Chapter Text
He almost had him. Everything was going according to plan, but quickly took a turn for the worst. Suzaku had easily turned the tables on him with his superior strength, and because of that damn death wish of his he was perfectly willing to die in order to complete his mission. He almost used it on him in his desperate attempt to get him to think for himself for once. Of course, he realized the irony in that, but if he didn't they both could be killed and yet...he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Somehow, he was alive. He was on an island, but it was different than the one before. He had no clue how he had survived or how he got there. Did one of the Black Knights rescue him at the last second, did Suzaku change his mind? No, he knew that last one wasn't true. Suzaku was just as stubborn as him and when his mind was made up about something it wouldn't change. If he was here was Suzaku as well? If he was he needed to find him, and this time there wouldn't be any distractions and hopefully he'll be able to convince him. If not, then he'll just have to figure out a way to keep him there until the Black Knight's arrival.
The last thing he remembered was being in the Lancelot with Zero, and now he was on a different island and somehow still alive. Was this Zero's doing, did he knock him unconscious and take them somewhere else. But if that was the case, then where was the masked terrorist.
He looked around, searching for his lost friend, but with little luck.
"Where could he possibly be," he wondered. He was then tackled from behind, by the very person he was looking for. However, Suzaku had not noticed the steep hill before making his move on the masked man. They tumbled down together, and as they did Lelouch's helmet managed to hit a rock just the right way and it came off. They finally came to a stop, with Lelouch on top and Suzaku below him. Their eyes met and emotions clashed. Suzaku stared up at his friend not knowing what to feel. Shocked, disappointed, even anger perhaps; he had always suspected it but he couldn't bring himself to believe it. "Suzaku, I..."
"Don't," Suzaku said harshly, looking anywhere but his face. "Don't try to apologize."
He felt ashamed, he didn't know what to say to him. What can you say in a situation like this? "I never wanted you to find out about this," he said," I knew it would only bring you pain, but surely you can understand why I've done all I have"
"That's your excuse," he scoffed," perhaps you should have apologized instead. You lied to me, Lelouch. You've been lying to me all this time. You always go on about how I need to be more careful, but you're leading an entire rebellion."
"And what about you, Suzaku. You've lied as well. We're both hypocrites, everyone is, so what. You decided to fight for the people who took your country from you. I decided to fight for the Japanese and take back everything Britannia's stolen," he said.
"Yet another one of your lies," Suzaku said. "You're not doing this for the Japanese, you're doing this for yourself. You let innocent people get hurt in order for your quest of vengeance to be completed."
"Do you really think you'll be able to solve things without there being any bloodshed, do you think you'll be able to climb your way up by good deeds alone. You can't change the world without getting your hands dirty, Suzaku, you of all people should know that," Lelouch retorted.
Suzaku glared at him," so now what, are you going to give me another speech on why I should join you. Do you plan on using any more underhanded tactics to get your way?"
He did in fact have another underhanded tactic, one Suzaku would never think of. One that would get him what he wanted in an instant, one that he was absolutely terrified to use on him, one that would surely be the end of their friendship if he ever knew about it, and one that was the only solution to this problem. He said it himself, Suzaku was just as stubborn as him and wouldn't change his mind once he was set on something. This was the only way, C.C. even said it. If he wanted him on his side he would have to do it, if he wanted him to be safe then it was the only way, if he wanted him to be his and his alone...then this was the way. Suzaku's glare quickly changed to a look of confusion when Lelouch slowly stroked his cheek. "What are you doing," he asked. He tilted Suzaku's chin back slightly and put on the mask of the cold, calculated leader of the rebellion once again. Becoming a completely different person to his friend. "I do plan on using another underhanded tactic to get you on my side; however, this one has a one hundred percent chance of success every time. I already know the outcome of this conversation. By the end, you'll be completely convinced and perfectly willing to join me," Zero said.
"I'm afraid your dirty tricks will fail you this time Lelouch. My mind is already made up on this matter," Suzaku said.
Lelouch dropped his mask and smiled at his friend,"One last thing Suzaku," he said with a soft smile, making sure he had his friend's attention," ...I'm sorry." He summed up his courage and took a deep breath," I order you to..."