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Title: Triangular

Author: DnKS – giRLs

Rating: PG-13

Characters/Pairings: Schneizel-Suzaku-Lelouch

Disclaimer: We hold no claim over both Code Geass and all the characters involved in it. This is merely a work of fans and we never have any intention to make money out of it.

Warning: Oh, the drama!

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Chapter 9 – Conclusion

The uneven road made them all experience a bumpy ride. Suzaku in particular winced as another jolt made his head hit the glass window of the bus he was currently riding in. Yet the less than favorable trip did nothing to lessen the excited mood of the people in said bus as it trod on the rough country road.

Suzaku watched his traveling companions in amusement. Regardless of the fact that they were already some twenty something year old men and women, they were sill cajoling like a bunch of little kids. He could see Rivalz and Milly taking turns in singing some stupid song with Shirley cheering on them and Kallen munching on some snacks like she cared none of her weight. Maybe the only person remained calm in the whole trip was Lelouch and himself, for even Schneizel was contributing in singing that stupid song. Schneizel! Singing!

Suzaku could not help an amused smile from forming on his face. They seemed like having fun. At the moment they were in their way for their supposedly field trip. The whole research group members, including Professor Schneizel, were onboard of a bus in a trip to some rural city. The exact destination had not yet been revealed to them for their professor was only smiling upon being asked, saying that they would find out by themselves once they got there. The way Schneizel hid the information only enhanced their curiosity, and they were all eager to reach their destination as soon as possible.

The whole idea of that field trip was something that Suzaku welcomed excitedly. He always looked forward to spend some times with his friends. This field trip was supposed to last through the entire weekend, and he was thrilled to spend weekends with his friends. But the idea of facing Lelouch with such tension between them for an entire weekend did not sound so appalling to him.

He wondered how many days had it been since the last time he had a decent conversation with Lelouch.

Shaking his head a little, Suzaku tried to banish such thought from his mind. He knew why he could not have any decent conversation and he also knew it was his fault. Even though he had decided himself after his fateful conversation with Shirley that he had to make things right, doing so was by any means harder than saying so. He tried, oh, how he tried. But every time he made a move to approach Lelouch, something always happened that prevented him from accomplishing his notion.

A week had passed since the time he heard Lelouch's confession to him at the lake. A week had passed and so far, the situation between them still remained somewhat tense. He just could not get a chance to talk privately with Lelouch, with their hectic schedules and Lelouch's amazing attempt at avoiding him most of the time. But maybe, he thought, now he would have a chance to finally set things right.

He looked around to catch the sight of Lelouch sitting calmly on his seat. His friend had a small smile upon his lips as he watched, amused, at Rivalz's failing attempt on carrying a tune. He watched Lelouch's expression earnestly. He might fool everyone but not him, never him.

Opening his backpack, he took something from it before he walked to Lelouch's direction. Setting himself calmly on the empty seat beside Lelouch, he offered his friend a smile. Lelouch seemed to eye him warily but he only responded to said gesture by bringing his hand to Lelouch's direction. On the center of his open palm were two pieces of chocolate, wrapped in metallic paper. And seeing those, he could spot a fond smile on Lelouch's face.

"You used to have motion sickness when you were little and only these little treats could calm you down," he said.

Lelouch took one of those pieces of chocolate from his hand and said, "You remember."

"I remember," he agreed as he took the remaining piece of chocolate and ate it. "You are feeling unwell, aren't you?"

Lelouch chuckled as he put the chocolate into his mouth, "How observant of you."

"Only for you," he said with a smile. Maybe it was just a trick of his eyes but Suzaku thought he saw Lelouch stiffen a little at his words. He could not observe it further, though, because Lelouch, always the man of composure, quickly checked himself and reverted back to his neutral expression. Moreover, at that certain moment, he heard his professor's voice addressing all of them.

"Attention, everyone," Schneizel said with his cool aristocratic voice that he always felt endearing. At his voice, all activities were stopped. All eyes were then directed to the figure of their professor who was standing elegantly in front of them. "As you all know already, we are currently having a field trip. This trip is meant to help your research project, as well as to give you some time to relax during your busy schedule. Now, I believe you have all been wondering about our destination."

The faint murmurs from all the research group members seemed to assent to that statement.

He saw Schneizel giving one of his small smirks that spelled wickedness. He had a talent for that, Suzaku thought amusedly.

"I ask you to recall the history between Zero and The White Knight as happened five decades ago," Schneizel said with his professional tone. "Before the final battle, some said that the two met in private. Yet their failing at reaching compromise led to the final battle as you have known. This is just speculation, of course, since there is never any formal record saying about such occasion ever happened. But let's just say I have my hands on some classified documents that I want us to analyze together. And what better place is there to conduct such activities than the rumored place of said private discussion itself?"

Lelouch gasped, "The former holy shrine of Japan."

Lelouch's statement was proven true as they reached the gate of a city which they all remembered as the former capital of Japan which once in the past housed the holy shrine of Japan. After the rebuilding of Japan post the war, the capital was moved due to the heavy destruction the former capital possessed. It then became a nearly forgotten city with many histories.

"Very nice, Lelouch," Schneizel said. "Yes, we are going to the location which in the past holds the holy shrine of Japan. Nowadays it was more renowned for its hot springs than anything. But that just redoubles the fun, don't you all think so?"

"Hell yeah, Professor!" Rivalz said before he checked himself and rephrase his words. "Er… I mean, of course, Professor Schneizel."

"Professor," Kallen said. "What 'classified documents' are you having actually?"

"Some personal records of The White Knight and also a military field report from a soldier who apparently accompanied The White Knight during his rendezvous with Zero," Schneizel said casually. "They were not released to public due to some delicate matters they consist that might put The Empire into such tight spot should the people know of them."

"So then, professor, how come you can get your hands on them?" Milly said.

"I simply," Schneizel calmly said. "Know how to play my cards appropriately."

"Meaning you did a lot of manipulations and mind games, right?" Lelouch said.

"Oh, hush," Schneizel said nonchalantly and seeing that, Suzaku was reminded of how similar Lelouch was to Schneizel in that aspect. "You need not to think over how I could get them. What you need to do is analyze them. And now, I believe we are there already. You may all go to the front hall once you get down the bus and there you will get your room key. Suzaku, come here for a moment, I need to speak with you in private."

Suzaku frowned upon hearing that but he dismissed the confusion as it rose in him. Schneizel might only want to discuss something regarding his research project, he thought. But he could not miss the look Lelouch had on his face the moment they heard Schneizel announcing his statement. Lelouch looked wary, though he could not see why.

As his other friends walked to the front hall of a seemingly grandeur inn, he followed Schneizel to some hallways that connected the main mansion and a cottage. The view was beautiful for the hallway crossed some kind of garden that was in bloom. And seeing that, together with the grand building that was supposed to be the inn, he could only wonder just how much money exactly Schneizel spent for all that since their professor had told them not to worry over money for their field trip; he had all that covered up already.

Once they were in the middle of the hallway, Schneizel abruptly stopped. Without preamble, his professor turned so they were face to face and the look he spotted on Schneizel's face was a serious one. Somehow, that made him think what they were going to talk about was not related at all to his research report.

"I know about you and Lelouch," Schneizel said coldly to him. "And I cannot say I am much pleased with that."

Suzaku felt something like cold dread passing through him as he heard Schneizel's words. Of course, he thought, he should have thought that Schneizel surely knew about what happened between him and Lelouch. But the thought that his action not only hurt Lelouch but also disappointed Schneizel was upsetting.

"I know, Schneizel," he admitted with a low voice. "I'm also not happy by how things are going. I don't want to hurt Lelouch. Honestly, I never had any intention to hurt him."

"I believe you," Schneizel said, and he felt relieved at hearing his words. "I know you never meant Lelouch any harm. I just cannot see you doing that thing to Lelouch. But you have hurt him even though you never wished for it. You hurt him deeply like no other because he holds you precious in his heart."

Suzaku was silent as he was being lectured by Schneizel. He knew he deserved that.

"Suzaku, I will only ask you this once and I will judge you on the basis of your answer," Schneizel said. "Do you love Lelouch vi Britannia?"

That time he was not confused anymore. That time he had already sorted his emotions out. That time he had already realized his feelings. So upon asked that question, Suzaku could answer with a clear voice.

"Yes, I do."

"Do you think you can make him happy?" Schneizel asked again.

"I will try to do so," he answered.

Schneizel's eyes softened as he asked his next question of, "Do you think you can be happy with him?"

Suzaku blinked. He did not understand why Schneizel asked that but he answered, "Yes."

He saw his professor closed his eyes for a second before he opened them again. It was unrelated with their conversation whatsoever but Suzaku had just realized then that Schneizel also had amethyst eyes though they were not as brilliant as Lelouch's. But still, he thought, those eyes were beautiful.

"Do you have any plan to solve this thing between you?" Schneizel asked him, stopping him effectively from staring blankly into those mesmerizing orbs.

"I want…" he began. "I intend to talk to him, but I just… could not find the right time. I just want to apologize for everything I've done. I just want to tell him how much I love him."

"Then do that," Schneizel said. "You have said yourself that you would try to make my brother happy, therefore I dare to entrust him to you. And you have said that he could make you happy, therefore I will pray for you."

Schneizel gave him a smile before he turned on his heels and walked away from him. With that, Suzaku realized that their conversation had ended. It was wonderful to know that Schneizel supported him and Lelouch, but…

"Schneizel," he called the other. He saw Schneizel stopping and turning his face to meet his.

"Why?" he found himself asking. "Why do you help me? I've hurt Lelouch and… I've done nothing but making the trouble even greater…"

Schneizel smirked, "It is only logical to wish those you love happiness, right?"

He felt his heart skipping a beat. "Love? What do you mean?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Schneizel said with something undecipherable glinting in his eyes. "I love Lelouch, so very much you cannot imagine it. And I too love you, Suzaku Kururugi, so very much you cannot imagine it."

His eyes widened at that. He knew it could not be. What Schneizel meant was his love to Lelouch because he was his brother. That had to be it. To think that Schneizel had any romantic feeling toward Lelouch and him was… it just could not be. But then again, he thought frantically, he was not Schneizel's brother so surely he was not fit to receive such 'brotherly love' from him. But Schneizel had said he loved him. So then…

Suzaku frantically searched for Schneizel yet he realized that his professor was nowhere to be seen. He realized then that during his confusion, Schneizel must have had walked away from him. Even if he did find him, what he should ask, he thought. Somehow, going, 'ne, Schneizel, so do you love me?' was not considered as a wise movement in his mind.

He groaned. He was not fit to think over such complicated matter. And he knew he was not fit to think over more than just one matter at a time. If only love could be solved by a simple act like how a ruined wall could be taken down by a few well placed punches and kicks, he thought dejectedly. But it could not and Suzaku knew he had to solve it on his own, no matter how hard that seemed to be. First thing first, he thought, he had to solve things with Lelouch. He owed that to Shirley and Schneizel. And regarding that matter with Schneizel which he just became aware of…

"Oh, Heaven, help me…" he sighed forlornly.

Thinking that he would not get anything done by only standing there alone, he then walked to the front hall to join his friends, only to find out that they were already inside their rooms. A nice lady on the receptionist desk kindly informed him where his room was so he quickly headed there. He did not expect anything, honestly, so when he opened the door that was supposed to lead into his room and saw the scene behind said door, he gaped.

Lelouch was inside the room, alone, in the process of sliding his light jacket off his shoulders. Suzaku noticed that Lelouch only wore a sleeveless sweater under his jacket and somehow the image of Lelouch, his jacket halfway down his arms showing a glimpse of his pale skin, was enough to make him halt his steps for the sake of enjoying the view.

Wait, he thought, that sounded so wrong…

"I, uh…" he began. "They said… this is my room…"

Lelouch smiled, letting the jacket fell to the floor. He seemed not to mind that Suzaku caught him undressing. "Yes, together with me and Rivalz."

"Ah…" he said, gulping down. "I see…"

Lelouch eyed him strangely but continued, "We have chosen our beds, and since you're the last to arrive I hope you don't mind having the bed under the window."

Suzaku stared at the particular bed that Lelouch mentioned. He noticed that the morning sun would fall on it and perfectly understood why it became the least favorable bed of all three. Ah, well, he thought, he was fine with it since he was normally a morning person himself.

"Fine by me," he said, walking to the bed to dump his belongings there. When he reached the bed, though, he realized something fantastically important.

He was alone with Lelouch in the room.

He had waited for a chance and now he got it. He had wanted to have some alone time with Lelouch and now he got it. He had wanted to talk with Lelouch and now, he could do it.

Bracing himself, he turned and caught the sight of Lelouch folding up his jacket on his bed. He walked to his friend's direction and unceremoniously sat himself down beside Lelouch. Lelouch, upon noticing that he had joined him in bed, only regarded him with a look of mild curiosity.

For a moment he was silent before all of sudden he declared.

"I love you."

He watched Lelouch's expression after he uttered his purportedly love confession. Lelouch looked calm, something he did not know whether it was a good or bad thing. But after three seconds had passed, the calm look on his friend's face disappeared only to be replaced with a bewildered one.

"What are…" Lelouch began but he stopped him. He did not know why but he figured he had to explain everything to Lelouch before he should let his friend speak.

"I'm sorry for what I've done, or rather for what I haven't done," he said in a rush. "I mean… I was confused, so when you said that you, well… loved me, I cannot give you any proper response. I know I sound like making excuses, but… honestly, Lelouch, I never meant to hurt you and I'm sorry and…I love you. I really do. I've tried to tell you this but I could not and…"

"Suzaku…" Lelouch said as he placed his palms against his chest as if to pacify him. "Calm down, I… cannot understand what you are saying…"

"I'm saying… Lelouch, I love you!" he said. "How hard is it to understand? You're the smart one here."

"But…" Lelouch looked up and he could see how lost his friend looked. "You don't... love me."

He sighed in exasperation. Calmly he cupped his palms against Lelouch's cheeks and tilted his friend's face upward. With just inches separating their faces, he stared straight into those clear amethyst orbs which showed confusion mixed with hope.

Suzaku took a breath before he smiled at Lelouch, tenderly, lovingly.

"I love you," he said. "I've loved you for so long. I'm just too stupid to realize it. You have become a very precious person to me, Lelouch, and I am so sorry for hurting you. I know I might sound insolent but… I want to make you happy, I want to make up for everything, not only because I feel guilty but also because I love you, so very much. Lelouch… would you grant me that chance to make you happy?"

Lelouch, his dear Lelouch looked stunned at hearing his words. Seeing that, he began to consider if Lelouch still could not understand him. But such thought was diminished from his mind the moment Lelouch spoke up.

"You… love me?" Lelouch whispered. "As in… love me?"

"I love you," he whispered back, somehow afraid to raise his voice. "As in I love you."

"Oh…" Lelouch said before a light blush colored his cheeks. "Um… this is somewhat awkward…"

He chuckled and Lelouch even had a faint smile on his lips. Suzaku realized that it was indeed somewhat awkward. He and Lelouch were sitting on a single bed with Lelouch's palms against his chest and his own palms cupping Lelouch's cheeks. The distance between their faces was nearly nonexistent and Suzaku knew should someone see them in such position, there would be one hell of explanation.

"Yeah, indeed…" he said. "So…"

He saw Lelouch gulp, "So…?"

"Is that a yes?" he asked nervously.

Lelouch blinked in a perfect innocent manner, "What was the question again?"

Suzaku groaned in the inside but the sound of Lelouch laughing confirmed him that the other was merely joking. It was pleasurable to hear Lelouch laughing again after days of uptight atmosphere between them. And Lelouch did look more stunning whenever he laughed.

Lelouch was still chuckling a little when Suzaku retracted his palms from his cheeks, only to gather the other into his arms. There was a muffled sound of surprise as he enveloped Lelouch in his embrace. But he noticed in delight that Lelouch did not reject his action. Rather, those slim arms wrapping themselves around his waist confirmed anything but rejection.

"I'm so glad," he said. "I'm so very glad that I love you…"

He loosened his embrace a little so Lelouch could turn his face up to search for his eyes. There was mirth in those beautiful eyes he had come to love.

"And I'm so very glad that I love you," Lelouch said. "But somehow this position is even more awkward than before, don't you think?"

That time, he joined Lelouch in laughing. They laughed so hard until they both fell down onto the bed. It had been quite some time since the last time they could laugh this freely around each other and Suzaku in particular swore to cherish the moment for all its worth. Now that he had solved things between them, he was relieved. Now that he had told Lelouch how he loved him, he was content. Now that Lelouch seemed to accept him, he was very thankful.

He loved Lelouch, Suzaku thought as he eyed the view his newfound lover was making, breathless there on the bed after laughing so hard. He smiled at him and Lelouch smiled back to him. His hand searched for and entwined with Lelouch's hand. He brought their clasping hand to his lips and gave a feathery kiss there, on the back of Lelouch's palm and he watched in satisfaction at the true schoolgirl blush that formed on Lelouch's cheeks upon receiving such gesture. They continued to stare into each other's eyes in perfect bliss for a moment before Rivalz entered their room and disturbed the scene with his loud scream of horror.

- end chapter 9 -

(A/N: so… there, you get those two resolved their problem finally, but this is not the end. No, dearest readers, yours faithfully find too much fun playing with these boys you should expect more chapters ahead. We hope you had a good reading this chapter. Like always, we cherish any review you might give us and we hope to see you again next chapter. Thanks for your supports to this fic.)