IC: Backdated to just before card chaos

[thekingsgambit]

[Someone is determinedly trying to ignore both the light flush on his skin and the much more noticeable stuffiness in his head as he navigates the surprisingly complicated hall to reach the common room, mumbling under his breath.]

It is about time Suzaku convinced her into doing something else. This has all been unnecessary.

Comments

[ascendthethorns]

[And someone else is relaxing in said common room with a text on the Britannian invasion of Japan (though one would be very hard-pressed to tell by its black, sleeveless hardcover), which she continues to page through at the sound of Lelouch's mumbling approach.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Pauses for a moment upon finding her, studying the blank cover with curiosity.]

[ascendthethorns]

[We understand tact.

We also understand when we are being watched, or at least when our book covers are being studied. Looking up now.]

What, Lelouch?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Looking up just as quickly.]

I was hoping to find you here. I assume Nunnally has already shared her most recent adventure.

[ascendthethorns]

[... puts book down, closing it without marking her page, then gestures loosely. An invitation to sit.]

Continue.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Does take suggestion, though a touch unsteadily and very briefly touching fingertips to his forehead.]

... It is obvious that camp has discontinued its winter respite and is once again up to mischief. Our existing measures to protect Nunnally are no longer sufficient, although the communicator was an aide in finding her before anything worse could happen.

She needs more...

[Catches himself, disliking the taste of the following word and quickly switching it with one carrying a less damning pronouncement.]

... companionship for her daily explorations.

[The revision still has him averting his eyes and tapping a wild tempo on the chair, with his fingers.]

[ascendthethorns]

Are you suggesting that she be placed under constant guard?

[We do not, however, always apply tact.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

It is not my preference, but in an open environment such as this one, there is much that can happen. Even the presence of the dog provides little security in certain situations.

[ascendthethorns]

Perhaps. What alternatives have you considered?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

A schedule. She would select the inclusions, us, friends, people she wishes to spend time with. They would simply meet her in advance and traverse the camp as usual. A form of supervision, yes, but one of mutual convenience rather than regulation.

[ascendthethorns]

[Frowns slightly.]

Is there more?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Catching that frown]

If you have a recommendation...

[ascendthethorns]

An observation: you're thinking too much like an overprotective brother.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

You cannot say it is unwarranted. What if she had been trapped longer?

[Shakes head some, as it rests on his hand.]

[ascendthethorns]

It's incomplete. What if she finds herself trapped again, in spite of all preventative measures put into place?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

So what would you suggest to complete it?

[ascendthethorns]

Nothing. I'll hear your thoughts if you have them, but now's not the time for me to detail my own.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

If we cannot eliminate the possibility for any incidents, we can still limit it significantly.

I do not wish to rob her of her independence, elder sister. I just want someone there in case...

[Breaks off into several dry coughs.]

[ascendthethorns]

[Sighs.]

You are not listening; either you're too bullheadedly stubborn, or you're too unwell and, regardless of which is most true, you're still in clear need of rest. Return to your room.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Looking up again, more out of breath than before.]

We need a solution for this.

[ascendthethorns]

Your guard initiative can stand alone while you recover; Nunnally would have my head if I was party to your overexertion in the meantime, and I dare suspect you'd find her sights on yours as well.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

An overreaction. It is nothing more than a cold. She was lucky enough to escape one herself, though she will still be taking fluids throughout the day.

I see no point to wasting time that could be devoted to this matter right now, before something else occurs.

[ascendthethorns]

There's nothing more we can do right now, Lelouch, meaning postponement isn't a waste of time, it's management. Focus on your original plan, put it into action, and I'll consider how it can be expanded. I encourage you to consider the same so we can reconvene on this later. For now, however, I've no doubt that there's a large number of people equally determined to prevent a repeat of the well incident whether they find themselves on your roster or not, including Nunnally, and thus I'm confident that we will be successful in keeping her safe while tensions resolve themselves. Nothing else will occur in the interim.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

Reconvene when?

[ascendthethorns]

I'll leave that up to you.