(Ichigo: Here's a new chapter, everyone!

Aki: Please read, enjoy, and review! Another chapter will be here before you know it!

Ichigo: Enjoy!)

Disclaimer: We can only wish we own Code Geass...so obviously we don't.

Chapter 11: Tea and Cupcakes

Itchy.

That's all Marina could think about as she scratched at her face, despite Aurora and her friends protests that she'd ruin her make-up and her manicured nails. The foundation was heavy and itchy, and the eye shadow that somehow managed to reduce all her glares to slightly angered looks.

Best of all, she was told she couldn't rub at it and had to instead massage her temple to try and relieve the itch instead. Like that was going to happen. Marina didn't even want to wear make-up, she just wanted to go about her normal life, she was fine painting her nails…they get so dirty from all the work she does and the polish helped hide the dirt under the nail…but the eyeliner and the foundation….no way.

Besides, she was pretty sure there was some regulation about wearing make-up in the military.

"Alright class, settle down, we have a new transfer student today," the teacher chirped, motioning for the new student to enter.

And in walked Suzaku Kururugi.

"EHHHHHH!?"

"Did you guys know?" Marina hissed through clenched teeth after school in the classroom, pointing at the three tennis club girls standing before her as she sat, legs crossed, on a chair.

"Not until this morning," Candice giggled, still amused by Marina's outburst that morning. "But even then, I only knew it was a boy…but who cares about that!?" Marina snorted, looking away, crossing her arms. She did. "We did a good job didn't we girls? Everyone thought she was a new person."

Begrudgingly, Marina had to admit they did a good job. With the make-up and the hair-ties they chose to pin her bangs up, they had managed to make her usual slacker, yankee style look somewhat…cute.

She shuddered. Her ancestors must be spinning in their graves.

"The girl's tennis club is known for our miracles," Erika agreed, nodding sagely.

"Go us~!" chimed Aurora.

"YOU GUYS…!"

Marina raised a fist to quell their antics, making the girls jokingly cower. However, Marina's anger quickly dissipated when Lelouch stood up, abruptly and left the classroom, pausing only briefly at the doorway to tug on his collar as though adjusting it. Moments later, Suzaku had risen from his seat and left as well.

"Should we…?" Marina murmured, catching Aurora's eye. When the long-haired girl nodded, Marina grabbed Aurora's hand and dragged Aurora out of the room, catching the sight of familiar curly brown hair disappearing up the stairs to the third floor.

She had a feeling she knew where he was headed…

Lelouch turned towards the entrance to the rooftop when he heard the door open and footsteps make their way towards him. So Suzaku didn't forget after all.

"We used that same sign seven years ago, didn't we?" Lelouch grinned, tugging at his collar just as he did at in the classroom.

"'Let's meet on the roof,'" Suzaku translated, resting his arms on the railing encasing the roof. "I'm glad you're alright."

He had already known Lelouch and Aurora were safe thanks to Marina, but Suzaku decided not to mention that. Based on what she told him, Marina and Lelouch's relationship was under great strain. Somehow, he felt it was best not to inform Lelouch that Marina had been divulging information about Lelouch and Nunnally, some based on events the brown-haired woman witnessed and some she heard as rumours.

"Thanks to you," Lelouch's expression grew solemn. "If you hadn't taken that bullet for me…"

"I was just returning the favour for what you did seven years ago," Suzaku said, shaking off the compliment in the modest way associated with Japanese. "Oh, what about that girl? The one in the capsule."

"We got separated in the confusion," the dark-haired male lied smoothly, his visage not showing a single sign of the deceitful nature of his words. "Don't you know anything about her?"

"No…it looks like on the CA guys knew anything."

"I see…"

The two boys lapsed into silence, and afraid they were missing something, Marina and Aurora opened the door to the roof a little more, leaning in a little closer.

"Can I still call you Lelouch…?" Suzaku asked.

"My former self is recorded as being dead. Lelouch Lamperouge is my new name."

Marina raised her eyebrows, glancing down at Aurora. "What does he mean by a new name?"

Aurora looked up at Marina. She was silent for a long moment. Should we tell her? Tell her what she knew even though Lelouch didn't even know she knew of him before they even met…?

"I have no idea," she finally said.

Marina looked like she might protest but shrugged, and began listening and watching intently again. Aurora breathed a sigh of relief, glad Marina didn't push the subject. She hated Marina's searching eyes, and the thought of how angry Marina would be if she found out she lied to her multiple times…Aurora shuddered.

She hoped that day never came.

"By the way," realizing Lelouch was speaking, Aurora immediately began to pay attention. "How was your court martial? And what are you doing here?"

"I was surprised too! I didn't know you'd be here, Lelouch," Suzaku was lying. Again he didn't think he should share that Marina has been keeping him informed. "Well, there was someone who ensured that the investigation was conducted properly. Then when I was dismissed yesterday I saw Marina-san and she said I should come to this school. So here I am."

Surprised, Aurora glanced at Marina. She knew Marina had gone to see Suzaku but to ask him to come to school was something she didn't expect from her. The whole rumour about Marina having a secret lover was a joke. Some good humoured fun since Marina never really talked to boys…but seeing the uncertain yet touchingly pleased expression on Marina's face at Suzaku's words…Aurora had to wonder if Marina wasn't starting to develop some affection towards the curly brunet.

Before she had the chance to ponder anymore, she was falling. Marina had leant in too close and the door swung open, robbing them of their support and sending them crashing to the ground.

"What are you two doing, Aurora, Marina?" Lelouch sighed. He had expected this somehow.

"Hi, Lulu! How are you!" Marina asked, tilting her head slightly, and smiling, using a trick Erika taught her to win over boys. Lelouch simply glared at her, as though he was offended she'd try something like that on him.

Of course, the one guy she wants to influence-so he won't scold them and upset Aurora-isn't influenced at all.

"W-We were just out for a walk since there's so much hype in class and then we heard voices, and then Marina triped, so here we are…!"

"Are you alright?" Suzaku asked, extending his hand to help Marina up.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she accepted his hand and began climbing to her feet, but quickly lost her balance when Suzaku let go of her hand. "Ow!" she cried, falling onto her rear. "What was that for?"

"S-Sorry!" he gasped, flexing his fingers as though they felt odd and foreign.

"…It's okay, no harm done," Marina stood, dusting herself off. No reason getting angry at Suzaku. That boy was too honest to have a mean bone in his body.

"So you already know Suzaku, Marina?" Lelouch grinned mischievously. "Is that where you disappeared to yesterday? You realize we have a test tomorrow, right? On yesterday's chemistry lesson?"

The Japanese raised an eyebrow, a small smile on his lips. "So you lied to me, Marina?"

"Y-Yeah? What if I did?" snapped Marina. On the outside she was cool and composed, but on the inside she was having a panic attack. She hadn't meant to lie, it had just happened. Would he be angry at her now? Would he hate her?

However, something Marina didn't expect at all happened. Suzaku smiled. He looked pleased as he said, "Thank you for coming to see me."

Marina felt her chest twinge painfully. Why did he have to be such a sweetheart?

"N-No problem! I mean, I couldn't just leave you all by yourself…! After all you went through, I thought you might want to see a friendly face…"

"Friendly?" Lelouch asked. "You always look hostile."

"LELOUCH!!!!!!!"

"Somehow, all that make-up really dulls the effects…your temper is toned down."

Suzaku laughed a bit. While Lelouch was simply teasing her, Marina seemed to be taking him seriously and getting upset. It was sort of amusing.

"Ah, that's right. Do you want to come to my house for dinner, Suzaku? You can come as well too, Aurora."

"Of course I'll come, Lulu!"

Suzaku glanced uncertainly between the beaming Lelouch and Aurora. Was Lelouch just being nice or…?

"And I supposed Marina can come as well--"

"No thank you! I have homework to do!" huffed Marina as she stomped off. Truthfully, she didn't, but she wanted Aurora and Lelouch to have a moment together, if at all possible with Suzaku around.

She may distrust Lelouch, but he meant a lot to Aurora, so she had to make some small allowances. Small.

"You were a little mean weren't you, Lelouch?"

"Mean? I wasn't. You were the bully when we were children."

"Eh? I think you're confusing me with yourself…"

"Eh!? Lulu was a bully!?"

"N-No! I wasn't! You were the one who punched me, Suzaku!"

"Because you were being rude!"

"I had just climbed over a thousand steps with Nunnally on my back! I was tired! Either way," the distressed dark-haired male turned towards Aurora, who was looking increasingly disillusioned. "If you want to go home and change you can. I'll come get you in a couple hours."

Aurora nodded, said her goodbyes and left, leaving the two best friends alone.

"What are you so worried about?" Suzaku asked with a grin. "Everything I said is true and you know it."

"Aurora likes me, and if something upsets her Marina snaps. I'd rather avoid all that."

Suzaku raised an eyebrow. Marina didn't seem that violent. Perhaps a bit temperamental but not violent. Either way, it was far more logical Lelouch was bending the truth to hide the fact he wanted to look good in front of the long-haired girl.

"Hmm, I see," Suzaku said, deciding to give a neutral response, despite the fact he was suspicious of Lelouch's answer and his actions. Lelouch had changed a lot from the spoiled boy he remembered.

"When did you suddenly get so perceptive?" Lelouch snapped, feeling irritated. Suzaku's eyes were burrowing into him, and he hated the feeling. He should be the only one allowed to do that. "You were always a brawns and no brains type of person."

"People grow up," Suzaku answered simply.

No, kidding…

"We should get going," Suzaku headed towards the stairs before the conversation could take an uncomfortable twist and shift onto him.

Wordless, Lelouch followed him. Questions and discussion could be saved for later, when they were at home with Nunnally and Aurora.

"I'm home!" Nunnally called, wheeling into the dinning room with the help of Sayoko.

"Welcome back, Nunnally, Sayoko," Lelouch said pleasantly as Aurora and himself rose from their chairs. "Aurora and I have a present for you today, Nunnally."

"Oh, my. I wonder what it could be."

Lelouch grinned, holding a finger to his lips to ensure Sayoko would be silent and then beckoned Suzaku forward from the other room. Wordlessly, Suzaku knelt beside the girl and gently held her small hand between his.

Startled, Nunnally jumped slightly, before brushing the fingertips of her other hand across the top of Suzaku's hand, tears springing into her eyes. "This hand is…oh, thank God…I'm so glad you're okay!"

"It's nice to see you again, Nunnally…"

Lelouch and Aurora shared a look and a smile. They both agreed, that seeing Nunnally so happy was a thing worthy of celebration.

"You can stay the night, can't you, Suzaku?" Nunnally asked, barely noticing the teacup filled with hot tea that Aurora had placed in front of her.

"Suzaku's a student here now," Lelouch answered for Suzaku. "So you can see him any time you want."

Nunnally gasped happily. "Really!?"

"I still have my work with the army, so maybe not everyday."

"You're still in the army…?"

"It's fine. I was transferred to the engineering corps, so I'm not in much danger."

"Ah, I see, the engineering corps," Lelouch parroted, picking up the tea pot. "That's good then. Don't worry, Nunnally. If he runs into any trouble he can just go to Marina--Ah, you didn't know?" Lelouch added when he saw Suzaku's look. "Marina's in the army. Her brother and her parents are in the army as well and most of her extended family."

"Really?" Suzaku was surprised. Maybe that's how she managed to get into the brig to visit him when he was under suspicion for treason?

"Yes. It's why I sent Aurora off with Marina that one time. I knew they wouldn't turn her away if she was with Marina," Lelouch finally stood, moving towards the kitchen. "I'll get us some more tea."

Quickly, Suzaku stood. "Ah, I'll help you!"

The dark-haired male smiled. "Sit down. You're the guest here. It seems you've been working on your manners."

"And you your wit," Suzaku countered, sitting down.

"Ah, I'll help you instead," Aurora stood, grabbing the tea tray.

"Ah, thank you."

"Don't poke his waist, Aurora!" Nunnally called after them. "He's put on some more weight, I think!"

"Stop telling her that, Nunnally!"

"Okay, okay, I won't!" Aurora laughed, following Lelouch around the corner and out of sight.

"They're very cute together, don't you think, Suzaku?" Nunnally smiled, listening to Lelouch and Aurora bicker as they walked.

"You think?"

"Mm! He won't admit it, but I have a feeling he really likes her. He's always bringing her over for dinner. Sometimes she'll come and visit me but can't stay long and then he's grumpy for days!" Nunnally laughed. "Is there anyone you like, Suzaku?"

He was silent for a moment, before speaking. "I don't know about like but….there's someone I'm interested in."

Nunnally tilted her head. Wasn't that the same thing? Regardless, she just smiled. "Well, then. I wish you luck no matter what."

Suzaku returned the smile even though she couldn't see it. He hoped things went well too.

"I thought I told you to stay in my room," Lelouch walked past C.C. and A.A., putting the tea pot on the counter and putting the kettle on the burner.

"That's the Britannian soldier we met in Shinjuku. Is it okay that he's here?" C.C. asked, her arms crossed, leaning against the small table inside the kitchen.

"He's fine. He's my….friend."

"Is Aurora your friend? Just your friend?"

Lelouch looked at her. "Yes...?"

"Good…because A.A.'s clinging to her…"

She pointed and, sure enough, there was Aurora, bustling around making too with A.A. hanging off her.

"Ro! My princess! I missed you!"

C.C. shrugged when Lelouch through her an accusing look. "You said she was just a friend."

"It's lonely here!" A.A. whined, sniffling dramatically. "Lulu's a big meanie! He won't let me sleep in any of the guest rooms--"

"Because Sayoko might be suspicious if she hears a noise in a room that's supposed to be un-occupied!" Lelouch interrupted.

A.A. carried on, ignoring him. "So he's making me sleep on the top shelf in his closet--"

"It's better than the floor, isn't it!?"

"I can't even stretch out my legs!" A.A. snapped, finally acknowledging the boy.

"Then sleep on the floor."

"He's trying to starve us too," C.C. added, enjoying the scene before her. "We have to share pizza and A.A. eats everything."

"I'd offer to help if I didn't live in the dorm," Aurora murmured, feeling unconscious. "It may not be much, but when you want I can make you some sweets."

"Ah, thanks, Ro~! You're so nice! Only good thing about Lulu is his wallet,"

Lelouch twitched. He really wished he could get rid of this…this moron.

Aurora smiled, patting his arm. "Don't worry! I normally make some for Nunnally while Sayoko makes dinner so I'll just make a larger amount! It saves you and your wallet, right?"

Lelouch stayed silent for a moment. He was not worried about his wallet or how she was going to make cupcakes to feed the gluttonous leeches.

"Yes…well, thank you. We should go and give Suzaku and Nunnally their tea."

Aurora nodded and fetched the freshly made pot of tea and she and Lelouch left the room, heading back to where Suzaku and Nunnally waited.

"C.C!!!" A.A. wailed, clinging to her. "He took her away…!

C.C. sighed, reaching up and patting the tall man on the head. "There there. You really do cry at the easiest things don't you?"

A.A. just sniffled loudly.

"Be sure to visit more often," Lelouch told Suzaku about the sound of the crunching gravel of the pathway. They were walking Aurora back to her dorm and then Suzaku planned to leave for the night and go home. "Nunnally'll be happy if you do."

"Sure, but…Lelouch, let's pretend not to know each other at school."

Lelouch and Aurora stopped walking, staring at the other teen. "Why?"

"How would you explain being friends with a former Eleven? If we're not careful…" Suzaku glanced at Aurora for a moment, then glanced back at Lelouch. "Things could get out of hand. I don't want to cause you any more trouble."

"If you're worried about things getting out of hand, tell Marina."

"Marina?"

"She's never cut class before and yet she went to see you…she obviously won't let you sit alone in the corner of the classroom, and if we respect your wishes and ignore you, Marina will get angry at us. So explain this to her: clearly."

Suzaku nodded and Lelouch said, with an air of finality. "Well, this is your dorm, Aurora. Thanks for coming over. Sleep well."

Aurora beamed. "You too! Thanks for having me! Night, Lulu! Oh, and you too, Suzaku!"

She waved cheerily and ran ahead, continuing to wave and shout goodbyes. Lelouch and Suzaku waved back, and Lelouch even laughed a little when Aurora walked into the glass doors, too occupied with saying goodbye to notice the doors.

Suzaku stopped waving at that, and regarded Lelouch closely. Perhaps Nunnally was right. He did seem fond of Aurora.

But…he wasn't sure if it was anything resembling love.

As far as Suzaku knew, Lelouch didn't seem able to fall in love that way…

Or…could he?

"Don't worry, we need only bide our time," Lelouch spoke into the mouthpiece, which when attached to his phone modified his voice giving him Zero's famous, echoing baritone. "I'll contact you later."

Lelouch disconnected the call before Ougi could respond. He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. Ougi, he determined, was a suck-up. There was no reason to call him like that. Maybe he'd have to…

His thought trailed off as he noticed he wasn't alone in the stairwell anymore. He could see Aurora ascending the stairs, her image reflected in the window before him.

"What's up?" he asked, casually pocketing his phone. "It's rare for you to wander around the school."

"I couldn't find you so I thought you might be here, plotting to take over the world," she laughed at his sour expression. "I'm sorry, did I upset you?" she asked, softly, poking his cheek affectionately.

Lelouch involuntarily flinced and Aurora's brown eyes widened, worry flooding her. "S-Sorry…did I do something wrong?"

"N-No," he lied quickly. He coughed, clearing his throat and repeated himself, without the stutter, adding, "I'm just worried about Suzaku. He's isolated himself…and I'm worried that the anti-Japanese students will target him."

"You don't need to worry," he added when she frowned. "He's strong."

"I know…"

Lelouch sighed. "Why are you depressed? Tell me, please, so Marina doesn't kill me if it's my fault…"

"A-Ah! I'm not depressed at all! See?" she plastered on an obviously fake smile.

Lelouch relaxed his posture, moving to stand in front of her. "You're forcing yourself. If you can't tell me what's on your mind…at least tell someone…anyone…"

"Lulu, are you in love with me?"

Lelouch eyes widened dramatically.

He'd expected this day would come…

But not before he had an answer prepared…

"I…" he swallowed. "I…"

What was he supposed to say, when he didn't even know how he felt?