Rai sat alone in the living room.

He had long since finished the tea and cookies Frankenstein had left for him, and yet the night was nowhere near over.

Most nights he would be out on the porch watching the stars, but a light spring rain was coming down outside. Though the rain wasn't too cold, Rai still disliked getting his clothes wet. The feeling of wet clothes on his skin seemed claustrophobic somehow, as did the silence of the stately manor. The rest of his family members were warm in their beds, but Rai wasn't sure he wanted to sleep tonight.

Rai ran his hands over the blanket Frankenstein had laid over his lap. The memories were simply clinging too close, his desires too present in his mind... He couldn't stop thinking about it, no matter what he tried. He couldn't stop thinking of what he'd seen in Frankenstein's mind the night before.

Although he was a part of his companion, and his companion was a part of him, he felt it was proper to give Frankenstein his space. To let Frankenstein be his own person with his own identity, separate from his Master. Letting Frankenstein have his own mind while he slept was an unwritten standard that Rai held himself to, excepting normal accidental brushes... they were always connected, after all.

Still... as with yesterday, he wanted to be close to Frankenstein while he rested. If he couldn't be physically close to him, couldn't have Frankenstein's head in his lap while he slept, then being connected to his mind would satisfy him for now. And he couldn't help wondering what he would see if he glimpsed his companion's mind tonight...

Rai shook his head, hard.

No! He had promised to wait! He had sworn he would be patient and wait for his companion to open his heart to him. It would be wrong to keep intruding on Frankenstein's rest... He couldn't allow himself to be drawn into temptation yet again.

But he would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't tempted to take another peek. Rai took the blanket and wrapped it around his shoulders, launching himself from the couch. He walked over to the rain spattered windows and began pacing between two panes, making less meaningful progress than the descending water droplets, his mind racing between restraint and longing.

What else was Frankenstein hiding in that enigmatic mind of his? More intimate, heart-pounding thoughts? More hot, blazing emotions that made his entire body burn with desire? Perhaps if he experienced more of those things, he would understand why his body had reacted the way it did last night. The tension in his muscles, the surge of heat through his stomach, the waves of emotions that had drawn him in so sweetly... He still didn't quite understand it, and he certainly wanted to. Needed to.

Rai bit his lip. This sudden drive to be close to Frankenstein was nearly overwhelming his common sense. Was this some kind of addiction? Or just a healthy lust for knowledge that clearly held the key to shaping even the body of the Noblesse?

His lip hurt, and Raizel kept biting. A fingertip traced the path of a raindrop on the opposite side of the glass. So close, yet the barrier held it back. Permeable only to light. Well, light and heat... the warmth of his body draining deep into the water, spiraling in and forever altering what course it might take.

Maybe… just a glance…

Rai turned from the pane before his desire to push his fingers through it became too strong. He returned to his seat on the couch, covering himself with the blanket, tilting his head back and closing his eyes.

Frankenstein never asked him to remain away from his mind. Frankenstein never asked him to avoid doing anything, never made any demands of him. The barrier between them was self imposed. Meaningless really, unspoken and perhaps even unwanted... Frankenstein always enjoyed sharing his soul with his Master.

Certainly there was absolutely no need for this trepidation or this absurd trembling. Tentatively, he reached out to touch his companion's consciousness.

Instantly, he could sense something was wrong.

The edges of his companion's mind felt dark and jagged, catching against Rai in a series of flashes as he approached. He felt snags of fear, worry, and sharp-edged self-loathing. Unfortunately, Frankenstein didn't appear to be having a pleasant dream in the least. Malevolent spirits gathered on the fringe of his mind, drawn right to him by the scent of his mental anguish. He sensed their dark claws tearing their way into Frankenstein's thoughts, spreading their black ichor deeper into his companion's unconscious mind.

He couldn't allow this. Frankenstein's mind was his. He knew Frankenstein wouldn't like it, but he couldn't let these evil beings continue mauling the poor man's consciousness. Rai drew his power to him, exerting his powerful will over the mental landscape.

I am the Master here. Go.

A ripple of dissonance as the spirits abated, their hunger clashing with his will and falling short of the mark. They scattered like bats against a hurricane, back into the darkness between spaces, far past the seal he'd set in place. With such a tempting feast as Frankenstein's mind, they would return in time. What could his companion have been dreaming of that could have drawn such pain?

He drew his will, and pulled himself deeper into the mindscape. Fragmented images and emotional echoes coalesced into a solid form: Frankenstein seated at his old work-bench, wearing a blend of lab coats from across his lifespan. That was odd… Frankenstein normally had feelings of satisfaction and contentment associated with his laboratory. Why was his mind so troubled?

"Worthless!" Frankenstein snarled, lashing out at the laboratory bench, sending blood and broken glass flying everywhere. "How can you expect to help him with this rubbish?!"

"Rubbish." The evil spirits hissed from the darkness. "Rubbish!"

Rai focused on the image, clarifying the edges of the dream. Though he had tried to hide it, Rai was aware that Frankenstein was researching ways to restore his Master's lifespan. No doubt his companion was still worried sick about his Master's health, and he wasn't doing much to alleviate Frankenstein's anxiety.

A twinge of guilt disturbed Rai's focus. He became aware of the texture of the couch cushion under his small frame, his fist clenching in frustration at the ironic impotence he possessed. He banished the thought, and the sensation. He wanted to help Frankenstein, who now had his head down on his messy bench and was shaking with his own frustration. What could he do, aside from waking Frankenstein or using his power to alter his dreams?

"Useless! All this time, you still can't do anything! All your knowledge, and you can't do a thing to help Raizel…" Frankenstein moaned miserably.

"Useless. Useless!"

But perhaps... there was another way to soothe his companion's mind?

Rai stilled his breath, allowing his body to slip deeply into a semi-comatose state, similar to what he did when he rested in his casket. He wanted to enter Frankenstein's dream, not just see it through his eyes. He had never tried this before, but with any luck, Frankenstein would believe his Master's presence in his mind to simply be a part of his nighttime visions.

His perspective solidified, transposing his mental image over his sensory perceptions. He dove into the union between his mind and his companion's, until the two became one. Moments later, his dream had melded with Frankenstein's, allowing him to step into the mental construct of Frankenstein's dream.

"Worthless!" The scientist threw a full beaker against the wall.

"Worthless!"

"Useless…! You can't save him like this!" A second beaker joined the first, glass shards spinning off and vanishing out of memory.

"Useless. Useless!"

He stepped forward to where Frankenstein was still hunched over his bench, his fingers raking through his hair and his back convulsing in ragged breaths. Even though this wasn't his dream, Rai could still sense the feeling of the walls closing in on him as the darkness drew closer and closer...

"Frankenstein?"

Frankenstein jerked his head off his bench, his blue eyes widening in shock and dismay.

"Master!?"

His companion got to his feet, before immediately collapsing to his knees in front of him.

"Master, I… please, don't look at me like that!" Frankenstein said, burying his face in his hands. "I know I'm a disappointment..."

"Miserable failure!" the spirits echoed spitefully.

"A disappointment?" Rai said sadly. "Why do you think that?"

"Because I can't save you, Master," his companion said weakly. "I failed you! I… I only want you to be safe and happy, but all my efforts are for nothing if I lose you."

Rai knelt down in front of his companion, taking the poor soul's shaking hands in his. After prying Frankenstein's fingers away from his face, he was able to see the tears in those beautiful blue eyes.

"Frankenstein… You are not a disappointment to me, nor have you failed me," Rai said, clutching those hands tightly. "I continue to draw breath because of you. There is no need to blame yourself for my fate."

He took his companion's long hands and pressed them to the side of his face, a small genuine smile creeping across his face.

"Whatever may come, you have given me such joy in this life. I want you to be happy as well, my companion… I want you to enjoy this life with me."

"Master, I…"

Frankenstein's sapphire eyes filled with tentative hope… some part of him still hoped that he was not a monster, that he could live and love like a normal person. His long fingers explored his Master's face, as if he were trying to memorize how it felt... As he did so, Rai could feel the evil spirits growing more distant, Frankenstein's heart growing calmer. New feelings were rising in his mind, fortifying his mind against darkness.

After a moment's hesitation, Frankenstein leaned forward and put his head on his shoulder.

"Why must you tempt me, Master?"

Rai swallowed. He couldn't help remembering what Frankenstein had imagined doing with him the night before. The slide of skin against skin, the rush of blood surfacing of its own desire. If he stayed in Frankenstein's dream, would such things happen again?

He knew he shouldn't be here. This was an unadulterated breach of his own ethics, of the trust they shared. He shouldn't be taking advantage of Frankenstein's vulnerable, unconscious mind like this. On top of all that, he still had no clue how to initiate love-making. Yet, whose idea had it been? Did that alleviate his obligations, or only condemn him further for leading his servant into such a position? What a position...

He wanted this so badly.

Rai could feel the conflagration of similar desires rising inside Frankenstein's mind. From here, it would be a simple act to brush against them, draw them out and over himself like a hot blanket against the chill of his own flesh. It would be better if Frankenstein chose this, if only he understood how much his Master wanted him.

He gently wrapped his arms around his companion's broad shoulders. "Why do you continue to deny what you feel?"

Frankenstein shuddered in his arms, but moments later, Rai felt Frankenstein's breath on his neck.

"Raizel… I can't… I shouldn't. I don't deserve you." He paused, Rai shivering at his companion's lips feathering over his skin. "It would be wrong, utterly wrong. You stand so far above me, my Master."

He felt Frankenstein's strong arms encircle him despite his words, pulling him into that firm chest. Rai snuggled further into that strong embrace. "Not in my heart, nor in this place."

He nuzzled into the firm abdomen of his dream-host and bonded companion, and found himself desperately wishing this wasn't a dream, so that he could fully feel Frankenstein's skin under his hands and the heat from his body. So that the firm swell growing against his groin could see the true light of day.

"I shouldn't..." Frankenstein repeated softly, almost to himself. "I shouldn't put my filthy hands on you." He paused, trembling slightly. "But I... I want..."

"Tell me what you want," Rai breathed, his hands wandering over his companion's lower back, ensuring that Frankenstein would not be letting him go.

Frankenstein laughed weakly, craning down to nuzzle the top of his Master's head. "Don't you already know, Raizel?"

He pulled back for a moment, and Rai nearly whimpered in distress… but it seemed Frankenstein had only pulled back to give Rai room to stand. Frankenstein captured his Master's jaw in his hand, drawing him up into a feverish sweet kiss. Rai did his best to return the kiss, overwhelmed with the scent of Frankenstein's long hair wafting from all around him. It spilled across his upturned face like a waterfall, tingling far past where it physically touched.

The sea of emotions pulled him in just as deeply as Frankenstein's kiss, made it impossible for him to pull away even if he'd wanted to... not that he would ever want to. Rai wanted this go on forever, for Frankenstein to throw away his restraint and kiss him like this every day and every night...

Frankenstein's hands began to roam, one hand sliding down his back, the other slipping under his thighs, carefully lifting him off the floor… all without breaking their kiss. Rai found himself being carried to the examination table and laid gently on it, Frankenstein climbing on top of him. His companion's broad, firm body pressed down on him, one knee parting his legs. The echo of the bulge he felt in Frankenstein's trousers tightened in his own, and only now did he begin to understand. This drive, this electric flame of blood and bliss. This was what his body had been missing.

He felt the anticipated completion of a puzzle with but a single missing piece, and it made his body burn with hunger for more. His own fine boned hands ceased their idle wander. Now they moved with purpose, though their destination was unclear as they felt Frankenstein's muscles moving sensually under his shirt.

Frankenstein finally broke their kiss, gazing down at him as if he were the most captivating sight he'd ever seen. He felt one of Frankenstein's large hands stroking his cheek while the other worked at undoing his tie…

"I want to see all of you, Raizel. May I…?"

"Yes," he said breathlessly. "Show me more… please?"

Frankenstein wasted no time, immediately stripping his tie from his neck and undoing his collar. He groaned, descending to put his lips to his Master's neck. Rai galvanized to the touch, as more burning emotions rushed through his mind, pushing him to reach for more... His body blurred at the edges as he lost track of where his form ended and Frankenstein's began. The inexorable bursts against Rai's neck, collarbone, then chest made his body arch up against Frankenstein's, wanting to feel every inch of him… Wanting to be closer so nothing would ever separate them again.

He needed more… Frankenstein's swift, capable hands were unbuttoning his shirt…

"Sir…?"

Mhm… Who was calling him…? Frankenstein was right here… his lips descending toward his bare chest...

"Sir! Are you all right?"

Rai gasped, his eyes snapping open… his meditative state had been broken. Seira was leaning over him, her eyes wide with worry.

"Sir?" Seira said, peering anxiously into his eyes. "Are you all right? You seemed distressed…"

"Y-yes," he panted. "I am fine. Fine!"

"Are you quite sure?" she asked. "I can wake Frankenstein if you are feeling sick…"

"No, thank you," he said swiftly, straightening up. But as he did so, he couldn't help but notice that part of his body was feeling strangely stiff… He rearranged the blanket over his lap. "You are not normally awake at this hour. For what do we owe this pleasure?"

"I came into the kitchen to get a glass of water and saw you with your eyes closed, but you didn't appear to be sleeping. Then you started to make strange sounds..."

Rai felt his face burning. He had been making those sounds out loud?

"-I was taking a short rest and I… I was having an unpleasant dream. I'm sorry for worrying you." Rai cut her off quickly.

"Of course..." Seira said, nodding. She'd always been quick on the uptake, and seemed to sense that he wished to be left alone. "Goodnight, Sir."

As soon as Seira had gone, Rai felt his entire body flood with shame.

What had he been doing? He wasn't just spying anymore. He'd been taking advantage of his companion while he'd been unconscious and unaware of what was really happening. He'd given in to his own desires, taking what pleasure he could and even asking for more…

His first instinct was to apologize to Frankenstein as soon as he saw him again… but then what would his companion think of him? He'd been too greedy, taking what wasn't his to take. Frankenstein should have a Master who took good care of him, and didn't abuse the privilege of being connected to his mind.

The rain tapped louder on the window as if reprimanding him for his foolishness.

His only consolation was that Frankenstein had seemed to desire him just as much as he'd hoped… but that still didn't mean he could simply take whatever he wanted.

Rai put his hands over his face. Frankenstein deserved the truth, and a promise that he would never invade his companion's mind when he was asleep ever again.

He should tell Frankenstein, he should confess that he'd acted selfishly tonight.

But… he wasn't sure he could bear to see the disappointed look on his companion's face when he realized what his Master had done to him. Would Frankenstein forgive him? Frankenstein had been so upset when he'd found out his Master had seen just a simple kiss in his mind... but he didn't want there to be any more lies and denial between them.

His bit his sore lip again. What should he do?

Though he wasn't sure he deserved it, he still wanted Frankenstein's forgiveness... and his love.

Everything he'd seen tonight had been so wonderful, Frankenstein's kisses on his lips so sweet, though they had only been in his mind. Why couldn't they do such things together, here in the real world?

What did he need to do to convince Frankenstein that his feelings weren't wrong, that he was allowed to love his Master and be loved by him in return?

The night wore on, Rai mulling over his predicament long into the early morning.


My Comments: Next time on "My Master is a Sly Minx: Why Can't I Resist Him?!" or "My Handsome Butler is Also My Professor: Will He Teach Me How to Make Love?!" and other Yaoi/BL manga titles. I had originally intended for the title of this fanfic to be a joke title like that, but I was afraid that would be kind of misleading lol. And I hate coming up with titles. I politely request an alternative title for this fic! (P.S. Thanks again to Perko for their reviews!)

Rai is a good boy. He's just discovered his own sexuality, that's all! Frankie, you gotta help the poor boy out! Okay, maybe Rai isn't a boy... he's over 2000 years old, and he's never looked like a teenager to me, anyway, he always looked like he was in his early twenties to me. (At least until the art style changed, and Rai suddenly had a baby face.) I mean, it kinda makes sense that Rai would be sexually repressed, he didn't exactly spend much time with the ladies (or gentlemen, or whatever he prefers), so expressing his sexuality was probably just not high on his list of things to worry about.

Sorry to cut the fun times short, but I wanted to save some horny for later. You know how it is. Can't blow your load all in one go. Hehe.