The pale light of a TV screen caressed tanned skin and brown curls; Suzaku sat by himself in a dark, abandoned corridor, his emerald eyes glued to the miniature television. He was too caught up in the events of the movie to notice as footsteps approached. He did notice, however, when suddenly there was another face next to his, eyeing the device on the tabletop.

"What are you watching this late at night?"

Suzaku gave a little yelp and stared at his friend. Lelouch sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Whatever it is, it's got you quite captivated, hasn't it? What is it?"

The Japanese boy grinned awkwardly.

"Ah, you know, this is a bit embarrassing, but it's... a love story. Romance. A guilty pleasure of mine, I suppose."

Lelouch chuckled and watched as the couple on screen embraced.

"Suzaku, why would you watch this kind of thing?"

He shrugged.

"I don't know. Do I need a reason?"

The prince looked at him, serious suddenly.

"It is my opinion that the reason why people like romance – in movies, books or elseware – is that they long for a kind of perfect relationship that they know they will never have. Love is painful. All fights don't end in tearfilled kisses. People don't want to face the fact that all falling in love will do to you is eat you up from the inside."

Suzaku was rather astonished, staring at the other with shock clearly written across his face. Lelouch gasped a little and moved away immediately.

"Sorry. I got carried away." He smiled. "I'm a bit bitter, aren't I?"

"A bit."

"I have good reason, though."

Suzaku's brow furrowed.

"Why is that?"

Lelouch's gaze dropped to the floor.

"I know what it's like."

And just like that, before either of them knew it, Suzaku had wrapped his arms around the other and buried his face in his neck.

"Suzaku, what are you doing?!"

"You're not the only one who's gone through it, you know. You're not alone. You can't give up on something as vital as love."

Lelouch closed his eyes, unconsciously taking in the brunet's scent.

"Is it? Is it really vital?"

"Unrequited love is painful, but once you find your soulmate, it's worth it."

The prince snorted.

"How would you know? Have you found your soulmate?"

"He's right here."

He didn't know what possessed him to say it. It was rather silly to suppose that Lelouch wouldn't just push him away but, rather, that he would stay – and yet he did. His grip on the soldier tightened, and Suzaku thought he heard faint sobs. For both of their sakes, he ignored it. A few minutes later, he found himself once again under the fervent stare of amethyst eyes.

"Did you mean it?", Lelouch asked, his voice trembling. "When you said I was your soulmate?"

"I wouldn't joke about something like that, Lelouch."

"Then maybe it is worth it."

The Britannian kissed his friend softly. It lasted only a second, really, due to shyness or whatever, but both of them were smiling when they broke apart. Lelouch cast a quick glance at the discarded TV; he chuckled at the sight of credits rolling over the screen.

"Aw, Suzaku, you missed the ending!"