Frankenstein's capable hands flew as he prepared them a quick pot of tea with cookies. Rai felt a little bit guilty when he thought of how lost he'd be without Frankenstein here to take care of these things for him. He still wasn't sure how the stove worked... He'd probably have to go back to Lukedonia if he wasn't living with his companion.
In no time at all, Frankenstein swept into the living room, setting down a tray with a teapot, two teacups with saucers, and a plate of little cookies. Rai watched as Frankenstein poured the tea, his blond fringe falling in front of his eyes...
It was difficult to resist the urge to reach out and push that fringe behind his ear, so he could see Frankenstein's stunning gaze.
"Is this all right, Master?"
Rai nodded. He reached out to nibble on one of Frankenstein's cookies. They were perfect, as usual.
Apparently satisfied, Frankenstein seated himself across from him, picking up his cup and sipping absently. Rai followed suit. A few moments later, Rai noticed the pensive look on his companion's face… Frankenstein was brainstorming something in that brilliant mind of his.
"May I watch you work, Frankenstein?" Rai asked, setting down his cup.
Frankenstein's eyes flitted over to his.
"Is something bothering you? You haven't asked permission to enter my mind in a long time…"
"No, I merely thought… if you weren't feeling well from the nightmares…" he said quietly.
"You're always welcome to my thoughts, Master," Frankenstein reassured him. "Please, let me know if you need me to explain anything."
Rai relaxed his consciousness, allowing his mind to come into contact with Frankenstein's. His companion's mind was, in some ways, an enigma to him. Rai had never been very interested in science before he'd met Frankenstein, but it was still fascinating to watch his companion's mind at work.
Frankenstein was, of course, thinking about the kids. He was going over possible side effects from his experiments and treatments he could use for such scenarios. Rai didn't understand the science behind it, and Frankenstein's explanations only confused him more.
Before long, Rai had stopped trying to focus on specific subjects and simply allowed himself to be soothed by the familiar flow of Frankenstein's thoughts. It was peaceful here in his companion's mind…
"Heh… am I boring you?"
Rai opened his eyes. Frankenstein was giving him a sly smile, but Rai knew he was only teasing. Frankenstein was probably the only person in his whole household who was bold enough to tease him.
Rai shook his head.
No. I enjoy watching you work.
Frankenstein didn't comment on the fact that Rai hadn't withdrawn from his mind. He knew Rai felt comfortable there, and if their minds were connected, Rai didn't need to speak aloud.
"We've been here a while… shall I make breakfast?" Frankenstein asked. "The kids will be getting up soon…"
Rai glanced out the window. Sure enough, the sun was rising outside. The sunrise was beautiful, creating a watercolor over the city skyline. Rai took that as a good sign.
Yes... Breakfast would be nice.
Frankenstein nodded and stood up, strolling into the kitchen to begin preparing breakfast for the family. Rai marveled at his companion's ability to keep on giving and giving, even when he was suffering himself... Would his generosity ever run out?
Maybe he shouldn't wait. Frankenstein would never be angry with him for this... He should ask Frankenstein about what he'd seen right now, while their minds were still one.
"Ask me what?"
Rai blinked. Frankenstein was looking at him curiously from the kitchen, a tea kettle in his hand.
"You may ask me anything, Master," his companion said genially. "Nothing you can say will upset me."
Rai looked back into those brilliant blue eyes... and made up his mind. He would ask, and then live with the consequences.
He settled into Frankenstein's mind, replaying the scene that he'd seen earlier… Once more, he saw Frankenstein cupping his face and kissing him softly, almost reverently… He asked for an explanation. He wanted to know what it meant.
Instantly, Frankenstein's face froze. He backed up into the kitchen counter.
"Master?" he breathed.
Rai just gazed at him. He'd already made his meaning clear.
"I… Master… It's nothing. It was only a dream."
"A dream," Rai repeated.
Rai touched Frankenstein's mind again, hoping to feel some of the love he wanted, but instead he found shame and guilt.
"If it was only a dream... then why do you feel so guilty?" Rai asked quietly.
Frankenstein glanced around the room as if he were looking for an escape route. He had to know that wouldn't work, though… Their minds would be connected unless they were extremely far apart.
Did Frankenstein feel guilty because it was inappropriate?
"Is... is it wrong?" he asked worriedly. He trusted Frankenstein's opinion more than anyone else's "For us to...?"
Frankenstein grimaced slightly.
"Wrong? Only because I do not deserve to think of such things... especially not about you."
Rai frowned. What did that mean?
"Why is that?"
Frankenstein bit his lower lip briefly. He looked extremely uncomfortable. Rai instantly felt bad about pushing him… More unpleasant emotions were welling up inside his companion.
"Master… who knows me better than you?"
Frankenstein gestured to himself, a look of disgust on his face. When he spoke again, his voice was filled with so much self-loathing, Rai could scarcely believe it.
"I am not worthy of being your lover. I'm an evil, corrupted monster wearing a human skin. My mere presence makes others tremble in fear. I've done despicable things and allowed horrors to happen around me."
Frankenstein paused, lowering his gaze.
"You know this. You placed a seal on my power for this very reason."
No… This wasn't what he wanted…
"So," Frankenstein continued, finally taking his eyes off the floor. "Let's not pretend I deserve to hold someone so pure with these blood-soaked hands."
"Frankenstein…" Rai whispered.
"Master, please," Frankenstein said, his voice stiff with barely controlled emotion. "I never wanted you to know about this... I never wanted to put you in an awkward position. Besides… I would only be a disappointment to you. Again."
Rai felt his heart breaking. He'd never realized Frankenstein felt like this… And it was true that he'd sealed most of Frankenstein's powers because of what he'd seen his companion doing that day. Frankenstein had promised not to experiment on himself anymore, but he couldn't keep his word.
But still... Frankenstein had only done that to help him.
"You've never disappointed me," Rai managed to say.
Frankenstein shook his head, letting his blond fringe fall in front of his eyes.
"I don't think that's true. I saw the look on your face back then, Master."
But I only wanted to keep you safe, I swear... Master, please...
Rai flinched slightly at the conflicting emotions he felt wash over him. Frankenstein was torn between self-loathing and hope… Some part of him hoped that he wasn't the monster he believed himself to be.
"Frankenstein... I... I was never truly angry with you for what you did," Rai began uncertainly. "You do not need to hide your thoughts from me..."
He paused, glancing at Frankenstein's twitching fingers. The souls possessing Frankenstein were awake again... Despite his words, his companion seemed to be very upset. Rai could sense the evil spirits in his head swarming greedily, feeding on the negative emotions Frankenstein was doing his best to suppress.
Moments later, Frankenstein turned sideways, coughing into his fist. Black blood dripped down his fingers.
"I didn't want you to know," he choked into his hand. "You would have thought less of me... or perhaps dismissed me."
"Never."
Obviously startled, Frankenstein jerked his head up from his bloody fist.
"What?" he breathed.
Rai stood up, walking over to where his companion was standing, frozen, up against the kitchen counter.
"I would never think less of you for this, Frankenstein."
Rai reached out, putting a hand to Frankenstein's cheek. He opened their mental connection further, sending calming, healing energy into his companion. Frankenstein didn't resist... Rai knew he never would.
"Please tell me the truth," Rai said quietly. "I will show you that nothing you can say will upset me, either."
Frankenstein sighed, tugging his handkerchief out of his pocket. He wiped his bloody hand and mouth with it before answering.
"The truth? Don't you already know, Master? Everything in my mind belongs to you, after all..."
Rai felt a momentary surge of warmth from his companion's mind... before it was abruptly withdrawn.
"The truth... The truth is that no matter what I may feel, I don't deserve you. If anyone deserves to love you... it's certainly not a monster like me. Let's just leave it at that," Frankenstein said in a resigned tone of voice. Rai sadly noted the lifeless look in his beautiful blue eyes… Those deadened eyes glanced at the empty teacups and plates on the coffee table.
"I'll clean this up…" Frankenstein added, slipping away from his hand. As if he didn't deserve that gentle touch, either.
Rai couldn't believe the turn things had taken... Frankenstein believed that his Master thought he was a dangerous monster… That he was untrustworthy and deserved to be leashed. And yet Frankenstein's devotion to him hadn't changed in the slightest.
But one thing was abundantly clear, at least. Frankenstein did care for him romantically... but he had convinced himself that he didn't deserve it.
Rai watched as Frankenstein gathered up the dirty dishes and took them to the sink, determinedly avoiding making eye contact with him. It didn't take a mind reader to see that Frankenstein was attempting to calm himself.
What should he do? What should he say? He'd already come this far, dragged Frankenstein's deepest desires out into the open... he couldn't just leave things like this.
Well, no matter what else he might have to say, at the very least, he couldn't allow Frankenstein to go on believing these awful things about himself. Rai silently stepped closer to his companion, placing a hand on his broad back. Frankenstein tensed up, but almost immediately relaxed as Rai eased his way back into his mind.
Frankenstein... Whatever you have done, it is in the past. I know how hard you have worked to change, to make amends. And I... I never meant to hurt you.
"You don't need to apologize, Master," Frankenstein said softly. "Let's just… put this behind us, all right?"
I can't.
"Why not?"
Because… I liked what I saw in your dream.
Whatever dish Frankenstein had been holding clattered into the sink.
"Master, please… just forget about that," Frankenstein whispered to the sink. "I promise, there's someone more suitable out there for you, if that is what you desire…"
Rai got a brief image of Lascrea projected into his mind. But… that wasn't the life he wanted anymore. Besides, as much as he respected Lascrea, he didn't have those kind of feelings for her.
"She would be a good match for you, don't you think…?" Frankenstein continued.
Perhaps… But I only know of one person who has consistently shown me nothing but generosity and kindness... Someone who patiently waited for me for centuries... Someone who never gave up on finding me, just to show me a little more happiness in this life.
"Master…?"
Frankenstein… please look at me.
Pausing only to dry his hands on a towel, Frankenstein slowly turned around to face him. This close, Rai was once again struck by how handsome his companion was.
For as long as I've known you… You've never been afraid to look at me.
That finally got Frankenstein to smile slightly. Rai knew they were both remembering the moment they'd met. Frankenstein had had no idea of who he was when they'd first encountered each other in the empty halls of his mansion. But even after Frankenstein had begun caring for him, he'd never shown any hint of fear toward him.
"Well… I didn't know I'd just barged into the home of the strongest noble in existence," Frankenstein said, a fond look on his face. "Still… I'm glad I did."
So am I. Sometimes I wonder if fate brought you to me… To ease my loneliness.
Frankenstein's cheeks flushed slightly.
"I will always be here for you, Master," he said softly. "Whatever fate has in store, I will be here."
I know. You've proved your loyalty again and again, Frankenstein. And I've always been glad to have you by my side.
Rai stepped a little bit closer. He felt like he could lean forward and be lost in those brilliant blue eyes.
Frankenstein?
His companion swallowed, his cheeks getting pinker by the second.
"Yes, Master?"
Is it selfish of me… to want what you showed me?
Frankenstein's blue eyes softened considerably. Rai was pleased to feel the sudden warmth from his companion's mind. This was much better than the shame and guilt he'd felt earlier.
"No… I'm not sure you know how to be selfish."
Then… will you…?
Before he could finish his thought, Frankenstein suddenly twitched away from him, looking concerned.
"I... Master, do you feel that...?"
Rai concentrated a little. Maybe it was because he was standing so close to Frankenstein who always gave off dark energy, but he hadn't noticed the exact same dark energies building just down the hall...
He heard a door open and someone pounding down the hall.
"Boss!"
Tao skidded into the room, looking panicked. Uncertainty flickered in the young man's gaze as he spotted the two of them standing so close together, but his business seemed more important, so he pushed ahead.
"Come with me!"
"What's wrong?" Frankenstein asked.
"It's Takio," Tao said urgently. "The dark spear is attacking him! I can't get him up!"
Terror burned so suddenly in Frankenstein's mind, Rai flinched and withdrew contact. Without a moment's hesitation, Frankenstein rushed out of the kitchen and toward the kids' rooms.
Rai quickly followed, but as concerned as he was for his ward, he couldn't help but feel… disappointed.
How could he get that moment back?
My Comments:
I originally read Noblesse on Webtoons. There were some comments about how it's wrong to ship Rai and Frankenstein, and how it's fetishy to force two guys who are just friends into a homosexual relationship. Personally, I don't mind harmless shipping of characters. And Noblesse had an unfortunate lack of well developed female characters (they barely bothered to develop Lord and Seira). And considering that Frankenstein cares for Rai more than anything in the world, I was half expecting their romance to be canon anyway. It wasn't, of course, but it really feels like it should have been.
Honestly, Noblesse had the perfect set up for romance between its two male leads. All the pieces were there, from their history to how much they care for each other... Especially their history, actually. Think about it... Rai was all alone before Frankenstein came to live with him and take care of him. Frankenstein showed him genuine friendship and love, unlike those family leaders who mostly visited him in order to suck up to him. I don't think it's crazy to think that Rai would eventually fall in love with Frankenstein in that scenario.
So anyway, that was my inspiration! Hopefully I'm doing these two lovely characters justice. Although I'm mostly writing and editing this to entertain myself, if even one other person enjoys it, I'll be happy.
