newtralize | The End Of Love

[ On their way up Percival's mind is preoccupied by thoughts of what to show Newt first—saplings or seeds? Hands on or off?—a logical way of approaching it. To answer the latter, subconsciously, his hand squeezes at Newt's. No, hands-on was a good way to show him; decrease that worry he has.

The thoughts are so distracting that he doesn't hear the slip the other man has, and belatedly he reacts, letting Newt tumble into him—which was more a full stop and arms cast out behind himself to catch Newt—to prevent him, or them, from falling face first.

And Had Percival been a more distrusting man in the other he might have taken the trip as intentional. Thankfully, he wasn't. He laughs, taking an odd, half-step forward as he does his best to offer Newt something to balance on and regain his footing. ] Don't worry. Are you all right?

[ He gives a small glance over his shoulder, still holding onto Newt. ] Those stairs aren't easy on ankles and shins.

[Newt lets out a quiet little laugh. Completely embarrassed.

He does right himself proper and regains his balance before rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.] I-It's nothing like that. I'm- I can be quite clumsy. My friend often teases me for it. [He laughs again.] "How do you manage to be so graceful on the dance floor, but you can't even walk straight?" Or something along those lines. [Leta has always teased him about countless things.]

I'm fine. I've had worse. [He tries to put some distance between them; not wanting to invade Percival's personal space. Nervous to seem to forward despite his tripping being unintentional in the first place.] I-I hope- I didn't mean to intrude or anything.

[ The laugh is quite charming, Percival finds. And completely disowning to the idea that the trip had been purposeful.

He turns when he feels Newt get back up own his own feet, smiling gently as he does, and unable to help the chuckle when the other man gets to babbling again. He really, truly didn’t mind. ] You dance, do you? [ He brightens to the idea before turning back around and heading down the hall to the door. ] You’ll have to show me sometime. We might just have to dance to get around.

[ The tease can’t be helped, but at least it seemed (to him) to be more lighthearted than to point out his embarrassment about all this.

When they get to the end of the hall, despite the distance Newt’s put between them, Percival holds open the door for him. ] You didn’t intrude at all. I’m just glad we didn’t end up on our faces, or the first floor. That would have ruined the date tonight. [ That was most definitely a wink he threw in at the end. ]

Y-Yes. Well, only at home recently. [The only person he danced with was Leta and sometimes his brother now. He hadn't really had a dance partner in quite awhile. He was too shy to do it with strangers.] I...Like I said. I don't go out very much.

[He shyly looks down at his feet as he follows the other.] I'm only okay at it. Dancing.

[He wonders if Percival could dance. That it might be nice to dance with him. Newt tries not to entertain the thought too much. It was only the first date after all.] O-Oh. I'm sorry... [He says it like he did somehow ruin things already; his face turning a shade of red.] I wouldn't want that. I mean- I enjoy your company that I-I don't want to ruin anything.

If you can't dance at home I really wouldn't call it a home. [ Was it nice, to get dressed up and have a night out? Of course, he enjoyed it when he had the energy. It wasn't necessary to go out and dance, as far as Percival was concerned. ] We could certainly make a night of it without going anywhere.

[ They'd already had bold flower talk—why not this? He wanted to spend more time with Newt, and they seemed to have another shared interest to explore. The concern, however, that slips from Newt has him pausing on the last small jaunt of stairs before they reach the roof, turning to face the other man with a gentle expression. ]

You haven't ruined a thing. [ Percival leans over a hair and whispers, though there's little need to in a concrete stairwell that could echo for days. ] And you don't need to apologize for enjoying anything. [ Did that mean he enjoyed being bumped into? Yes.

He smiles, holding out his hand again for Newt to take; to trust again. ] We're nearly there.

You...Do you dance then? [The question is tentative. Shy. The hopeful tone in Newt's voice is obvious though. Just this shy hope to dance in the arms of the other.] I mean- I don't want to assume. [But it very much sounds like he wants to.

He doesn't expect the other to lean in and whisper and he can't help the shiver that follows unconsciously. The other so close makes his stomach flutter something awful and he lets out a airy little laugh.] E-Enjoyed? I- Oh, I didn't- I mean who wouldn't enjoy bumping..bumping into y-you. I didn't do it on purpose! [Is the other teasing him? Is he being teased?

But the other holds their hand out to him and he takes it immediately.]

You’re welcome to assume, because I do, [ Percival nods. ] Sometimes, when I can, anyway. [ Is his airy chuckle. It was difficult to dance without a partner, and even when he did it didn’t last very long. It might not have been home if you couldn’t dance there but it was quite lonely to dance by yourself.

But goodness, he didn’t mean to fluster the man as much as he did. ] I know you didn’t do it on purpose. Even if you did, everyone enjoyed it. [ Those words would normally be a tease, just as they are, but Percival says them genuinely—reassuringly. He squeezes the hand in his gently, still smiling the same, and pulls Newt along and through the door to the roof.

The space is quaint but well organized, much like the storage downstairs. Surrounding the entire roof at the parameter is wooden lattice, crawling in red bougainvillea that lends a great deal of privacy (and coverage for the “eyesore”) to the glass greenhouse and supplies outside of it. There’s even a small patio table and a few chairs in the far corner under a fabric awning. ]

This is it, [ Percival turns back to Newt, letting go of his hand to motion around. ] The nursery.

Oh, yes. I mean, that's quite wonderful. [He isn't even sure what he means by that. He offers the man a shy little smile.] Dancing. I'd- I'd enjoy that. With you, that is. [He looks down at the ground after saying that.

His gaze doesn't stay to the floor for long though, as he looks up to take in the quaint little nursery before him. It was a homey little thing.] Oh. Oh, this is quite wonderful. [It was nice. A bit rustic, but Percival has long since given the impression of being a bit old fashioned (if not a bit behind the times).] You take care of all of this alone?

[He finds that quite impressive.]

[ The curl of his lips creeps up on him and he does his best to hide it. He's not entirely successful. Percival is almost sure the other is flirting—who thinks sometimes dancing is wonderful, after all—if not in his own way. How endearing it was. ] I would, too. We'll have to set aside time for it.

[ Wandering over to a small line of strawberry planters off to the side in sun, Percvial picks up the can nearby to start watering them. It lets him stop fighting the smile, if only a moment, hearing Newt's appraisal of his garden.

He keeps that warm smile as he stands back up, dusting off his hands before running one over his hair to slick back. ] Mostly, yes. [ It was hard work, but he clearly loved it. ] Now and then I'll have help, kids looking for summer jobs, but they don't often stay long. Adults usually stay longer but tend leave once they see how much work a small business is.

[The idea that the other wants to continue to see him more often. It makes his heart flutter. The idea of seeing the other more. It's exciting. It leaves a warm and pleasant feeling.] I really would like that. [There's a soft smile on his lips.]

It's commendable. [Newt looks at all the planters. Enjoys seeing all the plants that Percival seems to be caring for all on his own.] The work you put in. You're very passionate about what you're doing.

It's nice. To see someone so devoted to what they're doing. [He finds it rare nowadays. Or at least, it's rare with the people he often is surrounded by.]

[ Another swell of emotion hits Percival at Newt’s smile and the day could nearly be damned—he could close the shop and they could dance here and now, to their hearts content. Instead the sudden warmth simply translates to a faint bubble of laughter as he returns that smile. ] Then we will. [ Quite possibly tonight.

Quite certainly tonight, with the way Newt is speaking to him. He busies himself with another plant, checking the leaves. ] In for a penny, as they say. Devotion and passion are easy things to keep when it’s something you care for. It’s a challenge, but... [ He takes a deep breath and exhales. ] It’s rewarding. [ And it made him happy. ]

This way, [ He calls with a small motion of his head, towards the small glass structure tucked in the corner. ] You haven’t even seen where everything starts yet.

Making a living out of it. I think it can be quite difficult. [He doesn't know how much Percival makes, but he does know that it was difficult to follow a passion long enough to make it a living. Many give up or never get the chance.] But you're right. It is quite rewarding. [While Newt was not exactly fond of the attention, he did love to act. To take on a character or role and bring it to life. To be something he isn't

It was like make believe. For a little while, he could be whatever his heart desired.]

There's more? [The other truly impressed him.] There's so many plants. How do you take care of it all?

That's... very true. [ For a moment it reminds him of the hardships he had when he started the shop. The hard hours he put into it. Newt's on the nose description of it though, gives him another more pressing thought: ] It sounds like you're in a similar situation.

[ Percival doesn't mean to pry, despite his curiosity, so he jokes right after: ] You're not another florist, are you? [ It doesn't matter if he is, not that he thinks Newt is with all his nervousness towards plants. ]

The last bit, [ The words tumble out almost as a chuckle as they're exhaled out. ] It's not so difficult to manage once you've got things rolling. But this is where every plant begins, [ With a small flip of a latch, Percival pushes open the glass door. While the roof held some of the adolescent plants, this greenhouse was something else. Comfortably warm and small, the walls are neatly stacked with planters organized with labels, all with the tiniest sprouts poking up out of the dirt. ] This is the nursery.

[Newt feels a flare of panic and he offers the other a shaky smile and a shakier little laugh. He's trying his best not to seem so anxious. He just wasn't sure he could say what he did for a living without the other potentially asking more about it.] No, I'm not. I don't think I'm anywhere close to qualified to being one.

[The quiet man walks around the space with a bit of childlike wonder. He had been into greenhouses and such. He had been to botanical gardens and everything before, but it was still an awe inspiring experience to be in them.] How wonderful. Look at all of them!

[ In face of Newt's bloom of shyness Percival keeps his smile kind and chuckles gently at the reply he gets to his tease, not lingering on whatever it was the other didn't want to talk about. There was no need to push, despite his curiosity, nothing felt amiss. ] I wasn't much more qualified when I started. I think you have hope still.

[ Further teasing, a half joke on himself but a boost to Newt. Watching him take in the nursery only makes him sure of the kindness in the other—the awe on his face, his careful steps around the space. His heart really needs to stop pattering like it is. ]

Thank you, [ He ducks his head as he takes another stride in, moving to a tray of small plastic pots. ] This is what I was talking about earlier, the seedlings. Well, [ Is his airy laugh. ] Almost. I think you might be more comfortable planting the seeds. [ Picking up a packet on the table he turns to Newt and holds them out. ] If you'd like to.

If I were a florist, I don't think I would have stumbled upon you and your shop as I did. That would be a shame. [Newt glances at him with a shy little smile. Now that was obviously a bit of flirting.

Newt wanders back to the other to take the small packet of seeds.] Oh! Are you- Are you sure?

[ Percival's eyes brighten at Newt's smile, his own widening in return. ] A true shame. Imagine the rivalry. [ He hisses lightheartedly at the idea. ] I'm not sure I would be able keep away from your shop either.

[ It's a heavier flirt and so he turns his attention back to the task at hand. ] Absolutely. It's simple—

[ Percival starts, as gingerly as ever, explaining how to use a finger to swirl out a small hole to make room for a few seeds in before covering them. After, he grabs a nearby hose and offers it to Newt again. ] The very last step. Squeeze, until the soil looks evenly saturated.

[ Hoses were easy, what could go wrong? ]

I don't know if I want to imagine it. I, uhm, I quite like what we have right now, really. [He's trying to be bold, but his execution is so shy. So gentle.] Having your attention is pleasant, regardless.

[Newt watches the other intently as he planted some seeds, seemingly trying to focus and make sure he didn't somehow mess it up. He blinks before taking the hose from the other.

This is where he frets a bit.] What if it's too much? Or too strong? [Newt was clearly overthinking this all.]

[ Percival had only been joking about the idea; of them being rivals, implicating they would have ended up like this in the end anyway. But the gentleness of that confession sends his heart tripping over itself.

He smiles warmly and hums a soft chuckle, rubbing the back of his hand under his chin. ] I agree. Wholeheartedly. [ Old fashioned, bold, a little clumsy. How couldn't he be, though, with such an endearing man beside him. ]

Don't worry, [ Percival shakes his head. ] They're new seeds, they need a little more water. [ It's a little more involved than that, but. ] Do one pass at a time. Make sure the dirt is dark and has a faint shine to it. Any water the soil can't hold will just drip to the collector so it can be used someplace else.

[When Percival agrees, it makes the pale Brit's face light up in a smile. How easily pleased the man is. How happy he is to just have Percival's attention and affection.] I'm glad. Uhm. I mean, that we agree.

[He looks away from the other, apparently trying to concentrate more on watering the seeds. For something so simple, he seems to be putting a lot of his attention to. Like how carefully he waters them and how intently he stares at the dirt like plants growing is the most interesting thing that could have been presented to him.

It's hopefully endearing, considering how menial the task is.] How long does it take for seeds to start sprouting?

[ If it hadn’t been for the other man being here Percival would have surely thought something was wrong with his heart. Still, he wonders if something is—he hasn’t felt this way about another in a long time and it’s refreshing. ] So am I.

[ He watches closely to Newt’s watering, though not overbearingly. The concentration the man puts into the task is endearing; it shows he cares despite it being an admittedly monotonous task. And how could that be anything other than charming? ]

That depends on the flower, it takes anywhere from one to four weeks in the right environment. [ He starts, gently pressing fingertips to test the soil’s saturation. ] These are chrysanthemums, so they’ll take about two weeks before they need transplanting. A month or two after that they’ll be in bloom.

[ Taking his apron and wiping the dirt from his hand he gives a smile to Newt. ] And they’re off to a great start now.

I'd like to see them...when they've bloomed that is. [Newt smiles as he tilts his head to the side; clearly imagining already what they will look like.]

This is all quite nice. It's very homey. [Newt's homes never felt that way to him. He guesses that he spent more time out of it than in it and it was more like a place to sleep.

It probably didn't help that he moved fairly often.] I like it. Thank you for taking me up here. [Not that the other had much of a choice, right? Newt didn't want to be seen in public after all.]

As would I. [ Before Percival can get caught up in staring at Newt again, he busies himself with tidying the small space. ] For you to be here when they do, that is. [ Newt’s company is something he would very much like to keep well past those months. But, baby steps. ]

It’s no problem. I glad you feel welcome. It’s been… some time since I’ve had anyone here. [ Employees and friends aside.

Once trash is thrown away and tools are back in their places, Percival turns back to him. ] Should we head back down? Finish that tour, maybe?

[Newt flushes at that. A month or two...

He hadn't really thought that far ahead if he were honest passed that he'd like to see the flowers in bloom and not the implication of time passing and still being there. It's nice though. It had been awhile since he looked forward to having someone in his life like this.] Ah, perhaps you can, well, contact me when they start to bloom. [Which might be Newt implying exchanging phone numbers.]

Oh! I'm..I'm not intruding am I? [What a dumb question to ask, Newt already realizes.] Uhm, I mean..

Yes, of course. I'd like that. Very much! [He immediately stands up, red in the face.]

[ A flash of panic spikes under his skin at the slight pause his voiced hope brings. The flush on Newt is distractingly sweet, yes, but had he overstepped just then? Was it too presumptuous to ask that far down the line with how little they’d known one another?

Relief finds him quickly enough though, and Percival laughs airily. ] Absolutely. I’d like nothing better. [ To see the blooms with him, to have each other’s numbers—it was a step in the right direction. ]

No, not— [ He tries to reassure before Newt corrects himself, and he smiles when he swatches him stand. ] Wonderful.

[ Going around the island planter behind them, Percival makes his way back to the door, holding it open his date-to-be. ] There are some tropical plants flowering I think you’ll enjoy.

The End Of Love

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