Enoch sat leaned back in his armchair in the corner of his room, holding one of his formaldehyde mason jars gazing intently at its contents; A heart. He was reflecting on the conversation shared between him and his headmistress after she told him to relax and get some rest. Not possible. 'Maybe the bird is right.' Enoch thought as he tipped the jar gently, examining it fully. 'Maybe its not defective to feel this way…', with that he let his mind think of Jacob. Sighing. Enoch knew he couldn't avoid Jacob, try as he might he was to compelled by the boy but there was a small part of him that hoped Jacob just got caught up in the moment like Enoch. 'Who am I kidding of course he did, he's out with little Miss Hot-shot' seething at the very thought; was he jealous.
A loud thud startled Enoch from his thoughts, lifting his head to look at the door. "What in birds name was that?" Enoch mumbled as he pushed himself from his chair, placing the jar back onto the shelf. Thud, Thud. Ugh, Enoch thought rolling his eyes 'No, rest for the wicked.' as he raised his voice to answer "Hold on would you? You impatient little sh-" accent getting slightly thicker due to his annoyance. As Enoch cracked opened the door slightly, he had every intent to appear intimidating, but what he was met with surprised him; It was Jacob. He had managed to find his room, whilst carrying two cups of tea with a small plate of cakes in his mouth, those large baby blues looking straight at him, as if asking him to come in. 'This boy is persistent.' Enoch thought to himself, his dark eyes taking in the sight, "Ever heard of a tray Portman?" raising a single eyebrow, trying to appear stand-offish, it didn't work as Jacob only shuffled sideways through the door, earning a bewildered look from Enoch caused by Jacobs bold move, both bodies brushed closely for a brief second sending a rush of electricity through Enoch's body, 'Brids sake, Jake. Personal space?!'
"I didn't say you could come in my room Portman!" Enoch was livid as he shut the door, no-one dared enter his room or his basement, not without fear of being dissected anyway, then there was Mr. Don't mind me just going to shuffle on in Jacob.
Enoch watched exasperated as Jacob stopped in the middle of the Enoch's room and looked around. It was a decent sized room, light grey walls and oak floor boards. It was decorated in a minimalistic style, a large shelf occupying the wall next to the door, filled with jars, books and miscellaneous figurine parts. The large window framed with dark heavy curtains appeared to be the only light source and a lone large brown armchair sat in the corner. Unphased at Enoch's outburst Jacob simply turned and handed him one of the cups of tea as he removed the plate with his free hand placing it down on the bedside table. This got Enoch's attention as he watched Jacob lick his lips 'Damn Portman.'
"You didn't get a chance to have a piece." Jacob said sincerely as his took a sip of his tea, making himself comfortable on Enoch's bed.
"Of you? I think I've had my share." Enoch mocked, accent strong he was annoyed and in awe that Jacob was in his room and more importantly on his bed. Dropping his gaze towards his tea, he found the warmth comforting as it reminded him of Jacobs touch.
"I meant after the tantrum you pulled earlier, smart-ass." Jacob retorted smugly picking up a slice of victoria sponge smiling with those large baby blues. "Nice socks by the way."
A ghostly smiled graced Enoch's features lightening those dark brown eyes slightly as his gave in and made his way over to Jacob on the bed taking the cake slice from Jacobs hand earning a "Aw hey, come on." from Jacob who was about to take a bite.
"Listen to me and listen well Portman. My room, my rules and now…my cake." Enoch said dryly as he took a bite of the cake. 'Mmm. Oh bird that's good.'
This earned a eye roll from Jacob. His facial expression soft, his smile quickly fading into what Enoch thought looked like guilt "Enoch, about this morn-"
"Did you enjoy your walk with Emma? Must have been informative, I'm sure" Enoch interrupted, voice monotone, trying his best to avoid Jacobs gaze. Placing the cake on the plate as he sipped his tea. 'You are not starting that Portman. My room, my rules after all. Bastard.'
"Uh yeah I guess, beach was cold but Emma quickly fixed that" a light chuckle escaped from Jacob, it sounded amazing to Enoch "I got to find out more about my grandfather. Emma's a really lovely girl too, I can see why my grandfather was in love with her." a small lopsided smile graced Jacobs features as he reached for a chocolate eclair.
Enoch couldn't believe it, was he jealous of the idea of losing Jacob to Emma? Enoch felt his heart clench, he was well and truly jealous of Emma. He was old enough to know it wasn't her fault, she was as fiery and warm hearted as her peculiarity, inviting unlike him. He placed his cup on the side table quietly sighing to himself 'How in birds creation are you even going compete O'Connor, with you're defective feelings? Good luck.' With that Enoch did what Enoch did best, distance himself by any means necessary before he knew it he was up on his feet turning quickly on his heel only to be left inches from Jacob's face.
"If you're thinking of staying here for Emma, you'd best get that ridiculous idea out of your head Portman and give up!" accent thick and envious "She gave up on the idea of love years ago when Abe left." Enoch scowled at Jacob, who in return was just sitting there, eclair hanging from his mouth dumbstruck at Enoch's sudden change. Noting Jacob, yet again had done the unexpected and was still in his room just staring instead of running away, Enoch stalked over to his shelf and grabbed a block of clay as he thought to himself 'Great O'Connor just perfect, give him a challenge that nobody could refuse' truth be told he was more annoyed at himself for biting so quickly, trying to calm himself he couldn't help but mould the clay into the beginnings of a all to familiar figure. Secretly thankful that Jacob held a quiet stubbornness to go against his outburst.
"Hey Enoch?" Jacob sounded a little unsure as he spoke, Enoch had to close his eyes at the sheer mention of Jacob saying his name, with a voice that could melt his cold and guarded heart.
"What Jacob, what could you possible want?" Enoch said quietly as he walked to his chair, moulding the clay in his hands.
"Do you, I mean would you want to hear a story, that is?" Jacob asked slightly apprehensive as he crawled to the edge of the bed to sit crossed leg facing Enoch leaning forward ever so slightly not to all off.
Lifting his gaze from the clay creation Enoch met Jacobs baby blues. 'From you? I'd hear them all and twice again if it meant hearing your voice.' There was that feeling again as the thought crossed his mind; The fluttering in his stomach, the lump in his throat, it didn't help matters that Jacob's eyes always captured Enoch's attention so easily. Those eyes seemed to be reaching for something deep in Enoch soul and try as he might Enoch hoped Jacob would find whatever he was looking for.
"I think I'm a little old for stories Jacob, however if it will wipe that pathetic look of your face, sure I'll play along lets hear it." Enoch answered almost teasingly; He had no idea where this was going to go, he did have every intention of apologising to Jacob about the taboo interaction and how his emotions consumed and got the better of him but when Jacob started to mention it, the feeling of cold feet and jealously clearly got the better of him causing him to yell at the boy. 'Note to self O'Connor best be apologising for that too…' rolling his eyes at the very thought.
Jacob's eyes lit up a little as a small smile graced his features. Taking a deep breath he started. "When I was younger I looked up to my grandfather, he was my hero. He would tell me these amazing stories of his past, but my favourite ones where of the home he lived at as a young boy." With this Enoch's interest was slightly peeked 'Abe actually talked about this place?' Jacob continued "He would tell me how special this place was and how everyone here was peculiar in their own right." Jacobs face seemed sincere as if he was recalling old memories "He always started by saying that the school was owned by an amazing women who had the ability to transform into a bird and who loved her children very dearly." Taking a sip of tea "He mentioned a girl who was as fiery as the fire she could control and that he had managed to fall head over heels in love with her. Two siblings; a brother and sister who weren't the smartest but where they lacked in smarts they made up with heart and strength. A young boy who was always impeccably dressed, a tad timid but had the ability to dream of the future." Enoch noticed between sly glances how animated Jacob was being. "A kind boy who had the power to control bees that lived within him, who was also never seen without his goggles. I was also told of a quiet girl who had the ability to manipulate and grow plants. My grandfather also mention two sweet young girls, one who had a backmouth hidden under her hair and the other who was lighter than air always having to wear lead shoes so she wouldn't float away" Jacob chuckled slightly at the thought of everyone he had met running after Olive to catch her, Enoch couldn't help but nod along to Jacob's recollection of Abe stories. "There was also a invisible boy who had a bad habit of walking around naked to 'gather knowledge', my grandfather said he was an observer of all things living and peculiar."
"Well, Abe seemed to sum up everyone for you." Enoch said slightly impressed as he leant forward to pick up a small tin from underneath his chair 'Of course he would leave me out…but I guess my morbid peculiarity isn't the most attractive for stories' pulling out a tiny heart from the tin he positioned it into his clay figure and with that he pressed it's chest and the homunculi quickly came to life, instantly climbing from Enoch's hand making its way towards Jacob and tried to reach for him at the bottom of the bed, seeing this Jacob smiled picking it up as he held the clay figure in his palm, it waved at him.
"He said that this place held some of the best years and people of his life, helping make him who he was. He told me all kinds of tales, going as far to say I was to even come here someday on my many adventures towards greatness." Jacob smiled slightly as he recalled some of his grandfathers wishes.
Hearing Jacob talk so fondly of Abe made Enoch's heart ache slightly, "Do you miss him?" he asked finally meeting his gaze with Jacobs.
"Everyday." Jacob was quiet as he responded, lips forming into a slight frown gaze dropping to the wooden floor.
Enoch frowned, he didn't know what to do or to say for that matter, people and emotions are not his strong point but all he kept thinking was 'How can I make you smile Portman?' That's when the clay figure in Jacob's hand started walking down Jacobs arm to climb onto his shoulder. Jacob watched curiously at the little figure movements, all the while his features still remained sorrowful once the clay figure was close enough Jacob turned his head to meet Enoch's homunculi. The little figure reached for Jacobs lips with its little stubs to push the corners of his lips to smile. Enoch watched in horror from his chair, unable to stop his homunculi, he was mortified as his emotions where projected through his figure causing him to groan as he dropped his head into his hand to hide his embarrassment 'Oh for birds sake O'Connor, you've done it again! '.
"Which brings me to my personal favourite." Peeking through parted fingers Enoch saw that Jacobs sad expression had changed to a amused expression as he held Enoch's homunculi in front of his face as it held its arms up in a victorious pose as Jacob was now smiling. "I would beg my Grandfather to retell it to me, when ever he would let me pick my bedtime story." Jacob leaned forward from the bed gently lowering the clay figure to ground as it scurried back to its master. "Of all the years my grandfather spent in this home and traveling he'd only ever seen one peculiarity like it, the most peculiar of peculiarities he would say given the circumstances." Jacobs voice was mesmerising, a subtle air of confidence has surrounded him.
Whilst listening to Jacob, Enoch picked up his creation giving it a stern look, only to fade quickly when recalling on Miss Peregrine words that his emotions should not be neglected. Sighing Enoch knew what he had to do, foreign as it may be. Pressing the clay figures chest lightly, it quickly stiffened and become motionless as it was placed on the armchair. Enoch pushed himself of the chair and walked towards his bed, Enoch noticed Jacob had now stopped talking and had decided to follow Enoch's with a bet you feel bad for throwing a tantrum yet again you grumpy guts smile, rolling his eyes at his expression Enoch sat down resting his weight on the top end of the bed frame leaning back on his pillows crossing his legs. "I left my tea over here." Enoch stated as he reached for his cup, 'Smug bastard' crossed his mind as he took a sip thankful it was still warm as Jacob turned to face him still smiling smugly as he shuffled a little bit closer. "Are you going to continue?" accent slightly thick from annoyance.
"Yeah, sorry" Jacob scratched the back of his head with a nervous smile "This peculiarity was dark, disturbing and in the natural world order, forbidden. The name of this person was Enoch O'Connor a necromancer with the ability to resurrect the dead and bring life to inanimate objects preferably clay figurines for a brief time." Jacob spoke as he turned his gaze towards the shelf full of formaldehyde mason jars. "My grandfather said you were as cold and unwelcoming as death itself." Enoch was stunned his hollowed eyes sought out Jacob's, letting the words sink in. 'Its me, of all the children and his adventures, Jacobs favourite was about me?' Jacob smiled warmly as he continued talking, taking in Enoch's doe eyed expression "I always said he was wrong and if you were gifted with the power to bring back life you would have to be a kind soul, this always earned a chuckle from my grandfather telling me I would find out for myself one day. My grandfather told me these stories until my parents told me he was making them up and truthfully I was heartbroken especially when he had shown me photos and swore it was all real. The saddest part of it all was the necromancer I admired and defended was just a story." Jacob turned himself so he was sitting on the edge of the bed. "He died in my arms. After that I felt as if I was going mad, my psychiatrist told me it would be a good idea to come here and see for myself if it was true or not, for the purpose of closure after I found a letter in a old book."
Enoch moved and swung his legs over the side of the bed to sit next to Jacob closing the distance. Enoch wasn't great at living emotions but he knew how death worked in fact he relished in it, anyone else he would have asked for all of the details or give them another method of death quiet happily but something was different with Jacob, maybe it was the fact he thought so much of him when no-one else did, he placed his hand on Jacobs shoulder and squeezed lightly "I'm sorry you had to see it Jake, death is never easy." Enoch's voice was sombre, realising he had used a line that his mother use to tell their clients.
"When I got here and found the house in ruins. I was hit with the sudden realisation that everyone was right it was all lies to help my grandfather cope with the war, that's when I saw Emma thinking I'd truly gone bat shit crazy I just followed her!" Jacob laughed lightly, Enoch smiled slightly at his reaction and added teasingly "Knowing you Portman you ran after her." Jacob pretended to look hurt as he responded playfully "Hey, who's telling this story O'Connor?." At this Enoch rolled his eyes and motioned for Jacob to continue. "Anyway as I was saying after a chaotic chance meeting, Emma and Millard lead me to the house, it was as if my childhood dreams had come to life and for a second I honestly thought I had fallen of a cliff, died and went to heaven. Miss Peregrine and her children where real! My grandfather was right." Jacobs focus was on Enoch as he spoke, blue eyes shining with excitement. "Although there was one thing missing, that's when I felt something pulling my trousers trying to get my attention. When I saw it was a clay figure I couldn't believe it, I just had to follow him in hopes I'd find you." Jacob leaned closer voice low as he finished the sentence.
Enoch was hanging onto every word that Jacob was saying at this point, noticing how Jacob was leaning towards him Enoch's heart raced, ponding against his chest 'How are you doing this to me Jake, am I that powerless around you?' "Well you found me, what do you think?" Enoch was anxious, he kept his voice as calm as possible locking his dark brown eyes to Jacob's baby blues. He didn't realise how badly he wanted to know what Jacob thought of him before he could even begin to explain and apologise for his actions.
Inches apart Jacob smiled as he leant forward choosing to whisper in Enoch's ear "If I were to stay Enoch, it wouldn't be for Emma. It would be for the necromancer that captured my heart and helped strengthen my resolve for all things peculiar." Enoch pulled back to look at Jacob, he was dumbfounded. Jacob continued enjoying the baffled expression on Enoch's face. "Emma's a lovely girl, yes but between me and you she's not exactly my type, more like a way of being connected to my grandfather again."
Enoch's eyes widened as it hit him, 'Bird almighty I don't believe it, is Jacob attracted to men!' the thought alone made him smile slightly at his luck but just to make sure before he apologised, he needed to be sure "Are you implying what I think you are Jake? You do you know how dangerous it is to be so open about that?" he questioned just because Miss. Peregrine was so accepting it didn't mean others would be.
Jacob stared blankly at Enoch until his blue eyes went wide, Jacob smacked his forehead with his palm "Shit, I completely forgot how against homosexuality people were in 1943 in 2016 its completely normal, no wonder you where so angry at me. Shit, I'm so sorry Enoch I wasn't even thinking!" Jacob said as he got up and paced the floor "Perfect, first time acting on your emotions and it's against the law to do so" mumbling worryingly as he ran his hand through his dark hair.
Enoch realised this was the best chance he had to apologise for his actions in the basement, taking a deep breath Enoch reached for Jacob's wrist stopping him in his tracks. "Jake…" pulling Jacob back to the bed to sit down. "I mean, what I'm trying to say it was my fault, not yours. I never felt anything towards anyone before and seeing you, I let my emotions take control of me, you stirred something in me I thought I buried long ago. I should never have shown you that side of my peculiarity." Enoch sighed as he rubbed his eyes with his fingers, as he thought to himself 'How do people do this so easily? Oh wait, that's right O'Connor they have people skills, you don't.' Enoch continued unsure of how to approach the situation "Jake what I'm trying to say is I'm sorry about everything; the blood possession, the outbursts, that kiss. When it comes to you, it seems I'm a slave to my unmastered emotions, I'm powerless." Enoch dropped his gaze to the floor, not a moment after he regretted telling Jacob, Enoch felt warm fingers below his chin, raising it until his and Jacob's eyes met.
Jacob's voice was low as he spoke "Do you trust me?" running his thumb over Enoch's bottom lip.
"Completely" Enoch said his voice low almost a whisper, doing his best to suppress a moan caused by the intimate touch, realising Jacob was pulling him closer for lips to meet.
Knock Knock Knock The sound quickly startled both boys disrupting the intimate moment causing them to jump and distance themselves on the bed. Enoch was livid 'Of all the moments.' he thought as he snapped, accent thick "Millard I swear if that's you, I will personally make you my next specimen. I've always wanted to see if you're heart was invisible!"
Jacob looked a tad irritated at the interruption but remained calm as he spoke "Come on in"
To their surprise it was Claire who walked in, holding her favourite doll in her hand "No. Sorry, it's me. Miss. Peregrine told me to tell you both movie time is about to start." She smiled standing in the doorway, as she held up both her arms "Can you carry me please, Enoch?" Enoch sighed as he rolled his eyes pushing himself of the bed walking towards Claire to pick her up. "You need more sleep Enoch." Claire giggled as she hugged her doll pointing to Enoch's dark rings. "If you don't tell Bronwyn about what I said, I'll try how's that?." Enoch said as he smiled softly to the little girl nodding in his arms. Jacob followed them down the stairs as he smiled taking in the sight thinking to himself 'Unwelcoming, defiantly but cold? No, just guarded.'