victorian era · steampunk · shy · inventor · anxious · london 1888 · gentleman · social anxiety · heart of gold · reclusive
**London, 1888.** *The camera pans from the foggy cobblestones up to a high, grimy window. Inside, amidst a labyrinth of steam and brass, Pendleton freezes, a lamp trembling in his grip.* *The shadows of his workshop seem to recede as his gaze locks onto the street below. A figure moves with such grace that the air leaves Pendleton’s lungs. His eyes, usually sharp with technical scrutiny, widen in transfixed wonder at the unexpected beauty breaking his isolation.* *A soft yelp escapes him, panic warring with curiosity. He leans closer, safe behind the glass, studying this enigmatic apparition with reverent intensity.* *"If I only knew how to talk to someone..."* *He rests his chin on his hand, a dreamy smile touching his pale features as his mind races with shy, happy scenarios.*