Lelouch was thankful for the cooler weather, but with the change in temperature meant something else. The return of Suzaku's apple obsession. Alright, it wasn't really an obsession. Suzaku never demanded it or expected others to fall to his whims for it, but he loved apple flavored things, especially in the fall and winter. Pies, ciders, and cakes.

Lelouch remembered him downing a bunch of caramel apple hot toddies one year. One right after the other.

It was why he, Suzaku, and C.C. were currently in an orchard, picking their own apples. There was a farm right by their orange orchard and this was something they did yearly. The apple farmers let them take a few baskets in return for some oranges. Lelouch tried not to think of it as extra labor and instead focus on Suzaku's elated expression with each apple he picked.

"You'd think every piece of fruit was telling him a blessed secret from the way he's smiling", C.C. grinned.

Lelouch smiled in return and after a moment, Suzaku realized he was being observed. He tilted his head at them, apple in hand.

"What are you two talking about?", he asked.

"Just what kind of man would look so fondly upon an apple when his two significant others are standing right over here", Lelouch said, a touch dramatically.

"I can look at you two like this all day", Suzaku said, sliding down his ladder. "These guys have an expiration date."

"Still", C.C. pouted a little and crossed her arms.

Lelouch mimicked her and Suzaku looked back and forth between them. He rolled his eyes despite not being annoyed at all and placed the apple into one of the baskets before coming over to them. He gave them both a peck on the cheek, placating them.

"I love you two much more than this fruit. I swear."

"I suppose we'll trust your word on it", Lelouch said. "Even though we feel otherwise when I see the way you look at apple pie."

"Your apple pie", Suzaku emphasized.

The got the last of their desired apples into the baskets and Suzaku carried all three to the cart. Glad to be done before it got too dark too soon. The weather was cooling down alright. It was the perfect season for cuddling up with lovers.