newtralize | Deerington Inbox

Merci. [He sits at the table, looking around curiously.] I asked if you were hitting on me and you said yes, in an endearingly awkward way. It was quite a surprise.

I take it my double was somehow an even bigger asshole than I am.

[All the paper scattered about is either notes about Deerington and what looks to be old notes about miscellaneous magical creatures. They're not separated as per Newt's leaning towards chaos.]

I- [He clears his throat.] I can't really say I'm the type who's forward enough to hit on another. [He's not going to talk specifically about hitting on Jean-Paul. He thinks about the risque story written about them and immediately tries to think of something else.]

I really should have known it wasn't you. I'm sorry. [He doesn't want to repeat what had been said. Perhaps he's being sensitive about it, but it wasn't a good feeling to be told those things by someone pretending to be someone he considered close.]

Non, you're not, which is why it caught me by surprise. Even your doppelganger has no game.

[He watches Newt closely. He really does look awful.] Don't apologise. Half the town was fooled by these bastards.

Newt. I don't know what he said, but I don't think you're a waste of my time.

I feel like I should be terribly insulted by that statement.

[Not that it seems to bother him much either way. He does fuss with his Fluid before holding it out to the other to see.] I should have known better. It just got under my skin. What was said.

I imagine if you actually thought that, you wouldn't be here in the first place.

[Jean-Paul reads the messages and his expression changes from one of chilly interest to one of rage.]

Tabarnak. Newt. [He gently touches the other's wrist.] I do not think that. I do not make friends easily or often, and I value you very much.

[Newt just tucks the device back into his pocket and laughs a little nervously. He goes to busying himself with making tea. Does Jean-Paul even drink tea? Oops.]

I understand. I was a bit snippy with you though, wasn't I?

[He flinches a little before going still when the other touches him.] I'm glad. Really. It was really disheartening. You're important to me.

[He lets go to wave his hand dismissively.] You weren't that snippy, considering the circumstances.

Now tell me where you've been..

[Newt places a mug in front of the other before warming his hands with his own.]

I was indisposed. [Which is really a vague way of saying he was dead.]

[He studies Newt again with disturbing intensity.]

Oh, Newt. Did it happen again?

[His mouth quirks in a sad smile as he stares into the contents of his mug.[

I couldn't- I couldn't let someone else die in my place.

[Jean-Paul stands and walks around the table to hug him at an awkward angle.]

[He can't help the soft laugh when the other hugs him. Newt leans into it though; appreciating the warmth and comfort from the other.]

It's not as bad as the first time. I was a little more prepared for the repercussions. [The loss of memories is jarring, but he's making do.]

I've heard the symptoms are worse the more times it happens. [He gives him a squeeze before he lets go.]

You can tell me about it, if you like. But I understand if you'd rather not.

So. Your brother is really your brother? Not some fake?

Yes. We've been trying to keep records of what the symptoms are for each subsequent death. [He knows that Moira has been keeping track of that in particular.

Newt chews at his bottom lip for a moment.]

I don't know actually. [He recalls Theseus' expression when it was obvious he had no recollection of the other though.] It was said that we lose our memories on the second death. It seems I've no recollection of him at all.

That's horrifying. [Said in a soft voice, as if the very idea has knocked the wind from him. He squeezes Newt's shoulder with one hand.]

I'm sure it'll come back to you. [He isn't.] And in the meantime, you have me to spoil you back to health.

It's a little jarring. [An understatement.] I think it really hurt him though. That I can't remember. [And while it wasn't Newt's fault; it obviously made him feel guilty.]

Vira-Lorr said her memories had returned, so I believe it's temporary. The exact length is hard to say, since she went through a third death quite quickly after her second, I believe. [He really hopes she doesn't see a fourth anytime soon. It's bad enough she died a third time.]

Well, I don't really want to take up so much of your time. You mentioned something about things being complicated. So you're seeing someone. [At least, that's his assumption if the other felt the need to mentioned a complicated situation after Newt's doppelganger had hit on the other.

Though, maybe he should let that conversation die. It was mortifying enough that his look alike had flirted with someone while he wasn't even around.]

I bet it did, but it's hardly your fault. [He knows if his own sister forgot him it would sting, but it's not as if it were voluntary.]

Chrisse, Vira-Lorr, again?! I'm buying that woman a helmet. [A joke in poor taste, perhaps, but this is Jean-Paul.

He looks at Newt curiously.]

You think just because I'm getting laid I'll blow off my friends? Especially when they are ill or injured? Or are you implying I was only ever hanging out wit' you to get into your pants?

Yes, I know. I wish I could do more about it though. [It causes him a fair amount of distress, though he finds that he doesn't quite find Theseus' presence to be distressing. He does prefer his privacy, but he isn't uncomfortable with the other around. Though, it sure is awkward when your first impression is a doppelganger trying to kill you.]

Her loss of memory was quite extensive. She struggled to remember a lot of herself for awhile, but she seems to be recovered now. [One can hope that she won't die again anytime soon. That's just another distressing topic on a mountain of distressing topics.]

Wha- No. Merlin, no. I thought- [He's already turning bright red.] I- No, I thought you were more romantically inclined and usually people like to spend a greater portion of their time with, you know, someone they're romantically inclined with. [It probably has never really occurred in his head that plenty of people are into casual sex. He knows it's a thing, but it just never really passed his mind.]

A-Also, of course not! I wouldn't suspect anyone to spend time with me with that in mind. [You can't dis Newt, because he's good at dissing himself. Thank you very much.]

Newt, it's not always on you to FIX shit. Sometimes you just have to accept things as they are.

[He watches Newt work himself into an embarrassed tizzy with some amusement.] Newt, I assure you, at some point someone is definitely going to spend time wit' you because they want to see you naked. It just wasn't my personal motive - I like you, I like spending time wit' you.

My point is whether or not I have a boyfriend is irrelevant. If you need me, I'll be there to help.

Edited 2019-10-09 00:34 (UTC)

I know! I...I know. It's just. He's my brother. [Sure, he doesn't remember it, but he has no reason not to believe it either.

Newt is pretty sure his face must be completely red. He really regrets asking about things now because this is a conversation he had no intentions of diving into.] I- While I honestly have doubts about that, I- [No. Stop, stop. He's not arguing with the other about this.] Yes. I do enjoy your company quite a bit. And I appreciate you wanting to help.

I know. I really do. But I can't let you beat yourself up over it. [A pause.] You're nicer.

So let's get your dumb ass curled up on the couch, non? Come on, we can bring the tea and get a blanket. It'll be warmer.

Nicer- Oh do you mean nicer than my brother? [Which he can't say is true or not, since he doesn't actually remember Theseus for who he is. He can't help but let a laugh out, relaxing a bit.]

Oh. [He can't help the rather lame response, but rubs the back of his neck sheepishly.] I, no. That sounds quite nice, honestly.

Ouais.

Come on. [He basically shoves Newt toward the living room, pausing to steal a blanket from Newt's room to toss on the couch.]

Sit down, cher.

I wonder if he would think otherwise. [A soft laugh.

He lets the other usher him into the living room and onto the couch. It's not a particularly big couch. It comfortably fits two, but it would probably struggle to fit a third participant. Newt haphazardly kicks off his shoes before tucking his knees under his chin. His socks are mismatched and worn and his pants definitely are just a little too short for his legs.]

Thank you. You always seem to take care of me whenever this happens.

It's only been twice. [Said with that dismissive wave Jean-Paul has perfected.]

Just try not to do it again, okay? I am only one man, and not terribly domestic, so I'll get sick of making all you people soup. [He smiles.] I'm kidding.

You're gonna be okay.

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