Code Geass - Rewriting the Rebellion - Belinda x MG Mirani
 

Code Geass - Rewriting The Rebellion
Magician Girl Mirani and Belinda

Sounds began to filter through the black haze that seemed to be clouding Lelouch's senses. Sound was the first thing to return and the immediate impression he got of his surroundings was that he was not where he had been last time he was conscious. Bird song filtered through the air and a cool wind rustled many leaves nearby. So he was in a wooded area. The next sound to register was the crashing of waves against rocks and sand...a beach perhaps? But why would he be on a beach when the last time he'd been awake was.....

Lelouch tried to sit bolt upright but was stopped by a stabbing pain near the base of his spine. He barely stopped himself from crying out in pain adn shock but stopped himself, barely, by biring the inside of his cheek harshly, almost drawing blood. His eyes were scrunched shut but he forced them open. The world was tinted blue thanks to the mask he wore but he saw enough to assure himself that what he had been hearing was not an illusion. He was lying on a teach a few feet away from some pretty unpleasant looking sharp rocks. He was, at thsi point, curled on his side with his cloak covering him. He was curled up ttightly in a defensive position on pure instinct. He gritted his teeth and forced his limbs to stretch out, slowly.

Where exactly was he? An off shore island perhaps? This coast did not look familiar with the abundance of greenery he could just make out from where his head lay on the, thankfully soft, sand. That and the air smelled...cleaner, less poluted by the mining and factory waste that permiated the settlement. It was strangely refreshing and he would have taken the time to enjoy it if it weren't for the pain in his back and, now that he was recovering from that initial burst, the pain in his right leg and left wrist. He couldn't see if there was any blood and he couldn't feel anything but that meant nothing. It could be taht he was numb to it so he wasn't willing to bet there wasn't anything. The pain in his back was almost assuredly caused by some kind of wound, perhaps caused by one of those sharp rocks. He wasn't sure but he didn't have the strength to move. once again he cursed his poor physical condition and complete lack of stamina. Really it was pathetic how unfit he was when you thought about it.

Another thought passed through his mind. If he had survived the blast then was it possible that others had to? Who else was on this island? Was Kallen here? And if she was did that mean.....Suzaku! Fantastic, just fantastic. If the Knightmare pilot found him.....

Suzaku searches the side he was on for Euphemia as he felt respondable for the princess's safely. After all he was her white knight so he would never forgive himself if something happens to her. So far there was no one around but he couldn't help but to think about that knightmare that enter acted with the Lancelot. Suzaku unbuttons the neckline of his suit cause it was hot on the island. Then he begans to think if he was alive hoping Euphemia was ok also. But also then he wonder about someone else...as it wasn't only him and Euphemia there but also Zero and Kallen. Figuring they was also alive too.

Suzaku continues to walk thru the bushes not really a path anywhere but he could hear water. Figuring it was close to the ocean. So maybe he could find some help as he comes out he saw a figure. A cloak figure. 'Zero!' glaring at the man. Not even knowing the man before him, Zero, was his best friend Lelouch. But something wasn't right Zero look like he was wounded. Of course he would give anything to put the man out of his misery. But he needed to bring Zero in for his crimes. Suzaku carefully walks toward trying his best not to make a sound. Crouching behind bushes and trees drawing closer to Zero. Not sure if he was armed or what he had to becareful wounded or not.

Rustling behind him allerted Lelouch to the fact that he was no longer alone. He knew who it was, who else could it be? There was no rustling of skirts so it couldn't be Euphemia and, had the other person been Kallen, there would be no hesitation to approach her beloved leader. That only left one person, Suzaku. His emotions were in complete and utter turmoil. What exactly could he do in this situation? He was wounded; he wasn't sure how badly but he knew for a fine fact he would be unable to protect himself. He wouldn't even be able to lift a hand to stop the Honorary Britannian from removing his helmet. Still...Suzaku was an honourable person by nature. Lelouch knew that he could take advantage of that.

"Going to kill me now that I can't defend myself?" he called, making his voice as clear as possible behind his helmet, glad for the voice distorting qualities it provided. This close, or as close as he guessed Suzaku was, he was sure that the other would recognise his voice if given half a chance. lelouch was determined not to allow him that. "Or perhaps now's the chance you've been looking for, the perfec toppertunity to unmask Zero when he's so injured he can't even put up a fight. Very noble of you, Sir Kururugi, White Knight of Euphemia Li Britannia. I'm sure that the Emporer will find your actions most honourable indeed." He put as much venom as he could behind the title of his sire, the hatred he felt for teh man overwhelming, even now, trapped on an island and in danger of being exposed.

'He is right...it wouldn't be very honourable to kill him while he was defendless,' Suzaku thinks to himself. He comes out from the bushes just to look around to see if anyone else was here. But it looks like it was just him and Zero. He could hear the man's voice but he still never could put it together that it was Lelouch. No matter how much he didn't agree with his actions toward the empire. At lease there was one thing him and Zero had in common was change. He felt like this ever since he was little with Lelouch. And after what happen to Japan which was now was Area 11 the place where he was born. He knew many didn't agree having a 11 an Honorary Britannian but he didn't care what he thought. He fought his way to where he was today only to change things back where they was.

"I would but then I don't think I would enjoy the honor of it." says calmy. Hearing Zero's voice it was very bitter toward the emporer. Of course he couldn't blame him he didn't like the emporer much cause way things are. He looks at Zero and notice he was very much wounded he couldn't let the male die here without being brought to justice. "Beside right now you are wounded and it would be wrong to do anything to you. Its not the type of person I am." moving over closer towards him. "Plus I have to bring you to justice. So finding out who you are..is not that important to me yet until we find away back." He sighs deeply looking around alittle bit. Before looking back over to Zero. "So you just might as well let me look at your wounds."

Behind his mask Lelouch's eyes narrowed in suspecion. Was Suzaku telling the truth? He wished that he could see the other's face, could look into those jade eyes he had grown to know so well over the years. He grittedn his teeth against the pain before forcing himself to roll over onto the oposite side to face Suzaku properly. His back felt like it was being torn appart and he hissed like an injured cat at the sharp needles of pain taht seemed to be burrying themselves deeper into his spine. He was so weak...it really was pathetic but he couldn't concentrate on that now. He tilted his head and looked at Suzaku through the blue tint of the mask. The eyes seemed darker but.....Suzaku was telling the truth. His taunts had worked. Suzaku would not dishonour himself by killing or unmasking Zero now and for that Lelouch was grateful. Honour...such a silly thing if you thought about it but it was easy to manipulate and thus easy to predict.

"Very well," he said. He lifted his arm that wasn't aching and pointed to his back as best he could. "I believe the most serious injury is in my back. If you remove my cloak I am quite sure you will find blood. There is also a pain in my wrist and leg although I doubt they are as serious." With a deep breath he reached up with his good hand and unfastened the cloak, letting it fall away, leaving him in the suit and mask. He forced himself to roll over again, this time so he was on his stomach so Suzaku could get a good look at his back. It felt.....wrong to be in such a vulnerable position but it could not be helped. He was no use to anyone in this condition, least of all himself, and he needed Suzaku to treat his wounds and this would give the knightmare pilot the best possible access.

Suzaku sighs deeply alittle this was going to be hard. If they was going to make it they would have to trust each other. Even if for alittle while. He moves over and bents down next to him. Right away he did notice there was blood hoping it wasn't as serious as Zero thought. "Well if you want me to bandage it..you would need to remove that suit." says. Lucky he had another shirt under his jacket so it would make a easy bandage. Suzaku takes off his jacket and place it down then removes his shirt then begans to tear it up.

Of course he had a wound on his arm but it wasn't that bad. "Just lucky you are alive. I hope the others would be ok to..but then again its lucky anyone survived." Waiting for Zero remove his suit. "Sometimes I don't understand you, Zero. You put so many people infront you like a pawns in an chess game. Like you don't even care about what happens to them." sighs deeply. He brushes some of his hair out of his face while he would bandages up his arm.

"Unfortunately Kururugi I don't tink I'll be able to undress by myself." It was killing him to admit to such weakness. If he had been himself, his other self, Lelouch, he wouldn't have thought twice abotu it. Suzaku was his friend, his best friend, and he knew the other would help him in a heartbest. He wasn't Lelouch at the moment though. he was Zero, enemy of ritannia, a masked terrorist whose sole goal was to destroy the empire.

He wouldn't let the other do all the work however. He sighed before pushing himself up, first on his elbows and knees, wincing at the change in position before tucking his legs underneath his body and giving as strong a push as he could manage. He reached out and grabbed Suzaku's shoulder out of pure reflex to steady himself as he gasped for air. He shifted his legs again and now he was sitting on the beach with a death grip on Suzaku's nearset arm. He was thankful for the mask for another reason as his cheeks were stained crimson with embarrassment. He let go of the other male quickly, glad that the Japanese pilot could not see his expression.

"I would not expect you to understand my motives," he told Suzaku. "Only know this. A great wrong was comitted against me and those taht I held close, a wrong comitted by Britannia. Their reign of tirany must come to an end sooner or later and it will be by my hand. what is it that the emporer likes to say? The strong will devour the weak? Well I am stronger and I will crush Britannia, will remake it." for Nunally... He added that last part silently in his mind, not saying it aloud for obvious reasons. It would be a dead givaway to the other exactly who he was. "And as for treating people like pawns on a chess board.....this is what it is Suzaku Kururugi. This..." he gestured around him as best he could. "It is a game of war! Compassion has no place in warfare. It makes you weak, it gets you and others killed."

Sighs deeply listening to Zero "Well..don..." before he could finish Zero was already sitting up. But he could tell the other was struggling to sit up and would be surpise Zero grabbed onto him to keep him from falling. He slightly blushes alittle not sure why thought. It was strange something about Zero reminded him of someone. But he was far different than Lelouch..there was no way Lelouch was Zero..right?

Suzaku holds onto Zero while he slightly did help Zero push down the first part of his suit. He wasn't about to let him taking it completely off who knows if the man had anything under it. "Just take it easy..." Suzaku is always a kind hearted man so it was hard to do so. The empire is very twisted and messed up in the inside. And unlike Zero he was doing everything he can to change it from the inside out. But Zero wanted to destory everything for a reason he did not know. There was some things he didn't know what drives Zero to this maddness.

Remebering the day that Zero had saved him when he was accused of killing Prince Clovis. Zero did offered the japanesse born man to join but he did refused. Only because he wanted to change the empire from the inside. Suzaku moves around behind Zero and grabs the torn up cloth. He begans to clean up the wounds, "This is going to hurt alittle..." warning while he tends to Zero's wound making sure it wasn't that bad. For a soldier, Suzaku had really soft hands while he touches Zero's skin when he was cleaning up the wound. The Lancelot pilot wraps the torn up shirt around Zero's body covering the wound up while putting pressure to it. He make sure it look as good as he thought. It was hard since he didn't have the right stuff so it was the best he could do. "Well it will be find but it needs better treatment.." looking at him.

Lelouch snorted softly at the other's comment. "I doubt any better treatment will be found within a ten mile radius so it'll do." He paused for a moment, considdering what he should say before he finally decided that he did ow the other a 'thank you' at the very least. "I am grateful to you for this, Suzaku Kururugi, thank you." He did not want to think about the way the other's hands were running over his skin, the softness of them as they carefully bandaged him and took care of the wound. Yes, the mask was definitely a good thing. How would he be able to look at Suzaku after this as himself and not Zero? Suzaku had never touched him in such a way and even though it was for a medical reason Lelouch couldn't stop his thought prosesses as they imagined the other doing more. He mentally shook himself of such things and sighed in relief as the pain seemed to ease.

"I supose our next course of action should be finding shelter for the night." It was true. He wasn't sure how long he had been unconscious but the sun was beginning to set over teh horrizon which meant taht it wouldn't be long before night closed in. The sky was already beginning to change colour from deep blue to dusty orange and it wouldn't be long until taht turned to midnight black. "Have you seen any man made structures or caves which could be used temporarily?"

Suzaku helps Zero slide the upper part of his suit. He then grabs his and puts it back on but it was hot so he did leave it undone. "Welcome..." says not sure what to say. It wasn't everyday his enemy thanked him or anything but then again nothing like this would happen. Hoping he and Zero would find away back then what would happen next. Clearly Suzaku would have to arrest Zero and take him in for his crimes once the return. And also finding the princess and Kallen so she could be arrest too. He still couldn't believe Kallen was apart of this too.

"Yea I saw a cave not that far..we can spend the night here." stands up. He brushes himself off looking around remembering which way the cave was. Of course he would have to carry Zero since he was in no way to walk. Plus that wound might reopen if the masked man was moved the wrong way. Suzaku grabs Zero's cloak before he moves over helping Zero gently to his feet. "We best get moving before it turns dark." and with that he helps Zero in the direction towards the cave. Suzaku didn't mind since he was used to this kinda of weight on him so to him Zero felt light.

Lelouch leaned heavily against Suzaku as they walked. He was determined to manage the distance by himself and so far he was doing better than he expected although his leg wasn't very happy with him at the moment. He thought it was probably a sprain and he felt very undignified, hobbling alongside Suzaku who was so strong and confident in his movements. He frowned behind his mask as a rock nearly sent him flying but he managed to right himself. In retrospect it would've been easier to have Suzaku carry him but he refused to ask the other for that. The Knightmare pilot had already done far more than Lelouch had expected him to do and he wouldn't push it unless he absolutely had to. Once again he cursed himself for his body's weakness.

The cave was in sight after what seemed like an eternity but what must have been only a few minutes at the most. He sighed as he reached out adn leaned against the stone wall, breaking away from uzaku's hold and using the wall instead. He moved further into the cave, about forty feet he guessed roughly, before all but colapsing against the rough stone surface, grimacing as an awkwardly placed rock dug into his back. He carefully lowered himself the rest of the way to the ground and pulled his cloak about him like a blanket. He looked up at Suzaku, wishing despite himself that he could remove his mask to take in some fresh air but he knew that was impossible. He contented himself with staring at the Japanese pilot. He wondered if Suzaku was willing to gather some fiewood. The cloak was not exactly built for warmth after all and the other was bound to get cold but he didn't ask, not willing to show the other that weakness either.

Suzaku made sure Zero was put down easily. It was hard but maybe with alittle rest hoping Zero would be ok tomarrow. But right now they had to do what they could to manage until then. "Alright I'm going to go find some wood... I'm not going to go that far just enought to find some wood." says. He looks around the cave hoping there was nothing here like if there was a bear or something. Who knows what kind of animals was on this island. He turn and leaves the cave only for a while. Until he was able to find enought dry wood. Suzaku searches around also if there was any signs of the others. But they clear was seperated from each other and not sure how big the island was. But he did manage finding some fresh water. Zero needed water cause not sure how much blood he had lost. So he found some stuff to make a water basket to carry the water.

Suzaku finally returns to the cave and bents down "I found good wood and also got some fresh water..so at lease we can drink water..food is another problem thought but I'm sure we probbly manage until tomarrow.." He place them neatly in an pail before he starts the fire..or trys to. It would be easily if he had a lighter but hitting two rocks together work. He bents over close to the fire and blows on it so it could start more before putting more wood on it. Looking up at Zero "Why don't you take that hemlet off...You always hide behind that mask..plus I think I would find it kinda suffocate." yawns alittle he was abit tired. He sits on the opposide side of Zero near the fireplace.

When Suzaku left to get firewood Lelouch took his chance. When he was sure the other was far enough away he reached up and removed it, taking in large gasps of air as the blue faceplate and black cloth were removed. Now that he could breathe properly he could taste taht the air was fresh and clear, nothing like in the Tokyo settlement. It was refreshing and unbelievably nice to experience. He'd fergotten what non-poluted air tasted like, how much lighter it was, now much easier it was to simply breathe, to relax. He closed his eyes and savoured the moment until he heard footsteps. He hurriedly put the mask back on, not bothering to pull up the black cloth underneath so he could breathe just that little bit easier.

"I hide behind my mask, as you put it, because if I did not there are certain parties that would be targeted by Britannia, parties that I would not wish harmed." His answer was simple and truthful although it gave no identifying details. Beccause he had referred to the person, or people, he was protecting as 'parties' Suzaku would know nothing about exactly what relation they were to him, in this case he wouldn't know taht Zero, the terrorist, the enemy of Britannia, ahd a crippled sister that could be used as a pawn against him. If Britannia ever found out who Zero was and the fact that their lost prince and princess were still alive.....Nunally would be devoured by the harpies of the court, would be pushed and pulled without any thought to her well being. It disgusted him to think about it. He looked at the fire before shifting, lying on his side with his back to the wall for support. It wasn't comfortable by any stretch of the word but at least now with teh fire he was somewhat warm. He could have moved closer but he preferred to staY WHERE HE WAS, PUTTING SOME DISTANCE BETWEEN HIMSELF AND sUZAKU.

Suzaku listens to Zero talk about theses 'parties' he wasn't sure what he mean by that. So he didn't ask even thought he wanted to. He looks down at the fire while he folds his legs to his chest and watches the flames. Tossing a few more wood in the fire before he lays back. He was used sleeping on a hard ground. His cell wasn't that comfortable either. "Just get some sleep..." says looking over at Zero. He would rolls over on his side and yawns alittle as he closes his eyes. He was tired so it didn't take him long to fall asleep.

Suzaku did want peace so that way Lelouch and Nunally would finally live in peace. It was strange there was only a few that knew the truth about the lost prince and princess. So he was lucky enought Lelouch had trusted him of their secret. Only if the empire knew they was alive they would be played at pawns again.

Lelouch refrained from commenting that he was already preparing to do taht, knowing the barbe would sound far too much like himself, Lelouch Lamperouge/Vi Britannia and not enough like the dignified Zero of the Black Knights so he kept quiet, watching the flames tinted blue as his eyes slowly began to drift shut. Sleep did not come easy by any means but he was sure that eventually the energy he had used earlier in the day would catch up with him and he would have no choice but to succumb to exhaustion. As he drifted in a light doze for several hours he could not help his mind wandering to several places he had not allowed it to venture in a long time, wondering what life would be like if he had stayed in Britannia with Nunally after the murder of his mother, if things would be better or worse. No. They would be worse. Britannia always made things worse even if they didn't realise it. Suzaku thought he could change Britannia from within, could make it better. Lelouch knew better. There was no way to make Britannia better. All you could do was atempt to control the corruption and that was impossible unless you, yourself endulged in a little unofficial means here or there to maintain order. It was all a power play and he was a master.

Finally his body decided taht it had had enough and he was able to drift into a relatively quiet sleep for the most part although interupted sometimes by living shadows with hate filled eyes looming over him, the voice of Charles Zi Britannia echoing in his mind.

Suzaku woke up about two or three hours later after Zero finally fallen asleep. Stretching alittle he yawns alittle bit rubbing his eyes while looking around the cave for an moment. He sighs deeply looking over seeing the fire was dieing so he quickly starts it back up. From the way the moon was it seems to be midnight. The brunette sits back down and looks over at Zero. He was praticely studing him then remembering what he had said. There was so many things that seem to be familer. He knew Lelouch hated the empire and most importartly his father. After what happen to his mother Suzaku couldn't blame him.

It was an long time in his thoughs before he finally relieze something. "No way...." mumbles to himself. It was to hard to be true....Zero was Lelouch. No matter how hard he would try denied it. Which means Lelouch is the one that killed his brother and wants to take revenge on the whole Britannia royal family. All because what happen to him and also Japan when they was kids. There was so many mix feelings Suzaku was feeling about this. Lelouch is his best friend and also he did have a crush on the man now. Suzaku stands up he needed some fresh hair and walks out of the cave for an abit letting the other rest.

ThThe sound of footsteps woke Lelouch from his sleep. He would have sat bolt upright but his back was still too sore to allow him that luxury so he settled for tilting his head in Suzaku's direction. He saw the brunette walking from the cave but made no atempt to call him back or to ask where he went, thinking it would be better to let the other think he was still asleep. His gaze returned to the flickering flames and he wondered for perhaps the thousandth time exactly why Suzaku had chosen to decline his offer of joining the black Knights. Why couldn't the Japanese male have just done what he'd wanted and come over to their side. He hated having to fight against his best friend. Why couldn't Suzaku have listened to him. He would have shared his secret, allowed Suzaku to see him, to see that it was Lelouch under the mask but that was imossible now.

He allowed himself to think about things would have been like if he had managed to recruit Suzaku. Vissions of Suzaku standing by Nunally in a knight's uniform, protecting her as he had done when they were children together. Suzaku would have been Nunally's perfect knight but instead he was Euphemia's little pet. Euphemia and Nunally shared many characteristics, both having kind hearts but Nunally needed far more protection than his older, pink haired sister. She needed Suzaku. Lelouch needed Suzaku. As much as he hated to admit it he needed the Japanese pilot by his side, needed the calming effect Suzaku had on him, needed him to balance out his decisions, assure him he was doing the right thing or to point out flaws that he himself did not see.

"Why Suzaku?" he murmured to the darkness. "Why couldn't you have done what I asked? Why couldn't you have joined me?"

What is he supposed to do now? How can he go in there and confront Zero...really Lelouch? After everything that has happen. Yes he was greatful on that day and he did somehow knew the empire was just mainly used him so they could destory Zero and the black knights. But he don't know if he could go back how things was. And who would pilot the Lancelot. There would be no way that someone would be able to match his performance in the Lancelot. Of course he begans to think if he did make the right decison and refused Zero's offer.

Leaning against a rock he stares up at the full moon. Lost in his thoughts he begans to think if he did take Zero's offer and how things would have gone. Suzaku rubs his head alittle to much thinking was starting to hurt his head or maybe he was still tired. Suzaku decide to go back to the cave and pushes himself off the rock. Walking slowly into the cave not sure if he was wake or sleep before he leans against the wall of the cave. He figures he was wake "Tell me the truth... you are Lelouch aren't you?" says his voice almost sound emotionless. Cause it was hard to tell what Suzaku was feeling right now.

Lelouch allows his body to relax slightly as Suzaku reenters the cave. He always felt safer with the other male around. Suzaku was so much stronger than him (really not a hard feet if he was perfectly honest with himself) but he tensed up immediately upon hearing the other's words. How had he.....

He had been careful, meticulous in his movements and speech. How had Suzaku figured out that it was him. There seemed no point in denying it; if he did there was a chance that the other would lunge at him and tear his mask off so what choice did he really have? Slowly, part because of his injury and part to show that he wasn't going to make any sudden movements, Lelouch rose to a sitting position. He reached up slowly and released the catch at the back of the mask. It folded in at the back and he carefully removed it,revealing his face to the Japanese knightmare for the first time since donning the mask. He wasn't sure if he should meet Suzaku's gaze or look down but hsi pride would not allow him to submit so easily so he stared into Suzaku's emerald depths, his own amathyst remaining steady despite his nerves.

"How did you know?" he murmured. His voice was somehow softer without the mask, the distortion had also boosted his voice but now that it was just him and no fancy equipment his voice seemed almost weak and he cursed himself for it but didn't repeat himself, taking it as a sign of weakness in his own mind even if Suzaku did not.

His body tense up when he watches Lelouch removing him mask. He felt like he was going to pass out mostly because he was holding his breath. Watching the mask be taking away from his head as he takesa deep breath. He closes his eyes and looks down abit before he looks back up at Lelouch. Part of him wanted to go over there and punch the hell out of Lelouch but he did kinda understand why Lelouch did this. He looks around abit trying to gather his thoughts before speaking.

"It was just the little things. Most important one thing that came to mind is when you talked about theses 'parties'. And you and I both know you do have hatred towards the empire. After what happen to your mother and to Nunally." closes his eyes leaning back against the wall. "At first I didn't want to believe it. I mean there was no way you could be Zero. But it is true." opens his eyes looking back over at Lelouch. Suzaku pushes himself off the wall of the cave. Walking over and sat down almost close to Lelouch. Suzaku running his hand thought his hair abit. "So I just put it together..even if they was small things."

"You always were more observant than I gave you cred it for..." Lelouch commented as Suzaku came and sat beside him. It was strange. He was at once reliefed that Suzaku knew his secret, that someone else knew besides C.C. but there was worry beneath the relief. Suzaku was a member of the Britannian millitary and so was bound to take him in and Suzaku was bound by his honour above almost everything else. He closed his eyes, weary, before leaning against Suzaku, finding the other's shoulder more comfortable than the wall he had previously been leaning on.

"I supose that, in a way, I'm glad you know," he murmured. It felt good to have his helmet off, to take in the air without being constantly on guard for Suzaku's presense. "If you had accepted my offer I would have taken my mask off there and then for you to see but I didn't want to use our friendship like that. It would have been.....wrong." There were other reasons of course but he would keep them to himself. He pulled the discarded cloak about him again, using it as a blanket as the night was chilly and they were a little bit away from the fire. He glanced at Suzaku out of the corner of his eye before handing him half of the cloak. The shape wasn't idea but they could make due with what they had until they found a way off of this island. Speaking of.....

"Is there any sign of anyone else?" he asked, glancing at Suzaku fully this time.

Suzaku chuckles lightly "It comes with the training." now he wasn't sure what he should do. Yea he knew Lelouch was Zero and he had every right to take him in. But despite his honour and his loyality to the Britannian millitary, he don't think he could do that to his best friend. Felt Lelouch leaning against him he didn't mind. It was sure much better than leaning on a hard wall of the cave. Crossing his legs over one another.He sighs deeply alittle rubbin the back of his neck. Suzaku looking over at Lelouch it still felt strange having his best friend to be Zero. But he couldn't let anyone know that he was cause they always had looked after each other when they was little.

"Yea..so..does Kallen know you are Zero?" saying. Figuring none of the Black Knights knew that their leader was a student or even the lost prince. But then no one at the academy knew about Lelouch and Nunally being a prince and princess except for the academy president. Since they was living on the academy grounds. "Beside even if I wanted to..there was no way I couldn't...not even in the postion I am in. After all who would pilot Lancelot...no one in the whole millitary could match my skills in the knightmare frame." Takes the part that Lelouch offer of his cloak and wraps it around himself.

He looks out toward the enterance of the cave before he shakes his head "If you mean if I saw Kallen or Euphemia. I haven't they probly are on the other side of the island. But then I thought I heard some sound toward the north of the island. So I figure I would head up there..thats when I ran into you." looking back over at Lelouch. He would stare at him abit before he slightly blush as he couldn't help but to think when he was bandaged him up. The touch of Lelouch's skin under his finger tips. "Uhh..so how is you back? Still hurting?"

"My back is better than it was although it will take a few days to heal I expect," Lelouch replied. Suzaku's words had spread through him like a relaxing wave and he allowed himself to slump just that little bit more against the other as he closed his eyes. Suzaku wasn't going to tell the Britannians who he was. He was safe.

"Kallen doesn't know and I'd prefer to keep it taht way until absolutely necessary. If it comes to it I'll reveal my identity but I plan on that never happening. Zero is a symbol, a faceless representation of what we are striving to achieve and I will not put a face to that name. As for piloting the lancelot.....you could always bring it with you, defect publically. Either that or remain inside Britannia and act as our agent. You wouldn't have to fight Britannia but...if you were subtle, I know it isn't your strong point, but if you were careful none would be the wiser. You could help change Britannia from the inside like you wished but...in a different way." He was careful to keep his tone calm, coaxing. Leaping to his feet (even if it ere possible) and chattering excitedly to Suzaku wouldn't do any good; he was sure of that. No, more subtle means were needed to persuade the Japanese pilot to convert to their side.

Lelouch was not blind. He had caught the few looks that Suzaku had given him when he thought Lelouch wans't looking, the way Suzaku had reacted to having to touch his bare skin. He pressed himself just that little bit closer to the other, making it as natural as possible and almost snuggling against him, resting his head in the crook of Suzaku's neck and shoulder. He hadn't done this since he'd first come to Japan, when nightmares of finding his mother dead and his sister blind and helpless terrorized him from dusk til dawn. He had needed comforta and had gone to Suzaku, clinbing in beside the other and seeking the comfort that a warm body brought. They were only children then and there had been nothing to the sharing of a bed besides comfort and support but Lelouch hoped that Suzaku still remembered those nights as it would aid him in what he was about to do.

"Well you can trust me...your secret is safe. After all you trusted me with you and Nunally's other secret." smiles lightly. It did feel nice as this was a familer feeling one from their childhood. There had been many of nights Lelouch slipped into his bed after having nightmares and such. And Suzaku was always there comforting him in those times. Before war broke out between Japan and Britannia. Things for them had change on that time and their sepration probby did surpised them both until that day they finally met again. Thats was before he became an honorary britannian when he joined the millitary only atone his sins that not even Lelouch knew about.

He thinks about it for an moment "I could but I don't think Lloyd would like that. After all he is the one that created the designs of the Lancelot." rests his head on Lelouch's head. He still blushing alittle feeling Lelouch's warm breath on his neck. He slightly wrap an arm but not to tightly around Lelouch's waist. As he didn't want to make his back hurt anymore than it was even thought he said there was no pain. "But we will see..there is a good chance I could talked into Lloyd and others who take care of the Lancelot to defect. Since they pay us differently than the main units. And sometimes do treat us like crap. But it will have to take time...after all we are in a different unit unlike the others." Wow it was strange Suzaku was really thinking about doing this. He always had that feeling that Britannia would just using him.

Lelouch smirked internally as he felt Suzaku carefully wrap an arm around him. He nuzzled a little closer, his body completely limp in Suzaku's grasp. It felt good, he wouldn't deny that, but it served another purpose. Suzaku was seriously thinking about defecting. He had to tread carefully here, not wanting to ruin it, not wanting the chance to have his best friend by his side slip through his fingers like it had the last time he tried to recruit the Japanese pilot.

"Lloyd would be in good hands," Lelouch promised. "And I'm sure he would find a challenge in our own mechanic, Rakshada. She designed the Guren, the red Knightmare that you were fighting and she hasn't finished yet." If he could talk to this scientist in person, as Zero of course, he was quite sure taht he would be able to bribe him. From what Suzaku was saying Lelouch theorised taht Lloyd had no real loyalty to Britannia but they provided him with the funding so he could experiment, could work on his precious machines. That was half the reason Rakshada was with him so he knew he could work with that. He wondered what the two of them working together would be able to create. It was, at the same time, frightening and exciting.


((Didn't Lelouch already know about Suzaku killing his father at this point because of Mao? That was what Suzaku wanted to atone for right? And do we still want Suzaku to become a knight of the rounds so he can meet Gino adn Anya?))