Title: Chapter XII: Good Night

Writer: Madame aZure

Fandom: Noblesse;

Pairing: None

Genre: Family;

Rating: K;

Warnings: this chapter contains OCC-ness. Read at your own risk.

Disclaimer: I do not own Noblesse or any of the characters. No trademark infringement or profit is meant from the writing of this fanfiction.

Author's Note: This fanfic was written for o-c-o-c-o, who was as kind as to draw fanart after this fanfic (I'm-so-not-freaking-out-because-someone-drew-something-after-one-of-my-fics-nevermind-I-totally-am) and who asked, well… you'll see.

Fanart Link: o-c-o-c-o[tumblr]com/post/144159142926/madameazzure-o-c-o-c-o-inspired-form-little

A jaw-cracking yawn announced the child's presence even before he entered the living room. He rubbed his eyes, but a sleepy frown still remained present as he looked around. Spotting Frankenstein having tea with Raizel, he went straight to him with slow, tired steps and without a word spoken, he climbed on the sofa, snuggling by the scientist's side as close as could to share his warmth. Curled like a cat, his eyes fluttered open and close several times, until they finally decided on the latter, his breathing evening out slowly as he relaxed.

Frankenstein simply smiled in amusement. "Sleepy, little one?" he asked quietly, running a hand through the child's hair, making him sigh in content and press further against his side.

"Mmm," the little one mumbled a 'no', his frown deepening for a fraction of a second before his expression softened. Of course he wasn't sleepy – M-21 was much too stubborn to admit it or too determined to stay awake… well, mostly awake as long as his bedtime allowed it. This had become some sort of a routine by now. The little one would never go to bed on his own accord. Instead each night he would gravitate towards some member of the household, nestle near them and slowly doze to dreamland by their side. And almost every night Frankenstein had to be the one taking him to his room and tucking him into bed because the others would just let the child sleep wherever he liked, cuddling or petting him.

The scientist shook his head and huffed at the response, placing his teacup on the saucer. "Come on, little one, it's time for bed," he whispered gently, picking the child up in his arms.

"'mkay, dad," M-21 said sleepily as he snuggled against the scientist's chest, resting his head on his shoulder and continuing to mumble something unintelligible.

It took Frankenstein a few seconds to fully comprehend the meaning of the appellative that was spoken so nonchalantly he almost dismissed it. As realization finally washed over him, his eyes widened as he glanced with a questioning look at the little creature sleeping soundly in his arms. He hasn't heard wrong has he? He couldn't have had. Not with that strange warmth, a mix of pride, happiness and surprise blooming in his heart, making it feel like it would burst at the seams any moment now and he would drown in that feeling. Not with the genuinely happy smiles the others were giving him.

"Awww," Tao grinned brightly, his eyes nothing less than sparkling at the child's involuntary comment.

"Tao, shush, you will wake him," Regis frowned for a moment, but his stern expression was immediately softened by a tiny smile.

"But that was sooo…" the hacker failed to finish his sentence, because Takeo put a hand over his mouth to stop him before his voice ended in a cheerful squeal or something similar.

"Adorable?" Seira filled in, a rosy blush on her cheeks.

Raizel's reaction was more elegant and dignified, simply choosing to smile and enjoy his tea, but there was something almost unnoticeably different in the way he was regarding Frankenstein.

Frankenstein stood up and left the living room, fearing that he might lose his composure at any second. He went to the child's room and laid him on the bed, making sure he was in a comfortable position, and covered him with the blanket. Looking at the little one's peaceful sleeping form, he reached and brushed away the bangs from his eyes, and with a moment of hesitation, he leaned in and pressed his lips on the child's forehead, pouring in that simple kiss all the precious warmth inside his heart.

"Good night, little one," he whispered as he left the room, closing the door carefully so he wouldn't wake the child. His hand lingered on the doorknob for a few moments as he couldn't stop the echo of that word from resounding in his memories. 'Dad'. To think that he had lived to see the day when he would be called 'dad'. His other hand went to his lips because he felt like he would start laughing at any moment now. Him, a father? That was something he's never even dared to imagine, not with the Union hunting him down, reducing him to nothing less than a man on the run. But here he was… by his Master's side, with a house full of children. Was this even real?

He raised his head as he sensed more than heard Raizel walk towards him.

"Master?" he asked as the noble stopped in front of him.

"Congratulations on being bestowed with the title of father. I am proud of you," Raizel stated with a shy smile, awkwardly patting Frankenstein on the head in an attempt to mimic what he's learnt that humans did to show appreciation.

"M-master…" he stuttered as the warmth was finally showing itself on his cheeks.

"I believe we should celebrate. Would you join me for another cup of tea?"

"Yes, Master."

"Oh, and I believe you should be aware that Tao seems to be planning to throw a party in your honor."

Party? Oh. No.

TO BE CONTINUED… :)