thekingsgambit | IC: Dreampostin~

Yes, they're their favorite. And mollusks too. Just like how Euphie enjoys ice cream. You see, they don't have any of that out here.

So they fight?

[Spins away toward Cornelia for confirmation, but catches her foot on a rock and trips into the water.]

Eek!

[aldfjlakdjflakdj]

Euphie!

Euphie!

[Frantically reaches out to grab her hand. And of course goes in the water with her.]

[Sopping wet.

And giggling because Lelouch, who is also sopping wet, looks completely ridiculous.]

Oh my. I'm sorry. Are you all right, Lelouch?

[Has a slightly scraped knee from the fall but is ignoring it to try and pull Euphie out of the water.]

A-Ah, I'm all right. You didn't hit any of the rocks, did you?

Only when I fell. And we've probably scared the turtles away...

[So she is allowing herself to be pulled out of the water.]

[Frowns and turns away.]

It was my fault for confusing Euphie...

[Spins around him to give him a kiss on the cheek.]

Well, it's all right! We can try again another time, so I'll get to spend even more time playing with you. And— and maybe by then I'll have learned how to use the washing machines well enough that I can teach you after. Lelouch teaches me so much, I'd like to help him learn something too... even if it's only something small.

[Blushes heavily at the kiss.]

W-Well, you always teach me things about animals that I never find in my books, like about their families and their favorite colors. So you don't have to worry about me being the only teacher all the time -- I mean, I'd like to hear about the washing machines too, when we see each other again.

[HELLO have an overbearing big sister.]

Are you two unhurt? Euphie? Lelouch— goodness, look at your knee. Come the rest of the way out of the water, the sun will dry you off.

I'm okay, sister! And~

[Kisses her fingers and gently presses them against Lelouch's knee.]

Lelouch is too, right?

[This is probably not helping the blushing. He nods lightly and carefully leads Euphie out of the water.]

[Delicious miraculous sun-drying. Giggles more and turns to face Lelouch but -- GASP]

Oh, Nunnally's flowers are ruined. Let me fix them!

[Starts to work.]

Okay, this rose should be over here, next to the white lilly, and this rose should go... there! Right above your tummy. That looks much better.

[Waits for her to finish, resting his fingers on the lily for a moment, laughing at her concentration.]

I think they're all in place now, Euphie. But elder sister Cornelia and me have to do something really important. Will you be all right here?

[Emerges from behind them and moves beside Euphie, resting a hand on her head.]

Mhmm, elder brother Schneizel will help me back!

[Glances at Schneizel, meets his eyes and nods.]

Then I'll see you later, Euphie.

Please keep to the vilas for the rest of the day, Euphie. You've had enough excitement for now.

[There is an insistent tug on Cornelia's hand and when they return to the hallways this time, their sun-dried clothes have been swapped with the regal attire for a formal party: a black flowing gown for Cornelia and a white suit for Lelouch, complete with equally fancy shoes. The flower chains still remain, draped over the new outfits, although they hang a bit heavier than before.

Lelouch pauses for a moment, checking the package under his arm. When he takes Cornelia's wrist this time, the pull is more urgent.]

Hurry, we're going to be late!

[Lifts her skirts enough that she won't trip as she moves, then yields to Lelouch's tug.]

...impossible dress.

[Moves quickly through the hallway, which only seems to grow even longer as they run, until they reach the large double doors at the end. Lelouch reaches for one of the winding handles and pulls a door open with a considerable tug, motioning for Cornelia to do the same for the other one.]

[Pulls without so much as a questioning glance.]

[And now the banquet.

The doors open to the small reception halls at Aries, decorated with ribbons, flowers and balloons, tables and seating, coloured red, gold, white and black, and arranged in an atypical style that leaves no room for a dancefloor. As a result, the room feels immediately overcroweded by the hundreds of imperial family members, aristocrats and wait staff who are mingling over bars and buffets and the grand art displayed throughout the room.

At the direct center, nearly spotlit by a ten-foot crystal chandelier and donning a magnificent red gown, Lady Marianne stands in wait of her son and step-daughter; when she sees them, she eagerly waves them over to her. Though the crowd doesn't part -- though it, in fact, hasn't seemed to notice their arrival at all -- Cornelia and Lelouch move through it nonetheless unobstructed to stand before a beaming Marianne.]

Oh good, you're here! I was worried you'd be late and it wouldn't do to have the guest of honour miss a single moment of the party. Now, let me get a good look at you both— oh Cornelia, you look stunning; and my darling Lelouch, you're becoming a fine young gentleman, right before your mother's eyes.

[Gives a shy but excited smile and releases Cornelia's hand to get closer to Marianne.]

I told you we wouldn't be late, Mother. But I had to make sure everyone else was on schedule. Elder sister Cornelia kept worrying about the flowers.

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