♔ DREAMBERRY | contact.

[maskmastery]

You have reached the voicemail of Schneizel el Britannia.

It seems I'm unavailable right now, but please leave me a message and I shall respond at my earliest convenience.

Comments

[failedprince]

B-Brother.

I think I wish to ... to marry someone.

I love this AU.

[maskmastery]

[Well, this - this actually manages to be something of a shock. Clovis, wanting to marry? He plays it off, of course - there's a warm, but surprised, laugh in his voice.]

It must be quite the doll that's got you giving me this news, Clovis. What else have you been doing under my nose, hm?

IKR.

[failedprince]

That is what Lelouch said...

However, he also said that she probably does not want a marriage proposal from me. I have not even asked her on any sort of ... but she spoke a great deal of marriage with me and to think that it is on her mind and talking of such with me ... that is a sign of something, isn't it?

SO BEAUTIFUL.

[maskmastery]

I'd hardly like to speculate, but it's certainly something, isn't it? [He chuckles.] Lelouch has plenty of reason to consider women complicated. You're not going to know for sure unless you proceed - perhaps we might meet the lovely lady first?

[failedprince]

S...Schneizel.

[maskmastery]

Clovis.

...You sound distressed.

[failedprince]

Yes.

An Eleven spoke poorly about Britannia and Lelouch is surprised at how much I care for him. He says that he has few memories of the time when we were children.

Is that not ... saddening?

[maskmastery]

[...

ENDLESSLY PATIENT BIG BROTHER MODE...]

Why don't you tell me more about both matters, Clovis? Then we might better discuss them.

[failedprince]

Dearest brother, in a few days time, I may or may not die. I have had a disagreement with a Death God. I will not apologize for what I have said as that creature insulted our family. I cannot abide such people -- regardless of what standing that they have. Furthermore, a Britannian prince does not cower, flee, nor retreat against such adversaries. His Majesty would be beyond disappointed if I were to do so

[maskmastery]

[For all his recent exasperation with his younger brother, Schneizel maintains a sense of protectiveness, of wanting to ensure that everything is alright - it's his duty, it's the life he's lived, it's second nature to him now. And Clovis has come to him before, distressed about foolish things, making silly mistakes, and he could easily dismiss this as the same, fanciful fears and his usual penchant for drama.

But his voice is concerned, earnestly so, when he responds, despite it being but one word.]

Clovis.

[failedprince]

Schneizel.

[He rolls the gun in his hands a few times, feeling his fingers tremble ever so slightly. What can he do against a Death God? What can he do other than posture and put on a brave face? If that is all that he can do, then that is what he shall do. He will not allow harm to come to his family.

Even though his throat closes at the thought of actual danger, he tips his chin up.]

It really can't be helped.

[maskmastery]

Don't say such things, Clovis. Do you really think I would leave my little brother to such a fate?

Tell me again, clearly, what happened.

[failedprince]

This may sound like an odd question brother, but a young woman with green hair and gold eyes has not ... she has not ever spoken to you, has she?

[maskmastery]

[He supposes that he should have considered this beforehand - of course Clovis would become aware of her presence, and be subsequently uneasy.

He speaks with a carefully flat tone.]

Yes.

As a matter of fact, C.C. and I have spoken on several occasions.

[failedprince]

...!

[maskmastery]

[…] Is there a problem, Clovis?

[audio]

[zerointegrity]

Schneizel.

[How does he word this properly...]

I must preface what I'm about to say to you with an apology. This was never my intention.

[A sigh]

As you may already know, our brother declared next week to be Art Appreciation Week. As a result of a discussion I had with him, I may or may not have put the idea into his head that you and I would play a duet for the piano during said week. I am not asking you to go along with this idea, in fact it would probably be best that we decline. [A beat] Should we agree to this, he is expecting us to play in the concert hall.

[A pause]

Do get back with me as soon as possible.

[audio]

[maskmastery]

[If nothing else, it's Lelouch offering an apology that puts him on edge, first and foremost. He listens to the rest with genuine curiosity, his expression turning drier as the recording goes on. How terribly drole. He'd think this was Lelouch's doing out of spite, really, but the fact that his younger brother has been dragged into it as well disproves that.

Once again, the dream turns utterly ironic. Ironic as well, how for all Lelouch's superior mind, Clovis has outsmarted him. Unwittingly.

After a heavy sigh, he calls his younger brother back.]

Lelouch.

[audio]

[zerointegrity]

Schneizel.

[He had honestly been dreading the return call, but what was he to do? Avoid it completely? No, he had to face this. It was better he speak to his brother about it before Clovis did.]

There was no way I could have talked myself out of this situation. He had his mind set on a duet the moment I said one word about the piano, even going so far as to suggest I ask for your assistance in learning a new piece.

[As if I would even do something like that in the first place...]

[audio]

[maskmastery]

Our hands may well be tied by this, you understand.

[Doubtless they could wiggle out of it, but Clovis wouldn't back down easily. And he could be clever when necessary. If he had to, he'd get Euphemia and Nunnally involved. A more formidable army than some Schneizel had faced.]

It's been quite some time since I've had the luxury of practise.