A/N: Extremely short and sweet, but I think it drives the point home.

Warnings: Short? Vague spoilers for the last episode.


It's a tradition.

Every morning, Zero brings the Empress her green tea. Brought to a boil and hot enough to scald, she takes it in her hands and thanks him with a smile. Its flavor is not sweet but suggests it, lacking anything except a subtle hint of bitterness.

Tradition, for she needs something stable.

But sometimes she just wishes Zero— Suzaku— would hold her hand.


Feedback appreciated!