Rai sipped his tea, savoring the familiar flavor. The only thing that would make it better would be feeling Frankenstein's brilliant mind connected to his. Unfortunately, he was pretty sure he'd just sedated Frankenstein a little too much. He probably needed a moment to recover.

Seira was busy making dinner, and Regis was setting the table. M-21 and Takio were cleaning up the kitchen and Tao was dusting the living room, likely because he'd forgotten to do it earlier.

Meanwhile, Rai was sitting on the couch, feeling more selfish than he ever had in his life.

Part of him worried he was going too far, asking for too much… Frankenstein had already devoted his entire life to him. Though he technically already owned his companion's mind, body, and soul... he'd never truly exercised that much control over Frankenstein. Rai had never wanted his companion to feel like a piece of property. But… the other half of him couldn't help asking for more.

Rai wanted to be closer to his companion. He'd meant every word he'd said to Frankenstein in his office, just like he meant every word he'd just projected into Frankenstein's mind.

Although, he should have known that Frankenstein would realize that the children had pulled up information on his phone about how to ask for a date. That had been a little embarrassing… But thankfully, Frankenstein seemed to find it endearing.

But despite the warm and gentle emotions Rai had felt in Frankenstein's mind, he'd also sensed that Frankenstein was hiding something from him.

Rai had hoped that by soothing his companion's nerves, Frankenstein might open up to him and say what was bothering him, but it hadn't worked. And he didn't want to pry it out of Frankenstein's mind, because that would hurt him and erode the trust between them. Rai trusted Frankenstein completely.

Moments later, the very man he'd been thinking of walked into the living room. As soon as their eyes met, Rai had to force himself to stay in his seat. Now that his desires were out in the open, it was becoming very hard not to act on them. He wondered when exactly he'd become so undignified along with being selfish... Clearly, his emotions were playing tricks on him.

"Dinner is ready," Seira announced.

Tao, Takio, and M-21 headed to their seats while Seira and Regis brought the food over to the table. Frankenstein immediately headed to his Master's seat, pulling his chair out for him.

"After you, Master."

Smiling, Rai stood up and began walking toward his place at the table.

But moments later, he was struck by a wave of dizziness... He took another step, clumsily tripping over his own feet...

"Master!"

Rai collapsed to the floor, a trickle of blood seeping from his mouth. Immediately, a pair of strong arms encircled him. Comforted by the familiar presence, he closed his eyes and relaxed into Frankenstein's gentle embrace.

When Rai opened his eyes, he was staring up at the ceiling of his bedroom. Someone was patting his forehead with a warm washcloth. Naturally, that someone was his companion. Rai would have known it was him even without opening his eyes.

He was lying in his bed with Frankenstein sitting by his side, nervously watching him.

"Master... How are you feeling?"

Rai looked up into those pained sapphire eyes. He could easily sense Frankenstein's worry... the evil spirits were clawing furiously at his mind and screaming in his thoughts, forcing him to use all his willpower to stay in control of himself.

Instinctively, Rai reached out to his companion...

Frankenstein's warm hands stopped him.

"Please, Raizel... You just fainted. You can't use your power right now."

"But... you are suffering."

"I'll be fine," Frankenstein said firmly. "You used your power on me three times today... You need to stop wasting your energy on me."

"I told you before, Frankenstein..." he said gently. "It's not a waste. I sealed too much of your power for too long."

He reached out again, placing his hand on his companion's warm cheek. Frankenstein instantly covered it with his own, squeezing it firmly.

"Please... you don't need to do this."

Frankenstein had always been able to beg anything he wanted of his Master with those beautiful blue eyes... but Rai wasn't sure he wanted to give in this time. Was he just supposed to just lay here and watch thirty thousand evil souls ravage Frankenstein's mind?

"This is my fault... I did not make the seal strong enough," Rai said sadly. "I worried I might damage your mind. Instead, I left you to suffer with a faulty seal for over eight hundred years. And when you needed your full power again, it hurt you to retrieve it."

"None of that is your fault," Frankenstein insisted. "There's still no need for you to waste any more energy on me. Please."

Rai nearly smiled at how silly this was... Both of them were too stubborn to stop protecting each other. His fingers started to move, exploring the curve of Frankenstein's cheekbone. Strangely, that seemed soothe the spirits a little.

"All right... But just this once."

"Thank you."

It suddenly occurred to him that he was alone with Frankenstein in his bedroom. And he was lying down in a soft bed with Frankenstein hovering over him... He wondered if this was an appropriate moment to ask for another kiss.

But, no... he couldn't ask that. He'd just promised that he would give Frankenstein time to collect himself. He had apparently pushed his feelings on Frankenstein too quickly, making him uncomfortable. Well, Frankenstein had said he only needed a few days... After spending a hundred years together, a few days should be nothing to him.

So why did he feel so anxious?

"Master? Are you all right? Are you feeling feverish? Your face is red..."

Frankenstein brushed a hand against his forehead. Rai gently reached out to touch his companion's mind in return. He could feel Frankenstein's genuine concern and care for him, and he certainly enjoyed those feelings, but... he wanted another taste of that burning emotion from earlier. He wondered if that unfamiliar emotion was the love he wanted...

Moments later, Frankenstein's cheeks reddened as well.

"Oh..."

Realizing his mistake, Rai quickly sat up, embarrassed.

I apologize, I... I shouldn't have thought that. I am pressuring you too much. I don't wish to burden you.

Frankenstein put a hand over his red face.

"No... It's fine, Master..." he said from between his fingers.

Why are you hiding your face?

"It... it's nothing, Master... I should leave you to rest," Frankenstein said swiftly, practically leaping off the bed. "When you're feeling better, I'll have dinner waiting for you..."

Please, Frankenstein... You do not need to run from me.

Frankenstein paused at the bedroom door.

"I would never run from you, Raizel..."

You did this morning... and it seems as though you are running now.

His companion shivered and let his hand slip off the doorknob.

"You're right. I apologize. I was just surprised, that's all," he said quietly. "I know you would never take my will from me."

Of course not.

Frankenstein nodded, shifting where he stood. Rai sensed a plethora of conflicting emotions in his body... he seemed to be steeling himself to say something. The silence dragged on until...

"And, ah... speaking of surprises... There is something I should tell you. Gejutel called right before I came up for dinner."

Oh?

"Yes. He informed me that Lascrea would also like to come to the spring formal with you, Regis, Seira, and the children. I thought perhaps... you would escort her to the event?"

Rai frowned to himself. He knew he wasn't very well versed in romance, but he knew this much, at least...

No... that would be unfaithful.

"Unfaithful?" Frankenstein said, confused.

Yes. I have chosen you. Why would I spend that evening with another when I wish to spend it with you?

"Because Lascrea is a more appropriate match for you, Raizel," Frankenstein insisted. "She would be a much better partner and lover for you."

I see... You still believe you are unworthy of me?

"I know I am not worthy of you, Master."

Rai sighed. How many times did he have to assure Frankenstein that he was worthy?

Would it please you if I went to this formal event with Lascrea?

"It pleases me to see you happy and safe, Raizel."

Rai lowered his gaze, withdrawing contact from Frankenstein's mind. How could he tell his companion that he had no interest in attending a school function with Lascrea? What he wanted was for Frankenstein to stop denying what he felt. Rai had waited over a hundred years to feel this close to his companion... He didn't want to give this up.

"Frankenstein... I will attend the spring formal with Lascrea. But afterwards... I would like you to answer my question."

"Which question was that?"

"I would like to know... if the emotion you felt for me was love."

"A-already, Raizel?" Frankenstein stammered.

"Already? Was a hundred years not enough time?" Rai said, feeling both worried and confused. "I have read books where love forms between two people in a matter of days..."

"I... no, you're right... I just..." He paused, taking another breath to steady himself. "Raizel, I'm just... worried."

"What about?" Rai asked. This had to be what Frankenstein was hiding from him...

"Many things..." Frankenstein sighed. "It's hard to explain."

Before Rai could say anything more, someone knocked on the door.

"Hey, Boss? Is Sir Raizel okay?" Tao called loudly. "Can we come in?"

"Hold on a moment..."

Frankenstein opened the bedroom door, and the entire household squeezed inside. Rai couldn't help but smile fondly as his family gathered around his bedside, looking relieved to see him.

He also couldn't help but notice the pleased look on his companion's face as well. This was exactly what Frankenstein had wanted for him centuries ago... To live freely, to have a family and be loved.

But... there was one other thing Rai hadn't even realized he'd wanted, something Frankenstein apparently hadn't picked up on in the past, either.

Perhaps fate would kinder this time around.

Later that night, Frankenstein was having trouble sleeping.

It was hard to believe that he'd woken up with his Master in his bedroom only twenty four hours ago... And now he had a deadline of this weekend to answer Raizel's question.

Do you love me?

As if that was even a question.

Master had to know that, too. But even knowing that... Raizel would still give him the chance to refuse. His free will was something Raizel would never take from him.

Frankenstein always appreciated that about his Master. Every single part of him belonged to Raizel, but he'd never just taken whatever he wanted. He had always asked.

And today... his Master had asked for his heart.

Another ridiculous question. Frankenstein's heart wasn't his to give away.

If he was being honest with himself, which he rarely was thanks to decades of suppressing these feelings, he had likely been in love with his Master for nearly as long as he'd known him.

And with being in love came all the physical urges that came along with that.

When was the last time he'd acted on those urges? It had to have been ten years at least. He supposed he could have blamed it on his busy schedule, his perpetual sadness at not having his Master by his side, or perhaps his obsession with his life's work… but in reality, he'd lacked stimulation.

In the end, he was still a just man, with all the body parts and hormones that came along with that. He'd tried to suppress these feelings earlier, but... maybe he just had to get this out of his system. Then perhaps he wouldn't be so weak to the temptation Raizel presented him with.

Or it could just make things a hundred times worse. That was certainly a possibility.

It was also possible that his lust might trigger the dark energy in his mind, pushing him to lose control. Lust was just a little too close to hunger and greed, things the dark spear fed on. There was a reason he'd been celibate since taking the dark spear, after all.

But lying here in bed... knowing his Master wanted him... it was hard to stop himself. Master obviously thought he was asleep, since he couldn't sense that tranquil presence in his mind. Now would be the perfect time to get some relief.

Just this once, he told himself.

Frankenstein breathed out slowly. Now that he'd committed to do this… it was like the flood gates had broken open, and all those thoughts he'd banned from his waking mind rushed in.

He pictured Raizel in his lap earlier today. How easy would it have been to take his Master in his arms and carry him to the couch, lying that beautiful noble down beneath him. He would have to be gentle, though… Raizel was so niave and inexperienced.

Just the thought of his Master splayed out on his couch, his crimson eyes filled with desire was enough to get him excited. Frankenstein lifted his hips, sliding off the soft gray pants he slept in.

He would just have to carefully undress his Master, let him get used to the idea of being naked in the presence of another. It would be agonizing, having to wait to see that beautiful body bare beneath him… but Raizel would be worth the wait.

How would it feel to have Raizel's soft skin under his hands?

Frankenstein reached down between his legs, letting his imagination run wild.

Rai was trying to sleep. Frankenstein was constantly insisting that he needed rest… And it was hard to argue with that reasoning after he'd fainted as he was making his way to the dinner table.

So just this once, he'd shed his usual clothes and put on the soft clothing Frankenstein had provided for him to sleep in. And after wandering around the room, he'd eventually settled himself in the bed that his companion had given up for him.

Hm… that meant Frankenstein had slept in this bed…

Frankenstein…

Rai touched his fingertips to his lips.

One kiss hadn't slaked the desire inside him at all… In fact, it had only grown deeper.

Rai wondered if Frankenstein was asleep yet. Would it be terribly rude of him to intrude on his companion's sleep yet again? He only wanted to be close to Frankenstein while he rested. Well… if he could just touch Frankenstein's mind lightly enough, that probably wouldn't wake him up.

Somewhat against his better judgment, Rai tentatively reached out with his mind to touch Frankenstein's consciousness. But what he sensed when he made contact was something he'd never felt before… not once in his very long life.

Whatever it was… it burned like a fire in him. And Rai never wanted it to stop.

Just a taste of this feeling from Frankenstein was enough to make Rai curl his toes and clutch at the bedspread. What was his companion thinking to make him feel such strong emotions…?

Rai wanted more. This wasn't nearly enough… But if he intruded too much, too far, Frankenstein might notice and stop whatever he was doing. He'd have to be slow, careful…

Just a little more…

Now, he could see what Frankenstein saw… And he saw himself splayed out on Frankenstein's couch back at the school… He saw Frankenstein's long, elegant hands slowly stripping the clothing from his body.

Rai's breath caught in his throat. Now he was naked beneath Frankenstein… But Rai barely had time to feel embarrassed before his companion leaned forward to worship his body.

You are so beautiful, Raizel…

Frankenstein ran his hands reverently over his Master's body before capturing his mouth in a heated kiss. It seemed so real, Rai wanted to return the kiss with equal passion. But when that kiss ended, more followed… Frankenstein trailed a line of gentle kisses down his chest and stomach.

Except the kisses didn't stop at his stomach.

Just relax, Master… I promise, I'll make you feel better than you could ever imagine…

Rai couldn't stop the gasp that escaped his lips at what he saw. This wasn't appropriate in the slightest… but the pleasure he felt from Frankenstein's mind more than made up for that.

His heart began to race as he watched what Frankenstein was doing, completely entranced... An intense feeling was building in his abdomen, making his legs shake... He wanted this go on forever and he wanted it to beg for it to stop. Waves of pleasure were rushing through his mind, each more powerful than the last.

"Frankenstein..." he breathed. "P-please..."

It's all right, Raizel... you can let go...

The next wave of emotion pushed him over the edge, and Rai grabbed frantically at the blankets while the intense feeling in his stomach exploded, surging through every nerve in his body... It just seemed to go on and on, this sea of pleasure that he'd found himself trapped in...

And then it stopped... the sea of emotions retreated, leaving Rai feeling both exhausted and sated in its wake.

Panting heavily, Rai let his mind drift away from Frankenstein's, too overwhelmed to feel any more of those strong emotions... He noticed that his pajamas were strangely wet, but he found he couldn't be bothered to care much at the moment. His entire body felt so relaxed, he wasn't sure he trusted his legs to hold him if he stood up...

Rai wasn't sure how long he laid there in bed, his heart pounding and his pajamas sticky, waiting to come down from that emotional peak... He'd never experienced pleasure like that in his life… A pair of sticky pajama bottoms seemed like a small price to pay for that ecstasy.

Still, he didn't want to sleep in this mess, whatever it was... Rai slipped out of bed, retreating into the bathroom. Once inside, he slipped off his wet pajamas, leaving him naked from the waist down. Rai paused, dirty pajamas in hand, to stare at himself in the mirror.

He'd probably never looked less like a high class noble than he did right now. His hair was mussed, his face was flushed, and he was half naked after dirtying his own clothes. And… he wanted more.

Rai bit his lip. He wanted… more. He wanted it to be real and not just in his head.

But he knew he shouldn't have seen any of that. He'd just been spying on his companion's private thoughts, which wasn't like him at all... And it was only a matter of time before Frankenstein knew it, too.

Rai sighed, retrieving a washcloth to clean himself up. When he was done, he glanced at the dirty pajamas he'd left on the bathroom floor. Where did the dirty clothes go…? Frankenstein normally took care of these things for him. But he did not want Frankenstein to see this. Feeling a little self-conscious, Rai hid the dirty pajamas underneath the bed. He'd take care of it later, or he'd ask one of the kids to help him.

Still feeling a strange combination of nervous and giddy, Rai crawled back into bed to think about what he'd just seen. That… that had to be what people called making love. That was how lovers expressed their affections to each other. He suddenly realized that he didn't have a clue how to reciprocate. If he were actually in that scenario… what would he do? How would he show Frankenstein how much he cared?

If he asked Frankenstein to show him how to reciprocate… would he oblige? If it were anything else, Frankenstein would probably teach him how without a second thought. But this wasn't just anything… and Frankenstein seemed determined that he should be with a supposedly "better" lover.

Rai wondered why Frankenstein was so determined to deny his own feelings, to deny what he wanted. It was as if Frankenstein were still trying to punish himself for the misdeeds he'd committed in the past, though Rai had forgiven him long ago. Rai didn't want Frankenstein to punish himself anymore... if he deserved to have a family, friends, and love, then so did his companion.

Frankenstein, I promise... I will show you how much I care, no matter what.

My Comments: Did anyone else notice in the manwha that both Rai and Frankenstein don't have character arcs? They're both fairly static characters. Neither of them change much over the course of the story. They don't really grow or overcome any character flaws. I think that's mainly because Rai in particular doesn't have any character flaws (except for cute things that aren't really flaws). So I wanted to give them both believable character flaws. Since Rai spent so much time in isolation, I figured Rai might suffer from some insecurities and a fear of being left alone again (now that he actually has people around him). Frankenstein naturally suffers from a guilty conscience, lots of self loathing, and a feeling of being unworthy.

And it's kinda weird making Rai and Frankenstein into sexual beings. (Although I think we'd all sleep with Frankenstein, he's sexy as hell). Both of them seemed fairly uninterested in romance and sexy stuff in the manwha... they just kinda loved each other in a 'best friends forever' kind of way. I think a more realistic sex scene would involve trapping them both in a room together until they figure out what their genitals are for. (I'm still not sure Rai knows much about sex... I mean, he can't even peel a dang banana! And I don't think Frankenstein bothered with sex in the past. I'm also convinced that noble babies are dropped off by the stork, since they seem to only have dads!)

I was originally going to have Frankenstein tell Rai that Lascrea was coming over dinner, but I literally got bored reading my own story. So I decided to go for maximum cheese factor. Woo! (And yeah, Rai probably wouldn't faint like that, but whatever... it's a fanfic!) And I have no idea why it amused me so much to think of Rai not only stealing kisses but also orgasms from Frankenstein hahaha... orgasms do happen in the brain, after all, so...