CHAPTER 3 Mamihlapinatapai

It is ten o'clock and Lelouch finally heads down to the parking lot. When he gets there he immediately notices something is off.

Someone is waiting for him.

They had some balls if they were an employee. He guesses no matter how he avoids them, if they wait at his car, there was not much he can do short of calling security. But that would make more problems for him.

As he walks, he slides his finger over the cold steel barrel of his gun. This one different than St. Jude, he would not dare bring him to work. He had learned his lesson with Kallen. It was asking to be recognized and its purpose was not for use.

No, he would be taking every measure not to use it, even if the stranger meant him harm, the gun's purpose was a reminder of who he was at work, and who he was outside of it. Most people might carry something simple like a coin, but to him, a gun was a better reminder.

One world, the Black Prince, the other, Zero. He would never allow those worlds to cross.

He then turns the corner and to his surprise he meets the back of the delivery boy, Suzaku.

He had been so drawn into work, he forgotten the background check. Suzaku had not given a last name though, which was probably why.

The boy definitely had his full attention now. He had done to a lot to avoid detection. Lelouch, proficient in the art of remaining unseen Suzaku was no match.

Hmm. Now why had Suzaku gone to all that trouble?

"Hello Suzaku." Lelouch announcing his presence to the unsuspecting boy.

Lelouch could have sworn Suzaku jumped so high, that he almost cracked his head on the parking lot ceiling. No one in the history of anybody was able to sneak up on him, so he had quite the satisfied smirk on his face.

But in the split second of jumpiness, Suzaku had shown the slightest of movements towards his pocket. Lelouch remembered that small scent of danger.

Oh Suzaku was getting more curious by the second.

Lelouch plays the part of the amused CEO.

"Sorry for startling you, I did not expect to see anyone else down here, so it was you, as you could say, who surprised me." Lelouch gives with a little smirk.

Suzaku mirrors one who is attempting to remember something. Maybe the reason for being near his car in the first place?

"Uh. Hi Mr. Lamperouge. It's nice to see you again." Suzaku finally speaks up.

Lelouch lets a pause hang in air, and then an delicious idea strikes him. A little toying with ninja boy would be fun. Make him squirm for trying to stalk him. "Are you waiting up for someone?" Lelouch replies with a devious glint in his eyes.

Suzaku's reply comes much faster than the last. "Um…I….I was, but it seems they already left." Suzaku laughs as he scratches the back of his head.

Lelouch begins approaching his car.

Suzaku clearly lied to him. The kid had a bit of nerve for trying, but of course, he could not outright say he was waiting for Lelouch, it would insinuate stalking. And now, since he had lied, Lelouch was granted the opportunity to make his game a little more enjoyable.

"Well, do you need a ride somewhere?" Lelouch stops a few feet away from the car, gesturing to it.

Suzaku stands there completely at a standstill. He looks unsure of what to do next. Lelouch assumes he is figuring out how he should approach the point he came to make while not evoking the bosses wrath.

Suzaku is actually considering exactly what Lelouch assumes, the whole point in waiting around to talk to him, but he's having difficulty focusing on what exactly that is.

Lamperouge is flipping his keys around his slim, delicate finger and it's distracting. Then Lamperouge directs a disarming smile Suzaku's way, and Suzaku wants to do whatever Lamperouge tells him.

Woah there. Bad idea. Mr. Lamperouge asked him a question, he had to answer.

Suzaku's brain supplies that Lamperouge doesn't seem too angry, but he doesn't know why that matters when answering the question. Then his mind finally catches up.

Right, he meant to sincerely straighten things out with Lamperouge.

Oh dammit! He hadn't been sincere from the start, but it was a reflex. He'd totally been caught off guard and went into defense mode.

Um. What could he do to remedy this? Should he decline and apologize, or get in the car?

He weighs the pros and cons. Declining could be a con since Lamperouge could get annoyed. Lamperouge's slightest of smiles showed he recognized the lie for what it was. Suzaku's excuse to cover waiting for him.

So that meant Lamperouge was expecting him to tell why he was waiting, either right now if he declined, or later by accepting. The question came down to, did he want to tell him now? No. He did not. It wouldn't be subtle or come off as sincere. But, if he were to get into the car, a con presented itself again because Lamperouge could get irritated by the fact that Suzaku. Didn't. Need. To. Be. Driven. Anywhere. This whole thing was a bad idea.

"Uh yeah, if you're sure?" Did that really, just slip out of his mouth?

"Of course. She has never had a passenger though, so be gentle." Lelouch nods, and gets in the car.

"Your car?" Suzaku says as he reaches for the door handle. The question an automatic response because all that's passing through his mind is, Sweet Jesus I'm getting into Lamperouge's car for no reason at all!

"Yes." Lamperouge sends another sunny smile Suzaku's way, and before Suzaku realizes, he's inside the trap.

"Now, where are we going to, Suzakuuu?" Suzaku thinks Lamperouge purposely let his name role off his tongue. Though he still can't help flushing deeply at it.

He struggles to say his next few words without squeaking."Well there were a couple of guys I was going to meet at Aries Bar." Yep, keep it up Suzaku! You're doing a great job at lying. Could he make it more obvious?

To Suzaku's slight surprise, Lamperouge starts the car then leans back in his seat, tapping the steering wheel. He assumes he's thinking. The trepidation washes over Suzaku.

For Lelouch, he is thinking, thinking that Suzaku's choice of venue is sort of problem. The bar is one of the main hang outs of his father's syndicate. Lelouch is not in the habit of going onto Charles' territory. Naturally, there was no chance he be shot at. No one except Kallen and C.C. knew him as Zero. That wasn't the issue. The true concern was the small chance of running into…family.

Did he want to face that problem? Was spending time with Suzaku worth it? Worth running into Cornelia or Maximillion when he pulls up in a car they would very well recognize?

"Ah, well we do not want to keep them waiting." Lelouch looks over at Suzaku. Suzaku having only slightly recovered from turning crimson is back to full face again when Lelouch gaze scans his body.

"You should probably put on your seatbelt." Nothing like getting Suzaku flustered, Lelouch smiles to himself, very happy with his decision.

Suzaku buckles up.

Why did he assume Lamperouge checked him out?

Then Lamperouge pulls the car out, and the trepidation disappears. The car is moving so fast Suzaku is flying. In the background, all he can hear is the hum of the engine and Lamperouge's music, Capitailismo Foraneo. He is surprised and enthralled they are actually driving through Pendragon where normally, every street is traffic, but here its as if they are speeding across Nevada's open road.

Then Suzaku double takes when his eyes glance at his boss.

The sight he's granted with is the most enthralling, Lamperouge's face is of pure exhilaration. It declares he lives for the speed, and nothing could get in his way.

Then all too soon, they're pulling up at Aries Bar.

Suzaku stares at his lap summoning up all his courage for what he needs to do. He has yet to apologize, and he wants to do it properly. Suzaku eyes lock with Mr. Lamperouge's.

"Mr. Lamperouge would you care to have a drink with me?" Suzaku blanks at his own words. What the hell kind of an apology was that?

Suzaku's forwardness equally floors Lelouch, and his head flashes quickly toward his companion.

Had Suzaku forgotten about his earlier lie to meet people here? Apparently so from that engaging eye contact and overall surprise on his face.

Lelouch turns the offer over in his head. He is not keen risking it, he did not even want to drive here. But, Suzaku had asked nicely.

He would tease and see the response he got. That would decide it. "And who is going to drive me home, Suzaku?"

Suzaku is a bit shellshocked. "I could…"

Then Suzaku remembers he doesn't have a car, and that he left his bike in the parking lot. He couldn't have Lamperouge on the back of his bike anyway. That would be humiliating.

Lelouch remorses for stressing Suzaku out, but only a little. He liked these flustered reactions and now he had his answer.

Lelouch laughs. "Sorry, but seeing that lost face of yours is very enjoyable."

Suzaku looks away to hide his blush.

Lelouch thinks it is time to let Suzaku relax. "It is okay Suzaku. I can have someone come and take us home afterwards if I need to."

Suzaku gazes back, not knowing how hopeful he looks. "Are… are you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure." Giving off another award-winning smile, Lelouch steps out of the car and throws the keys to the valet.

Suzaku also tries just as smoothly to get out, but the seatbelt decides to give him a hard time, whipping him back to the seat.

Good thing Lelouch hadn't seen him get thrown back. That would have been embarrassing.

But it was only moment later that he's embarrassed anyway. While he had taken too long waging war with the seatbelt, the valet had opened the car door for him. To say that he was surprised would be an understatement; he was shocked.

There were only a few people who don't know of Mr. Lamperouge. A man of great success, whose boosted economic trade within every country he's built a branch. Plus, he has a social spotlight that rivals the famous celebrities because of his good looks. It's made the media come like a moth to the flame.

Suzaku never watched the fancy gatherings, he did not like TV, but he had heard things from those that did. They spoke of the rarity of Lelouch Lamperouge going without an elegant date on his arm. Be that he was both extremely successful and handsome, any girl would volunteer to be next to him. It was practically unheard of that he wasn't with one.

Suzaku knows the valet knows this because only the sight of a guy replacing a pretty girl stepping out of Lelouch Lamperouge's fancy two-seater luxury car could only make his jaw drop.

Together they walk into Aries Bar, Lelouch smiles to himself as Suzaku wills away the mortification. Lelouch is a little ahead of Suzaku as they get through the door, and heads to the stools alongside the main counter.

Lelouch carefully scans over the occupants as they walk in, while Suzaku observes that Lamperouge communicates like he owns the place. He commands the attention of everyone in the room and they all acknowledge him without him saying a single word.

If there was ever a man to learn from, Suzaku certainly knows he's found him.

When they sit down Suzaku swipes open his phone to check his messages. At least he wants to imply he's following through with the fake story of meeting friends here. He feels so guilty that he made up another lie in the first place, so much for his sincerity.

He turns to Lamperouge when he's done. Lamperouge is casually ordering their drinks and the bartender is very happy filling his order. She even leans over a little further than was necessary when placing the napkins down.

Lamperouge turns his head to Suzaku, a small smile gracing his lips. "Are your friends coming?"

Suzaku can't smile back. Not with how frustrated he feels. "No, it looks like it's just us." Suzaku answers flipping the phone around in his pocket.

To Lelouch, the evident frustration surprises him. It makes the lie more convincing. Not only is it surprising that Suzaku did it, but that he could do it after witnessing how bad a liar Suzaku was the first and second time around.

The drinks are set down, and the bartender makes another go at showing off her generous amount of cleavage.

Suzaku stares at his drink. Suzaku was not much of a drinker, but when he did, he drank a jack and coke. Which was what he is staring at, Lamperouge had ordered him his favorite, a jack and coke.

Does this guy have him figured out? How is he being read like a book?

"Us then? I guess we have plenty of time to get to know each other." Sending over another smile. "Let us start simple. I want you to call me Lelouch while here. I am not that much older than you, and people call me mister all day."

"Uh, sure." Suzaku is already a little blown away why not be totally blown now? If Lamperouge... if Lelouch is comfortable enough to use his first name that's completely fine.

"Now what do you think of Geass Enterprises?"

Suzaku had almost sipped his drink, good thing he hadn't or he would have spit it all over the counter.

"That's supposed to be simple?" It was a reaction that Suzaku couldn't believe. He splutters at his own informality. Was he asking for a fight? That was the opposite of what he was trying to accomplish.

Lelouch laughs to his delight. "I am not sure, but I would like to know your opinion."

Suzaku can tell Lelouch is searching his face for an answer. He had genuine curiosity. Well, he owed him one anyway after all the things he's said up to this point.

Suzaku takes his actual first sip of jack and coke. Maybe it would calm him enough to answer.

After the sip and staring at the contents, he swirls them and naturally lets words flow.

"Your company is terrific Mr…ah Lelouch. It's one of the most dynamic I have ever worked for. The three different departments you head all work smoothly with one another and you have no rival to that kind of teamwork within a company."

"That was a lot of flattery, are you telling the truth?" Lelouch raises an inquisitive eyebrow.

"I think of all people, you can tell when I'm lying."

Suzaku's eyes almost pop out of his head.

He did not mean for that to come out! He finishes his entire drink in one gulp, trying to stave off the blush of embarrassment.

Lelouch looks like he's caught the canary.

"Suzaku, you are so very interesting. I wonder when you could tell I knew you were lying."

Suzaku cannot make the eye contact. Those damnable words of Lelouch's considering him interesting only making the blush intensify. He stares at his lap fidgeting as the bartender fetches him another glass.

He makes a sad little laugh. "The first time." He was a moron for admitting it. "It was a pretty bad lie." The new drink arrives and it's solemnly stared at. Maybe it would transport him back to his bike.

Lelouch starts up with mild amusement to his relief. "There is no bad lie. It is all in the matter of convincing yourself it is the truth." He smiles gently. "Actually, I would not blame the lie, more like you are a bad liar," he smile widens "which is good because there needs to be more truthful people."

Then Lelouch lowers his voice into a seductive whisper. "But honestly Suzaku, what was the plan in waiting to meet me?"

Suzaku swallows hard. He decides, that first he will finish that second drink.

He puts the finished glass down and squints.

He told himself he would be be sincere, he had promised himself he would. Of course the events to sincerity hadn't been ideal. He winces. He has to say he is sorry now.

"Well, I wanted to apologize."

Lelouch looks taken back. "Apologize for what?"

Man, this wasn't going to be easy, now he would have to remind Lelouch why he was angry with him. "I made you upset on the elevator."

"Hmm?" Lelouch is still confused.

"Yeah, you were mad after I said the thing about C.C. not being liked." There is a relief that comes in finally telling Lelouch what he wanted. Then he remembers the range of consequences Lelouch could give him. Suzaku squares his shoulders. He's ready for full impact and keeps the eye contact, he deserves those consequences anyway.

Lelouch chuckles and Suzaku is surprised. He had expected anger, he had seen anger on the elevator. But no, he gets a little chuckle for having stressed about this the entire day? It made no sense. Had he beaten himself up over something entirely overlooked by Lelouch? No, this had to be a trick. Lelouch must be one of those people who makes everything seem fine then rips the rug right from under them.

Suzaku waits for the impending doom.

"You were worried that I was mad at you?" Lelouch says soothingly.

"Yes." Suzaku is a lot more confused now by Lelouch's tone and it shows in his reply.

"The only person I was mad at was C.C." Lelouch explains. "I had known she neglected properly conducting herself. I should have taken care of it earlier, but I had not realized how out of hand it had become until you made me aware of it. I was mad at her, not you."

Suzaku's eyes widen. "Oh."

"Yes...oh." Lelouch had noticed the vibrant color of Suzaku's eyes before, but the emotion communicated through them now was a whole new thing. When Suzaku had looked at him after his explanation, it was like Suzaku's happiness ran through him. Lelouch took a second to remember how to breathe.

Lelouch sips his drink, while Suzaku contemplates how happy, and how much of an idiot he is.

"Ah… well… that's good." Suzaku stares again at his glass. Now what is he supposed to do? Obviously Lelouch wasn't worried about his failure of a conversation. Well…he might as well finish the third drink.

"Is there anything else you wanted to talk about?" Lelouch looks over at Suzaku.

Suzaku places the magically refilling glass down, and then the light bulb clicks on. It would be stupid of him if he passes up an opportunity like this to learn how best to implement ideas from none other than the person who actually did it.

"I do have a few questions, if it's okay?" Suzaku anxiously looks at Lelouch.

With eyes like Suzaku's it would be hard not to refuse. "I hope these questions are not too invasive." Lelouch tries to put some barrier up against those piercing eyes.

"No, I… I just want to talk about the success of your company." Suzaku says casually, trying not to show his excitement.

"Ha. Fire away." Lelouch finishes with an encouraging smile.

"Great!" Suzaku smiles widely then continues. "Now when you make a new product, say the last aircraft you came out with, how did you go about making a smooth transition from idea to success in the marketplace?"

Lelouch laughs. "You sound like Milly, my publisher. Suzaku, you wouldn't happen to be an undercover agent looking for company secrets?" Lelouch asks inquisitively.

God damn. Was way too obvious with that question? Lelouch pretty much nailed his whole operation on the head. What happened to taking it slow and gently easing information out of someone Suzaku? They were in a bar! All Lelouch had to do was get little tipsy, and he'd get his answers. Either his skill needed work or Lelouch's lips were way too distracting. And speaking of tipsy how many had he put away? He should not want to taste Lelouch's lips.

While Suzaku goes through his beginnings of a fazed out session, Lelouch sits contently with his drink.

He had noticed Suzaku was well on his way to finishing the fourth drink, and from the small sway, he was getting affected. Also, Suzaku alarmed expression proved he guessed correctly about his identity. Naturally though, it was better if Suzaku didn't know that. "Hey, Suzaku I was joking, but maybe you should slow up on the drinks. You look a little out of it." Lelouch watches as Suzaku lifts up his hand to place it back down to steady himself.

"I'm fine Lelouch. Do… do you like to dance?" Suzaku totters a little in his seat. Then takes another drink.

There goes the fourth.

"Yes. I am pretty good dancer. Want to dance with me Suzaku?" Lelouch is grinning from ear to ear. A drunken Suzaku is funny.

Lelouch holds out his hand and instead of slapping it away Suzaku takes it. He holds Lelouch's wrist and slowly brings up his other finger to run down Lelouch's palm.

A thrill shoots right through Lelouch, one he has not felt before. Suzaku is breaching unknown territory.

As for Suzaku, he is way to out of it to notice Lelouch mild tenseness, totally caught up in long, slim fingers.

"Lelouch."

"Yeah, Suzaku." Lelouch answers huskily.

"Do you play piano?"

A slow trace down his forefinger.

"Sometimes…"

Suzaku continues the gentle glide back up to Lelouch's palm. Responding to the touch against his skin.

"Is it bad that I got drunk in front of you?"

A small circle in the center of his palm.

"Maybe."

Suzaku looks up into Lelouch's eyes.

"Lelouch ya know you have pretty eyes, and I wasn't supposed to get drunk."

Suzaku stops his ministrations, still holding his wrist, and stares into pools of amethyst.

Meanwhile, Lelouch's brain is going haywire. He never lets people touch him like this, especially his hands. He offered it as a joke, he did not expect Suzaku to take it, then spread this weird sensation. What was with him staring at him with such a lovely expression? Lelouch had met attractive girls and guys, but Suzaku… Very new territory. Lelouch may not be as drunk, but he was unsure how to proceed, which never happened. "Maybe we should leave." Lelouch offers. Suzaku's intentions with the stroking are making him anxious, and he does not want Suzaku resenting himself tomorrow morning for the inevitable headache.

"Yeah that's probably a good idea." Suzaku slurs, his lips a bit numb.

"Okay, let me give Kallen a call."

While he watches out of the corner of his eye Suzaku battling with himself and go on to devour his fifth drink, Lelouch pulls his phone out to speed dial Kallen.

Suzaku is slightly freaking out. It made no sense why he wanted Lelouch. He didn't even like guys. Women were his thing. They had gorgeous bodies, not Lelouch. It must be the alcohol talking.

But Dear God, he wanted to kiss him.

Lelouch hangs up, and then truly looks back at Suzaku. Suzaku turns his eyes on Lelouch, and in that moment Lelouch realizes everything about Suzaku's body is screaming kiss me.

His eyes are glassy portraying pure desire. His lips are slightly parted and seeming to be gasping for air. His body is inviting and...

so...so he…he…does…not.

Lelouch reigns in his own desire like a beast out of control. His logical mind taking steps to justify why exactly he is doing it.

Well, first having any kind of fling could potentially be a disaster. He needs exclusivity for his other life, things had been picking up.

Second, the location brings issues. He is not fan of public displays, and if someone took a photo he could imagine the field day he would have with the press. Also this is White Knightmare territory, the last thing he needed was family knowing about his personal life.

Lastly, and this topped it all, Suzaku's true intention might be to seduce him. He is undercover after all. Although a guy like him with barely any forethought, completely inebriated, and did not even know what Lelouch looked like until this morning, probably did not plan such deep seeded intentions. However unlikely, he had to be careful. His life depended on him being careful.

"Kallen will be here in fifteen minutes. Do you want to go outside for some fresh air?" Lelouch is only mildly anxious now, having almost complete control over his body.

Suzaku lowers his eyes. Of course he's been rejected. How could he be so stupid? Lelouch is an attractive man who gets any woman he wants. And here he is, the little delivery boy who lied and got wasted. Suzaku's brain could comprehend as much; Lelouch's rejection sobered him.

"Sure."

Suzaku's face looks so dejected, Lelouch may as well have kicked a puppy. Kissing Suzaku would be interesting, yet it was not a smart course of action. There were way more negatives then positives at the moment.

They make it outside, standing in silence. Suzaku beating himself up over idiocy again, and Lelouch frustrated he cannot do what he wants.

After about fifteen minutes, a red haired woman drives up in a black-Rolls Royce.

Lelouch must have a thing for black Suzaku thinks offhandedly, as Lelouch opens the door for him and he ducks his head in.