AN: Hey, it's been a while. I haven't been updating so fast because I've been moving this in a different direction than my original plan, and I'm currently watching Bones. I should probably warn you of the most microscopic yuri I wrote. This chapter turned out much more mellow than I originally thought it would be, but I think you'll still like it. Anyway, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the next chapter.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything.


Guest: Ah, I'll try to update faster for the next chapter, but I am very happy to see that you really liked this.

Kitty: Hey if you want to post up a story just go for it! ^^ I'm glad you like pirateLelouch. He's just a very sexy character in my mind. Thank you for the review.

Girly: Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for the kind review.

Rukibutterfly: Hey, good eye, but don't worry I won't spoil anything. Everything will be said in due time. ^^

Kayla: Haha, I'm glad that you are enjoying this more and more. I hope it keeps rising exponentially.


Scandalous

Chapter 7: It's All About People

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation."

Plato


Milly Ashford always had the insatiable desire to know people's secrets. It wasn't to hold it over their heads; no, she was never really interested in blackmail unless it got her something ten times as good, but knowing the secret gave the her the sweet sweet satisfaction of being able to pry people open and take a peek inside. It was also rather nice to know that people trusted her enough not to spill their secrets to anyone. Milly never thought that bottling things up did any good; it just makes it easier for people to crack. But she always believed that just letting one person know will often release some of that pressure. It's a good thing then that Milly loves being that person.

So obviously, when poor Shirley came out of the battered ship with a long disheartened face, she immediately knew that her role of secret keeper was about to be used. With a polite word to the lady of the house, Milly swept Shirley to her home, sat the girl down in the parlor, and poured a cup of tea.

"How was the trip?" Milly asked.

Shirley looked down and swirled her tea.

Milly frowned, "That bad?"

"Awful." Shirley replied in a whisper.

Milly nodded sympathetically. "You're safe now though. So it's okay." She said. It seemed that those word unplugged the dam of emotions pent up inside the poor girl. Her shoulders trembled, and her eyes watered with tears. Milly put a consoling hand on Shirley's shoulder.

"There, there, just let it out." Milly said softly.

And she did. A heart-wrenching sob parted through her, and her entire frame shook uncontrollably. Milly pulled her in a tight embrace and consoled her as best she could.

"Shhh, Shirley, it's okay; you're back home." Milly whispered soothingly.

"But Suzaku's not!" Shirley wailed.

Milly froze. "Suzaku's...gone?

It felt like her world just stopped. She just couldn't believe the words that seemed to come out of Shirley's mouth even after the girl nodded in confirmation. Suzaku was gone. Forever perhaps, and yet it couldn't be true.

Suzaku was kind and gentle. A little shy perhaps, but she was one of the strongest people Milly knew. Surely, no one could have taken her?

"How?" Milly asked quietly as if it would keep reality away.

"Pirates." Shirley answered shortly. "They took her and—and—" Shirley was once again reduced to tears as she tried to explain, but Milly knew even without Shirley's explanation. Suzaku was probably kidnapped by the pirates, and god knows what happened to her. Milly swallowed the lump hardening in her throat.

"Don't worry Shirley." Milly said, "I'm sure Lord Kururugi will get her back." She tried to console, but her words felt awkward and they seemed to hold little water in this situation. In moments like these, words would often just flail and flop around uselessly. The only thing she could do was hold the devastated girl and calm her as best she could. Milly would sit there for as long as Shirley needed her, and in the meantime pray that Suzaku was doing all right.

-0-

"It seems too good to be true." Genbu said as he read the letter. "There has to be a catch."

"There always is, but he is the king's most trusted advisor and a part of the royal family; so, perhaps, it would be wise to do as he asks." Dalton replied. "Besides, the benefits seem to outweigh what he asks."

Genbu sighed heavily. "But there's always more to it than what he says." He replied back. "Schniezel's been rather busy I hear, and he's going around Spain, France, and the Dutch Republic asking them God knows what. It just makes things…awfully suspicious. The last thing I want is to become some piece in his elaborate game."

"Well, if you don't do it, he'll most likely someone else." Dalton said. "And perhaps, it would be wise to keep an eye on him. Especially now."

Genbu looked pensive as he mulled over Dalton's words. "You've heard of the…rumors I assume?"

"As most have I'm sure."

"You don't think…?" Genbu left it hanging, but Dalton seemed to hear the unspoken words as he nodded his head gravely.

"I think it hits closer to the truth than we realize." Was his reply.

"If—when he secures his victory, you don't think that he'll—?"

"Oh, I have no doubt he will." Dalton said. "The question is: what will you do then?"

Genbu raised his brow. "What about you?"

"I've sworn to protect England, and I shall protect her from any threat." He stated. "And I'll stay by her side until the end of her days."

"…I see." Genbu replied.

Dalton put a hand on his old friend's shoulder. "Whatever Schniezel has planned, it's much too late to stop him now; in fact it would seem treasonous to stop him."

"And that's what I hate about it!" Genbu exclaimed. "The bastard's caught me in a place where I can't refuse him, lest I be branded as a traitor and Suzaku will be left with nothing!" He exhaled loudly and shook his head with great disparity.

Silence echoed in the room. Both men knew what was going on, but neither wanted to say a word.

"…Tell him I agree with his terms." He finally said with great reluctance.

Dalton nodded and left.

With a heavy sigh, Genbu sank into the chair. Outside, grey clouds tumbled overhead and blotted out the sun. The room turned dark as the rays were blocked. Shadows flitted over the deep wrinkles on the planes of his aged face. There sat a man tired and worn from the ails of the world, whose only drive to live was the one precious light in his life.

Schniezel would undoubtedly destroy the lives of hundreds and perhaps thousands, but he couldn't deny his daughter. He couldn't place the thousands of unknown people above her. They were just nameless entities, but his daughter was the only face, the only light in his little world that actually mattered to him. Now that he is faced with the choice, he would gladly allow hundreds and thousands to be killed just to save his daughter.

He closed his eyes. "I suppose I will be the immoral man then, because I'm not strong enough to be the moral one." He said.

With that in mind, he stood and headed out the door with a heavy, but resolute heart.

-0-0-0-

Lelouch had allowed his men time to roam around the island and grab a meal at the local inns and taverns before they would set sail once more. The men were very happy to hear that they wouldn't be eating dried jerky or vegetable mush that the cook prepared, and departed the ship with glee at the prospect of eating fresh meat.

Unfortunately, Suzaku wasn't included with the men. Lelouch had come in and told her that she would be staying here since, as he said, she could easily run away and then get herself killed somehow. It was also rather unfortunate that this time the Butch twins were guarding over her, and they were much brighter than her previous guard, Tamaki. It seemed that Ohgi learned his lesson that time, and Lelouch was there to ensure that she wasn't getting away so easily.

So here she was once again staring out of the window of the cabin, bored. She sighed, and tried to think of things to occupy her mind. It was rather unfortunate, then, that many of her thoughts brought a lot of guilt and self-loathing on her part.

She mostly thought about her father, who is no doubt worried about her. She could almost see him pacing in his room, and wearing down the dark carpet. Guilt seemed to nudge her gut when she thought back on the night she ran off. It was rather selfish of her to run off, and then worry her dear father like so. She knew that he was terribly protective of her, especially after her mother died. That's why he took care to build a grand fortune for her sake, so that when he passed, she would inherit that fortune. It was the one good thing Schniezel did, as her father said, since Schniezel persuaded the king to allow women of higher ranking to inherit the family fortune because they were well-educated enough to be of use to the great empire.

Suzaku only met the man once, and it was rather brief on her part. She was probably fifteen at that time. They were at a party as usual, and then suddenly a tall blonde man with pale lilac eyes came in. Everyone in the room paused and stared at him in awe. He gracefully walked up to the host (Suzaku couldn't remember who it was) and greeted him. The host stuttered ungracefully and immediately got him a seat at the head of the table. Lord Schniezel had smiled and thanked the host for being so kind to him.

His smile was so pleasant and genial it was hard to imagine that he was such a sly and manipulative man like her father said. Of course, there lied the reason why he could manipulate people so easily. No simple-minded person would ever suspect, and then he could manipulate them to his heart's content (methinks it sounds a bit like a certain pirate she knew).

Schniezel had walked around and said his greetings to everyone in the room. Then he came towards her and her father.

"Lord Genbu, what a pleasant surprise." Schniezel said as he clasped her father's hand.

"You as well Lord Schniezel. It's been too long." Genbu replied. "And may I introduce you to my daughter, Suzaku." He said as he gestured to Suzaku.

Suzaku smiled and curtsied "It is an honor to meet you my lord."

Schniezel laughed and took her hand and kissed it. "The honor is all mine my dear lady." He said. "You have certainly brought up a fine young woman." Schniezel praised.

Genbu nodded humbly. "Thank you for those kind words." He said. "But I can't take all the credit for her good manners."

"Regardless, I'm sure she'll end up just as great as the late Lady Kururugi." Schniezel replied. "Shame that she'll have to be married to gain your fortune. There is just so much talent in her I can tell."

"Shame indeed." Genbu said. "But I can't sway the Parliament or the king in changing such an old law as such."

Schniezel raised a brow, "Surely a man of your stature could do something?"

"I'm afraid I don't have the…seniority to do so." Genbu said. "But enough of that, I hear that the company is doing very well. Congratulations on a job well done."

"You praise me far too much." Schniezel said, "It was only with your help that I was able to establish the company's control there."

"'Twas a measly little thing I did." Genbu said.

"Nonsense." Schniezel denied, "Your help was what allowed us to control our "Crown Jewel" as people say."

Genbu waved his hand. "I have no doubt that you would've done the same if you were in my position."

Schniezel merely smiled, "Perhaps so." He said. "Well, as riveting as this conversation was, I should continue to mingle with the other guests."

"True indeed. The nobles are often a childish bunch."

Schniezel laughed, "Too true Lord Kururugi. But it was pleasant speaking to you again."

"And you Lord Schniezel."

Schniezel turned to Suzaku and bowed, "It was an honor to meet you my dear lady."

Suzaku flushed and curtsied, "The honor was mine my lord."

Schniezel had laughed again and then left to greet other guests.

Looking back on it now, there seemed to be some hidden conversation that she didn't really understand quite well. To be honest, she really wasn't one to know nor understand the art of politics. It just seemed to fly over her head as her father said. She just didn't have the patience or mental focus to quickly pull apart what other people are saying and finding the hidden meaning behind the words. Most importantly, she really disliked the idea of using people as mere tools. The manipulation and corruption that ran in politics abhorred her, and she didn't have the heart to do the same to others.

"All that thinking can't be good for your health." Lelouch said as he entered his room.

Suzaku shot a glare. "Did you come here just to insult me?"

Lelouch shrugged, "Normally yes, but this time I came here to ask if you want to have lunch with me outside."

Suzaku blinked owlishly, and Lelouch quietly thought that she looked rather adorable when she did that.

"Are you going to humiliate me in some way?" she asked suspiciously.

Lelouch rolled his eyes, "Do I honestly come across as that kind of man?"

Was just her or did he sound a little…hurt?

Perish the thought Suzaku. You might have just bruised his massive pride.

But in all honesty, no, he didn't seem like a man who would do that. It was just something Suzaku thought pirates would do.

She flinched at the thought. That just seemed a little prejudice.

Suzaku smiled, "No, you've been very hospitable to me. I'm sorry if I offended you." She apologized.

Lelouch looked questioningly at her sudden change in mood, but seemed to wave it off. "Apology accepted I suppose. Now can we eat?"

Suzaku laughed softly and nodded, "Yes, I'm starved."

Lunch was a mostly quiet affair. Lelouch didn't feel the need to say anything, and Suzaku was quite content with just sitting on the deck with Lelouch as they shared a meal and listened to the sound of the ocean. They finished just as C.C. arrived, and she gave her customary smile that seemed to say "I know something you don't." After being in the ship for a couple days Suzaku found that it was a rather common smile that graced her face. Other than her very amused smile that would pop up almost as frequently. Suzaku learned early on that C.C. was a very odd individual, and it seemed that she was much older than she looked. She had the face of someone who had lived for sixteen years, but she seemed to have the insight and knowledge of someone who lived over a hundred years. It didn't really make any sense in her head, but really almost nothing made sense around the ship.

She always wanted to ask about it… no, that would be rather rude of her.

"Marco, Dom, please take clear the table and take it away." Lelouch requested. The twins nodded and started to pile the dirty plates and cups. Lelouch then turned to Suzaku and said, "I'll take you back to my room."

Suzaku raised a brow, "Eager are we?"

The momentary flush of Lelouch's cheeks was by far the sweetest sight she had ever seen. But it was gone as soon as the captain slapped on his lecherous smile and grasped her waist. "For you darling, always."

Suzaku would count this as a draw, even if her flush was much more noticeable and lasted far longer.

In the background, C.C. smiled lazily at the pair. It had been a long while since she was so entertained.

-0-

The men soon returned by noonday, and they were off, sailing towards Breakers Point.

Suzaku was in Lelouch's room again, staring out the small window that let her look outside. Breakers Point wasn't too far off from where they were, and most ships don't go there due to the large sharp rocks that peaked out from the water. In the past, many have sailed through there, but not many make it out. It's now a graveyard of sunken and broken ships that have crashed against the unforgiving rocks.

To Suzaku's knowledge, the British fleet never sail near the area since they've lost so many of their ships there.

She didn't really remember much more about it from her lessons, but from what Dalton shared with her, it was rumored to be filled with sirens, who were said to entrance sailors into their watery deaths. They would lead them to the sharp rocks that jutted out from the water, and easily sink the ship before they feasted on their flesh. Or something close to that before her father came up and chided Dalton for filling up her head with nonsensical fairy tales and superstitions. Dalton would then laugh and tell her father to have a sense of adventure and fantasy.

"You've got to have some sense of wonder in this world." Dalton laughed brightly. "Or else everything will just seem so dull."

Nostalgia swept through her like the waves. It was hard for her to choose a life of freedom out in the open waters when she could be happy laughing and talking with the people she really loved.

"Oh? You're thinking of something serious aren't you?" C.C. asked as she lazily entered the room as if it were hers. "So what's going on in that pretty head of yours?"

Suzaku sighed. "Is it too much to ask for a little privacy?"

"Yes." C.C. answered with a smile. "Also Lelouch asked me to keep an eye on you."

"Because you were bothering him?"

C.C. sighed in mock-exasperation. "Obviously the man is much more irritable than I previously thought."

Suzaku chuckled weakly. Leave it to C.C. to say something like that. "Perhaps if you didn't tease him so much, he wouldn't throw you out like that."

C.C. looked at her as if she were daft, "Then it's not so amusing anymore."

There it was again. C.C. seemed to only think about how amusing things would be if such-and-such happened. It was as if amusement was the only thing she looked forward to.

"Do you like to be amused?" Suzaku asked.

"Of course." C.C. replied. "It's the only thing I can enjoy."

Suzaku frowned, "That seems…sad."

C.C. laughed and sprawled on the bed. "It is." She said, "But c'est la vie." C.C. chuckled. "Oh that is rather amusing phrase for me."

"I don't really see what's amusing about that." Suzaku said.

"You wouldn't. I doubt many would." C.C. answered. "It's just something that I find amusing."

"C'est la vie?"

"Life in general."

Suzaku frowned, now she was more confused. "I really don't understand anything. Maybe you should talk to Lelouch about this."

C.C. grinned, "But you wouldn't like that now would you?"

Suzaku blinked. "You are someone he trusts; so it's only natural that you are close with him." She said. "Besides, I don't really mind." That was a little fib. She did mind just a little if the twinge in her chest was any indication.

C.C. raised a brow. "Oh? I seem to have missed something rather important then." She said. "But don't worry, that bastard would probably yell at me again for saying such useless things."

Suzaku sincerely doubted that they were that useless. Don't be mistaken, C.C. was very useless at times, but the hidden meaning behind most of her words were not as useless. Especially when it comes to understanding Lelouch and C.C..

"Although I must say, you've made quite remarkable progress with the man." C.C. said. "He seems much more comfortable with you."

Suzaku flushed. "I suppose. I haven't really noticed."

C.C. smirked. "I wonder if it was your personality or assets that helped you out?" she mused.

"My assets?" Suzaku asked in confusion.

C.C. smiled mischievously and walked over to her. Suddenly, she grabbed Suzaku's bosom, and she shrieked and slapped C.C.'s hand away. The woman laughed loudly as she watched Suzaku back away into the table.

"C.C. please don't do that!" Suzaku yelled.

"Why? Are you embarrassed or…" C.C. smiled maliciously as she grabbed them and kneaded them in her hand, "Are they sensitive?"

Suzaku went beat red and struggled to get out of C.C.'s grasp. Unfortunately, it only made C.C.'s hand dig deeper into her breasts. Suzaku gasped as heat flooded her body.

"What are you doing?" a voice growled.

The two women looked over to see Lelouch towering in the doorway with a thunderous expression.

C.C. smirked. "Just having a bit of fun." She said. "Did you want to watch?"

Lelouch's expression turned murderous. "Get out witch."

C.C. smiled. "Just a suggestion."

Lelouch glared at her. "An unneeded one."

C.C. laughed breezily. "Of course, you'd probably want the first taste."

"Out, before I shoot you."

C.C. raised a brow, "Now what good would that do?"

"It would make me feel better no doubt."

C.C. chuckled, "Hm, of course. Good day then Lelouch." She turned to Suzaku, "We'll continue that on another time."

Suzaku flushed. "Let's not." She muttered.

C.C. laughed and finally left the room.

Lelouch's expression softened, and he sighed heavily. He walked over to Suzaku and asked, "Are you injured anywhere?"

Only my pride.

"No." She answered, but her cursed body was still tingling from the pleasure C.C.'s hand left. "Um…thank-you for saving me from that." Whatever that was.

Lelouch shrugged, "I heard you shriek and expected the worst."

Suzaku grimaced. C.C. will probably never let her live that moment down. "Still, I'm grateful. You didn't have to."

"You're my prisoner, and I still need you." Lelouch replied.

Suzaku tried not to be hurt, but it was hard to ignore the sharp pang in her heart.

"But…you're welcome." Lelouch said. He looked down and brushed a stray lock from her face. "I wouldn't like it if something bad were to happen to you while you're in my care. It would reflect poorly on me."

Suzaku smiled, and nodded gratefully.

"By the way, Lloyd wanted you to see the demonstration." Lelouch said.

Suzaku tilted her head in confusion. "What for?"

"He said that you might be familiar with the item he has." Lelouch answered. "He loves dramatics."

Suzaku nodded. "Alright, but I don't see how I'll be of any help."

"I don't think he'll be asking for your help." Lelouch said, "He's probably looking for some reference, and since you and your father are very close, it's possible that he shared something with you."

Suzaku frowned. "I'm not going to betray any secrets to you."

Lelouch laughed. "No words need to be said." He replied. "Only you're expressive face is needed."

Suzaku glared.

"Ah, you're mad at me for treating you like a child."

How did he—?

"Of course not." Suzaku denied. "I'm just offended that you think I'm so easy to read."

Lelouch merely smirked. "Forgive me them for offending you." He mock-bowed. "Now if you'll excuse me I have a ship to see to."

The door closed with a dull thud, and Suzaku was once again left alone. She sighed and looked out the window. There was only the expansive ocean to greet her. The waves rocked the ship in a lulling rhythm, and Suzaku felt her eyes grow heavy and muscles felt heavy and numb. Suzaku sighed and plopped onto the bed. She just needed a little nap. A little nap couldn't hurt.

-0-

As it turned out a nap could hurt a lot, especially one's pride.

It started out with a relatively nice dream. She was on the beach with her father, Dalton, Tohdoh and all her friends. Then a tall pale man with dark raven hair wound his arm around her and pulled her close to his warm body. She let him pull her close and tilt her head to his face. As he drew her in for a kiss, his features started to sharpen, his eyes turned amethyst, his skin was pale, his cheekbones were high and aristocratic, his hair was dark and windswept, and his lips were quirked upward to form a crooked smirk.

Then she jolted awake and her lips unknowingly connected with, surprise surprise, C.C. ("Hm, we'll have to work on your kissing technique."). Needless to say, she was not amused. However, C.C. was very much amused ("What? It's not like I stole your first kiss…or did I? Were you saving it for Lelouch?").

Thank heaven though that C.C. didn't say a word about the incident to Lelouch. Well, not yet at least.

C.C. threw suggestive looks at her from time to time, but Lelouch didn't seem to notice.

Currently, they were in a rowboat heading towards the Siegfried, Jeremiah's ship, and the Black Knight was anchored behind them. Dom and Marco were rowing with their powerful big arms and the only other people aboard were Lelouch, C.C., and Suzaku.

As they passed through the jagged rocks and tattered hulls, Suzaku knew that Dalton hadn't been exaggerating when he called it a ships' graveyard. Broken ships were littered and sprawled along the jagged rocks that pierced through the hulls or sides of the vessels. Some of the masts were rotted and splintered and the ripped sails fluttered pitifully in the wind. After seeing the large obstacles and tight turns, Suzaku was rather impressed that Lelouch was able to go through Breakers Point without the slightest bump against the rocks. For all the flaunting and dramatics he gives, he's a very good sailor. He could have probably been the admiral for the English fleet if he had walked the straight path.

"Will we be going on Jeremiah's ship?" Suzaku asked.

"No." Lelouch answered. "We'll be going there." He pointed.

"There" was a rugged, but rather flat rock that looked like an island. A very very small island with no life. Suzaku could already see Jeremiah, Lloyd, and Cecile waiting for them on the rock.

"Why are we going there? Why aren't we meeting them on Jeremiah's or your ship?" Suzaku asked.

"Because Jeremiah didn't want to risk his ship in the show and tell process, and Lelouch knew that if Jeremiah wasn't willing then so was he." C.C. answered.

Suzaku felt a little nervous, "What exactly is he showing us?"

C.C. shrugged. "Who knows."

That was not very reassuring.

When they landed, Lloyd immediately came over and yelled, "Captain Lamperouge you made it!"

"As did you." Lelouch replied.

"Yes, but I wasn't meeting with some big noble who needed a favor." Lloyd said. "But no matter. Come, come. I have something I really want to show you."

They were led to the center of the rock and there on a wooden stool was a pink rock. It was small, probably only the size of a small egg, but Suzaku already knew from the pink tinge and small size what it was.

"Where did you get this?" she asked.

Lloyd seemed to smile, "Ah-ha! So you do know what it is." He said, "Pay up Cecile I won that one."

Cecile huffed indignantly, "I did not bet on such a thing."

Lloyd ignored her and asked Suzaku, "Where in the world did you get it?"

"Didn't I ask you first?"

Lloyd laughed, "We'll talk on the way over to the edge."

"The edge?"

"Well if something happens than we could easily jump over and go into the water." Lloyd said. "I'm not exactly sure how strong it is."

Now Lelouch narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean, you're not sure?"

"Well, it's not exactly a common rock, hell even I thought it was a myth until I went on a trip to India, and I found some villagers who pointed me to it." Lloyd said. "Now let's get to it! Chop! Chop!"

"Wait you can't do that!" Suzaku protested as she was hulled over. "You could have us all killed!"

Lloyd seemed to pause, "Well, that does seem problematic."

It should be a little more than problematic, the crazy bugger.

"But that's not my problem." Lloyd smiled and rushed them over.

Suzaku was about to protest when Jeremiah placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Just go with it. If worst comes to worst we can beat him up in hell." He said.

Suzaku looked incredulously at him. "What?"

Jeremiah paused and tapped his chin, "Well, I don't think you or Cecile will be in hell, but maybe God or some big-shot saint can let you watch."

"Thank you. That's very reassuring." Suzaku replied dryly.

"You're welcome." Jeremiah replied.

Suzaku sighed and tried to ignore the need to bash her head into the rocks.

"Don't worry I have this all thought out." Lloyd assured as he pulled up a long long stick with another small piece of the rock at the end. "This way we can maneuver the other piece with the piece in the middle and create the stupendous reaction that I've had the pleasure of witnessing in India. Now Cecile, help me with this."

Cecile and Lloyd both slowly moved the stick towards the other rock.

"Only the slightest tap should suffice." Lloyd said.

Suzaku held her breath. This could end badly and yet everyone else looked very relaxed.

"Why are you so nervous?" Lelouch asked. "Do you know what it is?"

Suzaku swallowed, "I'm nervous because I know firsthand what it does." She replied. "I don't think you should act so blasé about this when other people's lives are at stake."

Lelouch laughed, "Don't worry, I won't let anyone get hurt needlessly."

Suzaku looked at him, "Really?"

"Really."

"It's coming into contact!" Lloyd called.

Suzaku watched as the rocks slowly touched. Then, there was a deafening noise, and chucks of rock, wood, and smoke came out and flew into the air. A strong body forced her to duck and shielded her from the particles of rock.

When her ears finally stopped ringing and her body stopped shaking she could hear Lelouch call her name.

"Suzaku? Suzaku? Are you alright?" he asked.

Suzaku looked up and nodded, "Yes, I'm alright."

Lelouch nodded. "Good."

Suzaku gave a small smile of thanks.

"Great Scott that was much more stupendous than I ever imagined!" Lloyd cheered. "Why an explosion like that could put a nice hole in a ship and sink her like a rock!"

"Before you go any further Lloyd, what the hell did you do?" Lelouch asked.

Lloyd smiled, "I put into contact the two stones which produce very violent explosions when they come together like that."

"That's nice, but what exactly was that?"

"Some would call it the Philosopher's Stone." Suzaku answered.

Lelouch looked at her skeptically, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the Philosopher's Stone something that can resurrect people or turn things into gold or other impossible deeds?"

Suzaku shook her head, "No, people mistake it for the Philosopher's stone, and thus, they call it that." She explained, "But it's not exactly the Philosopher's stone, it's just a very very rare rock that very few people ever find. Which comes to the next point, where did you find this?"

Lloyd smiled, "Well, I met this Japanese fellow who sold a very large chunk to me during my trip around Asia. I find that Lelouch might be very interested in this…ah what did they call it Cecile?"

"Sakuradite."

"Yes, sakuradite." Lloyd said. "The man said that it was fairly common where he comes from. I hypothesize that Japan has a very large quantity of it, possibly the largest in the world from the way the man seemed surprise that I never heard of it." Lloyd then turned to Suzaku, "Then again, you probably knew that didn't you?"

Suzaku nodded.

"Did Daddy tell you?" Lloyd asked. "I wouldn't be surprised, he was able to get his hands on lots of that stuff, and used it to help with the rebellions in India."

"So what of it?" Lelouch cut in.

Lloyd smiled, "Will you take it?"

"I'll take all of it." Lelouch said.

"Splendid!" Lloyd exclaimed. "I'll bring the hull in. It's just two large pieces, but I reckon it could take down the palace if you placed it right."

Lelouch gave a strange smile, "I'm sure we'll find out."

-0-0-

After the demonstration, they headed back to the ship, and Suzaku went back into the cabin as usual. Suzaku sank into the bed and let out a long sigh.

"I miss my bed." She said.

Lelouch scoffed. "Spoken like a true spoiled little noble."

Suzaku glared and rolled her eyes. "Is it so hard to believe that I liked it because it reminds me of home, and not comfort and wealth?"

"Obviously." Lelouch said.

"Well, you're bed is just as comfortable." Suzaku replied as she snuggled deep into the mattress.

Lelouch scoffed again and gave a light slap on her shoulder. "Hey don't fall asleep on my bed, I need to get some rest too."

A pang of guilt hit her gut. "I'm sorry." She said. "I can sleep on the floor or something."

"No we can share a bed." Lelouch suggested.

Suzaku flushed red, "S-Share a bed? I can't share a bed with you."

Lelouch chuckled, "Why? Do you do strange things in your sleep?"

"No!" Suzaku exclaimed, "I just…don't trust you to do anything strange."

Lelouch raised his brow. "I'm sure you'll get through it."

"Well…shouldn't you be overseeing the shipment?"

"Ohgi's doing it."

Suzaku nodded. "…I…I want to thank you…for protecting me during the blast."

For once, Lelouch didn't respond immediately. He sighed and said, "I would not like it if something were to happen to you. It would just reflect badly on me, and my skills. Besides, I need you alive if you are to be of use to me."

Suzaku smiled and kissed his cheek. Lelouch's eyes widened and he, for the first time, looked mildly shocked.

"Nonetheless, you still have my gratitude." She said.

Lelouch cleared his throat and said, "Well then, I accept your gratitude."

Suzaku laughed softly and patted his shoulder.

"My my, you two seem awfully cozy."

And then leave it to C.C. to ruin the moment.

"Is there something you want C.C.?" Lelouch asked irritably.

"You're needed in the storage hull."

Lelouch sighed and got out of the bed. "You need to—"

"Stay here?"

"…Yes."

Suzaku chuckled, "As if that had changed."

Lelouch rolled his eyes and followed C.C. out. She lead him towards the storage hull, but then turned into a small nook near the ship's steer. C.C. turned and asked, "What is she to you?"

Lelouch raised his brow, "Jealous?"

"Hardly." C.C. answered. "But you're getting a little too cozy with the girl."

Lelouch scoffed, "That's preposterous."

"Is it?"

"It is." Lelouch assured with a glare.

C.C. shrugged, "Then make sure it stays that way."

"You've never been this way with any other woman I lay with."

"That's because you had an agenda with those other women." C.C. stated.

"And what makes you think I don't have one for Suzaku?" Lelouch asked.

C.C. turned to him, "Because you are attracted to her." She said, "You are attracted to her spirit and warmth."

Lelouch glared, "Don't be fooled witch. I'm just curious."

"Hmm so you say." C.C. mused, "But how often have you ever been curious about someone?"

Lelouch rolled his eyes, "Enough times I'm sure." He said. "Why do you care?"

C.C. smiled, "It's all about politics."

Lelouch rolled his eyes, "I'm sure."

C.C. glanced at him, "Don't forget about V.V., and don't forget about our contract."

Lelouch scoffed, "Hardly a day goes by without me thinking about V.V. and gutting him. And don't worry witch, I will keep my promise to you, one way or the other." Lelouch said.

C.C. gave him a hard stare. "See that you will, Lelouch Lamperouge."


AN: And that's it. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and look forward for more.

MESSAGE: I want to do something I call LuluSuza Week, where I post up seven word prompts and people can write something they feel fulfills the prompt and post it on FF. This takes place in a span of one week and for each day of that week there is a specific word prompt to write about. I think it's just something fun to do in the very small LuluSuza community. The information is all on the forum: www. fanfiction forum /The-Emperor-and-His-Knight-Lelouch-and-Suzaku/ 126754/ Just take out the spaces.

Thanks again for reading.

Without Wax,

Mikanchan94 ^w^