Frankenstein stood frozen in the hallway, blood drying on his face.

He was sorely tempted to disobey his orders and follow his Master anyway. What if Master needed him and he couldn't get there in time...? Frankenstein waited in the hallway for a solid minute, struggling with himself… before ultimately deciding to respect his Master's wishes.

He cringed at the blood splattered at his feet. After all this time, he still couldn't exercise proper control over the spirits possessing him… Really, Master was right to request that he stay behind. If he saw Muzaka now, he wasn't sure he'd be able to control himself for more than five seconds.

Well, he should clean this up before anyone found it…

He opened the door that led back to the kitchen, running headfirst into the group of people gathered right outside.

"Ouch!"

M-21 stepped backwards, his hand on his forehead. He'd been standing too close to the door.

"Can I help you?" Frankenstein said dryly. "Is there a reason you're all gathered outside my door?"

"Yeah, Sir Raizel left and wouldn't tell us why," Takio said. "And you've got blood all over your face."

"Geez…" Tao said, leaning around Takio and frowning at the blood splatter on the floor. "You okay, Boss?"

"Ah… it's nothing. I did tell you that an attack from the dark spear will cause your mucus membranes to bleed. I'll clean it up."

Seira forced her way through the boys, a wet washcloth in her hand.

"Regis and I will clean," she said, with the air of someone who wouldn't be taking 'no' for an answer. "That is our duty while we are staying with you."

She peered over her shoulder at the four people standing behind her.

"All of you, go get the cleaning supplies. Then we will have tea."

The boys obediently left to do as she asked. Frankenstein was impressed. Seira was going to make an excellent family leader once she returned to Lukedonia.

She turned her eyes back on him. Was he going to get an order now, too?

"Lean down," she asked.

"Why?" he asked suspiciously.

"So I can clean your face, of course," she said, holding up the wet washcloth.

Frankenstein debated refusing, but the look in Seira's eyes, both concerned and determined, convinced him to lower his head so that the young noble could reach him. Seira immediately began wiping the blood from his cheeks and chin, as if she were an overzealous mother.

"How did I get here?" Frankenstein mused out loud. "Why is a girl one-fifth my age cleaning my face?"

"Quiet," Seira said sternly. "I can't clean this properly if you keep moving."

"I can just go into the bathroom…"

"Everyone knows you're upset," Seira interrupted quietly. "You shouldn't be alone right now."

"I'm fine…" Frankenstein argued.

"Yes, of course," she replied icily. "That's why you ran away from dinner and coughed blood all over the hall."

He sighed. His cheeks were starting to hurt from the vigorous scrubbing. He hadn't gotten his face cleaned like this since he was a child.

"You must realize how this looks…"

Seira smiled, silent laughter in her eyes.

"Silly? Yes, indeed, it does."

"Then, why are we doing this?"

Frankenstein saw the amusement fade from her gaze.

"Do you remember when I was confronting three Union Elders by myself?" she asked.

"Ah… yes?"

"You came to make sure I was not facing that threat alone. You saved me from a strike that would have gravely injured me."

"I only did what anyone would do," he mumbled as Seira wiped determinedly at his blood encrusted lips.

"Well… we are all in your debt, Sir. You are very good at making sure others are not alone… like you did for Sir Raizel. Like you do for all of us. I am simply returning the favor."

Finally, Seira seemed satisfied that his face was squeaky clean. Frankenstein rubbed his raw cheeks.

"You don't need to repay me for anything, Seira," he said seriously. "Master and I have agreed to look after all of you. That obviously means keeping all of you safe and whole."

"Well… Either way, we are all in this together, yes?" she said, looking up at him with another sincere smile. "Now, come… I know you're still worried. While the others clean up, I'll make tea."

Somewhat worried that his bossy personality was rubbing off a little too much on his household, Frankenstein followed Seira into the kitchen.


"So let me get this straight…" Tao said. "Sir Raizel went to meet an old friend, and that old friend is a werewolf."

"Yes. So there's no need to worry."

"You must think we're a bunch of idiots," M-21 growled. "You wouldn't freak out like that if he was just going to meet an old friend."

Frankenstein sighed under their pointed stares. As soon as Seira had finished helping him clean his bloody face, he'd been herded into the kitchen and forcibly made a cup of tea. They weren't going to let him go until he'd answered their questions.

"Do you recall when I told you not to get involved with any of the werewolves?"

"Yeah. We saw a few others tonight, but we kept a safe distance," Takio told him, shifting in his seat. "They must still be looking for that other werewolf you mentioned… guess they haven't found him yet."

Frankenstein shrugged, glancing out the window. It looked like clouds were rolling in... he hoped it wouldn't rain. Master hated getting his clothes wet.

"Even if they did… they wouldn't live for very much longer."

"What do you mean...?" Takio asked.

"Wait a minute..." Tao interrupted. "You knew who they were looking for this whole time?"

"I had a good idea, yes," Frankenstein said bluntly.

"And you didn't tell us because...?"

"Because as I just implied, this werewolf isn't just any werewolf. He is their lord. Well, their former lord, that is."

"Oh. You were trying to protect us, huh?" Tao said, hitting the nail on the head, as usual.

"I was being cautious, something all of you should consider doing once in a while," he snapped, annoyed that Tao had seen right through him. Again.

"Yeah, yeah, sure. But you still could have told us the truth... so, why didn't you?"

He sighed, absently stirring the untouched cup of tea that Seira had made for him. He honestly wasn't in the mood to explain himself, but he knew the kids wouldn't leave him alone unless he did.

"I had a few reasons. First, I meant what I said before about not wanting to cause Master any more trouble. Second, I didn't want you to get involved with such a dangerous individual. If you got on his bad side by attacking his people, he could kill all of you without batting an eye."

"That bad, huh?" Tao said sardonically.

"Yes. That bad," Frankenstein agreed. "The powers you got from me would help you, but ultimately they wouldn't be enough to stop him from killing you."

"Noted," Tao nodded. "So... is that all? Because I think we all know not to do anything stupid by this point…"

"Yes, actually. There's one more thing that's occurred to me, now that I think about it..." Frankenstein said, putting down his spoon. "Something a little more specific. You see, if you actually did get into a fight with these werewolves, they would likely take an interest in M-21, and exactly how he became a half-werewolf."

M-21 anxiously put a hand over his heart, as if that would hide it from anyone peeking in through the living room window.

"You think they'd kill me? Or… try and take the werewolf heart back?"

"It's not something I want to risk finding out," Frankenstein said seriously. "I've seen for myself that the werewolves have been utilizing Union technology… my technology. They are dabbling in experimentation on their own kind. I can't rule out the possibility that they would try and find out exactly how a werewolf heart was integrated into a human body."

"So you're saying they might take me and experiment on me?" M-21 asked, his face getting paler by the second.

"Yes. And they would see it as a well deserved punishment. Werewolves have been cruel to humans in the past, and I somehow doubt that their views have softened recently... Some werewolves might be willing to forgive your condition, but others would see it as sacrilege of the worst possible kind."

M-21 flinched.

"I didn't ask for this damn thing to be put in me…"

"Hey, we know," Takio said, patting his shoulder. "And we're not going to let anyone take our colleague's heart."

Takio, Tao, Regis, and Seira all nodded in agreement.

"Yes. Well, now you know. I did my best to strengthen your abilities, but I can't be with you all every second of the day. So, please… try your best not to do anything particularly stupid, would you?"

"I'd rather keep all my organs, yeah."

"Good."

"But you still haven't told us why you were so upset that Sir Raizel is meeting with the werewolf lord," Regis pointed out.

Frankenstein clenched his jaw. Just saying this out loud made him angry, but he needed to stay calm this time. He didn't want to distract his Master again, not now...

"The lord of werewolves, Muzaka… he is the reason Master disappeared all those centuries ago."

There was a crash from behind Takio and everyone jumped. Seira had dropped her tea cup. Pieces of shattered porcelain scattered across the floor.

"Forgive me," Seira said quietly, a quiver in her normally composed voice. "I'll clean this up…"

"Are you serious?" Takio demanded. "The guy Sir Raizel went to meet is the same guy who almost killed him?"

"Yes."

"Why did you let him go?!" Regis added, red eyes flashing as he jumped out of his chair. "We should have gone after him!"

"Sit down, Regis," Frankenstein said sternly. "Master will call for me if he needs us… So far, nothing has happened."

"Well, that explains why you freaked out earlier," Tao said, burying his face in his hands. "But I didn't think it would be something like this… What could we even do against the lord of werewolves? You already said we didn't have a chance at beating him."

"If Master and I fought him together, there's a chance we could subdue him," Frankenstein sighed. "But that would cost Master too much of his energy."

"Why is he here, anyway?" M-21 asked, frowning. "What does he want? Why call all of us?"

"I don't know. I only confirmed that Muzaka was here yesterday. I'd been hoping that if we could avoid him, then he would leave... and we could avoid an altercation."

"But... why would Lord Muzaka want to harm Sir Raizel in the first place…? Why would he do such a thing?" Seira said sadly as she swept up the pieces of her broken tea cup. "I had never heard that he was so cruel…"

"I don't know the answer to that, either," Frankenstein sighed. "But Master must have his reasons for keeping it private. I would ask that none of you press him about it."

Nobody looked happy about any of this, and Frankenstein couldn't blame them. He didn't like being in the dark, either, but he didn't want to put any more pressure on Raizel. The only thing Master should be doing right now was having his evening tea and looking forward to Saturday night's dance with his friends. Master shouldn't have to deal with all this anymore... He should only be doing things that made him happy.

Frankenstein twitched in his seat. He'd momentarily forgotten that Raizel was looking for a confession from him on Saturday night, too...

"Boss?"

He looked up. Tao had apparently been trying to get his attention.

"We were just asking what we should do?"

Five worried people looked back at him, waiting for his advice. In Master's absence, they would follow his lead.

"Master clearly doesn't want us to get involved unless he commands it..."

"But he won't," Regis argued. "He won't ask us to fight for him."

"And he won't appreciate it if we go against his wishes," Frankenstein said firmly. "For now, we should wait for his orders, assuming anything happens. For all we know, Muzaka has called Raizel to make amends."

No one looked convinced, and Frankenstein himself didn't believe for a minute that Muzaka had called Raizel to apologize to him. The tone of his message had been far too threatening...

"I know you're all worried, but I promise, I will know if Master is in danger, and he hasn't gone far from the house."

"But...!"

"That's enough. Let's just wait for now... and clean up dinner, please."

After several more minutes of arguing, Frankenstein finally managed to convince everyone to return to their normal nightly activities. Frankenstein tried to convince himself to get back to his research while he waited for Raizel to return. In between caring for Tao, Takio, and M-21, he'd been attempting to make time to study ways to restore his Master's lifespan.

He tapped the full teacup. His research wasn't exactly going well, and keeping it a secret from Master meant having to refrain from thinking about it during the day, which was extremely difficult... But he wasn't sure he could focus on that now. Not when Master might call for him at any moment.

No, he was going to wait right here until Raizel came home. Although, Master would likely want tea when he came home. While he waited, he should at least start preparing fresh sweets.


When Rai got home a short while later, he felt… hollow.

Thinking of Muzaka, torn up inside from losing what was most precious to him… He couldn't help but imagine Frankenstein in that state after his Master had disappeared… Distraught. Angry. Terrified. And the memories he'd seen of Frankenstein tearing apart his own body in a fit of despair weren't helping to calm his imagination. He didn't want to face his companion until he'd soothed his own heart and mind, but nothing he tried seemed to be working...

There was only one thing that could put his mind at ease.

Rai walked into the empty living area, and of course, he found Frankenstein awake and sitting alone at the kitchen table, an untouched cup of tea in his hands. He looked up as soon as his Master walked in the room.

"Master… you're back."

Frankenstein stood up and bowed to him.

"Yes… I'm here. Everything is fine."

He saw Frankenstein's fingers twitching. He was still angry.

"I know you're still angry with me," Rai said quietly. "But as I said earlier… my actions are not intended to upset you…"

"Master," Frankenstein interrupted, his voice tight with anxiety. "All that matters is that you're safe, and you didn't need to use any more of your energy."

"Yes. Of course."

There was a moment of awkward silence.

"Well… Shall I make you a tea tray before I turn in for the night? I made fresh sweets..." Frankenstein offered.

"I... yes. Please."

But tea and sweets weren't what he wanted or needed right now...

"Is there anything else I can get you?"

Rai responded without thinking… the empty space in his heart was too much.

"May I be selfish again?"

Instantly, the tension in the air seemed to melt away. Frankenstein's shoulders slumped, and he suddenly seemed very tired. He felt his companion's consciousness brush tentatively against his.

"Raizel, are you all right? You don't feel well."

"Please," he said softly. He approached his companion, reaching out to touch his cheek, which was strangely red. "Would you hold me again... just for a moment?"

"But… earlier today, I… I behaved inappropriately toward you, Master," Frankenstein stammered. "I shouldn't..."

Rai felt his own shoulders sag. He truly must not be courting Frankenstein properly... What was he doing wrong? Frankenstein had gladly embraced him the day he'd awoken from his casket… his companion had even carried him to bed on the night he'd had too much wine. Why were things so different now?

It looked like he wouldn't be getting that embrace after all… but at least they were still here, together.

Just as he was about to turn around and take his seat on the couch, Frankenstein stepped forward and put his arms around him.

"I'm sorry," he heard his companion murmur into his hair. "I don't mean to be so cold."

Rai exhaled in relief, leaning into Frankenstein's broad chest. He had desperately needed this, to feel Frankenstein's comforting warmth surrounding him. To feel that the stars were not so distant.

"You are not cold, Frankenstein. You are... very warm."

He felt Frankenstein subtly pull him closer.

"Master, I hope you know... I was never angry with you," Frankenstein said quietly. "I was worried for your safety. You know that."

Rai closed his eyes, breathing in Frankenstein's scent. He always smelled musky, and a little bit like harsh disinfectant from his laboratory. He bit his lip. Even that strange scent was comforting to him now, because it belonged to Frankenstein.

"I know," he said, his hands lightly clutching at Frankenstein's jacket. "And I apologize for causing you such distress. It seems as though I've only been causing you more and more anxiety lately..."

"That's hardly your fault," Frankenstein said heavily. "I had intended for you to live a happy life here, free from the burden of your obligations... and yet these troubles seem to find us at every turn..."

Rai lifted his head off Frankenstein's chest, looking up into those sapphire eyes.

"I am happy," he insisted. "Do not doubt that. This life you prepared for me is everything I could have hoped for."

He hoped Frankenstein could sense his sincerity. Despite their troubles, he treasured this time with his new family more than anything. And judging by the warmth he felt from Frankenstein's mind, his companion knew exactly how much this life meant to him.

"Thank you for saying that, Master. Do you feel better now?"

He did feel better, but he didn't want to let go just yet... He liked the feeling of Frankenstein's body against his, he liked his scent, he liked listening to his heart beating. But unfortunately, they couldn't stand here forever.

"Yes," he said, reluctantly releasing his hold on his companion. "Thank you."

"Come, sit down and relax," Frankenstein said gently. "I have tea ready for you."

Rai allowed Frankenstein to gently steer him to the couch, where he gratefully sat down. Frankenstein reached over him as he took his seat… For one hopeful moment, Rai thought Frankenstein might be reaching out to touch him again… But, no. His companion had merely been reaching for the blanket neatly folded on the back of the couch.

He watched as Frankenstein unfolded the blanket and carefully laid it over his lap.

"My apologies..." Frankenstein said softly. "You looked a little bit cold, Master."

Rai felt his cheeks redden. He had been a little cold from the night air, not that the cooler temperature would harm him in any way… but it was comfortable being warm.

"Thank you."

He watched as Frankenstein prepared a tea tray for him. He was happier than he cared to admit that Frankenstein had willingly decided to embrace him for a second time today.

Rai could never just take any physical or emotional affection from his companion, so the fact that Frankenstein was freely offering it to him meant more than he could say. Perhaps the relationship advice that the school children had shown him was right after all… he just needed to give Frankenstein some time to open up to him.

Frankenstein came back with the tea tray, which had his favorite tea and a large plate of old fashioned sweets on it. He could tell Frankenstein had gone to the trouble of making them exactly the way he would have centuries ago.

"Master, may I ask what happened?" Frankenstein murmured, sitting down next to him. "What did he say to you…?"

Rai nibbled one of Frankenstein's cookies while he considered how to answer. Did he want to tell Frankenstein that Muzaka had blamed him for Ashleen's death? That would only hurt him... And he didn't want to give Frankenstein any more reasons to go after Muzaka.

"Lord Muzaka is… angry. I worry what he will do in his distressed state."

Frankenstein sighed heavily.

"And why is he so angry?"

Rai hesitated. But he had promised to tell Frankenstein what had been the cause of his eight hundred and twenty years of pain and loneliness... he deserved to know.

"He is angry because… he lost someone precious to him. Perhaps you recall meeting her?"

He saw Frankenstein instantly tense up. Of all people, Rai knew Frankenstein would understand the pain of losing a child. There was an obvious twinge of regret in his face.

"I… I see. I didn't know," Frankenstein said somberly. "I never knew what happened to them after you disappeared... But that doesn't excuse his actions towards you, Master! There was no reason for him to hurt you because of his loss."

"There were... extenuating circumstances."

"Extenuating circumstances?!" Frankenstein repeated, obviously forcing himself to stay calm. "Master, what could possibly excuse what he did?"

"I believe he could not control himself at the time."

"That's hardly an excuse!" Frankenstein said angrily, dark energy gathering around his fingers.

Rai smiled sadly at him.

"I seem to recall another soul who lost control of himself at the loss of a young one..."

It wasn't quite the same, and he knew it. Frankenstein was sharing his body with thirty thousand evil souls that had forcefully taken over his mind. Muzaka had no such excuse.

Frankenstein grimaced and lowered his gaze, the dark energy dissipating. Thunder suddenly echoed through the house, rain starting to fall outside.

"Master… I know you must feel responsible, but I hope you don't try and take on this task alone. I am here to help you with anything you may need."

"As I recall, you are the one who tries to take on everything alone."

"Only for you, Raizel… only for you."

Rai bowed his head, hoping Frankenstein wouldn't notice the joy on his face. Although when he finally looked up, it seemed he needn't have bothered, as Frankenstein was hiding his own face behind his long, blond hair.

"Well, I... I should leave you to enjoy your tea…" Frankenstein said, easing himself off the couch. "Is there anything else you need? Will you be all right?"

"I will be fine," Rai assured him. "You need your rest. I have kept you awake long enough."

"Goodnight then, Master," Frankenstein said with a swift bow. "I will see you in the morning."

Frankenstein retreated down the hallway toward his bedroom, pausing momentarily to compulsively rearrange the roses in their vase.

Rai smiled, watching him go.

Only four more days.

Perhaps after four days had passed… Frankenstein would sleep by his side once more.

He tangled his hands in the blanket Frankenstein had laid over his lap. If he was being honest with himself, that was one of things he was most looking forward to... If Frankenstein was his lover, then there would be no reason for his companion to rest apart from him.

He glanced at the empty space on the couch next to him.

How pleasant would it be to have Frankenstein sleep here with him, to lay his head in his Master's lap and let his mind relax... and he could tangle his fingers in Frankenstein's golden hair instead of this blanket. Frankenstein's hair was much softer than any fabric or cloth.

Would they dream together? Could he convince Frankenstein to let their minds meld together even when he slept? Or would that be presumptuous of him? Perhaps Frankenstein needed his personal time alone... and he didn't want Frankenstein to feel pressured to do so.

Rai breathed out slowly, focusing on the sound of the raindrops hitting the windows. He needed to be patient. There would be nothing worse than pushing his desires onto his companion, someone who trusted him with his whole heart. Rai already worried he was being too forward.

Doing his best to keep his mind from straying to those private thoughts he'd seen in Frankenstein's mind the night before, Rai snuggled down into his blanket and reached for another cookie.


My comments: I was almost cool with a Frankie x Seira relationship. They have a lot in common when you think about it (cooking, cleaning, making tea), and Frankie rescuing Seira was super cute. But Seira is barely an adult noble at the time, and Frankie is way too in love with Rai. The age gap doesn't bother me since they're both basically immortals. Still, I think Seira and Frankie have a nice, respectful friendship.

I am going to try to speed up to get to Friday night before the dance. I know this is getting to be a very slow burn lol. I promise there will be romance... I want to make time in the story for awkward dates and sexual experimentation! So our love birds will be getting together before the story ends.

I don't think Frankenstein gets enough credit as the guy who made Rai's dream come true. Apparently everyone knew that Rai wanted to live a normal life, but nobody really did anything about it. The former Lord's idea of fixing the problem was to make Rai the next Lord, which Rai would have hated. Muzaka and the family leaders just visited once in a while. But Frankie actually vowed to stay by Rai's side forever so he wouldn't be alone, and when the opportunity arose, Frankie actually did something about making Rai's dream a reality. So, yeah. Frankenstein is prime boyfriend material (although I have no idea how he'd have the time to date anyone who's not Rai).

I swear, the longer this story goes on, the more self-conscious I get about it lol. I dunno, I'm not totally pleased with this chapter and I may edit this later. But thanks to everyone still reading! I've got the next two chapters coming along nicely.