Pre-Comment: I may miss it when this is all over. *Sniff*

Chapter Twenty-Four woke up in a panic, only just realizing it was less than it thought it would ever be, and will never become what it always wanted. A fully-fledged chapter.

ENJOY!

Chapter Twenty-Four: Epilogue

Suzaku took a moment to compose himself in the lobby outside the elevator. He stared at his reflection in a nearby mirror and smiled his corporate smile, preparing himself for what would be another incredibly dull evening for him. He had gone to weddings for high-profile people before, and they all amounted to much the same thing.

Lelouch was no longer here, so he had no reason to try and enjoy himself tonight.

The small metal band on his ring finger caught light and glinted in the mirror's reflection, making Suzaku pause in fixing his tie and collar for the fourth time. He gave a tight smile and continued to adjust his collar for the fifth time, deciding to leave the ring on. When he felt composed enough (and tired of the doorman suspiciously eying him like he was some kind of criminal waiting to reveal himself) he entered the reception, getting swallowed up almost immediately by the large throng of people milling about in small circles everywhere—some already pretty drunk despite it being only just past six.

Casting about the room somewhat listlessly, he breathed in deeply and let it out slowly. He had all the time in the world to be upset about tonight later. Right now he was here for Gino and Kallen.

It wasn't hard to find the couple, one soaking up all the attention in the middle of a crowd, and the other on the dance floor. Gino caught sight of him immediately and waved him over enthusiastically. Taking the cue, Suzaku headed towards the bouncing, blonde man. He glanced at the dancefloor on his way over and smiled at the sight of Kallen getting swung around effortlessly by a large man he presumed was her father.

He turned back to Gino, noticing him in the company of someone else.

"Suzaku! Buddy!" Gino exclaimed, face lighting up. "It's great to have you here! Hey, I want you to meet someone you've been dying to meet for years."

"Okay, sure," Suzaku agreed easily, smiling politely. It looked like Gino had already gotten a good start on the alcohol considering his lack of usual decorum.

The man gestured to a tall, solidly-built man standing just to him. Blonde wavy hair fell over his face, framing his clear, blue eyes like a Greek god. Suzaku wasn't ashamed of his physique in any way, but this man looked like he had been carved out of marble by some renowned artist from the Renaissance and brought to life.

"I am pleased to introduce to you Schneizel el Britannia, Vice President and scion of the Britannia Group. As you know, it's Charles officially at the top, but Schneizel is the one pulling all the strings. Sir, this is Suzaku Kururugi, chairman and CEO of the Sakura Group—the largest purveyor of Sakuradite in the world."

Suzaku pulled out his corporate smile and met Schneizel's outstretched hand. "It's a great pleasure to meet you, Mr. Britannia. I've been looking forward to the day of our meet for many years now."

Schneizel gave him a magnanimous smile. And it wasn't hard to imagine the heavens opening up to accompany that Gift of God with harp and lyre, with a background of strategically placed sunbeams, blue sky, and clouds. It was the kind of smile that girls would faint at. "The pleasure is surely mine, Mr. Kururugi. On behalf of the Britannia Group, and all our affiliates, I thank you for your support and patronage."

Gino laughed at the display. "Right. I'm glad you two could finally meet. It's been long overdue. If only the boss man here wasn't such a shut away. Anyway, this is my wedding! Let's celebrate! And, oh hey, where's Lelouch?"

Schneizel's eyebrow rose in interest. "Lelouch?"

Gino nodded. "Yup. Lelouch Lamperouge—Suzaku's wife to be."

Schneizel turned that blue-eyed gaze onto Suzaku with even more interest—though it had to be Suzaku's imagination. Suzaku laughed. "Lelouch wouldn't be happy to hear you call him that, Gino. Unfortunately, it looks like you won't be meeting him tonight." Or ever. "He's gone home sick. Lunch disagreed with him."

Schneizel simply smiled in that magnanimous way of his, although seeming slightly disappointed. "No? What a shame."

ooo

Lelouch sneezed.

Sniffling a bit, he wondered if he was coming down with something. Either way, he would deal with it when they got home. It had been a long time since they were in that modest apartment of theirs, but it was home all the same.

When they arrived at the mansion their stuff was already packed for them, with Sayoko standing next to the lot of it, smiling in that demure, unassuming way of hers. A cab had even pulled up the moment they entered the foyer. CC and Sayoko held hands and swapped what suspiciously looked like pictures, looking like girlfriends that were leaving each other for a very long time, while Lelouch loaded up the car with the driver.

By the time they boarded their flight it was nearing midnight. CC promptly passed out the moment the plane was airborne. Lelouch took the time to stare out the window at the retreating scenery of Tokyo until it was mere glittering in the distance.

"Suzaku Kururugi—officially blacklisted."

Comment:

Whew. Some technical delays at the end here with the posting, but it got done. I'd say I'm pleased overall with how this turned out. Trust me when I say no one on this planet is happier than I that this flaming ball of wreckage is over and done with. Time to pull out the fire extinguishers instead of the oil.

HERE'S TO HOPING THE NEXT ONE TAKES ME LESS TIME.

Thanks again to everyone who stuck with me! I'm glad I could entertain you all! The Long-Ass Real Talk is over on my Live Journal (link in my profile) to separate the wheat from the chaff (although in my opinion it's all chaff). Feel free to head over and read it, or chat me up, or stalk me. I'm down with that too.*

Until next time: So long! And thanks for all the fi—! I mean Reviews!

There is no more story after this.

Please R&R.

- Minute Maid

Beverage of Queens.

*Stalking not actually encouraged.