his enemies with hatred.

How many of us here, today, have done the same?

His actions had many meanings, differing from one person to another. For some, he repaved the path they themselves had destroyed. For others, he hurt to protect. For many, he granted peace. I think, today, we are not here to neither judge nor justify his actions. To err is to be human. My brother too, was not perfect.

To all those who are present today, I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart. Let us mourn for the passing of my beloved brother, who sacrificed himself to bring a measure of peace to our chaotic world. I'm sure… that he is watching over us. Like always."

Nunnally's orbs shimmered with unshed tears but she made no move to wipe them. She took a deep breath to calm herself, closing her eyes in the process. It was at that moment a soft hand descended upon her shoulder, making her turn. Her eyes met with a neatly folded yellow paper crane, and the mask of Zero. The rest observed silently, not at all surprised by his presence. Nunnally hesitantly received the delicate piece of art, an expression of recognition passing through her face as her deft fingers touched his.

The alleged hero nodded slightly to Sayoko and took over her job, pushing Nunnally to the still open coffin housing Lelouch's body. His complexion was ashen, and his hands cold, but his face was strikingly serene.

"Zero." She lifted her hand and in response, the warm hand came to meet hers.

Resolute, with her other hand, she lay the paper crane next to her brother before Zero shut the lid with a final 'thud'.

The people left one by one, only after coming up to the coffin and paying their last respects, saying whatever they wanted to say to Lelouch.

Nunnally and Suzaku spared one final, fleeting glance before they too, walked out… towards tomorrow.