Raizel stared down at the figure.
A tall, blond human man was asleep on the couch in his guest room.
The stranger looked as if he'd been through Hell. He had obvious wounds that had been hastily bandaged, his clothes were dirty and tattered, and his skin was pale and bloodless. But all that failed to diminish the man's handsome face.
Raizel had briefly passed the man in the halls earlier, just to see who had entered his home. And he had sensed it then, but now he was sure…
There was something horribly wrong with this man… And it went much deeper than his superficial injuries.
When he tried to touch the man's thoughts, he heard nothing but screaming… He felt nothing but miserable emotions… Pain, anger, fury, hatred… and a deep, endless sorrow.
Hoards of restless spirits... all eager to devour this man. But why? What had been done to him?
And why was a man like this in his home?
A human had never once set foot in his mansion before. He should be calling for the other family leaders to come remove this man... Trespassing on this sacred ground was strictly forbidden.
But… what would happen to him then? The human seemed sick. He was shaking as he slept, his breathing ragged and hoarse.
Was he cold?
Raizel glanced at the bed… Moments later, he'd removed one of the blankets, bringing it to his trembling house guest, covering him gently. The man didn't wake, but his shaking seemed to subside a little.
He wondered what would happen when the man woke up. Would he immediately flee the mansion? Or would he stay?
Would the man come looking for him?
It was doubtful the stranger had come here to harm him. Before collapsing in the guest room, the human had simply cleaned himself up a bit and poked around the mansion. Seeing the man shaking while he slept, he certainly didn't appear to be much of a threat.
And it might be nice to have some company for a little while. How long had it been since any nobles had last visited him...? He couldn't remember.
Raizel made up his mind then. If this man came looking for him, and he came willingly… then he would offer his guest sanctuary. He would not force the man to stay with him, but he couldn't help feeling something stirring deep inside.
Perhaps this had all been preordained.
Nobles were revered for their ability to take humans as lifelong companions. Raizel had never once thought that he might be in a position to become close with a human… but it seemed like fate had other ideas.
He leaned a bit closer, gazing intently at the man's handsome face. If that was indeed the path that the stars had laid out for him, who was he to refuse?
"Rest easy…" Raizel whispered to him. He touched his fingers to the man's forehead, imparting a small piece of his power. "You will not come to harm here."
That was what he'd told Frankenstein nine hundred and twenty years ago... but he hadn't kept his word.
Rai couldn't sit still.
There were just a few more minutes left of class…
He desperately wanted to check on Frankenstein in person, to see his face and make sure he was all right. Since they were always connected, he could sense his companion's presence, and he knew Frankenstein's thoughts were still somewhat unstable after his momentary loss of control.
Rai couldn't blame him. Frankenstein had a lot on his mind.
He had shared Frankenstein's pain for as long as he could. It had been extremely difficult to resist the urge to use his powers to soothe the angry spirits and calm his companion's mind, just like he'd done so many times before. But not only would Frankenstein not be happy with that, but he felt as though it would be disrespectful.
Knowing that Frankenstein suffered so much, and so often, Rai normally did his best to help keep his companion calm and stable. But this time... he wanted to understand Frankenstein's pain. Simply dismissing those hurt feelings as if they were unworthy of his attention felt wrong.
Frankenstein dismissed his own pain often enough. Rai couldn't be so heartless as to do the same.
And Frankenstein's pain went far deeper than he'd thought... Though eight hundred and twenty years had passed him by like a never ending dream, those centuries had been far more painful for his companion. He had seen glimpses of it today... he had seen his companion struggling to search every inch of this world for his Master.
But worst of all, Frankenstein believed he'd been purposely abandoned eight hundred and twenty years ago.
Of course he did… why wouldn't he think that? Frankenstein had left for the day to fetch fresh tea leaves, only to return to the mansion that evening to find his Master gone.
He had disappeared, leaving Frankenstein with nothing. It was only natural he'd been hurt.
Why hadn't he just explained himself sooner? It was true that he didn't want Frankenstein to get into a confrontation with Muzaka, but he could have at least relieved some of his companion's pain.
Instead, he had simply... ignored it. He had put it in the back of his mind, assuming that Frankenstein would be perfectly fine now that he was back. How foolish of him to assume that...
The bell rang, and Rai immediately stood up to leave.
"Rai! Where are you going?" Shinwu called after him. "Didn't you want to go to the bookstore to get a chess set?"
Rai paused, glancing back to his friends, who were all looking confused.
"I must visit the Chairman's office for a moment. I will meet you all by the front gate."
Before anyone could ask any more questions, he swept out of the room.
Rai squeezed through the rush of student who were all trying to go in the opposite direction, not even caring that he was being jostled and bumped by the crowd. He needed to see Frankenstein, and he certainly couldn't wait for the crowds to disperse.
A few minutes later, he had slipped past Frankenstein's secretary and entered the Chairman's office. His companion didn't immediately notice his presence, as he was busy sorting important papers into his briefcase.
"Frankenstein?"
The man jumped, accidentally knocking his briefcase off his desk. It landed on the floor with a loud thud.
"Master!"
Frankenstein ignored his fallen case, which wasn't like him... he hated when his possessions were mistreated. Instead, he rushed out from behind his desk and knelt before his Master, bowing his head low.
"I… I am deeply sorry for my behavior earlier… Please, forgive my presumption..."
Rai stepped closer. This was starting to remind him of the day he'd returned from his long sleep… Frankenstein had gotten down on his knees and begged for forgiveness then, too.
But Rai didn't want to hear pleading and apologies. What did Frankenstein have to be sorry for? Caring for his Master? Centuries of suffering? His curse? No... none of that needed an apology.
"Please, stand up," Rai said quietly.
"But… I behaved inappropriately earlier. It is not my place to criticize your decisions, Master…"
"Don't… please. I did not come here because I wished to hear an apology."
Frankenstein got to his feet and stood up straight, but he respectfully kept his gaze lowered.
Rai sadly noted how pale his companion was. Frankenstein was literally sick with worry over his Master's health and safety.
"You look pale…" he said softly, reaching out to touch that worried face. "Are you well?"
Even before Frankenstein answered, he knew he would be hearing a half-truth at best. It took very little effort to sense his companion's carefully concealed pain, and to sense the evil lurking just beneath, waiting to take advantage.
Frankenstein hated that he'd let his Master share his pain. He hated his weakness.
"I… I'm all right, Master. I feel better now."
"Do you really?"
Frankenstein sighed and leaned ever-so-slightly into his Master's hand.
"No… but I'm sure I'll feel better soon. You don't need to concern yourself with me."
Rai trailed his fingers down Frankenstein's jaw. He'd wanted to comfort Frankenstein earlier... he certainly wasn't going to leave now.
"Then who shall I concern myself with… if not you?" Rai said softly.
Frankenstein didn't seem to know what to say to that, or he was simply savoring his Master's presence. His eyes drifted shut momentarily.
"The children are waiting for me, but… may I tell you something before I go?"
"Of course."
Rai tilted Frankenstein's face toward his own. He wanted to see those stunning blue eyes, the same ones he'd been captivated by for a hundred years.
"I want you to know… that it was never my intention to hurt you. I have never once wished to be apart from you."
Frankenstein nodded slowly in acceptance, letting out a shaky breath.
"I… I know, Raizel. I'm sorry. Whatever your reasons were for leaving me behind, I know you never meant any harm."
"My reasons?" Rai whispered to him. "What other reason could I possibly have?"
Rai reached out his other hand, cupping his companion's face in his palms. There was no point in living without the other half of his heart.
"I don't know," Frankenstein admitted, but he didn't pull away this time. "Perhaps you had decided you didn't need me anymore… maybe you had grown tired of my company…"
"Never," Rai said, squeezing his face gently. "Never."
And it was true.
Why would he ever want to live without his companion? When he had decided to share his own soul with Frankenstein, he had promised that they would be bound together by blood until the end of days… and he'd meant it.
"The only thing I truly wanted when I left without you that day… was to ensure that I would not be returning to an empty home."
"But you never came home at all," Frankenstein said sadly. "I searched and searched… for so long… I thought... I thought you were..."
"I know… I know," Rai said regretfully. "I realize now that I am much more selfish than I imagined. Instead of protecting you as I intended… I only ended up harming you. And for that, I must apologize."
"Raizel, you don't need to apologize to me…"
"No, I do. This pain in your heart is my doing. You suffered for centuries because of my choice. I must take responsibility."
He lowered his hands from Frankenstein's face, catching one of those large hands in his own.
"And… I have only caused you even more distress lately. But I hope you know that none of my actions are intended to upset you. If it will put your mind at ease, I will promise to always call for you to aid me…"
He felt Frankenstein's long fingers curling around his hand.
"As much as I would like that… You are still my Master, and I am your servant. It is not my place to monitor your actions. Whatever you decide is best, I will continue to follow you. As always."
Rai squeezed his hands in return, brushing against his companion's mind... He wanted to make sure Frankenstein wasn't just pretending to feel better.
Instead, he found something that he'd felt earlier... A deep desire to hold on to his Master and never let go.
Rai bit his lip briefly, wondering if Frankenstein would indulge him once more. A single embrace wasn't going so far as asking for a kiss, was it?
"Frankenstein, you may do as you wish."
"I... no, I shouldn't," Frankenstein murmured to the floor.
"I would like you to... just for a moment."
Frankenstein gave him a dry smile.
"Just for a moment, hm? I think I've heard that before..."
Rai couldn't help the slight blush that he felt creeping up his neck.
"But... if my Master insists..."
"I do," Rai said, stepping closer. "Please."
After witnessing students hugging each other in the halls, Rai knew how affectionate embraces were supposed to go. And yet, Frankenstein still seemed hesitant, even with his Master's permission... so Rai decided to take matters into his own hands.
Rai leaned forward, slipping his arms around Frankenstein's neck, only needing to wait for a moment before he felt his companion's strong arms encircling him, holding him tight. He hadn't been expecting to be held so fondly, so closely... Frankenstein had never held him like this before. He could feel Frankenstein's heart pounding in his chest, and felt that soft blond hair tickling his cheek.
"Master... I'm sorry I made you worry for me," Frankenstein said softly. "I will always be here for you."
Rai turned his head, burying his face in that long blond hair that smelled so nice... His arms tightened around Frankenstein's neck, trembling at the feeling of his own lithe body yielding against that muscular torso.
"Thank you... I will be here for you as well. For as long as I can."
That prompted a small, sad sound from his companion... And to Rai's surprise, he suddenly felt himself being lifted off the ground, one of Frankenstein's arms under his thighs and the other around his back... He felt warm fingers in his hair.
"Raizel... I don't want to lose you. If there is anything I can do for you, I will do it. Anything you need... anything at all... I..."
For a minute, Frankenstein seemed to lose himself... Those large, skilled hands carefully began molding every inch of his Master to his body, fingers exploring previously untouched parts of him... Rai held on tighter, having failed to come up with any reason why he should object when he was so thoroughly enjoying this new, exciting sensation. Had Frankenstein changed his mind and decided to love him here and now...?
But in one startling instant, Frankenstein seemed to jolt back to reality, and Rai suddenly found himself being disengaged from his companion and placed back on his feet.
Frankenstein took a step back, his face rather flushed.
"Forgive me..." Frankenstein said weakly. "I got carried away."
"It's all right," Rai said breathlessly. "I am not angry."
No, anger was the very last thing he was feeling. If anything, he wanted Frankenstein to pick him up and hold him again... Feeling that close to his companion's firm, warm body was unlike anything he'd ever known. It was even better than simply sitting in his lap.
He might have said so, too, but his phone vibrated in his pocket.
"That's probably your friends wondering where you are," Frankenstein said, hiding his face in embarrassment. "Are you all going to the internet cafe again?"
"A bookstore in town."
"Ah, I see. Are you looking for a new novel?"
"Yes… I do like the current literature," Rai said slowly. He didn't want to give away his true intentions. Not only was he now buying gifts to court Frankenstein, but also as an apology.
"I shouldn't keep you, then… Enjoy your afternoon, Master," Frankenstein said as he picked his briefcase up off the floor. "I will see you at home."
Rai nodded, his voice suddenly failing him. Why hadn't he done this earlier? How long had Frankenstein been carrying around this pain, and his Master had simply been refusing to acknowledge it?
He had always thought of himself as a kind Master who took good care of bonded companion. But he supposed even a Noblesse could make poor choices... and need forgiveness.
"Raizel?"
He looked over his shoulder. Frankenstein's face was still pink, but he appeared far more relaxed.
"I… thank you."
Rai felt his lips tilting up in a smile. He was beginning to wonder why either of them ever tried to hide from the other... Frankenstein didn't need to hide from his Master.
Rai knew he wouldn't be unable to hide for much longer, either... He would be unable to hide the truth behind his disappearance, the things he'd seen in Frankenstein's mind, or his own desires... all of it would be laid bare.
"Of course, Frankenstein."
With that said, Rai left the office, walking past the secretary who seemed surprised to see him there. But Rai didn't have much of a care for that, his attention now fully on finding the perfect gifts with which to court his companion.
Hopefully in the near future, there would be more warm, affectionate embraces... more sweet, gentle kisses... but Frankenstein had to come to him willingly.
That would be truly wonderful... Knowing that is companion wanted and desired him without reservation.
Rai couldn't help smiling to himself as he descended the stairs. He had spent centuries watching the stars, wondering if the gods had a plan for him and his life.
And now he had nearly grasped his answer.
When he'd met Frankenstein, he was sure it was meant to be. This brilliant, generous soul had come to ease his lonely life. And in return, he had eased Frankenstein's pain and brought him peace. That was the path the stars had laid out for the two of them.
They still had a journey to go together. This path had yet to reach its conclusion.
My Comments: Sorry for the shorter chapter, but I'm still hammering out the details of the next one... and the next chapter was getting a bit long with this in front. It's pretty cheesy, but you know... this story was supposed to involve romance, too! Not just angst lol. Communication is key for successful relationships!
Anyone else notice how Frankenstein's physique constantly changes in the art? When he's got clothes on, he seems almost as slender as Rai (except taller). But when Frankenstein loses his shirt, he's actually super buff and muscular! Not slender at all! And then when he's taken over by the dark spear, he's practically a purple Hulk! His pectoral muscles are as big as pillows! PILLOWY MAN BOSOMS. So my question is: which body shape is accurate? Does Frankenstein work out, or did he modify himself to be so muscular? Because now I'm imagining Rai spying on Frankenstein while he's exercising, and then getting hot and bothered and running away. Someone, please send help...
P.S. Hello, cursed queen, I am doing well, hope you are, too! I understand about school keeping people busy. I just finished my Master's degree while working two jobs and that was quite a stressful ordeal! The holidays were nice, but quiet. I had a very small Christmas with just me and my hubby.
Yes, we are totally reaching meme territory with how oblivious Rai is to his feelings in the past LOL. Everyone knows but him! And I'm glad you liked the backstory chapter, because I wasn't sure if I did or not! I'm also glad you like the direction I went in with Rai's personality. I think it keeps his character more consistent. (I'd like to respond to all your comments, but I'd need like... three more pages...)
P.S. thanks to the two guest reviewers, Perko and Bloom! I am not on AO3. Do you think I should post there as well?
