okay i know that this is the shortest chapter like ever at alll period! but the ending was cute and such a great stopping point that i simply had to publish it with as little written as it is! consider it a stocking stuffer from me this xmas! which i hope everyone has a wonderful holiday and i will be updating again as soon as possible!

Lelouch hung up the phone and sighed. Suzaku sat still watching him. Lelouch looked to him.

"She's better. Not well enough to be seen yet but better." Lelouch's eyes filled up with tears. Suzaku pulled him in close. Lelouch seemed to deflate.

". Lulu are you….?" Lelouch pulled back and wiped his eyes.

"I don't know. I'm glad her life isn't in danger anymore, but the doctor said that there probably won't be much improvement and that he'd call me in about a week. I…its just…Suzaku?" Lelouch averted his gaze out the window as the sun's final light faded.

"Yes?" Suzaku said following his gaze.

"I'm so tired."

"I know." Lelouch squeezed Suzaku's hand.

"Excuse me." Miss Sayako walked in the room. "Your room is all clean." She said with a smile.

"Thank you Sayako." Said Suzaku rising. She nodded and started to leave.

"Wait Miss Sayako?" Said Lelouch. "There's news of Nunnally, she's recovering albeit slowly…"

"...But still that's wonderful news. Yes?" She smiled sweetly at her young employer.

"Yes." He smiled a bit too.

Soon sounds of dinner being made could be heard in the kitchen. Lelouch sat at the table, while Suzaku and Sayako cooked. Lelouch peeled some potatoes and Suzaku spilled tea that caused Sayako to slip. All in all it was a rather humorous and enjoyable affair. Afterward Suzaku and Lelouch sat sipping tea while Sayako had insisted on doing the dishes.

"Well that's all. Goodnight boys!" Sayako smiled sweetly bowing as she left. Lelouch and Suzaku sat across from each other. They didn't speak but the silence wasn't awkward. They simply looked at each other. They seriously looked at each other, they hadn't in years. Suzaku followed Lelouch slump in his chair. He had relaxed since he was younger, not so proper but still had a haughty air about him. His hair was ruffled from being in bed so much. His skin was a ghostly pale, a sign he was still a long way off from being better. His eyes seemed a bit sunken in and bags seemed permanent features to his face. Lelouch was always trying to be so strong, and fair too, he wasn't too selfish though spoiled at times and Suzaku would have to admit to indulging Lelouch now and then himself.

Lelouch fiddled idly with his bandages on his arm watching Suzaku study him. Suzaku with the laughing Green eyes that always revealed exactly how he felt. Impossibly untidy hair that gleamed in the light of the kitchen. Each muscle was finely toned and exercised. He had grown up well Lelouch thought. Lelouch felt an ache then, he didn't want to be away from Suzaku. Suzaku could chase away the demons, he was an angel. Lelouch blinked. An angel? He must be tired and his mind wandering.

"Are you ready for bed?" Suzaku asked. Lelouch nodded. He tried to stand up but the kitchen began to spin. Of course Suzaku was there and caught him. Lelouch felt warm and safe and his head started to bob.

"Zuzu…" Lelouch whispered.

"Hmm?" Suzaku balanced Lelouch against him and helped him walk.

"Can I ask a favor of you?" Lelouch yawned and looked up.

"Of course Lelouch. What is it?" Suzaku looked down at him yawning a bit too.

"Please…please…don't leave me…ever." Lelouch didn't know why he was asking this. He just felt so much better with Suzaku around and he was scared of the darkness he would have to face if he was left alone again. Suzaku stared at Lelouch. How could he ever leave him?! Lelouch was so important and if he left and something happened. Visions of Lelouch covered in his own blood flashed in his mind. He could never leave Lelouch again.

"Lulu…I will never ever leave you alone. I promise." Lelouch nodded. They were in the bedroom now and Lelouch laid down rolling over leaving half the bed for Suzaku who climbed right in. Even though they had been heavy with sleep only moments before they both lay awake now. Suzaku felt Lelouch fidget and face him.

"Does…How's…." Suzaku didn't know how to approach this question without being rude or stern.

"You don't need to be so careful with me Suzaku." Lelouch smiled a small sad smile. Maybe it was sleep coming back or the moonlight but Suzaku scooted closer to Lelouch.

"Oh yes I do. You're so fragile and I couldn't stand do know I hurt you so…" Suzaku blushed and stopped his sentence.

"So why did I hurt myself?" Lelouch finished for him. Suzaku looked up at him into his eyes. "I don't remember…" And it wasn't a lie, not completely. Right then with Suzaku near him he didn't remember the darkness and he couldn't imagine being so consumed with pain. He couldn't fathom because Suzaku was light and he was there. And it was before either of them knew it that they leaned closer. Their eyelids drooping. Suzaku closed his eyes as he felt Lelouch's lips land softly against his own. Suzaku grabbed Lelouch's hand and responded in the kiss. Lelouch smiled as Suzaku held him near. If this is a dream I don't want to wake…But both boys were asleep before they remembered breaking the kiss.