disclaimer: Code Geass is not my property.
It was a beautiful cherry blossom tree.
Almost every time when a traveller walked by, he had to stop to admire such ageless beauty. So beautiful that the tree itself was well known throughout the country of Japan. So beautiful with a mesmerizing scent that no one dared lay a finger on it.
The cherry blossom tree was like a divine shrine. People admired yet feared it for never before was there such a magnificent tree.
And it belonged to the Lamperouge family.
In this generation, a young, handsome man named Lelouch was its owner.
One day, a young man named Suzaku travelled by and like many others, was stopped by the brilliant sight of the tree. He stood in awe. A small gust of wind blew by sending clouds of pink petals scattering about.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" said a voice nearby.
Suzaku almost jumped out of his skin. He turned toward the source of the voice and was face to face with the owner.
"It is. Almost surreal," Suzaku answered.
"I agree."
The raven-haired man stepped forward and stood next to Suzaku. The latter looked down at the former's extended hand.
"My name is Lelouch," he said.
"I'm Suzaku," he said shaking the other's hand. His short brown hair blew softly in the wind. "Nice to meet you."
Lelouch nodded. "Likewise."
Then both men turned their attention toward the tree. Its branches were swaying gently in the persistent wind. The pale pink petals were swirling around the two young men as if they wanted to embrace them.
"Where are you from?" Lelouch asked. "I have never seen you before."
"Ah, I'm from Kanazawa. I'm visiting my girlfriend, actually. She lives in Kyoto."
Suzaku didn't know if he's imagining it or not but he thought he saw a flicker of sadness and envy in the stranger's dark purple eyes. It lasted for a mere second.
"Must be nice," Lelouch remarked before turning toward the tree.
Suzaku studied him for a bit.
"I should go-"
"Would you like to stay?"
"Eh?"
Lelouch shook his head and gestured toward the setting sun. "It's getting dark," he explained, "and if you're not familiar with the winding roads around here, I'm afraid I can't let you go on your own any further. There are swamps everywhere in this part of the country and if you missed your step in the night, you'll never come out alive and no one can hear your cries."
"Are you joking?" Suzaku asked, chuckling half-heartedly. "I think I can deal with a couple of swamps."
But the look in Lelouch's eyes told him otherwise.
"You look tired," Lelouch said. "Come in and rest. You'll never know what a good night's rest can do and if you like, I can show you the news clips about those travelers who didn't heed the native's advice."
Suzaku was tired. The travel was long. He only had a sandwich for breakfast and lunch. His stomach was growling. His back was hurting from carrying the luggage. He did need a good night's rest. What's more? The beautiful tree was there, right next to this hospitable stranger's house so he could look at it anytime he wanted.
Without further ado, Suzaku accepted Lelouch's offer and allowed the latter to lead him to the house.
The tree's branches were still swaying as if it were dancing to the approaching moonlight.