Utterson's POV

I was pacing from one side of my living room to the other. I was still awaiting a response, if any, from Henry. I knew what he thought, I knew what he would tell me. And yet I yearned for the words he'd never say, never to me. Never for me.

A knock on my front door echoes through the household. I freeze in my tracks, curiosity pulling me toward the door. I open it to reveal Henry's butler.

"Poole? What are you doing here?" I asked, hearing the high nature of my voice.

"It's about Dr. Jekyll, Sir. May I come in?" He answered. I nodded with confusion, opening the door wider and stepping out of the way for him to enter.

"I-What happened to Jekyll?" I asked as he looked around my house in awe. His gaze landed on me, his expression changing to one of great seriousness.

"I fear that something has happened to the doctor," He said, softer than before. "You know as well as me that my master would never hide away like this for no reason," He explained. I nodded, for these were all thoughts that I had gone through before. "I had an encounter with Mr. Hyde earlier today. Though the doctor gave us all the week off, I still worried for him, so I went to go check on him. But all I could find was Hyde. He said he was asleep, which is very unusual for Jekyll, of course."

"So you think Hyde has something to do with Henry's seclusion?" I asked, receiving a nod from Poole.

"Everything is far too strange to be a coincidence. Jekyll is a happy, social man one week, then he starts talking to Hyde and becomes a whole new person. Hyde has to be controlling what he's doing. His social life mainly it seems-" He stopped abruptly. "I shouldn't be gossiping like a schoolgirl about my master, how foolish of me."

"No, you're excused, Poole. I thought the same thing. I'm so worried about Henry, I would never forgive myself if anything happened to him," I told him as he nodded.

"I am far too inexperienced to give advice on this, sir, but I know Dr. Jekyll has a special part in his heart for you. You're special," He said softly, drifting towards the door. "I must be going, I have a family at home. I do wish you the best." I lightly waved at him as he opened the door.

"Same to you Poole," I reply.

"Sir, wait!" I heard him call once more. I look up at him as he re-enters the room, now with an envelope in his hand. "The postman was at the door, so I answered. I apologize, force of habit, I suppose," He awkwardly laughs, placing it on the table before leaving again.

Once I heard the door slam shut, I shot to the table. My shaking hands pick up the letter like a small baby bird. I didn't want to freak myself out, I wasn't going to overthink it. I just had to open the letter to see if Jekyll and I could still be friends if he wanted me dead. Simple really.

I ripped the paper, sliding the letter out. I inhaled, before unfolding it and letting my eyes scan across the page. My heart dropped from the first line.

Regarding Gabriel John Utterson,

How in your right mind do you think I will ever come back from this? Did you really think I would excuse this? If so you are a faggot and a fool. You are a monster in cowards clothing, you sinful man. What a cruel trick of nature to put you here.

And to think I would stoop so low as to romantically look at you. I am insulted by the insinuation I would do such a thing. You are threatening my integrity as a man, Utterson. I wish I could say the same for you, but you have none.

Keep you and your sinful thoughts away from me. This is why I have distanced myself from you because all you do is let people down. If you ever so much as look at me again, expect hell to pay, Utterson. If I was half the man I am, I would go tell this to the local police, I'm sure they would be thrilled by the news.

You disgrace your name. You sinner, you monster. You are a threat to society. I hope God punishes you in the fiery pits of hell, as you deserve. To whomever it may concern, the years of friendship were pitiful at most.

And you thought you deserved love. Especially from me...

A real man, Henry Jekyll

Hot tears split down my face, my hands shaking with grief. My breath was stuck in my lungs. Sobs escaped from my lips as the piece of heartbreaking paper flew to the floor. I sprinted upstairs, craving the darkness and hopelessness of my bed. I was safe there, I couldn't disappoint Jekyll anymore there. I just got rid of my closest friend in the worst way possible.

Self-loathing is a thing that Henry Jekyll made sure I did not have. That was before. Now he was just encouraging it, dangling it in front of my face. More tears flooded my face, staining my pillows as heart-wrenching sobs echoed through my house. I already missed his diamond eyes, his vanilla scent, and his warm embrace. I yearned for his arms around me, whispering soft reassurance in my ear like he had done so many times before. But now, I had to suffer in this eternal empty bed.