newtralize | The End Of Love

[ Percival answers the questions in stride as they make their way to a tent somewhere in the middle of all these wagons. He makes introductions in passing, promising a better meeting for everyone once they've settled in proper; besides that, everyone was busy setting up for the upcoming show. ]

We more than likely won't have either of you participating for a few more towns. Just until you get your legs here, [ He smiles kindly. ] Not that I think you two will have any issue taking root.

[ When they reach the tent he pulls open a flap for the pair, and only then does the smell of food fully hit them: the bread, freshly baked, and stew simmering in large kettles over crackling fires. Some workers are still dicing up vegetables, meat and herbs for pots not started and the long tables only have a few people taking their lunches now, but they all look at the trio walking in.

He follows in after, leading the brothers up to a stack of bowls and spoons, motioning with his hand. ] Help yourselves, eat your fill. We don't ration first day arrivals, but after it's three square meals a day. [ Turning some, he points to the corner display with peanuts, almonds, pretzels and cotton candy. ] Left over concessions are first come, first serve.

[Newt immediately shies behind his brother and Percival when some turn to look at them as they enter. It's probably quite surprising that the man who easily could tame a wild tiger balks so easily to people.

Theseus, is of course, quick to grab a bowl and fill it so he can start eating. Newt is far more reserved and seems to take a respectable amount even though the other says they aren't rationed. He does eye the brightly colored sugar; taken by the different colors that cotton candy comes in.] Thank you. For the food.

[He seems more than content with his bowl of stew and single bread and sitting even on the floor. It's almost as though he was trying to be as minuscule as possible. To blend away and not be noticed. Instead, the quiet man seems to watch everyone else with a careful eye; seemingly intrigued by what others are doing.]

[ Surprising is an understatement. For a man willing to walk into a tiger’s cage, though what he perceives to be mute, he didn’t expect him to be as shy as he is. But they barely knew each other and Percival is sure there’s plenty more to learn as the days go on.

To see them finally get something to eat is a small relief. The pair nearly looked withered and he wondered if they would want to eat. A part of his still wonders if they’ll be able to keep it down. That was why they didn’t ration straight away: they might be able to eat better later. He’ll have to check in again. ]

It's no problem, we don’t want anyone going hungry. [ He watches Newt as he takes his food and sits... on the ground. Curious. Far be it from him to tell him how to act if this is how he was comfortable. ] Right, [ Clearing his throat he looks back to Theseus with a smile. ] You boys get your fill and come find me after. We’ll get you cleaned up, some fresh clothes and give you a tour if you’re up for it. Sound fine?

[It's a little bit before Percival is approached by Newt again. Theseus is nowhere to be seen, but Theseus was far more social and charming and acquainting himself with everyone while Newt was more than happy to be a wallflower and watch.

The sound of a bath of any kind was alluring though. A comfort that they rarely could gain access to unless one was willing to jump into the ice cold river. No fool would ever consider it when living out on the streets though.

The younger man gently tugs at Percival's sleeve to get his attention before letting his hands drop back to his sides as he looks down at his feet.]

[ Coordinating an entire troupe was never easy, and though he had only fairly recently taken on more responsibility, he was still adjusting. It’s good neither of the boys come to find him right away, because he isn’t at his caravan to meet them. In fact, when Newt does swing by, Percival had only been there a few minutes—just finishing with taking his laundry frown from the line.

The small bit of confusion that’s on his face when he turns melts away quickly when he sees just who is trying to get his attention. ] Newt, [ The smile takes some of the exhaustion away from his features. ] Here, hold on. [ He holds up a finger as he heads into his trailer.

When he comes back a few moments later he offers up a bar of soap, boxed and unopened. ] It’s the one thing we don’t offer new folk. Please, consider it thanks, for helping Tetra.

[He's taken aback when the other holds out the box to him. He carefully takes the box from the other as he examines it; fingers running over the cheap material that houses it. He doesn't remember a time where he got to be clean. All he really remembers is the dirty streets and the feeling of being hungry.

Newt gives a deep bow to Percival, obviously doing his best to convey his thanks to the other. And perhaps that bow means more than just a bath and a bar soap. It would be a lie if the two brothers probably didn't see much of a future getting by on those streets and now they now had much more to look up to.]

[ Though he had been lucky in his transition in his life before and then into the circus Percival had been around long enough to see all manner of conditions people had come in with, and he had a keen enough eye to see who people were. Even if Newt hadn’t been so gifted with Terta, the brothers were both the kind and hardworking sort. He’s sure he would have offered them a place here regardless.

So he smiles when Newt bows, a small exhale falling from him as he takes the last step off his wagon. ] You’re welcome. [ Reaching out, he places his hand on the other’s shoulder to get his attention. ] Come on, I’ll show you where to go. It’s not much to look at but the water will be warm.

[ With a pat he starts off into camp, back towards the animals. ] You’re good with tigers, but what about elephants? [ He smiles over his shoulder. ] They like to try and mess with the curtains around the tubs.

[The younger man flinches a little when the other touches him. It's nothing about Percival, but merely just a certain foreignness with strangers in his personal space. He relaxes though and he lets Percival lead him to where to get washed.

His face lightens up at the mention of elephants. Newt had always been fond of animals and he also seemed to just have an affinity with them. He had never interacted with an elephant before, but he also hadn't interacted with a tiger before now either.

He would like to see said elephants and there's an extra hop in his step as they walk; clearly excited.]

[ Another smile settles on him at the enthusiasm Newt displays. ] I suppose if you want to meet them you should before you get cleaned up. [ It was easy to see that was what he wanted. Hopefully the delay doesn’t chill his bath much. It shouldn’t, he thinks.

Through their walk Percival tells him of their elephants—Jenue, their oldest and “matriarch”, Bem, a sassy young adult, Oya, her much calmer younger sister, and their youngest: ] Tene. She’s the most rambunctious, a little over a year old now. [ The thought seems to steal Percival away for a moment before he adds: ] Sweet as could be. Born here at the circus, [ With a smile.

They’re at the baths not long after, and there’s some faint noises to be heard and some heavy steps to be felt as they make their way through the curtain. In an enclosure that seems oddly roomy for 3 adult elephants and a calf, the littlest one trumpets at the sight of guests and runs over, her trunk waving wildly. ] There she is, [ Percival chuckles as he approaches the bars, sticking his arm through for her wrap around.

The other elephants make their way over in their own time, ears fanning slowly. While they’re happy to see Percival they’re more interested to meet this new one beside him. Their heads lean over the bars, trunks reaching out to investigate Newt. With his arm occupied with Tene, Percival looks over to the other. ] They won’t hurt you. They’re just curious.

[Newt has completely forgotten about the bath and seems to immediately just keep following the other to the elephants. He didn't even make a side glance at the setup. The ginger just seemed enraptured with meeting the creatures. He'll have to be sure to commit all the animals to memory. Their names and everything about them.

If Newt was worried about them hurting him, it doesn't show. Instead he quickly comes close to the bars and raises his arms up at them. As though letting them gain autonomy to lift him.

Which, well, is exactly what happens. Hopefully Percival actually doesn't get too spooked when Newt lets one of the elephants lift wrap their trunk around his arm outstretched to lift him off the ground. He doesn't seem worried at all though. Newt only looks giddy like a child who has gotten a new toy.]

[ The actions have Percival a little alarmed—but really, what should he have expected from a man who willingly walked into a tiger’s cage? It shows on his face some, though it melts away with a soft laugh at seeing how gently Newt’s lifted up and over the bars. ] Oya is the one holding you, [ He tells in time to have another elephant stick her trunk in Newt’s face before messing about in his hair. ] And that’s Bem.

[ Jenue makes her way around the sisters, to the other side of Oya, so that she can get a good look at the newcomer too, using her nose to squeeze at Newt’s arm and pinch at his shirt. ] Okay, [ He mutters to himself, petting Tene’s nose so that she’ll let go. Once she does he squeezes through the bars and gets between the semi-circle of elephants, looking up to Newt. ] I’m going to bring you back down here, [ He forewarns, carefully reaching to grab the other’s leg, guiding Oya to set Newt down next to him. ]

Just so they don’t fuss over you too much, [ Is the explanation he gives with an apologetic smile, his hand running over Oya’s trunk to release Newt. He still lets them investigate him, happily, though right behind Percival is a wee elephant pushing her way between the pair to greet Newt herself. ]

[Newt lets out a breathy little laugh. It's probably the most noise Newt has made since Percival has started interacting with him. The man seemed completely content being in the air or being accosted by the elephants as they curiously study the new person with Percival. It's also the most relaxed Newt has probably been too. The man just seemed to have an affinity for animals.

He shows no signs of being bothered by being fussed at as he immediately kneels down so he can hold his hand out to Tene. Newt's smile is warm and loving and happy.]

[ The sound is fluttering and reassuring. He really shouldn’t have been surprised at Newt for his reaction—of course he got along with the elephants. That Tene seems so taken with him only warms his chest. He chuckles when she headbutts Newt’s hand only to push forward and press her head against his chest.

She’s always been so shy with others, Which seems a silly thought when she so happily curls her tiny trunk over his head and wiggling on his face to inspect why his nose is so small! ] I’ve been the only one to feed her. [ The chuckle is small. ] I suppose I might have some competition now.

[ It’s light hearted, his smile tugging before it blooms when Jenue starts to welcome Percival. ] Hello, girl. [ The laughter is brighter as he pets her nose and she fans her ears at him. ]

[There's a bit of a squeak as Newt finds himself more on his behind when Tene all but kind of bulldozes into him. He seems no less happy though as he happily wraps his arms around her as best he can to hug her. He presses the side of his face against her. It's probably the most relaxed he has been through all this. People were scary, but animals were comforting for the man.

He looks at Perival and smiles brightly. It's a smile that shines and lights up his eyes despite how dirty Newt is. It's one that is completely pleased.

Newt could forgo bathing completely if it meant spending his entire time with all the animals.]

[ Even though he has another trunk from another one of the elephants in his face, Percival sees the way Newt smiles and can’t help but give him a small one back. While it’s nowhere near as bright it’s certainly one that’s just as taken as the other’s. And as pleasant as it is to share a moment like this, time marches on and there are things to be taken care of. ]

I’m sorry, ladies. It was good to see you, [ Percival’s smile fades a smidge, but he keeps it as he pats their noses and begins to step away. ] Tene, [ He calls, patting the back of her leg and rubbing it to grab her attention. ] I’ll bring him back after supper to feed you, [ She doesn’t quite understand the words he’s saying, but she trumpets excitedly to the idea of food and starts touching his hands as if to search for the bottle.

Percival chuckles as he pets her head. ] We need to get him cleaned up first, ok? [ He scoots away from her and walks over to Newt, holding out his hand. ] I’ll show you the rounds once you’ve got some rest and another meal in you.

[Newt seems a little sad to separate from the elephants. He even pouts a little; seemingly much more interested with the beautiful animals than a hot bath or meal. He finally tears his gaze away to look back to Percival.

He hesitates before shyly reaching out to the outstretched hand. Percival's hand is warm in his own. It's awkward for him. Physical touch. There's something nice about Percival's hand though.]

[ Percival grips Newt’s hand and, adjusting his stance briefly, with relative ease hoists him back up to his feet. ] Don’t worry, [ Is the reassured and airy laugh. ] They’re nosey here and they’re nosey when you’re bathing, you won’t be far.

[ And he wouldn’t. Leading Newt only for a few steps before he lets go, Percival weaves back through the bars and heads towards a canvased off space up on wooden pallets, not quite a trunks length away from the elephant’s enclosure.

Pulling back one of the flaps reveals a bathtub filled with steaming water and beside it a small table with a mirror. ] If you need a razor to shave, I might be able to get you something. [ In the corner was a chair with a clean uniform—a red and white striped button-up and bright blue pants—draped over it. ]

I wasn’t sure if you had a change of clothes. [ Percival explains. ] If it makes you feel better, Theseus is getting the same thing. [ With a tip of his head he motions to the front of the tub. ] That’s your laundry basket. Take it back to your caravan and the ladies will pick up what you need washed in the morning and you can pick it up from them that evening.

[ He looks over Newt and smiles. ] It’s a lot, I know. Any questions yet?

The End Of Love

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