A series of one-shot drabbles. SuzakuxLelouch and LelouchxSuzaku. There are some one-sided pairings as well. Fluff and humor-ish, as well as crack-ish at times. Minor angst. May have some OOC. Got the idea from Shotgun by Misery Loves Fanfics. I loved the stories as well as how it was formatted.

Some of the stories connect with each other, most of them don't though.

Disclaimer: One could dream, right? But...then again...people would be after me for killing Lelouch in the end...

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Troubles

Lelouch vi Britannia has a lot of troubles. On several occasions, he knows and can feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. He feels it everytime he sees his darling little sister, handicapped and blind from the event that drastically changed both their lives. He sees it everytime he sees the green-haired witch, always reminding him of the contract they had made, making sure he keeps his end of the bargain. He knows it everytime he commands the Black Knights to another assignment, with plans bringing him closer to his goal.

But…

He doesn't always feel that way. Sure, the feelings come and go, but he savors each and every moment in which he can simply forget. These moments are quite rare after all.

Such as when he's with his friends in the Student Council Room; all of them laughing and simply enjoying life. Especially when a certain green-eyed boy would send him a genuine smile that never failed to lighten his mood.

He doesn't feel the burden of keeping not two, but three separate lives at once. He doesn't feel anything but warmth when Suzaku holds him. That, and the smile from the other boy against his neck.

And he doesn't worry about whether or not he'll live to see the next day. Not when all he can focus on are the soft lips pressed against his own.

Height

Suzaku pouted. It wasn't often that he notices something like that for the first time, especially since it's always been right in front of him. He wasn't really sure as to how he didn't notice sooner.

He was…short.

Shorter than a certain Britannian ex-prince, anyways.

Sure, it wasn't by much at all, (He is considered pretty average) and it didn't bother him up until now.

Maybe he was just making a mountain out of a molehill.

Besides, he was technically 6 months younger, so he guessed it was natural too. But…he couldn't help but be a little self-conscious about it.

Especially since Lelouch would have to tilt his head down a bit just to kiss him.

Of course, when he voiced out his musings, Lelouch's lips were drawn to a thin line, trying not to burst out laughing.

Blind

Nunally may have lost her sight, but she wasn't blind to everything. She knew whose hand was on her own and immediately recognized it to be Suzaku's. She can tell when his brother is bothered by something, though she mostly keeps quiet, not wanting to increase his worries. She hears about their flawed world, but still believes that one day, there will be peace. But…most of all, she can feel something between her brother and their childhood friend.

She notices the soft voice her brother would use when he spoke of the brunet and the fond and teasing tone in his words when they would speak.

She also notices the pain and anger in his voice when Suzaku broke off another dinner date or would have to leave school early to attend his military duties.

And she also hears the irritated tone Suzaku has everytime he finds that Lelouch had been skipping again. She notices the worry in his voice when he's been acting odd and sleeping during class again. He comments on how strangely he's been acting of late, and it really concerns him.

But, she can also hear and feel the affection in his words, especially when they were directed at Lelouch.

And...she envied that. She envied the close bond that the two had developed, and she couldn't help but feel a little jealous that they loved each other so much. And they did.

They really did.

Sure, they hid it well enough so none of their friends seemed noticed, but Nunally was well aware.

She wondered if she would ever have the chance to experience such a wonderful relationship such as theirs.

Sunrise

Many couples enjoy the sunset. The beautiful colors melding together, the sky painted with the wonderful hues, and the way the colors contrast, yet look so ethereal. The sun descends over the horizon, bringing an end to yet another day.

But, Suzaku and Lelouch never did like the setting sun. It signaled the end to something– something that they wished would last forever. The days that never seemed to end were the days that the pair enjoyed most. The feeling of eternity is…indescribable.

So, instead of looking to the end, they stayed together, as the moon faded from sight, and the sun returned once more; slowly bathing their world in light and chasing away the darkness.

A new beginning.

Devoted Pawn

The regal clothes and the fancy title aside, Suzaku knew what he truly was in the end. He was introduced to the world as the Knight of Zero. The Knight of the 99th Emperor, Lelouch vi Britannia.

The Knight of Zero. A grand title and a high position. But, even then that didn't fool him. He was no knight.

In this cruel game that Lelouch played, he was merely a pawn.

A pawn that would follow each and every order that his 'King' had given him.

A pawn that would remain devoted to him, even in death. His command to live on is still embedded into his very being.

To live on. To sacrifice his own happiness for a better world. Even as his king has fallen, he is to remain loyal, unable to betray his word.

He donned the mask, forever standing by Nunally's side. Just as Lelouch had commanded him.

A Truly Devoted Pawn

Age

It was an ordinary day for Lelouch. Which meant he was extremely busy. He zigzagged the school grounds, running several errands at once for the Student Council as well as preparing the next attack for the Black Knights. He staved off the urge to sleep during several tests, all on the same day, and managed to only get hit four times by a dodge ball in P.E. By the time the day had ended, he plopped down on the bed, his body weary and his thoughts slightly swirling in his mind. His back ached, and his legs felt like jelly. His head was throbbing too.

"You know, you're going to grow old a lot faster if you keep up all this stress." C.C sat on the bed beside him, raising a brow at a peculiar sight.

Lelouch was about to retort, but was cut off as he felt a sharp tug from the top of his head. He yelped from the slight sting.

"And this further proves my point." C.C presented him, smirking widely, with a single strand of hair.

A gray hair.

Lelouch gaped at the strand, currently unable to form words. He…was…getting…old!

He opted not to speak and merely buried his head on his pillow. Great…and she plucked it out too…doesn't that mean that three more will grow back?!

C.C spoke after a few minutes of watching Lelouch wallow in depression.

"If it makes you feel any better, I think this might help you realize something about that boy you always want to be around."

A garbled and muffled noise was her response, as Lelouch had yet to lift his head from the pillow.

She smirked once more. "I once heard that growing a grey hair meant that you're in love."*

Surface

"There! Right there!" Milly screamed, pointing at the screen.

Rivalz paused the tape, looking closely at the television's screen. Shirley and Kallen both had flabbergasted expressions, Nina was blushing, Rivalz still didn't get it, Milly seemed completely convinced of herself and Suzaku was hiding his face in embarrassment. And Lelouch? Lelouch was secretly smirking, concealing his amusement with his hand over his mouth.

Milly jabbed her finger on the screen. "See? Doesn't it look like he groped you?!"

"M-madame President! You can't accuse a terrorist of violating Suzaku!" Shirley shrieked.

Kallen and Nina agreed.

There, paused on the screen, was a clip of Suzaku when Zero had rescued him from his execution and revealed himself of being Prince Clovis's real murderer. When Zero had whisked Suzaku away, the brunet was still bound and had no choice but to allow the masked terrorist to fly them both up into the air to the truck. With the poor Japanese boy in the terrorist's arms.

"Tell her Suzaku!" Suzaku's eyes shifted to the floor, his face still burning with embarrassment.

"So I was right!" Milly whooped for joy.

"C'mon Madame President. You can't even see anything with that ridiculous cape in the way." Lelouch threw Rivalz a glare at the cape comment.

"T-to tell you the t-truth…I can't r-really remember w-what happened…" Suzaku mumbled quietly. That was a lie. He remembered quite vividly. And that was why he was blushing so hard.

"Heh…he may act like a big scary terrorist on the surface…but I bet he's just some love-struck guy with a huge crush on Suzaku. And of course, when opportunity presented itself…" Milly cackled evilly as Suzaku's face deepened to an unhealthy shade of red. "He couldn't help but try to cop a feel."

And at that comment, even Shirley couldn't contain her laughter. Poor Suzaku merely sunk into his seat, his cheeks bright red.

Lelouch continued smirking at the thought that Milly would never know how right she was.

Demon

They haunted him everywhere. The demons that existed in the shadows. They torment him and feed on his anguish and sins. And, even the in daylight, they trail him, wherever he goes.

The people he had killed.

The one's he has sacrificed.

The people's lives that he has destroyed.

They're always there.

They accumulate, with every day, every incident, every plan, every accident.

He said that deaths and sacrifices were inevitable as well as required. That didn't mean the demons weren't bothersome.

They did more than just bother him, after all. Some days, all he could do is focus on the destruction he had caused, as well as whether he made the right decision or not.

The only time the demons didn't approach him…were the few moments of serenity he ever had.

Those scarce and blissful moments he would spend with the brunet, to be able to feel his comfort and be allowed to be loved and protected.

Some days, all he wants to be is the Lelouch that Suzaku sees. The Lelouch that Suzaku can hold and love. The Lelouch that Suzaku would have died for. Not the terrorist that stands in the way of everything the Japanese boy believes in. Not the man who's blood Suzaku was willing to spill. And the demons sense this.

They gather; waiting for the younger boy's protection to ebb away, until Lelouch is exposed to them once more.

After all, when the lights fade, the greater the shadows become.

Until he is completely engulfed.

Unrequited

Shirley should have known from the very beginning. At first, she figured that Lelouch was far too oblivious to notice her advances. She tries to be subtle and wants to make sure that he knows how she feels without her completely giving herself away.

She tried everything, just to get him to look at her. She would sigh dreamily, making a mental snapshot in her head (as well as a real photo when she can) everytime Lelouch would smile her way. She would stand by his side, even when Milly was being her usual eccentric self again. She wanted to prove to him that she was the only one fit to be his one and only. She wanted him to be happy, and so she tried to be the very best she could be. She was truly in love with him.

It was just too bad that he didn't feel the same way.

He would never feel the same way.

He can't love her.

Not the way she loved him.

It pained her to see them act so close. It seemed silly that she was jealous, especially of another boy. Although she didn't know everything, she knew that Lelouch knew Suzaku from when they were younger. So, of course they would connect easier that she does with him. So what if she technically knew him for a longer time? So what that she has to actually try to converse with him, while Suzaku makes it looks as easy and natural as breathing?

But…Suzaku is always on Lelouch's mind. Suzaku was the one Lelouch trusted. He was the one that Lelouch worried for and got frustrated at everytime he would leave for his military duties. He was the one that Lelouch would search for everyday to see if he was able to make it to school. He was the one that Lelouch accepted into his world.

So, it never mattered no matter how hard she tried. Lelouch's heart had already been taken.

But the most painful thing was that Suzaku didn't even know he carried it with him.

She could sympathize with Lelouch.

They both love someone that may never even realize it.

A Scream In The Night

Usually, Nunally wouldn't be scared to sleep alone. She was in constant darkness, so she was well acquainted with the unknown. But, tonight was different. Something wasn't right, and something in her senses told her that someone or something was in the house.

She wasn't sure what time it was, but she estimated it to be around midnight. It felt like a few hours since Lelouch had tucked her in for bed, so it must be pretty late now.

The young girl didn't know what caused the noise that awakened her. What seemed like a dull thud and a strange noise had awakened her during the night, making her uneasy. For the first time in a long time, she was afraid of the dark.

She calmed her heart, trying to locate that distinct noise once more.

Creaakk…

Thud

She gulped, trembling slightly. What was there?

Ahn..ng..

Was that a person? Was there a burglar somewhere in the house? And if so, why were they making such a low noise?

Thud…thud…creeeaaakk…

The noises grew in volume as well as tempo, terrifying the girl. She could hear gasps and panting in the dark, which confused her. They grew louder…and louder still…and then…

Aah! S-suzakuuuu!

If she could open her eyes, they would be wide as saucers now. That was Lelouch's voice! She was certain of it! But, why was her brother making those weird noises and calling out Suzaku's name…?

Ng…L-lelouch!

A whimper and a moan could be heard, further confusing the girl. She recognized the other voice to be Suzaku. Why was he here? She thought he had left after dinner! Maybe they're both fighting again! Nunally pouted, but was relieved to discover it was merely her brother and his best friend playing another game again.

Satisfied with her theory, she shrugged she went back to sleep.

Echo

Suzaku collapsed onto Lelouch's body, feeling the body beneath him wriggle. He chuckled and rolled off to the spot beside the boy and wrapped his arms around his lover. Lelouch sighed in contentment, snuggling into Suzaku's warmth.

They were both naked, sweaty, and sticky, and Suzaku completely sure that Lelouch was going to bitch about it the next day. But right now, the euphoric state had yet to dissipate from the pair, leaving them without a care in the world.

Suzaku kissed the older boy's forehead before closing his eyes.

Then, a thought struck him.

"…Lelouch?"

"…Hn…"

"It's…a pretty big house…isn't it…?"

"Hn…?"

"…Lelouch?"

"…Nn..yeah…" Suzaku better have a good reason as to why he was asking something like that after they just had sex.

"…Uh…so…just asking but…uhm…" Okay, Suzaku was getting quite annoying now.

"Out with it."

"Does this place…echo?"

"…."

Oh shit.

River

How would it feel…to float away forever? Down the river, as it twists and bends, each route taking you to a new place. It's never home, but the journey is magnificent. Suzaku felt that everyday.

Life is a beautiful thing. But it can be tainted so easily. The purest waters turn to mud and muck, destroying life within it and the life that depended on it.

And it can be purified once more. The new world Lelouch had created is an example of that.

And he continued to live on. Just floating downstream; watching and waiting to see where the current takes him next.

Eventually, the current will empty him to the sea.

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*= Someone told me that…not sure if it's true, but think about it this way…grey hairs are supposedly caused by stress…so does love XD

Well, there's the first part…hm…who knows when I'll get the second part. But, I'm beat…and it's late… Forgive any mistakes…grammatically/spelling-wise and accuracy-wise. But hey, it's fanfiction right?

Happy Halloween :D (Though…I finished this at 1 a.m the next day…x.x)