Hello everyone,

sorry for the wait but I have exams time coming up and try to focus on studying because I want better grades than last time. So I am not going to be very active in the next time. Until August. I'm sorry, Shiranai Atsune, I hope you understand.

Nonetheless here's a new chapter. Thanks for the reviews.

Disclaimer: No matter how much I write on this site I still don't own it.


When Suzaku returns to HQ the next day, Zero gear in place again, he is met by Kallen directly behind the entrance. She holds out a paper to him.

"Britannia offered a pretty nice sum if we release their precious pet," she reports.

"And if we don't?" he asks back.

"They are planning to attack."

"No, they won't," he grins behind his mask.

"Why not?" she asks surprised.

"They would not risk their most important strategist. The emperor's pet. If they would attack us randomly he could be there and be hurt."

She frowns but nods nonetheless, "What do you want with him anyway? If we wanted to pressure the empire into something now would be the perfect time with him as leverage. But you insist on keeping the little princess."

"I think he can be way more useful in a different manner," he grins then waves her off, "And now excuse me I have to see how our prisoner is doing."

With that he leaves the girl standing there while he strides off towards the quarters Lelouch is held in. Some of the Black Knights he passes on his way nod to him and he greets back. When he steps in front of the door, he takes a deep breath then pushes the button to unlock it. It slides open with a hiss and he steps in. His eyes sweep the room and immediately catch two amethysts staring at him over the top of a book. Lelouch is sitting on one of the sofas, perfect view on the entrance. Long legs are crossed and the book is resting on his lap. He is still wearing his pilot suit from the day before. His face is unreadable but mistrust is clear in the purple depths.

"Good morning," Suzaku smiles even though the other obviously can't see it, "I hope you slept well."

"As good as expected," the other answers warily, closing his book but keeping his fingers inside to mark his page.

"Did you get breakfast?"

"I did," the prince says, motioning to a tray still standing on a small side-table.

With amusement he notes that the food is untouched, "Didn't you like it?"

"I am not a person who eats a lot," Lelouch answers blankly.

"That may be, but I doubt that was the reason in this case. You can eat it, you know. It's not poisoned. We wouldn't bother to keep you here alive only to poison you. It would make no sense, would it?" he negotiates.

The raven smirks, "How about you prove it to me? Test it yourself, like they usually do."

"Sorry to disappoint you," Suzaku returns, "But I am not that stupid. You just want to know my identity because for that I would have to take off my mask."

"Maybe," the prince smirks and sits straight up.

Suzaku sighs, "I am not here to play games, your highness. I just want to talk for now."

"And afterwards?"

"Perhaps discuss some agreements," the brunette grins and settles himself on the sofa opposite his prisoner.


The next days pass relatively peaceful for all of them. Britannia doesn't dare to attack as long as the Black Knights have Lelouch in their custody. Even Cornelia's hasted arrival doesn't change that. The britannian forces are still at a forced standstill because of their captured leader. The Black Knights on the other hand use the time to gather their strength and reorganize their forces. Suzaku spends a lot of time planning the next moves or discussing things with his followers. If he doesn't have to be in school that is. But he spends more time talking with Lelouch and showing the prince their side of this war.

And he can see that he is getting somewhere. The prince is more and more doubting the empire. He has the feeling the raven is slowly turning over to their side. That's what he had been hoping for. He knows for a fact that the 11th prince would be the easiest one to get on their side. After all he already did it once. Though it doesn't look like he remembers.

But when he enters the prince's rooms today, a surprise is waiting for him. The boy is sitting on the sofa like the first time. Arms and legs are both crossed. By now he has changed into a simple outfit of black legs and a white dress shirt he was given by the Black Knights. And he is smirking just that way which causes more than one kind of shiver to run down Suzaku's back. Purple eyes immediately fix on the mask, trying to stare the being behind it down.

"I have been waiting, Zero," his voice sounds smug.

Letting the door slide shut behind him, the Japanese steps into the room slightly wary. It is never good if the raven is wearing that kind of expression. He crosses his arms defensively. As soon as he comes a bit closer, Lelouch stands up elegantly. His moves are deliberate and sly. Unconsciously Suzaku stiffens. The princes steps close to the masked man and smirks.

"I have a deal to propose," he says sweetly.

"And what might that be?" the brunette takes up the game.

'Now I have him,' Lelouch smirks, "You take off your helmet, tell me your real name. For that I will give you information about the empire and it's forces. How about it?"

Suzaku swallows. He had suspected something like that. Lelouch vi Britannia is after all a very clever individual. Information about the enemy's forces would be very helpful. Accepting the deal would also be a big prove of trust to the prince. But his identity is an incredibly high price. Not even his followers know it. The risk is high. Maybe too high. If he can get the prince to agree on some conditions it could be doable though.

"That is a high price you ask, Lelouch. But you are offering a lot too, that's without a doubt. Nonetheless I can't simply show my identity to you. Apart from very few persons nobody knows it. I can only do that if you agree on certain conditions."

"Which may be?" the prince has stepped even closer, nearly breathing directly on Suzaku's mask by now and the brunette has to keep from shivering at the other boy's closeness.

"You are not, under any circumstances allowed to tell anyone who I am without my consent. None of the Black Knights and no one from your side of the war. However I don't see what use my identity would be for you then."

"It is mostly to satisfy my curiosity anyway. I want to know who the man I spent talking with the last days is. You know," the raven smirks and lays a firm hand on the other's shoulder, "I think I have figured out quite a bit already."

Suzaku freezes in nervousness, but doesn't show it, "What do you think you know, your highness?" he instead teases.

A smug smile comes to the pale face, "I know you are still a student. You were here nearly the whole day during the weekend, but as soon as it was Monday you only came in the late afternoon. Also you came late like I said, so you most likely attend an exclusive britannian school because the common Japanese ones here end at two o'clock. But," he tries to read the slowly more nervous growing boy who is thankful for the mask in front of his face, "you are not a britannian. Your English is good and flawless, but you have a very slight accent, despite the facts it's mostly concealed by the voice changer in your mask. Also you speak Japanese with your followers and that is even more comfortable for you. So despite you being not britannian you attend a britannian school, that means you either got a scholarship, which would be a possibility, or you have some kind of special allowance, which would mean you are most likely the child of some important person. How much did I get right?"

Covering his nervousness, Suzaku smirks, "You will only find that out if you accept the condition."

"I am pretty sure I could find you in the system if I wanted," the prince sighs, leaning closer to the other boy yet again, causing an unnoticeable shiver to run down Zero's back, "But fine. I will agree but for that I will get to see your face and talk to you directly."

Suzaku sighs, hopefully it is worth it, "I agree."

Lelouch smirks and takes a step away, crossing his arms again. The Japanese frowns, then motions towards the camera to signal the watchmen to turn all the cameras off for now. He waits some minutes until he is sure no one is seeing them anymore. Then he turns to the still smirking raven. Amethyst eyes fix on him as his hand slowly wanders to the back of his helmet. He sees the prince's eyes widen in excitement. That boy sure as hell loves the thrill of a good riddle, sometimes even battle. The mask unlocks with a click and both boys hold their breath.

Then Zero slowly pulls the helmet off his head. Short brown curls bounce up as soon as it is lifted from them. Shaking his head free, Suzaku reluctantly lifts his head, emerald eyes shining with determination. He catches a fascinated stare. Not breaking the staring contest with the other boy he reaches his other hand up and pulls the black cloth covering his mouth down as well. As he sees the surprised stare he smirks.

"Are you surprised, your majesty? I thought you had everything figured out."

It takes the raven a second to catch himself than he smiles back, hiding his emotions, "It seems I hit pretty close to the truth, didn't I? You don't seem much older than 17, so you're still a student."

"That's true," Suzaku shakes his curls, "But then why did you look so surprised?"

"I don't know," he frowns, "It's just… For one second it felt like I already knew you. But in truth I have no idea who you are."

'You did know me, Lulu,' Suzaku thinks sadly, 'But apparently you memories got tampered with. I hate that bastard more each day.'

The prince's voice rips him out of his musings, "So will you tell me your name as well? It was part of our deal after all."

"My name is Suzaku Kururugi," he answers carefully.

"The son of premier minister Kururugi?" Lelouch inquires and frowns, for some reason he can't place that name sounds familiar on his tongue.

"Yes."

"So that's the reason you are allowed to go to a britannian school," the raven concludes.

"Correct," Suzaku retorts then crosses his arms, "You know my identity now. Now keep your side of the deal. You are not allowed to tell anyone and you tell me about your forces."

"Hm, I thought I would rather show you in the commanding room. It's easier to explain there. For that I guess you will want to take your mask back on for that. But I would prefer to talk to you a bit more. Face to face. To Suzaku instead of Zero," Lelouch lets himself fall back onto the sofa, pulling the gloved hand to make the Japanese follow his movement.

Later that day, Lelouch indeed gives the Black Knights more than satisfying information about the britannian forces. Suzaku verifies all of it with the Geass activated behind his mask. The only thing the raven is still reluctant to give are things like security codes or the locations of his family. Nonetheless that quells even the last doubts in the Black Knights whether it was a good idea to capture the prince alive and not to give him back immediately. He and Zero spend a lot of time discussing next steps, formations and battle plans.

In the evening when the Japanese returns home, he is greeted by the same person who has been awaiting him impatiently each day.

"How is he?"

"He's good. We are getting forward," suddenly he smiles.

"What do you think about accompanying me tomorrow?"

"I can see him?" her whole face lights up.

"Yes, I think he is ready. It could be the last thing he needs to join our side."

"Will he regain his memories?"

"I hope so."


So when Suzaku enters the Black Knights HQ the next day, she accompanies him. He has ordered to mostly clear the hallways during the afternoon and evening and Kallen to stay away for this day. His companion is a too obvious giveaway for his identity, especially if the red head saw her. The cameras around and in Lelouch's quarters have been turned off as well. When he steps in front of the door, he looks down a last time, exchanging a look with the girl beside him.

"Wait here a moment. I will talk to him first," he motions her to stay while he lets the door slide open.

She nods excitedly and backs up a bit. He takes a deep breath. Then he pulls his helmet off again. Lelouch had forced the promise from him that he would leave the mask off as long as it is only the two off them and the girl knows his identity either way. When he steps inside, the prince is sitting at the table, just finishing his food. He smiles when he sees his visitor.

"Good day Zero. No, Suzaku. You are quite early today."

'That may have to do with me skipping the last lesson,' the brunette sweat-drops but doesn't say out loud, instead, "Hello Lelouch."

The raven nods and stands up to move over to the living room area. The Japanese's face turns serious.

"There is someone who wants to meet you, Lelouch."

It earns him a curious gaze, "Sure. It's not like I have much of a choice. And you haven't killed me yet, so I think I can trust you."

"Good," Suzaku sighs and then turns towards the door, "Come in."

For a moment it is silent than the door slides open again. The sound of wheels moving over the floor accompany as the person enters. Unfocused purple eyes turn towards the prince.

"Lelouch? Is that you?" a young voice sounds.

The raven has stiffened on his sofa. The figure is beyond familiar. But it can't be.

"You-You are…!"


That's it for today. Thanks for reading.

Is that considered a cliffhanger? I guess ;P

I'm pretty sure you all know who the mystery üerson is, now all that is left is Lelouch's reaction.

See you next time and please review.