Disclaimer: Need I repeat myself?
I apologize if this is late…And for some reason…I can't bring myself to type up something less than 300 words now…strange. I also apologize for the fact that this chapter probably sucks.
Cliché
It would be cliché for Suzaku and Lelouch to share their first kiss in a mandatory school play. It would be even more cliché if said play was the ever-famous Romeo and Juliet by the one and only, Shakespeare. However, it wasn't quite as cliché for both boys to take no part in the actual cast.
Due to the Drama Club's case of salmonella caused by a nasty batch of home cooked chicken shared in their last meeting, at least half the cast and their understudies were unable to participate. So, of course with their play's date drawing near, they needed a cast. Quick.
Fortunately, Lelouch was spared the lead role. Female and Male. So was Suzaku. Lelouch was both the director and the props manager. Suzaku was in charge of lighting. Milly was casted for the role of Juliet (big surprise there…) and, since God was feeling quite generous that day, the leader of the drama club gave the role of Romeo to Rivalz (much to his elation). Yes, it seemed like a good day for everyone. Excluding the missing cast who are currently suffering such a severe case of the infection.
All was going well, anyways…until the day of the actual play. Rivalz had been fantasizing about Act 1 scene 5, and Milly wanted to make a few adjustments to Juliet's role (as well as her wardrobe). Both had been too busy to learn their lines properly. So, when the day of the play came, Lelouch, much to his dismay, had to write the lines on nearby props.
The ex-prince face palmed as Rivalz failed to properly pronounce the old English. (Again.) Suzaku, who had set the lights directly on the center of the stage, had come down to watch the play with Lelouch on the side. The scene had gotten quite awkward. Rivalz was sweating bullets, spewing broken and incorrect lines. Milly was equally nervous, though more for her lead partner. The audience, speaking and whispering in hushed murmurs, created greater tension.
Suzaku shook his head, chuckling. Lelouch groaned and hissed out, "It's, 'If I profane with my unworthiest hand. This holy shrine, the gentle sin is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand
To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.' ". Truthfully, Suzaku was quite impressive that Lelouch managed to interpret the line at all. With the way Rivalz had butchered it, anyways.
When Milly had started her line, she had a little more confidence; at least that made her seem more competent. Nonetheless, the 21st century speak docked her a few points. Suzaku sniggered and looked to his disgruntled companion. "Let me guess…she was supposed to say, 'Good pilgrim, you do wrong your hand too much, Which mannerly devotion shows in this; For saints have hands that pilgrims' hands do touch, And palm to palm is holy palmers' kiss.'"
Lelouch raised a brow, very much impressed. The Japanese boy shrugged. "There wasn't much to do in the army other than train. A former Major of mine suggested reading. It calms the nerves so you won't get jittery, leaving less room for error."
"And you chose Romeo and Juliet?" Lelouch smirked at the flustered look on Suzaku's face. Onstage, the play was slowly dying. And it was still the 1st act.
"Did I tell you she was a girl? She lent me the book, insisting I keep it."
Seeing the reminiscent look on his friend's eyes, Lelouch opted not to press further on the subject.
Under his breath, Suzaku muttered the lines. "Have not saints lips, and holy palmers too? "
Lelouch' hmmed', reciting, "Ay, pilgrim, lips that they must use in prayer."
The green-eyed boy smiled in the darkness, unconsciously leaning closer to the other male. "O then, dear saint, let lips do what hands do: They pray; grant thou, lest faith turn to despair." He wasn't sure if it was the bright spotlight on the stage, illuminating those amethyst eyes despite their distance or the fact that darkness almost completely enveloped them (or perhaps both), but something drew his attention to his friend's half-lidded eyes, which seemed to contemplate his own emerald-green.
With his gaze, unwavering in the least, replied, "Saints do not move, though grant for prayer's sake." Behind his usual cool demeanor, he felt his heart racing and knots in his stomach tighten to the point of suffocation. Lelouch's eyes traveled from dazzling emerald to the faint outline of parted lips.
Suzaku, whose state of consciousness already shut down and granted his body to take control, found himself mere centimeters away from Lelouch. Their mouths are aligned; the slightest movement would allow the desired contact. The lids of Suzaku's eyes closed. "Then move not, while my prayer's effect I take." The soft and breathy tone of his voice were all it took for Lelouch to close the distance between them.
Logic
The word 'brilliant' and 'genius' have been used to describe Nina Einstein. Though, the words 'geek' and 'nerd' has been thrown around more than once as well. All in all, Nina is an extremely smart girl. Though meek in appearance and behavior, her vast amount of knowledge and scientific insight reveals an analytical and somewhat cynical side to her.
Such as the concept of love. To her, it was merely hormones, pumping oxytocin through one's system. The hormone is initiated through intimate contact. Such as a hug or kiss. She witnessed this when she misplaced a certain document for her personal research. When she approached the doors of the Student Council Room in her search for the document, she could hardly muffle the gasp she emitted. The doors, slightly ajar, revealed a very intimate moment between two members of the council. She turned and left, holding a hand over her mouth to keep her from screaming.
She had noticed the behavior. Lingering glances and touches. It is said both of those increase the production of oxytocin. Though, she was still somewhat appalled, despite knowing it was inevitable. She also knew it was idiotic.
Lelouch is a Britannian. Suzaku is an Eleven. Both of them male. And both shouldn't be thinking of eachother that way.
She knew that Lelouch, despite being particularly lazy in classes, was just as much of a genius as herself. Suzaku, from the military training he received, should have better judgment and instinct. Both should have been more than aware of the risks.
And yet, she could tell that meant nothing to them.
She often wondered whether or not the hormone had anything to do with this. Everyone's heard of the illogical things that people have done. All for the sake of love. Suzaku and Lelouch are no exception.
Both seemed more than willing to take the risk for the sake of their happiness. Someone once said that there was no logic in love.
She was reminded of this each time she saw Suzaku and Lelouch were together; when they shared that look that would make any girl sigh in envy.
The Real Talk
Suzaku shifted uncomfortably in his seat. After a failed escape attempt while the two scientists were arguing, Lloyd left Cecile to handle the situation. After all, she had claimed to have better experience with this sort of thing. Though, not fully convinced she could handle the matter, Lloyd worked in the other room, seemingly waiting for Cecile to call him in.
Cecile handed Suzaku a cup of tea. She sent him a warm smile. "So, Suzaku, will you tell me about this err– person?"
Suzaku timidly accepted the cup, bringing the china to his lips. He muttered against the cup, eyes staring nervously at the floor.
Cecile placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Suzaku, please...we're worried. And, if you're scared about what we, or anyone, might think of you, just know that people who truly care for you will accept you for who you are. Lloyd and I are no different."
Suzaku nodded, placing the cup aside. He bit his lip, contemplating on what to say next. Cecile waited patiently, taking a sip out of her cup. Seriously, male or female, who would dare reject such a sweet boy? Granted, the boy probably hasn't made a move yet. Beside that point, Cecile was waiting for a name, wanting a word with the person who was obviously causing poor Suzaku such stress.
"You see…Lelouch and I have been dating for awhile now…"
Cecile almost chocked. As she saw panic flash through emerald eyes, she immediately cleared her throat. "No, I'm sorry…I was under the impression that…you...still haven't…"
"Made a move yet? My, my, Cecile…how behind are you?" Cecile glared daggers through the closed doors, hoping a certain Earl to be viciously stabbed by at least one of them.
"Lloyd, if you know what's good for you, you'd stay away from the door. Far. Far. Away." The venom dripping from her words were enough to make Suzaku visibly cringe. And, just as quickly as it came, the malice was replaced with her normally calm and motherly demeanor.
"Please, continue." She smiled, encouraging him.
"Uhm…well…we've been dating…and…uhm…" His cheeks were tinted pink and he began to fidget in his seat once more.
"Get on with it!" Another scathing glare was shot at the door.
"He…uhm…well…" He began mumbling again, his blush deepening a shade.
"I'm sorry, what was that?" Cecile scooted closer to the boy.
He looked up at her with such a flustered expression "We've been dating…and…uhm…" His cheeks were tinted pink and he began to fidget in his seat once more.
The vermillion flush, trembling bottom lip and glistening emerald eyes were enough to make Cecile's inner teenage-girl squeal.
"He…uhm…wantstotakeittothenextlevel!" Suzaku hid his face in his palms, his blush already so red that Cecile should worried for his blood pressure. That is, if she wasn't too busy gaping and blushing as well.
And for the first time, Lloyd stayed quiet.
In a few moments, Suzaku took a deep breath and continued. "I mean…we've known eachother since we were little, and I really do love him…but…I'm not sure that we're ready. I mean, we're still teenagers! But, lately, it seems like he won't hold back anymore…and I'm not sure I can either…"
Cecile was still silent. As well as Lloyd.
"I mean, before, it was just normal stuff…like kissing, and occasionally holding hands, but now, everytime we're alone, he practically shoves his tongue down my throat! And the scary thing is that I like it!"
'Oh dear lord…' Cecile thought, but she could do nothing but listen and stare. She idly wondered what Lloyd was thinking now.
"I…didn't think that Lelouch could be…so forward…I mean…before, he always seemed to hate stuff like that. I never thought that Lelouch would actually even try to come on to me, but the way he touched me…I know I should have been freaked out when he groped me there… and oh god, he was so horny…"
Did she just hear those words come out of Suzaku's mouth? The sweet, innocent boy that wanted nothing more but peace and happiness in the world? So much so that he enlisted in the army to make the world a better place from inside the system? Did he honestly just say that?!
"But…ugh…it's really frustrating…I mean…I want him…but what if I mess up? I mean, I don't want to ruin everything, and I do want to wait 'till we're ready but, everyday, it gets harder for me to hold back."
Alright, this has gone far enough. Cecile stood up, taking in a breath. "Suzaku, I don't think I'm the right person to talk to about this." 'Sorry Suzaku, but if this goes any further, we'll have quite a bloody mess on our hands.' Pinching the bridge of her nose, she walked briskly out the door, slamming Lloyd in the face by accident.
"You handle it." And with that, she scurried away leaving a shocked Suzaku and pained Lloyd behind.
The scientist straightened himself and took Cecile's seat infront of the worried soldier. "She'll be fine."
Suzaku eyed the bruise rapidly forming on Lloyd's face. "She did say for you to stay away from the door."
Lloyd 'hmphed' in response. "Well, thank-you for pointing that out, but I did tell her that she couldn't handle it." The Japanese boy shrugged.
"So, mind going through this one more time?"
Suzaku paled. This was going to be a long day…
Idiot
It was just like Suzaku to do such a thing. Foil his plans. Throw caution to the wind, even if it cost him his own life. And for what? For a country that conquered his homeland and caused them all such grief and suffering? Stupid Suzaku and his stupid ideals.
These thoughts had been running through Lelouch's mind. Ever since he learned that Suzaku was admitted to the hospital after the Black Knights' last attack. It had been successful, but many were injured. On both sides. Including Suzaku.
'That damn idiot…'
Lelouch watched over him silently while the boy rested. He had come after school with the others that had wanted to see how he was doing. Amethyst eyes caught sight of a paper crane that Nunally had made for him. She left with Sayoko some time ago, as with the rest of their friends. Lelouch offered to stay behind and see how he was doing.
The injury to his Knightmare must have been pretty bad. Just knowing that Suzaku was on one of those machines, to know that with every enemy he takes down, one of them could be Suzaku…The very thought of it almost made him want to stop the rebellion altogether. To remove the mask and cape forever. To be just plain old Lelouch Lamperouge. But he knew he was in too deep. There was no turning back.
And yet, he knew that he was already in too deep with Suzaku. Both desires ripping him apart, and each time he is faced with this decision, it never ceases to shatter his heart once more.
The desire to create a better world for his sister and all he cares for.
And the desire to be with the one person he would give his heart, body, mind, and soul.
Suzaku stirred and his eyes fluttered open. He blinked a few times to clear his vision. When he spotted sitting Lelouch beside him, he smiled weakly.
And that one look sent his heart plummeting. Pale hands fisted the hospital sheets while he lowered his head. Dark bangs fell over his face, concealing tears threatening to fall. Tears of frustration, anger…fear…
"Y-you…i-idiot!"
Suzaku frowned, but didn't say anything. He simply took Lelouch's hand into his own. Lelouch was breathing hard, though his emotions were somewhat calmed from the simple action.
He brought the hand to his lips and gently kissed it. "I'm still your idiot, right?"
Lelouch smiled, though it was somewhat bitter. "Yes. My idiot."
Manga
Lelouch should have known. He should have expected to find those in Suzaku's possession. Of course, that didn't stop him from doubling over in laughter when he found them. Suzaku Kururugi; soldier enlisted in the army and Honorary Britannian…was an anime fanatic.
When they were kids, Suzaku had shown Lelouch their 'animations' and cartoons, though Lelouch didn't really care about them too much. After all, that was kids' stuff. Still, though Suzaku was an exercise freak and probably one of the most athletic people he knew, he didn't figure him to be the type of guy that would spend day after day reading those little comics. Suzaku vehemently disagreed with Lelouch calling them comics, however.
They're 'manga'.
Lelouch would just roll his eyes.
And now, even after 7 years, Suzaku was still an 'anime addict' as some people would dub him. Suzaku was sneaky about it, though. Sometimes, when Suzaku would pretend to do his reading assignments, Lelouch would catch him concealing the small manga within the large novel.
And he chastises Lelouch for falling asleep in class.
Still, Lelouch often wondered what hooked Suzaku like a drug to them. It wasn't often that Lelouch would catch him, but that could mean that he's sneaky enough only to be caught a few times.
So, when Suzaku was busy doing real homework this time, Lelouch snuck a peak at the cover of the manga he had brought that day.
Though his Japanese wasn't perfect, he could somewhat translate the title while the rest of the cover was hidden among a small pile of paper.
Loveless?
What a depressing name for a comic. He wondered why Suzaku would read something that probably included a lot of tragic romances.
Another word caught his eye.
Yaoi.
It was there, probably hand written by Suzaku himself. It was labeled at the spine of the book, so it must indicate a section. But what does yaoi mean? He hadn't heard that term used before, and it didn't seem like traditional Japanese either.
Lelouch shrugged.
He'd have to ask Suzaku one day. Maybe he'll even tell him why he's so interested in 'manga' and 'yaoi' as well.
Phobia
"Suzaku, what are you afraid of?"
It was a simple question, though it was difficult to answer. It was difficult to answer because there were so many things. He is afraid that he cannot protect the people he cares about. He is afraid that despite how hard he worked, it will all amount to nothing.
He fears the cold and ruthless terrorist, Zero. He fears the destruction that he brings and creates, and how it could affect the world and future generations.
He is afraid of what will become of Lelouch and Nunally. If he somehow slips up and they're discovered, he would never forgive himself. He would never forgive himself if he put them in danger. Then again, he never could forgive himself for anything.
He is afraid that he has fallen in love. He fears that it will be discovered. After all, Lelouch is a smart boy. It's only a matter of time.
He's afraid that he'll be rejected. He's afraid that things will never be the same between them again, and he doesn't want to lose his first and best friend. He's far too precious to him.
More than that, he's afraid that Lelouch might love him back. Because Lelouch is an extremely stubborn person. If Lelouch did love him back, he would want to pursue a relationship. And that would never be accepted in their society. At least not now. Even if they maintained a secret relationship, it would only be a matter of time before Lelouch decided it was all a mistake. It would only be a matter of time before they are caught and have to be separated once more. Because not only is a relationship between two males, them being a Britannian and an Eleven, more than wrong, it would be destroy everything thing that they once had.
He's a coward.
Fearing so much.
"Suzaku, can you answer the question? What are you afraid of?"
"…Clowns."
Initiative
Lelouch honestly didn't think it would take that long. He had though that Suzaku, no matter how dense he was, would eventually take a hint. He took a glance at the window, catching the reflection of emerald hues gazing at him with a distant look. Lelouch almost groaned at the other's blatancy. But of course, if he were to do that, Suzaku would probably swiftly look away and act like nothing happened.
For what felt like the longest time now, he was more than aware of the glances and lingering gazes he received from the other boy. After all, he had been watching Suzaku as well.
It was obvious that Suzaku was either in lo– attracted to him. Or he was suspicious of him.
(But the latter was obviously false. After all, he seemed to avoid him rather than get closer to him.)
And he couldn't say he didn't feel the same way about the former.
Lelouch, deciding that Suzaku should be the one to take the initiative, would wait until the idiot was courageous enough to make a move. After all, Suzaku wasn't afraid to give his own life, why should he be scared to admit his feelings?
Oh, yeah. That's right. Because he's Suzaku.
The very Suzaku that he should have known from the start that would deny or better yet, suppress his own feelings just for the sake of what he thinks is best for Lelouch.
Why does he always do that?
As the bell signaled for classes to end, he watched the glass, seeing Suzaku packing his things hastily. Lelouch glowered. It seems as though things have gone far enough.
This time, if Suzaku wasn't going to make a move, he would.
He approached the other boy just as he was about to exit the building. "Suzaku."
He turned, giving him a perplexed look. "Hm?"
"…Want to do something later?" Ugh…he can't believe he's actually doing this… "Just us."
Suzaku sent him another bewildered look, and Lelouch could see a faint blush spread across his cheeks. With that, he couldn't help but be aware of his own flush. Truthfully, it was his first time asking someone out…and by the look on the other's face, it was his first time being asked.
There was a somewhat awkward tension after he had said the last two words. Outwardly, he was tapping his foot impatiently. But on the inside, he was panicking. Had he misinterpreted Suzaku's actions? Had Suzaku merely been spying on him for the military? After all, with Suzaku, he could never really know for sure. The boy defied all expectations. His heart began to hammer in his ribcage…
It was during those thoughts that Suzaku smiled shyly and accepted. Lelouch's heart almost beat itself to exhaustion and his blood pressure skyrocketed.
Dinner
It was a calm, peaceful dinner. Suzaku had offered to join them that night, much to Nunally's joy. They chatted about their day and such, and the young girl opted that it was time to inquire about the subject that had been bothering her all day.
Sayoko stood beside the young girl when she spoke. "Brother, I heard strange noises from your room last night."
The blind girl heard the distinct sound of chocking and sputtering. The maid beside her gulped and excused herself. Perhaps it would be best if she took no part in this…
"Sayoko and I were discussing about it this morning. We've been meaning to ask you as to what happened." Ah well…there goes that plan…
Suzaku slid further into his seat, covering his mouth with his napkin. Across the dining table, Lelouch eyed the maid, his gaze bordering outrage and humiliation.
"I heard you cry out Suzaku's name, and he call out yours. What happened? Did you two get into a fight again?"
He turned to his sister, his voice soft and reasonable. "Suzaku and I got into…a skirmish. But–"
"Oh brother…I thought you two have grown out of your fights." Her voice held the faintest trace of amusement.
"Well, old habits die hard, I guess." Suzaku chuckled in remembrance of their more…juvenile moments.
Sayoko almost sighed in relief. Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as she thought.
"But, why did I hear a strange thumping noise? It wounded like something was being pounded…"
Lelouch almost spat out his drink. Suzaku had to refrain from snickering. Oh yeah…something, or rather someone was being pounded all right.
'Damn Suzaku…damn those thin walls…damn this big house and its echoes… ' Lelouch would have damned his sister's good hearing, but he couldn't. He could never damn dear Nunally.
"Uhm..well…I can explain that.." Lelouch never sounded so flustered in front of his sister before. He glared at the man across him, seeing the male grin sheepishly. His flush only deepened. Of course…Suzaku always had that effect on him.
"We…uhm…uh…" Oh boy…this is a tough one…
"Who wants cookies?!" Sayoko just had to jump in. As much as it amused her to no end to see the adorable and positively mind-scarring event unfold right before her, she thought it was best that Nunally's innocence be saved. As well as the boys' secretive little romance.
Oh, they owed her big-time.
"That would be lovely, Sayoko!"
Sayoko nodded and scurried out to the kitchen. Knowing Nunally, that would at least buy the boys some time to digress the conversation.
And, as expected, Lelouch diverted the attention from that night to another subject. The dinner had grown comfortable once more. When Suzaku bid them all good night and headed off, Nunally had already been put to bed. It was just Sayoko and Lelouch now.
Sayoko faced the teenage boy. "So, how was it?"
He faced her with an indifferent look. "The cookies were fantastic. As usual, Sayoko."
She grinned. "That wasn't the treat I was talking about."
Lelouch huffed, face blushing. But a small grin formed on his lips. "It was…Fantastic."
And there you go. The 3rd and probably worst chapter out of all of them XD I apologize…I caught a cold…and I feel miserable…
I know…the Balcony Scene might have been better for Romeo and Juliet, but eh…Act 1 Scene 5 is the only other kiss that was really mentioned at the play. That, and the end. I've read that whoever directs the play really makes up the kissing parts. So the kiss could really happen whenever they want. Not sure if that's accurate, though…
And the oxytocin part? Er…tell me if that's wrong XD I researched about love hormones x.x bleh…
Fun Fact: The fear of clowns is called Coulrophobia.
Well, hope you guys enjoyed this piece of failure :D
