Closed Pull Me Back in and Call My Bluff pv

Outfit

Forward Dated: 07/01/23

Percival breathed in heavily as he stared out the window of the train. Ever since the school year had started he had been dreading going back to his Uncle's estate. What had taken place only a summer ago still brought a nauseating feeling to his stomach. If anything it showed what lengths his Uncle would willingly go to control him. Percival gritted his teeth together at the mere thought of it. The worst possible thing to happen that summer had happened, and in the end, he still ended up in the one place he wanted to avoid. Being stuck in that drasted library. With that stupid nosy butler breathing down his neck. The boy growled angrily, pulling some weird looks from the other students who have had the misfortune of sitting with him. It wasn't his fault he clearly had looked irritated. It's not his fault that they couldn't take a fucking hint.

The boy sat angled towards the window for the entirety of the ride. As if to distance himself from the laughing and giggling to his left. Refusing to indulge in conversation, and probably looking very antisocial. Though, at this point, he could hardly find a fuck to give. Percival's eyes felt heavy, and his head felt heavier and heavier. He hadn't slept well these past few days. His mind was filled with anxiety, stomach-turning, and nauseating. The boy held his head up with his wrist leaning heavily against the window. He hardly noticed that the noises around him grew dimmer and dimmer as he fell asleep.

[Time Skip]

As the train slowly pulled into the station, the boy jerked awake in surprise. He wasn't too sure how long he had been asleep. Though, it appeared that it had been a good while as the other students in his car had abandoned him in favor of being first. Percival rubbed at his eyes before taking a precautionary glance out the window. The boy could have puked at the nauseating scene of children running up to their parents. Being hugged and kissed. Being loved. It was disgusting really. Percival stood up grabbing his bag from the rack above where he had sat. The boy blinked looking up towards the ceiling in surprise to see Pom had taken it upon himself to tuck himself as far away from the other passengers.

It seems that the other students may have been scared off, but it hardly mattered to him. More concerned for his pet spider. Percival reached up with his right hand offering it to the dark-haired spider. The boy watched the spider scurry down the wall with a somewhat amused look. Feeling the soft tickling feeling upon his fingers as Prometheus transferred itself into his palm. Once, he was fully situated in his hand he brought the spider up to his left shoulder. Allowing the spider enough time to move upon his shoulder before moving to grab his bags. The boy made his way down the hall in a slow manner. Very much unlike the other students who were quickly hurrying ahead of him. He had nothing to hurry for. The butler could wait, I mean that was his purpose. Wasn't it? The boy snorted a grim look stuck upon his pompous face.

Percival stepped off the train step onto the platform. The air felt heavy with smog, and he could not help but wish to be home in the countryside once more. As much as he hated it there, at the very least he didn't have to smell the disgusting nature of London. The boy walked forward, dodging the stopped groups of people around him. Eyes narrowed and searching he moved forward. Pushing forward through the crowds before finally breaking away from the thick of it. Though, the boy would find himself stuck in place his eyes widening. It felt as if the world was growing smaller, everything around him fuzzed out except for the dark brown-haired man in front of him

"Percival.. It's good to see you again." The man said his familiar blandness almost hurt as much as seeing him. Blank black eyes bore into him so familiar to his, and it hurt how much he missed seeing his Uncle like this. As much as he had grown to despise his Uncle, a part of him could not help but want to latch onto the familiarity. Everything that had happened this year had worn him down. So much change, and by god how much he hated that. His Uncle was wearing his old black trench coat, something that he hadn't seen in a while. Though, to be fair his Uncle hadn't exactly been out of the estate since the death of his Grandfather. Percival frowned deeply looking quickly away from the older man. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be doing...something else?" he asked in a dismissive manner. The boy had to resist the urge to wave his hand dismissively. Knowing that it would probably lead to more problems then he really needed right now.

The older man's face crinkled in a frown as a sigh spilled from his lips. "Well I had a lot of time to catch up on work while you were at school. So I decided it would be best if I pick you up. Based on how you acted last summer I'm guessing you'll need a lot of...one on one instruction." he hummed in thought as he gave Percival a disappointed look. "I should have given you more attention the first time around. A boy your age needs direction." he added on as he offered his hand out for Percival to grab.

Percival frowned as the memories of the last summer and how horribly it had gone flooded back to the forefront of his mind. The boy could not help but dread what his Uncle saw as one on one instruction. In all honesty it sounded dreadful, and he could not help but wish he could board the train once more. Percival glanced up as his Uncle continued to talk. His eyes meeting the outstretched hand. It seemed almost laughable. His Uncle was reaching out to him. How quaint... "Direction?" he scoffed in annoyance looking up towards his Uncles unreadable eyes.

"You know, we don't have to be enemies. I must mold you to be a better version of yourself, yes, but I'm only doing it for your benefit and future. You don't have to live in the shadows with me. I know you feel ignored, a black sheep amongst your siblings. We can be stronger together." his Uncle offered his tone growing excited.

Percival's eyes widened slightly at his Uncle's words. The want to deny everything was strong and he found his eyes narrowing as he took a defensive stance. "I don't feel that way." he responded quickly with little thought.

Despite his outburst, his Uncle looked nothing short of amused. Like a cat playing with its prey. It was unnerving to say the least. He wasn't used to feeling this weird nervousness that pulled in his chest. "Have you never given any thoughts as to why your parents sent you away? Come on Percival I thought you were smarter then that...Put two and two together." he hummed in answer.

Percival's hands clenched into fists, how badly he wanted to punch something, and yet he couldn't do anything to release his anger. The feeling of inadequacy burning a bright hole through his being. The boy looked away quickly before glaring back up at his Uncle. "Everybody goes there when their young. It's tradition." he retorted.

His Uncle smirked slightly before his face fell back into a neutral expression. Bending down upon his knee his Uncle looked up towards him. An unreadable expression on his face, and a confused and hurt ridden expression on his. Percival blinked slowly feeling himself holding his breath as his Uncle let a pause draw out.

"Percival they send those that are considered undesirable there. I know because I was sent to live there too. Seeing how I've lived there for almost my whole life I can tell you neither of your brothers ever lived there." he spoke in a serious manner. His voice almost hushed as if he were trying to tell a secret.

Percival could barely breathe as he stood stock still in shock. His eyes were wide and searching as if trying to see if his Uncle was lying. "You.." he barely managed out. His Uncle stood up before he could finish with a face filled of stone. "It's time for us to take
our leave." he spoke before grabbing Percival's shoulder and portkeying the two away.

Mentions: @Hanako Tone