A different sort of Victorian au

[cagedinflesh]

Jekyll is surprised to find himself in a house not dissimilar in style to his own in life. In fact, quite similar, clearly aristocratic. The owners must be interested in antiques from the Victorian Era. Or maybe his new Master purposefully sought out a space that would be appropriate for summoning such a Servant. But then he sets eyes on the boy before him, and even his clothing is in line...is this cosplay?? Or was he actually summoned to his own time. Is that even possible?

Regardless, he must look like a fool, and  quite rude, looking around so surprised. As he catches himself, Jekyll straightens himself out and smiles, offering up a hand.

"Are you my Master? Hello, how good to meet you."

Comments

why can't I get Lazarus for my phone uwoooo

[cagedinflesh]

"Servant Berserker."

When the handshake is dropped, he steps out of the circle, and in doing so, takes notice of it. "My! Such fine work, you must have studied hard indeed." The enthusiasm is accented by stooping to inspect it more closely, tracing a line with a finger. "I am impressed already, Master."

Please excuse the nerd. Magic is neat...

i wrote a tag reply to this but apparently it never... went??

[depicted]

Servant Berserker—oh, he hadn't meant to do that—but the name—?

He is left in the indelicate position of thinking he nows who he is talking to and, on consideration of the other rumours surrounding the incident, finding that the appearance of the Servant is not that of the story, and so not being entirely certain if he is speaking with whom he thinks he is. But he can't ask. That would just be too much. He mustn't.

Flustered by that social uncertainty, he even so flushes in pleasure. "That's very kind of you. I did hope very much that I wouldn't botch it all. You're a mage yourself, Mr—Berserker?"

He hadn't realized that about the late Dr Jekyll. But perhaps it wasn't Jekyll? Or perhaps he simply hadn't known.

we're full of problems

[cagedinflesh]

"Heavens no, not a mage by any means. Only a meager alchemist now and then. Aware enough to appreciate good work, yet truly nothing more than a man of science." Standing again, he turns to Dorian with a smile.

Oh, but his Master sounds a little uncertain, why could that be? Oh, yes, it must be surprise that he's claimed to be a Berserker but shows no signs of it. Well, he doesn't really have a good explanation for that himself, even with Hyde, really shouldn't a Berserker always be mad?

[depicted]

"That is hardly 'nothing more,'" Dorian murmurs, without the vehemence to carry the phrase. Berserker has a very pretty smile. His countenance is sweet, and soothing. Dorian has the sense that he can trust him infinitely.

And yet isn't the legend that this man had worn an evil, darker double? His sins divided from him...

"Perhaps... I mean to say, you would not object if I wished to call you by name. Would you?"

[cagedinflesh]

Ah, that's it for the avoidance, is it. Still he smiles, as if that hadn't been his purpose at all. After all, if it's a contemporary time, he may have his reputation to worry about again.

"Ah, forgive me, you must think me terribly illmannered. My true name is Henry Jekyll - 'at your service, Mr. Gray'?" He laughs, "How strange it feels to say." To think he would ever be in the servant's position.

[depicted]

Nothing like class issues to turn an uncertain Victorian half-commoner a-fluster. He ducks his head. "I wouldn't say that, Dr Jekyll. I wouldn't call myself your Master."

[cagedinflesh]

"Oh, but you are." He offers up his hand again, palm up. It isn't so difficult to see Dorian's discomfort. "I am your Servant, after all, and I intend to enact that fully."

But he also sees that apparently his name is recognised... "I apologise too if we have met previously and I cannot seem to recall." Although he's sure that isn't the case, but here's hoping it's that rather than the novel.

[depicted]

"You haven't..." Very soft, very gentle. So very delicate about the knowledge he holds of Henry Jekyll.

He almost wants to take his hand, but he can't quite. He looks away. "Rumours are often full of embellishment. A story isn't a truth."

[cagedinflesh]

He could take his hand away, treat that as a rejection, but Jekyll holds it out still. An offer that remains.

"Some have a surprising amount of truth in them." Although he appreciates the idea, that he might not be so bad as the stories and rumours say. "The details may differ, but the sentiment remains. You must keep yourself safe from me, just as much as I shall endeavour to ensure your safety against others."

[depicted]

Just barely—his fingertips brushing against Jekyll's own.

"From . . . him?"

[cagedinflesh]

"Yes, from Hyde. You know the stories, so you must know what I mean. But I want to protect you, from everything." A little too enthusiastic for a moment, he takes both Dorian's hands in his own, beaming. "I would like it if we could become friends!"

[depicted]

It startles him. He doesn't know if he should smile or step back. His laughter strikes a note nervous and hopeful, perhaps yearning—

Dorian ducks his head, lips pressed together. He looks back up. "I should like that as well, Doctor."