When Lelouch moved in next to the Kururugi's, he'd considered himself incredibly lucky. The father, Genbu, was gruff but almost grudgingly took Lelouch under his wing and helped him get used to being on his own, which was difficult for the then-fifteen year old boy. The boy, Suzaku, was cute and energetic and a good source of income when Genbu was working late or out of town. By the time he was seventeen, Lelouch estimated he spent as much time with Suzaku as his father did, possibly more.

Not that that was a bad thing. Suzaku was surprisingly easy to care for, for an energetic ten year old boy. As much as Lelouch cared for him, Suzaku adored him at least that much, to the point where it was occasionally embarrassing.

Such as the time he was told to draw a picture of his family, and he'd drawn his father and himself and Lelouch. In an apron. And, after the teacher commented, with breasts.

Or the time when Milly had come over to study and Suzaku had cheerfully declared that when he was older, he'd make Lelouch his bride. Milly had thought that was cute. She didn't know Suzaku well enough to catch the firm set of his jaw that said that, even at ten, he was serious and knew exactly what he wanted. Or maybe she did. She had an interesting idea of 'cute'.

And it wasn't that Lelouch didn't love the boy. It was just that Suzaku's love for him… sometimes bordered on unhealthy. And that denying that love was very difficult for Lelouch to do. Saying no to that face…

But sometimes it was necessary.

"I'm not sleeping with you, Suzaku."

Suzaku pouted. "But I can't sleep on my own."

Lelouch sighed. "You sleep with your father?"

"No!" Suzaku protested. "I'm not a kid!"

"Well, you don't sleep with him, and you've never slept with me, so…" Suzaku looked adorably confused and Lelouch felt a small twinge of guilt for using adult logic on a child. Even if that child was a lying liar. "Look, just drink your milk and I'll tell you a story before bed. Okay?"

"But then you'll leave!" Suzaku cried, sounding completely heartbroken. "I don't want you to go…"

Lelouch checked the clock. He had a match arranged for midnight (babysitting Suzaku didn't pay all his bills), and if Genbu was back by ten like he promised… "Tell you what, I'll stay until you fall asleep or your father comes home. Okay?"

Suzaku's lower lip quivered.

"Milk, then story," Lelouch said firmly, hoping that his tone would stop the tears before they started.

Suzaku sniffed, but didn't cry. "Okay."

They curled up on Suzaku's bed, as Lelouch read to him. Suzaku's eyes grew heavy within the first few pages, but he valiantly fought to keep them open, to keep Lelouch with him for another few minutes, as he snuggled closer to Lelouch's warmth. "I love you, Lelouch."

Lelouch knew he should discourage that sentiment, but watching Suzaku's heavy eyes and chubby cheeks as he peered up at Lelouch, blinking slowly with a small smile… he was just too precious.

"I love you too, Suzaku," Lelouch whispered and kissed Suzaku's forehead. Suzaku gave a satisfied sigh and fell asleep.

This was Lelouch's chance to escape, but instead he just lay there for a few moments, listening to the child-like snores and breathing in Suzaku's scent. He really was a sweet boy, innocent and pure and…

…and he had a grip like a vice around Lelouch's waist.

At first, Lelouch tried to tug himself out gingerly, trying not to wake Suzaku up. Then he started seriously struggling to escape. And failed.

Genbu came back at ten, as promised, but assumed that Lelouch had already gone home and went straight to bed. Lelouch, too embarrassed to call for help from a ten year old, missed his match and eventually fell asleep next to Suzaku. Just like the little brat had wanted.

When Suzaku awoke, his eyes lit up at the sight of Lelouch sleeping next to him. He snuggled in closer, burying his face in Lelouch's chest and smiling triumphantly.

"Mine."