Chapter Text
Obituary
Dr. Hastie Lanyon
The death occurred last Monday between the periods of 8:00 p.m and 11:00 a.m when the doctor was asleep. It was in this slumber which he died. He had two friends close and dear to him: Gabriel John Utterson, and Henry Jekyll. He was the sole child of Jonah Lanyon and Euphemia Lanyon. Throughout his life he dedicated himself to the study of the natural world. Through his studies he became a beloved pillar of the community, and his absence will be missed by all. Funeral services will be held Friday at 3:00 p.m.
Monday, 3rd of March, 18–
My dearest companion, Gabriel John Utterson,
You are a quiet man John. It is a feature of yours I have always found to be your greatest appeal, for there is no one else I can lay my heart bare to and have not a word of it leave the utterance of conversation. It is for this very reason that I inquire you to join me at my homestead when the clock chimes the hour 9 this Wednesday. We have much to discuss. By your arrival you must swear to absolute secrecy to the matter, although through my years of knowing you I feel that is almost certainly guaranteed
Sincerest regards, Dr. Henry Jekyll.
When Mr. Utterson arrived at the abode of his friend, Dr. Jekyll greeted him at the door himself. It was an odd occurrence certainly, but given the hushed quality of the letter which brought him here, he likely should have expected it be so.
Harry rushed him inside and shut the door. Mr. Utterson jumped at the loud thud it made.
“Follow me John.” Said Jekyll.
Utterson nodded. His hat nearly fell off his head as the doctor grabbed his wrist and dragged him through the hallways towards the cabinet outside. Once inside, he checked the surrounding area before closing the doors to the room, and locking them. He sighed, looking relieved. “I didn’t think you’d come.” Said he, looking towards Utterson with a sad smile which sent a cold chill down his spine. It pained Utterson to see his most beloved friend pained so.
Mr. Utterson shook his head. “It is important that we keep our connections close and firm in times of tragedy.” In truth, he had spent much of his morning lying in his chambers unable to face the responsibilities of the day. His hair ended up being left uncombed, and his suit unbuttoned.
The doctor gently pat Mr. Utterson on the shoulder. “There is much truth to your words my friend.” Dr. Jekyll on the other hand, seemed to have maintained his impeccable appearance, save the weary circles under his eyes, and the frantic manner about his movements. His eyes seemed to constantly dart around the room despite it being a familiar location, and his hands seemed to tremble aswell.
“Let us move to other topics however. We can mourn Dr. Lanyon another time, after all we must save our tears for his funeral, and the reason I originally brought you here still remains.”
Silence was thick in the air for a moment. Reluctantly Mr. Utterson nodded.
Jekyll, smiled, moving to the counter which was covered in every manner of chemical instrument. “Throughout my studies, I have developed a theory regarding the nature of the soul.” He pulled a notebook from one of the drawers and sat down, motioning for Mr. Utterson to sit opposite of him, “Each and every human being I believe, is a composite.” Utterson obliged as the doctor rambled. “My research has unveiled two aspects within this composite, although I do believe there could potentially be more. These two aspects are good and evil respectively. Every man woman and child has both within them.” Utterson nodded along, thinking upon the words.
He was no scientist but the idea was simple enough to comprehend. He thought about the times he’d been driven to do wrong. Things like the time he’d punched another child during his schooling after they’d insulted him, the time he was driven ignore table ediquitte, and the many times his eyes lingered on those he shouldn’t. Shameful aspects of himself which he scarce pleasured to remember.
Jekyll continued, “The evil is a creature of impulse, desire, and debauchery, while the good is a creature of discipline, shame, and piety.
“I’ve found a chemical compound which can separate the two and give the evil part of one’s self form. I have tested it on myself, and given the resulting form the name of Edward Hyde.”
Mr. Utterson stayed quiet, although his disbelief must have shown in his continence for Dr. Jekyll frowned at him.
“I can see that you don’t believe me.” He put a loose fist to his chin, contemplating, “Very well then, if you wish I can show you, and you can verify the validity of my findings first hand. You know much of the worst of me, so I care not if you see it in it’s physicality.”
Mr. Utterson took a moment to think before replying, “The choice is up to you Harry. My contentment does not sway either way.”
“Very well then.” Jekyll stood and took up his chemical instruments, mixing liquids together with a white powder, which Mr. Utterson decided was likely salt. It changed colors for a brief moment, before Jekyll drank half of the resulting mixture.
He convulsed, falling to the floor. Mr. Utterson stood up and backed away as his friend’s bones snapped and his body contorted, until at last after a minute elapsed, he stabilised, wheezing, shaky yes, but stable.
Mr. Utterson could feel his heart pounding in his chest, but it was as if he had suddenly turned into a statue, for the entire time he watched his friend convulse he was frozen.
A deep breath, “Good Lord Jekyll, are you ok?” Mr. Utterson moved forward and reached out a hand towards his friend so he might help him return to his feet. The hand which reached to take it was small and hairy.
“Yes I’m fine. It’s Hyde now.” Said the figure as he pulled himself up. Mr. Utterson was taken aback by just how much smaller Mr. Hyde was compared to Jekyll. Younger too, although to say he looked anything like Jekyll save perhaps being a distant relative would be an outrageous lie.
Hyde smiled with a glimmer in his eye. “Do you see? I did not tell you a lie John.” Despite knowing this was his friend, it still felt odd hearing a stranger’s voice utter his name in such a familiar manner. The whole change was disconcerting in fact, as there was also the particular strangeness of the new face of his friend, although he couldn’t quite place what made it so strange.
“Yes. I see…”
Hyde grabbed John’s hands in an eager, energetic manner. “And now the reason why you’re here. I want you to drink also of the draught John. Science is hardly foolhardy without multiple tests.” Hyde insisted, gesturing at the half drunken flask which now sat on the table.
Mr. Utterson’s face paled.
Hyde turned his head away and scowled. “I will not make you drink it unwillingly,” he met John’s eyes, “but, aren’t you tired of pretending? I’ve seen it, the way you work yourself to death, the way you restrain your anger when things upset you” he grew closer to Mr. Utterson and placed a hand on his cheek. ”There’s so much in there that you keep locked up in a cage. But it’s beautiful and it’s you. I can set it free. Set you free.”
“…I’m not quite sure… Edward.” John said, looking away. Despite his uncertainty he still wondered if it was ok to call Hyde by his first name. He was friends with Henry, so did the familiarity transfer?
“Please. You are the only man I can confide in with this matter, and I hate to see the way you suffer” He smiled expectantly.
Mr. Utterson was quiet for a very long time. He could feel his heart pound within his bosom and heard it beat in his ears. He stared at Hyde. He had such a wild gleam in his eyes, bright As the sun… it was an expression he’d seldom seen of Jekyll. could he have that? That kind of happiness? Then it hit him.
He… wasn’t happy, was he? Smiles and platitudes and pleasantries all wrapping up an empty, hollow gift with nothing inside.
“Give it to me.” Said Mr. Utterson.
Hyde beamed and almost skipped his way over to the elixir, bringing it back to to Mr. Utterson and handing it to him.
With a moment’s hesitation, he drank it.
Pain ripped through his body. His muscles tore and shifted; his organs screamed at him; the crackle of bones snapping echoed through his ears in an agonising moment which felt as if it spanned an eternity. And then at last, calm. Not the calm of a sunny field or a crackling fireplace, but the calm of a rainy day, as he found himself sobbing, and unable to stop.
He felt a pair of arms wrap around him. He leaned into them and cried some more.
When Mr. Utterson woke up, he was in an unfamiliar room, which was furnished elegantly yet very sparsely, in a style which felt very similar to Dr. Jekyll’s way of decorating his home. Had he fallen asleep at Jekyll’s stay? It was then he noticed he was very cold, and lying on a couch rather than a bed.
Groggily, he sat up, and was taken aback by just how small he was. The door frames of the house seemed almost gargantuan in comparison to himself. At last the events of last night came back to his recollection. Hyde had given him the elixir, and he had cried himself to sleep.
That probably meant Hyde or Jekyll were around somewhere.
He walked forward to search before tripping over his own clothes and onto the floor. For perhaps an hour he laid there in defeat. Time brought back vigor however and he stood back up. He needed to find his friend. At the thought his heart warmed.
He rolled up the legs of his pants and tightened his belt to account for his new size, and sought to find his friend.
After looking through much of the unfamiliar house, he finally stumbled across his friend, who was at current Hyde. Hyde was standing next to a mirror, looking at himself as if appraising a valuable gem.
Mr. Utterson ran forward and wrapped his arms around Hyde from behind and squeezed him tightly. Hyde tensed and squirmed for but a second before taking account of who was hugging him. The man seemed to relax, even touching one of Utterson’s hands with his own.
“Why don’t you take a look at yourself?” Hyde purred, “I’m sure you’ll want to see the changes” Utterson reluctantly released the hug, but not without keeping one hand on Hyde’s arm. If he didn’t let go, Hyde couldn’t leave.
He looked at his reflection. His clothes were far to big for him as he had learned before, but he was also about an inch or two shorter than Hyde, clean shaven, and remarkably youthful. 24 about? Small. Weak. How was anyone supposed to take him seriously like this? His nose crinkled, and he looked away from the mirror.
Hyde sighed, his smile fading.
“You shouldn’t have to go to work today. I forged a letter informing the office you would be taking time off to mourn.” His smile returned widely in a cocksure display. “Now you can spend more time with me.”
Utterson sighed shakily with relief. “Yes that is good.” Then he couldn’t leave like Dr. Lanyon did.
“You’re starting to cry again.” Hyde said, his lips thinning. He didn’t meet Mr. Utterson’s eyes.
Utterson reached a hand up to his eyes to confirm that yes, tears were in fact leaking from his eyes.
“Go down the hallway and take the door to the left. There should be clothes that will fit you better.” Hyde instructed, his voice almost hissing.
“O-ok.” Utterson nearly whispered as he scrambled off, tears still falling from his eyes as he went.
When Utterson had returned, Hyde was sitting on the couch with a bottle of what looked like whiskey in his hand. “Hello again.” Said he.
Utterson sat next to him. “Hello Hyde.”
“Y’know. Been thinking. I call myself that, but you don’t have an alias do you? You should make one. It’ll do you good.” He took a long swig of his liquor, savouring it as if it were ambrosia sent straight from Olympus to his doorstep.
Mr. Utterson took a moment to think. “How does Adam Seek sound?”
“Well it’s not my name- Wait…” Hyde looked as if he was trying to solve a puzzle within his head, before he erupted into laughter “is that supposed to be a play on my name? Hah!”
It brought Mr. Seek much warmth watching Hyde smile and laugh. It was a similar sort of laugh to Jekyll, even if it was much louder, more brash, unfiltered. He smiled, and moved closer to Hyde. It felt as if a swarm of butterflies had made their way into his gut, threatening to burst through and explode him at any moment. He grabbed Hyde by the sides of his face, pulled him close, and kissed him on the lips. There was a long moment of stillness as Hyde’s alcohol ridden mind struggled to keep up with the present.
After perhaps a second of time, Hyde pressed into the kiss, wrapping his hands around Mr. Seek’s neck and pulling him closer.
Mr. Seek pulled away for a moment to catch his breath, and Hyde took it as an opportunity to pull Seek onto his lap. Once he had succeeded he pulled Seek in again by the lapels for another kiss and pressed his tongue into his mouth.
Seek bit Hyde’s tongue, drawing blood, before pushing away from him and scrambling into the hallway.
“Ack! Seek you fucking arse!” Hyde exclaimed. Adam could hear him stomping through the hallway as he looked for a place to a hide. He settled on the wardrobe and crawled inside, closing the door.
The footsteps disappeared, and Adam sighed in relief. It had all happened so fast, too fast. He could barely register what was happening and, and, he had needed a breather, but Hyde had pulled him back in.
Guilt gnawed at him.
He had started it, so why was he the one to run away?.
After a long while, Adam left the closet, and slowly crept into the parlour. When it came into view, it was not Hyde who greeted him, but rather Jekyll, who was sitting on the sofa writing in a notebook.
He sighed with light relief, and tentatively walked in.
Jekyll noticed him and smiled softly. His eyes retained Hyde’s gleam, but it seemed more subdued. “Ah, there you are. I wanted to apologies for Hyde’s actions on his behalf.” He looked to the side, unsure, “I am… not sure what he did exactly which frightened you, but it is not my intention to scare you.”
“He moved to fast is all. I… I forgive you. Both of you.”
“That’s good to hear.” Dr. Jekyll grinned, “how about I make you something to eat. After all, what sort of host would I be if I didn’t even offer to make breakfast?”
Adam’s eyes lit up.
Jekyll set a plate of buttered toast and eggs in front of Adam. Adam frowned at the toast, and took up the knife, using it to scrape off as much of the butter as he possibly could, before eating it. The resulting crumbs of such a process ended up going every which way with complete and utter disregard for cleanliness. Then, with his hands as his utensils, he carefully scooped up the eggs, and ripped into it like a hunting dog does it’s prey.
“Would you like something to drink?” Jekyll asked as Adam licked off his own fingers. The latter nodded.
Jekyll flashed a smile and went over to the liquor cabinet. He looked at the amber hues of the various bottles like an old friend. “Whiskey or beer?”
“…whiskey” Adam said in a small voice.
He took a bottle off of the shelf and closed the cabinet. “Of course dear.” Adam could feel his ears go hot. Jekyll smiled at this.
Jekyll poured Adam a glass and slid it towards him. Cautiously, Adam picked the glass up and took a sip. The following reaction was near instant. His nose crinkled and he spat it back into the cup before pushing it away.
“It’s disgusting.”
Jekyll frowned, “Water then?”
Another nod.
“Very well.” Jekyll took the glass, standing there solemnly for a moment before he poured the cup down the drain. Using a rag, he scrubbed the inside of the cup, and then filled it with water. Adam took the cup and drank from it.
“Much better” said he once the last drops had left the cup. Jekyll watched him, as if fascinated by a particularly interesting specimen.
“Why don’t we go to the stores after this? That way you won’t have to share clothes with Hyde.”
“Yes.” Seek said, sounding more excited than he had intended.
“Of course. We’ll need to take your measurements first as I rather doubt you know the ones which go along with this new form of yours. I may have a tape measure, just a moment.” After a moment of rummaging through the contents of the drawer, he located the silver cylinder. It was simple but of a fine quality. On its surface was an indented checker pattern.
“Ah, here it is!” Jekyll cheered before turning to face Adam, “If you’d like I could help with measuring process?”
“I would appreciate it.” Said he.
“Very well.” Jekyll walked over to him and pulled a portion of the tape from its casing. He lifted it over the smaller man’s head and wrapped it around his neck. Adam’s face warmed.
“30 centimetres” said Jekyll, cranking the tape back into its container before swiping his notepad off the coffee table to jot the measurement down.
He then measured the shoulders. Adam felt those butterflies In his stomach again. He worried about doing something stupid again like earlier, but the thought was drowned out.
Jekyll jotted the number down and moved on to measure the chest.
Jekyll had been by Utterson’s side for such a long time, and it was easy to see why he enjoyed Jekyll’s company. He was kind, a loyal friend, and his smile. Oh how Utterson loved to see him smile. Not the smile he gave during the heat of a dinner party, but the smile he gave when it was just him and Utterson conversing after the fact. It always felt more genuine, and It really did suit his face much better. Utterson could just listen to Jekyll ramble on and on for hours about some topic or other, even if John had no idea what on earth the man was talking about.
Another number down, and now Jekyll was measuring the waist. “Are you quite alright Adam?” He inquired.
“I do believe I love you.” He stirred as if his own words were shocking to even himself, before chuckling, “I suppose that may have been made apparent by events previous…”
Jekyll smiled, and ran a hand through Adam’s long hair. “I… love you too…” he said, before pulling away from Adam, leaving him cold. “But, will you say the same when you return to the name of Mr. Utterson? Or will you look upon me and this night in shame? I do believe my heart would split in twain if such were the case and I would never recover.” Adam’s heart dropped, and he turned to look at Jekyll, who was facing away from him. Jekyll sighed, and turned back to face Adam. “Ach, who am I kidding, such questions can only be answered by the future. For now, let us enjoy ourselves. Still… it would be your choice to bear.” Jekyll smiled weakly.
Adam frowned, hurt. “I shudder to think I could ever cause such harm upon you! Cast those thoughts from your mind! My dear, my love, I would give my heart for you and nothing less!”
Jekyll’s smile widened “I’m afraid actions do speak louder than words. Time will say. With time, you must prove that the words you speak are true.”
Adam sighed. “I will prove this. I promise it.”
“Very good!” Jekyll beamed, inspiring a smile from Adam. “I’ll be holding you to your word.”
Adam looked at the illustrations and example pieces around the tailor’s store. Jekyll stood next to him, quiet and gentlemanly and beautiful. He thought tenderly to those words “I love you too” Jekyll had said. His now, Adam hoped. He remembered too the promise he made. He would abide by it, of course he would, how could he not?
Something caught his eye. It was an illustration of a dress. He had seen many women wear dresses like it before, and Mr. Utterson has always looked at them with envy. In the past he had simply regarded it as attraction, but now? With the option available it was clear. He wanted the dress, not the wearer. Jekyll wouldn’t mind right? To out him at this point would be be to out himself. He could trust Jekyll not to tell a soul. “I believe something like this will do” he said, pointing at the drawing.
“Of course,” said Jekyll “I’m sure Mrs. Seek will find it quite splendid.” He chuckled.
Adam’s nose crinkled. “Yes very humorous Harry.”
“Go on then, tell the Seamstress your lovely wife would like a dress. Do make sure you will have all the garments you need. I hear dresses are awfully uncomfortable without the proper layers. Maybe get some men’s wear just in case though, you never know when you’ll need something to fall back on.” Jekyll paused for a moment, “just be careful” he said, barely a whisper.
“Of course. You are paying I presume? I don’t believe I have my check book with me.”
“Hyde will be paying, the good friend he is.” Said Jekyll, writing in his check book before handing off a blank endorsement with an empty amount to Adam.
“Ah. My thanks to you both.” Said he chuckling as he took the piece of paper.
Adam went to the counter to discuss matters with the tailor.
He’d have to be careful lest she refused to give him service, or worse. A chill crept up his spine. “Excuse me good lady, I would like to commission from you a few items for me and my dear wife.” He pulled out a piece of paper from his breast pocket and used the pen at the table to write. “Here are our measurements and the order.”
“Very well.“ He slid the paper to her, and she examined it. “You know, it’s quite the coincidence that you and your wife have very similar measurements.” She inquired, raising an eyebrow.
Shit. “Indeed! Often times I ponder myself how God was able to bring one so similar to myself into my life. Oh I do love her earnestly I must say.”
“I’m very glad to hear of it Mr. Seek.” She said, smiling.
“I am a lucky, lucky man indeed.”
The babble died off, and they returned to discuss business, settling costs, expected wait times, and delivery. Once everything was settled, Mr. Seek left with Jekyll.
“What a peculiar man” Amelia Richardson remarked quietly, staring at the paper. The man had ordered not just a dress, but a corset, bloomers, chemise, crinoline, and a shawl. The thought of his wife beating him down with specific instructions and more information about undergarments than any man had a right to know some afternoon amused Amelia. Him and his wife of equal hight and equal width walking down the street together. She snickered. He even labelled his lover’s measurements as simply “the wife” as if she was some sort of ominous entity.
Amelia couldn’t help but wonder what the reason was for this strange behaviour. The man clearly had friends who were just as strange as he. After all he had paid with a check from Mr. Hyde. A strange fellow as well, although of a different variety of peculiar. Came in with very ill-fitted clothes and paid with a check from Dr. Henry Jekyll. Why was it that these strange men never seemed to pay for themselves?
She simply must learn more.
Once they entered the windowless building of Hyde’s lair once more, Jekyll took his briefcase from off the coffee table and opened it. “It’s getting rather late dearest, so, a parting gift.” He took the vial he prepared for Utterson from the case and presented it to Adam. “you need only consume the elixir again and you will revert to your composite self.”
Adam stared at the vial. “Will it hurt just the same as last time?” He asked.
Jekyll frowned. “I’m afraid so.” He lifted a finger and his frown quickly became a smile. “but think of it this way. A moment of pain and you’ll have respectability and security. Consume it again and with the pain comes pleasure and freedom. It is pain in favour of changing your circumstances. Good things come at a cost after all.”
Adam took the vial and looked into the liquid in silence.
“You may want to change first by the way. I myself forgot to earlier and it was not very pleasant.”
“That… would be intelligent. Give me a moment.” He handed the vial back and wandered off, before returning a few minutes later in what he was wearing before this whole adventure started.
Adam took the vial, and gently kissed Jekyll’s hand. “I’ll see you soon enough my love”
“As will I dearest” Said Jekyll, a warm smile on his face.
Adam took a nervous look at the elixir, swallowed his nerves, and drank it.
Pain ripped through him much like before, and once it was finished gnawing at his bones, Mr. Utterson laid on the floor, his face expressionless. Without a word, he got up, dusted himself off, and left as swiftly as possible.
Jekyll just smiled, and shut the door.