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Jekyll woke softly, wrapped in Robert's arms. He stretched, then wrapped himself back around lanyon, snuggling even closer than before. He couldn't even hear Hyde, which was a surprise. Usually, the second he woke, Hyde was there to nag him. But not today. perhaps getting a decent nights rest had calmed his other half-- " Hallo Jekyll ~". nope. He was wrong he jinxed it whyyyyyy. " you know you love me ~ and so does lanyon~~~" the bastard sounded far too smug for someone who had seemed to hate Robert so much just a few days ago. He brushes Hyde away by burying his head into Robert's chest, hoping to either drown out the ring of Hyde's laughter or suffocate. Hyde made an awkward noise, as if he had swallowed a lemon. "Jekyll..."

He was interrupted by a knock on the door. Robert sat up, then noticed that Henry was awake. "Hello darling" Jekyll blushed, " hello Robert ". He flung himself over Lanyon's lap like an affectionate octopus. Robert laughed, " are you going to get the door or am i?~". Henry sighed dramatically, while Hyde swooned in the mirror. Robert kissed his brow, then untangled himself from the linens. He looked back over his shoulder, staring for a moment, smiling as he took in the esteemed doctor's mused hair, big doe eyes, and soft grin. They smiled at each other, but the moment was ruined by another brisk rapt of knuckles upon the door. Lanyon exited the room, not noticing the hungover lodgers that milled about, but they certainly noticed him exiting their founders bed chambers. Robert opened the door, frowning as he took in the sight of a police officer standing in front of the door, a worried expression on his face.

"May I help you?" Robert said briskly, his bitch face turned to maximum power. The officer stuttered, " well sir, I was going to ask you if doctor Jekyll to come down to the station to give a statement about the fire, but there has been an incident at the asylum. Moreau has escaped with his abominations. The situation has become a priority, so we will have to hold off on taking statements for the fire. A bit of an all hands on deck situation. We merely wished to inform you." Roberts face paled and he shut the door, sprinting back to Henry. He burst into the room. "Moreau escaped!" All the poster's heads perked up simultaneously, as if they were prairie dogs. The entire place erupted in panic. But all Henry could see was the ghostly image of moreau, taunting him.

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Everybody had rushed back to the society, surprising Frankenstein and creature who had been debating about leaving. (This part of canon is the same so I'm not gonna bother writing it.) Preparations were being made, the whole society, was buzzing with activity. Robert stood still in the chaos, scanning the room for Henry. He had just been there a moment ago.....

-Five minutes earlier-

His chest tightened, his breath caught. He had to get out of here. Henry ran to his office, heart pounding. What is this? Is this death? He turned the corner and burst through the door....

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Jekyll stumbles through the open doors of his office, chest heaving as a rather... familiar feeling begins to take hold of him. His vision blurs, overtaken by a filmy, neon green. His body begins to shake, legs locking beneath him, as his bones begin to creak. Jekyll falls to the floor, barely managing to kick the door shut. Hadn't he left that door closed?.... His stomachs protests, heaving with every sickening crack of bones. He scrabbles at the floor, clawing at it with steadily sharpening nails. He stuffs a fist into his mouth as he lets out his first muffled scream. Limbs distend, popping out of their sockets as they shrink, stretching and distorting the pale skin that covers them.

As his spine pops and crackles, Jekyll lets out a garbled yell, no longer muffled by his fist, but instead by the HJ7 that crawls up his esophagus. The formula streams down his face like tears, creeping out of every orifice, scrambling to escape. Hyde creeps closer to consciousness, his dark hair lightening as it grows long enough to just brush his shoulders. The transformation begins to settle, bones popping back into place, spine arching like a hissing cat before smoothing out. The points of the ears become sharper for but a moment before settling on a more humanoid shape. The teeth however, have not gotten the memo as they sharpen enough to cut through flesh and rend bones to pieces. He wheezes, struggling to catch his breath as a floaty feeling begins to overtake him. He begins to laugh breathlessly. Edward Hyde is FREE.

The moment is immediately broken when Hyde notices a different sound. A wheeze other than his own. His blood runs cold, the smile slipping off his face as he turns around slowly. Standing in the dark, shadowed corner of Jekyll's office is a haggard, familiar man. He steps closer to Hyde, the cold daylight that seeps through the window slashes up the side of his face, catching on the edge of his knife like grin. A disheveled Moreau limps closer to the night spirit, who scrambles backwards, fear coloring every thought. In Hyde's mind, Jekyll is screaming getoutgetoutgetoutrunrunrundanger. He bolts towards the door in a desperate bid for freedom. He almost makes it, his fingertips brushing the wood grain, when he is yanked back by the collar of his too large shirt.

His head snaps back as a large paw picks him up by the scruff. Terror mounts. Bah bum bah bum bah bumbahbumbabumbahbumbahbumbahbumBAHBUMBAHBUMBAHBUMBAHBUM He is forced into another transformation, a choked scream claws its way past his lips, but it is too hoarse, too quiet to be heard past the thick door. the formula leaks down his face, Moreau watching in twisted pleasure and fascination as his body bows backwards, creaking and distorting, until it eventually lengthens and crumpled into the terrified, semi conscious form of Dr.Henry Jekyll. His wine colored eyes land on the mad doctor's face. Moreau smiles menacingly at him, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a capped syringe that is filled with a clear, iresdescant substance. Jekyll's gaze flicks from the syringe to moreau and then back again. The paw that had grabbed him- belonging to one of moreau's creations- pinned him down like a bug under a microscope, holding him captive.

His breathing picked up as he was sent to the verge of a panic attack, chest tightening as he frantically tried to escape as moreau crept closer. Moreau chuckled raspily and said, "well well well...what do we have here? The blonde gremlin and the esteemed doctor are one and the same? Fascinating," he sneered, grabbing Jekyll's chin and forcing him to meet his gaze. "Perhaps even more fascinating than Frankenstein and her creature...." He mused, his beady eyes glancing over Jekyll, pondering. Jekyll's mouth opened to scream, causing moreau to cover his mouth, grabbing a scrap of cloth from somewhere out of sight, then shoving it into Jekyll's mouth. Amber eyes gazed fearfully into unhinged ones as moreau declared, with a terrifying grin on his disturbing face, "I think I'll keep you. My very own discovery.... Not another like you in the world is there?! Well, ill just have to take you and the creature with me won't I... You'll see little mouse, we'll have lots of fun together you and I."

With these chilling parting words, Jekyll kicked even more at the claws that pinned him to the floor, moreau grabbing his head and shoving it roughly into the hard wooden floors. Dizzily, Jekyll could see the gleam of the needle before feeling his sleeved being tugged up. He felt a light pinch on his elbow joint. The room spun around him before swiftly fading to black. But before he fully succumbed to unconsciousness, he heard moreau whisper softly. "Sweet dreams~". As Jekyll went limp, moreau maneuvered his arms behind his back, tying them with rope before doing the same to his ankles. For extra precaution, he then had one of his creations stuff Jekyll into a net. With Jekyll sleeping uneasily in the arms of the bear creature, he stepped outside the dimly lit office, ready to collect his next prize.

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In the midst of the chaos, Robert Lanyon is about to smack someone. Nobody can tell him where Henry is! That only leaves one place: the office. But he can't get to the bloody office because-- how many lodgers even are there?! He really needs to talk to Henry about bringing in just anybody in off the streets. But at the moment, that doesn't matter because they are currently in his way! His face pinches even further, his brow creased with concern and annoyance. He opens his mouth, ready to unleash the full bitchiness of Dr. Robert Lanyon-- somebody screams, loud and shrill. He whips around as one of the lodgers points behind him. His heart drops like a stone in water. Because coming from the direction of Henry's office, disheveled and insane, is Dr.Moreau.        

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The entire room becomes still. Horror mounts as everyone takes in the sight of the imposing creations that lurk behind the mad doctor. As moreau and his creations begin to step down the staircase, Robert notices the net in the arms of one of the creatures. Well that's strange. Then, as they step closer and closer, he finally notices the pale, bound figure of Jekyll. "Henry..." he whispers, voice shaking. The lodgers seem to have noticed as well, their faces twisting in despair. The terrifying procession reaches the bottom of the steps. Moreau grins wolfishly. "Why hello again," he says in his grating, chain smoker voice. The sound of his voice seems to break the spell, causing the lodgers to take up arms. There is a cacophony of "let him go" s.

In reply, Moreau declares, “only if I am given the creature will Dr.Jekyll be released” (crosses fingers). More protests follow from the lodgers and Frankenstein as Robert looks on in horror at the sight of his boyfriend in the clutches of monsters. However, while all of this has been going on, Rachel was forming a plan with Ito and Jasper. Rachel creeps up behind the creature carrying Jekyll and rams a large syringe into its lower back. The creation roars, dropping Jekyll in its haste to swat the annoying fly that has stung it. Moreau spins around in shock, lunging for Jekyll at the same time as Jasper. Moreau reaches him first, but while he was distracted, the other lodgers have already taken down his other creation. He pulls Jekyll out of the net and grips his chin, preventing his head from lolling about as he holds a gleaming silver knife to his throat.

The room freezes. “Step back or I’ll kill him” he proclaims, bluffing of course. He wouldn’t dare risk such a fascinating creature. Henry decides that this would be the opportune moment to groggily lift his head, his lashes fluttering as he fights for consciousness. His gaze focuses on Robert for only a second before glazing back over. His lashes flutter again. Robert can just make out the whites of his eyes, seemingly tinged green. Moreau is yelling and cursing. Henry’s lashes flutter again, struggling to remain open, but clear. He focuses on the hand holding his head aloft. chomp.

 Moreau screams and roughly drops Jekyll, clutching his hand. There is a large chunk taken out of it, and he is missing his thumb. The missing digit has fallen to the floor and rolled out of sight. Deciding that this was far too much work for one day, he runs from the society like a bat out of hell. He grins to himself, knowing that even though he has lost today, he would be back. He cackled while thinking of the surprise he had left them.

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Jekyll awakens to chaotic screaming and being frantically cradled to someone's chest. There is a sticky substance that clings to his throat, clogging his airways. He heaves himself up, spitting out the cloying taste of...copper? Is he bleeding? "he's awake!" .... Is that Frankenstein. "Yes doctor Henry, it is me". Can she read my thoughts or am I talking out loud?.... " you are talking out loud doctor" Oh. Oops. Henry's head is cushioned on a soft, lean chest. When did he lie back down? I feel floaty.... Ah yes, the voice in my head.

"What is he muttering about?" "Dunno, something about voices and pillows. He's really out of it" the voices outside his head are familiar.... The lodgers? "Shhh! Stop jabbering and help me get him to the medical wing while we find out what's in that vial!" Robert, he thinks dopily, a little smile crossing his face as he is picked up bridal style. He snuggles closer, tucking his face into Robert's neck. The world around him shifts before fading back into soothing darkness.

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Robert picks Jekyll up delicately, as if he is made of porcelain. The majority of the lodgers crowd him in worry, while Frankenstein, Jasper, Rachel, and Ito help rush Jekyll to the medical wing, Frankenstein holding the syringe that had fallen out of moreau's pocket in his hasty getaway. The majority of it is empty, save for a small amount of iridescent liquid at the bottom. Lanyon sets Jekyll down on a white hospital bed with and iron frame. The rest of the large room is just as sterile and dull, with white walls, barred windows, and the sickening sent of chemicals.

The only thing remarkable about the room is the large, arched oak door and vaulted ceilings. Robert pulls up a chair beside Jekyll's bedside, gazing at him as if he would disappear the second he left his sight. Frankenstein and Ito both glance as the syringe, sharing an alarmed look. Jasper immediately notices. "What's the matter?" He asks anxiously. Frankenstein clears her throat and begins to explain, " this is a particularly cruel synthetic toxin for supernatural creatures, specifically ones that shapeshift, but it effects all of them as long as they are huminoid. It is called Occulta Veri.

It first sends the victim into a restless sleep, before allowing them to wake. It then begins to creep away from the injection site, leading towards the heart. Once it spreads to the brain, the victim reverts to their base instincts. It does not kill them, but will make them feral until administered the antidote. Luckily doctor Henry won't have to worry about that part, seeing as he is entirely human. Bit of a waste if you ask me. Humans only sleep for a bit while under its effects." Luckett curiously asks, "what would the signs be in a nonhuman?" "Well, the veins would change color as the toxin moves throughout the body. Purple for werewolves, black for vampires, gold for fae"

Jekyll stirs at the sound of science. "Whassat?" He slurs. Robert squeezes his hand and gently tells him what has happened, with Frankenstein intersecting with more trivia about the Occulta Veri. Jekyll's face grows paler with each word, focusing mostly on Frankenstein. Once the explanation is finished, he nods, attempting to gather himself. His bones creak dangerously beneath his skin for a moment. He jumps up, startling Doddle, who had been near him. He stammers an excuse about paperwork, rushing out before anybody could ask him any questions. He runs into his office, sliding down the door. He reaches for the sleeve of his injected arm, hesitating. He pulls up the sleeve, revealing a tiny puncture wound that is faintly glowing a bright, toxic, green that has started to branch out. He and Hyde simultaneously utter their displeasure with the situation. "fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck"

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Cutting into the two halves' panic is a soft knock on the door. "Henry, may I come in?" Robert's voice floats through the door, holding an uncharacteristic note of concern. Actually, not uncharacteristic, because he cares. He does. Jekyll asked him.... Multiple times, in the soft morning that seems a lifetime ago, when he felt like his life might be starting to look brighter. But alas, fate (aka:the author) continues to laugh in his face while setting his hopes and dreams on fire. Henry rolls his sleeve down a bit, promising himself and Hyde that as soon as he finished speaking with Robert he will start on the antidote. He stands, rubbing his face and carding his fingers through his hair in an ill fated attempt to make himself look presentable. He opens the door, mask up, smile on. Robert fixes him with a flat look of exasperation, prompting him to drop the mask. Robert walks in and sits on the couch, raising his brow at Jekyll. Henry sits next to him, leaning on his shoulder. Robert puts his arm around jekyll, bringing him closer. 

They sit like that for a while, Robert running his fingers through Henry's brown locks, offering comfort. He then stands, presses a kiss on Henry's brow, and murmurs, "talk to me when you're ready, alright darling? Just don't bottle it up and leave it too long. I'm here for you" at these parting words, he smiles at the brunette, before exiting the room. Henry sits there for another moment, blushing slightly, wondering how he got so lucky. His smile slips off his face as he remembers the consequences of his secret getting out. Pushed by panicked thoughts, he opens his books, beginning his search for the antidote. He combs through five books before finding it. Hyde whoops victoriously, smug in their triumph, even though he played no part and had just been pointing out the most dangerous (fun) concoctions.

Henry makes a list of the ingredients and measurements, letting out a sigh of relief when he realizes that he has all of the ingredients. Until his eyes fall across the brewing time: two weeks. His heart stops, Hyde starts spitting out his most colorful, inventive swears yet. Its fine. Right!? Its toooootally fine! He can make it two weeks! He's kept Hyde a secret for two years! Piece of cake. (Denial is not just a river in Egypt with Jekyll and Hyde.) He begins to gather the ingredients, chest tightening. He doesn't notice the warning in tiny letters below the title. Warning: prepare antidote before dosing, as even the most strong willed subjects will succumb in about seven days after injection. High stress levels will speed up the process, the highest level of stress will shorten the time to three days.

The next day:

Jekyll had fallen asleep at his desk, face smushed against the wood grain. A blanket was draped over him. He sits up groggily, blinking sleep out of his eyes. He had mixed together the majority of the dry ingredients the night before. Jekyll brushes the blanket from his shoulders and stands up, reaching for the Bunsen burner before freezing. The green veins had grown. They had grown a lot. The veins now covered his entire arm, reaching his fingertips. He let out a choked cry, Hyde started hyperventilating.

Jekyll closed his eyes for a moment, rolling up his sleeve. The veins went further. He had to see where they ended. With shaking hands, he slowly unbuttoned his waistcoat and shirt, loosening his cravat. He slid the shirt from his arm and turned to face the mirror. Hyde peeked over his shoulder in shadow form, hands half covering his face. They both gasped, Hyde let out a bitten off sob. Henry took a shaky breath. The veins crawled all the way up his shoulder, creepy g up the side of his neck. They were not going to make it two weeks. But they had no choice.

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Jekyll backs a way from the mirror, crumpling to the floor like a puppet whose strings have just been cut. The shadowy visage of Hyde is curled into a ball behind him. Both halves are attempting to draw in ragged breaths, but failing miserably. Henry begins to cough, spewing up green chemicals as a mental switch is flicked. Heckle sits up, ears ringing, the sound of his heartbeat almost drowning out the gentle rap of knuckles against the door. Hyde scrambles up, hurriedly buttoning his shirt and waistcoat. "C-come in" he curses in his head, loathing the tremble that permeates his voice. Robert enters, barely getting through the door before he is tackled to the floor by a panicking Heckle. 

"Henry!?" His alarm seeps into his voice. Hyde clutches at him in response, entangling his limbs with Robert's as though he is attempting to meld with him koala style. "Darling what's wrong? Talk to me." Hyde just buries his head in Robert's chest before mumbling an excuse. "Missed you" the tips of his ears and the back of his neck flushes. The pretty pink color also extends to his cheeks and down his pale chest as he blurbs out the half truth. He had missed him, but that is not the reason he tackled him in terror. Robert, however, does not notice this. He merely thinks that the stress is getting to Jekyll and that he just needed a hug. A fair assumption, not entirely inaccurate. A loud bang causes the both of them to jump, causing Robert to curse under his breath before running out to see what had been broken or exploded this time. As he rushes out, he did not notice the snarl that the loud noise had coaxed from his lover's lips, nor the glittering, lamplike, green eyes. 

Hyde scrambled backwards, hissing, claws scrabbling in his haste to get away from the bad noise. Bad noise bad noise. Danger. A green haze overtook him, different from the haze of a transformation. It was as if a fog had descended upon his rational thoughts, leaving only impulse and instincts. Wait a damn minute, claws? He hadn't meant to let his claws out. His whole body felt wrong, as if it longed for the fog to drown out his thoughts, leaving only clouded emptiness. What the bloody hell had just happened? He wasn't a fucking animal, bristling at every perceived threat and biting any hand that came too close-- Jekyll gives him a side eye from the mirror. His expression conveys unprecedented levels of 'are you listening to the words that come out of your mouth?' that Hyde can feel the burn of his gaze even though he avoids meeting it. So what if he bit people?! Some people deserve to be bit. Jekyll laughs at this, surprising both himself and hyde, causing them to switch back without too much fuss. For the first time in a long time, they actually feel like they are on the same side. Jekyll and Hyde against the world. 

Jekyll's eyes flick back over to the desk as he remembers what he was doing beforehand. He wearily sits back down, Hyde sighing in boredom in an attempt to hide his worries. Jekyll has just begun to measure out the wet ingredients when a shouting match reaches his ears. He sighs, Hyde groans. He gets back up, turning to the mirror one last time to check that all the glowing veins have been covered, he rolls down his sleeves, slips on his gloves, and straightens his collar. Its a miracle Robert hadn't noticed. He then lifts his head up high and walks out the door to confront the commotion. 

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He walks out to see Frankenstein and Robert in a shouting match. He tries to retreat, but he unfortunately manages to catch Frankenstein's eye. She stalks toward him and demands to know where he put the syringe. Jekyll is confused. Syringe? The one that had been used to drug him? He tries to explain that he doesn't have it, but she won't take no for an answer. She is convinced he took it, even though both Jekyll and Lanyon state that Jekyll does not have it. She yells in his face, and he starts to feel that fog drifting over him again...

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Frankenstein knows that doctor Henry took the syringe! He is the only one other than doctor Robert to be enough of a party pooper to take it! All she wants to do us they it, she fumes to herself. She gets in doctor Henry's face, yelling at him. One second he is present, the next it is as if a fog has settled over him, clouding his senses. He grabs her wrist as she pokes his chest. His face twists into a snarl, as he shoves her away, causing her to fly backwards several feet before landing on her back, winded. She sits up and stares at him. The whole room is staring at him. He blinks, the fog lifting, his face shifting from feral to horrified. His eyes dart around, but that's not where Frankenstein is focusing. No, she is much more interested in the glowing green veins that have begun to creep up his neck, just peeking out from under his collar. Robert gently touches his shoulder, spooning him. As he runs back to his office, Victoria wonders how deep the secrets of Dr.Henry Jekyll hide, and what must she do to drag them into the light?

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Jekyll stalks through the hallway, leaving the frozen room behind him. His chest tightens, his legs lock up beneath him as he grasps the wall for support. He breaks out into a stumbling run, grasping at the door for the handle before remembering that it is a push, not a pull door. He stumbles inside, gasping. The room spins around him as he begins to feel the beginning of a transformation. His bones crackles, causing him to fall to the floor, curling into a ball and waiting for it to pass. But it doesn't. The pain mounts, nearing the peak, bones shifting beneath the skin. Then, suddenly, it stops. The transformation reverses, causing a breathless, gasping, groan of pain to leave Jekyll's lips. The pain causes him to tremble and shake as the pain subsides. As he lies there, crumpled like a piece of parchment, he finds he has a perfect view of himself, or rather, Hyde, in the mirror. Hyde is lying in the same position, eyes glassy. The veins show up even brighter on his near translucent skin. They crawl up from his neck, branching up the side of his face.  (The author forgot to add this in the last chapter, but Occulta Veri also keeps full transformations from occuring, in case you didn't read the summary. This has been your ADHD induced PSA. You're welcome 😇)

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Frankenstein had found the syringe. It would seem that Ms.Ito had taken it..... Oops. Maybe she shouldn't have jumped to conclusions? Nah, jumping to conclusions gave her an interesting investigation to begin! She grabbed the book that she had taken from the society library. Flipping to the page about Occultus Veri, she reaches the section about how it affects supernatural creatures. Since she is not sleeps deprived, she easily finds the tiny warning. Her face pales and she begins cursing in german. She gets up to tell the others, then freezes. The others were mad at her earlier for jumping to conclusions. She needs more proof if she is going to convince them. She will have to show them how it is affecting doctor Henry..... Before it is too late. Filled with determination, she sets out to help the very person she dislikes the most. 

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Jekyll lays there for what feels like hours, staring blankly at his other half in the mirror before he can muster up the strength to rise. He shakily shuffles over to his desk, collapsing in his chair. He stares at the ingredients before lifting his hand and getting to work heating and mixing. The mixture will need to brew for a week, then it will need to cool and marinate for another week. Henry already knows that these will be the longest and most stressful two weeks of his life, leaping over the stress bar that the exhibition had set.

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Day two:

Lanyon had once again discovered Jekyll asleep at his desk when he went to check on him. It had been a few hours after the Frankenstein debacle. He had spent that time yelling at that destructive, ungrateful, rude old bag. He was incredibly worried about his boyfriend. He seemed to sleeping more often, which Robert would normally be grateful for, but he had been drugged with some sort of sleeping thing two days prior. Ito had reassured him that it wouldn't have any lasting effects on humans, but he was becoming concerned that that was not the case. After a night of tossing and turning, he entered to check on Henry again, relieved to find him awake. At least, he was until Henry freezes, his back towards him. "R-robert!" He squeaks, "I uh- need you to leave for a moment! I'm handling some dangerous chemicals right now and I need to concentrate!" Okayyyy? Robert blinks, confused, then leaves. 

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Henry sighs in relief when Robert leaves. He turns, catching his reflection in the mirror, wincing. The veins have spread even further, stretching up the other side of his face, down his leg, and across his chest. It has inched even closer to his heart. He is running out of time. His hope that he could last long enough to administer the antidote has long faded. Now he has to rely on plan b: lock himself away until the antidote is ready and hope it works out. He coughs, green ooze crawling up his esophagus and splashing onto the floor, quickly wiped up. He has been hacking up HJ7 for the past few hours. It pours from his eyes and mouth, hindering his work. But thankfully, he has just finished mixing in the last of the ingredients. All that's left to do is wait.

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Frankenstein had risen that morning with a feeling of deep dread in the pit of her stomach. She grabs the evidence she has collected, rushing out the door and setting up an emergency meeting with the lodgers. 

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Henry woke to the sound of arguing. Again?! Really? He stood up shakily from the floor, stumbling out the door to attempt to break up the fight, not noticing the destruction he had left in his wake. Hyde however, did. He was mostly aware through their foggy black outs, which had been increasing in frequency. He vaguely remembered a desperate scramble for a safe place to curl up. He wasn't entirely sure. What he was certain of, was that the veins were very visible, as were their retractable claws, which had left deep gouges in the floor and the furniture. Their eyes were the same bright, toxic green that they were when Hyde was in control, but he currently wasn't. Jekyll was. This whole mess is incredibly confusing...

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It would seem that the lodgers are through with her accusations. Its not her fault that this one is true and the other one wasn't! It was a genuine mistake! It is then that Frankenstein's luck changes. Henry Jekyll walks through the door, cloudy eyed, with a face pale as death. However, that is not what everybody focuses on. No, their eyes are all simultaneously drawn to the poisonous looking green veins that cover Jekyll's entire right-hand side and entire face, spreading like delicate cracks in glass.

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The entire room stared at jekyll, gobsmacked. Robert screeched, "She was right?!" Jekyll stared back at the room, looking as if he risen from the dead and then been dragged through a bush. He was very confused. Who was right? Why is everyone staring? Does he have something on his face? Frankenstein looks delighted, crowing smugly, "I TOLD YOU SO!" Hyde covered his face in the mirror, dying on the inside. He had been yelling at Jekyll for the entire walk over here, to no avail. Why did he have to be the responsible one now!? That's Jekyll's job! Jasper opens his mouth, closes it, then opens it again. Very calmly, Ito asks, "Dr.Jekyll...." Jekyll turns his gaze to her, she pauses, trying to find a way to ask her question delicately, but failing.

She decides to run with it. "Why are your veins... glowing?" Jekyll freezes, looking down at himself, finally remembering that he was supposed to be hiding this. He looks absolutely terrified.  The rest of the lodgers, emboldened by the question, scream out their own inquiries at Jekyll, asking what kind of supernatural creature he is, if they can have samples, is he alright he looks rather pale, ect. Robert looks shell shocked, Frankenstein smug, and Jekyll's eyes are flitting to the window as he backs away. Rachel, having experience with hyde, immediately puts his escape plan together.

Jekyll bolts for the window, Rachel dives after him, sharply snapping, "oh no you dont! You have questions to answer Dr.Jay!" They grapple on the floor, Rachel pinning him down. Jekyll freaks out, and Hyde switches into control, roughly shoving Rachel gel off of him as all the posters join her in her quest to prevent his exit. He kicks Doddle in the head as he leaps over the tangled mass of lodgers, running into the hall at unnatural speeds. He stops at the balcony.

..............TWTWTWTW DO NOT READ IF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS TRIGGER YOU BE SAFE MY LOVELIES, read what you miss in the notes at the end......

Hyde clutches the banister, debating throwing himself off. He's worthless anyway. All he does is make messes. Perhaps they would better off without him...

..............BACk TO YOUR normally SCHEDULED ANGST.........................

He js dragged away from the balcony. Robert cradles him to his chest as he falls over backwards. They stare at each other. Lanyon opens his mouth to speak, face punched in worry. Hyde runs. He can't bear to hear the disgust that must be in his voice. For who could love something as unnatural as him? Tears stream down his face as he turns the corner, leaving Robert broken hearted behind him. He blanks for a second, fog covering his thoughts before coming back to himself, Jekyll in control, on the floor in one of the secret passages in the societies walls. He is curled up in a fetal position, claw marks cover the stone ground. He's so tired. Tired of all the hiding, the fighting. Perhaps he'll just rest here for a while. He closes his eyes, the last clear thoughts leaving him as the glowing veins reach his heart, unaware that these will be the last rational thoughts he'll have for a long while.

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Robert runs to Henry's office. He must be there, right?! But he's not. All that is there is a strange, bubbling concoction. He gathers the lodgers, and they all set out to search the entirety of the society. 

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Frankenstein enters Jekyll's office, snooping, trying to figure out what he did to himself. She has a pretty good idea based off what he had told her about his experiments, but she needs more details. She stops though, noticing the bubbling potion on the desk, as well as the open book. Clever Dr. Henry. It would seem that he is not a fake scientist at all! He is instead a fake gentleman! How fascinating! She scans the page the book is open on. Its the page for Occulta Veri. It would seem that he had been busy. Well, best bit let his work go to waste. She carries the elixir out after turning off the Bunsen burner, taking it to the medical wing for when the find jekyll. She sets it back on the heat and begins to read over the instructions, her face becoming pale when she notices the brewing and cooling time. Dr Henry does not have two weeks. With the rate of his progression he has a day left at most. She runs out to inform the others, unaware that it is already too late.

Chapter Text

He woke up on floor. Its cold. He doesn't like that. Hisses at the floor. Tilts head. Floor does not react. It does not fear him? Is floor...friend? Friend! Where are his friends. He misses his friends. Misses his darling. He scrambles up, bones cracking and shifting beneath the skin as he moves, fluid and graceful. He walks lightly, like a panther stalking its prey. His brown hair messy, green eyes wide. The veins cover him completely now, their normal blue hue now a toxic green. Where is his darling? He left him. He made him sad! Why did he do that? He leaves the passage, blinking owlishly.

He glides over the floor, nose twitching, trying to locate his darling. He hears the faint sound of a conversation. Darling? He stalks closer to the noise, trailing through hallways before reaching a sitting room. He pushes the door open. The entire society is there, as well as his darling and the mean scary lady (Frankenstein). Nobody notices him at first. Then, Jasper's head raises nose twitching at the scent of peppermint. He turns his head and gasps, eyes wide. The others turn to where he is facing, staring at Hekyll. Darling runs up to him, grabbing his shoulders, frantically looking him over for injuries. He tilts his head, eyes wide, staring at his darling, face open, eyes curious. Darling's lips are moving. Pretty lips! So pretty his darling. He wishes he would kiss him. 

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Robert has been worried sick all night. He had been angry at first. angry at Henry for hiding this, for not telling him that the drug would affect him, for not trusting him to understand. But as he thought about it more, he realized that Henry had just been scared. So, he did his best to understand, to learn about what was happening to his boyfriend. Crying when he was told that he would be affected for two weeks. Pacing when an entire night passed, they had searched every nook and cranny, hoping that he had just crawled into a secret passage or vent and had not left the society. He had been sitting in a sitting room with the lodgers, listening to Frankenstein talk about the effects more and how they could help Henry when the finally found him.

Then, the newest lodger, Jasper, he thinks, gasps. He turns, and his heart falls. Henry stands in the doorway, veins and eyes green, staring vacantly at him. He stands, rushing over to him and looking him over. "Oh my God, Henry! Are you hurt? Where have you been?" He doesn't get an answer. Instead Henry stares blankly at him, not understanding. His head tilts like a puppy's would, then he smiles. He opens his mouth, and for a moment he feel relieved, but then Robert's blood runs cold when he lets out a little chirp. One of lodgers pipes up. "What the fuuuuuuuuuuuu--"

===========================POV changes================

Darling is speaking to him! He is not mad at him for being bad! Must not be bad, must never be bad. He smiles at his darling and says, "brrrmph!" (Author holds up feral jekyll/hyde. Clearly, he speaks words of much wisdom. Camera zooms in on jekyll/Hyde durp face). He sways before falling into his darlings arms, content.

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Henry falls forward, causing Robert to scramble to catch him. He is limp in his arms, pressing his face into Robert's neck as they sit on the floor. Robert glances over at Frankenstein, who is several shades paler. "Mein Gott" she says, "it is too late." Too late? "Too late!" He whisper screams, "what the bloody fucking hell do you mean too late!?" The lodgers have broken out into anxious chatter, some nervous, others in an uproar. Rachel runs over to Robert and Henry, checking on her friend. Frankenstein says, " the serum has reached his brain. He is no longer capable of rational thought. He needs the antidote, but it won't be ready for another two weeks!" "Isn't there anything else we can do to help him?!" Jasper asks.

Frankenstein contemplates his question before replying, "yes. He will need to be constantly monitored. We'll have to make sure that he stays healthy and calm. If he gets angry, nothing will be able to calm him. We must also make sure he stays here. Is anybody sees him like this he would  be arrested on sight." Robert runs his fingers through Jekyll's hair before saying, "we should keep him in the infirmary. The windows are barred and the door locks. We can keep a close eye on him there." There are noises of agreement, so Robert scoops Henry up bridal style, Henry snuggling closer, a clawed hand hangs over his shoulder. Wait, clawed?!!!!

Chapter Text

Robert felt something sharp prickle on his shoulder. He shuddered, but kept walking.  As he passed by a mirror, he caught a glimpse. Ohhhhh god he has claws. Why does he have claws? When he went looked again, the claws vanished. They had been there! Was he going crazy?! Where was he hiding them? Is he a cat? Robert is so confused. He carries Henry into the infirmary, setting him down gently on the closest bed. At least, he tried to, but when he went to set him down, Henry did not let him go. Instead, with a surprising amount of strength, he pulled Robert onto the bed with him. "Eep!" Robert squeaks, like a mouse trapped between the jaws of a large cat. Henry wraps around him like an octopus. Robert struggles a bit before resigning himself to his fate. Dammit. 

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Hyde wrapped himself around his darling. They had switched while snuggling into his shoulder. He wanted a turn, he pouts. So a turn he got, the two of them working together better than they ever had. "Darling, darling, darling~" he croons softly, "mine mine mine~" Robert blinks at him, stunned, before running a hand through his short, brown hair, sighing. "At least you're speaking words", he says. Silly silly silly darling. Always speak for him! He must first ask! Hyde stares at him creepily, his pupils taking up almost the whole iris, leaving only a thin ring of green. The door creaks open, his head whips around, settled on Roberts shoulder, staring daggers at the mean scary shouty lady(Frankenstein). He growls low in his throat, teeth bared. Robert and Frankenstein share startled look, Robert settling a hand on hekyll's head, cautiously. He immediately settles, going limp, but his large eyes never leave Frankenstein. 

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Robert is treated to quite a surprise when Henry settles, he had been preparing for a fight. He glances back at Frankenstein, who looks shocked. " So," he says briskly, "you might want to leave. Will you send Ito in?" She stares at him for a moment before turning sharply and walking out. Ito enters a moment later, confused. "You know more about the science of what's going on here than I do," he says, " is he alright?" Ito approaches gently, Henry's eyes never leave her, searching warily.

She reaches for his hand. Henry tenses, hissing. Robert settles a hand back on his head, murmuring, "its alright darling, its alright" Ito glances back at Robert, hesitant. He gently takes one of Henry's hands, turning the wrist up. Ito gently places her hand on his wrist, testing the waters. When she gets no reaction, she slowly pulls out a syringe. Henry tenses again, Robert soothes him. She gently inserts the needle into the crook of his arm. Henry watches her like a caged animal, pulling at her heartstrings. "I'm sorry," she whispers, "I'm almost done". She removes it, wiping the area with alcohol and wrapping it. She grabs the antidote and leaves.

=====================POV change===================

Ito walks quickly down the hall to the command base they have set up. She sets down the antidote and walks over to hand the syringe to Frankenstein. She feels bad that she had to do that, but knows that they have to know what kind of supernatural creature they are dealing with. Dr.Jekyll is not himself right now, she reminds herself,(No he's not, because Hyde is in control :D) and they need to know what to expect. Frankenstein drops the blood into a testing solution, puzzled when it turns green, then everybody stares as it shifts to purple and back again. Frankenstein grins, " he's a shapeshifter!" 

===============POV change================

Hyde relaxes as Ito leaves, tucking his head into Robert's shoulder. He purrs, entire body vibrating, shifting Jekyll's willowy limbs to cling even closer. He's not used to this body, preferring his own form. This will do though. He continues to let out little chirps of contentment, gazing at darling adoringly. 

Chapter Text

Henry had finally fallen asleep, god knows when he last slept in a bed. However, his rest was not a peaceful one. He kept tossing, breathing frantic, muttering words too fast for him to catch. Robert just held him through it, stroking his hair and whispering reassurances. They seemed to calm him, at last he settled into his embrace, purring gently. Robert watched the rise and fall of his chest for a long time, occasionally catching himself starting to drift off. He soon stopped fighting sleep, joining Henry in sweet repose. BANG! He startled, jolting up. Henry's eyes flew open and he rolled off the bed.

Frankenstein had kicked the door open, then strode over to Henry and triumphantly stated, "you are a shapeshifter! I demand to know your other form!" Henry hisses at her, pupils shrinking. Frankenstein does not notice, but the rest of the lodgers that filed in behind her do, and they attempt to interrupt her sciency speech. It does not work, for she continues to blabber on about the test they performed and that they needed to know his secondary form...

=====================POV change=============

The scary lady bursts in, startling him and his darling. How dare she! This is his nest. Intruder intruder intruder. Going to hurt darling. The fog settles over him even more, and he sinks into it like a stone in water. She continues to chatter, then lets out a shout when he lets lunges at her, pinning her to the floor. He sits on her chest, gets in her face, and snarls, low and ominous. He looms over her, casting shadow to his face, leaving only his sharp white teeth and lamp like eyes visible. His claws dig into her shoulders. "Mine mine MINE!!!!" 

==================POV change===============

Robert watches in shock as Henry lunges at Frankenstein, growling. He scrambles off the bed, the entire room too gobsmacked by this turn of events to help. He pulls Henry off of her, holding him back as he kicks and snaps his teeth, trying to attack once again. Rachel snaps out of her daze first, rushing over to help restrain her friend. Even that is not enough to hold him back. Ito grabs chloroform, pouring some on a rag. She leaps to help, covering Henry's face until he slows, eyes fluttering shut. Robert looks over at a shaking Frankenstein before coldly saying, "you brought that one yourself. Learn how to knock". He lifts Henry up, carrying him back to the bed. He sits down where the pillow is, resting Henry's head in his lap. The lodgers sit like children at storytime, waiting for their leader to wake up. 

Chapter Text

Henry had woken up about an hour ago. In that short amount of time, he had managed to create much more chaos than anybody had thought possible for him. He had: 1) snuck out of the infirmary thirteen times, 2) almost set the society on fire during on of his escapes, the only explanation anyone had been able to get out of him was 'science' , and last but certainly not least, 3) broken a window and tried to leap out of it. An open window was right next to the one he broke. They had ended up cuffing him to the bed, which left him pouting with his big, sad, puppy dog eyes until someone had let him out.

As of right now, he was currently greeting Jasper's animals, a move that Robert was incredibly grateful for. Frankenstein had left, shaken, and any time she had (foolishly)attempted to reenter, Henry started growling. He couldn't help but linger on what Frankenstein had said. That Henry was a shapeshifter. He understands why he hadn't told him, the Robert from before having his eyes opened would not have coped well, but now? Would he ever tell him? Did he even plan to? He understands, but it still hurts. He knows how Henry thinks, the way he beats himself up for every little thing, how he puts too much on his plate and refuses to ask for help, the way he hides when he is hurt, sad, or scared.

He must have been terrified of anybody figuring it out, and now here it is, his secret out in the open, known by the entire society. It wouldn't matter to Henry that they all had been sworn to secrecy, the fact that his perceived 'flaws' were uncovered would be enough to break him. He would have to tell him gently. Make him understand how much he loves him. Because he does love him. He desperately wishes he could tell him that.  Wants to tell him he is sorry. Sorry for the pressure the gentleman lessons had put on him. Sorry that he hadn't felt safe enough to tell him. 

But for now, being here for him would have to do. Henry was petting a fiery bird. He looked up at Robert, smiling. It was a sharp smile, not the one he uses for display, nor is it the soft,gleaming one that Robert gets to cherish when he's content. No, it is a full mad scientist grin, setting his eyes alight. It is the rare, precious one that he hasn't seen since their University days. Rachel spots that smile and freezes. She runs out of the room.

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Rachel stops dead in her tracks when she sees Hyde's smile on Dr.Jay's face. Even the eyes are the same, large and brimming with chaos. She needs air. She runs, stopping in the hall outside the door. It can't be. It can't. Its not possible! One person can't be two people! But Frankenstein's words ring in her ears. "He's a shapeshifter". In her mind, shes running through all their similarities. They've never been seen in a room together. They even look alike. The way Hyde's voice sometimes slips into an aristocratic cadence. Fuuuuuuckkk. Ok rachel, don't freak out. Get confirmation before jumping to conclusions. She can do it! She heads off to Jekyll's office.

==============================POV change==========================

Henry had stopped playing with the animals and zoomed back over to Robert. He laid his head in his lap, gazing up at him with a look of pure adoration. Robert smiled at him. One of the lodgers-- Miss... Plant? He thinks? Maybe? --squeals. Another has grabbed a bucket of pup popcorn. They all stare with wide eyes, as if they are watching a romance novel unfold in front of them. (They are) Robert stares back at them awkwardly.

" umm," he stutters, "do you mind?" One of the lodgers-- a brunette with soot all over him-- hours out, "how long have you been dating?!" Robert turns red, Henry is oblivious, the others are whispering loudly about how cute the two of them are. Robert splutters, "well that's none of your damn business!" The lodgers deflate, looking like sad, lost puppy dogs. Dammit. His one weakness: puppy eyes. He sighs before mumbling, "we just got together last night".

Chapter Text

planning to update later, just wanted to wish everybody a happy pride month! To everybody stuck in the shitshow that is the land of the oppressed (america) I'm here with you!(get me outta here) be safe during these trying times! Especially trans folks! They're really gunning for the alphabet mafia RN 😖😥

Chapter Text

Day three:

Ito has been observing Jekyll's mental state for a while. He seems...different. Softer, yet sharper. He acts on basic needs and base desires, never settling for long. He has stopped his escape attempts, as long as they keep him occupied. As the day draws to a close, they feel comfortable enough to retire to their rooms, leaving Jekyll and Lanyon alone, curled up on the bed.

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night three:

Night had fallen over the society, smoggy darkness smothering its inhabitants in sweet repose. Jekyll and Hyde had switched again, allowing Jekyll to have cuddles. He had slept for a bit, but had awoken around midnight, brimming with energy. He slid out of the bed softly, the way sand slips through fingers. He slinks down the hall, a shadow amongst shadows. He reaches a window, starlight barely lighting his face. The moon has hidden itself away, done with his antics. He perches on the window sill like a bird, ascending to the roof. He takes care to avoid the skylight, settling on a ledge and leaning back, staring at the star. Pretty stars, he thinks, pretty swirling stars, like darlings pretty swirling freckles. Would darling like the stars? Pretty stars. He stays there the rest of the night, watching the vast galaxy that calls to him. Dawn begins to paint the sky, chasing away the cool tones of night and streaking the sky with pinks, oranges,and yellows. 

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Day four:

Robert is shaken roughly awake, prissily sitting up and glaring at the offender. Its one of the lodgers. He says, "Jekyll's missing" his blood runs cold. He runs out. The entire society is clamoring in a panic, desperately trying to find Henry. Robert then begins to have a horrible thought. Frankenstein had wanted to examine Henry, what if she had kidnapped him?! He ran toward her room in a panic bursting in. "Where's Henry!!" He demands, out off breath. "Well I don't know!" She says groggily, "check the--" crash. Henry falls through the skylight above Robert, landing on top of him, smiling. "Darling!" he chirps happily. Robert wheezes, the wind having been knocked out of him. 

Frankenstein observes them, fascinated. Henry sits on his chest, squishing him. Frankenstein moves, just barely. Henry freezes, slowly turning. He spots her. She goes stock still. They stare at each other for a moment. Henry begins to growl. She backs away, hands put up, placating. Robert sits up, knocking Henry off his chest. 

Chapter Text

He wraps his arms around Henry just as he is about to lunge. He kicks and squirms for s brief second, before sinking into his embrace with a huff. He pulls him out of the room and back to the infirmary. He does not notice Frankenstein exit the room, heading down the hallway that leads to Henry's office.

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Rachel crept into Jekyll's office, double checking that no-one was in there or saw her. She begins digging through his desk, desperately searching for proof that her suspicions were false. Nothing in the desk. Nothing on the shelves that sticks out. Nothing in the drawers-- wait. She feels something pushed to the back, hidden. Its a mess of notes in Dr.Jay's handwriting, ingredient combinations, Diagrams. Strange ramblings about the duality of man, splitting souls. Horror churned her stomach. She had no idea he disliked himself that much! All the pressure he puts on himself to be perfect. She had though he was doing better since his breakdown two years ago. But alas, it would seem that he had just learned to hide it better. 

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Frankenstein walks into Jekyll's office, not expecting to find anybody in there. But, standing by the desk, papers clutched in her trembling hands, was Miss Rachel. "Miss Rachel?" She asks, "are you alright?" Rachel shakes her head side to side, eyes never leaving the papers. Victoria walks up to her, placing a hesitant hand on her shoulder. "May I see?" She asks gently, not wanting to.make her more upset. She hands her the papers. Her eyes widen, brows raise as she takes in the very dangerous things that Dr.Henry has been messing with. "Mein gott!" She flips through the research excitedly, bouncing with joy when she finds instructions on the very last page. She zips around the room, gathering the ingredients. "what are you doing?" Rachel asks. " making the serum! He cannot deny his self experimentation if everyone sees it with their own two eyes! I don't know why he wouldn't take credit for such brilliance! Soul alchemy has just been a theory up until now!" 

Rachel looks panicked. "You can't!" She says, blocking the door with her arms spread wide. "I--I know what his other form is." Frankenstein lights up. "You do!!!" Rachel sighs, "yes. At least, I think I do? Jekyll has an assistant. He is very...strange. They've never been seen in the same room together, and when one is around, the other can't be found. They look really similar too, but also different. His eyes are the same color and glow the same as Dr.Jay's are right now." Frankenstein grins. "Well,  how do you feel about putting your theory to the test?" Rachel swallows before rolling her shoulders back and lifting her chin. "I would like that." She says. "Well then," Frankenstein replys, " let us begin!"

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Several hours later, Henry was playing hide and seek! "They'll never find us up here! " he giggled at his shadow, Hyde grinning back. About an hour ago, Henry had sat up and declared,  "Hide and seek! Tag! It!" He tapped luckett before running off, laughing. He had climbed into the rafters, and had been there the entire time whilst everybody ran about looking for him. He is the best at this game! Darling called out for him. His darling is slipped off his face. Darling sounds scared! Did he make him scared! Oh no! He leaped down, landing elegantly beside him. Griffin splutters, "were you? WERE YOU UP THERE THIS WHOLE FUCKING TIME?!" He grins at him, turning to darling, tilting his head, puppy eyes deployed. "Darling?" Darlings face softens, "there you are!" He sounds relieved. "Scared? You?" 

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He had been helping search for Henry, calling out for him, voice tinged with worry. "Henry!?" He plopped down from the sky, scaring a pale, white haired lodger. "Scared? You?" There he goes again, worrying about others, yet not caring for himself. He smiles fondly at him. "No darling, I was just a bit worried when we couldn't find you! Please don't run off without telling someone" he says softly. Even without rational decision making skills, he is still the man he adores, simply less eloquent. He takes his hand, leading him to the kitchen, Henry skipping beside him. Somebody has to make sure that ridiculous man eats, god knows he won't remember to do so himself. 

=======================POV change===================

A bubbling green concoction was finally finished. It stunk of honey and sulfur. Now all that is left is to find out the truth: who are Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde?

Chapter Text

Robert looked up from Henry when Rachel walked into the room, Frankenstein trailing behind her, holding a tube full of a bright green liquid. Henry growled as soon has he saw Frankenstein. She stepped back, handing the potion to Rachel. "Rachel?" Robert asked, "what's going on?" Rachel looked at him with tears in her eyes and said, "Dr.Jay's been lying to us. About master Hyde." His eyebrows raise. "What? You found proof of blackmail?" Frankenstein scoffs, " no Dr.Robert, one cannot blackmail themselves! Doctor Henry split his soul!" He just stares at her, disbelieving. "but that's not possible," Ito interjects, "soul alchemy is just a theory! A mind exercise!" Frankenstein laughs gleefully, "it was! Until doctor Henry discovered otherwise!' " what does this have to do with hyde?" Robert interrupts the science talk.

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Rachel! Rachel is here, yay! Henry smiles as soon as she approaches him, eyes wide and trusting. Her voice wobbles as she speaks. "Dr.Jay, do you recognize this?" She holds the transformation potion in front of him. She looks sad. Maybe if he tells her what it is she will be happy and not mad at him! "Formula HJ7!" He chirps, causing the entire room to stare at him in shock. All except for Rachel, who looks resigned, and Frankenstein, who looks pleased. She hands the potion back to Frankenstein. 

========================POV change================

Robert and Rachel have been arguing for a while about how Hyde fit into this mess, Robert refusing to believe it. The lodgers watch the fight. No-one notices as Frankenstein walks up to Jekyll, handing him the HJ7. She is curious if the potion will take effect with the Occulta Veri still running through his veins. He stares at the offered formula for a second, then takes it. He uncorks the vial. He drinks, Jasper noticing just too late. "No!" He shouts. Robert turns, face horrified. Rachel looks pissed. "What the hell did you do! Why would you give him that!" Robert rushes over to Henry, trying to get him to spit it out, but it is too late. He coughs, shaking. He falls over, dropping the empty vial, HJ7 falling from his mouth and eyes. Robert rubs his back, trying to soothe him, jumping away in surprise when his back pops, spine twisting and limbs distending as they shorten. He screams, clutching his face. Robert cries out in horror. The facade of Henry Jekyll melts away into the smaller form of Edward Hyde.

Robert holds him as he gasps, whimpering in pain. The veins make him look otherworldly, but remind Robert that it is in fact, Henry. Hyde is mumbling under his breath, voice raising as he becomes more distressed. "imsorryimsorryimsorryimsorryimsorryimsorryimsorryimsorryIMSORRY" ...yup that's his boyfriend. "Why?" He asks, voice trembling. "Why would you hide this from me. Why would you do this to yourself!" Hyde sniffles, "be good." He blinks, stunned. "What?" "Be good. Good enough. For.... You.....for....everyone... keep....safe.....friends....perfect" he rambles variations of this for several minutes, breaking Robert's heart with every desperate word, every scrap of self loathing. He tucks him against his chest, fighting back tears.

"Im sorry" he says, "for putting all the pressure of being a gentleman and perfection on you. Nobodies perfect darling. But that's okay. Its okay...."

Chapter Text

Robert pulled out handkerchief, wiping Hyde's face free of any leftover HJ7, while Rachel yells at Frankenstein. "HE'S WANTED BY THE FUCKING POLICE!!!! WHY DID YOU THINK THAT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO TRAP HIM IN THIS FORM!!??" Hyde whimpers at the yelling. Robert scoops him up, bridal style. He nuzzles into the embrace, cooing. He carries him to a sitting room, setting him down on the couch. He stares up at him adoringly, as if he had  hung the moon and stars. It's the same way that Henry looks at him when he thinks he isn't looking.

He sits next to him, Hyde crawling into his lap, swinging a leg over. He tucks his face into his shoulder as he starts to purr. Robert reaches out hesitantly before settling his hand atop wild, blond hair. He pets his head gently, wrapping his other arm around his waist. 

A crash startles the both of them. They get up, Robert running over to the noise, Hyde trailing after him like a lost puppy.More yelling occurs, but now Frankenstein and Rachel have devolved into a screaming match. Rachel turns away, irritated, attempting to storm out. Frankenstein grabs her wrist and attempts to continue the argument. He goes to break up the fight, but a blur moves past him.

Hyde pulls Frankenstein away from Rachel, snarling. His hair is...white? His ears pointed, claws out. His spine ripples beneath his skin, making a sick popping sound. He advances forward with an intent to lunge. "Edward!" He calls out, panicked. Hyde snaps back, blond again, inhuman features other than his eyes have vanished. He sways before pitching forward, crumbling to the floor as a transformation takes hold. 

He holds him through it as his hair recedes and limbs lengthen. Henry is back in his arms. "Get out" he hisses at Frankenstein, "haven't you caused enough trouble for today!?" She looks hurt. She holds her head high as she leaves. Rachel hovers nearby. "is he alright?" She asks, face pinched with worry, voice trembling. He looks like death, pale except for the green veins. He checks his pulse. Its fast but strong. "He'll be fine" he says, relieved. He picks him up and places him back on his bed.

Chapter Text

Day five:

Henry had taken a while to fall asleep that night. He had spent most of it shaking and sobbing in his arms. It made his blood boil. How dare she! She hurt him! He tries to stop his fuming and focus on his boyfriend, but he can't stop thinking about it. What if she had made it wrong?! He could've died! Or been arrested if someone had seen him! Does she have lizards for brains?! (Probably) Henry whimpers in his sleep, gripping the sheets tightly. He shushes him softly, holding him a little bit tighter in an attempt to soothe. The sun has risen high in the sky, but still he shows no signs of waking.

There is a soft knock on the door. "Come in," he whispers. The door opens gently, Rachel peeks her head in. "He still asleep?" She asks fondly. He nods. "I brought some tea and scones" she says, bringing in a tray and setting in on the nightstand. Henry stirred, head poking up sleepily, his hair a mess, eyes half lidded. He sniffs the air, eyes settling on Rachel. He smiles and chirps, "Rachel! Mad?" he asks worriedly. She smiles back, "hello Dr.Jay. I'm not mad. I brought you some tea!" She sets a gentle hand on his shoulder, reassuring him. She hears the beep of a timer and turns with a bounce, rushing to ensure her cookies would not burn.

==========================time skip============

Day seven:

The past two days had passed without much incident, and the antidote is finally done brewing. All it needs now is to steep for a week. Robert is incredibly relieved, he misses being able to talk to Henry properly. Not to mention the conversation they need to have about keeping secrets, especially ones that are detrimental to his health, as well as getting the fact that people aren't perfect and that he is allowed to have emotions through his thick skull.  The police had stopped by to give an update on the search for Moreau. They still haven't found him.

Henry hadn't understood that the police weren't there for him, and Robert had been unable to stay with him because the police needed to talk to one of them and Robert was the only one of the founders  that wasn't indisposed. Henry had fought to get to him and the lodgers had been forced to knock him out. He had spent the rest of the day soothing him, promising him that he wasn't leaving or sending him to jail or Bethlam. Robert had cried that night, horrified that Henry would think he would ever let him out of his sight. The lodgers had been a big help, keeping Henry occupied and away from Frankenstein. 

Chapter Text

Day eight:

The day had started out great. Robert isn't sure how it turned so sour so quickly--wait, actually he does know. Its all the fault of the very same man that got them in this situation in the first place. He is, of course, Moreau. He's been able to break into the society far too easily, they'll have to change the locks again. Dammit. Not to mention the predicament that Robert is in right now, because instead of taking Henry hostage, he had had the bright idea of taking Robert hostage. This is not going to end well for the lunatic. 

====================POV change==============

"Darling?!" He paced around the room. Darling had said to stay. Darling said he would be back. He left him? Henry's sad baby seal eyes water. Rachel and Jasper walk into the room. "Henry?" Jasper asks, "what's wrong?"  He sniffles, "darling", looking down at him with his big, watery eyes. Rachel also makes the sad eyes in solitary. " lets go find him," she says softly. "I'm sure he just got caught up in something. He's probably on his way right now" she soothes him, placing a hand on his elbow, rubbing circles into the joint. 

The three of them exit the room and run into Helsby. "seen darling?" Jekyll asks hopefully. "No," Helsby replies, frowning. "He usually doesn't leave you for long. Let me see if anyone else has seen him." He heads off to search. The trio keep moving down the hallway. Henry goes still. His head tilts up as he sniff the air. His eyes narrow and darken. Jasper and Rachel look at him, concerned. Jasper smells the air as well, eyes widening in panic. "Moreau," he whispers. Henry takes off before they can stop him, following the scent. 

====================POV change===============

Hyde kicks the door down, looking extremely pissed. "Darling" he snarls, teeth bared. The flying door has knocked Moreau down, and Edward stalks over toward him menacingly. He glances at Robert, checking that he is alright before he attacks. He nods, giving him a little smile. Edward lunges, bones cracking, hair white and all his more supernatural features on display. He claws at Moreau's face before lifting him by the shoulders and slamming his upper body hard on the floor. Wham. Wham. Wham. Wham. Oh God he's going to kill him if he keeps that up.

"Edward!" He says, panicked. Edward stops, turning and blinking at him with big eyes. He turns back to Moreau, face twisted with hate. "Edward," he calls again, softer. "Darling its alright. I think he's had enough" Truthfully, he doesn't think he has, but he's seen the strength that Hyde's frail form holds, and he knows that neither of his boyfriends would ever forgive themselves if they killed him, no matter how much he deserves it. Edward scootches over to Robert, using his claws to cut through the rope that binds him and helps him up. He finally has a better vantage point to see the damage done to Moreau.

Blood gushes from his head, his eyes are shut. He looks almost dead except for the slight rise and fall of his chest. Yup. He won't be getting up anytime soon. He gently leads a trembling Hyde out the door just in time for him to double over and shift back to Henry. Jasper and Rachel race up to them, panting. "There you...are" wheezes Rachel, "Why are you ...so fast?" Jasper asks," where were you?" Robert winces. "We.....have a problem."

Chapter Text

The police had had to come by again to pick up Moreau. Robert was getting sick of having to talk to them. Can he please just cuddle with his boyfriend?! He's had a hard day, that's all he wants right now! Apparently, on onsite medic had determined that moreau is now brain dead, so he has to explain how that happened. So, naturally, he lied, saying that moreau had slipped and fell, smacking his head on the floor. After being given that excuse, the police finally, finally left. 

He speed walked over to where Henry was. As he entered the infirmary, Henry whimpered, having been tied to a chair. His big, sad, puppy eyes met Robert's. He sighs, "why is he tied up?" Ito replies, "he kept trying to get to you and we didn't want to knock him out again, its not good for him." She unties him and he races over to Robert, smiling and chirping as he barrels into him, knocking him over. Robert's breath is pushed out of him from the force of them hitting the floor. Henry presses his face into his shoulder, letting out a little sigh as he goes limp.

"Hello Henry darling," he says, slightly out of breath, "can we move to the bed please?" Henry grumbles before scootching off of him, allowing him to get up as he walks over to the bed, staring at him, waiting. He clambers up, moving over to the bed and pulling Henry down on top of him. Henry squeaks, then they both start to laugh, glad that the worst has passed. 

=====================time skip=POV change===============

Two hours later: 

Henry and Darling had cuddled for two hours before Henry had caught a whiff of something delicious. Something chocolatey. Cookies. Henry's eyes widened and he leapt out of bed, startling his darling. He raced down the hall, shifting into Hyde without stopping. Edward turned the corner, reaching the kitchen, maximum derp face activated. 

He crept up behind Rachel, snagging four cookies from the cooling tray. She turns,"dammit! Master Hyde no!" Laughing, she chases him around the society as he stuffs cookies into his mouth, repeatedly going back for more while Robert watches, amused and exasperated. Hyde cackles, bouncing off the walls. All the while, the antidote continues to steep, bringing the promise of ✨communication✨ 

Chapter Text

Day nine:

Henry still slept. The events of the previous day had been extremely exhausting, but he shouldn't have been sleeping this long, right? He shakes him, gently. "Henry," he whispers, "time to get up". No response. He shakes him again, a flicker of concern running through Robert's veins. And speaking of veins, the glowing green veins that cover Henry's body look...wrong. Even more so than usual. They look...angry. He checks his pulse, it is weak. Oh dear God. " Henry!!" he panics. He cradles him close. Henry's brow feels as if its on fire. He is shivering and pale as a corpse.The lodgers bust into the room, summoned by his cry. 

=====================time skip==============

One hour later:

They are still unable to wake Henry up or cool his fever. Robert has taken to pacing. Even Frankenstein had left her room to try and figure out what was wrong. She had grabbed a copy of the book that held information about Occulta Veri, Ito is reading Jekyll's copy. Ito flipped a page, unable to find anything, now looking to see if it was possible that her friend had been drugged with a second concoction. She freezes and closes her eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to regain her composer.

"Did anybody happen to, maybe, think that the information on Occulta Veri is not limited to only one page?!" Frankenstein groans and smacks her head against the book, cursing in German and French. The lodgers scramble to read over her shoulder. The page reads: the specialized effects of Occulta Veri on shape shifters. The toxin will negatively effect the subjects physical health if a transformation is induced. The toxin prevents most transformations, unless the subject is given a concoction to force a transformation, causing high fever and sleep paralysis. This state can only be broken if the antidote for Occulta Veri is administered.

The room looks at Frankenstein. Frankenstein slumps in her chair mumbling, "well how was I supposed to know," she sulks. Rachel gives her the stink eye, before sarcastically saying, "Oh I don't know, maybe by MAKING SURE YOU READ ALL THE INFORMATION!?" Robert sees red, and next thing he knows he is being pulled off Frankenstein, who is clutching her jaw. "YOU DID THIS TO HIM!" He bellows, tears running down his face. "Dr. Lanyon," Ito says kindly, "we can help him. The antidote will be ready soon, and its not killing him. " He sags, nodding, shooting one last glare at Frankenstein before sitting beside henry, grasping his hand and gazing at him,  face pinched with worry.

Chapter Text

It was pitch black when he woke. Somebody was curled up next to him, and he could think more clearly than he had been able to all week. He sits up, slowly. The person next to him sits up as well. A light clicks on, revealing a familiar face, one that he had only ever seen through his shadow or in his reflection. "Hyde?" Jekyll asked, confused. Hyde rubs his eyes,"Jekyll? I didn't know that we could be in this place at the same time!" His voice had faded slightly, causing him to freeze and cover his mouth. Something slithered in the corner of Jekyll's eye. He went to turn to face it, but Hyde gripped his shoulders and shook his head frantically.

"Don't!" He whispered, "it doesn't like to be looked at, nor is it fond of loud noises" he looks nervous, which is rather concerning. "What is it?" He asks curiously. "Manifestation of our insecurities dialed to 100. It popped up here after Frankenstein gave us the HJ7. Jekyll froze. " she what?!" A growl comes from the shadows. "Shhh! Save your freak out for later, we have to get out of here, come on!" He pulls him up and leads him over to a recent memory. Its the night when he and Robert got back together. "It can't get in here," Hyde says, "this is where I've been hiding. We can speak freely here." 

Henry swallows, "he knows. They all know don't they. I've only been able to think clearly when you were in control, but I was hoping that it was a dream. They know" he sobs, panicked. Hyde snaps his fingers in front of Jekyll's face,"yes, they know. And they still care about us anyway. You haven't been conscious enough to see that, but I have. They're not going to leave us, so we have to focus on getting back to them!" Jekyll sighs, laughing slightly, "how are you taking this so much better than I am?"Hyde grins at him, sitting next to him.

"I've had time!" He says, " time to think about how I want to move forward... " Jekyll shoots him a quizzical look, "what do you mean?" Hyde fiddles with his bandages. "I don't want us to fight all the time. I want us to be...friends. To be able to work together and figure out a schedule that works for the both of us.  I don't want to be trapped" he looks like a wounded baby seal. Jekyll thinks on this for a moment. "Alright," he finally says. "I suppose we can give it a shot. Friends?" He sticks out his hand. Hyde takes it, giggling as they shake on it. "Friends!" he agrees.

They sit for a moment, quiet. "What are we going to do about the creepy crawler out there?" Hyde asks. Jekyll begins to formulate a plan, gears turning. "Well..." he says thoughtfully, "what do you do to get rid of insecurities?" They grin at each other before simultaneously saying, "Crush them!"

Chapter Text

Jekyll pulls up a battle map. 'Alright! We have one shot at this. Lets make it count! Shall we run through the plan again, just to be on the safe side!" Hyde rolls his eyes, "yes yes, fine. But I know the plan!" The map begins to shift, colors whirling. A miniature Jekyll, Hyde, and monster plop down on top of it. Mini Hyde mockingly calls out to the monster, luring it over to a special memory. The memory of when he had a nightmare that he was being sawed in half! Mini Jekyll waits behind the door, ready to pull the lever that will drop the monster onto the saw! The minis hug and high five.

"I got it, see!" Hyde says, "now lets get a move on! I want to see what color it bleeds!" With a wild grin and a cackle that sounds like broken glass, he takes off, making as much annoying racket as he can. Which is to say, quite a lot. Especially with his strange voice that pitches menacingly low and then raises high enough to break glass with every other word and emotion. It is certainly not a voice you would want to greet you in a dark alleyway on a moon less night. 

Jekyll crouches behind the door, hand hovering on the lever, waiting. A crashing noise thumps closer, a monstrous shriek followed by a wild cackle that crackles like lightning. Hyde bursts through the doors, a large shadow trailing behind him. Jekyll pulls the lever, the floor dropping out from beneath a tall, strangely shaped figure. It falls. They both lean over the edge, watching as they get their first true glimpse of the monster as it is dropped on the whirring saw.The monster shrieks, its many arms waving about as it spews black blood. It is a large, hulking figure, but that's not the horrifying part.

No, what makes it so stomach churning is that it is made up of people. Specifically, the faceless mind copies of the people he cares about, all mixed together to form a large, shapeless blob, fused together, creating a writhing mass of torsos, scuttling legs, and distorted hands that claw desperately at the air. Hyde closes the hatch, looking disgusted. "Well," he says brightly, "that was both disgusting and horrifying!" Jekyll nods his head in agreement, grimacing. The mindscape is quiet and peaceful....for a brief moment before it starts rumbling. 

======================POV change=================

Day fourteen:

The antidote is finally ready. Frankenstein quickly prepares the injection while Ito preps his arm. "Now Doctor Robert, doctor Henry will be very confused for the next few days, nor will he have complete control over himself, so he will still need to be monitored carefully. However, he will wake up almost immediately! ... I think. Ah well, guess we'll find out!" She injects Henry with a substance that is black as night, yet shimmers with rainbows when it catches the light. (I rhymed!) He holds Henry's other hand, heart in his throat. A few minutes pass. Nothing. Then, a twitch. Henry shifts a bit, head lolling as his eyes flutter open, fixing in Robert. He blinks, confused, before letting out a croak of, "...Robert?" Everyone breathes a sigh of relief and Robert throws himself on Henry, squeezing him into a hug.

Chapter Text

He is met with overwhelming chatter the second his eyes open. He slurs, "Robert," as he struggles to focus. He is then crushed into a tight hug, whooping slaughter and celebrations ringing in his ears. He feels like he's moving through water,because with  his limbs weighted down. Robert's lips are moving, but sound is muffled. His breathing picks up. He knows. Heknowsheknowsheknows. He struggles to draw in a breath, heartbeat rising. He feels like he's drowning and nobody is noticing. But they do. Robert's smile slips off his face, concern highlights his features.

"Henry?" He asks softly taking his hand and rubbing soothing circles on his knuckles. "Are you alright darling?" he stares at him, unseeing, shaking slightly as his breathing picks up. He starts to hyperventilate, face falling into his hands as he curls in on himself. The celebrations have stopped. Robert pulls him in close, wrapping his arms around him. "I know what you're freaking out about darling," he says gently, "and nobody hates you or is going to leave. I'm not going to leave. I love you." The words cut through the fog like glass through skin. "You...you love me?" He nods, shy. (Penelope why, you know I'm too shy.) 

"We all care about you Dr. Jay, the both of you" Rachel says, taking his hand. Jekyll is dumbfounded. Hyde is watching this idiot from the mirror, then does a double take."wait both of us?! Im loved! Suck it jekyll, I'm the favorite! " He scowls at Hyde. "Are not," he mumbles. "what...what are you talking about Henry?" Robert asks, concerned that his boyfriend had hit his head somehow. Henry flushes, "oh um, Hyde is in the mirror." Robert blinks and says, "he's what?!"

Chapter Text

"What do you mean he's in the mirror?! Bring him out! We have affection to share with him and there is no escape!" says Rachel with a huff and a terrifying look on her face. Henry just blanks, staring at Rachel with a dumbfounded expression, incredibly befuddled. "what?" he says. He collects himself, chuckling a little, "Hyde can't come out of the mirror, he's not even really in the mirror, its simply a line of communication." She deflates. "oh" she says with a sheepish grin.Hyde is cackling in the mirror, falling over and out of sight. Wait, why is there a mirror in the infirmary?

When he asks this, Luckett chuckles and says witha shrug, "while you were under the influence of the Occulta Veri, you would talk to the mirror and get sad when you're reflection wouldn't answer back. I wanted to see if there was a reason." 

"Oh," he says weakly, flushing with embarrassment. Robert clasps his hand and throws a pillow at Luckett, who squawks and dives out of the way. He shoots a glare at him before turning back to Henry. "We're just glad you're alright. Im glad you're alright."  He nudges Henry's shoulder with his own. Henry laughs and nudges him back. They stare into each other's eyes for an uncomfortable amount of time for everyone else in the room. A lodger coughs pointedly. One mutters, "oh my gods they're eye fucking!" Another whispers, "should we leave?" before Rachel raises her eyebrow and asks,"do you two need a moment? " They both blush and look away.

"Actually, " Robert states, "we do, if you lot don't mind?" They scramble to leave in hopes of saving their eyes. Rachel shoots Jekyll a grin and a thumbs up. Henry fiddles with his cufflinks nervously once they are alone. Robert notices this and quickly says,"its nothing bad, I promise." He relaxes slightly. "So..." Henry asks awkwardly, "what do you want to talk about?" Robert looks at him, trying to delicately maneuver his way through this conversation without freaking out his boyfriend. "I...wanted to discuss keeping important secrets." Henry's heart leaps in his throat. "oh." 

Robert takes a deep breath and says, "Henry. I adore you. But you need to stop joining keeping secrets about your health, physical and mental. Its not healthy, and it could get you killed! Not to mention, it got you sick! Several times! Speaking of which, you also need to take better care of yourself! And I'm going to help you with all of that. But, for me to be able to help you, I need you to be honest with me. Can you please do that?" He looks at him hopefully. Henry swallows and says, "yes" Robert smiles, relieved, and says, "thank you."

Chapter Text

One week later:

Everything has finally been cleared up. Robert and Henry are currently working on a way to get Hyde off the cops radar. A lot of much needed changes have happened in the society. All the lodgers have made it their mission to ensure that Dr. Jekyll does not overwork himself, with Lanyon and Rachel as their ringleaders. They also ensure that Jekyll gets proper sleep. He and Hyde have worked out a schedule: Hyde gets from 5 pm to 12 am, and Jekyll gets from 9 am to 5 pm. The rest of that time is reserved for sleep. Henry has never been a morning person anyway. He's just glad that he has such an excellent support system. It can be a bit frustrating at times, but he wouldn't trade then for the world.