[Backdated to a day or so after kitty bandages incident...]

[thekingsgambit]

[It is an ungodly hour of the morning that most campers haven't even heard of, possibly just before sunrise, do you know where your failemp is?]


((PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | PART 4 | PART 5))

Comments

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

[watches him for a long moment and then looks away, down at his hands]

Nothing-- or, only what you can. It's enough.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Turns gaze without moving, looking through his bangs.]

What I can?

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

Yes. If you're talking about paying debts, helping people. Only what you yourself can do. Or if I can help...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Helping people...

[Goes quiet again, as if in thought.]

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

[moves towards him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder]

Is that not what you meant?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Tenses at first, as if to pull away as he has so many times already. Then seems to ease down, exhaling quietly before setting a hand over Suzaku's.]

It is...

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

[gently squeezing his shoulder in return]

Then, it's time to move forward. Being so lost isn't like you, after all.

[this said teasingly]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Chuckles weakly but more naturally this time, looking back slightly.]

Using my words for your own argument. Some would call that cheating.

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

[smiles]

Well, I guess I have to admit it makes for good persuasion.

[and is now giving him an evaluative look]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Looks up]

Ah, and it is about time I put it into proper use. It will never be enough, but it can at least be... something more, something here. I can give them that.

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

[nods]

Yes. That's what I think, too.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Slowly slides his hand off his shirt.]

Then I can expect you to not try to drag me back this time

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

[sighs, turning away to study the Lancelot, having missed his chance earlier...]

Maybe. Rest right now would still probably be a good idea, though.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Probably.

[Leans down to place the piece back on the board.]

But it will have to wait.

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

...what are you going to do?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Retrieve my coat.

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

[shakes head]

Alright. I can't argue with that logic, obviously...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

No, you cannot.

[Gathering up the rest of the chess pieces.]

I should let you resume your inspections then.

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

[turns to look at him and, after a moment, nods firmly, letting him go]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Nods back]

I will see you back at the cabin. Don't worry Nunnally.

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

I won't. Be careful.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Pauses mid-step, his cocksure attitude shaken. He looks over his shoulder for a moment, deliberation passing through his eyes.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Then he holds out his hand, meeting his eyes.]

I understand now. I won't hurt them again.

[whenknightfalls.livejournal.com]

[his gaze flickers from a quiet sadness to relief]

Lelouch. I won't stop you. But I think...it isn't what they want. That's what I meant.

[reaches out to take his hand]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Gives it a purposeful squeeze]

And that is why you do not have to worry.

[And then lets go.]