Lawli: Thank you to kya, luckless-is-me, ni-chan9, irmina, Atheist1, Yukimi, Future X13, xxlinamariexx, Blind Writer for reviewing!

The answer to the trivia from last chapter is the movie "Little Ashes". It's kind of an unheard-of movie. But its really good. I recommend it. :) http:/ www. youtube .com/watch?v=eOwjfPJEwxc (link to the trailer).

So. It may be hard to believe from this fic, but I really do love Suzaku. He's my favorite CG character. lol

Disclaimer: Still don't own anything.

Fragment 11
One & Only, Part 3

"I dare you to let me be your one and only.
Promise I'm worthy to hold in your arms.
So come on and give me a chance
to prove I am the one who can walk that mile
until the end starts"

It's early February when Lelouch breaks their routine. He still arrives at the park at their usual time, at their usual spot, only he doesn't come alone. Suzaku approaches curiously.

"This is Nunnally," Lelouch introduces the small girl seated beside him on the park bench. She's bundled up in a pink coat, with matching gloves and earmuffs. "She's my little sister. You better be nice to her." There's a threat in his voice that Suzaku takes very seriously.

"Hello," she greets cheerfully, eyes alight as she thrusts a hand in his direction. She has Lelouch's eyes.

Suzaku smiles and takes her hand gently in his own. "It's nice to meet you. You wanna play?"

It's been months and he still hasn't managed to get Lelouch to agree to a game of soccer. Nunnally, on the other hand, is thrilled by the invitation and jumps up excitedly. Soon they're running to the open, snow-blanketed field.

Lelouch stays on the park bench, having not been invited, and glowers at Suzaku. There's an oblivious grin on the boy's face as he kicks the ball to Nunnally, the simple acceptance of the game making him happier than Lelouch can ever remember Suzaku being with him. There's an odd twinge in the pit of his stomach. Lelouch doesn't want to label it jealousy, even if that's what it is.

So he picks the fight this time around. When Suzaku jogs over to attempt pulling him out onto the field, Lelouch is already standing, hands on his hips and nose in the air. "I saw the way you were looking at her."

Nunnally's a pretty girl, with pretty long hair and an endearing smile. Some boys their age already have girlfriends, and Lelouch doesn't want Suzaku getting ideas. And maybe it doesn't even have anything to do with Nunnally – who is really the one guilty of looking at Suzaku in a certain way, not that Lelouch would ever accuse her of anything, especially not that, because she will always be too young in his eyes.

Suzaku's face mirrors his honest confusion. "L-like what?"

"You know exactly like what." Only he doesn't, Lelouch knows he doesn't; he doubts thoughts like that have ever crossed Suzaku's mind. Frivolous things like sports and not failing his Language Arts midterm occupy his head; he could never understand the deep, mixed feelings of Lelouch's heart.

"Lelouch," Suzaku flounders, unsure of what he is guilty of but still trying to right whatever wrong he's apparently made. "I wasn't – I mean, I wouldn't—"

"Good. Because you'll never be good enough for her. So don't even try."

Suzaku understands that. His eyes widen; he's hurt, but he says nothing to defend himself. It's another of his odd, infuriating personality traits; he doesn't think very highly of himself. Lelouch's heart clenches.

Later, he slides a hand over Suzaku's.

"I'm sorry," he whispers. His throat is dry. It has been bothering him all evening. Suzaku has been quiet ever since the remark was made, quietly accepting his unworthiness. "You are good enough for Nunnally. I just..."

He grips Suzaku's hand tighter, earning a perplexed look. He's adorable and he doesn't even realize it, the slight tilt of his head reminding Lelouch of a puppy, and Lelouch hates that he feels this way, doesn't know how to explain to Suzaku (or even himself) the intense desire to pull the boy impossibly close until they are one person, inseparable, and never let him go. As always he falls back on anger, pinches his lips and glares at Suzaku. "I just want you to belong to me, okay? So... so you don't need to look at anyone else."

For a long while there is only silence. And then Suzaku hugs him. Lelouch forgets how to breathe as those strong arms wrap around his neck, pulling him closer.

"Lelouch." Suzaku speaks against his ear, breath warm and sending shivers down Lelouch's spine. "I'll always be yours. You don't have to worry about that."