A/N: i apologize for the long wait! this chapter was a bit difficult to write until near the end! O.O

IMPORTANT NOTE: the last time i uploaded a new chapter it was a note, about a month later i replaced the note with the actual chapter. i don't think FFN will notify you when that happens so if you haven't read that chapter please know it's there!

IMPORTANT NOTE 2: there is a scene in this chapter from the Code Geass Stage 0 light novel. it's rewritten in my own words and style except for the dialogue. the dialogue is taken both from the actual novel and a more accurate fan translation. to be more precise i asked Raintranslated (on tumblr) about the scene and they explained it in more detail to me! there are a few things in that scene that get lost in translation, one thing in particular that's super important as well!

thank you for coming back and i hope you enjoy! also, this chapter is sadly not proofread so i apologize in advance for any grammar/spelling errors. And a most definitely BIG THANK YOU TO RAINTRANSLATED! (Go check them out! they're currently translating a ton of CG stuff!)

Cognitive Suzaku continued to talk with the purple haired lady by the feet of the Lancelot while Lelouch sat at the edge of the catwalk trying to wrap his head around what he was seeing and hearing.

"Is… there something wrong with him having a Cognition of himself?" Lelouch asked, never taking his eyes off of the Suzaku below them.

"Yes. It's not normal." C.C. said sternly. "It's not uncommon for the Palace Ruler to have cognitions of people they know. In fact that's the norm… but having a cognition of yourself? That's," she paused, "Lelouch, it isn't right." Her voice became laced with worry.

Lelouch finally turned to look at C.C.. her face adorned by a worried frown she reached over to Lelouch and griped his arm.

Nether of them noticed the soft thumbing sounds coming from the Lancelot.

"I think something-" she started but was cut off by someone else.

"Lelouch?" Suzaku's voice, surprised and filled with worry, caused the two teens to whip their heads back towards the Lancelot.

There standing by the cockpit, ready to jump into it, was Cognitive Suzaku.

"What… What are you doing he…re?" Cognitive Suzaku's surprised worry slowly turned into confusion before realization seemed to dawn on him. He stared hard at Lelouch, scrutinizing his friend. "Wait… you're… not my Lelouch." His realization then turned into betrayed fury, sending a cold chill up the Britannian's spine. "You're the real Lelouch! Why are you here?!" he demanded as Lelouch felt something grip his heart at the cold, hard look in the cognition's eyes.

"Crap!" C.C. grabbed Lelouch's arm with her free hand and ran, dragging him to his feet and out the door.

"WAIT!" Cognitive Suzaku shouted and the sound of him landing on the catwalk reached Lelouch's ears.

"We can't run. We have to hide!" Lelouch warned C.C. as he pulled her around a corner and into open office. "He'll catch us!" they rushed behind a large desk and curled up just as Cognitive Suzaku entered the hall.

"Lelouch! Where are you?!" The Cognition's voice echoed throughout the hallway, as did the sound of numerous footsteps.

"Suzaku-dono, what's wrong?" a male voice asked.

"There are intruders in the base! Find them but do not harm them!" Cognitive Suzaku ordered. "Bring them straight to me!"

"Yes, sir!" a choir of voices acknowledged before the sound of retreating steps slowly faded.

"I know you can hear me, Lelouch!" Cognitive Suzaku spoke loudly. "You don't have the ability to outrun a child, let alone me."

Lelouch's eye twitched in anger and C.C. held back a laugh, despite the situation and danger they were in.

"Why are you here, Lelouch? Didn't I ask you to keep me updated on what you found?" Lelouch inwardly flinched, guilt beginning to chip away at him. "How could you go somewhere dangerous without me? How could you come here, to my base? Don't you trust me?" Cognitive Suzaku's voice was pained, as if he was on the verge of tears. "Why would you do this to me?!"

Cognitive Suzaku's voice cracked before he fell silent, waiting for Lelouch's reply.

Lelouch bit his lip as he searched for a way out, his mind going a mile a minute.

Did he answer? Or remain silent?

If he answered he could gain more information.

But he would probably get caught if he did.

"Lelouch!" Cognitive Suzaku called out again and Lelouch…

Lelouch stayed quite.

"...Fine." Cognitive Suzaku voice quivered. "We'll have plenty of time to chat once you're caught. Go ahead and try to escape me."

The sound of the Cognition's footsteps leaving slowly echoed into silence, as did the sound of opening and closing doors.

Once all was silent C.C. and Lelouch peaked over the desk. Seeing and hearing no one, Lelouch carefully walked over to the door and peaked out.

The hallway was empty.

Lelouch made his way back to the desk and once again looked around the room. His eyes landed on the window. Moving over to it he checked the frame for any security wires.

Finding none, he opened the window by sliding it over.

"C.C.," he turned and whispered, "Did you manage to bri-"

C.C. lifted up the small box with the saw and blades, a pound smirk on her face.

"Perfect." Lelouch reached out and grabbed one of the iron bars. "We'll have to move quickly but do you think you can cut out one or two of these bars?"

"Sure but the noise might attract attention." She gave the blades in the box a scrutinizing look.

"That's why I said we need to move fast." Lelouch repeated as he went back over to the door and closed and locked it. "Let me have the rope." He reached out for it when he returned to the window.

C.C. one-handedly handed him the rope and he sat down on the floor and began tying knots in it at certain intervals.

"Oh!" C.C. exclaimed as she realized what Lelouch's plan was. Quickly, she sat the box down and picked out a, hopefully, appropriate saw blade.

"I was hoping to do this closer to the safe room but I don't think we'll be able to get back there quickly enough." Lelouch talked as he worked.

"That's true." C.C. turned towards the window. "You better have that ready by the time this is cut out." She turned on the saw and began to cut away at the iron bar.

The sound was loud and hot sparks flew everywhere but it wasn't nearly as loud as ether of the two had feared.

C.C. made surprisingly quick work of the first bar but took a moment to stop and listen for the sounds of pursuers. Hearing nothing she quickly returned to the next bar. She needed to cut through at least three for there to be enough room for them to fit through.

Within a tense atmosphere, Lelouch continued knotting the rope and, with nimble fingers, had finished by the time C.C. began sawing away at the last bit of bar.

Setting the rope by C.C. he made his way back to the door and leaned his ear against it. The sound of the saw was loud but it didn't seem like it would be loud enough to travel through the door, however…

It wouldn't hurt for him to be cautious.

Hearing nothing Lelouch returned to C.C.'s side as she finally finished cutting threw the last bar. Tossing the bar to the side, she turned off the saw and Lelouch quickly took the rope and tied it to one of the remaining bars.

Silence stretched on as both teens kept an eye and ear on the door. C.C. took the rope from Lelouch and gave it a good tug before tossing it out of the window. Lelouch let out a small groan as he climbed out the window and down the rope.

His arms immediately screaming at him for daring to try and hold up his own weight.

Doing his best to ignore the pain, he climbed down the rope, pausing once to curse himself for not making the knots bigger. As soon as he was only a few feet from the ground he simply let go and managed to land with a stumble.

"You okay?" C.C. asked as she set foot on the ground next to him.

"Fine." He grumbled and then beckoned her to fallow him. Since Camelot's mobile base was in the park there was no need to look for an exit, they simply walked away from the palace until the familiar sinking feeling hit them and the world rippled around them.

Turning around Lelouch saw the Lancelot outside of the base. It was standing up straight and tall while its crew moved about its feet. A small table had been set up not to far from it and had at least five laptops upon it, each with someone typing away at it.

Standing in front of the KMF was the lavender-haired man who was speaking into a cell phone. He seemed to be giving instructions to the Lancelot because every time he spoke into his phone the KMF moved.

"Are… they testing it?" C.C. asked.

"Possibly." Lelouch answered with a frown. "It is the latest model."

"But why the park?" She mused and crossed her arms in thought.

"C.C.?" Lelouch asked as he watched the Lancelot move its arms back and forth. "If Suzaku's Cognition of himself was the Lancelot's pilot… what are the chances… that…" He trailed off as the Lancelot began twisting its torso.

"…" C.C. was quiet for a moment. "I'd say the chances are pretty good."

"But Honorary Britannians aren't allowed to pilot Knightmare frames!" He hissed and clenched his fists.

"I know but… if Suzaku is talented enough then there's a good chance he got lucky. The right person seeing the right thing at the right time." she placed a hand on the other's shoulder in comfort. "Come one, let's head home. His Palace is more alert now. We can't do anything else for today."

Lelouch bit his lip but let out a shuddering breath and forcibly relaxed his body, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly.

"Right." He turned around, his neutral expression hiding his worry.

-o-o-o-o-o-

As Lelouch and C.C. were walking away the Lancelot began moving in a circle, pausing only once it was facing their direction.

"Why'd you stop? Is everything okay?" the Lavender haired man spoke into his cell phone.

"Ah… sorry. Everything's… fine." A voice replied back and the Lancelot began moving once more.

-o-o-o-o-o-

By the time Lelouch and C.C. had returned home afternoon classes had ended and afterschool clubs had started. Lelouch walked towards the student council clubhouse, a bored expression hiding his frustration and worries.

He had learned a lot in Suzaku's Palace but it wasn't nearly enough because, ultimately, his time had been cut short since they'd been spotted.

Spotted because of his own carelessness and…

And… Spotted by something that, according to C.C., shouldn't exist.

And that's what worried him. If people aren't supposed to have Cognitions of themselves… what did that say about Suzaku?

Lelouch wondered if perhaps the changes to Suzaku's personality had anything to do with it. When they had first met Suzaku was rude, arrogant, bratty, and violent. Very, very violent.

He was a 'punch first, talk never' kind of child and infamous with everyone for his volatile temper and penchant for getting into fights.

But now?

Now He was… softer, kinder, patient, even solemn.

As Lelouch mulled it over in his head, old memories from when they were children began trickling back to him. Memories of when Suzaku had changed, from when he first began to be kinder, gentler… less violent.

But all those change began that night… a night tucked deep within Lelouch's memory. A memory from seven years ago…

From right before the war started.

-o-o-o-o-o-

Suzaku was standing there in the cold, dark rain.

Alone, silent, and still.

Almost as if the darkness itself was trying to swallow him up.

Lelouch ran to him, ignoring the rain, ignoring the pain in his legs, ignoring how short of breath he was. He just ran and ran until he was standing in front of Suzaku.

"Suzaku," the black-haired boy gasped, "you're finally here." Lelouch looked towards his friend but couldn't see his eyes. The rain soaked hair and the angle of the Japanese boy's head hid them from the other. "What happened?"

"…Lelouch." Suzaku interrupted. "Where's Nunnally?" the boy's voice was devoid of emotion and colder then the rain surrounding them.

"Oh." Lelouch startled slightly. "She just came back." He answered. "She's inside."

"I see…" Suzaku continued, his voice still holding no emotion. "And you're awake now…" he stated the obvious, the coldness of his voice sending a shiver down Lelouch's spine.

"Just now. Anyway," Lelouch confirmed and tried to change the topic, "what happened? Considering the situation, even you…"

Lelouch was cut off as Suzaku's hans reached out and gripped his shirt. Lelouch could feel it against his chest…

His friend's hand was cold and trembling.

"It's okay." Suzaku said. "It's over. Everything is over…"

"Suzaku?" Lelouch's voice trembled, surprised that Suzaku was holding onto him but it didn't last long as Suzaku's legs gave out from under him and he fell to his knees.

But he hadn't let go. He still held onto Lelouch's shirt.

"Suzaku?" Lelouch called out. "Hey, Let go." He touched Suzaku's hand, as if to pull it off… but didn't. "Actually, can you explain what happened?" the young boy asked, still trying to figure out what was happing, what he couldn't remember.

"Lelouch. Ore…" Suzaku stammered in Japanese as his tears began to flow.

The dark, cold rain seemed to grow louder and darker, as if it was trying to devour them.

"Ore… Iie." Suzaku's voice was still cold, still emotionless.

"…?" Lelouch listened as something began to gnaw at his heart.

"Boku…" Suzaku spat the word out, sounding as if he was ripping out his own heart… Sounding as if he was seeking comfort… a comfort he would never find…

"…?!" Lelouch's eyes widened with a small gasp as the trembling in Suzaku's freezing cold hands became worse.

"Boku-" He started before remembering to switch back to English, "I'm not… gonna use my strength for my own sake again…" The Japanese boy cried, his tears melting into the cold rain.

"Suzaku?" Lelouch asked, unsure of what to say.

"Not again… No matter what." Suzaku trembled as the darkness around them grew. "I just… can't, Lelouch…" His crying turned into sobs.

They stayed like that as the rain grew colder, darker, stronger.

And as the dark rain consumed Suzaku, Lelouch felt as if a part of his friend had died.

-o-o-o-o-o-

"Lelouch?" C.C. called out, snapping the teen back to the present. "Everything okay?"

"Yes," Lelouch started walking again, unsure of when he had stopped, "I was just remembering something from a long time again."

"Suzaku?" C.C. asked from beside him, already knowing the answer.

"Yeah," Lelouch nodded, "I was thinking about his Cognition and remembered something. I think," He mused out loud, "that his distorted desire might have been caused by something from the past."

"The past?" C.C. prompted him to continue.

"Yes." He paused as he gathered his thoughts. "When we were children, something happened and he changed. The change didn't happen over night but I remember the night it began."

"What happened?" She asked.

"I…" Lelouch frowned. "I don't know."

"You don't?" She raised a brow in surprised concern.

"No, I don't." He huffed out in frustration. "My memory of that day is foggy at best and nonexistent at worst. I remember talking to him at night but everything before that is…" Lelouch looked off to the side and waved his hand in annoyance. No matter how many times he had tried to remember he just couldn't. That day was permanently gone from his memories.

"What's the last thing you remember?" C.C. verbally prodded.

"I remember some of Kururugi's- Suzaku's father," He corrected himself, "His men busted into our room and tried to take Nunnally from me. My memory goes foggy rather quickly before just…stopping entirely."

"Lelouch…" C.C.'s voice was filled with concern.

"After that, Suzaku, Nunnally, and I were sent to the Kururugi beach house. We stayed there until the war started." Lelouch's explained, his voice uncharacteristically quiet.

"…" C.C. remained silent as the two walked into the clubhouse.

"… That night I tried asking Suzaku what happened but," Lelouch paused as his frowned deepened, a touch of sadness marring it. "He… broke and… and I could never bring myself to ask him again."

"I see." C.C. frowned herself, deep in thought. It was a given that things surrounding Palaces and Distortions would, inevitably, be messy, in some way, shape, or form… but the more she learned about the two boys past the more concerned she grew.

She needed their help, Lelouch's Persona, Suzaku's strength but… there was something more to it then that. A nagging of sorts, deep within her heart and soul. Something telling her it had to be these two boys specifically.

However, if she wasn't careful she could loose one or both of them.

And on the other hand, she had fun today. Lelouch was interesting and fun to tease. He took everything in stride but if you looked closely you could see the kinks in his armor. A light blush here, a slight frown there, and a well-hidden pout. He could also go from soft and polite to hard and demeaning on command.

She knew if she stuck with him she'd have fun and she also knew her fun would grow if Suzaku was around as well. In what little she had seen of them she could tell that the two boys personality's bounced well off each other and that they worked well together. They synched and moved as one, even when they weren't aware of it.

She needed that type of coordination, that type of synchronization.

"This change," she pulled herself out of her thoughts and continued the conversation as they walked through the clubhouse, "was it drastic?"

"Not at first." He sighed. "But if I compare Suzaku now to Suzaku then… then yes. It is a drastic change. Drastic enough that he even changed how he referred to himself…"

"What do you mean?" C.C. asked.

"His pronouns. He used to always refer to himself with 'Ore' but… that night he suddenly changed to Boku… which I believe he still uses." Lelouch's frowned deepened again as he seemed to realize something.

"Ore and Boku…" C.C. mused as she realized she understood their meanings. "Ore is typically used by rough and tough boys while Boku is more non-threatening and casual, correct?"

"That's right. Ore can also be considered a very rude way of talking." He paused. "And he was. Suzaku was a very rude child." Lelouch said with a fond but tired smile. "I'm sure Suzaku would have naturally switched to Boku as he grew but…" his smile faded and was replaced with well-concealed worry.

"But the transition wasn't natural." C.C. finished for him.

"No." Lelouch unknowingly bit his lip for a moment. "It wasn't."

"Then you may be on to something. But," C.C.'s frowned deepened, "That means his Distorted Desire has been festering this entire time…"

And that thought gave C.C. a very bad feeling.

-o-o-o-o-o-

The rest of the day went by uneventfully after that.

C.C. returned to the Lamperouge apartment and went through some clothes that Sayoko had brought for her and Lelouch returned the student council room to a exasperated and frustrated Shirley.

For Lelouch the sight of something normal was calming, although… perhaps he did feel a little sorry for Shirley. She meant well but schoolwork just wasn't challenging enough for Lelouch to actually care about it.

Still, after spending the evening with the student council, and despite the hellish paperwork, Lelouch's head was clear and calm once more.

He met up with C.C. when he and Nunnally returned to the apartment for dinner. Sayoko had everything prepared and C.C. had apparently set the table.

"I was free." C.C. had said with a shrug before she asked Nunnally how her day went.

Nunnally, for her part, seemed to really enjoy C.C.'s presence. Perhaps it was because there was someone new to join them at home but Nunnally's face seemed to brighten when she talked to C.C..

After dinner C.C. once again claimed Lelouch's bed as her own and Lelouch begrudgingly claimed the couch as his own, despite Nunnally's protest. Thankfully, the couch was large and comfortable, and he could easily lay on it with some room to spare.

Lying on his back, after everyone else had retired to bed, Lelouch stared at the ceiling in thought. He was going over what happened today and planning what to do tomorrow.

The hanger elevator was never really an option and with Suzaku's Cognition aware of them… Lelouch had a feeling things were going to get harder.

They would have to head to the other elevator, towards the Dojo, if they wanted to continue exploring the Palac-

Lelouch phone dinged, signaling he had received a message.

Lelouch blinked as he pulled out his phone.

Who would call him this late at night?

S.K.: Hey, you up?

Suzaku's message greeted Lelouch and the violet-eyed teen smiled tiredly but with relief.

He was glad that Suzaku had texted him first instead of the other way around.

L.L.: Yes. What's up?

Lelouch answered back.

A response returned almost immediately.

S.K.: Nothing much. I was just wondering how you were doing. You seemed pretty tired the other day. You didn't hurt yourself, right?

A part of Lelouch was proud at how well Suzaku was typing English, that his friend hadn't given in to 'text speech'. The other part was pissed off that Suzaku insinuated that he had hurt himself.

L.L.: The person who actually got hurt has no right to ask me that. I'm not that inept. Are you doing okay? Have your injuries healed.

S.K.: they're healing. My coworker noticed them and made me visit the infirmary, so now I have some pain medication but I don't need it ┐(￣ヮ￣)┌

L.L: I see. That's good.

S.K.: but no changing the topic. Are you doing okay? You used to fall all the time as a kid.

In the privacy of his own living room, Lelouch allowed himself to pout angrily. Of course Suzaku would bring that up.

L.L.: I'm. Fine. I'm not a child anymore.

S.K.: Right. （⌒▽⌒）

Somehow that emoticon really annoyed Lelouch. A lot.

S.K.: How's Nunnally?

Suzaku changed the topic.

L.L.: She's doing well. She can't wait for you and your kitty to visit tomorrow. It was all she talked about this morning.

S.K.: really?

L.L.: Yes. Really. She's missed you a lot.

Lelouch frowned a little. He felt like he was trying to manipulate Suzaku's guilt by saying that. He had done it the other night as well. He didn't like it but…

But if that's what it took to keep Suzaku with him and Nunnally, then so be it.

Lelouch watched as the ellipsis appeared and disappeared as Suzaku typed. He seemed to start and stop a few times before he finally sent the message.

S.K.: i missed her to.

Lelouch smiled at that.

S.K.: I missed you to.

Lelouch paused at that, surprise blossoming on his face.

L.L.: thanks. Things just weren't as interesting without you here. It's been quite boring.

S.K.: I see you still don't know how to be honest. (￣▽￣)ノ

Suzaku meant that as a joke. Lelouch knew he did but somehow…

"Why are you here, Lelouch? Didn't I ask you to keep me updated on what you found?" Memories of Cognitive Suzaku assaulted him.

"How could you go somewhere dangerous without me? How could you come here, to my base? Don't you trust me?"

Somehow, with everything that happened today… it didn't feel like a joke.

L.L.: How was your day?

Lelouch decided to change the topic.

S.K.: it was fine. I mostly worked today and nothing exiting happened at all.

Suzaku, thankfully, allowed the topic to change. He probably though that Lelouch was embarrassed. Which, normally, would have been the case… but things hadn't really been normal these last few days.

L.L.: Military work, right? What exactly do you do?

Lelouch baited, not expecting an honest answer.

S.K.: Mostly heavy lifting and manual labor. Sometimes I help test equipment. My coworkers are trying to teach me some coding but I'm just barely grasping the basic stuff. (⌒▽⌒)ゞ

Lelouch frowned at how quickly Suzaku had answered. Granted, if Suzaku was the Lancelot's pilot then there might be a gag order in place to keep people from realizing an Eleven was piloting it.

S.K.: How about you? How was your day?

L.L.: Boring. Nothing interesting happens here.

S.K.: Is that why you skipped class?

Lelouch blinked in shock. How did he know that?

S.K.: Nunnally messaged me at lunch.

Suzaku answered as if he had read the other's mind.

L.L.: Yeah. There are more interesting things I could be doing with my time.

S.K.: Such as?

L.L.: Chess.

It wasn't a complete lie. Lelouch did find chess more interesting and fun then schoolwork.

S.K.:…

S.K.: why am I not surprised ヽ(ー_ー )ノ

S.K.: So you skipped school to play chess today? Is that what you and Rivalz-san were doing the other day?

L.L.: Yes and yes. We make appointments online and then he drives me to the location.

S.K.: appointments? Is this what Nunnally meant by "Gambling"?

S.K.: that you gamble at chess?

L.L.: Yes. It's a good way to make money.

S.K.: I can't say I approve but at least it's better then you rooting around in a fountain… or other things.

Even though he was lying down, Lelouch's shoulders slumped a little at the mention of 'other things'.

L.L.: Speaking of which, did you ever use that money? I checked on it sometime ago and noticed the yen was missing.

S.K.: Yeah. When they began enforcing Britannian currency I decided to exchange all the yen like you told me to. I put most of it back for safekeeping but kept some to help me and Nee-san get back on our feet.

L.L: Nee-san?

L.L: Oh! The mechanic who took care of you?

S.K.: ah. Yes. Nee-san's name is Sakura Honda.

L.L.: so now you know what it's like having an older sibling.（⌒▽⌒）

S.K.: I wonder… ┐(￣ー￣)┌ she did take care of me but I feel like I was the one taking care of her!

L.L.: Oh?

S.K.: she worked so hard at her job that she had no energy left once work was over. I ended up cleaning, cooking, laundry! And nagging! Somehow, I think I turned into you!

Lelouch laughed out loud at that.

L.L.: You're complaining but I get the feeling that you're not upset.

S.K.: i'm not. It was funny.

S.K.: I had fun. Nee-san was kind.

Lelouch noticed how short Suzaku's answers had become and felt the urge to ask 'then why did you leave?' but didn't.

Suzaku was keeping things from him. Even if there was a gag order in place that wouldn't-

-Shouldn't have stopped him from telling Nunnally and him about piloting the Lancelot… he had never kept secrets from them or lied to them when they were little.

Actually, now that Lelouch thought about it… Suzaku had let go of Nunnally's hand before answering her questions the other day.

Suzaku knew Nunnally. He knew that as long as she was touching someone's skin, she would be able to tell if they were lying.

So… had he deliberately let go of her hands?

Lelouch frowned. There was so much he didn't know, so much that was worrying him and he hated it.

Lelouch took a deep breath. He had to try and remain calm. If Suzaku wanted to keep secrets, fine! All Lelouch had to do was explore his friend's Palace. He was sure the answers were in there somewhere.

L.L.: I would like to meet her one day and Give her my thanks for taking care of you.

S.K.: are you sure? She does live in the ghetto… and the Sumeragi's know about her. It'd be bad if one of them saw you.

L.L.: maybe but how many of the Sumeragi's actually know what I look like?

S.K.: ah. That's true. Only two of them should…

Lelouch frowned at the usage of the word 'should'. What did he mean by that?

S.K.: it's getting late. Sorry to keep you up.

L.L.: No worries. I have no problem sleeping in.

S.K.: you really shouldn't skip school.

L.L.: I really don't need it…

S.K.: Doesn't matter how much of a genius you are, L.L.. School is very important and not everyone can attend.

Lelouch 'humphed' at that. It was a low blow but Suzaku had a point.

L.L.: trust me, I know. I'd be much more inclined to go if you could to. In fact, I think I would enjoy a Japanese school much more.

S.K.: hahaha… you would, wouldn't you?

L.L.: that being said, I do have something to do tomorrow so I may be a little late. Sayoko-san knows you're coming and I let security know as well. If anyone stops you just tell them you're there because I called you. If things get bad you can call Rivalz, I'll forward you his number.

Lelouch did just that, sending Rivalz number before Suzaku could say no.

S.K.: At least warn him I might call.

L.L.: sure.

S.K.: if Rivalz-san isn't going then I take it you're not gambling?

L.L.: no, I have a previous engagement in the afternoon.

S.K.: still skipping then?

L.L.: well, I can't cancel…

S.K.: what am I going to do with you? ┐(￣ヮ￣)┌

L.L.: That's my line!

S.K.: （＞ｙ＜）

L.L.: Oyasumi, Suzaku. See you tomorrow.

Once again the ellipsis appeared and disappeared as if Suzaku was having a hard time replying.

S.K.: Goodnight, L.L.

And with that their late night conversation was over and Lelouch, once again, found himself frowning.

Suzaku hadn't replied back in Japanese.

Since they had reunited Suzaku hadn't used Japanese at all. In fact, his accent was completely gone. There was no hint that he had ever had one. Even the familiar Japanese mannerisms were no ware to be seen… he was still using honorifics and Kaomoji but...

It almost felt as if Suzaku was denying that part of himself.

And that only caused Lelouch to worry more.

~TRANSLATION NOTES~

Boku: "Used by males of all ages; very often used by boys. Perceived as humble. Also used when casually giving deference; "servant" uses the same kanji (僕 shimobe)." - Wikipedia, "An informal masculine pronoun more assertive than watashi but less so than ore, it's typically used by men who want to sound casual without coming across as rude or aggressive"- TvTropes.

Iie: The Japanese word for 'No'.

Ore: "Frequently used by men. Establishes a sense of "masculinity". Can be seen as rude depending on the context. Emphasizes one's own status when used with peers and with those who are younger or of lesser status. Among close friends or family, its use conveys familiarity rather than "masculinity" or superiority. It was used also by women until the late Edo period and still is in some dialects." - wikipedia, "it's traditionally considered rude to use it with strangers and people above one's own social standing," - TVTropes.

A/N: DID YOU KNOW THAT SUZAKU CHANGES HIS PRONOUNS A LOT?! because i didn't! Unfortunately, that is one of the things that get's 'lost in translation' and it seems like such a super important part of his character! a good indicator of where he is mentally.

i've come to realize my story's tend to be fast paced, so i'm going to try and slow the pacing down just a tiny bit. (that being said the first two story arcs do happen quite quickly...)

Thank you for reading! i hope everyone is still safe and healthy!