And another fic

[rkold]

Completely unbetaed and probably with some typos since I tend to not pick up such things until after I re-read something a few weeks later ;;_;; Hopefully jusrecht doesn't kill me for writing this >>;;;;;;


Title: French Marigolds and Hyacinths under the Judas Tree
Author: rkold (me!)
Series: Code Geass
Pairing: GinoSuza and SchneiSuza, hints of KanonSuza and possibly LuluSuza if you squint really hard
Word count: approx 2300+
Rating: PG-13/R for sexual references maybe?

Spoilers through episode 09 of Season 02, taking a little poetic license since after looking at screen caps, Sunrise is just not clear on the seating arrangement at the wedding.

Gino grabbed at Suzaku's wrist as the smaller boy strode past him with a carefully schooled non-committal expression.

"Gino, I need to do this."

A look of anger flashed across Gino's features for a second, before he sighed, but refused to release his grip. "That doesn't mean I need to like it or think it's a good idea."

"I need to know." For a second pain flickered in the teen's wide emerald eyes, before it vanished leaving only the emptiness that Suzaku usually wore as a defense in public to hide his true emotions.

Wrapping his arms around the teen, Gino waited until he felt the boy relax against him and smiled, hoping his own solidness surrounding the slender knight showed his unconditional support. Kissing the top of the brunette's hair, Gino grinned at the scent of the strawberry shampoo he'd picked out for them both. "I understand that. I just don't trust that person."

Breathing deeply Suzaku closed his eyes and leant his head back against the taller knight's chest and received a gentle kiss on his lips which he returned. A barely visible smile appeared as he righted himself and twisted to face Gino. "I promise, I won't be long."

Relieved that Suzaku's spark of life as well as his joy had temporarily returned, Gino's own grin broadened. "Promise? I brought the bubble bath and the boats with me so we can see how Chinese baths are different from Britannian ones. Do you think they take them outdoors like they use to in Japan?"

Laughing quietly Suzaku smiled more openly for several seconds before standing on tip toes and leaning forward hands tightly grasping the lapels of Ginos' jacket to pull the much taller knight closer. Eagerly, Gino inclined his head to make the reach possible and happily accepted the proffered kiss.

"I love you."

"Thank you, Gino."

Gino watched as the slight boy turned and walked determinedly towards the long hallway leading to the private chambers reserved for the two Britannian princes, brows furrowing thoughtfully as he leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. "Just make sure to inform his highness that you're my boyfriend now."

Skin flushing a bright red Suzaku glanced back at the other knight for a second while his hands fisted at his side before throwing his shoulders back confidently and stalking forward, promising himself that he wouldn't forget that Gino was waiting for him.

Upon reaching the door, Suzaku began to wonder for not the first time if this was the wisest course of action. While he did yearn for the answer to his question, from previous experience he didn't expect to necessarily leave the prince's room any better informed. But it had always been Suzaku's way to just push through life and hope for somehow things to work out in spite of how rarely that occurred for him. Swallowing, he knocked on the door, carefully keeping his face neutral.

"Oh, Suzaku-kun, what an unexpected pleasure."

"Earl Maldini?!?!" Eyes widening, unconsciously Suzaku took a step backwards.

"Have you come to finish our rather fascinating conversation that was so rudely interrupted earlier? I'd been so excited at the prospect of finally meeting you, Suzaku-kun." Smiling predatorily the pretty young Britannian ushered Suzaku into the room the prince was using as sitting room.

Anxiously Suzaku glanced around seeing no obvious method of escape, his heart suddenly pounding in his chest. "No, I came to talk to Scheizel-sama."

"Ah, I see the rumors I heard about how closely you and the prince worked together in Area 11 are true. Are you hoping to renew the contact?" Smirking wolfishly, Kanon eyed the slender knight.

Suzaku could feel the blush coloring his cheeks as he really hoped the earl was not implying what he dreaded.

"The prince and I share everything, Suzaku-kun," laughed Kanon slyly enjoying watching the young knight's eyes grow ever larger and the red tinging his cheeks.

Finally glimpsing the prince working on some papers at a desk in a corner of the room, Suzaku's eyes fell on him pleading desperately. "I was hoping to speak to Schneizel-sama alone, about this evening."

Meeting Suzaku's glance, the prince put down his pen and gave one of his half-smiles. "Kanon, if you wouldn't mind. I'm sure I'm safe in Suzaku-kun's company."

"Next time, I hope I'm invited to stay for the entertainment," pouted Kanon. as he gave a small salute to the prince and a last leer to the teen, before exiting the room.

"You wanted to talk to me, Suzaku-kun?"

Nodding, Suzaku tried to find his voice feeling even more foolish as every second stretched out endlessly. "I wanted to talk to you about the game."

"Oh?" Eyes twinkling in amusement, Schneizel stood and walked out from behind his desk to face the boyish knight. "It's too bad your former classmate broke it up, I would have enjoyed a more decisive victory."

"I'm sure." Vaguely Suzaku remembered Schneizel attempting to teach him some chess strategy in the garden of the royal compound one hot day when Japan had been almost peaceful. Euphemia had been there making rosettes of flowers and cheering both him and her older brother on until she had gotten bored with the game and vanished, requesting only that Suzaku stay behind. With Euphemia gone the game had quickly descended to the prince giving an entirely different lesson involving fucking the teen hard over the table. Leaving Suzaku at the end of the afternoon with no greater insight into the game than previously held. "I mean about me, being used as a prize."

"Ah."

Schneizel's expression grew slightly less bored as he approached Suzaku, a part of teen wishing the table was still between them and another more mutinous part of himself remembering all too well all the other times the prince had advanced upon him in a similar manner.

"Zero, was the one who requested you as the prize, Suzaku-kun."

"Would you have really given me up like that?" blurted out Suzaku, brows knitting in confusion as his heart pounded louder in his ears, silently cursing himself for not having accepted Gino's advice that he either not have this conversation or bring the taller knight with him. But Suzaku had been loathe to admit to Gino about his...he was still unsure what to call what had happened with the prince and preferred not to talk about it.

"You knew I would win."

"But you... what if he had taken your king?" stuttered Suzaku, trying to assure himself that he was still in control of the situation.

"Sometimes it's necessary to sacrifice a precious piece, like a queen or a knight to open up an opponent's defenses. I thought you knew the rudiments of chess, Suzaku-kun. Do you need another lesson?"

Blushing, Suzaku retreated two steps from the prince, telling himself that no matter how rude or embarrassing it was, he needed to flee now. Whatever the prince was offering, he couldn't accept, he cared for Gino, cared enough to know how much it would hurt the other knight. But he felt helpless to stop what he had already put into motion, as if his life was the roller coaster he had ridden in Nagoya Spa Land with his cousin before Lelouch and Nunnally had come to Japan. Kayuga had shrieked in enjoyment while he had clutched at the side of the car, his eyes closed and frantically praying to arrive safely back at the station.

"No, I don't." His voice sounded foreign and distant to his own ears. "So you would have let Zero take me?"

"Yes."

Suzaku felt as if suddenly he couldn't breathe and the room was pressing in around him as his worst fears were confirmed, he was nothing but a piece, a piece that could easily be discarded if the timing was appropriate.

"Both you and I suspect who is behind that mask, Suzaku-kun. I'm sure nothing would occur that would put your life in danger were you a prisoner. Nunnally would not be able to forgive Zero quite as easily for killing you. I think that no matter what you would live."

All color drained from the teen's face as he gaped at the prince, his eyes revealing all the tumultuous emotions affecting him.

Smirking, Schneizel increased his advantage and gently ran one gloved finger over Suzaku's trembling lips. "I just hadn't realized what a valuable piece my white knight is."

"I'm with someone else now.." Closing his eyes Suzaku heard how pathetic he sounded and wished he was a different sort of person, the sort of person who wouldn't shudder before the prince's attack not wanting him to succeed but unable to defend against it. He hated himself for betraying his own heart and hoped Gino would be able to forgive him after this even if he could not forgive himself. The prince had sprung his trap much like he had with Zero earlier. Subtlety and using his intended victim's own confidence against them.

"I'm with someone else too," confided Schneizel. "But tonight we'll be with one another. I'm looking forward to you serving under me once again, Suzaku-kun."

"Suzaku said he had other plans tonight, your highness."

As if finally freed from his trance, Suzaku took a faltering step back only to hit the now familiar solidness of Gino Weinberg. An arm wrapped firmly around Suzaku's chest in support and protection giving a gentle squeeze of affection.

"I was wondering when you were going to say something or if you just liked to watch." smiled Schneizel, as if this was all part of his plan and an expected gambit.

"You're the one, who told us we needed to be more relaxed." Grinning more brightly, Gino released Suzaku and stepped into the widening gap between the teen and the prince and hefted the smaller knight over his shoulder, who made a rather undignified sound. Facing Schneizel again, he saluted the prince. "My boyfriend promised to take a bubble bath with me. See you at the wedding tomorrow, your highness."

"Gino!!!!"

Turning his back on the two knights Schneizel went back towards his desk chuckling quietly. "Just don't enjoy yourselves so much you're late to the ceremony. It would be unseemly for my older brother to marry without 2 Knights of the Round in attendance."

"Of course."

"Gino!! Put me down, I can walk!" Despite any additional embarrassment he felt at being carried off, Suzaku couldn't help feeling blessed by the other knight's fortunate arrival.

Ignoring Suzaku's complaints completely, Schneizel lifted his pen to return to the agreement he was working on before the teen entered his rooms. "Oh, and If you see Kanon, please ask him to return to my chambers, I have need of his services."

"Yes, your highness."

"Gino!" came a last complaint before the door closed leaving Schneizel alone to contemplate his strategies.

Gino continued to carry the slender knight down the corridor cheerfully smiling at any surprised looks he was given and even posing for a picture for Anya. Suzaku's face scarlet with embarrassment the entire trip. Upon arriving back in the room Gino had decided was theirs, he deposited Suzaku gently on the bed acting as if nothing had just happened with Schneizel and instead they had returned here at the end of the celebration for the upcoming nuptials. This continued as they got ready for their bath, played with Gino's boats in the tub, made love and then made love a second time in their bed. Suzaku almost believed he had imagined the whole confrontation, but the possessive gleam he caught occasionally in Gino's eye helped reassure him his memories were correct. Still naked he snuggled against the blond knight one of his hands tangled tenderly in Gino's damp locks.

"I wouldn't have let Zero take you."

"I'm sorry Gino, for what happened." Guilt filled his heart like a lead weight and his eyes darkened as he ducked his head, abhorring his own complicity in Schneizel's machinations.

Kissing Suzaku's forehead, Gino gave a sympathetic smile to the boy in his arms, gently raising the other knights face. "I'm sorry too, for what his highness did to you. I love you.

"I don't deserve it, not after..."

"You kept your promise. You told the prince you were with someone else."

"But I..."

"I understand Suzaku and nothing happened. Well, other than a new picture for Anya to offer for sale and the most epic battle in a bathtub ever." Gently he brushed Suzaku's bangs back waiting for the boy to completely relax again. "I love you, just the way you are, just like I know you love me."

Sighing softly Suzaku closed his eyes again, trying to abandon his guilt for the unconditional forgiveness Gino offered him. "How much did you hear, Gino?"

"Enough, and I won't ever sacrifice someone precious to me, I would never let that terrorist bastard have you."

"But if he had used his pawn....I don't think there would be anything you could do to stop him."

"I think you underestimate me, Suzaku. For you I'd make the impossible possible."

"I'm glad I have you."

"Me too."

Gino had held Suzaku silently until the smaller knight finally let sleep claim him. The blond just smiled softly keeping his arms protectively encircled around the slender youth wishing there was more he could do to keep Suzaku safe. Morning had come too quickly and the two knights had rushed about trying to make sure their appearances looked proper for the wedding. Sitting next to one another in the pews, they'd watched the ceremony until a sudden commotion at the back of the church had caused all heads to turn in that direction. Hearing Xingke make his declarations against the forced marriage of his Empress and Prince Odysseus, Gino turned towards the younger man a serious expression on his face.

"I would do something like that, Suzaku, to keep Zero from getting you." Kissing Suzaku's cheek, Gino rose and went to perform his duty and protect Prince Odysseus safe knowing his most precious piece though sometimes he was a mere pawn and other times a true knight would not be captured this round.

The End

Comments

[rkold.livejournal.com]

Hahaha I sometimes like age gap couples too. XD;; I admit to being a bit disappointed that Gino is only a year or so older than Suzaku. But he's super tall and looks a lot more than a year older to make up for it XD;

In this verse he's not even in love. >>;; Suzaku is attractive and fun, and I think a part of Schneizel enjoys the fact he can keep using and breaking Suzaku and somehow the boy keeps putting himself back together again or at least together enough to function lol In a way, he's not so different from Lloyd or Lelouch and does tend to see people as pieces. For Gino, I don't think he minds at all admitting his weakness for Suzaku and I think he almost uses it as a strength that he loves him.

I think in some respects the even bigger problem for Gino would be his duty to protect Schneizel in the future. XD;; One sort of has to wonder if he would feel a conflict between his duty and his dislike of Schneizel for what he did/does to his boyfriend. lol I'm just not that good at writing angst long term, I tend to make the characters try to work through it. Maybe I will sit down and just write the first seduction fic since it's sort of dub-con since I think Suzaku just really had no idea that Schneizel was going to do that lol

I'm not sure if it's better or worse if he wears the mask XD;; I know in doujinshi he sometimes takes off the mask but blindfolds Suzaku first lol It's complicated to figure out the plotting since I want it all to make sense.

Well, it's beyond even I don't think he can personally kill Suzaku, I don't think he can let someone else kill Suzaku for him. (At least not on purpose, if say Kallen or Todou killed Suzaku while they were battling in their Knightmares, he would be upset but I think could try to get past it.) I don't think he could order Kallen or Todou to kill Suzaku. He does specifically tell Rolo not to. I think Suzaku does matter to him, the fact that he did request Suzaku as his prize and the fact he announces Suzaku is his arch rival and remembers in the Emo!Lelouch episode Suzaku's definition for happiness... But it's also that exact same obsession that I think could lead to Lelouch doing some not so nice things if Suzaku was his prisoner.

[jusrecht.livejournal.com]

Gino is so very tall it makes Suzaku so incredibly uke XD

The old conflict of interest. I think it can get worse if Schneizel turns out to be the successor of the throne. Suzaku should really learn from experience XD

I've seen some where he blindfolded Suzaku too, but I've never seen where he wore the mask! Oh it'll be hilarious. I understand, but I believe you can figure it out XD

Too true. Lelouch is obsessed and obsessed people are often the worst. Mao's a good example.

[rkold.livejournal.com]

I'm not necessarily a proponent of the height rule (I like Rolo toping Lelouch and I think Rolo would top Suzaku too XD;; ) But the height difference between Gino and Suzaku is rather attractive. Gino is even taller than Schneizel XD; I don't think we've seen anyone else in the Geass-verse as tall as Gino. It makes for a lovely visual with slender Suzaku. <3

I think even without Schneizel as the successor that conflict is there. I do think Gino is going to think twice before he lets Suzaku willingly go alone to Schneizel's rooms in the verse I am writing or any potential AUs. XD; Suzaku should learn from experience and yet he doesn't lol He really is sort of trusting despite everything, it's rather endearing.

But hmmm, I think Schneizel has no problem dub-conning or even non-conning Suzaku, since afterwards Suzaku would still continue to submit to him, but I think like Odysseus, Schneizel prefers to avoid conflict and to use his brains to keep him out of it. Screwing Suzaku once he is involved with Gino would most certainly create conflict and once he really knew about that it would prob work as a deterrent since I'm not sure if Suzaku would be worth the conflict for him.

I think it's because they think the mask gets too hot and then he can't use his mouth, I do love that Suzaku tends to call out Lelouch when getting raped by Zero, it's SO wrong. I shall have to see if I have any where he keeps the mask.

You know, Mao is a prime example of when obsession goes a little too far. I think Lelouch would be less likely to say pull out a chainsaw, but that is when he would likey end up non-conning Suzaku instead.

[jusrecht.livejournal.com]

I like the visual for this pairing too, though in the past I liked some pairings where the uke is definitely taller. Height notwithstanding, I think Suzaku is mentally very uke XD

I can see Schneizel thinking that way. After all, people only fight when there's love involved. I sort of like to read about Gino's predicament and conflict of interest, so if you're interested, it will be great if you write more about it XDD

I saw one where Lelouch then felt so very guilty about it and despite the wrong-ness, it ended up an angst.. Wow, thank you!

When Lelouch pulls out a chainsaw, we can be sure that he's gone crazy. Non-conning someone does seem more like his method, especially because he can mess with people's mind better that way. I'd really love to see how you do this XD

[rkold.livejournal.com]

You really do want to see horrible things happen to Suzaku, don't you XD;;; Not that I don't think up my own horrible predicaments for him

I love the visual with this pairing. <3 To me, Suzaku is super uke. I think even Ougi would now get to top him, and that is saying a lot lol. He's just really very submissive to me. GinoSuza just happens to follow the age and height rule XD;

People only fight when they care about something, and I think for him winning is more important than the caring it's why he does so well negotiating with the EU, it's all about winning and not the pieces expended. I'll have to see, I was hit by two FLUFF bunnies and one was even a non-pairing idea so I might try to write that one fast. >>; We shall see, there are all these bunnies hopping about and it is unclear which would be best to work on, an AU where schneizel does screw Suzaku or the AU where Suzaku is lost. lol

Let's see I found 3 so far just looking fast, in all 3 he unmasks himself, though 2 use blindfolds. The one where Suzaku completely knows is the wrongest because it is Lelouch in the Zero costume sans mask non-conning KoR!Suzaku. Suzaku angsts in the end but I think Lelouch just enjoyed the sex >>; In the infamous Kashi one, Lelouch doesn't seem so angsty post either. >>;

We shall see what ends up getting written. I admit I like the one verse I am playing in so far, but I'm not sure what I will do. I find Lelouch hard to write since he's so clever and comes up with plans upon plans lol

[jusrecht.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, that is the proof of my love to him XD

LOL Ougi topping Suzaku is an idea that I will have to get into words sometimes. Maybe I should make a project where every other character get to top him..

Bunnies can be pesky, but I'm glad you have a lot bothering you right now XD

I think it's the Kashi one that I have. Lelouch seems guilty, but mostly it's Suzaku that goes angsting about the situation.

Lelouch can be a pain in the ass to write, but I think I'll end up loving anything you come up with XD

[rkold.livejournal.com]

Ohhh I like your new Schneizel LJ icon <3 He looks so hot and evil lol And he's playing with his queen *snickers*

Well I can't think of anyone that does not top him now. I was just in awe of how Sunrise has gone out of their way to show that Suzaku has everyone best him.

The bunnies are pesky! Though now I have people IMing me so I can't feed them properly and I want to get this drabble done because the BBQ from hell tomorrow. ~.~

Yes, that sounds like that one. The RenBu one also has Suzaku angsting and the other on ends before Suzaku can angst. lol Lelouch does not act guilty at all in the other 2.

I hope so, I really enjoy having a chance to amuse you since I so loved your fics from the start. :D

[jusrecht.livejournal.com]

We both know what that mean, don't we? XD

That's why we shouldn't let Sunrise down, after all they did to prove how uke Suzaku is.

Thank you! We can amuse each other then XD

[rkold.livejournal.com]

And ironically enough I planned to call the Chess Prize AU "The Queen's Sacrifice" XD;;;; But yes he so looks evil and up to no good and I love that little half smirk.

I think I've not been letting Sunrise down. XD;;

I'm glad my fics amuse someone though the crack gen one I might share on the geass comm in general >>;

[jusrecht.livejournal.com]

Oooh, sounds fun XD Yay to Schneizel's evil-ness!

Indeed you haven't. And we shall continue ^^

[rkold.livejournal.com]

OK while 11 needed a lot more Suzaku, at least now I have some new ideas for the chess prize AU. >>;

And Gino and Anya look way better in their knight outfits than their new ones ^_^;;