Of Rants and Retreats

Word Count: 450

Frankenstein suppressed an exasperated sigh as he listened to the Lord's ceaseless rant on how Raizel ought to visit the palace more often and mingle with the other nobles.

The blond man was arguing passionately, mainly by himself as Raizel showed no visible signs of acknowledging his endless tirade. "… and this is simply unacceptable. You canno-" he blathered on, coming to an abrupt stop when the mansion shook under the oppressive force of what could only be the werewolf Lord's unique knock.

I really wish he would just knock like a normal person for once. Then again, the Lord came through the window, Frankenstein mused with near tangible dejection, worried about possible cracks in the building, as he prepared to greet him.

"I must go for now, but do not think this conversation is over, Raizel. I shall return!" the Lord announced sharply, cutting his visit short for once.

How strange, the blond human deliberated, confused at the eccentric noble's hasty exit through the window. Deciding not to mull on this further lest he needlessly caused himself a headache, he opened the door, ushering their guest inside with a curt nod.

"What? I properly waited for you to open the door this time," Muzaka barked once he took note of the human's less than welcoming expression.

Realizing too late he was being rude due to his peculiar musings, Frankenstein rushed to rectify his blunder. "You seem well, Muzaka-nim," he remarked with a tight-lipped smile on their way to Raizel's chamber.

"Yeah, I'm fine. How's Raizel, still cooped up?" Muzaka merely shrugged, attributing the scientist's odd behavior to some human related quirk.

"Regrettably, yes. The Lord was here but moments ago, attempting to convince my master to socialize more, but he hurried to leave upon your arrival," Frankenstein informed him with a mild scowl upon remembrance, and Muzaka erupted in howling laughter at the news.

"Did I say something funny?" Frankenstein asked, bemused.

"Well, you see –" Muzaka started to explain while they entered the room the Noblesse was currently occupying, but was interrupted by the Lord's loud entrance.

"I forgot to mention that I am expecting you for dinner next Sunda-" The Lord barely had time to finish his sentence before he was seized by quite a persistent sneezing fit.

Muzaka chuckled in amusement at the sight, giving in to uninhibited laughter once again. "Your Lord is allergic to me," he finally deigned to conclude his previous sentence after a few seconds of raucous laughter, rendering the blond human speechless.

Huh? Where do I even begin to comment on that? Frankenstein thought wryly, watching the Lord make another retreat, though this time far less dignified than the first one.

Of Wolves and Feistiness

Word Count: 150

"Frankenstein, why don't you visit my lot for a change?" Muzaka propositioned with a half-smirk, catching the human unaware.

Frankenstein could tell from his tone that there was something more to the werewolf Lord's invitation. "Excuse me?" he returned cautiously.

"You know," Muzaka wiggled his brows at him suggestively, "come play with the wolves."

Frankenstein reeled back at that, having a pretty good guess of where this was heading. Nevertheless, he asked for clarification, just to be certain he had not misinterpreted the other man's meaning.

"Why this sudden invitation?"

"There have been rumors going on about you for some time now. Our women are rather… excited. Blood thirsty, feisty little things they are," Muzaka chuckled heartily, his eyes flashing with an impish gleam, patting the blond human on the back.

"Come play with them," he insisted with a toothy grin, and Frankenstein couldn't help but join him in laughter.

Of Youthfulness and Culture

Word Count: 150

"You know, Gejutel, I have always wondered," the Lord began with a contemplative expression, "why do you not simply dye your hair black if you wish to retain a youthful appearance? Why dye a mere portion of it?"

"I do not dye my hair, Lord," Gejutel exclaimed, quite shocked.

The Lord waved a dismissive hand as if it was a given fact. "Come now, Gejutel, it is nothing to be embarrassed about."

"But I do –" Gejutel tried again, only to be silenced by his lord's delighted bellow next.

"Oh – I know! How about a peruke? I hear it is becoming rather popular amongst the humans," the Lord suggested, gazing at the white haired noble with expectancy.

Your insalubrious obsession with human culture will be the downfall of this court, Lord, Gejutel all but sighed, understanding the Lord simply wished to use this as an excuse to mimic human customs.