>>Code Geass <<>>Roleplay<<>>PRIVATE!!<<

[Soranoo]

____❧ ❧ ❧ Ľεℓøu¢ħ vi βѓiταηηiα

_______________________If the king doesn't L E A D,
______________________________how can he expect his subordinates to follow?

Lelouch leaned his head back against the bars, trying to relax for a moment. He took in what Suzaku had told him and processed it slowly. So this ringing was in his head. That was understandable though. It still hurt like crazy though, but he wasn't going to voice that opinion out loud. Either he would make Suzaku worry about him even more, or if would give him a reason get rid of him.

He let out a deep sigh as he felt Suzaku's hands on the blindfold. This was just easier on him and Suzaku to sit this way. The male had an easier access to this blindfold and the handcuffs as well. Once he felt the cloth slip away from his eyes, he slowly opened them wide and blinked a few times. It took a few moments for him to regain his sight. The room was dark to begin with, so it took him a bit by surprise.

He opened his mouth to mutter a thank you but was cut off by Suzaku talking back to him. Everything Suzaku said...he had hoped to be true. Ever since he agreed to killing Nunnally, it was impossible for Lelouch to think straight and clearly. Everything he ever did revolved around Nunnally. He couldn't bear to let anything happen to his sister, even if it was just an empty threat. It wasn't just that though. These men wanted her dead so they could achieve power. This alone was a problem.

His train of thought was interrupted by the click and clang sounds of his wrists being released by the handcuffs. If Suzaku was telling the truth, then...

He ignored all his aches and pains at the moment as he slowly turned his body around to face Suzaku. He reached one hand forward as he gripped a handful of Suzaku's hair and pulled him closer. "You better not be lying to me. I don't care if I did give you a geass to prevent you from dying. I will kill you if you harm Nunnally." He said in a harsh voice, his eyes holding an intense seriousness. He pulled Suzaku a bit more until he was right up to the bars. His eyes softened for a moment as he leaned forward and kissed him softly.

He pulled away a few seconds after and rested his head against the bars. He wasn't feeling the greatest as it was. He brought one hand up to run through his hair to feel how bad his wound was, but it only came out stained with blood. That can't be a good thing. He had already lost so much blood from the day before. It would be a miracle if he survived through all this.

__________Those without power. . .
_______________Seek us!

_______________________Those with power. . .
____________________________Fear us!

[L a w l i-P0P]

¤¤_________________________ “have you ever h a t e d anyone
__________________________________________________________________so much
_____________________________________________________ that you would want to
________________________________________________k i l l t h e m?”
_______________________○ ● Şůzακû Ҝũгûгυġĭ

Suzaku didn’t expect Lelouch to believe him. After all, why should he? Considering all the things Suzaku had done to him in the past, Lelouch had every right to doubt his words – to think that Suzaku was still aiming to hurt him, even after everything. Despite this, Lelouch’s lack of faith in him stung, made his heart ache in his chest. He wished these bars weren’t in the way so he could gather Lelouch in his arms and show him just how untrue such thinking was.

He watched as Lelouch turned around slowly, bringing them face to face, and his mouth opened slightly as if to offer some kind of explanation – though he really didn’t know what else he could say to the other at this point. If Lelouch didn’t believe him, he didn’t believe him, and nothing Suzaku said would change that.

A sharp gasp escaped him as Lelouch’s arm shot through the metal bars, his slender fingers tangling none-too-gently in Suzaku’s hair in that same way that made the brunette shiver delightedly. Suzaku yielded to the touch, allowing himself to be pulled closer to the bars as he met Lelouch’s eyes evenly.

"You better not be lying to me. I don't care if I did give you a Geass to prevent you from dying. I will kill you if you harm Nunnally."

Suzaku did not doubt the threat for a minute. Lelouch may be far weaker than him physically, but when it came to his sister Lelouch possessed amazing strength, and would go to the ends of the earth, kill anyone or anything in his way, to ensure her protection. A smile touched Suzaku’s lips. One thing he’d always admired about Lelouch was that fierce and unwavering devotion.

As lips covered his own, Suzaku’s eyes widened a little bit. He hadn’t been expecting it, especially after Lelouch had basically just told him he’d kill him if any harm befell Nunnally, but Suzaku didn’t protest. It was uncomfortable, his face pressed against the rusted bars like this, but Lelouch’s lips were sweet and warm and just like earlier seemed to make him forget about anything else around him.

One of his own arms slid through the bars, wrapping around Lelouch’s thin waist with a little difficulty given the divider between them.

When Lelouch pulled away, Suzaku smiled again. “I’m not lying, Lelouch. I swear, I’ll protect you and Nunnally both.”

And in order to protect them, he needed to make sure they were both alive to protect – which would not be the case, should Lelouch’s injuries go overlooked much longer. Suzaku’s hand moved from Lelouch’s waist to the side of his face, cupping his cheek and gently turning his head to the side to survey the damage. He winced. Lelouch’s hair was damp with blood, some of it trickling down the side of his face. It didn’t look good.

“Maybe we can use the blindfold as a bandage for now,” he suggested, at a loss for what else to do, as he reached for it. “Does it hurt really bad?” It was a stupid question with an obvious answer, and Lelouch would probably laugh at him for even asking.

Telling me to go
But hands beg me to stay
Your lips say that you love
Your eyes say that you hate
And I, I wont be the one
To leave this in pieces
And you, you will be alone
Alone with all your secrets
And regrets
Don’tlie.

[Soranoo]

____❧ ❧ ❧ Ľεℓøu¢ħ vi βѓiταηηiα

_______________________If the king doesn't L E A D,
______________________________how can he expect his subordinates to follow?

Lelouch turned his head towards Suzaku as he proclaimed a vow. He had heard that before, so he couldn't count on that. He would have to save Nunnally himself, but now that Lelouch was free, it should be easy to get out of this situation with his geass. He brought one hand up to his eyes and gave a soft smile. Suzaku couldn't hate him now for having this power. It was actually quite useful when used responsibly. Sadly, in the past, he was native and ignorant to the true power of geass and it costs the lives of many people he really did care about.

"Does it hurt really bad?"

Suzaku should know the answer to that. He rested his head in Suzaku's hand, as he retrieved the cloth and handed it to him. Even he knew covering a wound was better than an exposed one. He sighed softly as he moved closer to Suzaku through the bars. "Wrap it for me." He couldn't see this wound at all, and trust Suzaku enough to at least do that right.

He felt the urge to get closer to the male again. He didn't know if it was because they were interrupted earlier or if it was because of the hit the head he took. His hand reached out to Suzaku again having a longing look in his eyes. These bars were in the way! "You can't break these?" If it was an electronic lock, Lelouch could open it easily, but locks like this, Lelouch didn't have any experience with it.

He grasped Suzaku's shirt as his eyes closed. He just wanted to rest his eyes for a moment, but he didn't wanted Suzaku to leave him. Not that Suzaku could really go anywhere, but this helped secure him in his mind. "Take care of me..." He whispered as he drifted out of consciousness.

__________Those without power. . .
_______________Seek us!

_______________________Those with power. . .
____________________________Fear us!

[L a w l i-P0P]

¤¤_________________________ “have you ever h a t e d anyone
__________________________________________________________________so much
_____________________________________________________ that you would want to
________________________________________________k i l l t h e m?”
_______________________○ ● Şůzακû Ҝũгûгυġĭ

Suzaku’s eyes softened as he felt Lelouch lean into the touch of his hand. He rubbed his thumb gently over high cheekbones, just brushing the skin underneath his eyes. At Lelouch’s request he only nodded obediently, silently taking hold of the blindfold once again to do as the other asked of him. When in this condition, Suzaku didn’t think he’d be able to deny Lelouch anything he asked for.

He parted Lelouch’s hair, exposing the wound. It wasn’t as deep as he’d feared, but it was still critical to keep it covered. Quickly, Suzaku placed the fabric over it, wrapping it around Lelouch’s head and tying it in place. “Sorry if it’s tight,” he apologized, having intentionally made it that way to keep it from slipping off.

He wished there was more he could do, but until they found a way to escape this would have to suffice. They had to at least wait until the guards returned, then Lelouch could cast his Geass on them and force them to set them free. Suzaku found it ironic; the power he hated so much was going to save them. It only made him hate it all the more, even if he had to begrudgingly be thankful for it.

The warmth of Lelouch’s hand on him made Suzaku blink. He glanced across at the other male again, breath catching in his throat at the look in Lelouch’s eyes. Never had he seen Lelouch look at anyone in such a way – so longingly – and to think Lelouch was making those eyes for him. In spite of telling himself that this was not the time to be having sappy, romantic thoughts, Suzaku felt a blush rising to his cheeks. He wanted so badly in that instant to kiss him, but instead he settled for wrapping his hand around Lelouch’s and touching his lips briefly to the slender fingers.

“Take care of me...”

Suzaku laced his fingers through Lelouch’s, his other hand still cupping Lelouch’s cheek. Lelouch’s eyes were closed, he was unconscious now, but Suzaky answered him nonetheless, softly. “Yes, your highness.”

His eyes traveled up the bars, narrowing as he caught sight of the lock trapping him in the cell. Realistically, there was a slim chance he would actually manage to break it, but there was no harm in trying. If it was as old as it looked, it might not have closed properly and make be easily to smash open. On the other hand, if it was as old as it looked it may be rusted to the point of being nearly impossible to open without the key.

Reluctantly, he released Lelouch, bringing his arms back down to his sides before raising to his feet and sending the lock a hard glare.

Telling me to go
But hands beg me to stay
Your lips say that you love
Your eyes say that you hate
And I, I wont be the one
To leave this in pieces
And you, you will be alone
Alone with all your secrets
And regrets
Don’tlie.

[Soranoo]

____❧ ❧ ❧ Ľεℓøu¢ħ vi βѓiταηηiα

_______________________If the king doesn't L E A D,
______________________________how can he expect his subordinates to follow?

It had to of been a good two hours before the lock was unlatched and the door knob turned. The guard smirked as he opened the door. However to his surprise, he found both Suzaku and Lelouch out of their handcuffs and Lelouch without his blindfold. This was not to his liking. Luckily, it looked like Lelouch was unconscious. That had to be from the other guard knocking him out.

He walked over to the two males, obviously upset with the fact they were able to get free. He knew locking Suzaku in the cell was the right choice. Since the other male was already injured to begin with, he wouldn't be able to run off as easily. "What have we here?" He stated out as he walked over to Lelouch and touched the make shift bandage on his head. His partner really did do a number on him. He could feel by his hair that it was a nice strike. The dried blood was a pleasing sight.

He grabbed Lelouch by the collar of his cape again and pulled him up to eye level. "Looks like you've been busy while I've been gone. Just what were you two up to?" He asked as he looked back at Lelouch and tilted his chin upwards. "Doesn't he just look pathetic like this? What would happen if I just...?" He leaned down looking like he was going to kiss Lelouch but at the last second, he flicked his wrist and threw the fragile male against the opposite wall than Suzaku.

"It's almost time for you to take out the Emperoress." He said with a smirk, but that face quickly faded as he heard a noise stir behind him. The force against the wall must have woken Lelouch up from his deep sleep.

Slowly, the young male's eyes opened as he blinked looking around the room. Something was off. He looked at Suzaku in the cell and then up at the guard, then back at himself. "Where am I? What's going on?" He said in an exhausted voice. He seemed so confused, nothing like how he usually is.

The guard's grin just grew larger. It seemed like the former Emperor must of experienced memory loss from that blow to the head. This couldn't be a better situation. With Lelouch on their side, Suzaku would have to listen and then they could use the Emperor to his advantage. "You're in a holding dungeon, and that male over there tried to kill you." He said as he pointed at Suzaku and then pointed to Lelouch injuries. "He's extremely dangerous. We, of the noble guards, have come to rescue you, and threat your injuries." This was way too easy.

__________Those without power. . .
_______________Seek us!

_______________________Those with power. . .
____________________________Fear us!

[L a w l i-P0P]

¤¤_________________________ “have you ever h a t e d anyone
__________________________________________________________________so much
_____________________________________________________ that you would want to
________________________________________________k i l l t h e m?”
_______________________○ ● Şůzακû Ҝũгûгυġĭ

Suzaku must have toyed with the lock on the door for a good half hour, doing everything from pulling on it to smashing it against the doorframe with all his might, to picking it with the sharp side of pin from Zero’s cravat. Each of his efforts was useless, however, and eventually Suzaku slid back down to the ground, giving up. The lock was too old, gears rusted and thus unable to be picked open. At this rate, there was nothing to do but wait for Lelouch to wake up so they could formulate a plan together. Relying on the Geass was the only option since obviously Suzaku would not be able to sneak them out.

With a sigh, he leaned against the bars, finding Lelouch’s hand on the other side and squeezing it gently. He was comatose, but didn’t seem to be in pain; for that, at the very least, Suzaku was grateful. Lelouch had been through enough already, and the blame for that could be placed solely on Suzaku; he did not feel so proud at the moment as to deny it. He’d failed them both, and as a result the fragile piece they’d established for Britannia and Japan both could be in jeopardy. He’d been selfish, and now he had to pay for it.

The door to the cell opened with a bang, Suzaku jerking out of the resting state he’d been in and immediately on the alert, his body stiffening as he caught sight of the guards entering the room. Unconsciously, his grip on Lelouch’s hand tightened.

s**t, he couldn’t help but think. Suzaku hadn’t counted on the guards returning so soon. This was bad. Not only was Lelouch unconscious, and thus unable to use his Geass on them, but the guards would now see that the two had gotten out of their handcuffs. Whatever punishment had been in store for them was probably about to get a lot worse.

As the first guard – the obvious leader – approached, Suzaku gritted his teeth, not letting go of Lelouch’s hand until the other was pulled upwards. He watched with disgust churning in his stomach as the man had the gall to touch Lelouch’s face and lean in close to him. Suzaku knew he was powerless to do anything, but if the b*****d thought he would keep quiet should they try to abuse Lelouch in front of him they were mistaken. He growled in low warning as the guard’s lips closed in on Lelouch’s, but before the connection could be made the guard seemed to change his mind and tossed Lelouch carelessly aside.

Suzaku was on his feet instantly, gripping the bars tightly and giving another futile effort to pry them apart. “Lelouch!” He turned to the guard. “If he dies, I won’t be doing anything for you bastards!” Not that he planned on doing anything for them to begin with.

Lelouch... wake up; we have to get out of here.

Noticing the movement from the other side of the room, Suzaku’s heart leapt. Lelouch was all right; thank god. Now these guards would pay. Lelouch would take one look at them and know what to do. Those bastards were in for it now. “Lelou—”

“Where am I? What’s going on?”

The blood in Suzaku’s body ran cold, dread settling over him. That voice... sounded nothing like the Lelouch he knew. Gone was the arrogance, the confidence that had always seemed to linger about the emperor, and in it’s place was confusion, apprehension.

... Could it be? Had the blow to the head caused his memories to...? No, Suzaku didn’t even want to think it! There was no way... he’d been fine earlier, so why all of the sudden? No... It couldn’t be. (But there was no denying that Lelouch was different, sounding and appearing far more fragile than Lelouch would normally ever allow himself to be.)

Suzaku’s fear only intensified as the guards spoke to Lelouch. The former knight thrashed against the bars, probably appearing very much like a criminal and a wild man but it didn’t matter. They were trying to turn Lelouch against him! He stopped abruptly and faced Lelouch, eyes pleading. “Lelouch, don’t believe anything they say!” he yelled. “They’re lying – it’s me, S—”

The guard whom Lelouch shot earlier (his wound now bandaged, treated nicely unlike the haphazard job Suzaku had done for Lelouch) had his gun back, and did not hesitate to jab Suzaku roughly in the side through the metal bars to stop him from saying anything further. “Silence, you vermin!” He faced Lelouch, getting down on a knee in a formal bow before him. “Your Majesty, this man is a dangerous terrorist whose mission has been to assassinate you.”

Telling me to go
But hands beg me to stay
Your lips say that you love
Your eyes say that you hate
And I, I wont be the one
To leave this in pieces
And you, you will be alone
Alone with all your secrets
And regrets
Don’tlie.

[Soranoo]

____❧ ❧ ❧ Ľεℓøu¢ħ vi βѓiταηηiα

_______________________If the king doesn't L E A D,
______________________________how can he expect his subordinates to follow?

Lelouch listened to the first guard and then looked over to Suzaku. His head still had a strong thump to it as he brought his hand up to his head and rubbed it softly. He felt the bandage on his head as he brought his hand around only to see the dried blood that he had on his hand from touching his head earlier. So it was this guys fault?

He slowly got up, his body aching, as he moved closer to the cell that had Suzaku in it. He wanted a closer look. He felt like he knew this male from somewhere but nothing rang a bell. He watched Suzaku tear at the cell. What was with this male? He had never seen anyone so desperate before. Why was there such fear and intensity in his eyes?

He watched again as the male attempted to talk to him. His eyes turned up to the guards as Suzaku said that they were lying. From everything he's seen, it didn't seem like the guards were lying to him, and he was the one behind bars. It was only logical that he should believe his own guards.

"Your Majesty, this man is a dangerous terrorist whose mission has been to assassinate you."

He was taken back as the guard bowed to him, but his memories slowly started to come back to him. He was an Emperor. He knew he had a sister that he cared about deeply, and he knew he wanted a peaceful world. So was it this male that was trying to ruin his peace? "I see. Guards, I want this male to accompany me. Keep him detained but I would like to know his motives. Mindless killing is not something I want to take part in."

He walked over closer to Suzaku's cell as he regained his normal composure. Even with his memories lost, he still had his personality and values. It was much like the time when his memories was rewritten due to his father. "You don't look like someone who has murder on your mind." So was he bribed to kill him, or maybe he was being forced to. Either way, he'd get to the bottom of it.

The guard just about panicked for a moment. He quickly walked in front of Lelouch and gently pulled the Emperor away from the cell. He shook his head at Lelouch slightly. "You mustn't think that way, your Majesty. This man is a wanted criminal from before he came after you, and have killed many important leaders. He can't be trusted." He needed to stop Lelouch from even thinking that Suzaku was a good person. Even with memory loss, it seems that their bond was still strong. He looked over at his partner, wondering if he could think of a way to break this bond.

__________Those without power. . .
_______________Seek us!

_______________________Those with power. . .
____________________________Fear us!

[L a w l i-P0P]

¤¤_________________________ “have you ever h a t e d anyone
__________________________________________________________________so much
_____________________________________________________ that you would want to
________________________________________________k i l l t h e m?”
_______________________○ ● Şůzακû Ҝũгûгυġĭ

No, he wanted to say; that’s not true! Because he couldn’t let these men bend Lelouch to their will when he was in such a vulnerable state. But at the same time, the statement wasn’t false, either, and if Lelouch asked anyone else he would discover that a terrorist had indeed made an attempt on his life; what he wouldn’t know is that it had all been apart of their plan – his and Suzaku’s plan.

Suzaku shook his head, heart throbbing wildly in his chest as he tried to think of what to do. He watched as Lelouch rose shakily to his feet, seeing little by little bits of the real man returning in the way he carried himself and spoke. Desperately Suzaku prayed this would mean Lelouch’s memory would soon return to him as well. If not... If not, Suzaku didn’t know what would happen to either of them.

The guard with the gun nodded his head to Lelouch’s order, giving a nod in his accomplice’s direction. They would follow through with Lelouch’s commands for now. Escort Lelouch back to the palace, throw Suzaku in the royal dungeons. They would present Lelouch to the world – a miracle, the emperor has survived! All Hail Britannia! All Hail Lelouch! – and because Lelouch remembered nothing, they could easily assist him in running the country. It was perfect.

“As you wish, Your Majesty.”

There was apprehension in his eyes as Lelouch approached the cell. Lelouch was looking at Suzaku with a vague familiarity, which wasn’t good; they needed to keep interaction between the two as minimal as possible now. Anything might trigger Lelouch’s memory; they couldn’t have that happening – not after the glorious opportunity they’d been handed.

“You don’t look like someone who has murder on your mind.”

Suzaku gripped the metal bars more tightly, pressing himself against them. “No,” he agreed, shaking his head. “I don’t. I couldn’t—”

Another jab to the ribs with the guns made Suzaku collapse on the floor, clutching at his chest and wheezing slightly. “I said silence! The likes of you has right to speak to the emperor!” Turning back to Lelouch, he bowed again, and offering an arm. “Please, your Highness, allow me to escort you back to the palace? We will have this prisoner taken care of later.”

Telling me to go
But hands beg me to stay
Your lips say that you love
Your eyes say that you hate
And I, I wont be the one
To leave this in pieces
And you, you will be alone
Alone with all your secrets
And regrets
Don’tlie.

[Soranoo]

____❧ ❧ ❧ Ľεℓøu¢ħ vi βѓiταηηiα

_______________________If the king doesn't L E A D,
______________________________how can he expect his subordinates to follow?

Lelouch wasn't sure what to make of all of this. He could tell right away that the prisoner wasn't like normal prisoners, but his guards seem dead set on keeping him quiet. What did this prisoner know?

"I don't. I couldn't--"

The male was cut off. His eyes narrowed at everyone, already getting mad at this situation. "I asked the prisoner a question. He has the right to finish what he was saying without interruptions. Guards, Leave the cell now. I will come out when I'm done with him. This is an order." He wanted to make that perfectly clear.

The guard gritted his teeth, but there was nothing they could do at the moment. Lelouch had his mind made up. If only they got him out of there sooner. His eyes darted to Suzaku, giving them an evil glare. He walked over to his buddy and placed and hand on his shoulder as he focused back on Suzaku. "Say anything that you shouldn't, and we'll kill the Emperor. We don't have to use him. He's easily tossed to the side." He said in a low voice as he guided the other guard out of the cell and shut the door. "Damn it! We should just kill him and get it over with. There are plenty more to the royal family we could use." He said as he punched the side of a building, obviously upset over this.

Lelouch focused back on Suzaku as he walked toward him, getting a closer look. "Why do you look at me like that? You're uptight, rash, and from what I can see, strong. Why have you come to kill me? What is your reason for being here? Can this be changed?" He said the last question with a soft smile on his face.

He had reverted back to the Lelouch before geass has consumed him, before his mother was killed. A kind-hearted Prince that wanted to live each day to the fullest in a peaceful world. He still kept his composure around others, and his eyes showed an intensity in them as his mind calculated every possibility for what had happened. He reached a hand into the cell to help Suzaku up off the ground. "What is your name my fiery friend?"

__________Those without power. . .
_______________Seek us!

_______________________Those with power. . .
____________________________Fear us!

[L a w l i-P0P]

¤¤_________________________ “have you ever h a t e d anyone
__________________________________________________________________so much
_____________________________________________________ that you would want to
________________________________________________k i l l t h e m?”
_______________________○ ● Şůzακû Ҝũгûгυġĭ

Suzaku stayed on the ground, realizing a lost cause when he saw one, and this was very much a lost cause. The guards wouldn’t allow him to say anything to Lelouch that might trigger his memories, and there was no guarantees they would spare the emperor’s life should Suzaku try. Their plans didn’t necessarily need to involve Lelouch; they’d made that perfectly clear. It was just easier to gain control with a person they could manipulate; and now, they had two pawns instead of one. With a helpless sigh, Suzaku’s eyes fell shut and he contemplated how he could get to Lelouch without putting him in danger.

He was surprised to hear Lelouch order the guards out. Did Lelouch not believe in them, find them dishonest? He had no reason to; as emperor, he would automatically trust the royal guard more than a man behind bars. Nevertheless, Lelouch ordered them out of the room to speak in private with his prisoner. Could it be Lelouch’s memories had returned and he was merely following along with the act?

One glance up at the black-haired man proved that theory false. The look in Lelouch’s eyes, while still familiar and haughty as ever, was not the same as the man Suzaku knew. The Lelouch Suzaku knew was colder than this; didn’t have this... sort of innocence about him. He wondered if this was what Lelouch would have been like as a child – before the tragedy of his mother’s death. If that boy had grown into a man, would this be him?

"Say anything that you shouldn't, and we'll kill the Emperor.”

It was as he feared. Should he try and tell Lelouch the truth, the guards would have him killed. Suzaku had no choice but to follow through with the role of criminal that he’d been handed; forced to act the part of the man really after Lelouch’s life. Still, even if confined to that role, perhaps there was still away he could get to Lelouch?

As Lelouch moved closer to the cell holding him, Suzaku sat up slightly, not directly making eye contact but rather focusing on the bandage wrapped around the emperor’s head. He had no answer for Lelouch’s question. After all, he couldn’t just come out and say “it was your idea”, it would only confuse Lelouch all the more. There was too much that went along with that statement, and Suzaku knew he wouldn’t be given enough time to completely tell Lelouch the whole story.

“What is your name, my fiery friend?”

Suzaku’s eyes locked on the hand presented to him before moving up to finally catch Lelouch’s own amethyst orbs. Even now he could get lost in those eyes... How badly he wanted to take Lelouch’s hand and spill the truth about everything.

“Suzaku,” he replied, hoping that if nothing else, perhaps his name would trigger something in Lelouch. “Suzaku Kururugi. I...” his voice trailed off and he shook his head, deciding not to take Lelouch’s hand. Maybe it would be easier this way. “I’m the son of the late Prime Minister of Genbu Kururugi. Your empire of Britannia invaded my homeland nine years ago, and was the cause of my father’s death.”

He hated to lie like that, use his father’s death in such a way he’d never want to, but this was the only thing he could think of. Lelouch would believe his crime was an act of revenge, and he would be locked away. Lelouch would remain safe, even if manipulated. At least he would be alive.

Telling me to go
But hands beg me to stay
Your lips say that you love
Your eyes say that you hate
And I, I wont be the one
To leave this in pieces
And you, you will be alone
Alone with all your secrets
And regrets
Don’tlie.

[Soranoo]

____❧ ❧ ❧ Ľεℓøu¢ħ vi βѓiταηηiα

_______________________If the king doesn't L E A D,
______________________________how can he expect his subordinates to follow?

Lelouch's eyes saddened for a moment. The prisoner wouldn't look at him, he wouldn't answer him, and wouldn't take his help. This was not to his liking. What was with this male anyway? This only frustrated the young prince more.

"Suzaku Kururugi..."

So that was it. He was out for revenge for his father's death. That was at least, an acceptable reason to threaten the Emperor's life. "I see. Hatred must run thick in your blood then. There's nothing I can do for you. I'll have to try you as a criminal for attempted murder." He wasn't too happy about this outcome. If it has been for any other reason than hatred or jealousy, then he would of tried to give him a fair and honest trial.

His eyes turned back to the criminal. Something didn't convince him. This Suzaku didn't look at him with eyes of hatred, if anything they looked more like love. He bent down on one knee before Suzaku to get to eye level with him. He had already calculated a number of different reasons for the male's response and actions to his questions. Little did he know one that he calculated was right. That this male had fallen in love with the Emperor.

He reached a hand out again to Suzaku and this time he cupped his chin, keeping a firm grip on it. He tilted his head to meet with his eyes. "I'm not convinced, Eleven. I'm going to have you released with just me and you in a room. If you're really out for revenge, you'll attempt to kill me again. However, that's not the case. Why are you lying just so you can die? I'm not as foolish as I look. These wounds, one was made with a blunt object like a rock or stick, while the other one was made with a sword." Lelouch placed his other hand on his head as he spoke again. "This one is recent. I can still feel the throbbing and high pitch ringing from the blow. While this one..." He said as he brought his hand down to his chest and opened his jacket. "...was made at least a day ago. I highly doubt my royal guards would allow someone to strike me twice within twenty-four hours."

He grasped Suzaku's chin a bit tighter as he then threw him back and narrowed his eyes. He didn't like being lied to, especially when he was being generous. He gazed around the room looking for any type of deadly object. Slowly, he walked over to the corner and pulled out an old samurai sword from when other Elevens were probably kept here. He then moved back over to Suzaku and tossed the sword into the cell, sheath and all. "Strike me right now." He commanded.

__________Those without power. . .
_______________Seek us!

_______________________Those with power. . .
____________________________Fear us!

[L a w l i-P0P]

¤¤_________________________ “have you ever h a t e d anyone
__________________________________________________________________so much
_____________________________________________________ that you would want to
________________________________________________k i l l t h e m?”
_______________________○ ● Şůzακû Ҝũгûгυġĭ

“I see. Hatred must run thick in your blood...”

Suzaku managed another rueful smile, angling his head toward the ground in an attempt to hide it from the other male. How right Lelouch was – or would have been, had he been speaking to the Suzaku of before: the Suzaku who did allow his loathing, his desire for vengeance to fuel his every action. It was almost cruel; now that that anger towards Lelouch had finally disappeared, Suzaku was forced to act as if it had never gone away at all. It was more difficult than he thought it would be, which struck him as odd; he’d had no trouble pretending to be Lelouch’s friend when they were enemies.

Feeling the cool hand against his face, Suzaku’s body instinctively stiffened and then relaxed almost an instant later. Willing himself not to lean into the touch, Suzaku allowed Lelouch to tilt his head upwards, hoping that his eyes didn’t give him away entirely as he feared they might. He tried to look angry; replacing his smile with the scowl he knew looked unpleasant on him, furrowing his eyebrows in what he hoped was convincingly contempt.

But Lelouch saw right through him – whether because Suzaku was that bad of a liar or because, subconsciously, Lelouch still knew him and knew that Suzaku wouldn’t do this sort of thing remained a mystery.

His memories may have been gone, but Lelouch was still as keen as ever. It was probably useless, but nevertheless Suzaku still kept with the part of the vengeful wannabe-terrorist.

“I’m Japanese!” he snapped, imagining what Kallen’s reaction would be if someone called her Eleven. He could almost hear her voice in his head.

He didn’t say anything else besides that, which had to frustrate Lelouch, who wasn’t the sort of person who enjoyed not getting answers to the questions he asked. Even worse than that, Lelouch knew Suzaku was being dishonest about something, which must irritate him even more. So he wasn’t surprised as Lelouch’s grip on his chin tightened, or when the other threw him back (though he tried to look as affronted as possible, glaring up at Lelouch from his sport on the ground.)

The glare remained on his face as Lelouch disappeared from view momentarily, but dissolved the instant he returned carrying an old Samurai sword, which he proceeded to toss into the cell. It landed a foot or so to Suzaku’s right, still in its sheath; green eyes bulged slightly.

“Strike me right now.”

It reminded Suzaku too much of Zero Requiem, of Lelouch asking him to take his life. Suzaku shut his eyes at the painful memory, not wanting to relive any of that - not the event itself, or his actions afterwards. Lelouch didn't know what he was doing, of course, didn't know that it was the second time he'd essentially invited Suzaku to kill him.

Eyes darting from the sword to Lelouch’s face, Suzaku stared at the other as if he’d gone insane. But Lelouch was only testing him; Suzaku was aware of that. Lelouch knew Suzaku wouldn’t go through with it, knew that his tale about wanting to kill him was, at most, only half-true, probably not true at all. Lelouch had him trapped; he’d won.

“I...” he wetted his lips, shaking his head, his eyes focused on the wound he'd already given to Lelouch. “No.” It could be taken as Suzaku stubbornly not wanting to obey a command from the emperor, but a real assassin wouldn’t pass up on the opportunity to take out their target, especially if their target was inviting it.

Telling me to go
But hands beg me to stay
Your lips say that you love
Your eyes say that you hate
And I, I wont be the one
To leave this in pieces
And you, you will be alone
Alone with all your secrets
And regrets
Don’tlie.

[Soranoo]

____❧ ❧ ❧ Ľεℓøu¢ħ vi βѓiταηηiα

_______________________If the king doesn't L E A D,
______________________________how can he expect his subordinates to follow?

Lelouch watched the reactions and facial expressions of the young male careful. They seemed a little too forced. What was he hiding?

"I'm Japanese!"

His eyes narrowed down at Suzaku. Japanese? The Japanese didn't exist anymore; he should know that better than anyone. Anyone would be surprised by the Prince's behave to even be this kind to an Eleven. He sparked an interest in Suzaku though. This male has a huge fire in his eyes, and a fighting spirit when most of his guards lacked one or both of those qualities.

After his command, he once again observed Suzaku. He didn't pick up the sword; he didn't even move.

"No."

Stubborn fool. He was either stubborn, foolish, or Lelouch was right about him all along. When he looked at Suzaku, something striked a cord, but he couldn't figure it out. It was like a puzzle with pieces missing. "Since you won't strike me, I'm taking your declaration of revenge as a lie. No one would pass up the opportunity to kill someone they wanted revenge on like this." He sighed in defeat for now. He had a least won that round, but it wasn't over. This male had a secret and he was going to get it out of him.

He walked back over to the door and opened it, seeing his guards again. "Guards, I want this man released from his cell, no restraints, and taken with me to the palace." He turned around towards Suzaku and gave him a soft smile. "I want him to be my personal Knight. That is, if you agree, Suzaku?"

The guard was completely taken back by this. How did the Eleven manage to get on his good side even now? They couldn't just kill Lelouch at this point. Suzaku had upholded to his deal so far. Maybe they could just kill the siblings together? An assassinated death for the both of them, and they could frame Suzaku easily for being appointed his knight. It was too easy now. Suzaku wouldn't know a thing, and they'd have power easily.

"Yes, your Highness..." He said as he walked over and opened the door to Suzaku's cell. He seized Suzaku by his hair, being out of sight of Lelouch for the moment and whispered softly through his teeth. "You got lucky this time. Many people resent Lelouch for the tyrant he was, I wouldn't be surprised is someone would try to assassinate him." He'd feed Suzaku all the lines he needed. If he said something about Lelouch's life being in danger, then the male should react to wanting to be his Knight to protect him from that threat.

He pushed Suzaku out, gripping a hold of his wrists behind his back. Even though Lelouch had said unrestrained, he had to show his Emperor that he was still worried about his well-being. Anything to gain loyalty and trust for now.

__________Those without power. . .
_______________Seek us!

_______________________Those with power. . .
____________________________Fear us!

[L a w l i-P0P]

¤¤_________________________ “have you ever h a t e d anyone
__________________________________________________________________so much
_____________________________________________________ that you would want to
________________________________________________k i l l t h e m?”
_______________________○ ● Şůzακû Ҝũгûгυġĭ

Looking back on it, there were many things Suzaku could have said to try and explain his not striking Lelouch. He could have reverted to the same argument he’d given the first time he’d failed to kill the emperor – that it was not revenge if the other person was asking for it. Or, he could have said that killing or harming Lelouch would only bring more trouble for himself now, considering the loyal guards standing right outside.

Neither of these stories would have been fully trusted by Lelouch, Suzaku was fairly certain, but it would have been better than the silence Suzaku opted for. Not saying anything proved without a doubt that Lelouch was right – that Suzaku was no assassin, that he was lying, and this would only heighten Lelouch’s suspicion and interest in him.

It was too late to say anything now. Lelouch was already ordering his guards back inside, demanding Suzaku’s release and...

...offering Suzaku a position as his personal Knight.

Suzaku experienced a brief sensation of déjà vu, and would have laughed did he not know such a thing wouldn’t be well-received. The offer of knighthood was entirely serious, after all; Lelouch just didn’t know that he’d already made the same offer in the past – that the man in front of him was already his personal knight, the Knight of Zero.

Getting over his surprise, Suzaku met Lelouch’s amethyst eyes, the smile on Lelouch’s face making him smile as well. He gave no verbal response, but the expression on his face was answer enough. Suzaku would never turn down becoming Lelouch’s knight, especially not now; this time around, he wouldn’t mess things up the way he had prior.

“Y-your Majesty!” the second guard sputtered, about to plead for the emperor to reconsider. However, noticing his partner going along with the plan, he refrained from doing so right away. His accomplice must have an idea in mind if he was actually going to allow Kururugi to become Lelouch’s knight for a second time. “Are you sure about this, your Majesty? He could be dangerous.”

And he sounded every bit a concerned guard, only looking after his king’s welfare. No royal guard would want to see their leader putting their life in the hands of someone they believed to be a criminal, after all. The man didn’t look like he would put up a fight if Lelouch said that he was indeed sure in his choice; a loyal guard would also never challenge his king’s judgment.

Back in the cell, wincing slightly as he was pulled up roughly by the hair at the base of his neck, Suzaku took in the subtle threat in the other guard’s words. They were right... Less than a handful of people would be pleased to learn of Lelouch’s return to the throne; there would be many attempts on his life, without a doubt. No-one wanted to see the demon emperor return. He would need protection, and Suzaku (though he’d failed so many times to protect him, especially recently) was the best man for that job. No-one would be happy to see the Knight of Zero return to his post either, but Suzaku (with Lelouch’s Geass still over him) would be able to fight against and extinguish threats to his own life.

“I’ll eliminate anyone who even tries,” Suzaku bit back, his voice a harsh whisper as he glared over at the guard, meaning his words as a warning to him as well.

Telling me to go
But hands beg me to stay
Your lips say that you love
Your eyes say that you hate
And I, I wont be the one
To leave this in pieces
And you, you will be alone
Alone with all your secrets
And regrets
Don’tlie.

[Soranoo]

____❧ ❧ ❧ Ľεℓøu¢ħ vi βѓiταηηiα

_______________________If the king doesn't L E A D,
______________________________how can he expect his subordinates to follow?

Lelouch brought up his hand to silence the guard. This was his decision and that made it final. "Yes, I'm sure. I couldn't ask for a better Knight. However, I do want you two to find my real assassin." He ordered the guards as he looked around at the palace.

The guard reluctantly nodded and continued forward. His partner has to be going insane with this idea, but there was nothing they could do at the moment. He lead Lelouch to a more private part of the palace so he wouldn't be seen. They had to make sure Lelouch was out of sight until they would announce to the world that he was now alive.

Once they arrived at an appropriate room, the guard opened the door for the Emperor and smiled. "Please stay here for now your Highness. You still need to lay low. I'll take Kururugi with us until you're ready to announce him." He said as he gripped Suzaku's wrists tighter.

Lelouch shook his head at him. "No, I want him here with me. I need help with a few things, and he'll just be added protection." He said as he walked into the room and around the corner for a moment searching for a new attire of clothing. The outfit he was wearing now didn't suit him.

The guard was not happy with this at all. He gripped Suzaku tighter to the point his nails were sinking into his skin. "You know the deal. You've just been lucky up until now." He hissed as he shut the door and locked it behind him. He'd make sure those two males didn't go anywhere. "Now to plan for our rewards."

Lelouch returned to the original room a few minutes after the guards left. His guards was just looking out for him, and any guard would be over protective if they believed a guy tried to kill their king. "Hey...I need your help." He said with a soft smile. In his arms, he held a new change of clothes, a couple cloths, and bandages. He needed his wounds rewrapped and cleaned. He headed to the bathroom as he reached up and slowly undid the black cloth that was wrapped around his head and placed it to the side. He then proceeded to slowly strip out of his clothes, being careful not to make any unnecessary movements. With the wound on his chest exposed, he didn't want to take any chances of it reopening.

__________Those without power. . .
_______________Seek us!

_______________________Those with power. . .
____________________________Fear us!