Sorry, sorry, sorry! I know I'm really late, having exams you know. .

All right! Less talk and here's Chap 4.

Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass.

Chapter 4~Confession

The sun shone b rightly in the cloudless sky. Birds were chirping on the wooden roof. They flew away as a woman of age 50 came out from the double-story wood house with a broom. She was sweeping the leaves away.

"Good morning, ma'am!" said a young postman.

"Good morning, boy! On the way to work?" asked that woman.

"Yes, ma'am! Mum wants me to pass this to you as appreciation," he took out an envelope and gave it to her.

"What is this?" she asked curiously.

"Some money of appreciation," the postman answered honestly.

"Oh my! Take it back! Tell her there's no need for this."

"Sorry, ma'am. When Mum had decided, she won't turn back on her decisions. You know her."

That woman sighed, "Alright. Send her my gratitude."

"Yes, ma'am! See ya!" he sat onto his bicycle and was about to leave. "By the way ma'am, there's somebody lying beside your house. Are they the beggars?"

"There is?" she went to have a look and saw two young men and a boy sleeping behind the rubbish bin.

"Ma'am, do you need me to chase them away for you?" the postman asked.

"No, no. It's alright. I'll deal with it."

"I see. Well, if there's any problem, do come and search help from us. We're always ready to help you, ma'am."

"Thank you, boy. You should get going. Bye!" and they waved goodbye.

The woman left the broom outside and went back into the house. Few minutes later, she came out with buns on a plate. She brought it to them, placed it on the ground and woke them up. Suzaku turned his head up from lying on top of Lelouch's head. He opened his eyes, taking in the sunlight slowly. He blinked as he saw the woman bending her body down a little to look into his eyes.

"Rise in shine, young man!" she greeted Suzaku. Suzaku who just woke up still had some blurriness in him. He stared at the woman for a while before answering her.

"M-morning…ma'am," he said.

"Here, some buns for you and your family," she said kindly. Suzaku looked at freshly baked buns and licked his lips. He felt his stomach growling.

"Come on, wake them up. All of you must have been very hungry."

Did as he was told, Suzaku gently woke Gino, who was sleeping on his lap, and shook lightly on Lelouch's shoulder. Gino rubbed his eyes before opening it, while Lelouch shifted his head a little from lying on Suzaku's shoulder. Suzaku gave Gino a bun and Gino started to munch it fast. Lelouch, who still did not know what had happened, just took the bun the woman passed it to him and took a bite.

Suzaku took his first bite too, and was astonished. "This is good!" The woman laughed and said, "Of course it's good. All of you are hungry and would think any food to be delicious, even if it's only a bun."

"But…this is really good," Lelouch said after a few bites. Gino finished his and took another from the plate.

The woman laughed again, "Oh, you three brothers are so cute!"

Suzaku swallowed his bun before answering her, "Sorry, but we're not brothers. We happen to meet each other during our escape."

"Oh my! You were caught in the war?" asked the woman. Suzaku nodded.

"You poor, darlings!" she exclaimed. "Eat, eat. Finish the buns," and they did. While they were helping themselves with bun, the woman just stared at them.

After finishing the third bun, Lelouch looked up at the woman.

"Thank you so much for the food. How can we repay you?"

"No, no. It's just a small help I'm giving."

"We insist, ma'am," said Suzaku.

"No, really, there's no need to."

"No, ma'am, really, let us repay you," Suzaku said and Lelouch nodded.

"Hm…" the woman was thinking, deeply in thought when suddenly Gino picked up the empty plate and pointed it towards the woman. She looked at him and laughed.

"Well, there's a way for you to repay me." Both Suzaku and Lelouch were waiting for the answer. The woman continued, "My husband's a locksmith. You can repay me by helping him. Is that alright?"

"Anything will do, ma'am. As long as we have place to stay and food to eat, and most of all, to repay your kindness," said Suzaku.

The woman chuckled, "Alright, alright. Follow me. My shop is just behind you. And you, little one, I'll get you more buns, alright?" She smiled and so did Gino.

When they came out to the entrance, Lelouch and Suzaku was surprised to see many people walking around, in and out from shops and houses. Everything was fine and no war had broken out in that town.

"Finally," Lelouch said delightfully. "We're in a peaceful town." Suzaku smiled.

"Come in," the woman called to them. They walked into the shop and saw many type of locks hanging on the wall, some were framed in a glass cupboard. There was a counter beside the stairs and some tables and little machineries in the middle of the room. The room looked ancient but clean.

The woman shouted out to her husband, "Honey! I've found somebody who can help us out in the shop."

A man, older than her but very tough and masculine, came out from behind a door and walked towards them. "Who is it?" he asked

"Young man, please introduce yourself," said the woman. "I'll go get some more buns for you," he told Gino as she took the empty plate from his hands.

The old man, now in front of the counter, put on his glasses and looked at them.

"I'm Suzaku and this is Lelouch," said Suzaku while Lelouch nodded. "This little boy here is Gino." Gino kept his stare at the door where the woman had disappeared into.

"Well, hello!" said the old man while he smiled. "I'm glad to hear that someone would actually help this old man here to do his job."

"We decided to help in return of her kindness for the food," said Suzaku.

"Ah, I see. So, where do you come from?"

"We came from the town where the war first broke out," Lelouch replied.

"I see. You must have pass through many difficulties to get here, especially that town before this. I heard there are cannibals all over it."

"Yes, and we almost became their food," said Suzaku.

The old man sighed, "This war is torturing us. Anyway, I'm John and my wife's Mariah."

Mariah walked out from the door and brought some more buns for Gino. She said, "We have a daughter almost of the age as Gino here. Her name's Ann. She's upstairs."

"Are they staying here, Dear?" asked John.

"Yes, they are," replied Mariah.

"Then, let them have the guest room. Give them some clothing to change into. Those escapes had made them all dirty and untidy."

"Yes, Honey," she left the plate on the counter after Gino took one. Then, she bought them upstairs to the guest room.

"Wait for a while, I'll bring you some clothing," then she went out. Gino, who was still munching on the bun, sat silently on the bed and finished it.

The room was quite small with only a Queen-size bed and a small table fit into it. In the room itself, there's a small bathroom.

Few minutes later, Mariah came back with a stack of new but worn clothes. "These are for you and Lelouch. I don't have little boy's clothes but Ann has some T-shirts and shorts. I think he can fit in." She left them on the table beside the bed.

"Thank you, ma'am," replied Suzaku.

"Why not Gino come with me? I can help you wash him up."

"Sure."

"Come here, Gino. I'll wash you up," Gino followed her, in hope for more buns.

When they were almost at the door, Ann came in, "Mama, is that the little boy you're talking about?"

"Ann! You should knock the door before coming into people's room. Apologize now."

"Sorry."

"No, it's OK," said Suzaku.

"Mama, can I play with him?"

"Yes, but after he has taken a bath."

"Okay!" she smiled and went back to her room. Gino and Mariah followed behind her. Now, only Lelouch and Suzaku were left in that room. Lelouch was picking out some clothes. He took a long-sleeve, turtle neck shirt and a pair of jeans for himself. He then turned to Suzaku and asked him, "Do you want to bathe first?"

Suzaku shook his head and said, "It's alright, you first."

"Ok," Lelouch replied and he took his towel into the bathroom.

After Suzaku picked out his clothing, which were a blue collared T-shirt and a brown trousers, he laid on the bed while waiting for Lelouch. He had never felt so comfortable in his life after living for so long in the military camp. That was his first time lying on a proper bed with clean bed sheets. Even the pillows were soft and spongy.

Suzaku almost fell asleep when he heard Lelouch saying, "Your turn." He sat up and immediately turned his head to the opposite direction when he saw Lelouch topless.

"S-Sorry!" Suzaku blushed. Lelouch was wearing his shirt when he noticed Suzaku's apology.

He saw a reddish cheek and laughed, "Come on. We're both guys. Why are you apologizing?"

"I…" Suzaku was dumbfounded. He did not know what to say and was confused. During his time in the military activities, most of his male comrades were always topless. But, he would never blush this way before. His hormones had gone topsy-turvy again.

Lelouch chuckled when Suzaku still did not want to stop his stare from the floor.

"Alright, I'm done. You can turn now," Lelouch said.

When Suzaku turned, Lelouch was on his way out of the room.

"I'll go help out first," Lelouch said as he left.

Suzaku was still sitting on the bed as he stared at Lelouch's back, disappearing after the door. He almost wanted to say that Lelouch had a beautiful body shape though he was quite thin. What had made Suzaku attracted to him? Since the day they met, he always felt his hormones going wild, now, his mind, body and soul had gone insane too because of Lelouch. All those feelings, as if he was falling in lov-…wait! Did he just think it was love? Towards Lelouch? He smacked himself in his face, before quickly stood up and went to take a bath.

Suzaku went downstairs later after his bath. He saw Lelouch sitting at the counter, writing and calculating. He was in charge of the accountings. Suzaku went to the table where John was making a lock. Suzaku was taught how to make and repair the locks. He was a quick learner and that pleased John a lot. Meanwhile, Gino was learning some words from Ann with a picture book.

"Apple!" said Ann. Jake repeated the word but slower and unfamiliar. Ann would repeat the word again till Gino got it right.

Back at the counter, Mariah put down a tray of tea beside Lelouch. He smiled and thanked her. Then, she went to call Suzaku and John. All of them stopped their work and took a little tea break.

"Your presence here has given us great help," said Mariah.

"Indeed! I'm also very impressed of your handwork, Suzaku. Are you a former blacksmith?" asked John.

"Well, I'm actually…"

"His dad was a famous blacksmith back in our town. He learned the skills from his dad," said Lelouch.

Suzaku wondered why Lelouch had to make that up, but he gave in and nodded, "Yea. But I was often scolded by my dad for burning my own had." He laughed.

"Oh my! That sure hurts a lot!" exclaimed Mariah in a worried tone.

"Well, my dad always says 'no pain, no gain'. I guess it couldn't be helped. Maybe that's the reason for me to be able to do it quite well."

John laughed and patted hard on Suzaku's shoulder, "That's right, boy. Your dad's so right! I really want to learn something from him."

"Erm…unfortunately, he was killed by bullets." Suzaku replied.

Lelouch was still.

John stopped his laughter and quickly apologized.

"Poor thing. This war had really killed lots of people," said Mariah.

"It's alright. I've already got over with it," Suzaku smiled to bring back their confidence.

"At least you grew up to be a fine man, right?" said John. Suzaku nodded and Mariah continued John's sentence, "Your dad's going to feel proud about you."

"Thanks," Suzaku replied when Lelouch suddenly stood up from his place and went to the back where the kitchen lies.

All of them stare at him as he left. Suzaku sensed uneasiness in the air and quickly broke the silence.

"Erm…sorry. I think he had some bad memories of his past," Suzaku simply made up an excuse.

"Oh! No wonder. We'd just brought up some bad memories of his," said John.

"Go check on him, Suzaku," Mariah told him in a worried tone.

Suzaku nodded and headed towards the kitchen. He let the door closed gently behind him before going near to Lelouch. With the big current of water flowing out of the pipe, Suzaku assumed Lelouch was washing his hands. But, as he went nearer, he saw blood flowing into the sink. He called him twice but there was no response. Suzaku's body touched Lelouch's and realized his whole body was shaking. Then he noticed Lelouch was actually using a wire sponge to rub his hands vigorously.

Quickly, he threw away the sponge and grabbed both Lelouch's hands from behind. He called out again, "Lelouch! Wake up! Stop spacing off!"

Lelouch was still shivering, terribly. He kept mumbling, "It wouldn't come off…It wouldn't come off…"

Suzaku was in a shock. Did Lelouch really have such a horrible past?

Suzaku squeezed Lelouch lightly with his arms and leaned closer to his body. Suzaku was whispering sweet nothings into his ear, hopefully it calmed him down.

Though Lelouch had stopped mumbling, he was still shivering slightly. Suzaku frowned.

"Lelouch, everything's fine. Don't worry. I'm always here for you," Suzaku whispered into his ears again. Finally, Lelouch relaxed his muscles. Suzaku let go one of his grip and pulled a chair for Lelouch. Suzaku sat him down, helped him washed away the remaining blood with water before turning the pipe off and wiped dry his hands with a clean cloth.

"Wait here, OK? I'll go get the first aid kit. Don't do anything and just sit," Suzaku told him and left after he received a nod from Lelouch.

Few minutes later, Suzaku was back as he promised and started treating Lelouch's hands. While Suzaku was bandaging his hands, Lelouch stared at him softly; absorbing all Suzaku's features and his tenderness. There was a slight flushed climbing up Lelouch but he ignored it. When Suzaku was done with the bandages, Lelouch looked at it and complained, "It's ugly."

Suzaku received a direct hit and he blushed furiously. But, at least he was back, and that made him smile.

"Thanks, by the way," Lelouch continued. Suzaku shook his head in reply.

Later, they came out of the kitchen and received two worried faces. Lelouch apologized and they gave him a reassuring smile.

During night time, Mariah told Suzaku that Gino did not want to leave Ann because they had so much fun together. Gino ended up sleeping with Ann that night. Suzaku greeted them goodnight before heading back to his own room.

The lights were already off and Lelouch was lying on the right side of the double-bed. Suzaku took the other side and lay down. He could not stop thinking the reason as to why did Lelouch went out of control just now. He wanted to ask but was afraid that it would happen again. Yet again, if he kept on thinking that way, he would not get a peaceful sleep.

He turned to face Lelouch's back. He asked, "Are you asleep yet?"

Lelouch replied a few seconds later, "No." without turning to face towards Suzaku.

Suzaku hesitated again before saying, "May I ask you something?" He knew he was being overly formal, but he was afraid that Lelouch might get angry for being disturbed.

"What?"

"About just now, why'd you suddenly got…out of control?"

Lelouch did not reply. Still, Suzaku asked, "I'm a bit concern about it."

There was no reply still. As if he got the message, Suzaku stopped asking. Maybe it was a bad idea after all. He tried to sleep when suddenly Lelouch replied.

"It was that incident, when I was ten." Suzaku opened his eyes and listened carefully. Lelouch continued.

"I was four when dad leaves us, mum and me, for no apparent reason. Mum had to work so hard to make our lives better. After six years, we were fine living alone without anyone bothering us. Mum became rich and successful in her career. Then one day, unexpectedly, dad came. They're discussing something about mum's career, most probably her money. Mum knew he wanted her money for his dark business and wouldn't give him. She chased him out of the house and screamed at him for not coming back again." Lelouch paused for a while and took a breath before continuing.

"After some time, while I was playing hide and seek with mum, they came with dad. Dad wanted not only the money but everything that belonged to mum, including me. Mum was so angry and started throwing vases and glasses towards them." Lelouch was silent again. Suzaku turned to see if he was crying or shivering but Lelouch was covered with the blanket high to his neck and it was difficult to notice it.

"Mum shouldn't have done that. She made them mad. Those people with dad are bad guys. They took that guns and started shooting mum. They shot almost everything in the house. I was in the cupboard, hiding, closing my ears, shivering, crying, but I…I just can't walk out and stop them. I…I was…"

Suzaku immediately went over to hug Lelouch tightly. He was right. Lelouch was shivering, and crying too as he felt the blanket wet.

"That's enough, Lelouch. That's enough," Suzaku said and felt a terrible guilt building inside him.

But, Lelouch just couldn't stop. He continued saying between sobs.

"I was…scared. Only to come out…when they left…and mum was…lying motionless…I tried to wake her, but she didn't. Her eyes are open…but she…she's not responding…at all…the blood…her blood…all over me…I have…I have to…wash….wash them…" Lelouch finished, as he started to bring up his hands and rubbing against themselves.

Suzaku grabbed those hands and hugged them close to Lelouch's chest. Again, Suzaku whispered sweet nothings into his ears and he squeezed him lightly to calm him.

"Shh…I'm here. Don't worry. Nothing's hurting you. I'm here. I'll protect you, I promise. Don't worry, Lelouch. I'm here."

Slowly, Lelouch's tensed muscle relaxed and his breathing was back to normal. After calming down for a while, still lying in Suzaku's arms, he whispered back, very soft and fragile.

"Thank you…Suzaku."

Days go by as if the war had already ended or it did not exist at all. Customers came to have their locks repaired or buy some new ones. Mariah made tea and entertained the customers while they were waiting for their locks to be done. Gino and Ann were playing teacher and student most of the time. Lelouch sat at the counter dealing with the money while Suzaku helped John out. Both Lelouch and Suzaku never bring up that matter again, though Suzaku had becoming more and more attached towards Lelouch, as he wanted to protect Lelouch more than ever. Lelouch, however, felt very peaceful and calm, but he had yet to realize the real reason behind it.

It never struck them, this news about war coming its way to that village, not till one day the young postman came and warned them.

Soon after the postman left, Mariah came back into the house with a very worry look.

John asked her, "What happen, dear?"

"We must leave!" Mariah exclaimed hurriedly.

"Calm down, honey. Take a deep breath and tell us what's going on."

After some breath, she finally spoke, "It's coming. The war is coming. It's a warning from the mayor. He wants us to leave this town by tonight and flee to the next town. This place is not safe anymore."

Lelouch was startled for a while before pulling himself up, "Our journey never ends."

Suzaku placed his hand on Lelouch's shoulder to calm him down and said, "If so, we have to leave now."

"I'll get Gino and Ann," Mariah said.

"Yes, you do that. I'll pack some important stuff. Suzaku, give me a hand," said John.

"Sure. Lelouch, wait here for Mariah, she might need some help," Suzaku said and Lelouch nodded.

Gino and Ann came down quickly and walked towards Lelouch. Ann asked curiously, "Lelouch, what happen? Why's mama in a rush?"

Lelouch knelt down and told her, "We're leaving."

"Why?"

"This place is not safe anymore."

With that, both Ann and Gino exchanged look and said nothing.

Half an hour later, they were all ready. John's family and Suzaku had backpack with foods and drinks. They were now outside the house. John locked the door before joining them.

Mariah took out an envelope and put in some money for Lelouch.

"Here, take this. You'll need it during your journey. We have some for ourselves too, so don't worry."

Lelouch nodded and replied, "Thank you, ma'am."

John cut in, "Wait. Aren't we going together?"

"No, we can't," said Suzaku. "Too many people in a group would be difficult to move."

"Yes, that's true."

"Gino, here, take this," Ann gave Gino a puppy doll. "I don't know when we'll meet again but if you miss me, talk to Lucy. She'll be your partner, okay?" Gino nodded. Ann couldn't stop her tears from rolling down. She hugged Gino and told him, "Be careful."

"I know you've gone through all such of dangerous attempt," Mariah sobbed. "But, please protect your lives. You are needed to save the world and bring world peace, 'kay?" She caressed both Suzaku and Lelouch's faces. They nodded. Mariah gave them a hug followed by John.

"We have to go now, ma'am. We'll see you in the next town," said Suzaku. Mariah nodded and waved them goodbye. The two groups split to different roads. Who would ever know what would happen to them in the future.

They had been running for a long time. The downpour of the rain was making their running difficult. They were running, after their escape was spotted by the enemies.

"This way!" Suzaku said as he carried Gino and pulling Lelouch with him. He knew Lelouch could not keep up anymore and they had to hide somewhere safe. Finally, with God's help, they found one. Quickly, they rushed in and shut the door. Lelouch was panting. Suzaku was looking outside through the windows. Luckily, the enemies missed them. Then, he looked around in that small room. He opened a few cupboards before taking a board out from the cupboard. He called towards Lelouch.

"Get in here," said Suzaku. Lelouch walked towards him and peeked inside the small empty space.

"It can't fit all three of us," replied Lelouch.

"Just get in, quick!" Suzaku exclaimed hurriedly. Lelouch did as was told. Suzaku then passed Gino to him.

"What are you trying to do, Suzaku?" Lelouch asked with disbelieve. He did not want to know Suzaku was going to do that something that he was expecting.

"Don't worry; I'll come back as soon as morning strikes."

"No! You're not leaving us!" Lelouch shouted.

"I'll be fine. I just need to lead them to another way. I'll come back to get you. I promise."

"It won't work! There're hundreds of them out there. You can't deal them on your own!"

"Lelouch, trust me. I'm a soldier, the Vice General of…" Suzaku tried to smirk but was cut off.

"So what? Now you're defenseless!"

Suzaku frowned, "I got to go…"

"Suzaku!"

"PAPA!" Gino suddenly shouted. Both Lelouch and Suzaku looked at him. Suzaku smiled and pecked Gino's forehead.

"Don't worry, Gino. Papa will be fine. I'll come back soon."

"Suzaku…don't lie," Lelouch pleaded. "Even a kid knows…" Lelouch's shivering voice was cut out by a tender kiss on his lips. It was short but strong enough to calm Lelouch down.

Suzaku smiled one last time and said, "I love you."

Then, he shut the cupboard door, took the board with him, and went outside their hideout.

From within the cupboard, Lelouch could hear the shouting of the enemies and the deafening loud gunshots. It was then that Gino broke out into a loud cry. Lelouch pulled him into a tight hug into his chest and hushed him. Rivulets of tears rolled down Lelouch's cheeks as he listened to the firings outside which lasted a few moments before it ended with loud screams of some injured men.

He hoped, and prayed, that Suzaku was not one of them.

Phew! It felt long. Guess I've stopped typing for too long. w

Anyway, please stay tune for the next chapter, eh? ^^

Next chapter: Chapter 5 ~ Lost