newtralize | The End Of Love

[Growing up, Newt doesn't think he remembers what it's like to not be hungry. He doesn't remember what it's like to be warm and filled and comfortable. He only knows what it's like to be cold and hungry and living off the streets or living in the awful conditions that the orphanage offered.

It never really bothered him though. He had his brother and he thinks that having his brother was good enough. Stealing and scavenging and getting by was a difficult life, but he thinks he was happy. To some extent. Living on the streets were far more enjoyable than the cruelty of the other kids at the orphanage.

It's because of his brother that Newt wants a better life though. If not for himself, but for his brother. Theseus, who works so hard for the both of them, deserved a better life. He didn't have a lot of skills, he thinks. He can't really talk well, but he could do hard labor. Newt was good with animals, but he didn't know how that would help him in anyway. Or so he thought.

A flyer from the circus has him staring at the large tents and feeling so overwhelmed by the chatter around him as he's lead to the back. The flyer mentioned a reward to help with a situation in which no one could calm down their tiger, Tetra. No one has seemed to have managed to get close enough or felt courageous enough to approach the cage.

All the circus personnel find themselves crowding around as the ringleader pushes Newt forward a bit. Tetra growls and hunches herself while Newt stands there awkwardly with the key to her cage tightly held in his hands. The performers and personnel whisper to each other in a hushed manners; skeptical. How can some dirty guy from the streets even possibly think to do anything about Tetra? Still, they watch with curiosity to see what will happen next.]

[ Years had passed since he joined the troupe, a young thing with privilege that wanted nothing to do with the headaches that came with it. Tired of the rules and harshness imposed on his family, Percival had ran, looking for something better--something enjoyable. Something free. He'd found it, of sorts, under and red and white striped tent.

A killer smile and relentless training had earned him top performer, the closing spotlight every night. Not unkind, he had taken to caring for the entire company—making sure they were fed, housed, secure. It felt natural to. It was exhausting, on top of his routine, but nothing he couldn't handle. And nothing he thought was stepping on anyone's toes for.

It was a good thing he was used to the more tedious aspects of the circus, because it turned to his full-time gig when there was an accident with the rigging one night. He doesn't remember much other than gasps and screams before waking up in a hospital with a half amputated arm. A jadedness found its way into him after that, and while he was still looking after everyone, he wasn't made of the same brightness he had before.

With the gathering of the personnel around the cages, whispering staff had ran by his wagon catching his attention. At the roar of their tiger he started to follow at a jog, working his way through the other performers to get to the front. Percival stops dead in his tracks to see someone standing before the cage. He scoffs at the ringleader, pushing forward. ] We said live-feeding was a joke.

[ He walks up beside the young man, casting only a glance to him and the key in his hands, before looking at Tetra, snarling, hungry; pacing. ] They bother to tell you the last handler ran off because she lunged at him? [ They probably didn't. ] Please tell me you have experience with large animals.

[Newt startles a bit at the voice behind him. He hadn't really expected to be spoken to. He turns around and looks at the man before him.

Ah, bugger, he's attractive.

Right. This...This isn't the time to be distracted. He offers the other a nervous smile and shakes his head a little. He had just arrived and was led here and he can't say he really had worked with any animals other than perhaps horses. He's pretty sure tigers are nothing like horses.

Tigers are just big cats, right? With that, he kind of shrugs before picking up the pail with some meat for Tetra and making his way to the door of the cage. Despite his seemingly shy demeanor, there was a steadiness in his pace and the look in his eyes was far from fear or anxiousness. People were terrifying, but animals were something else entirely.

He unlocks the cage and enters it; closing the door behind him. He glances at Tetra, who was crouched low and watching him carefully. She looked quite ready to pounce and attack. Newt merely places the pail down slowly and slowly crouches down a bit, as though to put him at equal standing with her. He slowly holds his hand out to her, but doesn't approach her. Instead, he seems to be waiting for her to approach him. To perhaps sniff or lick his hand.

For some reason, it seems Newt doesn't expect Tetra to leap at him at all, despite her current body language saying otherwise.]

[ There's a small pounding in his chest when the other turns to look at him, and Percival is convinced it's because he didn't expect this guy to look as small and meek as he feared. For all the good the people here had for each other, he knew how desperate their boss could get. This just felt like suicide.

He doesn't imagine this guy has much to be here, because they couldn't find a proper handler in too long. To say he's worried is an understatement but he doesn't let it bubble up beyond a minute drop in his shoulders and tilt of his head when he gets that silence answer.

Fighting the ice in his belly the words come out quickly: ] Look, you don't have to— [ But he's turned, picked up the bucket and headed for the cage.

Tetra, for all her showing ribs, is still a powerhouse of muscle. Her tail swishes at the sight of Newt entering and she bunches her body up as he settles. Pupils dilate and nostrils flare, smelling the meat in the pail and a pink tongue flicks out over her teeth and whiskers.

Percival shoots the ringleader a look before following up behind the other. He doesn't go in the cage with him, but stays just behind it with his hand on the door. It isn't latched and maybe that's a good thing for now. If anything happened he could grab him while someone else distracted Tetra. God, he really doesn't want that to go down though.

It's a low sound she lets out, not a growl but some long thing still, as if to test Newt. When he doesn't move she stands quickly, keeping her head low and eyes focused. It only takes a few steps for her to cross the cage and when she's right near Newt she sniffs his hand, making a whining sound into it as a paw rises without claws and swats at his leg. ]

[Newt can't help it. The small, little, wheezy laugh that escapes his mouth when Tetra swats at his leg as she does. He obviously doesn't think that she'll hurt him (she would have already) and he thinks this is good indication that she has no plans. It's really just a large cat swatting at her owner's leg for food and attention. Obviously a bit cross with him that his outstretched hand had nothing to offer at the moment.

The outstretched hand moves to gently pat and scratch her head and neck affectionately and he shifts before both hands seem to be on her. He presses his face against the top of her head as he rubs the side of her neck for a moment.

What a good girl, he thinks before he stops. As much as he would love to shower her in more affection; it wasn't going to feed her and Tetra looked like she hadn't had a proper meal in awhile.

He bends down to pour the contents of the pail out for her to enjoy before taking a seat. As though to keep the tiger company while she had her meal. Newt glances up towards Percival and offers the other the softest of smiles. Nothing to worry about at all.]

[ That Newt doesn't cower from her does Tetra better than most of the staff here. Better than the previous handler, who let her walk all over him. Or intimidate, rather. Still. She sniffs his palm before he goes to pet her, and in spite of her hunger she leans into the touch with a low set of content growls.

Percival, meanwhile, was tense, still waiting for the other boot to drop despite all the not maiming that was taking place. If he were in his right might he might have turned and scolded the few that half expressed discontent with the outcome. Something he'll have to address later when he thinks about it. For now he's focused on the gangly man in the cage, and how he's seemed to all but tame their troublesome tiger in mere minutes.

The crowd around them slowly disperses, the ringleader one of the first and who told Percival to meet him in his office later to talk. Tetra pays them no mind, especially when there's finally food spilling out for her to eat, and she wastes no time digging into the pile.

In fact by the time Newt looks up to him with that smile, Percival is still have dazed. Tetra hadn't been so calm since she was a cub, let alone with a stranger. The movement catches his eye, however, and he looks down with something of a happily surprised disbelief, lips tucked up at one side in a grin. ] How did you pull that off?

[Newt happily tucks his knees under his chin as he hugs his legs to his chest and reaches out to rub Tetra's side while she eats. It'll take a bit of time, he thinks, for the tiger to regain her weight. She looks like she hadn't had a proper meal for a bit of time now. Poor thing.

He'll wait for her to probably finish her meal and get comfortable before he leaves the cage and locks it. Newt would be lying if he didn't want to spend more time with her. She was quite a beautiful creature after all.

There's a moment where he considers trying to speak up to Percival. To say something in response to the question. He opens his mouth and Newt just feels his throat close up immediately. The idea of uttering even a sound was so terrifying and filled his chest with such an uncomfortable feeling that he just shuts his mouth again almost immediately. Newt just shrugs in response.

Perhaps another day, he might manage to speak to someone else that wasn't Theseus.]

[ Percival sits on some crates just opposite of the cage, watching Newt as he relaxes and comforts Tetra through her meal. The last caretaker wasn’t even able to feed her though the bars. No one else would dare go near her and he didn’t have time to care for her himself. It’s partly why she’s in such a miserable state, and he feels awful for it. How could they go back to that? He’s never seen her more at ease. They can’t go back. He needs this man to stay.

Standing when Newt exits and approaches him, there's a look of respect settled on his face. Even when he doesn't get a verbal answer it sticks, and an airy chortle escapes him. ] Well, whatever it was you did with Tetra, it was outstanding. [ He tries to glimpse something, anything, off the other besides a strange sort of shyness.

When he can't Percival simply sighs, smiling, and shakes his head. ] Though I think it goes without saying, you have the job. We need you here. No one has ever worked with her so easily outside of the woman who took care of her as a cub. [ The pause is brief. ] We can't pay you upfront, but we would be more than happy to give you a meal to start. Even a place clean up, if you like, before gathering your belongings. What do you say?

[ He hopes he'll agree. ]

[The compliment makes Newt flush a bright red almost immediately. He isn't used to it at all. Sure, Theseus always loved to shower him with words of encouragement, but that was different. He only ever had people reprimand him or yell at him or other such things. Never complimented or appreciated.

He can't help but rub his neck sheepishly and stare at the ground shyly.

When the other mentions the job and everything he can't help but shake his head a bit. Of course, he realizes that he should try to explain himself a little better. He tugs at the chain around his neck to show the other a locket of some sort. It's worn and rusted and rather antique looking. He opens it to show a dirty photo of what looks like a younger version of himself and someone else. The older boy in the photo bore a resemblance to Newt.

Newt gestures at the other boy a bit helplessly. He can't leave his brother or enjoy a meal without them. He wanted, out of everything in the world, was for his brother to be comfortable.]

[ To see the man redden as he does it something to behold. It certainly hadn't been his intention to fluster him but he buries the twist of his stomach at the thought of having caused it. No need for secondhand embarrassment now. At least that's what he told himself.

The words working themselves up to continue his compliment falter, landing flat on his tongue when the other starts to dig under his collar, fishing for something. At this point, having neither accepted or rejected the offer, Percival is convinced the other is a mute of some sort—surely words at this point would have been easier. ]

What is it, [ He leans in slightly, his hand reaching out to tip the locket to get a better look at what he's motioning to. The lightbulb going off over his head is almost visible. ] Ah, [ Percival exhales, standing up straight again. ] Your brother, I assume? [ He holds his breath, shaking his head gently. ] As I said before, we need you here. [ His pause and clenching of his jaw is just enough to worry. ]

If that means bringing him with you, then I'll find him a place too. [ It's the wrong hand to offer for a binding handshake but it'll have to do, being his only one. ] Agreed?

[Words would most definitely be easier! It's too bad that he can't seem to get himself to form any words of any sort. And he really did try. It's just a very difficult hurdle for him to get over.

He earnestly shakes his head at the question. His brother, Theseus. He loved his brother quite a bit and he refused to be away from the other. That, and because the other was basically a rock of some sort to him. Their presence was comfortable and they calmed his nerves, which always felt frayed.

Newt studies the other for a moment. He knows he should shake Percival's hand, but the other's jaw seemed so tense...

He reaches out to gently put a hand on Percival's jaw. As though wanting to help soothe the other in some way.

Oh. He really should keep his hands to himself. This is why he also gets into trouble.]

[ It doesn't faze him, the lack of words. Percival has seen all sorts of people come and go, but while this one is kind and silent so it's a welcome pace to the ones who were always bitter and angry. Though he has to admit it makes it a hair more difficult to communicate.

Regardless, the other was at least clear on his part. Yes or no questions might be their best bet from here on out. But, ] A brother. All right, [ He nods. That was workable... they almost always needed help with one thing or another.

Percival's mind is still partly distracted, trying to think of all the positions they had this brother could have, and hoping he's a little more talkative than the one before him.

Distracted enough that the hand—when it passes his, as gentle as it is—startles him some. Goosebumps flitter down his neck to his shoulder, leaving him a little slack-jawed, eyes searching. ]

I— [ Percival swallows, lifting his hand to feather over Newt's, not holding nor pushing it away. ] Then you'll stay? [ Words start, almost stumble in his mouth before he clarifies it clearly: ] With the troupe.

[Newt lets his hand drop back to his side after a moment or two more; not wanting to touch the other longer than necessary. They might become uncomfortable with him if they weren't already and he wasn't really the type to force his presence on others anyways.

When the other asks him if he'll stay, he thinks about it for a moment longer.

Somewhere for both of them to stay and have food. It really didn't matter to him how much work he would have to do for it.

He gives the other the most gentle of smiles and nods his head at the other.]

[ Much to his surprise the touch wasn't unwelcome. In it's absence he almost misses the warmth but pushes the thought away. Some people are simply more touch orientated. Usually it's in hugs, proximity or shoulder and arm taps, but. Everyone is different.

When time ticks on again Percival does well to hide his worry, and it immediately melts away to something very relieved. ] Excellent, [ Is his easy, warm laugh. ] My offer still stands—a hot meal and bath. [ He pauses, but to raise his hand as if to cut off the other before he can disagree. ] For your brother too, of course.

[ Turning to his side Percival points to the green wagon he came out of at the start of all this commotion. ] That's where I stay. When you both come back with your things, come find me. [ He looks back to him with a gentle smile. ] I'll make good on my word, and we'll have a place set up for you by then.

[The sound of Percival laughing was something enchanting to him. It was a rich sound that made his heart flutter. To him, who struggled to utter a noise, the sounds of others was somewhat alluring. Something about Percival’s laugh was particularly alluring to him. A wonderful sound that he hopes to hear more of in the future.

But his attention is brought back to the promise of a meal and a bath. While the other was wonderful; it had been a long time since either of them had either things. Newt wouldn’t lie that the sounds of it didn’t sound incredible at the moment. He offers the man a bright smile and a polite bow before he’s scampering off.

It wouldn’t do him good not to make either Percival or Theseus wait and he had great news for Theseus.

Percival doesn’t have to wait long for Newt to return with his brother. Neither of them had much in terms of personal belongings. They didn’t really have any other than some extra clothes, but all their stuff fit in a single sack they shared. Merely a reality they accepted. Had to.

Theseus was a smidge taller than Newt (impressive since Newt was already so tall). His hair was darker and less curly, but the two had an uncanny resemblance.

The quieter of the two gently knocks on the door of the wagon that Percival had pointed out to him and waits for an answer.]

[ There's much to do once Newt leaves—paperwork to gather (though he knows he won't get to it straight away), another wagon to set up for their new crew, and of course the bartering for meals and hot water. The latter was a loftier affair, as the show was newer and town and things a bit tighter until the crowds rolled in.

By the time Newt an Theseus return to camp, however, Percival has these things well in motion and mostly ready for their arrival. In fact, he'd only been in his own camper for a short time before the knock. Truthfully he doesn't expect the pair so soon and the surprise, not unwelcome, is clear on his face. ]

Well, [ He smiles down to Newt. ] Welcome back. [ While he notices the one bag between them, Percival doesn't make a fuss beyond it. Others have joined them with the same; it would change with time.

Turning towards the shorter of the two, Percival keeps his smile and offers out his hand. ] Good to meet you, I'm glad you could both could join us.

[When the other smiles at him, he immediately looks down at his feet with the shyest smile and running his hand through his hair absentmindedly. Of course, Newt's actions weren't loss to his brother and the other seems rather thoughtful of the situation, but didn't say anything on it.

While Newt was completely silent and shy, Theseus was nothing like his younger brother. Theseus was boisterous and charismatic and much more outgoing.

Theseus introduces them to Percival; a small elbow jab at Newt as he jokes that he's sure Newt didn't give the man his name in the first place (which isn't wrong). Theseus and Newt were their names. Theseus doesn't give them their last names. He knew what it was, while Newt didn't, but it didn't matter what their last names were. They were orphans after all.

The pair weren't exactly twins, but their relation was uncanny. Newt's hair was fairer and redder than his brother, whose hair was darker and browner. They both were pretty pale with a plethora freckles. Theseus wasn't short by any means, but Newt was still taller by a smidge. They looked like they hadn't had a proper meal or a bath in a very long time, but there's a certain amount of life still in their eyes despite whatever hardships they were experiencing.

Theseus was looking around curious, seemingly interested in their new setting. Newt was looking down at his hands quietly.]

[ To learn that the other brother wasn’t the same as Newt was, immediately, both a blessing and a curse. Communication with the younger had been slightly taxing in his guessing, but it was more so to hear endless jabber. Theseus, he knew, would have no trouble fitting in here with all his outward charm and wit.

How similar the brother were was astounding. Had it not been for the slight differences in their appearance, he could have easily assumed they were twins. A faint thought wonders if their ring leader wouldn’t try and fit them into that later on, if he were so inclined. There are other more important things to focus on at current, however. Like seeing to their newest members.

Percival stands, arm on his hip as he stands beside Newt and watches Theseus explore nearby. After a small sigh and shake of his head, he turns to look to Newt, a softer and more casual smile donned. ] Theseus seems plenty occupied looking around. What about you? That meal and bath are still on the table, if you’d like to before settling into your wagon.

[ His pause comes with a faint chuckle. ] I don’t mean to push it, I just want you both to feel comfortable here and I can’t think of a better way right off the bat.

[Despite their similar appearances; Theseus was obviously much more outgoing. Not any more or less inquisitive, if the way that Newt carefully looks around was any indication. Just that Theseus was much more obvious about his observations versus the quieter Scamander.

Newt looks away from his surroundings to look at the other. His eyes brighten a smidge and he seems to light up at the idea of a meal. A bath was nice too, but Newt had grown so used to filth that it didn't bother him too much. Food, however. It has been so long since he had a meal.

Though, maybe it would be better to clean up before eating.

Still, Newt nods shyly. As though he was scared for asking too much by accepting. Even if it was being offered to him in the first place.]

[ It was, at the very least, amusing to see the differences between the two—as whelming as it was to see the older of the pair flit around excitedly. Truthfully, it was refreshing to see someone with such enthusiasm. Somehow it only made him more curious about the younger and his silence.

Seeing Newt light up as he does though distracts Percival a hair long enough to smile something soft. He nods, glancing back to Theseus. Surely he wouldn’t mind getting a bite too. ] Well, there’s nothing worse than exhausting yourself bathing on an empty stomach.

[ It wasn’t said as a dig, or a snide remark on the brother’s appearances, but sympathetically. Percival understood, for as well off as he appeared to be. ] Let’s get you fed. The baths should be ready by the time you’re finished, anyway. [ He turns his head to Newt again with a small nod, motioning for them to walk. ] This way. Theseus! We're grabbing something to eat.

[Theseus is quick to join Percival and Newt at the mention food. As if either of them would say no to a meal when they've been living off scraps and who knows what else. It's probably rather lucky the two of them are relatively healthy other than being malnourished.

The older brother seems to happily chat and ask questions to fill the space. Newt contently is quiet as he listens while Percival leads them to where everyone takes their meals.]

[ 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?

The End Of Love

Circus AU

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