newtralize | The End Of Love

[ He glances over just the same as Newt, a small smile holding fast on his face to the genuineness in his question. Yes, barely poking above ground. ] They need a lot of light, water and fertilizer to grow strong. Those are easier to control in the nursery than here in the shop. This is more general maintenance.

[ Stepping back around Newt he walks back to the counter, grabbing the box with the young plants to position in the spot he just cleared. He's done it plenty of times but it still takes some wriggling, so he takes the time to tell the his story. ] The myth is rather interesting, in a heartbreaking way. Gave me a newfound love for roses.

[ It quickly becomes clear the retelling doesn't tie back to Hyacinthus and Apollo so much as it does Percival truly enjoying telling him the myth. ] Zeus had forced Aphrodite—who claimed she could make anyone love her—into loving Adonis, who only loved himself. As if that wasn't enough, he twisted fate so that Adonis would die in a boar hunt, to hurt her and stop her boasting.

[ Finally getting the planter slotted in, he turns to watering them, getting the soil dark with it. ] She rushed down from Olympus to try to save him and on the way she stepped on a thorn. At the time, all the roses in the world were pure white. But when her blood dripped on them, so great was her love and mourning for Adonis, it turned them red.

[ When he turns back to Newt it's with a smile, warmer, pleased even that he was able to recant the tale. ] You seem quite interested, would you like a turn? To water something, [ Percival clarifies with a chuckle. ]

[The other was so gentle and Percival's smile makes his heart flutter just a smidge everytime. This is A Problem.] Is that so... [He really knows nothing about caring for plants. His mom did a lot of gardening, but he never really had the patience for it. He was too busy running about and exploring about when he was a child.] I'm learning a-a-a lot today. [The quietest of chuckles from the Brit.]

Oh. That's rather cruel. [Of course, he has read plenty enough myths and stories to know the cruelty of gods. Greek gods in particular were rather mean to each other. It was really reading almost a bunch of grown adults acting like petulant children.] Well, was never fond of Zeus.

Can't say I was, uhm, fond of how he treated love. [He says it so shyly.] I'm more of a romantic though, so perhaps that's why.

[Newt shakes his head a little too quickly.] I-I I wouldn't want to ruin your plants.

[ The hum he gives about the seedlings is quiet and trailing. ] It is, [ Percival nods, that smile sticking. ] Even with the watering and lighting system I rigged together, they still need to be fed and pruned to grow as healthy as they do. It's a lot of monitoring. [ Not unlike parenting, but people seemed to be offended when the comparison comes up so he keeps it to himself. ] Good, I'm glad you are, [ He returns the chuckle. ]

It is very cruel. Still, a hauntingly beautiful explanation for roses. [ Why it might have been the reason he only had red and white roses available. ] I don't think anyone was fond of Zeus; he was more toxic than not. [ Though a great deal of them had their issues, that was besides the point. Zeus was always worse. ] I'm not sure he loved like the others did, if at all.

Not like Apollo and Hyacinthus. Achilles and Patroclus. [ The chuckle is quiet, knowing. ] Or like Poseidon and Nerites, for that matter. Another of my favorites, even if it doesn't tie into flowers. [ It's extremely telling, far more than the other two could ever hope to be. Historians could bury those romances in "translation errors" but not the one of Nerites. ]

Nonsense. How about I show you some plants you can't possibly ruin? [ Percival smiles again, stepping around the display and makes a motion with his head to Newt as he walks further back in the shop. ] Follow me.

Are we talking about children or plants? [His voice comes out a little firmer with the softest of chuckles. Newt seemed to have relaxed some since his initial arrival into the little shop.

He feels like the other was surely implying something when he names a few pairs. It may have been coincidence, but there were plenty of more well known pairs in mythology and it isn't completely lost to him.

Ah, he can't help but wonder if his mouth had put him in such a situation. He didn't consider his words at all...

Was he that obvious?] You're, er, quite well versed aren't you? [What a lame thing to say, but he didn't have the courage to push the envelope. To ask more about what the other could possibly mean.]

Oh. I- I don't want to take up all your time! [Despite his words, he follows the other anyways.]

[ From the lack of stammering alone Percival can tell he's feeling more at ease. That paired with the words mirroring his thoughts let a chuckle huff out his nose. ] I try not to make the comparison, but yes, they're quite similar. [ How rare it was for someone to so quickly make the connection.

Oh, there were certainly other myths he enjoyed too, ones leaning a smidgen more heterosexual, but he was trying to get a point across. A point that was obviously well met, or at the least much more welcome than most. He isn't sure which, but it's a refreshing pace either way.

Refreshing, if not a little odd. ] It comes in handy on occasion, [ Is his smile. ] At the end of the day working retail, even if it is my own business, I sometimes have more energy for books than people. [ A small tingle shoots up his back and Percival wonders if he should have said that to someone who wasn't a close friend.

Better yet, he wonders why it was so easy to tell a stranger that.

He stops at the glass door leading to the desert section, hands behind his back ready to push it open. Though his smile is politely hanging on his lips, at the idea of the other leaving it seems a little less bright. ] You're not taking up my time at all. If anything this will be my highlight of today.

[ The shrug is small as he pushes the door back and a wall of heat pushes past him. ] I don't normally get such a captive audience to educate. If ever.

[There's a puzzled expression on his face face at that.] Why is that? I-Is there a problem with it? [The other seems to put a lot of love and attention into his plants. The comparison seemed fitting.

He rubs his neck a little sheepishly before he looks at the ground.] I, ah, sometimes people can be quite a lot. I understand. [Despite being fond of his job; interacting with the public was an exhausting affair. He loved his work but he surely doesn't love the fame that went with it.] Handy though...like right now? [So they can seemingly talk about pairs in mythology in what is maybe a not so completely innocent conversation.

Between the thought of being the highlight of Percival's day and just being around the other with their easy smile, the next few words kind of just get blurted out.] Well, surely it's because you're quite captivating.

[He freezes up as soon as the words come out of his mouth and his face is red and he might be internally panicking. His fight or flight is kicking in high gear.]

I-I- I think I should actually g-get going. [He shouldn't have said that. Oh dear. Oh no.]

[ It's a single chuckle that bubbles from him. ] No, there's not a problem with it at all; I think the same, actually. [ His smile doesn't fade but there's an honesty to it when he speaks again. ] Not everyone agrees with the comparison. [ Which is why didn't typically bring it up.

Percival watches him move, notices the shyness about him and simply tilts his head—kind and considerate in Newt's mousiness. ] Something else we have in common then, aside from being well versed. [ And a little gay he thinks, possibly. This time his laughter is more like a set of hums. ] Like right now, yes. [ A coded conversation, if someone were keen to it.

And he's not sure what he's more surprised to hear, that the other finds him captivating or that he's flushing red and trying to turn tail. Percival's heart catches in his throat and he steps forward, closing the door so it didn't lose more heat. ]

If you're sure, [ He utters politely, not wishing him to go but not exactly having the standing to ask him to stay. Ice fills his stomach at the idea of him leaving, of never seeing him again. ] Before you go— [ Percival starts, holding up a hand to Newt to give him a moment.

He makes quick work of going down an aisle, fingers brushing over petals and leaves as he goes. Stopping at a planter he seems to have a difficulty picking something out, but in another moment pulls a small pair of scissors to cut out a flower. As Percival walks back he's turning the plant in his fingers.

A red hyacinth, vibrant and beautiful, which he delicately lifts to slide into one of Newt's front pockets. ] On the house. [ He smiles again, leaning ever so slightly in as he speaks quieter. ] For being so captivating yourself.

Edited (trigger finger fmlmfasdf) 2019-05-08 05:11 (UTC)

Ah, well. With how much care you put into them... [It's basically a parent caring for their children, right?] You sound a smidge like a doting father. [He laughs a bit.

Newt waits quietly as the other seems to be looking for something; although he can't fathom what it might be. Honestly, he's still kind of panicking over having called the other captivating and how much he wants to hide somewhere for the rest of his life. He just wanted some peace and quiet from the public. Somehow he made a fool of himself in front of a stranger and all but turned a neon sign on over his head about preferences in partners.

The other didn't seem to know who he is though, and perhaps that's a good thing.]

I- [He glances at the flower for a moment before looking at the other just as they call him captivating.

Is his face on fire because it feels like that.] I- Uhm- T-T-Thank you. [He looks away quickly and bows his head politely. He definitely was turning tail. There's no way he can stay without making it more obvious that he finds the other incredibly attractive.] I- Do please- I mean- I hope you have a good day.

[He offers the other a quick smile before kind of stumbling out of the shop. He'll have to look up what the meaning the flower the other had given him meant.]

[ Is that a flush on his cheeks? Percival clears his throat, pulls back the toothy smile at being called a doting father. Surely it was the accent paired with the compliment that got his heart picking up again. Surely.

It can't be this strange draw from their back and forth, the small, sweet stammering or bashful smiles, nor the interest in his business, no—not at all. They've known each other for minutes, someone can't be that drawn to someone else so quickly. It's strange. Creepy.

And yet his heart pounds at the idea of never seeing him again. He hasn't even gotten his name. Percival is about to ask, a small You're quite welcome, Leaving him before things are set in motion beyond his control. The man's coat slips from his fingers as he steps away and he takes a step to follow, but only the one. ] Of course, you as well.

[ He watches the other make short work of the walk out of the shop, the words: ] Take care, [ Heavy on his chest and tongue as he forces it out before he's gone. And for all the ache in his chest he smiles bright back at his visitor, lifting a hand to wave at him before the door closes behind him. It's a belated, near airless chuckle at the way he stumbled out and down the street.

Perhaps he should have given the man a purple hyacinth—something mournful, for the loss of whatever small spark there was. Then again, there's no regret in him for giving the red one—acknowledgement of that spark; an invitation to pursue this. Percival drops his head as he wrings his hands in his apron, mirroring the feeling in his gut.

He doubts he'll see hide nor hair of the man again. ]

[It’s probably days or even weeks before Newt returns to the shop. It wasn’t as though he were avoiding returning, although his nerves were too frayed to bring himself to return any sooner. He just didn’t have much time with filming and the days seemed endless and busy before he finds himself back at the shop.

Despite not having gone back since the first visit; he found his mind preoccupied by the other and the parting gift they had given him. What it meant and if he were reading too much into it. Newt didn’t want to be hopeful. He wasn’t quite sure if he should try. Still, he finds himself back at the quaint little flower shop that had given him a moment of peace and memories he no longer could shake.

He would be lying if he weren’t desperately holding onto the meaning of the flowers he had carefully preserved.

Newt gently pushes the door open and quietly shuffles into the shop again. His hair was a mess of curls and he had himself tucked into a striped scarf. His voice is quiet when he speaks up. It would be easy to miss it completely.] H-Hello?

[ It's weeks; he's counted. Or had counted—he stopped, largely to Seraphina's repeated request (the poor woman, putting up with his sighs of missed opportunity). In truth he felt better not counting the time, letting it pass freely again. Still, that didn't stop his eyes glancing or heart skip when someone with a similar silhouette passed by the window.

Percival calls himself a fool for thinking the other man would come back. Seraphina was right, he'd come on too strong. It hadn't felt like he did but then again, who was ever so attracted to someone else so quickly? The thought of that day had been on his mind again, a small smile on his lips, as he transplants some sprouts out in the front again.

There's, of course, a small twinge of ache in his chest from the thought. He busies himself with his work, as he had before, to push the thought from his mind. The soft music overhead helped, but was only as good a distraction until he hears the door, and the mousy, foreign greeting that follows.

Percival stops what he's doing and pushes a hanging pot out of his line of sight to see the person that voice came from. Time slows again, in a good way now, and he has to hold back the way his heart does flips in his chest. He can't help the airy laugh that falls out from it, however. ] Well, [ Think of the devil. ] Welcome back.

[ Setting the plants back on the utility cart next to him, Percival wipes off his hands on his apron and starts walking around to meet him. ] What brings you by— [ He pauses, a little embarrassed, and chuckles. ] I don't believe I ever got your name.

[Newt shuffles from foot to foot and adjusts his scarf around his neck and looking down at his feet.] I- Yes. I hope me coming back isn't a problem. [He winces a bit when he says that. It was an establishment where anyone can come in. What a silly thing to say.]

Oh. Yes, sorry. I- [He's so used to people knowing him that he's not used to introducing himself to the other. He has to hold his tongue not to mention that. It's honestly nice not to be recognized.] Newt. My name is Newt.

[His heart flutters when he hears the other chuckle and he offers the man the shyest of smiles.] I, uhm, I-I hope it wasn't presumptuous of me to return. [He fusses with the end of his scarf before looking up at the other.] The, uhm, parting gift. That is.

[ Percival's heart thuds in his chest at the sound of Newt's voice, stuttering still though it is. It's still sweet to him and, truthfully, he had missed it. ] Not at all, [ He tries to comfort. ] The opposite of one, in fact. [ Does the bloom of emotion in his chest make it to the sound of his voice? He does his best to hide it. ]

Newt, [ He echoes with a small nod. ] Good to meet you properly. [ A small grin forms as he takes a few steps closer, happy to see that reserved smile in return. He pauses at the phrased question, soon to be followed with another chuckle, his nerves subtly working their way out. ]

I hope it wasn't too obvious. [ The words, while confident, had a soft give to them; as if he worried. A short shrug lifts his shoulders before he speaks it. ] I was starting to think I came off too strong—scared you away. [ Dipping his head, the hand rubbing over the side of his neck is brief. ] I'm glad to have been wrong.

Oh, uhm. Yes. It's a pleasure. P-Percival. [He says Percival so shyly, yet there was something more to it. The way he said it. Earnestly. Affectionately perhaps. Newt wore his heart on his sleeve and it was difficult for him to hide such honest emotions.]

I had to look it up when I got home. [He looked down at Percival's feet. Perhaps a little embarrassed with his admittance that he assumed that there was reason for the other to give him the flower other than as an innocent parting gift.] I- I-I didn't want to make assumptions or anything.

[He shrugs helplessly.] I'm- I find that reading the room can be difficult. I mean, when it comes to these...things. You see. So... [He trails off before glancing at Percival's face.] I-I didn't want to be embarrassingly hopeful.

[ Percival doesn't get too close, no matter how much Newt's voice warms his heart and beckons him. Doesn't want to scare Newt off like he's still afraid he did before. The man was clearly nervous again, much like himself albeit externally versus his internal. And that was fine; good, even. This is no small thing. ]

That's quite all right, [ The soft laughter bubbles out of him. He wants to ask him what he thought of it, if anything, though the fact the other man is here with him now speaks more volumes than any answer he could have gotten. At least he thinks. Hopes.

He doesn't know what has his tongue so tied. Maybe, he tells himself, it's to let Newt get all his words out—to not be rude in cutting him off. In truth he's just still so stunned the other is here and had actually looked into the language of flowers, like he had hoped. Being well versed seemed to help tremendously. ]

Please, [ He shakes his head, daring another step forward with a smile when Newt looks to him. ] Be embarrassingly hopeful. I had... [ Silent laughter shakes his shoulders before he sucks in a breath. ] I had hoped you might be. [ Percival corrects himself with a flash of a grin: ] I'm glad you are.

[Newt was a bundle of nerves, but this was really no different from his usual. How a man as shy as him can bring out countless personas in his acting roles is honestly something that Leta had teased him countless of times before.]

Oh. Well, uhm, yes. [He stares down at Percival's shoes and never lifts his head to look at the other. Too nervous to perhaps see what the other's expression might change to. A little too awkward to keep eye contact despite everyone always telling you the importance of it.] I, that is- Well, I was hoping that you would perhaps fancy spending some time together. I mean- When you're not working that is. [He kind of nervously wrings his hands together.]

Since, uhm, I really don't want to keep bothering you while you're at work! Just, I was hoping you would consider letting me take up some of your free time. When you are able. Willing, that is. [Oh dear, he's really quite bad at this.]

Quite honestly, I would take any time with you I could manage—work or otherwise. [ He feels rather like a teenager, confessing to someone for the first time in his life. Noticing the way Newt wrings his hands, Percival turns towards his flowers, looking them over as the other continues to speak. Maybe it'll help the other not feel so pressured in talking, and maybe a flower would help with easing him some.

But it seems he doesn't need any help with it. The question, as phrased as it is, makes Percival still for a moment as he smiles. Stepping across the way, small pocket sheers in hand, he goes to another set of flowers, cutting one out before turning back to Newt. ]

I'll save you some research, [ Was it a little over the top, replying in flower language and explaining it? A sinking suspicion in his mind tells him yes, but Newt had shown an interest in it. Continuing it might be fun. ] Carnations, in general, are for fascination in... romance. [ He takes a small breath and continues on as he spins the flower in his fingers. ] A solid color denotes an affirmative answer, and white is for enjoyment in a lovely way—a sweetness.

[ Percival's laugh is soft as he proffers the carnation to Newt. ] I am very willing for you to take up my time, yes. [ A beat. ] And I'm able tonight, after 7, if you're free.

O-Oh. [He flushes a little at that. He rubs his neck sheepishly, but there's a shy little smile that graces Newt's lips. If they were teenagers confessing for the first time, than Newt surely felt his heart flutter and he very much was the shy, smitten teen who was being confessed to.

And of course, the other only manages to fluster the man more when he holds out the flower to Newt. Whether or not it was over the top, it was certainly effective in ensnaring the tall Brit. He takes the flower from the other and twirls it between his fingers.] You certainly know how to woo a man, don't you? Just like in the movies. [Because this certainly doesn't feel quite real to him. Or maybe he just doesn't expect to end up in such a picturesque scenario.

And Newt seems to brighten up at the mention of being free. Maybe it's too quick. Maybe he should think on it, but he doesn't.] Oh, I- Uhm, I'd love that, really.

I don't know about that, [ Percvial gives a small chuckle. It comes across humble, as if couldn't quite compare himself to some star-studded movie, but he genuinely isn't sure this is something someone would do in a movie. It simply feels right to give the other something to reassure his sincerity towards all this; it was very much real. ] But I'm pleased it's working.

[ He holds his breath at seeing Newt illume. For all the suddenness Percival can't bring himself to mind it. To be interested in and interested in return—this sweetly addictive sensation him only serves to push him onward. ]

Wonderful, [ Is his light, equally relived and excited exhale. ] We could meet— [ He pauses, considering. ] I suppose we should figure out what we'd like to do first? [ It would only make sense. It was sort of like a date, wasn't it? Those usually needed some planning and he certainly didn't want to push anything onto the other with all his nervousness. ]

I don't think I've had someone who has been quite so sweet. [He doesn't really expect someone to be. He has never really shown he was interested in men in anyway. It would certainly be a fiasco if he were to reveal such a detail.

Women were far more interested in someone who was probably more sure of themselves. More masculine than how Newt was. He hadn't shown interest in someone since the person after Leta. He doesn't like to dwell on what that had become, either.]

O-Oh! Uhm. Yes... [He fidgets a little, suddenly nervous again.] I-...That is...I'm not really much for going out. [Although, Percival may have been able to glean that from the other with his demeanor at this point.] I apologize if you wanted to go out... [It wasn't possible. If he were caught out having dinner with a new face...it would certainly become a mess.]

That’s a shame, [ Percival utters out without a thought. A heat flushes over him from it, nearly stealing his tongue away from him, but he swallows down the knot and keeps a smile on. ] You deserve much more sweetness than this. [ A flower was only a flower; a thing. A gentle thing, but still. Someone as kind as this man had appeared should have had more than mere things. A man so kind deserved gentle affection and all that came with that.

Percival doesn’t dare to fully think he could give him such things. But he knows he wants to try.

Seeing the other turn nervous again almost gives him worry, though once he explains the reason for the shift in tone, the brunet releases his held breath with relief. ] No, there’s no need to apologize, [ He shakes his head with short motions as he looks Newt over. ] I don’t mind staying in at all. We can order in, if you like— [ A realization dawns on him and has him clearing his throat. ]

I should mention, I live just upstairs. [ Motioning with a hand he points up to the ceiling and the floor above them. ] Actually I, [ The laugh is a little shy, Percival fearing his offer is suddenly too much too quick. ] I own the whole building. [ It was small, only three floors but still worth noting in this situation. ] Not to come off... strange, or presumptuous, I thought it better you know now than later.

I, uhm, well I don't- I haven't fancied anyone recently. [He thinks that was the best way to describe it. That he hadn't really gone looking for someone to date at any capacity in a long, long while. The implication that the man wasn't open about his preferences to seek someone is also unsaid, but very much implied.

Newt seems visibly relieved that they don't seem to mind. Most would probably be far less interested in someone who rather stay inside than going out around the town. He was rather boring, he thinks, with his hobbies and preferences.

Perhaps a little surprised as the other explains though.] Oh. No, that's quite fine, really. Honestly. I... [It meant that they didn't have to risk traveling somewhere else together. Less chances to be caught and for this to become some sort of media fiasco.] I don't mind. It would be fine then, that is, if I lingered until you were done with work? I had, uhm, kept my day free. [As though his intention was to spend the day with the other.

He looks shyly down at his hands, face turning red.]

Oh, [ The word gingerly falls from Percival in a moment of surprise. He almost can’t believe Newt hadn’t been in a relationship at least recently. The man is so kind and handsome, no matter his shyness. Snapping himself out of it, he shakes his head. ] Truthfully, I haven’t either. [ A smile then, small and honest. ] It’s been quite some time. Married to the job, and all. [ And it showed—in a good way he hoped.

Though he worries about the way he babbled about his living situation. If anything was a deal breaker then surely it was going to be that. Just how all right can someone be with a practical stranger about meeting for a date in an empty building alone? It sounded like the beginning of a horror novel and—Percival is completely baffled to hear Newt’s reply.

His heart flutters in his chest, beating as if to break out, and he does well to smother the laughter that wants to bubble up from it. ] Of course, [ Is the exhale that replaces it. ] I could finish the tour we started, or... [ Looking over his shoulder to the back room, he considers just what he has to do today. ] Would you like to help me with some seedlings? I could show you the greenhouse.

[ Things were slow, he didn’t have any orders in. They could have a pre-date before their actual date, why not? ]

[Newt wrings his hands a little.} Ah, well. M-My last one. It- [He doesn't finish his sentence. He can't help but falter. He was naturally a rather anxious and shy man, but it had done much to really damage his own self image.] My job makes it difficult to pursue, so I...I really haven't in awhile.

[He's a little nervous. He wasn't great at lying and he didn't want to tell the other what he did for a living if they asked. He also hoped that this wouldn't deter the other suddenly. As though his lack of experience might be undesirable.

Newt doesn't even consider the rather worrying aspect of being invited to their place alone. Percival didn't know who he was, so he hadn't considered the dangers when it was usually more dangerous for people to know who he is. He has had plenty of stalkers and those that had accosted him that this was far better with that in mind.]

Oh, no. I don't want to potentially make a mess of things or anything. [What if he did something wrong? He didn't want to ruin anything by messing up.] You put so much love into these plants I'd hate for that to go to waste because of my doing.

[ Percvial catches something in that stutter. Like a small flash far back in his mind, one that he doesn’t really investigate further into. He recognizes it, faintly, and lets it be, smiling softly at Newt as he shakes his head. ] I understand, it’s always been a challenge to balance work and relationships.

[ Sometimes it wasn’t always worth the hassle. This certainly doesn’t feel like one of those times.

They might have only met a couple times but it feels more genuine. They both might have been a little more anxious, walking on eggshells, but didn’t that mean they were interested? He’s going to take it as that, more than relieved that Newt doesn’t seem to think him a serial killer luring him into something nefarious. Others certainly had. ]

I’ll be right there with you, [ The chuckle, while bright, is reassuring even before he adds: ] You won’t mess up a thing. [ For all his love and effort put into his flowers, it was an easy thing to learn. Besides, Newt had been interested before, and the man certainly needed a distraction now. Percvial holds out a hand, motioning with his head to the back. ] Trust me.

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