Disclaimer: I don't own Code Geass. I do own the plot. (Also, many thanks for the reviews! You keep reviewing, I'll keep updating!)

Chapter Five: Nightmares and Lightening the Mood

A soft hand slid through his chocolate hued fur, calming his nerves and helping him relax a bit more in his prepared stance. "Calm down, Suzaku," He heard the voice whisper soothingly, "it's a routine procedure. We go in, we lay the ghost to rest, and then we head out. We've done this enough times already. We know how to coordinate, how to move as one. Just remember to go with the flow." Swallowing hard Suzaku nodded in agreement, gaze trapped on the shadowy figure a few feet from them. Lelouch's hand slid away and he missed the small contact. It kept him grounded, focused, but he also knew that his Partner needed to be able to fight and that it required both his hands be usable.

Lelouch moved slowly, weaving out from the small amount of foliage they'd been ducked underneath. He followed, vert colored eyes watching everything carefully as they moved. He would not let anything harm the violet eyes male in front of him. His nose twitched as the familiar sent of his old pack mate caught his attention. 'Yosuke,' He thought in dismay. And, with his attention elsewhere, he hadn't realized Lelouch was far ahead of him until it was too late. When he heard the other let out a low hiss of pain he was alarmed and frantic, rushing out only to be caught by heavy silver chains.

The shadowed figure was holding the ends of the chains now wrapped far too tightly around the young wolf's limbs and torso. They were tying them to a tree as a low laughing was heard, followed by a silver-blue wolf walking out of the surrounding darkness. Suzaku's eyes widened and he looked at Lelouch, who was wincing and clenching his right hand to his left shoulder, blood flowing like a waterfall down the pale flesh. "Yosuke, thank God you're here! Help us!" He pleaded with what little hope he had left. The other merely grinned, shifted his gaze toward the human a few feet away, then looked back, his copper tinted spheres locking with Suzaku's emerald ones.

"Why would I do that? After all," He drawled tauntingly as he sauntered over toward Lelouch, "I'm just doing what my Partner requests of me." Suzaku's breathing became ragged as he struggled against the heavy shackles. The other person, the Slayer, Yosuke's Partner, merely let out a raspy laugh. He felt the cold silver burning his flesh, warning him not to move, but he continued to fight. He looked over, frantic, as he saw Lelouch snatch and arrow and his bow. He was trying to aim at the approaching wolf. A mocking laugh erupted Yosuke as he smacked the bow and arrow right out of the blood stained and shaking hands of Suzaku's Partner. Lelouch growled lowly, a neat gash now marring his left hand. The bones were now clearly visible. Yosuke stepped closer, forcing the blessed human down by snapping his wounded shoulder in to the ground with his massive paw. A scream was torn from the inky haired teenage and Yosuke felt shivers of delight crawl up his spine. Such a delicious sound that had been!

"Stop it Yosuke! Get away from him!" Suzaku screamed viciously, fangs bared and murderous intent in his eyes. The other wolf turned his head and looked at him lazily, one brow raised in questioning. He then chuckled darkly again and looked down at the dark purple orbs, lightly hazed with pain, glaring at him defiantly. He pressed harder down on the wounded shoulder, watching how the small haze became stronger for the briefest second in those challenging eyes, before loathing and the resistance returned.

Suddenly Yosuke used his other paw to rip right in to Lelouch's midriff, his pained scream echoing around them and stopping Suzaku's heart. Blood began pooling immediately and the only sound around was the harsh gasps of air the amethyst eyes human took. Suzaku struggled more, ignoring the sting as the chains finally broke in to his body and blood trickled out, desperate to save Lelouch. "Yosuke!" He screamed wrathfully. But it was too late. As he tried to break away his Partner was slowly picked apart, his screams and tears resounding in his ears.

…

Suzaku sat up in bed, sweating heavily and gasping for air. He looked around for the alarm clock and spotted it. It was almost four o'clock. He fell back on the bed and glanced next to him. Lelouch was there, face the picture of relaxed. Every muscle in his face was freed of tension, making him look more his age. He looked serene, almost innocent, as Suzaku just stared. There was something about watching Lelouch's sleeping face that helped settle his nerves. Perhaps it was because at least this way he could see that the other was alive, still safely tucked in by his side? He shivered as the sounds and visuals of the dream replayed. He sat up, knowing that sleep wasn't going to come, and decided to go out for a small walk around the campus. He and Lelouch were supposed to meet up with the Student Council at around five to begin some big project later so he figured it's be good to wake up before then. His Partner had set his alarm for 4:55, planning to get as much sleep as possible, even he would be a few minutes late.

Making sure not to rouse the sleeping human he slid out from the warmth of the sheets, crept in to the bathroom, and removed the articles of clothing on his lower region. He then shifted, not even twitching when Cici fazed through the door and watched disinterestedly. "So neither of you know what Milly has planned?" She asked casually, flicking a few strands of lime green hair over her shoulder.

"And why would you?" He asked flatly before his jaw popped loudly, lengthening gradually. The ghost girl merely shrugged with a small knowing smirk. Suzaku hated how smug she could be sometimes. After the transformation was complete, just for laughs, he tried to swipe his paw through her. It felt cold, almost moist, but the gasp that came from her was well worth a dampened paw.

She glared at him. "Kallen tells me a lot of things when she's a ghost. We talk about things and she told me what the President has planned for today. It involves the H.A.W.W."

"What does that even mean, any way? No one every explained it to me," He mumbled sullenly, nudging the door open with nose and starting to head out. Cici cleared her throat and he sighed. Jumping up Suzaku rested his paws on the bathroom and flicked off the light before returning to the ground. She followed him as he went.

"It means Humans Against Waging War With Werewolves. They just decided to cut out two of the w's," She explained while they headed out. Lelouch had a large chunk carved out of the bottom of the back door so that Suzaku had free roam in his wolf form. He knew Cici would be forced to stay on the porch after this. She never went out in to the woods surrounding the academy grounds; she tried to break out of the institute in the woods when she was alive and being in the thicket made her feel anxious.

"Oh," He stated as he stepped out in to the cold white powder, "thanks." And with that he trotted off to go look around. Suzaku had only explored the small forest a few times so he had an idea of where he was going. He knew that far enough out and he'd find a small pond, most likely now shielded by an icy mirror. He enjoyed sitting out there when he had the time. Usually Lelouch was with him, leaning against a tree and reading while Suzaku paddled along in the pond leisurely. He jogged up, seeing the thin clear pond. He sat down by the ponds edge and yawned, lack of sleep starting to catch up with him. Was the dream just his paranoia getting the better of him or was it a warning? Was it a sign of things to come? Suzaku's stomach churned in to a large knot at the thought of his dream becoming reality.

…

Suzaku was surprised when he opened his eyes to see the sun rising gradually. He had managed to slip in to a comfortable and dreamless sleep. Yawning and shaking the thin coat of snow now sticking to the ends of his fur he looked around with sleep glazed emerald orbs. His ears suddenly caught on to some shuffling a few feet away in the trees. He growled lowly to himself, preparing to strike, intent on giving the intruder a through example of why werewolves were so fearsome.

When he lunged forward he was sent in to a tumbling mess down the small slope right behind the bushes with none other than his Partner, Lelouch. "Lelouch!" He yelped in surprise as they whirled in a ball of fur and coat. He was greeted by the glower of annoyed violet spheres.

"Why the Hell did you just pounce on me like that?!" The other male cried indigently. The wolf blinked a bit before finding a bit of rage of his own. What gave Lelouch the right to snap at him like that?! He was just trying to make sure that if it was an enemy that the human would be protected!

"You shouldn't have tried to sneak up on me like that!" He snapped back as they came to a halt, Suzaku pinning Lelouch down in to the snow. A small huffing noise came from the human due to the weight pressed against his body. Suzaku poked his head back up to say something else again but froze when he looked down. Lelouch looked a little disheveled, his hair a little untidy and his cheeks a tad bit flushed with rage. He wore a small scowl that was on the border of being a remarkably adorable pout and his eyes were glaring to the right of them, watching a little rabbit that was watching them. Suzaku paid the rabbit no heed, his mind reveling in the concept of how charmingly contradictory the raven colored locks were to the pure white snow beneath his head. His mind suddenly wondered if the other's hair would be just as contradictory to the pillows on his bed.

"Suzaku, would you kindly get off?" Lelouch huffed suddenly. It was then the young wolf realized that the other's hands were trying, unsuccessfully, to shove him over on his left side. Flashing an impish grin Suzaku hopped on to his own four feet and let Lelouch up. The other sat up and groaned lowly, gently massaging his stomach. "Thank you." He wheezed, obviously winded. A merry giggle came from the auburn wolf.

"You may be strong with a bow and arrow but physically you don't have much brute force," He commented cheerfully, tail wagging and face alive with a smile. If looks could kill the happy little werewolf would most likely be buried so deep he'd be hovering over Satan's throne room.

"Muscle isn't all that matters in combat. I have brains," He stated as he stood and dusted himself off, "and you are luckily a big enough meat head for the both of us." The smirk on his face as the wolf dead panned was one that would make even Medusa's face fall. He waved a hand casually after that, walking back toward the campus. "Come on now, Suzaku. We have to go meet up with the others and see what it is that harpy needs of us." He stated, leaning down and holding something out. It was Suzaku's uniform, black snow boots, white winter coat and blue scarf. He grinned at his Partner. Lelouch was always remembering the little things Suzaku always forgot to sweat.

…

When they arrived at the Student Council room Suzaku stared with a confused look while Lelouch's left eye twitched in frustration. The meeting table had all sorts of cleaning utensils and chemicals set out neatly. Lelouch unbuttoned his coat and placed it on the coat rack just as Milly trotted in, Vladimir close at her heels. The little griffin followed her light a shadow. Lelouch had suggested a theory that since griffins were known as decently vicious creatures that was the reason the abandoned child was so drawn to Milly. The little griffin, which hadn't gotten much bigger in the last few months hopped on to the table and sniffed one bottle cautiously, a suspicious look on his face. "Madam President, what exactly is all this for?" Rivalz asked as he and Shirley walked in, Nina close after them.

The mischievous glint that came to those cloudy blue eyes made Lelouch cringe. He had pretty much been raised with Milly, considering her family had taken he and Nunnally in after their mother's passing, and knew that look meant nothing but trouble. "My Grandfather and I decided that, as of tomorrow, we're going to be using Ashford Academy as a vacation spot! And, of course, we'll need to have the dorm rooms in tip-top shape for our customers. That is why you, my loyal followers, shall be helping with the clean up and working as staff for the hotel. Except for you two, of course." She stated, pointing toward the two boys well known for their paranormal misadventures. Lelouch wasn't relieved at this news, however, because he knew she must have something even worse planned for them. "You'll be doing demonstrations of your abilities so that people can see that what the H.A.W.W. is doing is truly righteous!" She declared dramatically, pointing toward the ceiling with one hand on her hip. Vladimir crawled on to her shoulder and copied the pose, only instead he indicated the direction with his beak and curled his tail so that the tip rested on his hip.

'I knew it,' Lelouch sighed inwardly. He gently pressed his index and middle fingers to either of his temples and massaged in slow circles, trying to work out the tension. "And how are we to do that? There are only a few ghosts on campus and most of them are peaceful now. They've become guardians for the school." He pointed out softly. He knew that some how, some way, the blond haired demon before him would find some way to pull it off.

"You'll be doing sparring matches against another G Slayer and their Partner. Nina suggested the idea and even knows someone who is more than willing to help us," She stated brightly, giggling in a sickeningly sweet way. Again Lelouch had known she had a plan. He glanced at the olive haired girl, who flinched away from his glance. Ever since Suzaku's arrival she'd been more jumpy than usual, especially around either he or his accomplice. "Now, here's how things are going to work out. Lelouch and Suzaku, I want you two to shovel the snow off the path that cuts through to the lobby of the dorms. Rivalz and Kallen, you two are on bathroom detail. Nina, I want you to make sure your friend can make it here by tomorrow. Shirley, you're with me and Vlady cleaning up the lobby and giving it a homey touch." She stated, pointing to each group as she spoke. Kallen raised her hand, a slightly annoyed look on her face. "Yes, Kallen?"

"Why am I on bathroom detail?" She asked flatly. The blond twirled herself while giggling before stopping next to Kallen and draping an arm other the other girl's waist, yanking her against her so they were hip to hip.

"Because, dear Kallen, you're less likely to hit your head on something and turn in to a ghost if you clean the bathrooms," The maroon haired girl flushed at this, her eyes widening on the older in surprise. A cheerful smile was on the other's face. "And now, everyone, grab your gear and get going!"

…

Once everyone left, Nina sat down at a chair and pulled out her cell phone. She quickly scrolled through, searching her contacts, and smiled lightly when she came across the one. She pressed dial, holding the phone to her ear, enjoying the ring on the other end. "Hello?" A flat male voice asked with mild annoyance. Her smile faded to a faint scowl. This was not the person she was expecting.

"Give me the phone," She heard a higher voice squeak. She was again filled with a childlike giddiness, pooling in her lower belly and spreading to the tips of her toes and top of her head. "Hello?"

"Lelouch and Suzaku have no clue what's going on. Milly agreed to have you come and stay. You'll be given free room, board and meals as long as you're willing to do the sparring sessions daily," Her voice grew a bit higher with her euphoria as she spoke. She always did that but luckily the other didn't seem to notice or mind.

"Very good, Nina. We'll see you tomorrow then," She stated softly, her voice a bit airy and lost. For a moment she wondered what had caused it but then assumed it was the other woman's wolf. He must be doing something to distract her from her conversation. "And remember, you don't know anything. We met when I saved you from a wrathful ghost, okay?"

"Of course, Euphemia! I won't let it slip; no matter what!" She declared as bravely as possible. She could envision the soft, tender smile of care and gratitude that was undoubtedly on the other's face.

"See you later, mole," The male barked mockingly, a laugh in his throat, before the line went dead. Nina slowly looked down, staring at her cell phone scornfully. This was just another reason why she hated werewolves.

…

It was a hard day's work, needless to say, and by the time they returned home Suzaku and Lelouch were wiped out. Cici stared down at them as they collapsed on the bed, faces burrowed in to the pillows and backs to the world. "I assume you had fun?" She asked with a sly, all-knowing smirk in place. Lelouch perked up a bit, amethyst eyes mixed between annoyed and exhaustion, before he threw a pillow at her. It hit her in the chest before falling to the ground with a light plopping noise. She looked down at the pillow and then back at them. "Wow. You're an even worse shot than Spot." This resulted in another pillow, this time from a visibly angry wolf, landing in her face before landing atop the other. She merely snickered at them and floated through the door, heading out to harass someone else. Preferably one with red hair, light blue eyes and a rather impressive bust.

Lelouch let out a long sigh. Now he'd have to go get those other two pillows, since he was the one closer to the edge of the bed. He had learned through many incidents that he could only relax if he was laying his head on two pillows. He turned over, reaching out lazily to grab the other two pillows. Suzaku sat up a bit and watched as the onyx haired boy tossed his arm out, releasing a small "hn" noise, and allowing his arm to flop back and rest a good ten feet from the small stack of bedding.

"I'll get them," He laughed lightly, beginning to crawl over his aloof Partner. He rested one hand on the sheets near Lelouch's head and leaned over, tossing one leg over so that it was on the edge as well. Once sure that he'd be able to keep himself up like this he reached out to grab the pillows. However, the sheets slipped under his weight and led to him falling right on top of Lelouch, his face pressed in to Lelouch's hair. He blinked a few times, the flowery smell he remembered as his Partner's wafting in to his nose.

A small groaning noise came from Lelouch. Why was Suzaku again on top of him? Was it funny to whatever force there was that the other boy, who was heavier due to his muscle mass, be permitted to crushing him and leaving him winded? He tried to think of something to say to get Suzaku off but tensed up when one of the other's hands gently massaged at his hip. "Suzaku?" He asked softly, a bit of fear making his voice tremble.

Suzaku's mind was trailing as he breathed in Lelouch's scent. 'What if I made him mine? Would that keep him safer?' He vaguely wondered. Werewolves had a way of tending to things. When a male found the female he wanted, that wanted him as well, he would take her innocence. Through that the two's scents would be merged together. He remembered his mother explaining it once when he was little and had pointed out how similar his parents smelt. But would that still work if one was a human and the other a werewolf? He felt his eye lids droop a bit, his body relaxing du to the familiarity of the smell he was breathing in.

When Suzaku's hand fell still Lelouch blinked, wondering if maybe this meant he was about to be let up. He turned his head a bit and twitched, his face flushing with rage and surprise. 'He… He fell asleep on me!' He shrieked in his head. He watched as the other nuzzled closer to the top of his head, mumbling something incoherently. 'Damn it all! I have to get him off before I suffocate!' A thought suddenly struck the dark haired human. He reached beneath him, yanking his last pillow out from under him, reached back and beat Suzaku upside the head with it to the best of his ability.

It was, sadly, barely registered by the snoozing wolf. Yes, he felt something hitting his head, but because it was nothing more than a soft pillow his instinct saw no reason to have him react to it. It would be like if he stomped on a little mouse that was scurrying between his paws; a senseless waste of his time. This angered Lelouch, who suddenly found the strength and leverage to push over to his side, causing Suzaku to roll over and hit his head against the wall at the other end of the bed. He shot up, gripping his head in his hands and whining softly. He looked at the flustered and glaring amethyst spheres staring him down. "What was that for?" He whined softly.

"You fell asleep on me! I couldn't breath!" He snapped, flinging the pillow that had failed him as a weapon and hitting the other in the face. Suzaku blinked a few times as he registered what he had just been told.

"Oh. Sorry," He stated with a small nervous laugh and matching smile. The other raised a dark brow quizzically.

"Why did you space out after you fell on me, anyway? You didn't hit your head," He pointed out with his usual monotony. Suzaku's face turned a little pink as he remembered what he'd been considering when he dozed off. "Well? It must have been pretty important."

Suzaku looked down at the black comforter on the bed. He didn't want to tell Lelouch but he knew that if he didn't say something he'd be caught. That and the fact he, Suzaku Kururugi, was a terrible liar. "I'm just a little nervous about the sparring matches we'll be doing. Isn't it risky for us to reveal ourselves like that?" He asked with his eyes still downcast.

He blinked as surprise twinkled in his eyes when Lelouch tilted his head up by placing two fingers under his chin. A soft smile was on Lelouch's face. "Don't worry about it, Suzaku," He stated reassuringly. He gently took his hand back. "Milly may be a demonic monster straight from the bowels of Hades but she would never do something that would but us at risk. She may be a little nonsensical, perhaps even clinically insane, but she would never put either of us in harms way intentionally." The brunette blinked a few times as he let Lelouch's words sink in. So he was saying that Milly would protect them? That didn't sit right in his stomach. He felt a bit… jealous about how Lelouch felt safe with the scheming blond around.

"What about me? I can protect us just fine!" He declared suddenly, a little scowl on his face. The raven haired boy blinked slowly, startled at the mood swing taken by his Partner. He thought his explanation would qualm the wolf's fears, not spark a fire. "Milly doesn't have powers! She can't change her form, can she?! Can she take down a creature five times her size?!"

"Suzaku, please calm down," Lelouch stated nervously, holding his hands up defensively. Suzaku just glared at him a bit at the request. "You're confusing me. You said you were afraid of the publicity and now you're angry because I told you Milly would make sure nothing would happen? The public sparring matches aren't what you're afraid of. Now tell me the truth about what's bothering you." He pressed, leaning closer to Suzaku so they were eye level and a few inches apart. He could tell he had been right about guessing it was a lie because, to be honest, Suzaku never looked him in the eye when he was either lying or confessing something bad he'd done.

He watched jade orbs shift to the ground in shame. He didn't want to look at the other, and he knew it, but he needed to know what was wrong. Suzaku had become extremely important to him over the months that had passed by. He considered the wolf his best friend. "Slayers," He mumbled sullenly. Needless to say the human was shocked at this. "Well, less Slayers and more something Takashi told me the other night. It's just got me a little unnerved, is all. I promise it's nothing to worry about." He stated, giving Lelouch a small smile.

Suddenly Lelouch got off the bed, picked up the pillows and tossed them on to the bed. "Come on," He stated while heading to the door, "let's go make something eat." Suzaku smiled and followed, thinking the crisis had been adverted. However, he had not convinced the violet eyed boy as well as he thought. 'You're keeping something from me, Suzaku. And I'm going to figure out what it is.' He thought determinedly.

…

A low growl-like yawn came from her Partner. She sighed, combing her long pale pink hair so that she could pull it in to a ponytail. She had been raised on the belief that werewolves were all wicked creatures that would turn on their human Partners but she felt as if she had grown up with her's. He had learned all her ins and outs with surprising speed. He knew what to say when she was mad, how to stop her tears when she was sad, and how to make her happy. She would never vocalize it but she knew that there was at least one good werewolf in the world; her Partner, Yosuke. "You shouldn't treat that little mole so kindly. She'll start to think you actually care about her," She turned and faced him curiously.

Yosuke was lying on her bed, the pale blue sheets almost hiding him due to the color of his pelt. His eyes were slightly narrowed, like they always were when they discussed the girl he mentioned, and gleamed almost black in the low light. She smiled at him tenderly before turning back to her vanity mirror, quickly wrapping a white ribbon in her hair to keep it up. She also had part of her hair rolled in to two buns on either side of her head but she was going to need it all tied back. "And what if I actually do care about her?" She quizzed calmly. He slipped out from the sheets and walked to her, resting his head in her lap.

"That's not possible," He stated matter of factly, closing his eyes. He knew that, even though she seemed all sugar and kindness, she really did loathe regular humans. Humans that had powers or connections, like herself and the other members of Ashford's Student Council, she liked. But regular humans with a bit of knowledge and an anti-mythical beast attitude were just annoying to her. They saw the mythical creatures as nothing but senseless, useless beasts. But truly it was the humans that were the monsters. Yes, mythical beasts were atrocities but they were truly intelligent. If they weren't they wouldn't be so bloody hard to find and kill.

"You know me too well," She hummed happily, reaching down and slowly stroking his head. He opened his eyes and looked up at her.

"What will happen after I've done what has been asked of me? Your father will see no point in keeping me around," He stated calmly. This was one thing about Yosuke that she was both surprised and bothered by; he wasn't afraid of her father slaying him. She looked at him, genuine concern etched clearly on her face.

"As long as we complete our missions father will spare your life. You'll be a hero, after all," She stated softly, smiling at him hopefully. She couldn't let her father take him away from her. He had taken so many other important people and things from her over the years but Yosuke… Yosuke was the most precious of them all. "Someone's been following me on my solo missions." She stated suddenly. He perked up and blinked, surprise and rage flaring in his eyes.

"Who was it?! That dirty little mole?! I'll rip out her throat!" He snarled lowly. She smiled at his protectiveness. He really didn't like to share her with anyone else.

"No, Yosuke," She giggled while again petting his head, "not Nina. It's a boy of some soft." She then blinked and looked at him with a small pout. "Speaking of boys, when will you show me your human form?"

He blinked a bit, startled by her sudden shift of attitude, before giving a small smile. He shook his head and began walking toward the door. "Maybe someday, Euphemia. Now get ready; we have to head to Ashford and begin our mission soon," He stated before disappearing, not giving her a chance to respond. She sighed lightly, staring at the empty hallway outside her bedroom door, before doing as he suggested. She'd have plenty of time to pester him after everything was taken care of and they had a break from working so hard.

END

Sorry you guys didn't get you citrus this chappie but I'll make it up next time. I have two words for the next chapter; angry sex. Also, I have a new poll on my profile that needs to be responded too. This one actually matters; it decides what SuzaLulu project I'll be working on soon. So read the descriptions on my profile, vote, and as always, give me your lovely reviews!