Many thanks to my beta, Kuyuki Mitsuru, who took care of this chappie and supported me! *hugs*
A/N PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU PROCEED
If you haven't noticed, this is SuzaLulu fanfiction, which means yaoi. Don't like, don't read. I won't force you.
Hello dear readers this is my way of saying 'I'm sorry', and I am sorry, because En Garde Omakes (yaoi sidestory) won't be posted till the main story hits a certain point, that means long wait. For those longing for more yaoi, here is my newest child. Hope you will like it. I was hesitant at first, but my beta said she liked the idea behind this piece, so I posted it.
Not much happens in the prologue, so I'll say in advance that I'm sorry for the boring start. It had to be over with, and starting without as much as introduction seemed strange to me.
Now onto the story!
And don't make the 'T' rating trick you. It is rated 'T' for now but will be changed to 'M'.
Hopefully soon. You know what I mean, we all are perverts here, don't try to fool yourself if you think otherwise.
Disclaimer: I do own something, but sadly Code Geass isn't among my possessions.
Episode zero: Pilot (a.k.a No Plot Was Born)
Suzaku Kururugi stood, his eyes widened in awe, as he took in his surroundings.
The hall he just entered was bright, illuminated by countless chandeliers, and the diamonds attached to them gave it a colorful glow. A feast of splendor, every occupant of the room seemed to glow, trying to outshine one another.
It was a truly magnificent view, something he wasn't used to, and never really expected to be part of.
He felt out of place.
"Stunning, isn't it, Suzaku?" he felt a hand on his shoulder as a female voice spoke and he turned to face his superior.
"Yes," he said smiling, and the older of the two returned the gesture.
He focused his attention on her. She was wearing a blue dress that matched her hair, with a rather... low cut.
Too low.
He averted his eyes before he became too... 'distracted'... to appreciate... the evening. And there was much to be thankful for, not only for being able to stand on a five star cruiser, which alone would be a unreachable goal for someone like him. A number. Both Cecile Croomy and Lloyd Asplund were the closest he had to family in years. Well, maybe not so the eccentric, light blue haired man, who seemed to think of him like some sort of (spare?) component for his precious Lancelot, but Cecile, with her over developed motherly instincts made up for the both of them, that was sure. (He did not count the fact, that she seemed to want to poison him with her cooking. It certainly wasn't her intention. At least he... hoped it wasn't the case). Still, he was grateful for the chance he got, being who he was.
He shook his head trying to get rid of such unpleasant thoughts. It was a joyful evening and he planned on enjoying it.
Besides, he had a really good feeling about it.
His behavior must have been strange to an outsider, because a small chuckle made it's way to his ears. He blushed embarrassed and scratched the back of his head nervously.
Cecile was smiling pleasantly at him, a warm aura surrounding her.
"Ah, right. It's your first time on an event like this," she paused, giving his shoulder a reassuring squeeze, "there is no reason to feel nervous, Suzaku. Just enjoy the evening... right, Lloyd...?" she turned and saw that the light blue haired scientist was no longer with them. "My, my… where did he go now?" she sighed gravely, but, quickly her smile returned "I guess now it's only us? Not that it wasn't easy to predict, anyway," her eyes met his, and she continued in a serious, mocking tone "Enjoy yourself, Mayor Kururugi, it's an order."
"Of course, Ma'am." he bowed to her and offered his arm in a gentlemanly manner. She took it and they made their way towards the parquet.
There were many couples already dancing, since they arrived rather late.
Suzaku stopped and took the dark haired woman's hand in his, the other placing on her waist. He concentrated, trying to recall what he learned during the last two weeks. In that time Cecile attempted to teach him the art of dancing.
Attempted being the key word, of course.
They started dancing, slowly at first, then as Suzaku felt a bit more definite and reassured of his abilities, they sped up, matching the tempo of other couples. He felt rather proud of himself, noticing that he didn't made any mistakes.
It wasn't even ten minutes into their second song when the music quieted and then stopped.
The brown haired youth looked around, confused, and noticed the Governor of Area 11 ascend the stairs leading to the small stage, a microphone and a glass of vine in his hands. The blond man took his time, waiting with patience and unwavering smile for the various conversation across the room to end, so that all of it's occupants could focus their attention on him. That accomplished, he rose the microphone to his lips, the other hand, the one with the glass, rising to the level of his heart, in an overly dramatic gesture.
"Dear friends, let me welcome you on this special evening." he spoke "We gathered here to celebrate the birthday of my beloved sister, Euphemia li Britannia, who will be turning seventeen today," he paused for another dramatic effect and waved. Suzaku followed his line of sight, curious to see another member of the Imperial Family.
And see he did.
A beautiful, pink haired girl, surrounded by a small group of... friends, maybe? With a small blush upon her cheeks, she was certainly embarrassed that all the attention was focused on her.
But what truly caught his attention was the person accompanying her.
He stared, fascinated for some reason, and the object of his musings turned his gaze towards him, a bored expression on his face, and gave him a half-hearted glare.
The sound of someone clearing their throat woke him up from his little fantasy before he could drown in the sea of amazing amethyst eyes. A servant was standing before him, a tray with glasses in his hands, and an impatient look on his face.
He blinked, not really knowing what to do. He was still a minor, for God's sake! He took it hesitantly, after silently asking his companion what he should do.
"Well, it's a special occasion, Suzaku," she said after the servant was long gone. He nodded, and then remembered what he was doing before he got distracted.
"Who is that, miss Cecile?" he asked out loud looking expectantly at the blue haired woman.
"Oh?" she blinked, confused. He discretely motioned with his head towards the group he saw earlier.
"You mean with Princess Euphemia?" she paused waiting for a confirmation and continued after he nodded. "Well, on her right you can see her older sister, the Second Princess Cornelia li Britannia, as for the other two..."
"Are the Eleventh Prince, Lelouch vi Britannia and his escort, Milly Ashford," a new voice picked up, and the duo turned, only to see that the missing scientist decided to join them at last.
"A Prince?" he repeated, and returned his attention towards the other youth, tuning out the conversation.
The prince in question already turned his attention elsewhere, talking with his blonde escort. It made him a little... disappointed...?
The brown haired boy watched as the other received his own glass and he managed to catch the last words of Prince Clovis's speech.
"...Now let's make a toast for her wellbeing and bright future."
Suzaku rose his glass and took a slip of the red liquid inside, trying not to stand out more than he had to. He continued to observe, subtly, as to not be caught again, feeling strangely fixated with the other teen. It was a truly strange feeling, like he was supposed to know him or something. From another life, perhaps? He dismissed that thought as being ridiculous, and just continued to watch. Of course, firstly he had to move from the parquet, seeing as the host was done with his speech and the orchestra started playing again. He said goodbye to his somewhat disfunctional family, and removed himself from it.
He was right, this evening certainly was going to be enjoyable.
* - * - *
If there was one thing that Lelouch vi Britannia despised more than snobby nobles, it was more snobby nobles in close proximity. Just. Like. Now. They were dancing to the soft tune, courtesy of a small orchestra 'strategically' placed on the other side of the room, laughing and talking, more like black mouthing other occupants, really...
He wasn't one for gatherings like that, but there were things even he couldn't help.
He sighed softly under his breath and faced his companion for the evening.
She wore a pale green dress, her arms left bare, white gloves reaching her elbows, a half empty glass of wine in her hand. She was looking rather stunning and he would probably be interested, had he not know her.
He looked at a small group of younger (and a few not so young ones) occupants of the hall, eying his companion with rather hungry expressions.
He almost felt sorry for them.
Almost.
He returned his gaze to his friend, her vibrant blue eyes, sparkling with mischief, looked about the room.
Searching for the prey? he wondered briefly, but inwardly he was grateful that it wasn't him this time, and, having nothing better to do, did the same.
The hall was crowded, which made him feel a little claustrophobic. He wasn't used to crowds like this, preferring to be by himself, using his time in more useful manner.
But, again, this was a special occasion.
Nothing caught his attention, it looked just like any other official party he was forced to participate in, due to his status.
Milly turned her head towards him and a small smirk made his way onto her face.
"Oh? You look uncomfortable, does something bother you... Lulu~?" she spoke, leaning closer to him, and he could feel the ghost of her breath against his skin.
Ah, yes, there was one more thing that disturbed him more... and it was certainly not his blonde friend, he was far too used to her strange antics to be bothered by them anymore.
Ships.
This one word caused him to almost shiver (he would not do such thing, of course, after all, he had reputation to maintain).
It may seem silly, but... he really preferred to have solid ground under his feet.
And here he was, on a ship, surrounded by people he did not known and could barely stand.
Of course he was bothered.
Undisturbed by the blonde's close proximity, he leaned even closer, noticing, by the way, the vicious vibes coming from the various people across the hall.
"Hm? No, why would you say something like that...?" he asked, even if he was aware that it was futile effort. One could say that they were some sort of childhood friends... she knew him well, almost too well for his liking, and any attempt of deceiving Milly Ashford had zero possibility of success.
That did not mean that he couldn't at least try to save some of his dignity.
Not that he had much left, after so many years of acquaintance with the blonde evil.
She moved away from him, rising her glass to her rosy lips and chuckled softly as she did so.
He looked down into his own still untouched glass, save for the toast earlier, and sighed for the umpteenth time that evening.
They stood in comfortable for a while. Lelouch traced the outline of the glass, trying not to think, which always proved to be difficult, almost impossible feat.
"Your brother really knows how to organize a party," Milly commented, breaking the silence again.
He looked up, noticing that she said brother, surrounded by few females, who fought between themselves to get his attention. The Third Imperial Prince, Clovis la Britannia, enjoyed this of course, always the one trying to be the center of attraction.
He scowled.
"I guess," he spoke, not really interested, "that's the only thing he is good at."
"Aww, don't be like this, Lelouch. No one can be as perfect as you," she said pouting, and in a mocking tone, aimed one of her fingers at his forehead, poking him mercilessly. "You will get wrinkles, Lulu~ and where will I find another cutie like you when you get all wrinkly?"
He sent her a death glare, distancing himself from the offending finger.
The midnight haired boy chose not to comment on that, which was usually the best strategy concerning the Ashford heiress.
The woman was evil.
Not only evil.
Demonic.
Clinically insane.
He could continue that list, and would do so, with immerse pleasure, sure enough, if it was not for the small fact. The ship tilted. It was soft, almost imperceptible movement, and it was very possible that he was the only person who felt it, but the reaction of his body was anything but.
He raised his glass and took a slip to calm his nerves. He had a bad feeling about this night.
A had rested on the young prince's shoulder, and his amethyst eyes opened, meeting Milly's for once serious face.
"Maybe you should go and have some fresh air?" she spoke, her tone betraying her concern.
He shook his head, only to feel more sick, thanks to the sudden movement.
"What about..." he started, but was soon cut by Milly's merry laugh. He narrowed his eyes but waited penitently until the blonde was done.
"Your Highness is very... chivalrous," she giggled again. "Really, Lelouch, think about yourself for once. I will be fine."
She was probably right. If someone was in danger... it certainly wasn't Milly.
He lingered for a moment, wondering if he should stay after all, but again the ship moved, making him decide otherwise.
He bid his companion goodbye, abandoning his glass, and made his way to the exit, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
Not that it was hard, with such crowd.
He reached the doors soon enough, breathing in the fresh sea air, feeling the strong wind on his face, toying with his hair.
He breathed out and opened his eyes. The sky was dark and cloudy, a clear sign that a storm was coming.
He stepped closer to the railing, placing his hands on it. It was too low in his opinion. Weren't these things supposed to secure the passengers? He thought to himself, absentmindedly. He looked down, into the dark abyss of sea at the waves, viciously attacking the ship, smashing against the port.
He wasn't feeling better. Not even a bit.
The sky lit up for a moment and a loud thunder soon followed.
Lelouch watched with fascination as the element overran the sky with truly amazing speed, immediately forgetting about everything, his sea sickness included, not even minding when the first drops of rain hit his head.
Too bad for him, he did not hear that someone was shouting.
Too bad, he lost himself in his thoughts, again, a trait that Milly took upon herself to bring to an end, admiring the force of the nature like never before.
Too bad, he distracted himself so much, that his grip on the railing loosened.
And too bad, it just wasn't his day.
* - * - *
Suzaku Kururugi felt he was enjoying himself more than he had in a very long time. It was a strange notion… to enjoy himself on a formal party?
But there was one thing that disturbed him. As he watched the other youth, dance, talk and stand on the other side of the room (he felt like some sort of stalker, really) the prince grew paler and paler as the evening grew older, and at some time he simply left his escort. It worried him a little, and so he followed him, concerned, not really thinking that the other wanted some space for himself.
The brown haired soldier walked out, noticing the prince simply standing, there, leaning on the railing. He could not see his expression, but the other was obviously enjoying himself.
He smiled and almost turned to head back inside, feeling slightly sorry for his behavior, when the wind picked up the pace. It was dangerously close to storm, not minding the dark clouds above. He looked at the boy's silhouette. He didn't look like he intended to move anytime soon to him.
The first droops of rain fell on his head and he moved towards the other boy.
"Prince Lelouch?" he spoke up, but the wind drowned it out. He repeated the action, this time shouting, but to no veil. He sighed and decided to approach the prince.
He started walking, wanting to cover the few meters that separated him from the other, but he stopped in his tracks, his eyes going wide, as a powerful wave shook the ship like it was made from a paper and not humongous cruiser.
His last coherent thought, before he dashed forward towards the railing, was…
"HOLY CRAP!"
A/N 2 You came this far, I'm surprised! Thank you for reading my story, I hope you will still be there to read the first episode of Just Another Day on the Beach! *gives you an e-cookie* If I get at least as much response as to En Garde's prologue I'll try to push it and upload next chapter before 3rd chappie of EG.
And yes, this story will involve half naked bishunen on an uninhibited island. Yep, I couldn't help myself and this plot bunny bit me hard. And since I wanted to write my own SuzaLulu story, I tried my best to be original while at it.
Not that this idea is original... but no one tried to do something like that in Code Geass verse.
Nah. One question for you guys. I rewatched the Kami no Shima (R1 episode 19) and I got confused. Are there coconut palms on islands near Japan? I saw palms there. Is this for real?
As always, ideas, requests and other stuff like this is welcome :)
Okay now I'm off to sulk and cry in my corner over Just Like Magic!. I lost my will to live... :(