Important A/N (Please Read!): Well, I had initially intended to simply let this story stand as it was: a simple oneshot. Therefore, I was somewhat surprised when I was inundated with requests to continue the story, even months after I had published it. I would've liked to keep it as is, but, being the kind of guy who gives the people what they want, I decided to spend some time on a short little addition. So, I am proud to present to you the reader-requested addition to "Cruel Destiny." It's certainly far different from the first chapter, but I have a feeling you'll all enjoy it quite thoroughly. As always, rate, review, and enjoy!

"Shirley? It's me…" Ms. Fenette called softly from beyond the door. The tormented wails of agony that had emanated from Shirley's room over the past several weeks had finally ceased, so she believed that she had an opportunity to console her daughter. Still, that didn't diminish the raw eeriness of the silence that now haunted her as she stood in front of the door to Shirley's bedroom. She pressed on anyway.

"I know you want to be left alone now, but I brought you some brownies. They're your favorite."

Again, she was answered only by silence. Now she began to grow concerned. Something must have happened, the transition from tortured screams to utter silence was simply too immediate. She didn't want to assume the worst, but some disturbing images entered her mind nonetheless. She had to make sure her daughter was alright. If her theories were wrong, then all she would have to deal with would be an angry teenager. But if she was right…

With one hand, she gently pushed open the door, while the other hand carefully balanced the tray of brownies. "Shirley…?"

The door slowly swung open to reveal Shirley's dark bedroom, an inch at a time. As light slowly began to fill the room, one fact became immediately apparent: it was totally devoid of any life. The window on the far side of the room was open; a gentle breeze tickled the curtains. Perplexed, her mother entered the room and noticed a small, folded slip of paper on Shirley's bed. With her free hand, she retrieved it and began reading. Several seconds later, a metallic clang rang out as the tray fell to the floor, breaking the suffocating silence of the house. Compared to the silence that preceded this noise, it could have been as loud as several tons of TNT igniting spontaneously. Yet even this sound was nothing more than insignificant compared to the horrified wail of Shirley's mother.

"In other news, police have yet to find the body of local teenager, Shirley Fenette, who is believed to have killed herself after a suicide note was found in her home last week. The search has been going on since last Tuesday, when her mother discovered the note in the teen's bedroom. As of yet, it is unclear whether the girl is in fact dead. Police investigators, however, remain skeptical."

Shirley turned off the TV, then carelessly flung aside the remote. Smiling victoriously, she turned to face the figure lying next to her on the bed, visually pestering him for some sort of reaction.

"It's been said that imitation is the purest form of flattery. If that's true, then I guess you really do love me as much as you say," said Lelouch.

Raising an eyebrow, she responded: "How do you mean?"

He simply laughed. "Faking your death? That's clearly an homage to yours truly. I've done the same at least three times since I was ten years old! Still, I must admit that even I probably couldn't have done it better, and this was only your first time," he said with a sly grin.

She smirked at this, understanding his logic. "I suppose you're right, Lulu."

Several seconds of peaceful silence transpired, each unsure of what to say next. Finally, Shirley took the initiative, rolling over on top of him and seizing him in a passionate kiss, which he promptly returned just as eagerly.

"I missed you," she said in between pleasured gasps.

"I missed you too, Shirley," he responded, unable to keep the lustful desire out of his voice. She kissed him again. They began blissfully rolling across the massive bed in each other's arms, and soon they were tearing ravenously at each other's clothes.

Too long had they been separated from each other, especially after their last night together had been so euphorically perfect. He melted into her embrace, the warmth of which felt amazingly satisfying, having only recently returned from the icy grip of death. The sensation was equally soothing for her, replenishing instantly the emotional loss she had suffered over her month-long period of mourning. More importantly, however, they were finally free of the world which had imprisoned them for so long. No longer were they trapped by circumstances, as they were when they had first submitted to their love for each other. No longer were they doomed to be separated by fate, as they had been on the last night they spent together. Finally, they were free, and the intense cries of bliss that rang out as they began their intimate reunion echoed that very reality.

--- --- ---

Shirley rested her head contentedly on Lelouch's shoulder as they clung tightly to each other, still quivering slightly in the aftermath of their intense lovemaking. They both panted heavily, for their breath had yet to return to them. The fingers of her right hand lazily traced along the contours of his chest, occasionally brushing the scar over his heart where Suzaku had stabbed him. One of his hands gently stroked her long, flowing hair. The other lovingly cradled her buttocks beneath the covers. Coincidentally enough, it was the same hand he had endeavored to hide from her since his return from the dead, for it bore the key to his survival. On that hand was etched the code, which he had inadvertently received from his father. With it came the curse of an eternal life span. As a result, he knew he would eventually have to watch his beloved Shirley die, and then be cursed to live for the rest of time with that experience. However, he did not want to worry her, which was why he kept the palm of his hand far away from her ever-curious eyes. He would certainly have to tell her eventually, but for now, the present moment was all that mattered to him.

Freeing him from his foreboding, trancelike train of thought, Shirley kissed him briefly on the neck before returning to her spot on his shoulder. She yawned and closed her eyes, exhausted, but did not fall asleep right away.

"I love you, Lulu." He kissed her on the forehead. "I love you too." She smiled contently and shifted closer into his loving embrace.

"Both of you," he added after several seconds, indicating her stomach. As he spoke, he playfully tickled her with one finger, which elicited a joyful giggle from her in return. She hugged him even closer, and now he too began to succumb to his contented exhaustion. He closed his eyes, feeling more at peace than he had ever been in his life. He focused only on the wonderfully relaxing warmth of the bare curves of her flesh pressed firmly against his. Vaguely, he thought he could feel the distant, pulsating warmth of her sex teasing his thigh. For once, he had nothing to worry about, and the only things on his mind were Shirley and their new future together, far separated from the world that had robbed so much from them. No longer did he have to worry about warfare or politics; family feuds or revenge; coup de tats or schoolwork. Not even the demonic power of Geass could tear him from this moment, from the new life he had been born into.

"You'd better still be here this time when I wake up."

He simply grinned at this. For once in his life, he could finally commit fully to something he loved.

I admit that I wasn't expecting to write this addition, but that certainly doesn't mean I didn't enjoy doing so. That being said, feel free to voice any similar opinions you may have about my other works. Until then, thanks for reading and I'll see you all again soon with my next story.