Reminiscenting on a dream
Pairing: mainly Suzaku-centric, hinted Suza/Euphy, later MAYBE SuzaLulu
Rating: T
Genre: angst
Warnings: set after ep 25 R2.
Part 1. Birdcage.
There were few things Kururugi Suzaku missed from his previous life. One of them was to be able to feel wind against his face, when walking outside. And the other one.. well, it had something to do with that amethyst-eyed Zero, Lelouch vi Britannia, 99th Emperor of the Britannia, but most of all his greatest enemy and his best friend.
It had already been over six months since Zero requiem, since he had died to the world and taken up the mask of Zero, the mask of the World-saviour. The World was finally at peace, but with great losses. Tokyo had been sacrificed, millions of people had died and been slaughtered.
The new Emperor, no, Empress, Nunnaly vi Britannia had taken up the crown her brother had left for her and Schneizel had been appointed with the title of the Prime Minister. All the political prisoners had been freed and everything was finally starting to settle down. It should have been a happy thing and in some ways, Suzaku felt it was, but he had also lost almost everything he had loved and now he only could only hide in the hidden halls of the Emperor's castle, never leaving the shielding walls again. It reminded him painfully of his last duty, of the last murder he had committed and most of all, it reminded him of Lelouch, their short time as accomplises and that final dream he had seen on the eve before the murder.
Suzaku sighed aloud, sitting on his bed. He really shouldn't be reminiscenting on the past. Maybe he just needed that feeling of fresh air and more than he admitted to himself, so he couldn't forget what he had already lost, on his own free will.
Actually it was Suzaku himself who had forbidden himself of walking outside without the mask. It was one of the ways he wanted to torture himself with, thinking that since Lelouch hadn't gained nothing in the end, nether should he. It was foolish, even childish and the man knew it, but he couldn't help the painful stabs of remorse each and every time he wore that mask of the murder. As the matter of fact he seldomly moved out from his personal quarters, because it was the only place where he could freely wear what he wanted, or atleast that's what Suzaku had decided.
In the face of the World he was Zero, The Saviour, Man without Identity. To Nunnaly he was a murder, even though she had said she had forgiven him. Suzaku just couldn't believe it, after all, he was the one who had taken away the only person Nunnaly had ever wanted to spend her days with.
Suzaku sighed again, resting his head against his hands. He knew he couldn't hide like this forever, but he just didn't know how to start living again. Man stood up, walked to the window. He opened the curtains a little, looking at the green garden from the little opening. He sighed once again, letting the curtain close once again.
"You really seem like an old man, sighing every two minutes, Zero-sama...or would you prefer, Suzaku-kun?"
Called man turned around, startled by the sudden precense. "Schneizel-sama." Tall blonde man stood at the doorway, small smirk playing on his lips. During the war they had been on the same side, except for the last fateful months after his "death".
After the Zero Requiem the Throne Prince had immedeatly know his true identity, but it really hadn't been that surprising, considering he was the only man Lelouch never could win. They were once again on the same side, but that didn't have to mean he had to actually like the blonde.
Suzaku bowed slightly, looking Schneizel straight in the eyes. "What could you possible want from me, Prime Minister, Schneizel el Britannia?"
Blondes smile grew even wider and he stepped inside the room. "Nothing much. I just happened to hear that you have not been outside for three months and for the past two, your food has been brought straight here..." Man took a little pause, looking amused at the young Japanese.
"I can't understand why on Earth would it matter to you wheather I leave my chambers or not. No offence intended." Brunette tried his best to remain calm, not wanting to show he had been thinking about the exact same thing before interrupted.
"Actually, I really do not care how you decide to spend your time. To me you are the man who freed the World of my foolish little brother, nothing more. But my dear little sister, Nunnaly, has been quite worried about you. She has been so busy lately she has not gotten the chance to visit you personally, but she mentions you quite often, so I took my freedom to visit you."
Another small pause, just enough time for Suzaku to think and feel guilty. "Do you intend to tell me that I should show myself as the man of the miracles, as Zero once again? I thought you had the peace already and I'm nothing more than a bedside story for the kids to tell. The World doesn't need me, nor the Zero any more. It's just as Lelouch wanted it to be." There was a hint of anger in his voice, but also sadness. Not really wanting to admit it, there really seemed to be nothing left for Suzaku to do in this world.
"I never would have guessed, you would be the type to get depressed, Kururugi Suzaku. But then again, I would not have guessed many other things from you eather when we first met. It is not really my business, if you want to spend the rest of your life indoors, reading books and what ever you find amusing, but my sister would not think of too highly of me if I would let that happen. Especially after she has asked me to invite you to dinner tonight."
Suzaku shot a questioning look towards Schneizel. How was he supposed to eat while wearing a mask that covered up his entire head? "Ah, I forgot to mention, it will be only the three of us. So you can wear what ever you prefer, even those traditional Japanese, if you feel like it."
With this Suzaku blushed slightly, he had only hakamas on, since he had been practicing kendo just a little while ago. "I can not force you to come, but I really ask it, for Nunnalys behalf. I guess I will take my leave now." Schneizel bowed lightly and took his leave, closing the door behind him. Suzaku nodded in return and when the door closed his brow furrowed.
Man knew he couldn't stay inside forever, but now that he had recieved a command in disguise of an invitation, it all felt too soon. He shivered slightly at the thought, his chest covered in goosebumps. There was still an hour of time before he should decide what he should do. "What would you have done if you had been the one left behind?" Suzaku muttered quetly, his voice suddenly hoarse. What a foolish question, knowing Lelouch he would have already turned the tables to his advantage, living his life to fullest. Not reminiscenting on the past like some fool.
Brunette rubbed his temples, still a little sweaty after the hard exorcise. He knew there was no way he could turn down the invitation. Suzaku just couldn't hurt Nunnaly more than he already had. Maybe the idea of formal dinner would seem less devastating after hot shower...