Care

[esp_dragon]

Fandom: Noblesse
Summary: Muzaka nodded. "So the more we roughhouse, the more he comes out. What do ya say?" Frankenstein smiled. "I would be glad to."
Rating: G
Notes: Set pre-series.
Again, blame Kai. ;P
Secondary summary is 'Frankenstein has trouble sensing Rai when he spars with Muzaka.'
Genre: Friendship
Word count: 918
Status: Work in progress



Frankenstein shuddered, Dark Spear receding. He was able to stay standing, but only just, locking his knees before he pitched forward. Sparring against Muzaka was nothing like sparring with the Clan Leaders: his moves were less predictable and while it seemed at times that Muzaka relied on brute strength, he understood the flow of a fight better than the Clan Leaders did.

"Heh," Muzaka said, stretching an arm across his chest, "that was fun."

Frankenstein was exhausted and lightheaded from his injuries and trying to keep Dark Spear at bay, but he couldn't deny he thought the same. It was exhilarating to be up against an opponent who thought and reacted to changes in plan as well as he did.

"Oi," Muzaka called out, looking over Frankenstein's shoulder, his head tilted, "what did ya think, Raizel? Who's the better fighter?"

Ah! Frankenstein would have whirled around, but his wounds were still healing so he took it step by step instead. Master was there, in the shadow of some trees, his clothes and hair helping to obscure him from sight.

Even after contracting with Master, Frankenstein still had trouble sensing where he was.

"You're both good," Master said, glancing between them.

Muzaka moved to stand next Frankenstein, crossing his arms. He didn't look like he'd been in a fight, his breathing easy, and Frankenstein still had much to learn, that much was obvious. "Refusing to take sides; I see how it is."

Master didn't say anything, only nodded before leaving.

That was...strange. Master had never come to watch his spars with Ragar or Gejutel. Was it because he was sparring against Muzaka? Then - urk!

Muzaka had reached over and grabbed his shoulder, pulling him close so that their shoulders were pressed against each other. "We need to do that more often."

The tone was too quiet, too serious compared to the one Muzaka had just used with Master, like it wasn't something he wanted overheard.

"What do you mean?" It was an offer Frankenstein would love and exploit -this spar alone had been a massive opportunity for collecting data- but there seemed to be something else underlying Muzaka's request.

"That's the first time I've seen him leave that mansion without being told to first."

Ah, so he had been right about that. Though, one moment rose to Frankenstein's mind when Master had done such a thing - even then, that had been forced as well.

Muzaka nodded, still not letting go. "Yeah. So the more we roughhouse, the more he comes out. What do ya say?"

...That was not what Frankenstein had expected to hear. He would be able to collect more information on the werewolf Lord and doing so would help Master? Frankenstein didn't care about Muzaka considering their spars play - he still had much to improve on, Muzaka had shown that.

Frankenstein smiled. "I would be glad to."

* * *
Frankenstein could feel Muzaka's gaze as he set up the table and chair, making sure they were on even ground. When he was sure neither would wobble, he started setting up the rest of the tray.

"You haven't done that before."

"It's for Master." Frankenstein made sure everything was in place and that Master would have a good view of their spar; once he was satisfied, he nodded and took a step back.

"You really like looking after him."

Frankenstein raised an eyebrow at Muzaka. "Of course." He wouldn't have stayed with him for decades or contracted with Master if he hadn't.

"Good," Muzaka said, sweeping a glance at the area around them. "At least someone is."

Seeing how the number of visits from the Clan Leaders had dropped to only Gejutel and Ragar appearing every few months... "Yes, it is."

* * *
Muzaka clapped a hand on Frankenstein's shoulder at the end of their spar, almost knocking him off his feet.

"You learn quick."

High praise from the werewolf Lord. Frankenstein was almost giddy, his brain and body oxygen starved and only able to form short phrases, but he could see the improvement from last time, the surprise in Muzaka's eyes when he'd caught him off guard.

Muzaka was directing him somewhere and Frankenstein let him. He straightened when he saw Master in the chair he set out. He had been too focused on the fight to see when Master had arrived.

"So what's that white stuff you were pouring into yer drink anyway?" Muzaka asked as they neared. And Muzaka had still been able to keep an eye out for Master. "Why wasn't it in the drink to start with?"

Because Frankenstein still couldn't tell how sweet Master liked his drinks and it was better if-

Muzaka swiped Master's cup and took a gulp.

"Ah-" On the one hand, that was Master's drink, but on the other, it was Muzaka being familiar with him. Through their connection, Frankenstein only felt amusement, not annoyance.

Muzaka spat it out, spluttering. "What is that?" he demanded, rubbing at his mouth with an arm .

"Tea," Master said, and under Muzaka's gaze, added another spoonful of sugar. While Muzaka gaped, Master took a deliberate sip.

Master's amusement increased as Muzaka started grumbling about noble tastes. ...Master knew that was going to happen. Had...he been joking with Muzaka?

No, Frankenstein had never seen Master interact with anyone like that. It was a shame that Muzaka could only visit every once in a while, but Frankenstein took note of his tastes, for the next time he did.