A knock sounded at the heavy oak door to Second Prince and Prime Minister of the Holy Britannian Empire Schneizel el Britannia's private study. "Enter," called the man with his customarily gentle but commanding voice.
The prince leaned back in his elegant armchair, folding his gloved fingers before him as his personal assistant opened and closed the door. Kanon Maldini was a beautiful man, with smooth skin and feather-soft hair, and Schneizel's inner aesthete ran an appreciative eye over the man. He'd bedded the aide on several occasions, with great satisfaction on both sides, if Kanon's morning-after attitude was any indication. At the moment, however, the prince's assistant was strictly businesslike, bowing crisply before handing over a relatively thin envelope.
"A letter from Third Prince and Viceroy of Area 11 Clovis la Britannia," Kanon informed him. "It arrived with His Highness's weekly report of Area 11, but the letter is addressed to you rather than His Majesty the Emperor."
Schneizel raised an eyebrow. Clovis hadn't written to him in months, and he wondered what his half-brother wanted to dither about this time. To be fair, Schneizel held deep affection for the younger prince, but his foppish ways could certainly be tiring.
"Thank you, Kanon, that will be all," smiled the prince, dismissing his aide, who bowed again before taking his leave. Lifting his spotless letter-opener from its stand on his desk, Schneizel slit the envelope neatly and drew out the folded papers inside.
--
"Checkmate."
The former chess champion, an elderly gentleman with ridiculous sideburns, glared at the board, folding his arms across his chest. "Impossible," he puffed, eyebrows drawn in indignation.
Lelouch crossed his legs and smiled pleasantly. "Thank you," he replied suavely.
The announcer spoke into the microphone. "Very well, I would like to pronounce this year's Tokyo Settlement Chess Association tournament champion to be Ashford Academy's Lelouch Lamperouge!"
Lelouch's friend Rivalz gave a cheer from the front row. The rest of the audience began to applaud after a stunned silence, starting with a polite smatter, but picking up enthusiasm until the entire assembly was clapping wholeheartedly. A few of the lesser nobility even rose in standing ovation in respect of Lelouch's spectacular win.
The student stood, walking over to shake hands with his defeated opponent. The man, Lord Frederick Glaspell, also stood, and grasped Lelouch's hand firmly. After overcoming his initial disbelief, the noble showed himself to be a dignified loser, looking the much younger man in the eye and congratulating him sincerely.
Cameras flashed, recording the aftermath of the competition, and Lelouch smiled gracefully for the photographers and for the audience, bowing slightly. Rivalz ran up, grinning from ear to ear. "Man, Lelouch, you really hit the jackpot this time!" he exclaimed, clapping his friend on the back and holding up two fingers at the brightly flashing lenses. "Y'know, I think you made enough dough to live for a whole year… Not to mention the media—you're gonna be famous, Lelouch!"
"Excellent," replied the dark-haired teenager, suppressing a satisfied smirk.
--
Kururugi Suzaku zipped his pack shut before shouldering it easily. Snapping a salute to an officer, he exited the barracks and strode towards his destination.
He reached the Military Research and Development without incident, but he entered into a whirlwind of chaos.
"You little…! Get back here and apologize!" shouted Cecile Croomy, running after her superior, who grinned gleefully.
"Only if you catch me!" Lloyd Asplund sang, before he tripped on a stray Knightmare part and went sprawling head over heels. Mercifully unhurt, the scientist looked up, only to be pounced upon by his irate subordinate. "Shit!" he exclaimed, more in surprise than actual fear as Cecile wrapped her hands around his throat.
"Take it back," the woman growled, tightening her hands threateningly.
"Um, excuse me? Cecile-san?" interjected Suzaku in an attempt to forestall Lloyd's demise. "What did he say?"
"The bastard said he doesn't like my haircut," Cecile said indignantly. "I paid a good deal to have my hair styled!"
"By who, General Bartley?" Lloyd snorted. His subordinate merely squeezed his throat tighter. "Gah! Suzaku, help!" the eccentric man squeaked.
"With all due respect, Cecile-san, Lloyd-san is very important for the army…." said the soldier tentatively. When the choking did not stop, he tried a different tactic. "Think of all the paperwork you'd have to do if he died!" he continued pleadingly.
This seemed to do the trick, as Cecile loosened her grip and eventually let go. "Ah, Suzaku-kun. What would I do without you?" she asked, mollified.
"You'd probably have killed him by now," chuckled the brunette. "As it stands, I find your haircut to be quite lovely."
"Ooh, stop it, Suzaku-kun!" Cecile feigned a swoon. "You see, Lloyd, that's how a proper gentleman behaves!"
"Yeah, whatever," muttered the scientist hoarsely, brushing himself off as he stood. "Anyway, Kururugi-kun, are you ready to go?"
"Yes, sir!" answered Suzaku, snapping his heels together and saluting. He was still smiling from the pair's antics as all three of them got into the car and drove off towards Ashford Academy.
--
My dearest Brother,
I would like to invite you to visit me at your next possible convenience. I have some information for you that I would not trust to transmit in any other manner than personally. Please be assured that this matter is most urgent, and I would not ask this of you unless I found it truly necessary. Enclosed is an express-class envelope; please use it to give me your expected date and time of arrival.
Signed, Third Prince Clovis la Britannia, Viceroy of Area 11
Schneizel reread the extraordinarily brief letter (more of a memo, really) several times, intrigued and slightly mystified. Clovis wasn't really known for being succinct; his letters were usually several pages full of flowery descriptions of trivial and minute details. However, this one conveyed real urgency, almost desperation. The prince's face remained impassive as he penned a response, stating that he would be in Area 11 by noon in two day's time. Signing efficiently, Schneizel folded the paper and slid it into the envelope, sealing the pre-addressed missive with his personal crest. He pressed the call button for Kanon.
Within less than one minute, the aide entered. "Have this sent out immediately, and then make preparations for my departure to Area 11. I am to arrive before noon in two days," the prince commanded. Kanon bowed gracefully and waited for dismissal. Schneizel took a moment to regard the other man's delicate and attractive features. "You may report to me in my private chambers after the evening meal," he added, and Kanon's pretty face lit up for a millisecond.
"Yes, Your Highness," murmured the aide, bowing again, a bit deeper and longer than before. Schneizel smiled slightly and waved at the man dismissively, and Kanon left the room.
The Prime Minister poured himself a bit of brandy and tapped Clovis's letter thoughtfully.
--
"CONGRATULATIONS!"
Lelouch jumped back in mock surprise as the Student Council exploded in confetti and noise. "My goodness, are you trying to kill me?" he deadpanned.
His cousin Millay sashayed over dressed as the black queen in a satin gown. "Oh, poor Lulu…Did we frighten you?" she teased. "Maybe you need some cake to cheer you up."
"Only if none of these fools baked it," he replied, smiling at the rest of the Council. Rivalz, who had run ahead once they got back to campus, was happily wearing the black king's outfit, complete with royal cape. Kallen was wearing black armor as a knight, while Shirley wore white bishop robes. Nina was a rook with a castle-shaped hat, dressed in black.
"Aww, Lulu, don't be mean. They can't help it that they're bad cooks," pouted Millay, wrapping her arms around Shirley as if to comfort her.
The redhead jumped. "P-president!" she squealed as Millay accidentally-on-purpose grabbed her butt. Rivalz looked furious.
"Hey, you're the black queen, Millay. What're you doing groping the white bishop?" demanded the "black king." Lelouch took one look at his friend's jealous face and burst out laughing, which triggered a wave of giggles across the room.
Wiping away a tear of mirth, the former prince turned again to Millay. "Where's Nunnally?" he asked, slightly concerned for his precious sister.
"Oh, she'll be here…once you put your costume on," Millay said slyly.
Lelouch shrugged. He figured Nunnally would be the white queen, and he the white king. "All right, where is it?" he questioned. "I don't want to keep Nunnally waiting."
"In your room. Hurry! The cake—and your sister—are waiting for you!" giggled Millay. Nina and Shirley blushed, Kallen smirked, and Rivalz grinned infuriatingly. Lelouch shuddered. What would be waiting for him when he got back?
He stepped quickly to his room, which was on another floor of the clubhouse, and slipped inside, closing the door behind him. The student flicked on the lights by feel, and his eyes landed on his bed.
"Holy SHIT!"
--
Suzaku climbed out of the car as they parked on the Ashford Academy school grounds. Cecile got his bag from the trunk while Lloyd locked the doors, and the three walked towards the administrative building.
"Now, remember, Suzaku-kun, if they're not nice, we can always request a withdrawal," stated Cecile concernedly. "Don't forget to brush your teeth every night and morning, and come to me if you need help with homework…"
"For God's sake, Cecile, he's just going to school. He's a perfectly capable young man," interjected Lloyd, rolling his eyes behind his glasses. "Heck, he probably knows how to take better care of himself than I do."
"That goes without saying," retorted his subordinate. "I'm still mad at you, by the way."
Suzaku watched the pair as they bickered happily. "You guys…you'd better behave while I'm not there," he told them. "And…thank you for everything," he continued, blinking back tears of joy.
"Suzaku-kun! It's not like we'll never see each other again!" cried Cecile, wrapping her arms around him. "You're staying for the weekend, is all… and then you'll only be here in the daytime! Have fun with kids your own age," she advised, ruffling his hair affectionately. Lloyd hummed an agreement.
"All right…" Suzaku agreed; he knew he needed some normal companionship, and this school came highly recommended. Many of the other students were in the army, so at least he'd have some familiar faces.
Before he knew it, they were entering the school superintendant's office. Ruben K. Ashford greeted them with a smile.
"Ah, Private Kururugi," he stated, rising to shake Suzaku's hand firmly. "Welcome to my school. You'll be staying at the student council clubhouse tonight, I'm afraid…there simply aren't enough dorms to accommodate you. However, the student council is having a small get-together tonight, so you certainly won't be lonely." The kindly old man nodded towards Lloyd and Cecile. "Good to see you again, Lloyd, Cecile. Your soldier will be in good hands here, rest assured."
"Thank you very much, sir," replied Cecile, as Lloyd wandered off to inspect a chart on the wall. The superintendant grinned at the scientist and rolled his eyes silently at Suzaku, who chuckled.
"So, here's how you get to the clubhouse…"
--
Schneizel sat in a heavily padded armchair, a book open on his lap, when he heard the tentative knock on the door to his private chambers. "Enter," he intoned, closing his book and setting it to the side.
Kanon stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. "You may lock it," Schneizel told him. The aide blushed and turned the bolt before coming to stand in front of the prince. "Now, would you like to sit? And a glass of wine, perhaps?" asked Schneizel calmly.
"I will gladly sit, but would prefer to abstain from alcohol tonight, Your Highness," said Kanon, bowing before seating himself in one of the more austere chairs.
"Very well. Please report," commanded the prince, sipping his own glass of red wine.
"The letter was mailed immediately, as you requested, and is expected to arrive in Area 11 by midnight," stated Kanon. "A private jet has also been alerted and is making preparations for the flight. Also, all paperwork has been suspended for an indefinite amount of time, and members of the staff are seeing to your luggage, including clothing and other personal items that His Highness Prince Clovis may not be able to supply."
"Excellent," replied Schneizel, setting down his glass and interlocking his fingers. "Now, if you would, please stand and undress."
Kanon's high cheekbones flushed again as he stood promptly. The aide unbuttoned his jacket with deft fingers, pushing the heavy material off his shoulders and letting it slide to the floor. Schneizel watched patiently as the other man loosened his cravat, undoing the perfect folds to let the cloth hang around his neck like a gauzy scarf. He moved on to his undershirt, beginning to breathe heavily as the warm air of the room hit his chest.
When the layer was removed, Kanon started playing with himself; with gloved hands, he pinched his nipples until they stood in peaks. Schneizel felt the stirrings of arousal beginning at the sight of shapely eyes glazing over and sculpted lips parting to let out a breathy moan as his aide continued to tease his own body.
Soon, Kanon moved downward, trailing his fingers over his abdomen until he reached the waistband of his pants. He undid them, but Schneizel stood before he could continue. The Second Prince walked over with measured steps, taking Kanon's hands in his own and stripping the black gloves away to reveal smooth, creamy forearms. The soft light of the room played across his assistant's face, giving him an otherworldly glow that pleasantly accentuated his beauty. Schneizel used one hand to tilt Kanon's chin upwards and engaged him in a slow, heady kiss. With his other hand, he reached into the other man's trousers, coaxing out the half-hard member he found there and stroking it to full arousal. Kanon moaned into the kiss, allowing Schneizel to slip in his tongue, which he used to explore every corner of his aide's mouth. He broke the kiss to issue another command.
"Kneel."
Kanon obeyed unquestioningly, even eagerly, as he brought his face to the level of the noticeable bulge in the prince's own trousers.
"Undo them."
Eyes heavily lidded, Schneizel's aide unbuttoned and unzipped the crisp white pants, whimpering impatiently as his master's underwear came into view.
"Pull them down."
The prince closed his eyes as his heated flesh was exposed, then looked down again to see Kanon staring, mesmerized by the impressive length and girth that was Schneizel.
"Suck."
The assistant's sensual lips came into contact with Schneizel's erection, then he leaned forward and deep-throated the prince expertly. It never ceased to astonish him that Kanon was so good at this; he knew that it probably involved lots of experience, but that though didn't faze him. How could it? There was no other way that it would feel this good.
Kanon bobbed his head, sometimes drawing back enough to swirl the tip with his tongue, other times going deep and swallowing, and very occasionally humming to make short vibrations in his throat. Schneizel felt his climax approaching as his aide began to suck on the head, wrapping the slender fingers of one hand around the base to pump while the other hand toyed with the prince's sac erotically.
Finally, Schneizel came, and Kanon milked the slackening erection of all of its seed, swallowing the liquid easily. The assistant pulled his mouth away with a delicious slurping sound, licking his lips enthusiastically. Schneizel straightened out his clothing, pulling up his underwear and zipping his pants before offering a hand to the other man, who was still on the floor gathering his clothes. Kanon accepted gratefully, and stood, legs shaking slightly as he dressed himself.
"Thank you, Kanon," he said. The aide's erection was still painfully evident, but Schneizel was tired and didn't want to deal with it. "That will be all." In other words, please find yourself a corner and whack off. But he smiled gently at Kanon before the assistant bowed and left.
--
To be continued.