The End Of Love

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We were reaching in the dark
That summer in New York
And it was so far to fall
But it didn't hurt at all
And let it wash away, wash away

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Arranged Marriage AU

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[newtralize]

[Newt never had much love for the particulars about pureblood lifestyle. He honestly hated it. The idea that somehow being pureblood meant you were better than others or this unnecessary need to flaunt ones status. He hated the socializing of extravagant parties and constant events. It just wasn't something he cared for and he found that his interests really didn't line up with that way of thinking.

He was all but content with being left alone during school. It didn't please his parents, but he was happy with keeping to himself and studying all the creatures that they shared the world with. They had Theseus to be proud of and Newt being an afterthought, while stung, was honestly something he was more than happy with.

And then he got expelled.

Things had become far less enjoyable. The constant berating from his parents and them reminding him how much of a disappointment he was. It wasn't a great feeling. Being told you were all but worthless is far from a pleasant feeling. He really hated the particulars of pureblood heritage.

It was why he found himself seated in a parlor of a rather fancy tea establishment. His parents had seen that he would only be fit for marriage to further status. Why his parents had lied though...

Homosexuality wasn't much of an issue within the magic community (although Newt was aware that it seemed to be an issue with muggles), but it was insisted that he would be a bride-to-be. Perhaps American wizards were found issue with it, he doesn't know. He had no issue with it (considering his preferences), but he had no say in the matter.

He absentmindedly smoothed his dress down as his eyes dart back at the entrance to the parlor. They were late. Quite so. He almost wonders if he was being stood up for afternoon tea by a stranger he hasn't spoken to in any capacity, but was to marry him in the short future.

He can't even be offended. It was hilarious if anything. His husband-to-be and they were terribly late for their first meet.] Really, if he isn't going to show up, I'd love to know. I really would like to at least enjoy some tea.

[periit]

[ There was something outrageous about the whole ordeal—arranged marriage? It was a new century, times were changing for the better finally and yet this was still happening? To spend the rest of his life with a woman he knew nothing about? The idea was enough to put him on edge. No, bachelorship wasn’t giving his lineage heirs but he was still young, and what a scandal his keenness would bring once he was engaged, let alone married.

A witch, the sister of a British war hero, his parents had told him once they’d sat him down with proper shock at the reveal. Further news still, of an impromptu vacation in Europe—a perfect time to meet and get to know his future bride. Had Percival not been so dumbfounded with the unprompted news, he might have noticed his parent’s tones, or their tics when they spoke.

Unfortunately he was too floored to pick up on it, instead preoccupied with the realization his entire life was headed somewhere he hadn’t planned for or truthfully wanted. Percival spends the time traveling to think on it, the reasons his parents would throw this at him. Hadn’t he done well by them? Was it some sort of punishment, to make him settle so abruptly—had they somehow learned of his preference?

His thoughts of why and how are all-consuming, up until the day he actually has to meet his betrothed. Percival finds himself anxious while still on edge. Getting lost and turned around more than he ever would have liked or expected to be certainly doesn’t help. He pieces together the locals like seeing a “yank” flustered by the time he’s good and lost and simply stops asking for directions.

When he finds the cafe it’s only after he’s blown by the window in his quickened pace, making him double back to the front entrance. He pauses to adjust his jacket and push back his hair, taking a breath before stepping in. It doesn’t do much to clear the frustration on his face, but once he scans the room and notices the woman from the picture her parents sent his, it melts away.

Some confusion finds him instead, a twitch of his brow he hopes she can’t make from across the way before he starts walking over. Though no longer angry, there’s still an unease set on his shoulders that tinges his face just the same, the apologetic smile he gives not able to cut through it. ]

My sincerest apologies to have kept you waiting, [ Percival begins once he’s at the table. ] I’m afraid I was given some misdirection along the way. [ When he sits down and has a moment to better look her over, he takes a small breath before continuing. ] It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Artemis.

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[Newt wouldn't say he's an expert on people (far from it), but he did know how to read body language quite well. He can tell that the other didn't want to be here. He couldn't blame them, of course. Newt isn't particularly enthused by it either, but he had been resigned to it.

He can see the stiffness in Percival's shoulders to the way that the other looked at him. Newt glances away quickly. It could easily be mistaken for shyness, but Newt just didn't really have a good handle on eye contact. He was rather flighty, so to speak. He does smile a little. An airy laugh. Honestly, he wasn't sure how to interact with the other. Should he try and be an adoring and loving wife-to-be? Should he offer his hand to the other? He didn't know how courting works and especially didn't know how to be courted. Just because he can look the party doesn't mean he suddenly how to play it.] And here I thought that I had scared you off. [Was that a joke? Was he being serious? Newt isn't sure himself.] I find that it can be easy to wander and get lost in the city, so I can't really blame you. [He imagines it was very different from what Percival was used to.] Had I known that it might have been an issue, I would have seen that you got escorted here proper instead.

[Newt tucks some hair behind his ear; a flick of a glance at the other and a twitch of a smile. Newt's hairs was a mess of curls and waves that framed his face and sat above his shoulders. He was pale and freckled with vibrant blue-green eyes. By all means, he was very pretty, but there were just certain things that came off as unique. From broader shoulders to his strong jaw and not curvy in the slightest. Despite the sharpness of his features though, there was a softness in his eyes and small smiles. A certain gentleness in the way he looked at the other.] It's wonderful to finally meet you. I do hope have enjoyed the city despite the misdirection.

[He holds a book towards the other. Opening it will show that it's all the available tea blends the place had. It might be quite overwhelming to someone who didn't regularly partake in tea.] Take your time deciding what you'd like. I can't say that anything they serve here is particularly disappointing, though I have my favorites.

[periit]

No, you wouldn’t be the thing that scares me off from this. [ The returning jab, unforced, gives Percival a momentary pause as he smoothes his tie into his vest. A short and quiet puffing laugh follows before he takes an equally quiet breath. What did that even mean? Where did it come from? It might have only been a handful of seconds since he sat down, but it was plenty of time for his subconscious to make up it’s mind about Artemis: she was far more captivating than a photo could ever replicate.

Worse, that time is plenty enough to see the tenseness fade away from Percival as he takes in the tuck of her hair and faint smile. Captivation isn’t the thing plastered across his face, no—he’s still far too guarded for that—but an interest is there under a steady gaze. Surprising, really. He hadn’t anticipated it, considering.

Thrown for a loop and caught up in his own sudden thoughts, Percival mirrors a small smile that flashes with a genuine softness before he speaks up again. ] The little bit I have seen of it has been enjoyable, yes. There hasn’t been much time to sightsee just yet.

[ Taking the book with a quiet Thank you, Percival opens the menu and scans over it, a faint realization hitting him the more he reads. Does he admit to not having a taste for tea? Find some coy way to make him not look like the stuck-in-his-ways coffee connoisseur he is? All the cafes back home had at least one kind of each.

After brushing over the selection a few quick times Percival takes a breath and gently shakes his head. ] I think I’d like to try your favorite. [ When he looks up briefly it’s with a comfortable smile. ] If that’s all right with you.

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But there was something that would scare you off. [The retort back is seamless and there's a bit of a grin with the reply. It's bold though. Possibly unusual when women are meant to be dainty and submissive and avoid talking out of line. Newt, however, had always been bold. His demeanor might say otherwise, but he had never shied from saying what was on his mind.] Though I struggle to imagine you being scared of something. Though the shackles of marriage did cross my mind as a potential fear. [Perhaps an ill timed joke given that they're betrothed.]

A shame. I hope you'll get to enjoy the sights. Diagon Alley is a place I'm always fond of.

[He eyes the other for a moment.

Ah. Of course.] I'm partial to most black teas, but there are times that even I'm not in the mood for teas. After all, this place has a wide selection of drinks that aren't just tea if you also would like to look over that. [Perhaps Percival will realize obviously that Newt was giving him an out without the other having to embarrass himself and admit his disinterest in the favored English drink.]

I've not had their coffees, but my brother seems to enjoy them as much as he enjoys his cups of tea. My parents are fond of their alcoholic choices.

[periit]

[ It’s less what she said than the level of comfort in which she says it that throws Percival further. The grin is small but noticeable from his previous expression, a faint huff of a chuckle as he looks her over again with curious eyes. What an interesting woman she is. ] Things only frighten me in theory, [ Is the clarification before he clears his throat with a shake of his head. ] It’s one thing to think of fear. To act against it, however, often dissipates it—even if it takes time to work out.

[ Was that some sort of code? A glimpse into his thoughts on arranged marriage; that he would do his best to work on it? Even Percival isn’t sure, but it’s clear her joke—ill timed or not—didn’t seem to offend him. ]

I would like to see it, I’ve heard good things. [ He takes a small breath after a pause and adds: ] If there’s anywhere else you recommend, I’d like to see that also. Make the most while I’m here.

[ It doesn’t take long for Percival to catch onto what Artemis is leading him to. There’s a halt as he keeps looking at the menu when he realizes, a silent confirmation, though his recovery is smooth when he moves again. How kind it was of her to explain something he so clearly missed, clear when he turns a page and sees the additional drinks. ]

Well, [ He starts. ] Perhaps if I stop here again I’ll have to try their coffee. It isn’t often I’m visiting a country known for their tea. [ A silver tongue but no less truthful. ] So, which do you like most when you’re in the mood for it? [ And a smile to match. ]