count_onme | (no subject)

It doesn't seem like it. So you've known Lelouch since he came to camp?

That's right. He was one of the first few people I met here.

Really? And I apologize -- I don't think that I ever asked you for your name.

Ah, don't apologise! I had you at an disadvantage. I'm Albert. Albert Herrera, it's nice to finally meet you.

It's a pleasure to meet you too, Albert. What did he say about me?

Ah, just that you two had been friends since childhood, like Franz and I. And that you and I were similar. I think that's how it all started, anyway...

Franz? Yes. . . he stayed with me for a few years when we were children. But then we didn't see each other again for seven years.

Franz is best friend since childhood.

What-- really? He didn't tell me about that part. That's sad.

Is he here as well?

It was surprising to see him again, after so long.

He is! He's the blond one over there on the wall. He does that sometimes.

I can only imagine...

Ah -- Lelouch is the same way. But I think that they'll both enjoy the dance.

Yes. . . but it turned out that he was in the same academy that I had been enrolled in.

Mm, I think so too. They have a different way of enjoying things.

What, really? So you were in the same school and you didn't even know it?

Yes. . . they pretend not to.

Not exactly -- I only just started attending the school.

[laughs] That sounds like an accurate description.

Oh! I see. That's slightly better then, I think.

[laughs as well] It's strange. . . the situations really do seem similar.

I think we would have recognized each other otherwise. He's the kind of person who's difficult to miss.

Mm. ... But not too similar, I hope.

I've noticed that as well.

-- Eh?

But since we did meet again, I've been able to go visit him whenever I have the time.

Ah, it's nothing. It's not really a story suited to this sort of occasion.

That's good to hear. I'm glad for both of you.

All right. . . another time, then.

Thank you. Seeing him here was another surprise, but it sounds like he's had a good experience so far.

Mm. You don't exactly expect to see anyone you know here. Still, it's not really a bad place, if you give it a chance.

That's what a lot of other people have been saying too. But I do like it here so far.

Mm, that's good too. It's easier here if you do, anyway. Since we're stuck, and all.

Some people have gotten out in the past though, haven't they?

Oh, yes. I think everybody leaves eventually. Just at different times.

I don't want to leave without any of the people I know, though. . .