[private]
[ he bites his bottom lip, one part of him resenting the levity even as another part appreciates it for what he rationally knows it is. he knows you aren't a monster, he can even see where you went out of your way to do this so that Anya wouldn't get hurt, wouldn't be used. it just drives him slightly crazy the way you also went out of your way to sound callous about this. why do you always make this so hard, Lelouch.
but he knows the answer to that one, too. ]
I'll try not to. [ the tiniest (strained) smile in return. he will keep trying, no matter how hard you make it. he will see the good here, and push down the part of him that wants to be sick at having this kind of control over a friend. over anyone, he doesn't quite add. ]