Lawli: WOW awesome response to the last chapter. I think it was the lemon that made it so popular... You pervs. ;) I love you all, and I'm happy you all enjoyed what I thought was a sub-par lemon before reading your ego-boosting reviews! And now this time it's Persephone's turn with the lemon. These are just a delicious two chapters. :D

Persephone1: Ugh, the lemon. I've never really written one before, so I'm just going to apologize in advance. This is actually one of my favorite chapters (lemon aside), so I hope everyone enjoys it!


Chapter Seven

Seething Shadows, Breathing Lies

"You knew."

C.C. did not appear the least bit threatened by the tone of Zero's voice, despite him having laced it with every ounce of betrayal and animosity he currently felt for the woman. She lounged across his desk like a house cat, idly twirling a strand of hair between her fingers and making no effort to deny the claim. Zero didn't know which he found more infuriating: that she had kept this secret from him, or that she seemed to completely uncaring about it all.

In all his years he had never thought C.C. possessed the power to hurt him. They were accomplices borne of mutual benefit; that had been established long ago, and to think she actually felt some sort of maternal affection for him would have been foolish. But somewhere along the lines, he must have begun to view her as more than just his eyes and ears to the Opera.

Stupid. How could he have been so blind?

After another minute under Zero's enraged scrutiny, C.C. tossed her hair and stretched out, sending papers scattering across the raised dais as she found a more comfortable position on her side. "So what?" she said, sounding just as bored with the conversation as her body language suggested.

Zero snarled. He couldn't even look at her right now. With a jerk he turned away, sauntering over to the organ and slamming his hands down on the keys. He played a few chords, the discordant notes ringing through the open chamber. Normally he would be content to release his anger this way, until eventually the music soothed him and became something beautiful again. But he couldn't calm his mind enough for music to exert its typical healing power over him. All he could think of was waking up in Suzaku's arms, having Suzaku say that he loved him only to have the illusion shattered by another man's name being spoken. Another man...who perhaps was not even another man. None of it made sense. Not only that, but Zero didn't want it to make sense. He did not want to be Lelouch Lamperouge; he wasn't Lelouch Lamperouge.

"How long have you known?"

"About the lovebirds, or about you and Lelouch?"

"So you knew of it all?" Zero bristled, another round of cacophony sounding from the organ. C.C. didn't even bat an eyelash. When only the echo remained, he spoke again. "Why wouldn't you tell me?"

She knew of his feelings; she was wiser than she let on. She knew how he lusted after Suzaku, his jealousy of Lelouch. She had advised him against pursuing Suzaku, yes; insisted he would only hurt himself... but she'd concealed so much of the truth.

"What would you have done," she wondered, "if I had told you?" Zero opened his mouth, only to stop as she posed an even more difficult question. "What could you have done?"

There was very little he could have done, in all honesty. Zero knew this. It wasn't as if he could go after Lelouch when they were the same person. Not that he had ever seriously tried to anyways, knowing how it would hurt Suzaku if any harm befell the boy.

C.C. sighed. "Besides... I thought it would be useless to tell you about it before I had solid proof they were in a physical relationship. It's not my fault your personality chose to awaken before that."

Zero frowned. "How did you know they weren't?" he said, elaborating a moment afterwards with a small amount of discomfort. It was technically his body, but it still wasn't him Suzaku had wante - slept with so Zero did not want to think about it. "In a physical relationship, I mean."

Here C.C. smirked, pinning him with a look that spoke of how young she thought he was. Zero hated that look - hated feeling inferior to anyone. She studied him for a moment before giving a short laugh and turning her focus up toward the ceiling. "There were no obvious limps," she said.

The next several minutes passed with Zero alternating between embarrassment (for he did indeed have a slight limp, and no doubt C.C. had noticed it), indignantly thinking C.C. was playing an elaborate trick on him, and furiously working out ways to use this new information to his advantage. If the physical relationship between Suzaku and Lelouch was still new, perhaps it was still possible to sever their ties to each other. Perhaps he could still make Suzaku his, and-

And then where did that leave Lelouch, if they really did share this body?

Eventually Zero deflated on to the piano bench, defeated.

"So which one of us is real?" he wondered.

C.C. gave him another hard look from her position on the desk. "Neither of you," she said. "Both of you."

"I don't care to hear any of your riddles," Zero hissed.

"Fine." C.C. shrugged. "You are one in the same. There is no Lelouch Lamperouge without Zero, there is no Zero without Lelouch Lamperouge. You were born as one."

But how was that possible? Try as he might, Zero just could not wrap his head around the idea that Lelouch was somewhere asleep within his own subconscious. It didn't make any sense. Such things were the subjects of books; they didn't really happen.

"I thought you'd be happy," C.C. drawled. When Zero only answered her with a questioning look, she elaborated. "Suzaku loves you."

"He doesn't love me." A note of despondency managed to penetrate through the anger in his voice. Even if they were the same person, it wasn't Zero who Suzaku kissed, caressed, embraced at night. If anything, this discovery had only verified that Lelouch would always be the one Suzaku chose. "It's always been him."

"But you are him."

"I'm not!"

Even if they shared a body, they would never be the same. This new information changed very little. Zero was still alone, as he always had been. Suzaku had still denied him and betrayed him, choosing Lelouch and an uncertain future over what Zero had shown he could provide for him.

Sharing a body made getting rid of Lelouch more difficult, but it would not be impossible. He just needed to think harder, plan smarter - and on his own; C.C. had proven herself untrustworthy. There was a chance she would play the role of double-agent, informing Lelouch of his plans when Zero was not in control of the body. He was on his own from this point forward - and, if he could figure out a way, hopefully he could remain that way. Suppress Lelouch's consciousness so that he remained in control permanently. There had to be a way...

"You're planning something," C.C. said, amber eyes narrow.

Yes. Yes he was, and she would not be excluded from those plans. Zero's lips twitched upwards as his hands once again found the organ keys, the music of his masterpiece filling the still air. He thought of Suzaku, asleep in his tiny bedroom and completely unaware, and the noise only intensified.

He would make them curse the day they went against his wishes. For the secrets, the lies - for every betrayal, he would make them pay. All of them.

C.C. chuckled, walking around to perch herself on the organ stool. "Still the vengeful child, even after all this time."

Before Zero could open his mouth to retort, C.C.'s lips found his. There was no love shared, no passion lost in the kiss. It was an empty, emotionless act, and the only reason Zero didn't push her away immediately was that shock had frozen him to the spot. He couldn't fathom why she would do this. She couldn't have possibly thought this would distract him, so why-

And then the drowsiness set in. His mind swam, and he crumpled bonelessly into C.C.'s waiting arms.

"Damn witch," Zero gasped, C.C.'s face becoming a blur of colors and shadows.

C.C. smiled grimly. "Of course. That's what makes me C.C."

Gently, she stroked Zero's face, innocent in sleep, and sighed, for she knew that the situation was quickly spiraling out of her control. She was only delaying the inevitable.


Suzaku was slightly surprised to wake up and find Lelouch nuzzled against him. He shouldn't have felt that way, for at this point Lelouch in his bed was hardly a rare sight, but something simmering in the back of his mind told him there was something very wrong with this picture. He could have sworn Lelouch left last night...

But no, Suzaku was being absurd. There was nothing strange about this morning.

...Other than the fact that he was still naked, of course.

Suzaku smiled, sitting up slowly to better admire the way the morning light rippled across Lelouch's bare skin. He loved watching Lelouch sleep. It made him look younger, innocent in a way he never had been. Suzaku would say Lelouch looked childlike, but even as a child Lelouch had been haunted by shadows far too dark for a mere ten-year old.

But who was Suzaku to talk? He was the same.

But it was a little strange, though, how Lelouch was positioned. Usually Lelouch tended to sprawl across Suzaku's tiny bed - jealously hoarding space and covers, with his legs intertwined with Suzaku's in a way that often inspired heat that had nothing to do with temperature. Now, however, he was curled up on his side, hands and legs tucked in neatly. It was almost as if he had been posed.

Suzaku shook his head, forcibly dislodging the lurking paranoia, and with a smile he paused to kiss Lelouch's brow before carefully pulling himself out of bed.

Glancing at the sheets, Suzaku winced slightly. He'd definitely have to wash those, hopefully without anyone noticing their soiled state. Those kind of comments were the last thing he needed.

Suzaku sighed, deciding that he would deal with the problem later, and proceeding on a scavenger hunt for his clothes. Rehearsal wouldn't be for another forty minutes, but now that Suzaku was awake he knew going back to sleep was unlikely. He might as well get an early start.

Like every morning, he paused near the piano to greet the photo of his sensei. He knew that it was a silly habit, but he had bid Tohdoh good morning every day for ten years, and he wasn't going to break that streak now.

Well... every day except for that last morning. He had left for work before Suzaku had woken up... and before Suzaku knew it, some man he barely recognized had come rushing to the house, telling him Tohdoh had collapsed-

Suzaku banged his hands down on the keys violently, forcing the memories to disperse, before glancing back nervously at Lelouch. The singer slept on. Lelouch was strange in that respect. Some days the slightest shift in air pressure could rouse him, others he wouldn't wake up if a gong sounded next to his head.

Suzaku took a breath, experimentally tapping one of the keys. He needed to calm himself down. Perhaps a little music would help.

Lightly, Suzaku plucked out a simple, slightly silly tune. It was a beginner's piece, the only one he had ever managed to play to his old tutor's satisfaction. It wasn't perfect, of course. His hands were clumsy, calloused in all the wrong places, and Suzaku's memory of the notes was vague.

Suzaku's heart nearly stopped when hands covered his own, guiding him to the correct keys.

No. Nonononono. He found me. He's going to take me back. I can't! I won't!

A soft chuckle sounded close to Suzaku's ear. "Only you would play the Flea March so early in the morning."

Relief nearly stole Suzaku's breath. "It's you, Lelouch."

"Of course it's me," Lelouch replied, giving Suzaku's hands a light squeeze before pushing them towards the key of F. "Were you expecting someone else?"

"No," Suzaku lied, feeling ridiculous. Of course they were Lelouch's hands. He would know them anywhere, had held them in his grasp, watched them gesture emphatically as Lelouch spoke. He had them memorized, just like the rest of Lelouch.

But the weight of the palms against his hands, the long fingers, and graceful, deft movements... the similarity to those hands at the organ was uncanny, almost unnerving...

"I didn't know you played," Lelouch remarked, pausing their little duet.

Suzaku laughed, diffusing the slight tension that had formed in his stomach. "Not much. This piece is pretty much the only one I can do with relatively little damage. What did you call it? The Flea March?"

Lelouch nodded. "Do you have a different name for it in Japanese?"

"In Japanese, it's called Neko Funjatta, which basically means, 'I stepped on a cat'."

Lelouch laughed. "I like that. Still, it seems a shame that this is the only piece you have mastery of. Would you like me to teach you a few basics on the piano?"

"No!" Suzaku said quickly. Perhaps too quickly, he realized, judging by the slightly hurt look Lelouch gave him. But Suzaku couldn't retract his refusal. Lelouch teaching him the piano felt wrong somehow, like he was being disloyal to his true teacher, and the idea only brought memories mixed with fear and guilt in equal measure. Plus he would always be comparing the two, judging strengths and weaknesses, similarities and differences. He was determined to keep Lelouch and Zero separate in his mind. He wasn't even comfortable that Lelouch's hands were similar to Zero's. "No," Suzaku repeated, voice gentler. "I'm unteachable, trust me, and I love you far too much to subject to my murdered melodies."

Lelouch sighed. "Fine, its your decision." He glanced at the clock and groaned. "Seven thirty and wide awake. It's your fault, playing piano at such an ungodly hour."

Suzaku rolled his eyes. "For you, anything before noon is an ungodly hour."

Lelouch smirked, sliding his foot up Suzaku's ankle. "You still woke me up. How are you going to make it up to me?" he purred.

Suzaku blushed. "Again? Right now? You have rehearsal soon!"

"We have time, and it's not as if I haven't skipped rehearsal before," Lelouch countered, his foot making leisurely circles on Suzaku's leg.

"Yeah, but we have to keep up appearances, right? I mean it's not like management is just going to let us run away together, not with your contract. We can't let them get suspicious," Suzaku pointed out, miraculously managing to maintain a logical argument despite what Lelouch's foot was doing to him.

The ministrations abruptly stopped, making Suzaku almost groan in protest.

"Run away together?" Lelouch repeated quietly. There was something wrong with his voice, a strange tension in his words and in the atmosphere that hadn't been there before, and for a split second, Suzaku could have sworn Lelouch's eyes flashed crimson.

"Yes," Suzaku answered, suddenly uncertain. "We talked about it last night, remember? You still want to, right?"

Because he didn't know what they would do if Lelouch changed his mind. They were not safe here, would never be safe here, and Suzaku couldn't - refused to - leave without Lelouch.

"O-of course," Lelouch replied with a smile that eased Suzaku's heart. "Of course I do. In fact, I have been planning for that very purpose."

Suzaku raised an eyebrow. "You mean since last night?"

Lelouch laughed. "You don't honestly think I haven't thought about this before now! I think New Year's would be the best time, during the Masquerade Ball."

Suzaku hesitated. "But... that's weeks away."

"Only two," Lelouch retorted. "That will be plenty of time for me to make arrangements. We'll make an appearance, and slip out when everyone's too drunk to notice. It's perfect."

"I guess so," Suzaku agreed reluctantly.

Lelouch smiled and cupped Suzaku's cheek. "Stop worrying so much. Nothing's going to happen. We'll be out of here before the clock strikes midnight. And then we can spend the New Year, as well as the rest of our lives, together."

Suzaku smiled, reassured despite himself. "All right."

"Good," Lelouch said, standing up and allowing Suzaku to admire the way he looked in Suzaku's shirt (and nothing else). "Now I'm going to get ready for rehearsal."

"So you are going, then?" Suzaku asked, a bit disappointed. He had been getting on board with the early morning sex idea (he blamed Lelouch's legs).

Lelouch winked. "Of course. After all, I have to keep up appearances, right?"


Two weeks had seemed both impossibly long and far too short an amount of time to plan for their escape. A great deal of that time Suzaku spent worrying about Zero discovering what was going on and appearing to put an end to it and take Suzaku back once and for all. This made the hours of the day drag by.

His worry was only quelled when in Lelouch's presence, wrapped up in his warm arms and letting those full lips rationalize his fear away with smooth words and hot kisses. Still, there was always a moment, usually at night after they were sated and Lelouch already asleep, when Suzaku held Lelouch a little tighter than necessary, trying not to imagine what horrible fate might await him if Zero were to ever make good on his threats.

Lelouch managed to stay calm and focused the entire time, maintaining his charming, if a tad lazy facade in front of the company, showing up for rehearsals on his own schedule, as per usual, while spending the rest of his time making preparations. There was a small suitcase - stolen from the prop closet - stored underneath Suzaku's bed, which they added something more to every day. Most things, they'd decided, they could live without. Packing lightly was essential when making a quick getaway, and they both agreed that bringing anything more than a few changes of clothes and sentimental keepsakes was unnecessary.

On Christmas Eve, just a week before the Masquerade ball, Lelouch surprised Suzaku with a set of tickets. Suzaku had scowled when he'd been presented with the perfectly wrapped little box; they'd agreed not to spend money on gifts. The only thing that made him accept was Lelouch's insistence that it was something for both of them.

"The Damocles is the crowning jewel of ocean liners," Lelouch explained as Suzaku held up the second-class tickets, something Lelouch never should have been able to afford on an actor's salary.

Suzaku began to examine the tickets. Not that he'd ever be able to tell the difference between a real and a fake, he just wanted to make sure this wasn't his imagination. "How did you get these?"

Lelouch smirked, fanning himself with his own ticket in a manner more similar to Fop Two than Suzaku was sure Lelouch would appreciate him pointing out. "Some fool at the tavern bet them in a poker match."

Suzaku's amusement instantly vanished, replaced by disapproval. Before he could voice it out loud, Lelouch was already talking again, that natural talent for getting others to see things his way kicking in.

"It was too good an opportunity to pass up. We needed a place to go, and traveling by sea is far more exciting than traveling by land. I thought for sure you'd agree."

Suzaku did, even if he couldn't imagine himself a passenger on the luxurious ocean liners he'd seen anchored at the city docks. "It's not that," Suzaku sighed. "I just don't like the idea of you gambling. What if you'd lost?" The meager amount they'd saved would have been gone for good, and then they truly would have been out of luck.

Lelouch seemed to read his thoughts yet again. He slid closer to Suzaku, pressing their foreheads together. "But I didn't lose. In fact... I won a little bit more than the tickets. That was going to be your next present."

Suzaku's mouth fell open as Lelouch pulled a small wad of bills, about equal to what was stashed in the suitcase beneath the bed, from his trouser pocket. Before Suzaku could say anything else about gambling, Lelouch kissed him, and continued to kiss him until the thoughts disappeared from his mind entirely.

"Where will these even take us?" Suzaku asked, flushed and a little breathless but grinning stupidly once they parted.

"The Chinese Federation," Lelouch answered, taking both tickets and moving to tuck them and the money he'd won safely away in their suitcase. "I hope you don't get seasick. It's going to be at least a few days aboard the ship."

Of all the places Suzaku expected them to run away together, the Chinese Federation wasn't among them. It made the most sense considering it was closest, and Lelouch was nothing if not practical, but with how often Suzaku heard him talk of the EU it was honestly surprising to think they would end up anywhere else. "China..." Suzaku leaned back against the headboard, watching Lelouch zip up the suitcase and store it away again. "And then what?" he wondered. "Once we're there, what do we do?"

Lelouch smiled and climbed back on the bed. "Whatever we want. We could stay in China, or we could keep moving. We could see the world."

As much as Suzaku liked the idea, he would prefer to settle down somewhere. His life held enough uncertainty as it was; he didn't need any more. "You're from France, right?" He vaguely recalled Lelouch mentioning it when they were younger. He knew Lelouch's memory of his past was foggy, but France had always been one thing he was sure about.

Lelouch nodded.

"What's it like?"

"I don't..." Lelouch hesitated. "I don't think I spent much time there. I don't think I lived there so much as visited." He shook his head. "It's very beautiful. I do remember that. And an open-minded country. A lot of the EU is like that, from what I've read. A relationship like ours isn't considered unnatural, or even uncommon."

Suzaku closed his eyes, trying to imagine himself and Lelouch in such a place - where they could be open in their love for each other, and not have to fear persecution from racist Britannians or jealous phantoms. "I want to go there," he decided, opening his eyes and capturing Lelouch's gaze. Lelouch took his hand, twining their fingers and Suzaku pulled him close. "I want to live in France, with you."

"Then we'll do that. We'll take the Damocles to the Chinese Federation, and from there we'll make our way to France."

It sounded so simple, but in reality such a journey would take months - possibly even longer - to complete. Aside from a means of transportation, they would need far more money than the little they'd saved and won from Lelouch's gambling. One look at Lelouch's wistful expression, however, was enough for Suzaku to set his jaw in determination and vow to do whatever it took to make it happen. Suzaku knew Lelouch's will was equally as strong, and together they had a good chance of accomplishing anything they set their minds to.

If nothing else, it was a goal for them to set. Something for them to look forward to and dream about at night. And even if they never reached France... as long as they were together, that was all that mattered.

Suzaku sighed, leaning his head on Lelouch's shoulder. "I didn't get you anything," Suzaku admitted quietly.

Lelouch smirked. "I beg to differ. I see a rather large gift right in front of me." His fingers playfully ran down Suzaku's chest and lightly looped under his belt as Lelouch leaned forward, voice husky in Suzaku's ear. "It just needs to be unwrapped."

Suzaku chuckled. "And how do you know this gift is for you?"

"Of course it's for me," Lelouch insisted, pulling Suzaku's collar down to reveal the small bruises left there. "Look, my name is all over it. Here-" lightly Lelouch licked one of the marks. "-and here." His tongue moved downward, creating fresh marks and darkening the old ones.

"Careful," Suzaku murmured. "Can't let people see-"

And then Lelouch finished unbuckling Suzaku's pants and plunged his fingers into his lover's waistband, eliciting a low groan deep in Suzaku's throat.

Oh, to hell with it.

Suzaku pressed Lelouch into the mattress, lips caressing Lelouch's mouth as his tongue slipped between already parted lips. Lelouch sighed into the kiss, one hand tangling into Suzaku's hair, the other still leisurely stroking his partner's cock. Suzaku squirmed, desperately trying to free himself from his confining breeches without pulling away from Lelouch, and the friction created made Lelouch gasp.

Suzaku released Lelouch's mouth in order to breathe, grinning, and started to undo the buttons on his shirt.

Lelouch frowned and swatted Suzaku's hands away. "No, it's my present. I'll be the one to unwrap it."

Always with that air of entitlement. Suzaku found it no less amusing than usual, and found himself bending to Lelouch's will without resistance, chuckling and allowing Lelouch to unbutton the shirt with expert little flicks of his fingers as Suzaku finished kicking off his pants.

"I don't think it's fair that I'm the only one getting naked here," Suzaku complained, as his shirt was pulled the rest of the way off and tossed aside without another thought.

Lelouch smiled, placing a hand on Suzaku's toned chest, right above his heart. His eyes roved the bare skin in front of him, desire apparent but suppressed for the time being as Lelouch laid back down, opening himself up for Suzaku. "Then maybe you should do something about that."

Suzaku mouth was at Lelouch's collar, fingers fumbling at the clasps of his shirt as his tongue followed the trail of revealed skin. At his right nipple, he stopped and gave it a light nip. The muffled moan he received in response indicated he was doing something right.

Suzaku grinned, circling the hardened nipple with his tongue, blowing soft warm air on the inflamed skin as his hand skated across Lelouch's chest to caress the other.

"D-don't tease me," Lelouch gasped.

Smiling against Lelouch's skin, Suzaku allowed himself to be pushed downwards, tongue briefly dipping into his navel before coming face to face with the erection straining against Lelouch's pants. Suzaku grinned, kissing the flesh through the material.

"G-get on with it!" Lelouch ordered (or was he begging?) "Suza-Ah!"

With very little ceremony, Suzaku pulled Lelouch's pants down and swallowed him whole, tongue stroking the base as he pulled himself in and out.

Lelouch tugged on Suzaku's hair, only a split second's warning before Lelouch came, Suzaku pulling out quickly to avoid getting it into his mouth.

Lelouch frowned at the sticky mess, panting. "Disgusting."

"It's not disgusting," Suzaku assured him, kissing Lelouch's mouth. "It's you. Do you want to keep going or-"

Lelouch scowled, pulling on Suzaku's hair so hard it almost hurt. "If you stop now, I'll kill you."

Wordlessly, Suzaku assented, pushing Lelouch onto his stomach, but Lelouch placed a hand on his chest, halting his movement.

"No," Lelouch protested. "I want to look at you. I want to see your face when you come."

Suzaku eyed him dubiously. "Lelouch-" But he was abruptly cut off when Lelouch rubbed his erection, taking advantage of Suzaku's distraction to clumsily flip their positions.

Smiling coyly, Lelouch straddled Suzaku's lap, hands straying down his sides as he ground down slowly.

Suzaku scowled, but the effect was significantly less threatening when combined with the bright color of his cheeks. "Now who's the tease?"

Nuzzling Suzaku's neck, Lelouch chuckled. "I suppose that would be me. But somehow, I don't think you mind. This part of you certainly doesn't."

Suzaku let out a low whine as the unbearable friction continued. "L-lelouch, I can't... I'm not going to hold out for much longer!"

There was a moment's pause, and Suzaku whimpered quietly as Lelouch looked down at him, considering. Then he smirked.

"You better come inside me then," Lelouch whispered.

Suzaku shuddered, putting his hand to his lips to coat his fingers, but Lelouch caught them instead.

"Allow me," he purred, swirling his tongue seductively around the digits, caressing all the way to the knuckle in a way that was not helping Suzaku's restraint.

It was a bit awkward to prepare Lelouch while he was sitting on him. The violet eyed boy had to sort of crouch on Suzaku's lap, raising his butt in a way that, while visually stimulating, could not have been comfortable.

But none of that mattered when the first digit entered him, Lelouch gasping softly as Suzaku's forefinger gently pushed through the flesh. Lelouch allowed himself a moment to grow accustomed to the foreign invader before nodding, allowing Suzaku to insert the second. He had to quell the urge to squirm as the two scissored inside him and a third finger was added.

"I'm ready," Lelouch murmured.

Suzaku hesitated. "Are you sur-"

Lelouch proved his certainty when he pressed himself down onto Suzaku's cock.

Suzaku let out something that was caught between a moan and a scream as the unexpected heat engulfed him. Lelouch wrapped his legs around Suzaku's waist, allowing himself a moment to adjust before lifting himself up and coming down again. Slowly, carefully, in out in out, looking for that one special spot.

But Lelouch, inexperienced with the new position as well as physical exertion in general, couldn't find the correct angle to properly stimulate himself, his movements sluggish as his face contorted in pain.

"Let me help you," Suzaku said, gently gripping Lelouch's hips and pulling him down hard before he could protest.

Lelouch eyes widened as he threw his head back, moaning his approval.

Suzaku grinned. Ah, there it is.

Suzaku picked up the pace in earnest, somehow managing to jerk his hips up and pull Lelouch down in unison (he'd always been good at multitasking), angling to hit the spot again and again.

"Lelouch," Suzaku moaned. "Oh god, Lelouch, you feel so-"

In that exact moment, Lelouch tightened around Suzaku's shaft, and Suzaku let go.

Lelouch smiled, swallowing Suzaku's moan with a kiss as Suzaku came, spurting into Lelouch's body.

"Beautiful," he murmured into Suzaku's ear, because he was. Emerald eyes dilated, lips parted, face flushed with pure rapture, Suzaku was the most beautiful thing Lelouch had ever seen. Suzaku gave an unintelligible whimper as his answer as he fell back into the bed, grunting lightly as Lelouch literally collapsed against his chest.

"I'm sorry," Suzaku panted, eyeing the sticky white fluid flowing down Lelouch's legs a bit guiltily. "I should have warned you to pull out, but-"

Lelouch's arms wrapped around him, pulling Suzaku close. "It's okay. It's you, right? If it's you, it's okay."

Suzaku was allowed only a moment to bask in the afterglow before he felt Lelouch's fingers travel up his stomach in light, spider-like motions.

"But," Lelouch added, grinning mischievously, "if you really do feel bad about it, I can think of a few ways you can make amends.

Suzaku chuckled, noting Lelouch's reignited arousal poking against his hip.

It's going to be a long night.

It was only several rounds later, long after midnight, that Suzaku pulled his exhausted lover into his arms, nuzzling close to whisper in his ear:

"Merry Christmas, Lelouch."


New Year's Eve consisted of two parties, one for the managers, directors, actors and of course prominent sponsors, another for everyone else. The official party was the Masquerade Ball, an event widely considered to be one of the most fashionable and coveted invitations of the season. Suzaku had known people to have planned their costumes for weeks, some in absolute secrecy to prevent imitation. No expense was spared, and everything was polished down to the last crystal on the chandelier.

Then there was the second party, the party for the scene-shifters, the stagehands, the door openers, anyone whose work in the Opera went unnoticed and largely unappreciated. This was launched with significantly less ceremony backstage, typically only consisting of a fiddle, some dice, a deck of cards, and plenty of booze stolen from the "real" party.

Suzaku fully expected to attend the latter (and by attend, he meant hide in his room until everyone was passed out), rendezvousing with Lelouch later on in order for them to make their getaway, and personally he preferred it that way. He saw no point in all the pomp and circumstance of the Masquerade Ball when you just ended up piss drunk with a hangover in the morning no matter which you went to.

However Lelouch, as always, had other ideas.

"What do you think?" Lelouch asked, leaning against Suzaku's door frame in costume. He was dressed in a black tailcoat with gold trim and bright gold buttons. Resting loosely around his shoulders was a long black cape richly embroidered with golden feathers that matched the embroidery on his cuffs and around his collar. The material pooled around Lelouch's feet, ending in crimson wings reaching out towards the end of the cape, and when Lelouch spread out his arms, it gave the illusion of a bird about to take flight. More flashes of crimson trailed along his cuffs, the white of his undershirt peeking through and contrasting the black. Finally, to finish off the costume was a cravat loosely tied, showing off a pale neck that drew Suzaku's eye.

"You look..." Suzaku breathed, unable to even find a word that would give Lelouch justice. When words failed him a second time, Suzaku gave up and just kissed him.

Lelouch beamed. "Good. That's what I was going for."

"Where did you get that costume?" Suzaku asked. And are you going to have to return it? Because the ensemble probably had about a million buttons that needed to be undone in order to remove it, and Suzaku was up for the challenge.

"I made it out of odds and ends I found in the back of the costume room," Lelouch explained.

Suzaku frowned disapprovingly. "You stole your costume from the theatre?"

"I prefer to think I liberated it," Lelouch retorted. "It's not as if anything on the back shelf is actually used anymore. It's all out of date relics, falling apart at the seams and practically begging to be eaten by moths. It's a pity, because there's a gold mine of materials just waiting to be utilized. Wait until you see the costume I made for you!"

"For me?" Suzaku repeated. "What are you talking about? I'm not going."

Lelouch rolled his eyes. "Of course you are, now try this on."

A bundle wrapped in brown paper was shoved in Suzaku's hands.

"I can't go," Suzaku protested. "I'm only a scene-shifter, and an Eleven at that."

"That's what the mask is for," Lelouch replied, unfazed. "Although it is a shame to veil eyes as lovely as yours."

Suzaku blushed, eyeing the delicate mask on top of the bundle dubiously. "You honestly think that covering my eyes and my cheekbones is going to render me invisible?"

"No, but it will make you look like you belong. If you look and act like you belong, people respond accordingly," Lelouch assured him.

Suzaku raised an eyebrow. "And you know this from experience?"

Lelouch smiled. "Something like that. Now trust me and change your clothes, otherwise I'll strip you myself."

Suzaku sighed. There was really no arguing with Lelouch when he got an idea in his head.

In the end Suzaku undressed by himself, but Lelouch didhave to help him get the costume on, for it was every bit as heavy and complicated as Lelouch's.

"I look ridiculous," Suzaku declared after a single glance in the mirror.

His costume was white, most likely meant as a contrast to Lelouch's black. The waistcoat, complete with tails, had golden lapels and cuffs, both of which were secured in place with white flaps and gold buttons. On his shoulders were a pair of those golden tassels he always saw on high ranking military uniforms (Lelouch called them epaulettes). His undershirt was simple save for the golden wing embroidery near the hem, and resting at his throat was a white cravat, neatly tucked into place (unlike Lelouch's) and secured with a golden pin.

At least I don't have a cape, Suzaku thought with some relief.

"You don't look ridiculous," Lelouch assured him, wrapping his arms around Suzaku's waist and kissing his cheek. "You look beautiful."

Suzaku blushed again, ducking his head. "Don't say that. I'm not a girl."

Lelouch laughed. "Is beauty exclusive to the fairer sex? I think not."

Suzaku frowned, tugging at his waistcoat. "It doesn't fit quite right. It's a bit tight in some places."

Lelouch smirked. "On the contrary, it fits you perfectly."

And there was Lelouch's hand. On Suzaku's ass. He had to wonder exactly what Lelouch had hoped to emphasize in the development of the costume. Had he not been sufficiently covered by the tails of his waistcoat, he would have thought that Lelouch had left him without a cape for a possibly less than pure reason.

"But something is missing," Lelouch remarked. "Here." He placed the mask (white, naturally, with gold designs trimming the edges and extending from the eye sockets) over Suzaku's face, securing it in place with the white ribbon.

"Look at you," Lelouch murmured, and Suzaku looked, really looked, only to discover that he had disappeared. In his place was a dashing young man, resplendent in gold and white, emerald eyes glittering behind the mask, cutting a dashing figure that was completely unlike Suzaku.

Lelouch sighed. "Now if only you had a sword. Then it would be perfect. My perfect Lancelot."

Suzaku glanced at Lelouch with some surprise. "Is that who I am? Lancelot?"

"Mm, yes," Lelouch said, leaning on Suzaku's shoulder. "King Arthur's bravest, most trusted knight."

"Which makes you King Arthur?" Suzaku questioned.

Lelouch smiled and spread out his arms, cape sweeping dramatically. "Of course, can't you tell?"

Not really, Suzaku thought. Lelouch's costume was certainly grand, and almost ridiculously ornate, but not particularly regal. Rather, it was mysterious and alluring, like Faust's Mephistopheles.

But Suzaku was willing enough to play along. He got on one knee, eyes down and hand over his heart as if he was pledging his loyalty. "I am at your service, your Majesty."

Lelouch ran a hand softly through Suzaku's hair, but when he spoke, his voice was distant, as if lost in thought. "Arthur and Lancelot were not just king and servant. They were also friends, the best of friends. But Lancelot betrayed Arthur."

Suzaku winced as Lelouch knotted a clump of hair in his fist, fingers clenching tightly.

"And why was that?" Suzaku asked hesitantly, unable to look Lelouch in the eye for fear of what he would find there. Something had shifted again, that strange tension that came and went in a blink of an eye.

"Lancelot fell in love, a love that blinded him from the man he had sworn his allegiance to, the man who had given him everything. Inevitably, it lead to both their downfall."

Suzaku forced his eyes upwards, still not quite able to meet Lelouch's gaze, but focusing on his face. Gently, he pulled Lelouch's hand out of his hair, twining their fingers together.

"I'm not going to betray you," Suzaku promised, kissing Lelouch's fingers. "I love you. Only you. You know that." You do know that, right?It shouldn't have been a question after all they'd been through, all they'd done together, but it was.

Lelouch face softened as he pulled Suzaku upwards and into his arms. "Of course I do, Suzaku," he whispered tenderly. "Of course I do, and I trust you completely. There's no need for us to worry about a Guenevere."

Suzaku smiled, unable to quite understand what had just occurred, but relieved that the strange episode had passed.

"Well, now that's settled, shall we go my liege?" Suzaku asked, extending his arm.

Lelouch shook his head. "Not yet." He produced a black mask trimmed thickly in gold (naturally). Swirls of the golden design wrapped around the eye sockets, and in the center, where the bridge of the nose met the forehead, was a gold fan, unfurled like a peacock's tail.

"Now I'm ready," Lelouch announced. "Let us join the paper faces on parade."


Suzaku, from where he stood trying to make himself invisible in a back corner of the atrium, tugged uncomfortably at his cravat. The costume still felt cumbersome and completely alien on him, even though he'd had almost an hour to adjust to the weight and feel of the fine material.

The stares he was receiving certainly didn't help ease his discomfort. The white and gold mask Lelouch designed for him effectively hid his identity, but that was all. Suzaku had tried to push aside his insecurities and mingle with the crowd but everyone eyed him warily, as if they could smell poverty on him. Suzaku ducked his head to avoid the curious glances and craning necks of several tittering girls as they passed, desperately wishing that Lelouch was at his side. At least then he would have someone to talk to, to make it appear as if he belonged. Lelouch, however, had been pulled away almost the instant they arrived at the ball by Cecile, who'd scolded him for showing up before the official announcement.

What announcement, neither Suzaku nor Lelouch hadn't the faintest idea. Up until that point they had accredited Lelouch's invitation to the Masquerade to his slowly growing popularity among the Opera's patrons.

Now, as Suzaku listened to Lloyd and Bartley call everyone's attention to the grand staircase at the center of the atrium, he thought it might just be more than that.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Lloyd called at the same moment Bartley stammered, "Esteemed guests!"

Several giggles erupted from the attendees over their host's costumes: Lloyd wearing a bright yellow coat and a gigantic hat festooned with multicolored ribbons, feathers, and playing cards; Bartley as the embodiment of some Western Zodiac figure Suzaku couldn't remember the name of.

"Welcome to the Avalon Opera's annual Masquerade ball-"

"Our prologue," Lloyd interrupted, raising his champagne flute, "to a bright new year! Congratulations!"

Bartley shot Lloyd a glare, cleared his throat, and tried again. "Before we begin the evening's festivities we would like to introduce our upcoming season's headlining performers."

Shirley was introduced first, pale and wide-eyed and gripping the railing of the staircase tightly, as if she might faint any moment. Despite the jealousy he'd felt for her in the past, Suzaku was glad for her. She hadn't been at the Opera for very long, from what he'd heard, and already she'd progressed very far in her career, following along in Milly's footsteps to becoming a leading lady. She possessed Milly's same optimism and friendliness as well. Beautiful on the inside as well as on the outside, and she did indeed look stunning, dressed in an emerald gown and matching headpiece, her hair falling around her flushed face in gentle curls. The wings attached to her costume bounced slightly as she walked, leaving a trail of glitter behind as she curtsied before the applauding patrons and took the arm of a young man waiting to escort her.

Kallen came next, the strips of her yellow and crimson gown making it seem as if she were being engulfed by the fiery passion she exuded on stage. She bowed instead of curtsied, much to the amusement of the crowd. Suzaku clapped enthusiastically for her, for while he did not know her well she had defended him in the past when she'd had no reason to. Not to mention she was extremely talented. Gino Weinberg, adorned in colorful jester's garb, appeared the foot of the stairs to escort her, sparking another round of excited murmurs. Suzaku could just imagine what the society column in the next issue of the newspaper would be saying about them.

"The most heavenly diva of this, or any, age - Milly Ashford."

Milly floated down the staircase in a gown befitting a queen, all royal purples and reds, and curtsied grandly. The crowd went wild for her, cheering, whistling, even throwing roses as if she had just sung one of her famous arias. She blew kisses, smiling and enjoying every moment of the attention. Suzaku could have sworn that for an instant her eyes met his, and she winked, but all too quickly the moment passed. Lloyd escorted her personally to the side, and Suzaku heard another rush of whispers about engagements.

"We suffered a great loss at the Avalon this year," Bartley said, tone somber. He launched into a brief speech about Clovis; how he rose to fame and the many roles he graced the stage performing. The only thing that kept Suzaku from rolling his eyes was the stab of guilt when he remembered that Clovis's death had been ultimately his fault. "-we have discovered a remarkable new talent within the Avalon. He will be appearing as lead tenor in many of this season's operas... Lelouch Lamperouge!"

Suzaku's eyes widened.

Lelouch appeared at the top of the staircase, tall and darkly enchanting, attracting every eye below him. He was breathtaking, his eyes two piercing amethysts shining in bright contrast to the black costume, mesmerizing his entire audience. Suzaku could not look away. Those eyes managed to find him through the crowd, beckoning him, and Suzaku realized he'd moved closer at some point. When Lelouch arrived at the base of the stairs Suzaku was not even three feet away.

A petite girl stepped closer to him, but Lelouch held out his hand to Suzaku. "Take my arm," he instructed, earning a puzzled look from the girl and several gasps from the crowd.

"Lelouch..." Suzaku was intensely aware he was now the main focus of the room, everyone craning their neck to know who Lelouch Lamperouge, lead tenor of the Avalon Opera, had chosen to escort him over the pretty ballerina who had obviously been selected for him.

Lelouch's arm slipped through his own, fingers curling into the material of Suzaku's jacket as he smirked and waved at their gaping audience.

As soon as they were off to the side, Suzaku tore away from him. "What was that about?" he demanded.

"What?"

"Why did you come to me? There was someone there for you."

"You're my lover," Lelouch pointed out matter-of-factly. "Why should my lover not escort me?"

"Because!" Suzaku shook his head, unable to believe Lelouch capable of such stupidity. He never should have agreed to this. There was no way they could make an unnoticed escape now; not with Lelouch's new celebrity status and that little display of practically announcing their relationship to the upper crust of Area 11.

"Suzaku..."

Lelouch's hands were at either side of Suzaku's face, pulling him in for a kiss, but Suzaku shied away. "Don't," he said, hating the way Lelouch's eyes flashed briefly with hurt. Suzaku hated to do this but Lelouch had to understand... They couldn't freely express themselves that way. Not now, not hereof all places. "Everyone's watching. They'll see-"

"Then let them see!" Lelouch grasped Suzaku's hands in his own, looking at him imploringly. "Being in love is not a crime. I don't care if I'm ridiculed, or ostracized... Nothing will ever make me ashamed of loving you." Unbidden, Suzaku blushed, not knowing what to say to such a declaration of love. He looked away quickly, ashamed of himself, and Lelouch sighed. "What are you so afraid of?"

He didn't know, but his heart thrummed in his chest, terror chilling his blood as his eyes flitted about the room in search of some unknown threat. Lelouch was there, beside him; there should be nothing to fear because there was no obstacle, no matter how horrific, they could not overcome together.

"There's nothing these people can do to us," Lelouch assured him. "We're leaving."

That was true. It would be more difficult to slip away unnoticed now, but they would still find their opportunity and seize it. Soon they would be far away from this place, and none of it would matter.

"Let's not argue," he decided. Perhaps it was a matter they would never agree on. Maybe Suzaku would always be too modest about sharing intimacy in public, and perhaps Lelouch conversely would always want to attract attention to himself. None of it mattered. Tonight was their night - the beginning of their future together - and Suzaku would let nothing spoil that.

The orchestra in the far corner of the room, near where Suzaku had been hiding earlier, began to play again. Lelouch squeezed Suzaku's hand gently, drawing him close. "Dance with me?"

Suzaku opened his mouth, ready to turn down the offer immediately. Lelouch's hopeful expression stopped him before he could utter a sound. Perhaps a dance was the least he could do. They would never see any of these people again, after the night was through; let them gossip as much as they liked.

With an abashed smile, Suzaku admitted, "I'm a terrible dancer," and allowed himself to be led to the dance floor, where couples were already moving in time to the slow waltz.

Lelouch positioned Suzaku's hand on his arm, placing his own free hand at Suzaku's hip and very obviously taking on the male role in the dance. He smirked at Suzaku's pouting face. "I'll lead first," he said. "We can switch if you get the hang of it."

Suzaku, for reasons he did not want to recall, was able to keep up rather well. While no longer completely fresh in his mind he remembered learning these steps, remembered the confident arms that had so patiently guided him through the dance the first time.

"Ouch!"

"Sorry!" Suzaku stepped off of Lelouch's foot. "Sorry."

Halfway through the song Lelouch let him take over. Suzaku took the opportunity to slow down their movements. They weren't really waltzing anymore, which was better for Suzaku because it was a speed he could handle and didn't make him think of the dance he'd shared with Zero. It did, however, make them look even more out of place among the other couples. Lelouch didn't seem to mind, so Suzaku tried not to let it bother him either.

"So... lead tenor," Suzaku began conversationally."Did you know?"

Lelouch hummed, resting his head against Suzaku's shoulder. "Lloyd said something about becoming a central piece of his theatre machine... I hadn't the faintest clue this was what he meant."

"I can't believe I'm dancing with a celebrity-hey!" Suzaku winced as the heel of Lelouch's boot ground against his toes. When Lelouch was through expressing his disapproval, Suzaku tried again. "You are. Or you could be, if you wanted. If you stayed-"

"Out of the question."

Lelouch shut him up with a kiss before Suzaku could carry his argument any further. "We have two tickets," he said when he pulled away, satisfied by Suzaku's flushed cheeks. "They'll both be used."

"Alright," Suzaku relented. He truly believed Lelouch could be great, and now had the opportunity to prove that to the world... But there were Opera houses in France. This would not be the end of Lelouch's career; Suzaku would make sure of that. "Alright."

They continued to dance. At some point Lelouch began to hum. His voice, even if soft, seemed to rise above the sound of the orchestra, muting all else from Suzaku's ears. Suzaku blinked, eyes sliding in and out of focus before sharpening as he looked downwards. He felt drowsy all the sudden, but perfectly content.

"What are you singing?" It wasn't what the band was playing. It wasn't anything Suzaku had ever heard before, and yet... he knew that music.

"Something I wrote," Lelouch said, eyes glowing mischievously. They twirled slowly, and as they did Lelouch shifted them subtly so he was leading again - his arm back around Suzaku's waist, possessively, and his other hand buried in Suzaku's hair. "Do you like it?"

Suzaku nodded. "It seems... familiar. Does it have words?"

Gently, Lelouch guided Suzaku's head to rest on his shoulder. Suzaku closed his eyes. "They're only for your ears," Lelouch whispered. "It's not perfect yet."

Suzaku laughed quietly. "I'm sure it is. Everything you do is perfect. You're so-"

"Hush." That was unexpected; Lelouch usually loved flattery. At the questioning glance from Suzaku, Lelouch touched a hand to his cheek. "Do you want to hear it or don't you?"

Suzaku fell silent, Lelouch began humming once again, and everything else in the room faded away, unimportant. Nothing mattered except for the man holding him, and that voice reaching into his very soul.

"Masquerade, paper faces on parade... Hide your face so the world can never find you..."

It was beautiful, but what struck Suzaku most as Lelouch continued the song - returning to humming after a few bars, evidence to the song still being a work in progress - was: "It's so sad."

Lelouch fell silent.

"Hide your face so the world can never find you... No one should have to feel that way," Suzaku explained, realizing as he said it that that was exactly what he was doing. Hiding from the Britannians, covering his face in order to belong. But the song wasn't about him - or at least, Suzaku didn't think it was. And that was even more worrying. He brought a hand up to touch the gold trim of Lelouch's mask. "Least of all you."

"Oh, Suzaku..." Lelouch closed his eyes, exhaling. "If you only knew."

"Knew what?"

Lelouch shook his head. "It's not important. I'm flattered you find me so beautiful."

"It's not just me," Suzaku assured him, not understanding where this self-consciousness was coming from. "Everyone knows you're the prettiest one here tonight."

Lelouch didn't appear thrilled by the choice of words - part of the reason Suzaku had chosen 'pretty' specifically - but made no comment on them. "Everyone must be envious of you, then, for having claimed me."

Suzaku laughed. "Is that what I've done?"

"Not as overtly as I've claimed you, perhaps. But there's still time to do that now."

Suzaku blushed darkly, eyes darting about the room. Glances were still being thrown their way every so often, but for the most part the merriment and music seemed to have distracted everyone from the controversial couple. That was just how Suzaku wanted to keep it. "Lelouch, I'm not going to - not in the middle of the ball!"

"Why not?" Lelouch shrugged. He pinned Suzaku with his gaze, eyes smoldering with determination and something Suzaku couldn't identify. "I want you to. Kiss me in front of all these people."

Suzaku opened his mouth to protest, then froze. It was as if the command from his brain had been halted and now overridden but a sudden, overwhelming desire to do exactly what Lelouch had suggested. Suddenly he wanted nothing more than to kiss Lelouch, stake his claim with the entire masquerade ball as witness. His body moved of its own accord, and before he knew it ladies were gasping over the sight of him pressing Lelouch against the nearest column, devouring his mouth in a heated kiss. Lelouch's arms caged Suzaku in place as he moaned his appreciation.

"You're mine," Suzaku growled, sliding a leg between Lelouch's and kissing him again. What they were doing wasn't enough, he could feel it; Lelouch wanted more from him and he needed to give it. Lelouch gasped, eyes clamped shut and-

Wait.

Something clicked inside of Suzaku. The magnitude of what he was doing settled on him and he wrenched himself away. Horror crossed his features as he took in the gaping faces surrounding them. He stood there, breathing heavily, wondering what and how and just waiting for some kind of punishment for the indecent display.

No such thing happened. Instead, laughter. It came from everywhere and nowhere, reverberating off the walls and sending chills down Suzaku's spine. He knew that voice. He knew it anywhere. It thrilled as much as terrified him.

The chandelier rattled, and there were several screams as the lights of the room extinguished and re-lit themselves. An organ sounded from somewhere, though there was none present among the orchestra. Suzaku looked about wildly for the source of the disturbance, although he knew only one person capable. That voice, that music - it was Zero.

"It's him - the Phantom!"

More laughter filled the room.

"Yes, yes. The Phantom of the Opera. Such a poetic title. Have you missed me? I've brought a gift. Something to commemorate the new year, the new season... and your new star."

Something fell from above, pages scattering below the chandelier several feet from where Suzaku and Lelouch stood. Suzaku glanced quickly at Lelouch's face, not really knowing what he was looking for but finding Lelouch appeared just as uncertain and - dare he even think it - afraid as everyone else. Suzaku wrapped an arm protectively around his waist.

"Here, at last, the finished score... The Zero Requiem!"

The room broke out in murmurs - people shouting - Bartley trying to be heard over everyone, commanding order and silence.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" He cried as he reached the top of the stairs, in eyesight of all. "I apologize for this disturbance! I assure you that whoever is responsible for this will be properly dealt with and this... opera will never see the light of day."

"I feel that I should remind my dear manager that his place is in an office, not the arts. I advise you all to comply as well," Zero said, with the confidence of a man used to getting what he wanted. "My instructions should be clear enough for you. Unless, of course, you wish to lose another star to my anger." A reference to Clovis, no doubt about it; the entire room suppressed a shudder at the memory.

It was a simple method of gaining the upper hand. Knowing the Phantom had no qualms with ending human life, he very quickly had the entire room at his disposal. Bartley held up his hands in surrender. "No, please!"

More echoing laughter. Suzaku felt sick at this confirmation that Zero was indeed a murderer - that he had killed Clovis, and would do the same to Lelouch just to send a message to him: that he was always watching and could easily dispose of the people in Suzaku's life in the blink of an eye. Suzaku was powerless against him.

"Now, shall I announce the cast?" Zero didn't bother waiting for an answer. "Of course, utilizing the season's new leads. Asplund's decisions couldn't have pleased me more if I had chosen them myself. To our dear prima donna, Milly Ashford, naturally the female lead. Hers is the role of the Confidante, the clever witch that awakens the demon."

"And to Shirley Fennette-" The redhead started at the mention of her name, somehow managing to look both frightened and mesmerized by the voice at once. "-the sister of the protagonist. She is both the protagonist's motivation and conscience, and yet, inevitably it is for her sake that he chooses the path of darkness."

"Finally, our new star tenor shall be the Demon Emperor, a man that tries to change the world, only to be tainted and brought to his ruin."

The vision of Lelouch, covered in blood, sword sticking out of his stomach, flashed across Suzaku's eyes, and he abruptly felt violently ill. Especially since he knew what was coming next.

"And the source of that ruin, the Black Knight, the incarnation of the Emperor's darkness, who ultimately destroys him. This role was very difficult to fulfill. Admittedly, it is silent, but arguably the most important in the entire opera, save for the Emperor himself. It took much consideration, and ultimately I came to the conclusion that none among my talented cast could do it justice. I was forced to think beyond the conventional frame. I know many will not be pleased with my decision, but you must trust my judgement. The Black Knight can only be played by-"

Suzaku reached for Lelouch's hand. "We have to get out of here." Before he kills you.

But the booming voice stopped him in his tracks.

"-Suzaku Kururugi!" Zero cried, triggering a cacophony of whispers.

"Suzaku Kururugi?"

"A Number...?"

"Of course the Numbers are behind this!"

But Suzaku couldn't hear the accusing words, couldn't see the hateful scowls, for all he could see was Lelouch, bloody and staring blankly up from the ground. And it was Suzaku standing over him, Suzaku holding the sword, Suzaku killing the only person in the world who meant something to him.

Oh God, he was going to be sick.

And there was Zero's voice, cruel and whispering very close to Suzaku's ear for only him to hear: "Did you think I had left you for good, Suzaku? Foolish boy. You're chains are still mine. You belong to me!"

"No, please no," Suzaku whispered, sinking to his knees.

He felt Lelouch wrap his arms around him. "Suzaku?"

Immediately Suzaku pulled Lelouch closer, needing to feel him, to take comfort in the fact that he was there, that he was alive and well and Zero had not broken them apart - not yet.

"I'll never be free," he whispered miserably. "We'll be parted forever. He'll never let me go."

"Suzaku," Lelouch said again, leaning into the embrace, offering the only comfort he could.

In the distance, the clock struck midnight. It was a New Year, and their ship was sailing without them.


Lawli: aww... Our poor boys. Happiness just seems so unlikely for them. :( Trivia! Can anyone guess what movie (not related to Phantom) inspired the scene with the boat tickets? Winner gets... Um... Kudos for knowing one of my favorite movies!

Persephone1: It shouldn't be too hard. I guessed it right away (I think I did anyway. I don't exactly remember the conversation, but this movie was discussed). Lawli and I happen to have very similar tastes in movies, I think.

Also, Suzaku and Lelouch's costumes were based heavily off official art done by Clamp, and the masks were photos were I found on the Internet. If you're interested, here are the links (remember to remove the spaces, and if they don't work, please let me know):

Lelouch's mask:
www. shutterstock / pic - 58389781 / stock - photo - beautiful - venetian - mask - in - black - and - gold - on - top - of - an - old - leather - table . html

Costume:

media . photobucket image / recent / Xannieh / large Anime Paperscans _ Code-Geass _ win . jpg

Suzaku's mask:
fc09 . deviantart fs71 / i / 2010 / 266 / 5 / c / white _ and _ gold _ mas by _ thedustyphoenix - d2zcne7 . jpg

Costume:

mangafanatic . files . wordpress 2010 / 01 / lelouch _ and _ suzaku1 . jpg

We'll see you next chapter! If you have the time and inclination, please review!