Chapter Text
1 year later.
He saw red. He saw it hiding under his fingernails, dry and crusty. He saw it on his hands, in plain sight, pooling in the creases and folds of his palms, scarlet lines looking back at him.
The cuffs of his coat were completely drenched. Perhaps, he had overdone this. Yet, there was something about this colour. Something about it being backed by a snow white. He especially loved the blood-red handprints on his coat, where someone had desperately grabbed at it, before slowly sliding down, leaving marks on their way. He saw red.
"Who did you murder this time?"
Frankenstein smirked and glanced over his shoulder. His housemate sauntered over to him, a cup of a questionable liquid in his hand.
"Just two bottles of Spooktacular fake blood."
"Eh…" the man clicked his tongue in displeasure, "...and here I thought I would finally get a chance to dance on Yuri's grave."
"Well, if this is any consolation…" Frankenstein said and pulled the lapel of his lab coat, revealing the name tag hidden underneath.
"Nice…" the grey-haired man grinned and stood next to him, taking a sip from his cup. He was dressed simple - dark pants, striped shirt, only the ship captain's hat on his head giving away his costume.
"You know, Tao will be so disappointed in you. He had bought wolf ears and a tail for you, M."
For two months he had been living with this guy, yet he still had no idea what his name was. He had overheard Takeo calling him 'M' or even 'M-21' if Frankenstein's Korean was not rusty. While he found the whole ordeal rather strange and he had had plenty of options to just walk up to the man and simply ask his name, he loved the mystery of it. Perhaps one day Frankenstein will hear a professor calling out the man's full name. Maybe he will stumble upon his passport or something, his government name for him to see. Or he will just finish his studies, move out of their shared house and will never see this person again. How exciting!
"He can put that tail where the Sun doesn't shine!" M-21 gritted through his teeth, his eyes looking over the crowd. The party slowly started to heat up as the empty alcohol bottles started to fill up the trash cans. People were letting loose, masks on their masks which they wore every day hiding them from the knowing eyes. Frankenstein did not have enough fingers on his hands to count all the couples making out in the bushes or behind the decorations. He could swear he even saw one in the casket, fake spider webs hanging over them.
"So, what are you? A crazy doctor?"
"Why crazy? Perhaps I am just clumsy."
M-21 chuckled and they stood silent, enjoying the spooky atmosphere of the venue. Frankenstein had to admit - he had expected something more cheesy, but it seemed that the student council was really passionate about Halloween parties. The decorations were top-notch, the food and drinks despite their gruesome image were absorbed almost immediately, plates and cups needing to be replenished every half an hour. Even the band playing was decent and Frankenstein found himself tapping his foot to the rhythm.
"Is Raizel coming?"
"Yes. Tao is helping him out with the costume. They should be here any minute."
"Oh, dear…"
"What?"
M-21 raised an eyebrow at him.
"Knowing how serious Tao is about all this dressing up stuff you better prepare yourself for all possible scenarios…"
Cold sweat trickled down Frankenstein's back. He remembered Tao's uncontained enthusiasm when Raizel had taken him up on his offer to help him out with the ideas for his fit. Even though Raizel had a decent knowledge of pop culture and literature, all of this proved to be quite challenging for him as he could not envision himself being a pirate or a Jedi. His nose had scrunched up in displeasure when Tao had pulled up priest costumes.
"None of these?" Tao had asked and Frankenstein had barely contained his snort. While he loved how much attention Raizel paid to the options which had been presented to him, sometimes he really took his time.
Raizel had shaken his head, the look on his face pensive.
"They are not…my style."
Tao had pouted, but his thumbs had worked quickly as he tapped his smartphone, his face illuminated by the display. Then, his movements had stopped and judging by the glint in his eyes it seemed that he had struck the gold. He had shown the findings to Raizel, who had tilted his head in interest.
Ever since that moment, Frankenstein had no idea what Raizel's costume was going to be since his boyfriend had chosen to keep him in the dark.
"You will see when the time has come." Raizel had said cryptically, and Frankenstein had let him be. He was rather excited about the incoming surprise. But now his joy was soured by M-21's words and the more he thought, the more unsettled he became. Tao may be innocent-looking, but it did not take Frankenstein long to realise that the young men could be somewhat feral.
"Nervous?" M-21 snickered.
"...Piss off…"
Loud cheering stole their attention and they looked towards the crowd which had gathered around a picnic table. Takeo, dressed as a police officer, tossed a ping pong ball in the air and caught it, his posture confident as the men in front of him cursed and yelled, wicked-looking liquid sliding down their throats.
"Drink! Drink! Drink!"
"Shut the fuck up!" Shark growled. His Addam's apple bobbed as he tried to hold the cup's contents inside of him. "This is bullshit! He cheated!"
"How can one cheat in beer pong?" An Sangeen exhaled smoke.
"You just suck! Admit it, Sharkboy!" Na Yonsu laughed.
"This is not even beer!" Some of the "beer" slipped over Shark's lips and he was gone, retching in the bushes. His friend, Kranz flinched at the bitter smell but kept quiet as Hammer took their friend's place, awaiting Takeo's move. Only one cup remained on their side, while Takeo had almost a full set.
Frankenstein heard him taking a steady breath, his pale blue eyes on his goal, his arm unwavering. With a flick of his long fingers, he sent the ball into the air and he watched as it hit the rim of the cup, bounced and fell in, slushing the mixture in it over the cup's edges.
"Sniper! Sniper! Sniper!"
"Respect…" Hammer grumbled and practically poured the drink down his throat, his eyes tearing up.
"Another one," Kranz said. "But this time we switch sides."
"You think this light breeze is impacting your aim? A bad workman blames his tools." Na Yonsu laughed but moved to the other side of the table, Takeo and her husband in tow.
"Good to see him happy." M-21 said. Frankenstein nodded in agreement. He had noticed before that Takeo was feeling rather blue ever since they all moved into their home, his kind smile unable to hide the shadows in his eyes. It did not take him long to realise the reason. Frankenstein did not even need to guess it - Takeo had told him in the chemistry class that they shared.
"That's why he chose to become a nurse," Frankenstein said, watching the ball land into one of the cups. For now, it looked like an even game.
"For real? I thought this would be the last thing he would do."
"No one, other than him, had been there for his sister. Makes sense."
"Hmm…" M-21 emptied his cup and tossed it into the trash can. "So, what's your origin story?"
"My origin story?"
"Yeah…" M-21 leaned his back against the railings. "Medicine…only insane ones go that way…"
"I could say the same about social work." Frankenstein gave him a pointed look, which earned him a laugh.
"Well, at least I won't need to know the names of every bone in their body!"
"...in Latin…"
"In Latin."
They kept on watching the beer pong game, Takeo once again in the lead. Frankenstein could see the redness of Shark's face even under all the layers of his makeup. The demon pulled out his phone, frowning at the time.
"They are taking too long…"
"Maybe call him?"
Frankenstein took the man's advice, his fingers quickly finding Raizel's number. It was dialling. And dialling. And dialling.
"He is not answering." Frankenstein felt his blood pressure rise. He was just about to call Tao when he felt a familiar presence behind him.
"Who is ready to tumble down the rabbit hole?" Tao stood behind them, his arms outstretched. He was dressed in all black - black shoes, black pants, long black coat with its collar turned up. Dark sunglasses were propped on his nose, his black hair combed back with a generous amount of hair gel in it.
"What took you so long?"
"Where is Raizel?"
"Really? No compliments about my outfit? It took me a while to find this exact coat!"
"Good job, Neo!" Frankenstein hissed.
"Ah, a man of culture I see!"
"Where is Raizel? You were supposed to be here an hour ago! He is not picking up the phone!"
"Easy, easy!" Tao's smile was nervous, his palms facing Frankenstein as if he was trying to calm a spooked horse. "Raizel is here. He went to get a drink for you."
What a relief that was. Frankenstein felt his heart slowing down and he took a deep breath, his eyes searching the crowd. Raizel was wearing protective jewellery created by Rozaria which unfortunately hid him from Frankenstein's senses, so for now he was unable to locate him.
"We had a bit of an accident, tho, but it's all good now…"
Frankenstein's eyes almost popped out of his skull.
"Accident?!?"
Tao stood frozen.
"Uhm..I-I.." the young man was sweating bullets and M-21 stood straighter as the atmosphere around them grew heavy.
"ACCIDENT?!?"
"Ehm…I guess it's not…the right word? It was honestly funny! At least to me…"
Frankenstein saw his reflection in Tao's glasses. His eyes started to darken.
"His teeth just got stuck in a weird angle and that glue was quite strong."
What?
"...Teeth?"
"Ha, ha, yeah!" Tao laughed, Frankenstein's confusion giving him a way out. "We just wanted to test them out, but then they were poking into Raizel's lips and he couldn't speak properly! That was adorable, by the way!"
"Fake teeth?"
"Yup! We spent most of the time loosening up the glue. But he is fine. And by fine I mean fine."
"Is he not hurt?" Frankenstein asked, his fears now dampened but not gone. Thankfully, he got his answer.
"I am good, Frankenstein."
Frankenstein almost stepped on his own jaw. The being in front of him was an epitome of elegance and mystery. A dark heavy cloak laid on his shoulders, adorned by faux fur black as night. The inside of it was covered by a wine-red cloth, the satin glistening every time the figure swayed. A waistcoat in similar tones hugged his frame, the silver embroidery on it adding to the luxurious look. But Frankenstein did not dwell on it long. His eyes traversed upwards, over the obsidian-coloured shirt and the fancy-looking cravat. They reached the pale skin, which practically glowed under the moonlight. His gaze got stuck on those lips, which were redder than usual. And the shade did not end there - it had slid down the man's chin. It took Frankenstein all his might to keep himself from ravishing his boyfriend here and now.
"Ohhhh, he is speechless!" Tao whistled and Frankenstein heard M-21 snicker next to him. All the other times he would probably kick them both, but currently, all the muscles in his body seemed to be locked as he stood there under the spell of those burgundy irises, accented by dark eyeliner.
"You look…" Frankenstein could barely speak, his words mere puffs of breath. "...perfectly splendid."
Raizel radiated delight and with a kiss on Frankenstein's cheek, he pushed a cup in his hands. It looked like hot chocolate.
"And you look like you murdered someone," Raizel said, looking at the blood spatters on Frankenstein's coat.
"Before you came, he almost murked Tao." M-21 said. "Honestly, this would be the right time to do it - you wouldn't even look suspicious, Frankenstein."
"Hey!" Tao took offence to it and quickly brushed past them. "I think we need to get over the bonfire now. I need a good ghost story before I die."
Frankenstein and M-21 rolled their eyes, but they followed the man, Raizel's hand clasped in blond's as they weaved through the drunk masses, laughing and dancing. Somewhere, along the way, Takeo joined them.
"Blue or red?" Tao presented him with two pill-like candies. At least, Frankenstein hoped they were candies.
Takeo snatched both of them and put them into his mouth.
"Only one, dude!"
"I had to drink two cups of apple cider vinegar, let me have this." Takeo grimaced. "I feel like trash."
"Drink some water. Dilute it." Frankenstein advised. Takeo glanced at him, for the first time taking in their appearances. He smiled.
"Thanks, Doc! You, guys, look great, by the way!"
They reached the edge of the woods, paper bats and skeletons hanging from the branches. A faint glow came from the depths and they went towards it, whispers and gasps reaching their ears.
"And there he was! Right behind her!"
Some of the listeners squealed, their hands grabbing each other, trying to bring the needed comfort. A few of them scuffed, however.
"How could he be behind her if she was facing the door the whole time?"
The narrator, a young boy nervously swallowed.
"...What?"
"You said that she was at the corner of the basement, her back facing the wall." A woman with flaming red hair spoke up. "How could he be behind her?"
"Uhm…"
Frankenstein and Raizel found a vacant space on a log, not far away from the fire. Raizel gracefully flicked his cloak and sat down, Frankenstein quick to follow. They drank their hot chocolate, while Tao mingled with other bystanders, Takeo and M-21 following him like shadows. Another storyteller had taken the boy's place and Frankenstein let their words wash over him as he enjoyed the heat, coming both from the fire and Raizel, who attentively listened to the tale. Something about a haunted house. Or lady. Or lake. He could only focus on Raizel's body pressing against his.
He liked what he saw now. A content, young man with curiosity and joy in his eyes, surrounded by a bustling life. The university brought together different kinds of people and luckily Raizel was able to share their home with one of the good ones. Well, maybe luck had not worked hard there.
At the start of this year, Raizel's uncle had found the opportunity to corner Frankenstein without his nephew in sight. He had invited Frankenstein to sit down and at that moment Frankenstein had seriously contemplated turning into smoke and getting the hell away from him as by then he finally had the option to do. In the end, he realised that he might have overreacted a bit and the point of their talk had been rather…wholesome.
"I think it would be good for him to have more people in his life. Like friends." The Mayor had said. "Of course, I am happy that he is happy with you, but I believe having someone new in his life would…provide him with a new perspective."
Provide him with distraction.
Surprising himself, Frankenstein had agreed. While there is always going to be that part of him that aches to keep Raizel to himself and himself only, never letting him out of his sight, he understood that Raizel deserved to live his life fully…And that included having dormmates and all the consequences they brought along.
Thankfully, it seemed that the Mayor knew a guy who knew a guy and was able to get them a whole house near the campus. It was well kept, with a small backyard where they sometimes would sit and soak up the remaining sun. The rent was manageable, even with Frankenstein's salary which he earned by doing menial tasks in their university's lab. Sometimes he even got the chance to assist with some research stuff, enraging his coworker/peer Yuri.
At first, he was wary of the trio. Even though they seemed like good people, sometimes they could prove to be quite a nuisance. Loud music, dirty plates, someone had been using Frankenstein's shampoo. Yet, with one look of his Takeo had leapt towards the sink to clean the dishes and his shampoo bottle did not feel lighter than it was supposed to be. Coincidentally, Tao's hair no longer smelled like sandalwood.
Frankenstein learned quickly that M-21 could be quite a stubborn one and he spent one evening turning down the volume of his housemate's sound system with his powers and repeating it every time M-21 turned it back on, cursing under his breath. He did that until the young man gave up and went to sleep, their house basking in complete silence.
"You are both quite alike." Raizel had spoken, his head resting on Frankenstein's shoulder. He huffed.
"No, we are not!" He had objected, his arms wrapping around Raizel. "He is a hotheaded smartass."
"Mmm…" He had felt Raizel's lips stretch into a smile as he kissed his jaw.
"We are not!"
It was clear that those guys had been mindfully selected by someone as they were not entirely horrible to live with, yet they sometimes provided Frankenstein with the nastiest of headaches.
But all those were specks in the grand tapestry of life when he looked at Raizel who always had someone there for him whenever Frankenstein worked long hours in uni or attended the lectures, their schedules unforgiving. In a way the dynamic of the household had been similar to the one Raizel had had with his friends - Tao was as loud and energetic as Shinwoo, smart and sneaky like Ikhan. Takeo and M-21 brought great balance as the girls used to - Frankenstein saw Suyi within M-21 every time he called Tao out on his bullshit and Yuna whenever Takeo sat by someone's side, quietly listening to them.
He knew that that wound had not healed yet and probably never will. Frankenstein had noticed how Raizel used to check his phone, hoping to see a message or two from his friends (ex-friends?). And each time Frankenstein had noticed the heartbreaking expression on Raizel's face.
Frankenstein did not know how to bring solace, most of his existence thrived on the opposite. He could not force himself to utter empty promises to Raizel. It will be alright. They will come back. All will be forgiven. He did not know the truth. Raizel did not know it either. No one did. All he could do was to be there for him and listen whenever Raizel needed an ear…Unfortunately, Raizel often chose to stay silent. Especially when he learned that Yuna had moved away for her mental health and Ikhan had thrown himself into his computer studies more than he needed to. In a way they both had moved on - the young man, an obvious sceptic, had probably compartmentalised his paranormal experience and put it away in the deepest corner of his mind. And the girl…she will most likely gaslight herself enough until the incident becomes a distant dream. Suyi, however, had surprised both of them. However, when Frankenstein came to think it should not have - that young lady was built differently.
It had been a couple of days before Christmas, fairy lights in all the colours of a rainbow strewn across the city. Fake snowmen had popped up on each corner of the streets and plush Christmas trees had been full of glittery ornaments. A Christmas fair had been taking place that week, so Raizel and Frankenstein had gone to it, Raskreia and Rozaria in tow. It had been the very first time Frankenstein had been let out of the property as his condition had been deemed good enough. Of course, there had been improvements - Raizel had made sure of it.
They both had enjoyed the festivities and listened to the music around them as they savoured a cup of mulled wine. They had even shared a gingerbread man, a thick layer of frosting covering him. And that's when they had seen her. And she had seen them.
She had been dressed in a long white coat, which had been left open, revealing her green dress, that had greatly accented her figure. Her white knee-high boots had made her look taller than she was. Her teal hair had danced along the light breeze, giving out the impression that she had just stepped out of a magazine cover. She looked fine. More than fine.
Her turquoise eyes had widened, her grasp tight around her cup of latte. Both men had stood frozen, anticipating her next move. From an outsider's point of view, the scene in front of them must have looked like the one straight out of an old western, two cowboys in a standoff, ready to draw their guns. Only a rolling tumbleweed between them was missing.
Then, she raised her free hand and gave them a tiny wave, her lips stretching in a small smile. A quiet Merry Christmas, boys had been whispered and then she was gone like a shot, leaving the couple flabbergasted. Frankenstein remembered the way Raizel had looked at him, the question Did you see what I saw? in his eyes. For a moment Frankenstein had contemplated that this must have been an illusion or even worse - a possession. But once he had felt no dark energy within the crowd it was clear that the thing they both saw was real. A Christmas miracle, he had thought. Frankenstein did not miss how the gesture, albeit a small one, had lifted Raizel's spirits greatly. That was the best Christmas that Frankenstein ever had and he had a gift from Raizel on his wrist reminding him of it. A wooden watch embellished by engraved runes soaked with magic. Frankenstein had been in awe once he had seen it as Raizel timidly had put it on his wrist.
"My Mother gave one like this to my Father. I wish for you to have something protecting you as well and reminding you about the time we had spent together."
Frankenstein had almost bawled that evening. This had been the first Christmas present he had ever received. Hell, this might have been the first ever present that he had received, memories about his childhood a mere blur. From time to time he had looked at it and could almost imagine a warmth emitting from it. And he was doing it now, but then he felt his hand being squeezed.
"Frankenstein!"
Something in Raizel's tone was urgent and that snapped Frankenstein out of his memory palace.
"What's wrong?" Frankenstein inquired, but the answer came immediately and not from Raizel.
"TAKEO?!?" Tao hollered, his hands over his head holding…an Ouija board?!?
"No, no, I don't mess with those things…" Takeo's tone was apprehensive and he practically hid behind M-21, away from Tao's excited gaze.
"You, M?"
"Those things are bullshit!" M-21 rolled his eyes, clearly not interested.
"Eh, your loss! LET'S GO TO THE RIVER, GUYS!"
"Why the river?" A voice called out.
"That's where one dude offed himself," Taze said, already on the move. "Let's get the Drowned Dave, boys and girls!"
"Drowned Dave? I thought it was Sunken Steve?"
"Sunken Steve? I thought it was Moist Martin?"
The small group with Tao and Taze in front and Shark with his gang following disappeared deeper into the woods, laughing.
"Frankenstein, we can't let them-"
"Don't worry." Frankenstein was already on his feet. "I won't."
*************************************************************************************
The dried leaves crunched under his feet as he stepped deeper into the woods. The branches above him scratched against each other as a light breeze blew through them. An owl hooted.
Raizel trusted Frankenstein, wholeheartedly. Yet, his faith in him did not suppress the worry, so, unable to stay put as the warmth from Frankenstein was leaving him, he followed him into the darkness, away from the light and cheers.
Lately, he had grown more and more anxious. For the first month, Raizel had paid it not much thought - after all this was the start of his new life. New school. New home. New friends. It was challenging, but it came with independence, with him now being the only one who bore full responsibility for his choices. Of course, he still had his uncle, who called him every week, and Frankenstein, the strong fortress in his life, who held Raizel's hand as he shakily walked through the first months of his adultness, his legs shaky like the ones of a freshly born fawn. And when he was not there, Raizel had his housemates cover for him.
Unlike Frankenstein, Raizel had warmed up to the trio almost immediately and he felt their affection towards him as well. They had learned quickly that Raizel had some holes in his knowledge about life and, without any judgement, they provided him with aid whenever it was needed. How to pay the water bill? M-21 got him. How to get the software on his laptop? Tao had already installed everything Raizel needed before he managed to finish his cup of tea. How to cook a delicious meal for Frankenstein when he returns from work? Takeo guided him through the ingredients and with a bit of well-portioned assistance Raizel was able to bake a bunch of cupcakes for his boyfriend. He knew that Frankenstein did not need food to survive, but he had noticed that Frankenstein did not mind snacking from time to time. Sodium-free, certainly.
He remembered how Frankenstein's eyes had lit up when he presented Frankenstein with his creations, most of the bunch surviving the attacks of a hungry, sneaky hacker. He remembered how blond's Adam's apple had bobbed as he swallowed the sweet, humming in appreciation. Raizel recalled the sugar on his lips as Frankenstein had fed him one of the cakes and then licked his way inside Raizel's mouth, chasing that taste.
"I have to admit - I am still rather famished." Frankenstein had said and Raizel had started to get a little desperate as he had only baked this much. Frankenstein had read him like an open book and chuckled, taking Raizel by his hand and leading him to their shared room. Frankenstein indeed had been starving as he had spent the whole night between Raizel's legs, ravishing him until Raizel had nothing left to give.
"Such a good cook you are." Frankenstein had grinned, his lips glistening wet in the dark.
And still, despite the idyllic moments that they had together, Raizel felt as if something was looming above them, he felt an invisible pair of eyes shooting daggers into the back of his head. He could not tell if this madness was shared by the two as nothing indicated that Frankenstein had the same worries. However, he knew that pretence was no stranger to Frankenstein.
The dagger was safely tucked under his sleeve.
He heard a faint murmur of the river nearby. And voices. Angry voices.
His steps were calculated as he avoided the fallen branches and leaves, his form gliding between the trees, cloak swaying majestically. Frankenstein had loved his costume, Raizel could tell. And he could not stop the fond smile appearing on his face once he saw Frankenstein in his. It filled his heart with warmth as he saw Frankenstein following his dream, the same one which had been so cruelly taken from him centuries ago.
It had taken a decent amount of persuasion before Frankenstein had relented and applied for medicine.
"We won't get to spend much time together!"
"It's expensive!"
"I will study whatever you will!"
Raizel had not understood him back then - all of Frankenstein's excuses had no weight. Yes, their time together would have been reduced as Raizel was certain that their paths in the university would differ greatly - he was not brilliant enough to be a doctor and the direction that Raizel was about to take would only bore Frankenstein. Especially, since he probably knew a lot more about Raizel's major than all the professors in the university combined.
Money would not have been a problem at all - Frankenstein could definitely get a scholarship and if not his uncle would have no problem sponsoring his studies. But Frankenstein was proud - he would never take the Mayor's money. So, Raizel kept that to himself and instead, he had put his hand on Frankenstein's and asked him directly what his deal was.
"I can't do this." Frankenstein had said, his hands trembling. "My kind is not made for this."
"Your kind is only you, Frankenstein, and I believe only you can define what you can or can not do. And I know that you can do much good in this world."
"No good deed goes unpunished." There was a snark in Frankenstein's tone and Raizel felt the sharpness of it. They both knew what Frankenstein was referencing, they both recalled the ignorance and the fear which was born from it. And they knew how strong it could be, how easily it could tear away friendships and humanity. Raizel had squeezed his hand.
"You are not going to let them win, are you?" A challenge, an encouragement, call it as you will, but it had worked and for a moment Frankenstein had mulled over Raizel's words.
"Fine." His ocean eyes were filled with determination. "However, I think I will stick to paediatrics. Children…they are not that…rotten."
The voices were now louder and Raizel could see the group sitting on the riverbank, arguing fervently.
"I did not move it!"
"Yes, you did!!!"
"Maybe YOU did it?"
"ME?!? I WOULD NEVER SAY SUCH THINGS ABOUT MY MOTHER!!!" Taze was seething.
And then Raizel heard quiet snickering behind him. There, in the shadows of a thick oak tree, stood Frankenstein, his shoulders shaking as he tried to keep his laughter down. Raizel sighed and made his way towards him, making sure that his movements went unnoticed by the other party.
"Frankenstein?"
Frankenstein's cheeks were red from his glee and there was a playful glint in his eyes.
"Don't worry - no holes in the veil tonight. Those fools don't even know how to conduct a proper seance."
The yelling intensified and Frankenstein covered his mouth with both of his hands. It seemed that he was having fun.
Raizel heard Tao objecting something and he turned towards them just in time to see Taze smashing the Ouija board at Shark's head, splitting the object into two parts.
"Hey!"
"You…bitch…"
Kranz grabbed Taze by her collar and pulled her away from Shark, who was caged in Hammer's thick arms. Quietly, Tao slinked back, away from the commotion. The group followed him soon, Taze and Shark still exchanging pleasantries and blows. They waited until the noises faded out before they walked over to the riverbank, the broken board lying in the mud.
"You probably don't have holy water with you?" Frankenstein asked and his eyebrows shot up when Raizel pulled out a small bottle out of his pocket, filled with transparent liquid.
"Is it sprayable?" Frankenstein inspected the bottle, testing out the button.
"It is convenient." Raizel shrugged. "Why do you need it?"
"Just to make sure…" Frankenstein answered cryptically and he picked up the discarded pieces. He kept breaking them apart until seven pieces were formed and then he sprinkled the holy water on them. With his hand he dug seven not so deep holes into the ground and buried each piece, covering them with soil.
"Now it's good!" Satisfied, Frankenstein stood up and walked towards the water, washing his hands clean both from mud and the fake blood. Raizel's relief must have been audible, because Frankenstein was in front of him a second later, his hands already dry, cupping his face.
"It's alright," Frankenstein reassured him, his forehead nuzzling against Raizel's, blond curls tickling the tip of his nose.
"Mmm…" Raizel finally let himself relax in Frankenstein's embrace.
"It's been a while since it had been just the two of us."
Raizel recognized the implication in Frankenstein's tone almost immediately and he pressed a small kiss on Frankenstein's lips.
"I have to return early. I have lectures tom- today." Raizel corrected himself. It had to be way past midnight now.
"What lectures?" Frankenstein was getting raunchy, his tongue licking inside Raizel's mouth and his hands grabbing each cheek of Raizel's arse.
"Ah..mm…anthropology…mm…of consumption..."
"Mmm…I have seen that episode. Spoiler - we all are a greedy bunch. Skip that lecture."
Raizel broke the kiss to raise an eyebrow at Frankenstein.
"Frankenstein Lee, are you tempting me?"
"All the time. You only just noticed it now." Raizel's back met a tree trunk as Frankenstein showed him how greedy he could be.
"Fr-Frankenstein…someone will see…"
"No one is near us, darling. No people, no ghosts. Just two ducks."
Raizel felt a hard line against his hip and he tried to roll them only to realise that Frankenstein was holding him tight.
"Mhm…"
Thankfully, Frankenstein was not in his teasing mood as he rushed to unzip Raizel's pants and sank to his knees, swallowing him whole. His talented tongue and warm wet mouth worked tirelessly and Raizel could only receive, his hips still pressed against the tree. It did not take long before he was a quivering mess, his hands pushing Frankenstein's head closer to him and with a gasp he came down his boyfriend's throat, his upper body lurching forwards. He winced as Frankenstein kept playing with his cock, the tip of his tongue prodding the slit.
A bird cawed and Raizel lifted his head with a great effort to see a raven perched on a branch nearby, its dark eyes watching them.
*************************************************************************************
"Sup, guys!" Tao greeted them from the coach, where he, Takeo and M-21 sat, sharing a bowl of popcorn. "Where did you two disappear? Thought you both were dragged away by a ghost."
"By Drowned Dave?" Frankenstein smirked, taking off his shoes and helping Raizel with his cloak.
"You mean Sunken Steve?" M-21 without tearing his eyes away from TV said.
"I think it's Moist Martin." Takeo nudged Tao with his elbow, causing the man to sputter in laughter.
"Wanna join us? We are watching The Cabin In The Woods!"
Frankenstein looked at Raizel questioningly. It was already 3:00 AM and despite Frankenstein's seductive abilities Raizel had decided to attend the lectures, which meant that he only had four hours left for sleep. But there was no guarantee that he would be able to fall asleep just here and now. So, he made a bold decision to commit to the student life fully.
"Alright."
To say that Frankenstein was surprised was an understatement, but they both sat down on the couch as Tao scooted over to free some space for them. The living room was basked in darkness as the scene on the screen was getting more and more gruesome. Something about it seemed familiar to Raizel.
He felt Frankenstein sneak his arm behind Raizel's back and Raizel felt a weight on his shoulder as Frankenstein laid down his head on it, his right hand grasping Raizel's, thumb drawing circles on his skin.
He heard M-21 scoff at the events unfolding in the movie and he saw how stiffly Takeo sat, his eyes glued to the screen, where a man was lying on the floor as the dust settled around him. He was squinting, trying to see through the fog as emotional music was being played in the background. And then it came. A grotesque monster crawled towards the man who awaited his fate.
"Ow, come on!" The man exclaimed, with a hint of annoyance and then the monster was upon him, tearing into his flesh.
Tao grabbed a handful of popcorn and stuffed it into his mouth, loudly chewing.
"That's the ugliest effing mermaid I have ever seen!"
The end.