Chapter Text
"Calm down, don't be impulsive." He spoke with such vigor, it echoed in your ears as you watched the large man speaking to his 'ultimate creation.' A monster, that's what it was, an attempt to create life out of nothing. Percy was his name, a mad man who you knew personally. The man was crazy, or so to speak, but you could never agree with those rumors, his ambitions, his hopes...they all surpassed any of the humanity you had seen before.
"Percy..." You spoke hesitantly, slightly afraid to interrupt the mad man. He turned to you slowly, lifting up his goggles and paying attention to you. The man had to kneel just to get to your level, he was a giant of a human after all. "How about you rest a while Percy? You've been working on your masterpiece all day...I did promise the owners you would stop with all of this creation stuff if you recall."
"I recall perfectly. Do not worry, once my creation is finished, not a single trace of what I have made will be found." Percy smiled as he spoke, he sounded so confident, you felt like you would crush his heart to tell him to stop now.
"I understand Percy, it's late however, won't you just leave it for a while? For me?"
"For you...?" Percy rubbed his thumb against his chin thinking seriously about this. "Well why didn't you say so? Anything for you my esteemed confidential," Percy set his goggles aside and walked up to you grinning as you walked with him away from the lab and into the kitchen. The kitchen was plain compared to Percy's lab, instead of random tools and objects laying around you would always keep your areas quite tidy. Percy sadly hardly spent time with you despite living in the same house, all he ever did was work. Work on what? Well his creation of course, his greatest goal. It was something so sacred to him...you'd never understand it, yet you respected how much he did to achieve his greatest goal. Percy was looking down at you currently as you walked down into the kitchen, he had been in his lab all day hasn't he? That man...
"Percy, you haven't eaten anything have you? Whatever shall I do with you," you quipped, shaking your head. "Here, sit down at the table I'll prepare something for yo-"
"Please do not worry dearest, it's nothing necessary, the housing you provide me has already been too much, allow me to create something for you!" Percy took your hand in his giant palm and quickly sat you down in a seat. You sighed, he would always do this...that man, such a gentleman. "Dearest, what would you like? I can create many dishes, as well eventually create human life itself!" You rolled your eyes but smiled at the comment. "I can do it, I promise you, one day you awake to find a new person, I will make sure this person becomes someone good, someone like you perhaps? Hm...we can discuss it later." Percy took some ingredients and started cooking, you decided to go check if any mail had arrived while Percy was busy. You checked the slot for mail and to your surprise came a letter, that is odd, there is no reason for a letter to be sent to you. You decided to take a close look at it, the envelope said one thing and one thing only. "Percy"
"Percy, a letter came for you! Might you know who its from?" you walked into the kitchen and handed him the letter as he finished cooking.
"Ah, a letter for you say? I wonder who could have written to me..." he opens the envelope and reads it carefully, raising an eyebrow as he finishes reading it. He quickly tears the letter in half and scrunches it up. "It's nothing important dearest, someone offered that I could get help with my creation, completely unnecessary however, I know I can do this. No need to travel to some manor..."
"A manor, that does sound lovely, but what a strange offer..." you wonder why such a strange letter was sent before Percy turns to you and directs you back to the table. He sets down a plate of absolutely wonderful looking food and sits down with his own plate. You smile, hesitant to say something for a while, "…thank you very much Percy, isn't this a bit much however? I didn't expect something so..."
"Do you not like it? That's alright I can alwa-"
"No!...I love it Percy...but next time make something more simple please. I don't require this much from you." Percy nodded and you grabbed your utensils and started to eat. You closed your eyes, relinquishing in the marvelous cuisine. You opened your eyes to see Percy examining your face closely, "P-Percy?"
"Ah, my condolences, I just wanted to see if you enjoyed it or not. In which, I can tell you clearly do." You rolled your eyes again, shaking your head while Percy chuckled. This was nice, you haven't enjoyed the company of Percy in a while, despite living with you for a few years, Percy has hardly spent much time doing anything but his project...how he worked so tirelessly you had no idea. He was a nice man, but you never wanted to admit how much you adored him, how would he react anyways? A man couldn't just say that to another man right? Your father had always told you...and yet... "Dearest? Are you alright, you seem in deep thought," Percy questioned, concerned as you felt his large hand on top of yours. You felt yourself gasp as he did this but you did not move.
"I'm doing fine Percy, thank you for asking." he nodded but continued to knead your hand, it was warm and enveloped your hand completely. You watched him as he rubbed your hand softly, you felt your heart beating in your chest rapidly. Why was he doing this? Percy was just a gentleman surely, but this? Wasn't this a bit far from just friendly? "Percy...why are you doing that?"
"Doing what? Your hands were awfully cold, are you sure you do not want me to warm them up?" Percy seemed genuine about this.
"I do not mind, only...nothing, do not worry, I...enjoy this as well." Percy nodded and softly hummed as he held your hand gently.
"It's awfully late, perhaps you should get to bed? I would like to continue working as of now as well."
"That is fine Percy, just please attempt to get some sleep. I have to be off for my job tomorrow, please don't cause any trouble while I'm out." you wiggled your hand away from his grip, immediately feeling the cold air on it as it escaped his grasp. "Good night." You stood up and turned away, walking to your room and closing the door behind you. You sat down the bed and pondered to yourself about the event that just happened. It was pleasant, the man's strong hand on top of yours was gave you a feeling of security. But why were you feeling this way about him? Your father would always say...no...your father is dead, do his words matter any longer? Even then...you spent all your life alone, uninterested in marriage or family, until now, these feelings...
"My dearest? May I come in?" Percy spoke from outside, knocking on the door and interrupting your thoughts.
"Of course," you confirmed as Percy stepped in, having to duck to not hit his head on the doorway. "What do you need Percy? You don't often come to my room."
"I'm aware, I just wanted to speak to you if you wouldn't mind..." you motioned at him to continue. "Well, to put it simply...hm...this is a hard thing to say..." Percy paused for a bit and then moved over and sat next to you on your bed. "I appreciate you my dearest, I would never been where I am without you, without your encouragement and treatment towards me. Never have I expected a kind man like you to come along and do what you have done for me this past year, most people thought I was mad. I know my goals are bizarre but I have my reasons...Thank you my dearest...that is not all I want to say however...I...I have deep feelings for you, I want to shelter you, protect you, care for you, so much more. Living with you brings me so much joy, I would dare to say that I perhaps...love you." You were shocked to say the least, never had you been expecting this.
"A-are you saying you are attracted to me...? You know what they say about men who-"
"No, it isn't like that my dearest. I simply love and care for you, it wouldn't have mattered if you were anything else. As long as you are the person you are, I love you. Do you understand? I want to have a close relationship with you, I want to treasure the experiences I have with you and continue them for the rest of my life. Do you see what I mean?"
"Percy...I think I understand...thank you for telling me..." you sigh quietly and look at the ground, unsure what to say. You feel yourself lean into Percy after a while of silence, you can feel him shift and pull you close, wrapping his arms around in a warm embrace. It was peaceful, the feeling of someone else sheltering you with nothing but their body, it radiated warmth and you felt enveloped with the feeling of being cared for. "I...I love you too Percy." You see him smile and feel your heart flutter as you continue to sit there silently with him. After a bit of time, Percy would break the silence,
"You are my dearest and I will forever treat you as such. May I please sleep with you for the night? I wouldn't want for you to get cold or lonely..."
"Percy isn't that a bit sudden...I wouldn't want anyone founding out that I did such things with-"
Percy cut you off sighing audibly, "Not like that my dearest, I just want to hold you and fall asleep with you in my arms...is that okay...?" you nod and Percy laid back into the bed pulling you onto it with him, he barely fit in the bed, but he didn't seem to mind. Percy would again hold you close, you weren't even wearing a blanket, and yet you felt the warmest you have ever felt before. "Do you remember the day you first met me?" Percy asked, whispering into your ear silently.
"How could I not? It was a strange meeting after all..." You thought about it quietly, reminiscing the event...
(flashback)
It was a long day of work, the sun casted hot rays onto your skin as you fiddled with a faulty clock. Working outside was supposed to be more refreshing but you found yourself drenched in sweat. Oh how you longed for another job, working at your grandfather's clock repair shop was nothing but an annoyance, you had to make money somehow however.
"Good day sir!" a man wearing a tailored suit and long hair waved to you
"Good day..." you murmured as you placed the small clock down, hardly wanting to do anything with it.
"It is quite a hot day I'd say, would you fancy a drink?" The man stepped in front of you holding a flask, waving it in front of you. "I have been traveling through this city and it seems as if no one is interested in having a nice conversation you see. You seem different, the first one to say good day back!"
"Thank you? I supposed I'd enjoy some water-"
"Water? No hah! I only drink wine! How else would imagine me to be so carefree?"
"I see...in that case I'm not entirely interested."
"More for me then I suppose!" The man chugged down the alcoholic drink and dropped something he was holding, it appeared to be some sort of case? "Pleasure to meet you friend, I am Antonio, masterful violinist shall I play you a piece? It'll only cost a coin!"
"I'm sorry I'd rather not pay for a preformanc-"
"Worry not then, I still wish to preform, in fact I'll preform right here and attempt to raise money in front of this little shop of yours!" Antonio would open his violin case and pick up the violin and bow. He checked the strings and smiled to himself. "Perfectly tuned!"
"I'm not sure my grandfather would approv-"
"Is your grandfather currently here?" You shaked your head no, "Then nothing to worry about fellow! This is a public street after I all I see no reason why I cannot preform to my hearts content, it is the purpose of a musician after all!"
"Alright then...you do as you please. The ambition of a musician huh..." You watched as Antonio started to play his violin, it was a small tune, but wonderful and full of soul, you could see how much Antonio loved music with the single piece. a few people would walk up to Antonio and place some coins in his case, you were surprised at how many people were paying him, it was lovely but you could never afford to simply hand out money. Antonio lowered the violin and held it by his side, grinning as he looked in his case.
"See how much money I make with a single song? Imagine if I was a masterful musician?! What if I could play in front of hundreds of people! People would love me, they would adore me!" Antonio seemed strangely excited about this possibility, but you didn't mind it. The ramblings of hope for something more touched something inside you, perhaps it was the fact that you had no ambition for anything in life. "What's wrong fellow? You're sulking quite much? Did my music not touch your heart? Did it touch your heart so much you began to cry?"
"No, no...nothing like that. I simply don't have a purpose in life like you, you have everything thought out I see...I hope your career as a musician goes well for you." Antonio would frown and sit down next to you placing his violin and bow back in his case.
"Listen fellow, there is nothing wrong with not finding your purpose yet, I'm sure there is something big you'll do in the future, you'll just have to wait you know? Besides, I doubt I could ever get to my goal, not without making a deal with the devil or of the like!" Antonio chuckled and patted your back. "I'm sure you'll find you're purpose soon enough! Maybe you'll be a great musician like me!" Antonio beamed at you and picked up his case. "Thanks for the conversation sir, good day!" Antonio would walk away, giving a small wave before going off into the distance. You sighed, the short talk did make you feel a bit better, but you still felt hopeless right now. It was at that same moment that you met him, a giant of a man stumbling through the street. You didn't want to get involved so you just stared quietly as he looked around the area, looking for something...
"Excuse me!" the man suddenly walked up to you, his feet stomping heavily on the floor. "Might you know where I can find a doctor here? Somebody's injured please direct me it's urgent!" The man boomed at you with a panicked expression on his face. You're eyes widened and you stayed frozen for a second.
"T-t-the mansion! I believe a doctor lives there with the famil-"
"Thank you!" The man quickly ran away and you swallowed as you watched him run off. You wondered what that was about and hoped no one was too injured, as you thought about that you saw the man again carrying someone in his arms and rushing in the direction of the manor. You sighed and hoped that the doctor you had heard about would help them, you had only heard rumors of an incredibly intelligent doctor but you have never been able to confirm it. You decided that you would again begin tinkering with the small clock you were working on, your grandfather would be mad if you made no progress while he was gone. You worked concentrated on your task, you had no idea how much time had passed but at least you were able to finish fixing the clock, the sun in the sky was setting so you decided to go back inside.
"Excuse me!...again." Just as you put your hand on the doorknob your heard the mans voice again. It was him, an incredibly tall man wearing a less than proper outfit, it was tattered and seemed to be worn for a long time. "Sorry for bothering you, I just wanted to thank you personally this time, the doctor was a big help and it appears that the person I was concerned about will be swell. It's all thanks to you." The man would get on one knee and hand you a necklace.
"What is this?" You examined the necklace it seemed valuable, you sighed and looked at him, embarrassed that he was in a position like that. "I cannot accept this, I hardly did anything...thank you for offering though."
"I see...it's fine, I'll keep this for now I suppose." The man stood up and stuffed the necklace into his pocket. "May I please know your name? I'd still like to do something to thank you sir, I am Percy, I live on these streets and I do some odd jobs now and then, people say my size is very useful."
"Your size?" you raise an eyebrow confused and bothered by the comment.
"I meant that I can do a lot of labor intensive work, perhaps you require help with something of that matter it would require no payment of course." Percy would smile as he said this, he seemed like a nice man but you frowned at the condition he was in.
"Never mind that, how about you come inside and take a bath? some new clothes would suit you too, though I'm not entirely sure my grandfather has any clothes that would fit you." Percy's jaw dropped at that and he looked at you with wide eyes.
"You'd really do that? oh I am debt to you! Thank you very much sir!" you shook your head and entered the store as Percy hit his head while entering. You quietly led him to the wash room and let him bathe while you went to go look for some new clothes. You found a dusty coat, it wasn't in such bad condition there were a few other items that Percy might be able to fit into. You could hear Percy humming in the wash room and splashing of water, hopefully he didn't spill water all over the floor or something.
"Hey Percy, I'm going to set some clothes outside, please try them alright?" Percy hummed in agreement to you and you looked outside the window watching for anything interesting in the meantime. After a couple minutes you felt a large hand on your shoulder and you jumped almost screaming in shock.
"Ah! I apologies! I didn't mean to scare you I just wanted to tell you about the clothes-"
"P-Percy please do not do that? You don't generally touch strangers..." Percy nodded and lowered his hands as he held his hands together and held his head low. "Don't worry...your...your clothes fit you well..."
"Thank you, I am in your gratitude...Is there a way I can help you now? No one has ever been kind enough to do these sorts of things for me..." You thought for a moment as Percy looked at you attentively.
"I don't exactly need anything Percy, I'm sorry." Percy nodded as you turned away from him and stared outside of the window, it was that violinist again, playing in the distance, Antonio was it? What did he tell you?
"I believe I should get going if I am not needed..." Percy began to walk away, but something inside you compelled you to turn around and clutch his large wrist.
"No!...erm...please wait. Percy, could you take me with you?"
"Where? I usually travel from town to town and try my best to make a living..."
"Yes! Exactly, take me with you, I've been coddled up inside this city for as long as I remember, take me with you! I have some money perhaps I can manage enough to a room from someone? I know this is sudden but I want to have a purpose."
"I don't exactly follow...but if that's what you want, I'd love to help you, it is the least I can do after the kindness you have shown me." Percy gently placed his hand and took it off his wrist. "Come with me." You nodded profusely and walked with him into the outdoors.
The rest was history, you have been with Percy ever since, it was quite sudden but the words from that violinist encouraged you more than anything in your life before.
Percy was different back then, a kind man like always, but different. He wasn't obsessed with his creation, that only happened when he traveled back to the city and met with that doctor...
(flashback end)
"Those were interesting things to recall on, it's hard to believe it has only been a few years." Percy nodded and held you closer as you stopped thinking about your pasts, soon enough you found yourself falling asleep in the mans arms.
How much you longed to be in those arms once again...