Kamia: Sorry for the late post. Got into a bout of anxiety lately... good thing I have a best friend to help me get through it even with the distance between us. Still I have to finish my degree here, but it doesn't hurt to have time to write for myself once in a while. Hope I don't burn out by the end of the semester...

Chapter 9

"Admit the truth?" Arching his eyebrow, he shivered at the feel of the older male's lips on his ear. Taking in a breath he was cut off to the feel of the others lips on his. This was the second time, within twenty-four hours that the other male had kissed him. But another thought that ran through his mind was how the other acted and responded after the first kiss. Granted he had punched him in the gut, but it had brought a few other things to light.

Lifting his hand up, he placed it at the base of the others cranium, pulling him closer to deepen the kiss. After a while, he pulled away, a smile forming on his face. "It's a little early for jokes don't you think?" He leaned his head forward, resting it against the others. "Although I must admit, you are pretty good at kissing. Be a little more confident though, I could tell you were rather shaky." Lelouch then placed another kiss on the others lips before pulling back again.

"I can sense the uncertainty in you right now, and I am sure that it was some curiosity that peaked your interest about what it would be like...to be honest I was quite curious myself... but I don't want you to jump into something I am for sure you aren't ready for. I mean just a few nights ago you were defending yourself about the misunderstanding...so all evidence points to curiosity." Running his hand down the others neck, he smirked. "Maybe you'll get more sense of things when I'm not stark naked in front of you."

Feeling soft lips respond to the kiss caused a small noise to come from the detective's throat. He could feel the smile spreading across his face as he caressed his friend's cheek softly. One hand managed to snake its way around the back of Lelouch's side, pulling the younger man closer. As they parted ways, Suzaku sensed a heat rise to his cheeks as he continued to stare into the other's eyes before traveling down to the soft, full lips beneath.

Glancing back up at the mention of his performance had the other raise an eyebrow as the corner of his mouth twitched up to a smirk. He accepted the return kiss, leaning in more in hopes for more as his eyes continued to stay focused on everything that was Lelouch's face. The way he blushed slightly, the way he smiled and laughed to himself and the way his eyes would dart from himself to the emptiness around them.

Allowing a small frown to grace his own features at his roommate's reasoning behind what had transpired, Suzaku could admit to himself that he felt a bit annoyed. There he was trying to come to terms with these weird emotions he's been feeling for the past two weeks, and here is Lelouch trying to shoot it all down in one blow. So much for coming to terms with oneself.

Pulling back from his hold on the other, her rose fully at where he stood. "Suit yourself." he muttered before turning around and making his way to the bathroom door. As he was about to exit, he chanced a glance back for a few more prolonged seconds. "I'm a very patient man and can wait an eternity for you to make up your own mind about where we stand." Giving the other one last smile half-heartedly he made his way out and closed the door. Before heading back into the kitchen, Suzaku gave a final knock before informing the other that breakfast was beyond ready.

Lelouch watched as the exited the bathroom and closed the door behind him. He couldn't help but smile at the comment as well as that the other knocked at the door to tell him that breakfast had been ready. Shaking his head, he got up to brush his teeth, realizing that the other hadn't brought him the towel he asked for. 'Might as well go out there without one, he's already seen my dick under different circumstances.' Spitting out the excess past and beginning to rinse his mouth he could hear Zero's bickering.

'You do know that if you two get involved we are either going to get caught or you are going to have to kill him.' Zero whispered in the back of his mind.

'Yeah I know what it means.'

'Then why are you thinking about it?'

'I can choose what I want to do. Don't forget that I am the original owner of this body.' At that, it got really quiet which was a surprise. Putting his toothbrush away, he opened the door and felt the cool air of the living room hit his naked skin. "It's a good thing I am resistant to cold, the outside was worse," he called out loud, making his way over to his room.

Upon entering his room, he retrieved a pair of boxers from his drawer and some clean jeans. He was also making a note of having to pick up some new clothes soon. At this rate of his clothes being burned, torn up and covered in blood, his wardrobe was slimming down. Once he got his pants on, he pulled the towel from its hanging place behind to the door to dry off his hair. Making his way back to the kitchen, he saw the back of the older male. He couldn't help a smirk to form on his lips. 'I wonder just how long his patience will last him.'

After leaving Lelouch in the bathroom, the detective made his way past the living room and to the kitchen. He took the spatula off the counter before pouring the eggs and bacon onto the two plates waiting on the bar. When he was finished with that the older man took hold of the coffee pot before pouring the liquid into the mugs next to the plates. After placing the kettle in its holder, Suzaku turned to the refrigerator to pull out a jug of milk as well as snatching a small, glass sugar bowl off the counter.

Leaving the kitchen to sit on the other side of the bar top, he placed the milk and sugar in between the two plates before choosing his own place to sit. As the twenty-six year old was fixing his personal cup of coffee, he paused at the sound of his roommate leaving the bathroom. Turning green eyes to look upon the door of Lelouch's bedroom he couldn't help but laugh at the other's comment on the coldness of the room. "Then maybe you should have packed a towel." he muttered, not realizing that was what his friend had been insinuating.

Satisfied by the amount of sugar he had pour into his cup, Suzaku took a long sip from the hot beverage. He winced at the burn his tongue suffered lightly before turning his gaze back onto the breakfast in front of him. Hearing the other make his way out of the bedroom as he picked up a strip of bacon off the plate, a question come to mind. "So what do you want to do today?"

Pulling up his plate, he bit into the piece of toast. Resting his elbow on the counter, he stared up at the ceiling, chewing thoughtfully. "I'm not too sure. I had planned to go to the lab, course that was before last night happened. Feels rather odd having a whole day free." Putting the toast back on his plate he made his way around the other to pour himself some coffee. "You put a lot of sugar in yours, how is it that you drink your coffee sweet but you like your alcohol bitter?"

Placing two cubes of sugar in his coffee, he stirred it with the spoon, turning to face the other. "Then again, it seems to match your bitter sweet personality." He then placed the spoon in the sink and took a long sip from his cup. Releasing a content sigh, he rested his cup on the counter before staring over at the other.

"You know, now it's got me thinking..." Lelouch slowly moved forward, snaking his hand around the others body to the counter behind him. "...I wonder if your cream is just as sweet," he purred. He then pulled a way, smirk on his face and a bacon strip he'd taken from the others plate and began to munch on it.

Feeling the choking sensation of coffee slipping down the wrong way, Suzaku sputtered as he placed his cup back on the counter and the other hand to cover his mouth. Green eyes shot to amethyst accusingly as the detective watched Lelouch's grin grow as he chewed on the stolen strip of meat. He could sense the redness in his cheeks begin to grow before turning away.

"I don't know what you mean." he lied before taking the rest of his plate and standing from his spot. Suzaku walked over to the living room before plotting himself down on the sofa. He reached over for the remote and clicked on the television before chancing a look at the younger man. "Whatever you want, is what I said. I'll wait if you want to go to the lab."

Lelouch couldn't help but chuckle as the other choked on the coffee. His smirk widened even further as the other turned away from him, huffing and puffing to the couch with his face bright red. "Oh I'm sure you do," he whispered, taking a drink from his cup. Placing it back down on the counter, he thought about it for a while before resting his elbow on the counter. "Why don't you come with me to my lab? I'm pretty sure you haven't seen what I do as a form of school and work, it would be fun."

Finishing all the food on his plate with the exception of one strip of bacon, picking it up in his fingers. "Of course that's if you want to. I just have to make sure that the experiments I'm working on don't die on me. I didn't go yesterday so I should check on those specimens right now." Placing the plate in the sink, he made his way into the living room. "Think it over, I'll be getting ready," he whispered against his ear, placing the bacon strip on the others plate. He then winked at him before making his way back to his room.

The thought of getting to see his friend work was rather enticing at the moment. Suzaku still felt a bit flustered at the accusation, though, so he pretended to not hear while his eyes focused on the television screen ahead. There was nothing on but commercials about new movies and game systems appearing which made it seem even more boring.

An eyebrow lifted questioningly as he noticed his roommate place the remaining strip of bacon on his own plate. Green followed as the other trailed off into his bedroom. Looking back down to the piece of meat on his plate, the detective thought over what had just transpired between them. Although it was easy enough to admit he felt some kind of attraction to the younger man, Suzaku wasn't certain about what could play out between them. Was he just being bi-curious or did things finally make sense?

Hearing loud music play out from the box in the living room, emerald eye caught on to the latest commercial on a remake of an old video game. "That looks just like the one we used to play." he mummer to himself as familiar characters acted out. There might have been a time when the two younger versions of themselves crowded the counsel at his house or chased down the dirt paths in the park. That was long ago, however.

Thinking about it, a decision was made rather easily. Placing his dish on the coffee table, Suzaku lifted himself from the couch and made his way over to his bedroom where he quickly found a dress shirt to wear for the day. Sending a text to his partner about him taking the day off, the detective pocketed the phone before lifting his wallet and going over to where he knew Lelouch would be waiting for him. "Ready for a day out?"

Lelouch shifted through the different shirts he had in his closet. It was rather difficult to find something that would cover his neck from curious eyes of passing individuals. Releasing an annoyed sigh he decided on an Under Armor nylon black shirt. It had a collar that resembled a turtleneck but it didn't feel bulky and hot, it was rather thin and fit against his body but it was enough to keep him warm. He then pulled his fur lined jacket over his shoulder before looking himself over in the mirror. Normally he didn't really care what he put on, but this was a different case. He didn't want anyone asking questions if they happened to see those pestering marks.

Pocketing his phone and iPod, he draped his workbag over his shoulders. Exiting out into the living room he noticed Suzaku was no longer sitting on the sofa. However the T.V was still on, so he decided to view what was on. There was nothing really interesting to him, however he did catch that they were going to do a briefing of the case that was stumping the police force. "Stay tuned for information on the serial killer known as the Black Knight tonight at 10." He couldn't help the smile coming to his lips, and the cynical laugh he could hear from inside his head. 'I'd like to see what they think they have on us.' Lifting the remote, Lelouch set the system to record that segment in case they weren't home to watch.

Not long after he turned off the T.V did Suzaku walk out of his room. Looking up at the question, he smiled before stretching his arms out. "Yup. I'm glad you decided to come with me to my work. It may be a little boring since you have a job that always keeps you on your feet but I think it's pretty interesting." He then got up and moved towards the door to put on his shoes. Opening up the door, he was greeted by a small gust of cool air. "Mmm feels nice out here," he sighed in contempt, loosening the grip his jacket had on him to let the cool air envelope him. 'This is a lot better than running around town drenched in water.'

Suzaku eyed what the other was wearing with a frown. Of course his friend wouldn't want onlooker to take note of the sudden bruising on the younger male. He made a reminder to himself that he would take Lelouch to the station some time later on that day. As much as the younger man would like to play it off as no big deal, Suzaku was not going to take no for an answer. The college student needed to make a proper statement about this if they were ever going to find the man who almost raped him.

As they walked out of the apartment building and into the fresh air of the new day, the detective noticed that there seemed to be less traffic this morning. Perhaps it was because of them taking a different path than normal, or people are just being more cautious? After the two buckled up, Suzaku pulled out of the parking garage and made a sharp turn towards the University.

Nearing the old building, Lelouch guided the two towards where visitor parking was located. On the days that he had dropped off his roommate at school, Suzaku didn't have time to take a good look at the place. When he had gone to school, it was in a different state altogether and straight to the academy after two years of that. After parking and getting out of the impala, the dark haired man couldn't stop his eyes from taking in the sight of every building nearby. From what he knew, this place had stood for over fifty years and one could tell from the foliage and stains on the old bricks.

"Have you ever explored it all?" he wondered out loud while following behind the younger man to where the chemistry building was located.

Lelouch fiddled with the strap that rested on his shoulders, pulling out his phone to check the time. It hopefully wouldn't take longer than half an hour to check up on his experiments and see if anyone had questions for him before they'd leave. He lifted his gaze up at the question the older male asked out loud. "Hmm, maybe a few times when I was taking my earlier courses. Now I'm mostly confined to the science building. If you want we can explore a bit after I check up on my stuff. It shouldn't take long." Pocketing his phone, they walked past a few more building before arriving at the science building.

"It was a little chilly out there, if you want we can grab a latte at the cafe a few buildings down when we go exploring." Pushing the button for the elevator, he rubbed his hands together to regain some warmth. Once inside he pushed the button for the fourth floor. Once they reached the top, the doors opened and Lelouch stepped outside, following the long corridor before arriving at another door with a scan card system. Lifting the key he had attached to his bag, it took a few seconds before the door unlocked.

"Well this is where I work. It's nothing too fancy really." Behind the door lay another long corridor that had doors on each side, all were labeled with names to signify the rooms for the individuals occupying them. "There are two break rooms, one in the front and one towards the end of the corridor, as well as two sets of bathrooms, however the one at the end of the hall has a shower set for those who work late nights and in case of any chemical spills." Sitting in the break room were two more males, talking amongst themselves before turning to look at the other two. "Hey Lelouch! Who's your friend?"

"This is Suzaku Kururugi, he's also my roommate. Suzaku, this is Rivalz Cardemonde and Shōgo Asahina."

The other young men waved over at them, grins on their faces. "Come, you can see my lab." Using the key, he opened up his room, allowing the door to slowly swing open. "You can put your stuff here on the couch, make yourself comfortable." Dumping his stuff on the table, he moved over the miniature incubator to check on the dishes.

When they reached the correct floor, Suzaku was a bit amused to see his friend having to use an ID card system. It seemed so out of place, considering his perspective on what college was like. More like a scene from a movie than anything. "Any cause for concern?" he joked as they walked down the hall. He made note of the directions the other was indicating before turning his gaze towards the open break room.

"Nice to meet you both. Anything I should know before we venture on? I trust Lelouch has been on his best behavior here." he teased as they greeted the two lab students lounging about. After they walked a bit further to his roommate's private lab, the detective couldn't stop the sense of giddiness building up in his chest. What kind of experiments has the other been up to? Images of a mad scientist version of his younger brother made Suzaku cover his mouth to stifle a laugh before it can begin.

When the door closed behind them, green eyes took a huge look around as he noticed all the different shapes of glass and very light colors. Looking over to the couch Lelouch had mentioned, he sat briefly before looking up to see a couple of speakers set up on the corners of the walls around the room. He grinned at the thought before looking back over to the younger man. "Couldn't be separated from the music, could ya?" he chuckled before setting in his mind at the chance to explore the room further.

Adding a few drops of non-distilled liquid into the dish, he watched the bacteria inside immediately spread into the damp areas before the size slowly began to rise. 'That should be sustainable for a few more days,' he thought to himself, putting them back in the incubator. At the older male's comment he turned to look at him, casting a smile. "I am too attached to separate it from anything that I do," he replied, moving to put books back on the shelves.

He could see the other looking about the room from the corner of his purple eyes, making him chuckle to himself. "In response to your previous question, we use ID cards because we had instances in the past were students liked to steal cadavers. It is rather disturbing to think about it but it has happened. So we use these systems for security, also those bodies are expensive." Putting the final book away, he turned to face the other.

"We each explore different areas of experiments, while in most cases they are similar they also vary greatly." He motioned over to the table that held all the test tubes. "Make sure you don't mess around with those while you are looking around. Some of those could seriously mess you up if come in to contact with skin." He then thought about it for a moment, a smirk coming to his face. "Although I believe I just finished making my very own trans-dermal aphrodisiac, it hasn't been tested so be careful," he chided with a wink.

Scrunching up his nose at the thought of corpses being stolen, Suzaku tried not to think about the purposes and intents of what those mentioned students had. Way too many images crossed his mind as he cursed his ability to come up with multiple conclusions using only a few clues or details. "Expensive? How much could a corpse cost, really? Then again it's not like you can go to the store and pick one right off the shelves. Dead bodies on aisle five!" he joked before putting his hands behind his back and continuing his stroll around the lab in curiosity. There were many vials and bottles in different location with multiple items stored in each. A part of him kept imagining his young friend mixing tubes together with storm clouds brewing in the background like a modern day witch.

Looking over to a beaker with clear liquid and something else inside, he peered closer all the while mostly listening to Lelouch's explanations. In the beaker a few faint bubbles were gathered on the surface of the liquid with was seemed like a black ooze was very slowly shrinking in size. Coming to the conclusion that it must have been an acid of some kind, he was about to question what the other was dissolving until he paid closer attention to a certain word the college student had remarked.

Looking back over to his friend quickly, Suzaku felt the color rush to his face. "Trans… trans-a something aph-a what?!" Catching the wink the smaller man threw at him, the detective knew he hadn't heard wrong. He wanted to chide the other about the words they say in public before remembering they were in Lelouch's private lab. There wouldn't be any school cameras on the inside would there.

Feeling his composure return, Suzaku found himself moving over quickly to the dark haired man. Lifting a hand to hold onto Lelouch's chin Suzaku brought their faces closer together before holding back a bit. He hovered over the other with his other arm wrapped around the slim waist of his friend. "Well then, does that mean you have to test it for your research or you would get in trouble for not completing the work?" he smirked before leaning closer. Before their lips could touch, Suzaku lifted his gaze back onto dark purple eyes. Letting go he straightened out while holding the gaze. "Just kidding. Can't distract you from your job, now can I?" He released a small laugh before turning around to continue looking around the room. He knew that if his roommate wanted to tease him, than he would be able to hold up on his own.

"Those bodies could range from $100 to possible $500 depending on the specimen I suppose. It varies from age, gender and body stature." Giving a soft shrug at the mention of price ranging for the bodies, the science department was greatly funded. Lelouch couldn't help but chuckle at the flustered nature the older male was showing. There were times he made it too easy for him to tease him, sometimes it made him wonder just how much the older male let his guard down around him.

He then registered the other walking towards him, blinking in surprise when the other grabbed his chin, their lips close yet not touching. It then made him start thinking about the scenario this morning, him being pinned down by the other, legs spread which had kept him exposed. The way their lips had been locked together for a short amount of time. He would admit that it was different from what he was used to. There was a sense of compassion which wasn't something he normally felt when he was with others. But amidst that compassion there was also confusion which is what fueled the need to tease him.

His eyebrow arched at the question about testing out his formula. Once the other pulled away, Lelouch's eye twitched in irritation at the way the other laughed before continuing to look around his room. 'Guess I should have expected that of him.' Thinking about it for a few moments, he smirked to himself. Opening up his drawer, he pulled out a black diamond shaped bottle that had originally been used as perfume long ago but he kept it for storage of his newest creation. Popping open the top, he dipped his middle finger into the bottle, pulling it out to see his finger lightly coated in a sap type substance.

Closing it with his free hand, he slipped it into his pocket before walking up behind Suzaku. Using his clean hand, Lelouch locked his fingers under the others jaw, just above the males pulse points, tilting his head back so his neck was exposed. Using his body to brace the others in place, he traced his lips over the others ear. "Yes, you should be a good boy and not distract me from my work," he whispered, middle finger pressed against his left pulse point. "But that doesn't mean you can't experience the fun first~" Running the finger across his throat, feeling the Adam's apple before tracing it back up to the right pulse point. If that had been a blade instead of his finger, he'd have bleed to death. Nipping the older male's ear lightly, he then released him.

"Let me know how it works for you. I didn't apply to much because I wasn't too sure how strong it was." Cleaning his hand on his lab coat, he moved over to the door. "I have to check on a few things with the cadavers, so if you need me don't hesitate to ask one of the others where it is," he called, smirking at him before walking off.

Admittedly, he should have expected his friend to not like the way the detective had teased him right back. There was no doubt there would be some sort of retaliation. Of course, Suzaku did tend to leave his guard down around the other and had only guessed that the type of tease that was to be expected was another verbal taunt. He had ignored the sound of a drawer opening in the background and chalked it up to the college student returning back to his work unscaved, so naturally, when Lelouch crept up behind him and managed to pull his head back, the words, "Oh Shit, I'm gonna die!" came to mind.

Feeling the soft breath of the other as words were being whispered into his ear sent a shiver down the older man's spine. He would admit to never getting used to the chills his childhood friend seemed to be giving him lately. He swallowed the words forming in his mouth as Lelouch traced the line across his lower neck. If the amethyst eyed youth had been some sort of deranged killer there would be no doubt to the demise of one law enforcement officer. As the deed was done, he could feel his cheeks burn up at the sensation of teeth against his ear.

Being released from the sensual type of grasp, Suzaku quickly brought his left hand up to where the other had slashed. Green eyes blinked in surprise at the feel of some oily residue. Pulling back the hand, he stared hard at the amber colored stain on his skin. Hearing the door close behind him, the detective looked up to see Lelouch had left entirely. Glancing back at the substance still on his hand, Suzaku brought it up to his nose to take a whiff before pulling away quickly. The stuff had an unknown scent to it. Something he was sure he came across before, but just could not place a name or image on. All that he thought of was how it seemed to linger in his senses more than anything. Maybe bringing it close was not such a good idea.

As he wiped the substance on his pants, Suzaku's mind brought up all sorts of questions. Did Lelouch really just make this stuff? Was it really untested? What kind of side effects would it bring? He paled at the thoughts swimming across his mind before hitting his forehead with the palm of his clean hand. "Yeah right, there is no way Lelouch would put anything dangerous on me." he chuckled as he calmed down. Being in a science room again, reminded him of their brief time together in high school. Those days seemed much simpler. With his head cleared, Suzaku walked over to the shelves to continue his mini tour.

When getting closer to the burners on the table, he wouldn't help but to cover his nose as the smell of ashes. Feeling another chill in the room, the detective brought up his hand to rub the sides of his arms. Was it getting colder in here? Not liking the feel, the twenty-six year old stepped away from where the a/c vent was blowing. "How long does it take to check up on a corpse?"

To be Continued

Special Thanks to my best friend Ayame for helping me with this.

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