"It's no burden at all," Lelouch insisted automatically, a note of concern entering his voice. Did Nunnally really think it was? There was a lot on his plate, yes, but... he always had and always would make room for her. It was just the way things were, and he didn't see how it could ever become a burden. Nunnally was too precious to him for that.

He lightly placed his other hand on hers and took another moment to marvel at her open eyes and, the more closely he looked, how much she had grown during their time apart. It may have simply been the maturity she'd gained from the experiences she had just told him about, but... "Really, it's fine. Besides, I haven't gotten the chance to properly take care of you for almost a year now. Call it making up for lost time." He intended to do much more than this once the institute let him, too. If only they would let him move in next door-- couldn't they see how important this was?

... What was he thinking? Of course they couldn't.