STORY

Prior to the demonstration accident, Percy was a volunteer assistant and apprentice at Doctor Otto Octavius' lab. Specializing in chemistry, he was primarily assigned to testing the reactions of different materials used in the fusion energy project. It had been difficult for him to find employment; his spontaneous, involuntary shrinking made him unfit for many jobs, and a freak incident in college (during which he attempted to rob a pharmacy with an unloaded gun to obtain anxiety medication) has given him a minor criminal record. His admiration for Octavius only grew upon being given a job in spite of his issues. He eventually harbored strong romantic feelings for the doctor, though he'd never dare express them for a multitude of reasons. Instead, to show his love and devotion, he worked hard in aiding him and treated him with utmost respect.

After the accident, Percy is abducted from his apartment by Octavius, who forces him to aid him in rebuilding the doomed project. Percy, though deeply opposed to Octavius' plan, still obeys him with little to no hesitation and aids him in his crimes. He is deeply conflicted between his own morals and his intense love. As per orders, Percy now uses his shrinking ability for stealth and infiltration, under the criminal alias of "Particle Man". Hopelessly smitten, he does everything in his power to stay on the now-villainous Octavius' good side, regardless of his own safety or beliefs.

Percy dreams of a quiet, cozy, domestic life with Otto; he fantasizes about waking up next to the doctor, making him a warm breakfast, and kissing him on the cheek every morning. In his heart, there's a perfect world in which they're snuggled together on a couch, watching the evening news in a clean, organized little suburban home. A world where Otto's revolutionary creations have improved the lives of everyone, and allowed him to retire to a quiet, intimate life with his husband. Percy knows this is impossible; this world exists only in his dreams, and the closest he'll ever get to it is tending to Octavius' every beck and call, no matter how wrong it may be. This is all he has, and he's taking what he can get.

relationships

Otto Octavius [mentor/crush]

Otto is Percy's biggest idol, as well as the secret object of his affection. He hired Percy to work with him on his fusion project, after Percy had been struggling for employment for several years. After the accident, he kidnaps Percy to help him rebuild the doomed experiment. Percy immensely dislikes aiding a criminal, but his heart still yearns for him, and he obeys out of love despite his moral objections.

Rosalie Octavius [friend]

Despite being wed to his (secret) crush, Percy harbored no ill will toward Rosie. Having spent a good amount of time with her during his work, he considered her to be a good friend, if not one of his only friends, and was devastated by her untimely demise.

mood board