The Bear House

Act 4. Chapter 2: A reveal on matrimonial living

Act 4. Chapter 2: A reveal on matrimonial living

Noah Goldie replaced Daniel Powley completely, from his personal life to his job. It was fairly easy for him. It was not his plan; blending in the normal world has never been his style, but for the sake of Colin's request, he will give a huge effort to provide him the life he wants. Apparently, he needs to live Powley's life in a respectful way. That would require a public explanation of why he's living comfortably with a connection to the Goldie's. And so he fabricated the investigation, the court drama, and the eventual friendship to the family.

After asking for a one month leave with an excuse of 'taking care of the psychologically distraught' Jacques, he began studying about the occupation. He visited Powley's relatives to study his psychology and mannerisms. He deleted the man's social media, thinking everything he posted in it as an unruly teenager is detrimental to the identity he will build for the man. Daniel should be thankful, he's making his name more note-worthy. He took one of the Goldie's land properties in London and developed a small and humble two-story house with a garden, sitting room, living room, three bedrooms, and an elaborate classic-style kitchen he loves.

It was close to not happening when the officer was fast to pull the trigger. Luckily for Noah, he was not fast enough.

He sent Colin to one of his manors in Wales to be assisted and guarded by some of his coven members. One day, sooner than he expected, Colin knocked on his door with a resolve that he will live Jacques' life, and that he will not release anything to the public that could damage his reputation. No need to hide him away.

Six months after the Bear House incident, they have been peacefully living in London as lovers. Despite the public appearance, they sleep in separate rooms and live their days like usual. Colin would be the master, and Noah would be the butler. Colin continued his journal-taking to keep himself sane, most probably. Just looking at the ceiling does not work as effectively as before.

One morning, after crying in front of the mirror again, (A thing Noah will have to get used to) he asked a question, "What do you plan on Jacques' physique?"

"What do you mean?" Colin asked with red-rimmed eyes.

"His gender. Are you going to live as a girl? I suppose that's uncomfortable. You can confide your plans to me and I will help." Before asking the question, he did consider the sensitivity of the topic, going out of his way to study some terminologies. He's a man of old times and its prejudice. Though he is aware of the secret upper-class societies of Victorian London, he's afraid there are still new perspectives his old-time has not developed. To be fair, he kept himself from the world after the turn of the 1900s.

"Nice of you to be sensitive." Colin sarcastically stated. "As for my plan, I will of course continue what Jacques wanted his body to be." Colin faced Noah, seeing Powley's eyes. "I will protect his dignity no matter what."

"If that is your plan, I have a spell that could turn you into the opposite sex. I can also..."

"No.," Colin said with finality.

"No?"

"I will take the normal transition, thank you very much. It's what he would have wanted."

Noah dropped the topic and let Colin undergo gender transition treatment. He still made sure of its safety and accelerated its effects through normal tea times. He even let him take care of the homeless teenagers and adults back in West Sussex using the facility he contracted to develop in the estate. Overall, Colin has been busy replacing Jacques' supposed work, and with enough resources from the Goldie Coven, he amended it to a wider program. The term Philanthropist followed him eventually. He decided to take Law and joined human rights activist circles.

Noah knows this sudden business is not from altruistic kindness. If it was just Colin, he would not even bother about humanity. However, he has given himself a responsibility, not towards the unfortunate, but for his guilt and immense respect for the original owner of the body he is currently residing in.

He has another reason in mind: Being excluded from society is the life Noah wanted, so Colin is doing the exact opposite of that.

Sadly for the boy, he prepared himself for this sudden distasteful popularity. At least he gets to keep his classic taste. His co-workers can ask why he seems different, but nobody actually did that. People's tastes change during their 20s. It is nothing weird.

"Would you consider eventually getting married to me?" Noah asks one day while having their candlelight dinner. Their dinners are always on candlelight, as Noah is somehow opposed to the overstimulation provided by electricity at night when they are supposed to be relaxed.

The boy stared at the butler in slight disdain, but he answered in his improved Queen's English accent, "Do I even have the right to say no?"

"Naturally, no. I hate the concept of people thinking they could flirt with you... even when we're publicly engaged. It's disrespectful. It's like they are testing my ability to keep you."

Jealousy? Colin thought. He realized why Noah hated mingling with humans so much. Their irrationality and lack of etiquette can be challenging to even the most refined men and women. However, it wasn't jealousy, it's territorialism. The differences are flimsy but they are dissimilar, nonetheless. Jealousy is the fear of losing a prized possession, territorialism is the anger felt when a source of comfort and pride is threatened. It's ironic that the latter is considered a necessary instinct. Everybody has the right to have comfort, and Noah is never letting a stupid human think they could take it away.

"I would not even bat them an eye."

"It's not about that." Noah gently said, though with heaviness.

"Excuse me? Do you love me?" And that was a stupid question. Of course, it's a 'no.'

"No." Noah deadpanned. Colin looked relieved. "Romance is only rooted in the need for humans to have a companion. I do like the companionship we have, dear Colin, it is the reason why I adjusted my life for you... but there is nothing romantic about it."

"You wanted a dog," Colin interjected. A few moments after, he began laughing. "You killed a lot of people just so you could have a dog."

The hopes of sensing Noah's defense has made Colin afraid of his reply. Noah chuckled. He chuckled softly then it grew and it became a full-blown laugh, "A dog is gratifying on your part, my dear. Dogs are blindly loyal and though they are, maintaining them is still too hard. They are unpredictable and messy."

Colin stopped smiling. He let go of his utensils and froze in fear, sadness, and helplessness.

Noah contained his delight down by lifting a wine to his lips. He then looked at Colin's deliciously heart-breaking expression and grinned. "You are a doll. A beautifully reactive doll I myself crafted. Having you around will always entertain me."

*

Author's Notes: I consider this chapter the end of the story. However, there will be a following chapter that will serve as a clue to the other mysteries, like the real story of the Adgers. I will also add extra parts for Colin and Noah's 'matrimonial living'

Author's Notes: Please Vote and Comment. Do express youropinions on each chapter. Your insights will motivate me to write. Thank you