[Bennyswan]

Originally Posted by Masterkeyes2

After watching episode 13 I couldn't help myself from writing this(So it could contain possible spoilers, be warned). I have to warn you this was written just after I finished watching the episode, also my Beta is MIA so grammar and spelling may be lacking. This also may seem a little cheesy and rushed, but as stated before; I couldn't help myself.

Spoiler for To be the man she deserves:

Warning: Spoilers for Episode 13.

Word Count: 1,435.

Pairings: Lelouch/Shirley.

Summary: She may have loved him but he didn't deserve it.

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As he wandered aimlessly through the corridors of the hospital Lelouch could only wonder where it all went wrong. The day had started out bumpy but overall it was a success; Jeremiah Gottwald, a person who could have been a potential dangerous foe, had joined his side. The conquest of the Chinese Federation was proceeding as well, and soon enough he would have Kallen back, everything was proceeding was planned.

All except for one thing; Shirley.

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Physical activity was obviously not his strong suit, Lelouch concluded, as he sprinted up and down the endless escalators. Barking orders on the cell-phone while running did not help either it seemed. “Don’t fight him,” The person on the other end of the phone made a confused noise, “He is one of us now!” Lelouch closed his phone, skipping the last step of the escalator, he was about to turn down another corridor when something caught his eye.

Orange mixed with crimsons-red. Even though it was hard to see in the smoke Lelouch recognized what it was instantly, or rather who it was.

“Shirley!” Adrenaline and fear pumping through him Lelouch ran to Shirley’s side instantly.

There she was lying eagle-spread, a gun by her side, eyes closed….it almost looked like she was sleeping if not for the pool of blood spilling from under her. Lelouch kneeled down to her side, when he did pale eyelids slide back and revealed olive colored irises, the energy that seemed to bounce from them draining.

“Lelou?” The name was soft-spoken, lacking the usual energy or anger, it possessed a tone that suggested this was the end; a tone the Black Prince hated above all others, “I am so glad I get to speak with you in the end….” Suddenly Shirley started cough, blood started to pour from her mouth. Panicking Lelouch drew his cell phone and called a doctor, begging for Shirley to hold on.

She had tried to stop him, telling him it was useless but he refused to accept it.

“Shirley please,” Lelouch was fighting back tears as he watched the ambulance load her into the van with a stretcher, “Promise me one thing,” He watched as she turned her beautiful face toward him, expectant; a face that shouldn’t have been caught up in politics or war, a face that deserved happiness more than he ever did.

Lelouch swallowed the lump in his throat as he struggled to finish his sentence, “Don’t die”. It wasn’t spoken with the usual imperial like voice, nor was it spoken with the school-boy lightness. It was just a quite simple two word request.

Shirley just nodded before collapsing onto the stretcher.

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That all happened nearly an hour ago, Shirley and the EMP’s had arrived only six minutes after departing from the building she was found in. As soon as they reached the hospital, the doctors rushed Shirley into intensive care, where they were still operating.

At the nurse’s persistence Lelouch attempted to eat something from the cafeteria but found he was unable to eat, there was still the image of Shirley in his mind; stained with blood. It still surprised him though, no matter how much misfortune befallen her because of his actions she still loved him.

But could he love her back? Could he love her back and be the kind of man she deserves. Crushing the cheap plastic water cup in his hand Lelouch wondered if he deserved her. He, who put her in the middle of this and caused her all this pain, it was him after all who had caused her father to die, and it was him who re-wrote her memories. Even though a year later she fell in love with him again.

Lelouch didn’t get a chance to think any further as one of the doctors tapped him on the shoulder. Looking up Lelouch noticed that the ER room light off, he must of not of noticed Shirley being moved, “You are Lelouch Lamperouge here for Shirley Fenette correct?” Lelouch just nodded, “Good, will you please come with me.” Lelouch rose from his seat, fearing the worst.

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The doctor led him down a series of corridors and Lelouch just followed aimlessly not even thinking of where he was going. All the while thoughts of the inevitable running through his mind; another loved one lost because of his actions. First Euphie, then Nunnally and now Shirley, before that it was his mother, all this time he kept losing people and he never got use to it.

Lelouch was surprised when the tall, muscular doctor, stopped in front of him. Not having time to react Lelouch walked straight into the doctors back before falling backwards on his behind.

The doctor not even noticing just glanced down at his clipboard and then at the room number. Room number 316, which was where they stopped. Lelouch struggled to his feet and waited for the doctor to elaborate.

“I will be bunt Mister Lamperouge,” The man spoke gravely and Lelouch resisted the urge to flinch. This was it, Shirley was dead, and he knew it.

“That you both are incredibly lucky that you called us when you did.”

Lelouch’s eyes winded. Could it be true that, was Shirley...
The doctor saw Lelouch’s expression of disbelief, “Yes boy she’s alive” He stated simply, he reached for the door handle, “The girls’ mom just told me you can spend the night with her here if you want.” Lelouch just nodded dumbly as the man unlocked the door letting Lelouch in.

And there she was, sleeping peacefully on the bed, like an angel. The doctor quietly reminded Lelouch that she needed her rest and told him not to wake her. Lelouch just nodded and quickly thanked the doctor before closing the door gently. Slowly Lelouch approached the hospital bed and as if sensing his presence Shirley’s eyes fluttered open.

Groggily Shirley turned to one side, taking note of her surroundings and noticed her dark-haired crush, no love, kneeling by her bedside.

“Lelou?” The boy raised his head at the sound of his name and Shirley was able to study his face more closely. His normal clear amethyst eyes were puffy and red, indicating many shed tears. Softly she reached out a hand to caress his face, “Lelou…why did you save me?” Lelouch looked at her with a wounded expression and Shirley regretted asking.

The spent a few minutes in uneasy silence before Lelouch asked what happened. Calming herself Shirley explained everything; her memories returning, how she couldn’t keep herself from forgiving him, and most importantly her love for him. By the end of her story she was in tears clinging to Lelouch awkwardly from her bedside.

All the while he stood there running his hands through her hair, whispering words of apologies. Slowly the lump in his throat Lelouch explained everything to Shirley as she did to him; Zero, his time in Britannia, his friendship with Suzaku, and even the incident with Euphie.

They remained there well into the night, talking, and occasionally crying whilst seeking comfort from each other. The conversation drifted from serious topics, like the rebellion, to light-hearted ones, like childhood stories. Eventually they drifted back onto the topic that was both on there minds.

Lelouch took a deep breath and spoke first, “Shirley all of this time you have continued to love me even though you deserve someone much better than I…” He cupped one of her hands in his own and gently placed is forehead against it, “But…I want to work towards being that someone…” As if paying homage to his master Lelouch bowed his head to Shirley. Of course in his mind Shirley was far more beautiful and graceful than any Empress who has ever lived.

Lelouch sucked in another deep breath and raised himself so they were at eye level
“What I am trying to say is ….I love you Shirley.” And unlike last time he was sure of it.

And there it was the words she had been waiting for all this time. Part of her doubted it but there something in her that strove to believe him. So she did. Feeling bold Shirley placed one hand on the back of her prince’s head, guiding him towards her.

Before there lips made the orange-haired Britannian whispered a few words of her own against the prince’s lips.

“And I love you.”

And pressed her lips against his.

Lelouch knew that doing this would possibly endanger both of them. However he would hold true to his promise and strive to be the man that Shirley deserved.

Fin.

Wow this touched me(in the heart not on the outside), really good thank you for this.