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

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

It should have tempered the prior... situation.

[ascendthethorns]

[Pinches the bridge of her nose. Tiredly:]

You are oblivious...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Is himself frustrated.]

What are you talking about? Before this incident, Nunnally was succeeding well on her own. We only need some recalibration to sustain that.

[ascendthethorns]

Sustain what? Her dependence on others? Or perhaps your absent faith in her ability to overcome the complications of this environment? The more you insist on bearing her, Lelouch, the less you'll be able to ensure her safety and protection. How have you yet to realize this?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Forces himself from the chair in an almost jumping action. One he immediately regrets for the dizziness it brings.]

Absent? Since when has it been...

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Looks like he wants to say more, but it all sticks in his throat -- already tortured enough from his earlier fits -- as the words settle over his mind. Along with scene after scene of the accusations they present. How could she see any of that without making the same conclusion as Cornelia?]

[ascendthethorns]

... inperceptible, then.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

... I can fix it. I will show her otherwise. She...

[There's that pesky cough again and this one just might be considerably longer than the others.]

[ascendthethorns]

— she'll need you rested, aware, able to think with all your faculties about you. Get something to drink and return to your room.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Looks more agitated than even, but with vision blurred due to coughing-induced tears and the now prevalent shortness of breath, he has little choice but to steady himself on the chair and nod weakly as he turns toward the sink.]

... As soon... as this... passes.

[ascendthethorns]

[Deflates her posture a little and curses inwardly before rising to encourage him back into his chair.]

No, it seems a change of plan's in order. Sit.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Doesn't exactly sit down just yet but more stares at her in confusion, trying to blink things back to clarity.]

[ascendthethorns]

Lelouch.

[Sit!!!]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Accomplishes this task by practically falling into said chair.]

... What change of plan?

[ascendthethorns]

[glaaaare]

Rest your throat. I'll prepare some tea.

[roooooom]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Will do a noble job of maintaining energy while she's gone. Though is also watching her as much as he can.]

[ascendthethorns]

[Emerges with a slightly larger than average cup of decaffeinated green tea with generous amounts of lemon and honey, and offers it to Lelouch with a tea saucer.]

Here.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Takes but meets her eyes before drinking.]

What change of plan?

[ascendthethorns]

To your beverage. You should still rest once it's finished.

[Returns to her seat and her book.]

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Slight trace of realization passes through his eyes. He sips the tea in a more subdued manner for a minute or two before uttering:]

I meant what I said.

[ascendthethorns]

[without looking up:]

What?

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Takes another sip before continuing.]

About dealing with this as soon as normal conversation is possible. It should not have gone on this long.

[ascendthethorns]

I didn't believe otherwise.

[thekingsgambit.livejournal.com]

[Almost relaxed at that, though still meeting eyes. And going back to drinking.]

Ah.