Caged Bird

Anniversary

“Okay, got it. And for you sir?” she asked Suzaku who took a moment to glance at the menu again to double check what he wanted.

“I would like to have pancakes and an omelet with orange juice.” he told the woman as she jotted down their orders.

“Okay, I’ve gotten what you both wanted written down and I will be back with your drinks.” she told Lelouch and Suzaku. “Your food will take a little more time.” Then she left them alone, walking towards the kitchen.

“Suzaku,” Lelouch said after the waitress left, taking a sip of his water. “I’m glad you’re back...I’m happy...overjoyed, that you’re home with me again.” He was still ashamed that he’d fallen into such a crippling depression without him around. He was a burden to Jeremiah...he worried Nunnally...he ignored his children. It was because of him that Yori was sightless. He still considered himself a terrible father...

And with that I have to go to bed.

...I don’t want to work tomorrow. I’m so tired.

#offline

Anniversary

“Oh well, I may get the same thing. Along with an omelet.” Suzaku answered a little awkwardly his husband, hoping his semi large appetite wasn’t a bother. “I figure they may add meat to that so if you prefer, I can make you an omelet sometime.”

‘I wish there were more vegetarian options for him. It seems like he’s limited nutritionally…’ he frowned as the waitress returned with two glasses of water for both men.

“Are you two ready for me to take your order?” she asked politely as she took out a small notepad from her apron pocket along with a pen.

“Yes, I’d like a serving of pancakes and orange juice,” he answered the waitress. He’d tell Suzaku later that he’d be glad to eat any omelet that Suzaku made for him, knowing that he would make them exactly the way he liked them.

Anniversary

“Yes of course. I remember you are vegetarian, love. No need to worry but thank you for reminding me.” Suzaku said, giving Lelouch’s hand a gentle squeeze. He then began to browse the menu, immediately crossing out any dish that had meat in it within his mind. He found a good meal with pancakes and an omelet. Then another meal with the omelet on it’s own. Then there were waffles as well.

“There are some really good choices… You can have only pancakes or waffles or an omelet. Or you can have an omelet with either pancakes or waffles. I see a lunch menu and I see your favorite: chicken Parmesan.” he told his husband, letting him think about what he would like to eat.

“I did say breakfast, Suzaku. And I’m willing to bet their Chicken Parmesan here isn’t vegetarian. Pancakes should be fine, maybe with some orange juice,” he smiled, grateful for such an accommodating husband. “What are you going to have?”

The omelet did sound enticing, but there were plenty of chefs that liked to add meat for filling, instead of just garnish and cheese. So, while out, he would pass on it. Perhaps he’d ask Suzaku to make him one later, or the next morning.

Anniversary

Suzaku smiled at Lelouch again as he returned the gentle squeeze of his hand. He was definitely glad he is home with Lelouch now and not still held captive somewhere. That was in the past. And the man holding his hand now is his reality, his world. So something as simple as eating in a restaurant for their anniversary is enough for the knight. Especially if it meant he could be with Lelouch this time. Maybe this is his present to Lelouch. He could let Lelouch be with him again, free of any worries.

‘Today will be special. I will make it so just for him…’ he thought as he smiled to himself.

The husbands walked into town within minutes with Suzaku feeling more euphoric as the bustling atmosphere surrounded him. He stayed alert so he wouldn’t lose Lelouch. No, he didn’t want that to happen. The knight looked around for the restaurant and made a triumphant sound as he confirmed it’s location within the next few minutes. They went inside and were greeted by the waitress.

“Hello, welcome. Two of you?” she asked as Suzaku gave her an affirming answer. “Okay, follow me.”

The waitress lead them to a booth near a window that had a shade pulled down to block out the sun. Suzaku sat down next to Lelouch after making sure he sat down. The waitress gave the males their menus and told them she will be right back to take their order. “We haven’t been here before and the menu isn’t in braille either.” he sighed then patted Lelouch’s hand in apology.

“It’s alright,” the menu placed down, he closed it. The smile never left his face--he was just happy to be enjoying time out with his lover. It had been such a long time since they’d had a date. “If you could read what’s on the menu, I’m okay with that.”

‘If it’s not a burden.’

“Only the options with no meat.” He was sure his husband remembered, but a small reminder should be alright, too.

Also, glad to know he's home with you again, Lelouch. :)

“I’m so happy...”

#Anonymous

So legit question, how do you feel about Suzaku being home again for your wedding anniversary as opposed to a year ago?

“Relieved...”

#Anonymous

Anniversary

Suzaku smiled, thinking his husband is too precious for his own good and he couldn’t help but take his hands to place a kiss on them. His lips lingered on the wedding ring adorning Lelouch’s left hand. He released his right hand and kept a gentle but firm hold on his left. Today is their day. Even if he had nothing planned for his husband, the knight still wanted to make it special for him. With that thought, Suzaku lead Lelouch out of their room and soon out the house.

Walking to the restaurant wouldn’t take long and neither men had been out to enjoy the day in a long while. This was a nice idea. ‘I wonder if walking there is really okay… It’s only a ten minute walk. I should check with him.’

“Oh Lelouch, I hope you don’t mind a little walking. It won’t take long to get to where we need by foot.” he told him as they stood on their porch.

“I don’t mind,” Squeezing his hand lightly, he took the first step off the porch, onto the little walkway that led to their door. The fresh air that overcame him was a wonderful sensation...it had truly been too long.

‘It’s our day. I want to make it memorable for us. I want to make sure he has a good day...He deserves it.’

‘He’s home...He’s mine...He’s here with me...’

Were you and your husband like those teenagers who were in relationships that break up and make up in the same week, overly clingy, come up with ridiculous ways to say 'I love you' because the regular way is "used", or stuff like that?

“...No? ‘I love you’ was enough for us...I mean, I guess...occasionally, but otherwise ‘I love you’ was enough.”

#Anonymous

Anniversary

After washing his hair, Suzaku cleaned his body thoroughly then lingered in the shower to ease his tense muscles. He wished he had taken a shower last night but he just collapsed into bed instead. Maybe that was why Lelouch let him sleep this morning.

The knight got out the shower and dried himself off before pulling on his clothes. They were casual since he didn’t have anything special planned for Lelouch. He would need to think of what to buy him while they are out on their date. ‘I want to make him happy. More happy than he has ever been now that I am here…’ he thought as he left the bathroom with the towel on his head, drying his hair a little before tossing it into the hamper.

“I’m ready. How about you, Lelouch?”

“I’m ready,” he was straightening the cuffs by feel, smoothing out any wrinkles, making himself presentable...all by touch alone. He shifted his feet slightly, then walked over to where his husband was, holding his hands out a little for him to take. “I’m ready,” a repeat, “if you’d kindly lead the way to the restaurant.”

‘I’m curious...’