A few class periods later, Rai got up from his desk to go to his usual afternoon tea with Frankenstein. As he neared the office, Rai was suddenly struck with nervousness. He couldn't understand why… He'd done this so many times before.
Regis and Seira were not accompanying him. Seira had loftily insisted that she and Regis needed to study in the library. So Rai had made his way to Frankenstein's office alone.
Swallowing his nerves, Rai entered Frankenstein's office. His companion was neck deep in paperwork and was looking fairly stressed. But upon seeing him, Frankenstein dropped everything he was doing and stood up.
"Master, come in…" Frankenstein said hastily. "Your tea is almost ready… Please, have a seat."
"Frankenstein, if you are preoccupied... I do not wish to burden you further."
"No, Master, it's all right… You're more important."
Rai ducked his head and seated himself on Frankenstein's couch. He'd momentarily forgotten that Frankenstein put himself through all this mainly for his sake. Perhaps… he'd taken his companion's kindness for granted. Frankenstein was responsible for not only him, but the school, the kids, and the household.
"Here you are," Frankenstein said, setting the cup and saucer down in front of him. "Don't worry, I didn't forget the sugar this time…"
Rai noticed the almost forced cheerfulness in his voice. It seemed as though Frankenstein was determined to act like nothing had happened between them this morning.
"Frankenstein?"
"Yes, Master," he replied, standing loyally by his side. But Rai saw the nervous tic in his cheek.
"The children invited me to a formal dance."
Frankenstein blinked. Apparently that wasn't what he'd been expecting.
"Oh, of course," Frankenstein said, recovering himself quickly. "I'd almost forgotten about that… Would you like to attend? I can take care of that for you, if you'd like."
"Yes, I would like to," he said simply.
"Certainly. I'll make the necessary arrangements. Would Seira and Regis also like to attend?"
"I believe so."
Frankenstein nodded, smiling slightly. Rai knew Frankenstein liked to see him engaging with the world after being isolated and alone for so long.
Well... alone except for the person standing next to him.
Rai glanced up at his companion, carefully brushing against his consciousness. Naturally, Frankenstein welcomed his presence without a second thought.
His companion was always like that... Frankenstein had happily devoted his entire life to serving his Master. That meant giving up part of his own personal identity to share his soul with another. Rai imagined that it was likely a relief after all he'd suffered, but still... Rai had never been so greedy as to want to take every single part of his companion.
Until now, that is...
Rai did his best to keep his expression neutral as he gazed at Frankenstein. He wasn't sure how well that was working, though... Did he dare ask this question? Eight hundred and twenty years ago, it would have been completely normal.
In the past, Frankenstein had always been the one to escort him to any sort of event outside his mansion (unless the Lord intervened). But that was then... and this was now. Rai was fairly certain Frankenstein wouldn't agree to accompany him to an event with the children, but the words appeared in his mind before he could stop them.
Please… Come with me…
Frankenstein lowered his gaze awkwardly.
"I will be there, Master. I am chaperoning the event."
That isn't what I meant.
Rai gazed meaningfully at him, hoping he would look up...
Frankenstein tugged at the towel he had draped over his arm. He finally consented to lift his head, his sapphire eyes filled with regret.
"I… can't do that, Master," Frankenstein said apologetically. He truly sounded like he was sorry, too. "You are a student at my school. It would be inappropriate for me to personally attend a school function with you."
Frowning at his teacup, Rai nodded his head in acceptance. That was exactly what the kids had said, too… It was inappropriate for him to date a school teacher. Was that what Frankenstein was so worried about?
Of course. I shouldn't have asked. Forgive me.
Feeling disheartened, Rai went back to sipping his tea. He hoped his disappointment wasn't showing too much on his face… If anyone could read his face, it would be Frankenstein.
"Why don't you ask a young lady to accompany you?" Frankenstein offered after a moment.
Rai felt his face stiffen. That made the third time today Frankenstein had so quickly dismissed what he felt.
Do my feelings mean so little to you?
"Master?"
Rai shook his head. He wasn't sure why he was pushing this when his companion was so determinedly resisting him. But then… he couldn't understand why Frankenstein was so determined to deny his own feelings, either.
It's nothing. Don't mind me.
Frankenstein fidgeted next to him. Since he hadn't withdrawn from Frankenstein's mind, Rai also felt his guilt and uncertainty.
"I… Master, I don't mean to deny you, it's just... I only want what's best for you."
Rai looked up into Frankenstein's brilliant blue eyes, the same ones he found himself lost in much earlier today. And he did believe that Frankenstein had his best interests at heart, except…
Are you sure… this is really in my best interest?
Frankenstein's eyes widened, and Rai felt the innocent surprise from his companion's mind. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. As frightening as Frankenstein was to others, Rai only knew his companion to be compassionate and well-intentioned, if a little wild at times.
"Master, I… I don't know what you mean. How could being romantically involved with me be what's best for you? If others knew, they would judge you…"
Rai set down his empty teacup. Silently, he scooted closer to where Frankenstein was standing. He noted to himself that Frankenstein smelled as nice as he looked.
Perhaps this is selfish of me, but… I don't care about that. Others may think what they wish.
"But I'm still not worthy of you, Master. I don't deserve you. Please, allow me to find you someone more suitable..."
Frankenstein.
"Yes?"
I do not wish to give my affections to anyone else...
"But, Master..." Frankenstein interrupted gently.
Please, let me finish.
This time, Frankenstein seemed to know better than to interrupt and he snapped his mouth shut. Satisfied, Rai leaned a little closer.
I realize that I am very inexperienced when it comes to love and romance, but... I know what I feel for you. In my eyes, there is no one more worthy than you. For a hundred years, you served me faithfully... And you served me not because I was the Noblesse, but because you cared for me... just me, as I am.
Rai reached out, brushing Frankenstein's long fringe behind his ear. He felt Frankenstein tremble slightly at his touch.
And I came to care for you just as deeply, Frankenstein. So much so, that I cannot imagine my life without you. So when I saw what was in your mind... I was pleased.
"Master... I... Please, it's not that I don't care for you..."
But Rai wasn't finished. He still had one more thing to say. He pressed one long finger to his companion's lips, silencing him.
Frankenstein... Just once in my life, I'd like to know what it's like to be swept away by desire.
Frankenstein's face immediately flushed a nice, pale pink. An unfamiliar emotion was coursing through Frankenstein, too… It was much hotter and wilder than anything Rai had felt before. He wondered what it was… Desire? Passion? Love?
"Master… Raizel…"
Frankenstein's hands were shaking ever so slightly. Calmly, Rai reached out and grasped both of those trembling hands. These were the hands that had cared for him for decades… They were much warmer than his own.
Rai gently probed for Frankenstein's thoughts, but they seemed fairly incoherent in the presence of these burning emotions. Frankenstein was desperately attempting to calm himself, though his efforts seemed largely ineffective.
It's all right. Your thoughts do not disturb me.
"Master, how can you say that?" Frankenstein begged him. "I should not even dare to have such thoughts..."
Because I trust you.
Rai wondered how he could show Frankenstein that he liked what he'd seen in his head... How could he make Frankenstein see that his Master liked him exactly the way he was, including all his thoughts and feelings?
One kiss was all he wanted. How could he convince Frankenstein to give him that much? There was no way he could just take it from him... Frankenstein had to give it to him willingly.
Frankenstein. You once said you wanted my soul.
"I…" Frankenstein stammered, which was very unlike him. "Well, it was the dark spear that wanted your soul, so…"
Then… what about the rest of me?
"The rest of you, Master?"
Frankenstein's hands continued to shake, so Rai clasped them tighter.
You know… we were interrupted this morning…
Just like in the dream he'd seen, Rai took Frankenstein's hands and gently pressed them to his cheeks.
Will you kiss me... like you did in your dream? Please?
The wild, hot emotion he felt from Frankenstein was only getting hotter… Rai swore he could see it burning in Frankenstein's blue eyes.
Would you accept all of me… if only for a moment?
It seemed those words had finally gotten through to Frankenstein. His companion took a deep breath, stroking his cheeks with those warm fingers.
"I promised to provide you with anything you desire, Master…" he said softly. "So, if this is what you truly want…"
It is.
"Then… just for a moment…"
Rai felt his own cheeks heating up underneath Frankenstein's hands. This was really happening… Rai shivered where he sat. He was so deeply entwined in Frankenstein's mind that those burning emotions were spilling into him, making him feel almost human…
Just when he thought he couldn't take any more suspense, Frankenstein's lips touched his. And the sensation was so strange, so foreign, and yet... so warm and welcoming. He'd never experienced anything so intimate in his life. And there was no one else on earth he'd rather have this intimacy with.
Rai closed his eyes, trying to memorize the taste of his kiss... He had never felt quite so close to Frankenstein before, not even when their minds were one. He leaned a little closer, his own lips moving curiously toward that inviting warmth...
Frankenstein…
The door to Frankenstein's office banged open and Rai jumped slightly, abruptly yanked out of the moment. He looked up to see Tao, Takio, and M-21 wandering in. Frankenstein had swiftly broken their kiss, but not before all three of them had gotten a good look at what was happening.
"Whoa!" Tao said, grinning. "I guess it went well!"
"Haven't you all heard of knocking?" Frankenstein snapped. Rai sensed an angry, dark energy seeping into his companion's head. "And what do you mean, it went well?"
"Um…" Tao mumbled, suddenly looking anxious. "Just that Sir Raizel wanted to tell you how he felt, and… it looks like he did?"
Frankenstein glanced around between the four of them, his annoyance only growing as he put the pieces together.
"I see… so everyone already knew about this."
"Frankenstein…" Rai said, standing up next to him. He put a hand on his companion's arm.
Calm down.
Frankenstein took a deep breath. Rai felt the dark energy retreating back into the depths of his mind.
"Fine… fine," Frankenstein sighed. He put a hand over his eyes.
"Uh… we're happy for you," Takio offered hesitantly.
"Wonderful," Frankenstein snapped, retreating behind his desk. "So did you barge in here for any specific reason?"
"Just figured we'd stop by for a drink, is all."
"Well, you're a little late. Break time is over. Grab something from the vending machine. Back to work!" Frankenstein ordered, waving a hand irritably.
"All right, all right…" Tao complained, opening the door to leave.
"Breathe a word of this to anyone, and you'll wind up on my dissection table!" Frankenstein angrily called after them.
"Geez, you'd think a little bit of kissing would put you in a better mood, Boss…"
"And you don't have a dissection table," M-21 added.
"OUT!" Frankenstein snarled.
Once the modified trio had gone, Frankenstein collapsed into his desk chair. Rai could feel a deep, cold emptiness in his head now… Concerned, he wandered over to his companion's side.
"Frankenstein… why are you upset?"
"Master… if that had been anyone else besides those three…"
"Then we'd simply erase their memory," Rai said calmly. "I understand why this worries you, but…"
"This is exactly what I didn't want," Frankenstein sighed, looking up at him pleadingly. "I didn't want you to have to live your life hiding something like this… especially not for someone like me…"
"I'm already hiding what I really am," Rai reminded him gently. He reached out to brush his companion's unruly fringe back behind his ear. "And being with you makes me happy."
"Master…"
Rai noted the darkness in Frankenstein's normally bright face.
"You seem tired, Frankenstein."
"It's nothing, honestly…"
Rai was certain that wasn't true… Frankenstein twitched as Rai delved deeper into his mind, looking for a more truthful answer.
"I... Master, please…" Frankenstein begged him. "If it really bothers you that much…"
"It does."
"Then, yes. I am tired," Frankenstein sighed. "It takes a great deal of time and energy to run a school, a household, and keep those three in good health… Especially when my sole purpose in life is taking care of you, Master."
He certainly had a point, Rai thought to himself. But... how could he ease his companion's burden? Rai knew he'd be no help with paperwork... So how could he make Frankenstein feel better?
Suddenly filled with boldness he didn't know he possessed, Rai seated himself in Frankenstein's lap.
"Master! What are you doing?!" Frankenstein exclaimed, trying to back away from him. But since he was sitting down, there wasn't really anywhere for him to go.
Rai stretched a hand toward the office door, and the lock clicked shut.
"I am spending a few minutes with you before class starts again," Rai said, squeezing Frankenstein's warm hands. "I want to show you that I appreciate everything you've done for me."
Frankenstein's tired face relaxed a little.
"I know you do, Master," Frankenstein said softly. "But… um…"
Rai tilted his head. Frankenstein wanted him to move off his lap… but not because he didn't like it. In fact, it seemed like Frankenstein was enjoying this a little too much…
Happily, Rai leaned forward and buried his face in his companion's collar. He buried himself even deeper in Frankenstein's mind, savoring these new and very appealing emotions.
Will you hold me?
Silently, Frankenstein wrapped his strong arms around his waist.
"I don't know what's gotten into you lately, Raizel…" Frankenstein murmured into his hair. Rai noted the use of his name… that meant Frankenstein was feeling sentimental. "Why are you so interested in romance all of a sudden…?"
Rai considered that. He'd always cared deeply for the first human being he'd ever allowed to get close to him, but… what had been the tipping point? What had pushed him from merely wanting a companion to wanting a lover, too?
But perhaps a more appropriate question would be: When had he fallen in love?
Because he'd surely been in love even before he had woken up in this new world. There really could be no question about that, not now that he'd realized his feelings. And it was true the children had pointed out the way he'd been holding on to Frankenstein's portrait, but...
You left me alone.
"What?"
Before I went into sleep, I had never been apart from you for more than a day. When you were gone from my side, I realized that despite all my needs being attended to, I missed you more than anything.
"Master…"
Rai felt Frankenstein's arms tighten around his waist. He seemed to be shaking again, too.
I want you to be the one attending to my needs, Frankenstein… all my needs.
"Master, you know I'd do anything for you... It's just that this is…"
Frankenstein suddenly lowered his head... Rai saw him biting his lip, as if he were holding something back...
A moment later, darkness began seeping into his companion's mind. Rai leaned back, stunned. Why was the dark spear suddenly attacking Frankenstein? What was going on?
Frankenstein?
"I... Master, please..." Frankenstein gasped, immediately releasing his hold on his Master. "You need to stand up. Please. Before I..."
He was interrupted when the school bell rang, making them both jump. With a regretful look at Frankenstein, Rai slid off of his lap. But before he left, he laid his hand on his companion's head, pushing back the darkness in his mind. Frankenstein breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you," he murmured.
Are you all right?
"Yes, Master," Frankenstein said, looking up into his eyes. "I... I merely lost my composure for a moment."
Rai wasn't convinced that was the whole truth, but he decided to let it go for now.
If I have put too great a burden on you, I will apologize... but... you know I'd never force this choice on you. If you truly don't want this... I won't press you.
A distressed look briefly passed across his companion's face.
"I… Master…"
Frankenstein… I like it when you call me by my name.
With a gentle smile, Rai left the Chairman's office.
As soon as Raizel had gone, Frankenstein sighed and sank back into his chair. He spun around so he was facing the open window.
That had been much too close... in more ways than one.
As it turned out, triggering his lust in person was much more dangerous than bringing it up in a simple fantasy in his head. And somehow Raizel didn't realize what he'd been doing to him... His Master really was so innocent.
What was he going to do? Despite all his warnings and protests… it seemed like Raizel wanted him anyway.
"It's your own damn fault," Frankenstein grumbled under his breath. "You shouldn't have kissed him like that… even if he was making that face…"
It was that sweet, alluring face of his… Raizel was much too tempting for his own good. Frankenstein had often mentally compared his Master to a painting or some other flawless work of art. He was perfection personified in every conceivable way. But that perfection also made his Master completely and utterly untouchable.
How could he put his own impure mouth on Raizel's?
Except, he had... hadn't he? He'd kissed his Master... Raizel's lips were soft and surprisingly eager, and his mouth had tasted like the subtle spices Frankenstein added to the tea. But what the hell had he been thinking? That was wrong of him... he should have had a little more self control!
Frankenstein squirmed in his chair, glancing down at his lap.
Unfortunately, it looked like his body was leading a revolt against his common sense… He was lucky that Raizel had gone back to class before his condition had been exposed. Frankenstein silently thanked god for his Master's naivety.
He tilted his head back, staring up at the ceiling. But... what was he supposed to do now? The kids already knew everything, too... How was he supposed to convince his Master that he should love another?
Because when Raizel looked at him like that... It was too much. He was only human, after all... It had been hard enough to deny his Master's request to take him to the dance, even though he knew it would be completely inappropriate. So denying his Master the kiss he so adamantly wanted was next to impossible.
When it came to making his Master happy, Frankenstein knew he was a complete and total sucker. If Raizel asked him for another kiss... then more likely than not, he was going to fold like a cheap suit.
Frankenstein heaved another sigh. What had he gotten himself into?
Frankenstein was still against Raizel loving him romantically, but he was starting to suspect he was fighting a losing battle. If Raizel truly wanted him, then his heart and soul were already lost.
My Comments: Oh, Frankenstein, sweetie... If Rai wants you, he's going to get what he wants.
I really love cheesy drama, if that wasn't already apparent. And also actual cheese. I feel like Rai would just be so innocent and naive, especially when you consider the fact that he spent most of his life staring out a window. Where would he have learned about romance, kissing, intimacy, relationships, sex, etc? Especially sex, because he doesn't seem like the type to keep sexual or pornographic materials in his house!
And did the ending of Noblesse seem strange to anyone else? Specifically, how we never see Frankenstein's reaction to Rai's "death." Because I'm fairly certain that losing Rai forever would kill Frankenstein. I don't think Frankenstein could go on without Rai. Frankenstein would be so upset, he'd likely go insane and finally be consumed by the dark spear. And there would be no one left to save him. But then in the epilogue, we don't know if Frankenstein is aware of the fact that Rai is seemingly still alive, so... what's up with that?! Ugh, so unsatisfying...
P.S. thanks again, cursed queen! I'm glad you like all the changes I'm making! I like them too haha.
