Chapter Text
Jekyll's legs shook under the weight of all the boxes stacked precariously in his arms. In hindsight, maybe he should have taken several trips to get all of them in but he couldn't change his mind now. With all the strength he could muster, he stumbled up the last few steps, almost tripping several times and, finally, put the boxes down. To his annoyance, one smaller box slipped off the top of the stack, landing on its side and spilling a heap of once neatly folded clothes onto the floor. He gave it a small glare but at least he didn't have to carry it anymore.
Sighing in relief, Henry arched his back, stretching out his stiff and aching muscles. His eyes skated across the room he had found himself in as he did so, drinking it all in.
The apartment was smaller than his old house but it looked comfortable enough. Moreover, it didn't have any strange mold which was better than most of the apartments he had seen in his life. From between his legs, the dark blur of Zosi shot out, circling the apartment in bounding leaps and shoving his nose into every nook and cranny.
Leaving the small dog to adjust, Henry started unpacking, setting up his small chemistry set on a table, filling drawers with stationary and papers and putting away the mess of clothes on the floor.
The apartment consisted of a dining area, kitchen and living area all combined into the same room to save space. The walls were painted baby blue and there was a doorway leading off to the bedroom which Zosi bolted to, yipping. Acting as a constant reminder of how high up they were, there was a large window that stared out over the dizzying drop below. Trying not to think about falling, Henry propped the window open to let in fresh air.
He took a step back and, hands on hips, stared around, deep in thought. Just as he was musing, a girl peeped in behind him.
"Wow, I didn't really believe it when I saw you – you really did just carry all those boxes here at once."
Henry smiled awkwardly, "I kind of regret it."
"You didn't even take the elevator."
"The what?"
With a tut, she stepped in. The girl in question was Rachel, an old friend of his. When he had suggested moving somewhere new, she had been the first to say that someone had just moved out of a place in her apartment block and Henry had taken to the new spot immediately. They had met years ago in college after, in a rush to get to class, Henry had bumped into her, causing Rachel to spill her coffee all over the floor. He had offered to clean up for her while she went to class and, after her lesson, they had ended up meeting again in the same college cafe, Henry buying her a replacement drink and apologizing profusely for the mistake. They had gotten to talking and had been friends ever since.
"Does your place look like this?" He asked.
"A bit smaller but yes. I see you brought your chemistry set."
"I still have a job, you know."
Dr Jekyll was a chemist. It wasn't all the explosions and chemical super-weapons that media made it out to be but Jekyll would be lying if he said he wasn't still as enamoured with his work as he had been when he started. As though proof of his occupation, a cobweb of tubing and glass vials filled with bubbling liquid was set out on the desk, his bunsen burner, which he had no gas for as of yet, was still in its box.
"Yeah but you can do that from, you know, your workplace?"
"Just getting an edge up on the competition."
Another head peeped around the corner. A shock of red hair caught Jekyll's eye and a pair of almost manic green eyes.
"So, you're the new guy!" The arriver strode in, beaming, "I've heard you're another scientist. We have a lot of those here – Rachel's the outlier."
Rachel puffed her cheeks indignantly. "Just because I don't set off the fire alarm every five seconds..."
"I'm Sinnett." Sinnett held out a hand. Jekyll took it firmly.
"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Doctor Jekyll."
"A doctor, ey?" The newcomer's eyes sparkled.
Henry frowned. "I thought you were a scientist, aren't you a doctor?"
"He's a menace," Rachel responded with a glare.
"I'm more of a freelancer. I study fire."
Jekyll's eyebrows shot up. Nervously, he shot a glance at Rachel. Her arms were crossed as she continued to glare at Sinnett and Jekyll had a sinking feeling that it wasn't a joke.
"If Sinnett sets anything in your apartment on fire, just tell me." She said simply. Before Jekyll could respond, two more people popped in through the doorway. Two women, one taller, one shorter and younger looking.
"I see the pyromaniac got here first." The taller woman said with joking hostility, "If you set the fire alarm off again-"
"It's good to meet you," The shorter woman said, smiling at Jekyll, "Rachel's told us all so much about you."
"...Has she?" Jekyll gave Rachel a side-eye. Rachel tactically didn't meet his gaze.
"I'm Lavender, this here is Cantilupe."
"I'm Jekyll but I imagine Rachel's already told you that."
"If you have any pets, don't hesitate to ask us for help." Cantilupe shook Jekyll's hand, "I'm a vet, Lavender here is a vet in training. I'm helping teach her."
"Nice to meet you."
"Jekyll has a dog." Rachel piped up, "A Scotland terrier – his name is Zosi."
Cantilupe clapped her hands in delight, "Where is he?"
Zosi, hearing his name, scampered out of the bedroom, tongue stuck out. Cantilupe squealed in glee and bent down.
"He's so healthy!" She trilled as she scratched him behind the ears, Zosi making little happy noises as his tail wagged enthusiastically.
"Are any of you my neighbours or are you staying on different floors?"
"I believe that Jasper lives on the same floor as you." Lavender replied. "He's a little socially awkward but-"
"He has a lot of animals." Cantilupe winked. Zosi had rolled onto his back and she was busy scratching his belly. "He used to be a farmer and he brought a lot of them with him. It's lucky that there's no 'No pets' policy here"
"...Farm animals..? Like-"
"If you see a horse, you'll know whose it is."
Jekyll couldn't imagine what kind of apartment building would allow horses. He hadn't seen any horses outside. Did... Did Jasper keep the horse inside the apartment?
"There's also Archer and Bird. Residential plant experts although most of the plants they keep are highly poisonous so I wouldn't touch any of them if I was you. They live in the same room together."
"Noted."
"Then there's Ito. She's a chemist, like you. A little stern but she's not so bad once you get to know her."
"On the floor above is Sinnett and Luckett. They also live together and they're the problem children of the whole apartment." Cantilupe shot a look at Sinnett. "Both pyromaniacs, watch out for them. Luckett is a pyrotechnics expert with a tendancy to test his inventions..." She crinkled her nose, "Inside the apartment."
"Also noted."
"Griffin lives just below you. We're not entirely sure what he works on but he sure has a lot of mirrors and mice."
Sinnett spoke up, "He's a scientist too."
"Doesn't help. Scientist is a broad profession." Cantilupe pointed out.
"There's Maijabi. He's one of those professional psychic types." Lavender shrugged, "It's not very scientific but I suppose one must make ends meet somehow"
Sinnett snorted and rolled his eyes, "He's a phony."
"Of course, you already know that Rachel lives on the floor below you."
"Hi." Rachel waved.
"Who else, who else..?"
"Helsby."
"Oh, right, of course! You should be glad he lives below you! He's a scuba diver and he keeps a massive fish tank that leaks. Constantly. The lower floors always have dripping ceilings thanks to him."
"We live on the floor above you." Cantilupe mentioned. "Doddles is just across from us..."
Lavender snapped her fingers, "Of course! How could I forget? He owns a sweet shop in town and he occasionally gives out freebies." She gave Jekyll a wink, "Just so you know, you might want to befriend him first."
"I'll keep that in mind." Jekyll knew he wasn't going to remember all this. He wasn't bad at remembering names but this was too much. Lavender must have noticed the look on his face because she smirked mischievously.
"Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to get to know everyone. It's quite a social apartment. Game nights are on Sundays at 8pm in the common room."
"Doddle may look sweet but he's ruthless at games night." Rachel warned.
Jekyll nodded.
"Anyway, I can get Jekyll up to speed, he needs time to unpack." Rachel gave the trio a look.
"Of course, of course," Cantilupe flapped her hand dismissively, "We'll be taking our leave. Make sure he goes to games night, ok?"
"Will do. Now, out! All of you!" Rachel shooed them out the door. Jekyll caught a glimpse of a glittering flamethrower at Sinnett's belt just as he was pushed out. Finally, they were alone. Rachel put her hands on her hips and huffed. "Sorry, they get overexcited sometimes. I doubt they'll be the only ones showing up tonight."
"Good thing I'm not an introvert then." Jekyll chuckled.
"So, did you tell Lanyon you were moving?" Rachel busied herself with setting out Jekyll's stuff, "Sorry if it's a sore subject but-"
"Of course I did. We're still friends, you know?"
"Right. I just... Wondered is all. Is he coming to visit?"
"Eventually. He's a little busy right now: his father's getting on his case again."
"I see..." Rachel hummed as she placed down a few emergency candles, "You'll be needing these. Helsby's leaky apartment often causes power outages. Although, I would hide them if I were you. Can't let Sinnett get a hold of them." She looked him straight in the eye. "If he asks you for spare matches, the answer is no"
He stood up, dusting off her apron and looking around, "I outta let you get settled. Don't hesitate to visit if you need me. Apartment 401, remember?"
"Yes."
"I'll let you get to it then." She took one last look around before strutting out the door, leaving Jekyll to set up.
Rachel was right: Other residents did show up. Doddles, a round-faced, red-cheeked man, came around with a box of chocolates to welcome him to the apartment. He was followed shortly by Helsby who was only really there to nab chocolates from Jekyll but he kept up a cheery conversation as he stuffed himself full of chocolates. He tried to give Jekyll advice but it was mostly the same as Cantilupe and Lavender's advice with the added bonus warning of Tweedy, an electrician who tended to short-circuit the apartment while fiddling with the electrics. He offered to show Jekyll his fish collection at some point after he had finished unpacking. Jekyll politely accepted and Helsby, mouth chocolate smeared, left to go back to his own room.
A man by the name of Pennebrygg showed up at one point, looking for a lost automaton. The man in question was apparently a toy maker with a tendency for making clockwork creations. He greeted Jekyll warmly while he was there before vanishing off to find his missing creation.
By the end of the day, between greeting other residents and unpacking, Jekyll was exhausted. He sighed in relief as the last of his stuff was placed and sat back in the sofa. Zosi curled up on his lap, ears twitching as Jekyll stroked him.
There was still stuff that was to arrive the next day, mostly larger pieces of furniture, but, for the moment, Jekyll was done. He leaned back and allowed his eyes to flutter shut. He breathed out his nose slowly and considered all that had happened. It had seemed so impossible to move on just a month ago and, yet, here he was - new home, new life. It was exhausting already but he was sure he would adjust eventually. His breathing slowed and deepened. The anxieties in his stomach uncoiled like a rope as he drifted into a dozing state.
That was when Zosi started to growl.
Jekyll prised open an eye. The small dog was stood on his stomach, glowering at the door fearfully. Lazily, Henry rubbed his bleary eyes and followed his pet's gaze. There seemed to be nothing unusual about the door, the only thing of note being his own shadow, cast by the low light from the sunset which distorted it into a thin, long shape.
"What is it, boy?"
Zosi just flattened his ears and growled again. Never before had he seen Zosi get so aggressive – he didn't growl at anything. Even when he saw a cat, Zosi would simply scarper rather than get into a fight. This new behaviour put him on edge.
Cautiously, Henry stood up and made his way towards the door. In response, Zosi whimpered and scampered behind the sofa, trembling as he watched his owner.
Jekyll swallowed and reached out a trembling hand, taking a deep breath.
He opened the door.
There was nothing on the other side.
Feeling foolish for being afraid, Henry released his breath and swung the door shut, turning to look at Zosi. The dog was still staring at the door wide-eyed. There was a tad of lingering doubt and Henry took another look at the door but, again, he saw nothing but his own shadow.
It must be the lighting, he supposed. Zosi must not be used to the way that light can distort a shadow like that.
"It's just my shadow." He tried to reassure, bending down to meet the dog's height. For a moment, he wasn't sure if Zosi would calm down but, after a slight snuffle, he came out of hiding.
The pair sat back down and Jekyll drifted off to sleep.
The next day was Sunday. Jekyll spent a good portion of his day unpacking the larger crates and boxes that arrived throughout the day. He kept a wistful eye on the time as he worked, waiting for 8pm to come so he could finally meet the other residents. At lunch, Rachel showed him to "the best cafe in town". Jekyll ordered a coffee and soup. He didn't quite have the appetite to finish the soup despite Rachel's concerned look.
"I'm fine." He assured, "Just not hungry."
She tutted and he apologized. He especially apologized when Rachel insisted on paying for the soup that he hadn't really eaten. She told him to stop apologizing and he just stopped himself saying sorry again.
When the hoover showed up, Jekyll took it for a spin throughout the apartment. The place seemed even more homely once the dirt and dust was gone.
At long last, 8pm came round. He practically sprinted from his room to get to the common room. So far, the other residents had proven themselves a quirky bunch and he was excited to meet the rest of them.
He showed up early so there were only a few people there. He recognized Lavender, Cantilupe and Doddles immediately. There was also a taller man who was stitching up a piece of torn fabric and a smaller boy dressed in clothes that were a bit too big for him.
"Hey!" Jekyll greeted the new taller man. The man turned to him and there was a sparkle in his eyes.
"Ah, you must be the new explorer!" He spread his arms wide, theatrically, "Welcome to the apartment!"
"I'm Jekyll. And you are..?"
"I am a part time resident at this fine establishment but my true destiny, my true home is up above in the stars." He clenched his fist passionately.
"I, uh, meant your name."
"That's Bryson." Cantilupe called out, the sound of amusement clear in her voice. "He's an aeronautic explorer."
Jekyll blinked, surprised. "Bryson? Nicholas Bryson? I've heard of you before."
"He's somewhat famous, yes," Cantilupe chuckled, "But enough of that, come over and meet Jasper."
Jekyll approached her, glancing at the smaller boy sat next to her who squirmed as he approached, not meeting his gaze. A snake lay coiled up over his shoulders.
"Jekyll, this is Jasper. Jasper, this is Jekyll."
The boy, Jasper, smiled awkwardly at Jekyll, "Nice to meet you"
"Same. I heard you used to be a farmer."
"Heard?" Jasper's head jerked up.
"Oh, that's all I heard. Cantilupe and Lavender are terrible gossips but I didn't get much more than that."
"Oh, you cheeky-"
"You have a horse?"
"Oh... Yeah..."
The conversation trailed to silence. Jasper fingered his shirt, looking rather red faced.
"Come here for any particular reason?" Jekyll tried again, "It's just not the place I would expect to see a farmer."
Jasper smiled slightly, "Well I was kind of interested in science and I hoped that, in a more urban area, I might be able to find others with the same interest."
Jekyll smirked at that, "Well, judging from everyone I've met so far, scientists aren't in short supply around here. Do you have any particular interests? I, myself, take an interest in chemistry."
"Really?" Jasper looked him up and down, "I'm not that much of a chemist but I'm a fan of animals. You know, studying rare species'... That sort of thing."
"I'm sure Cantilupe and Lavender have been a great help in that regard!"
"Yeah... They have."
Jasper looked a lot less uncomfortable and Jekyll considered their conversation a success. It was at that moment that Rachel strolled in. Before he even knew what was happening, she had swept him up into a bone-crushing hug.
"You came! I was worried you would fall asleep in your apartment and miss the event!"
Jekyll gasped, trying to breathe. "...Yes... I came... Now... Can you... Let me... Breathe..."
"Oh, sorry!" She let go although the look on her face didn't say 'sorry'.
Pennebrygg had come in behind her followed by another man with a scar over one eye and hair stood on end like he had been recently struck by lightning.
"This is Pennebrygg and Tweedy." Rachel greeted. Another pair, a larger and smaller man entered next. "And this is Bird and Archer"
"Yo." Archer called out.
Next came an albino man who was kicking his feet and grumbling.
"This is Griffin. Usually you won't see him out of his room but I made him come. This is a special occasion after all."
One by one, residents entered with different levels of energy. Some greeted him with energy while others only spared him a weary hello. The names he was being given blended together until he couldn't tell who was who anymore.
Rachel prised Cluedo from a box and Jekyll found himself playing with her, Archer and Bird. Jekyll smugly won but he kept his pride under check.
Next was Cheat against Doddle, Bryson and Sinnett. As it turned out, the warnings about Doddle were true - he was ruthless. His poker face remained cheery throughout even as he thrashed the competition. Jekyll vowed never to play cards against him again.
He jumped from game to game, winning and losing in equal measure. The night wore on and he started to find that the exertion of the day was starting to wear on him. He rubbed his eyes blearily, looking again at the cards in his hands, blurry to his tired vision. He thought that was the ace of hearts but he wasn't quite sure.
"You should get some sleep."
Jekyll blinked and Jasper's worried expression swam into focus.
"Maybe later, I would hate to leave so soon."
"I have to agree." Archer frowned at Jekyll, "You look just about ready to keel over at any moment."
He opened his mouth to protest but, after a thought, shut it again. "Game night is every Sunday, right?"
"Yeah, you won't be missing anything, don't you worry. I know you've been unpacking all day so..."
"Mm." Jekyll looked over at the cards in his hands again and, with a yawn, placed them down. "I guess I'll see you all next Sunday?"
"Probably not Griffin." Archer said. "He's usually holed up in his room."
The man in question was glaring so hard at some cards that he looked as though he could burn holes through them at any second.
"I'm sure I'll have other chances to meet him." Jekyll reasoned to himself. He pushed back his chair and stood up, stretching out his weak legs. "Bye!"
He turned to leave. Just as he was about to leave, the doors opened an a new resident walked in. The man had a grizzly white beard and an eyepatch over one eye that made Jekyll think of a pirate. He was carrying a chess set.
"Sorry I'm late," He spoke up in a gruff voice, "Traffic was a nightmare."
He looked up and Jekyll's eyes met his single eye. They stared at each other for an uncomfortable amount of time before, furrowing his brow slightly, the man raised his eyepatch. His eye, Jekyll was surprised to note, looked fine. It wasn't glass or badly injured. All that seemed off with it was that it was more dilated than the other eye - a consequence of being kept in the dark for who knows how long.
"My, there is something quite peculiar about you."
Jekyll wasn't sure how to respond to that. "Thank you?"
"Oh, this is Maijabi – resident psychic." Rachel walked up to them. "Maijabi, this is Jekyll. He's the new resident that arrived yesterday."
Maijabi, who didn't really look like what Jekyll expected from a psychic, nodded in greeting. "I don't suppose you've had any strange occurrences lately? Things moving on their own, behaviour that you can't quite explain even to yourself, that sort of thing."
"...No..?"
"Ignore him," Cantilupe piped up from her game of snakes and ladders, "He's just trying to get you to pay him for a reading. Psychics are like that."
She hissed in annoyance as her piece landed on a snake.
"Mock all you want." Maijabi replied without a hint of upset, "These things are real and something tells me that Jekyll here will be needing help very soon."
Jekyll stood there for several seconds, trying to come up with a response. "...Nice meeting you. See you around."
He left awkwardly. Maijabi merely sniffed and lowered his eyepatch.
Jekyll couldn't shake an unsettled feeling as he made his way back to his apartment.