IC: Too many Zeros

[thekingsgambit]

[Ah, early morning in the gardens. A time for simple reflection, rest from an overly complicated week, nostalgic appreciation of the flowers -- and a curious fire-duckling who has wandered into the scene to watch. And what is he watching? Why a well-sobered noodleprince walking among the rows, examining a plant from time to time, with a very distant look in his eyes.]

Am I just fooling myself?

Comments

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[But wait! There is a noodleknight wandering past, for reasons unknown. Did he come to linger on the mistakes of his past. . . or just to see the flowers? The world may never know. But in any case, he still can't read an atmosphere.]

Lelouch. . . ? You should look where you're going, you know.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Looks up immediately and finds himself no longer alone! O accursed fate. Oh we should also mention that in his haste to respond to your voice, he might have sliced himself good on some nearby thorns. ;;b]

-- Suzaku... I thought you had something to do around this time each day.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

Something to do? Ah, do you mean the patrols? The communication device was damaged earlier this week, so Governor-General Cornelia asked me to stay off duty until a replacement could be sent. It shouldn't be much lo—

[Spotting Lelouch's hand and stepping closer.]

You really do need to pay more attention. . . is it all right?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

... Cornelia offered you a communication device?

Is what all --

[Glancing down at the cut]

It is nothing serious.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

Strictly for the patrols. You know that it isn't allowed for someone like me to have one normally.

[Eyes the hand.]

Are you certain? You shouldn't wait to treat it.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

I wonder what prompted her to made such an exception...

[Wiping off some blood with his thumb, as he ponders his previous statement.]

A rose thorn is no cause for great concern.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Relents with a shrug, and glances up again.]

I helped informally while she was under her camp effect. This is only a continuation of it.

What about you, Lelouch? Why are you out here this early?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Good. That means he's also ignoring the tighter way Lelouch is now grasping the hand. Since it smarts!]

Ah, when she was younger...

[Looks away.]

I was looking for a particular flower. I figured this early hour was the best way to choose without others gallivanting through the rows.

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

Do you need any help?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Looks a bit more flustered than usual at such a simple question.]

Aa... I am not quite certain what I am --

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[We interrupt this adorable scene to give you the sound of something small and fluffy half-leap/half-fluttering into a nearby flower bed! Accompanied by a small burst of fire from a sneeze.]

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[a;djfglh that was the edge of my jacket. Swatting at it quickly to stop the fire from spreading, and then glancing at the animal itself.]

—Eh? One of the camp's ducklings. . .?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

-- Suzaku!

[Is totally snatching his arm and looking him over. But also catching the duckling out of the corner of the eye. What's more, recognizing that particular duckling.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Pulling back from Suzaku once he determines that he is not, in fact, on fire. Frowning heavily in direction of the duckling.]

Of all the animals that had to follow me here...

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Inspecting the slightly scorched sleeve, before looking up as Lelouch finishes his sentence.]

Lelouch? Do you know that one?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[And cutting off his answer, we have one eager duckling, who responds with a boisterous quack. Sup!

Unfortunately said "Sup" seems to be coming out a little differently than expected and in a voice that might be just a little familiar to some.]

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

That voice—!

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Stiffening, with gritted teeth.]

—Zero?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Also straightening quickly as his mind goes into over-gear with explanations for this occurrence.]

How can...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[I have no~ idea who you guys are talking about but you're looking at me so Imma keep on quacking. CENTER STAGE YEAH!]

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

A camp effect—? It's impossible! But. . .!

[Glaring at tiny!duckling; apologies, Lelouch, but he's getting my full attention.]

Tell me where you've been hiding this entire time.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Fine with me. I'm just trying to get a good look at that duck right now.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[THIS IS THE GREATEST DAY EVER -- Heeey why isn't someone picking me up? I want cuddlings dammit! Cuddlings!

And thus a brief display of hoppings ensue, hoppings that are giving a quick flash to especially perceptive eyes. AKA not Suzaku's. Flash includes an instant glimpse of something plastic near duckling's leg. Oh there is also more quacking.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Here have some more fire breaths in your direction for emphasis!]

[oneknightstands.livejournal.com]

[Stepping directly in its path, ignoring the fire entirely.]

No matter what form you take, you will never achieve your ends, Zero!

[SUDDENLY: MOVING TO SEIZE]