newtralize | The End Of Love

[ When there's a slight pause to his question, which was really only meant to be teasing and largely rhetorical, Percival feels a small current run up his spine as if to fill in the blanks. He holds his breath, fighting the urge to get closer and look the man over again. ] I can't answer that while on grounds.

[ Which, as it stood, was a telling enough answer. But when he's pushed further with the gag, that tingle spills from his nape over his shoulders and down the length of his body. He can't help getting closer now, the strides easy as he keeps his gaze on him. ] I definitely... cannot answer that while on grounds.

[ Forget fire—this was an inferno.

Because now it was his turn to bite back a comment or two, and he clears his throat gently while trying to think of something mild to replace it with. ] Oh, just a small bit. [ ...Subtle. Being close again isn't making anything easy but Percival finds himself unable to step away this time, like a force is keeping him planted there. ] Good. That's a relief.

[ The returning grin make Percival's mind stumble over itself and he drops his jaw to speak, only to have his tongue click in acknowledgement. He laughs airily before twisting his stance to be beside Newt, motioning them forward. ] Well then, let's get going; this time is precious. [ Even if the workload would be easier unwinding was important. ]

I think you would be surprised at the number of Americans who drink tea instead, [ Percival starts as he makes his way to the stairs. ] To each their own. Coffee isn't everyone's cup of tea. [ There's a half hidden proving he knows what unforgivable pun he's made, but it's true. ] I haven't found one I like, but that doesn't make it unpalatable overall. The cafe I have in mind does each side justice. So I'm told.

[That just earns the other a brilliant little laugh from the Brit. It makes his chest feel light and flutter and it sends tingles from his toes to his fingertips. It's a feeling he hasn't felt before and he can't help but find it rather addicting.] Well then, you can surely answer them once we're far from here then.

[He easily loops his arm around one of Percival's own.] Lead the way then. I can't say I have the faintest clue as to where we're going, after all. [He flashes the other a smile.]

Terrible. I thought Americans would have more class than making such a terrible play on words! [The small chuckle from the other says otherwise. It was still pretty terrible though.] Does that make you one who takes his coffee tall and dark? [A raised eyebrow.]

[ To hear Newt's bright laugh fill his ears lets waves cascade through him; a warm, sparking sensation throughout his entire body. Percival doesn't quite know what to do with himself. He can't quite recall a time he felt to twitterpated for someone. Or for someone so quickly. ] Then surely I will.

[ Their locking arms is unexpected, some fleeting surprise brushing over Percival's face, though more from their contact—shielded as it was. Still, he smiles, raising his arm to hold Newt's properly. ] Only the best cafe in Manhattan. [ Newt feels instantly warm where he's curled around him, a faint tingling as they made their through the lobby and down more stairs to the entrance. It's difficult to ignore. ]

I'm afraid you'll hear much worse from those less charming. [ If he manages to get to a club sometime during all this he's sure to find out. But there's a relief in the chuckle Newt gives. ] A little sweet, sometimes. [ Percival turns to look at Newt briefly, a knowing smile on his lips and glimmer in his eye. ] Depends on the day.

I would absolutely adore to hear the answer. I'm dying to know what it is if it isn't work appropriate. [Like he can't guess, but he's also being cheeky at the moment.

He lets the other lead him back out into the streets of New York. The city was fascinating to Newt, who was used to the narrow and winding cobblestone paths of Diagon Alley. There was just so much that was different (yet the same).]

Well, it's a good thing that you're so charming. [A playful wink.] Then what about today?

It's unfortunately less about the wording than anything else. [ Newt must be taking a deal of enjoyment from being so saucy, not that Percival minds from the way tries to hide his smile as they leave the Woolworth and make their way to the streets, already bustling. Once they've reached the corner, crossing the street, the answer finally comes: ] Which is, it is—and I would. To add, I'm growing fond of the idea of doing so privately.

[ Absolutely damning, and there's a flare of heat that spreads under his skin at the admission as he clears his throat gently. Percival certainly wasn't going to apologize for the answer; they could have been taken any way, without context, which is why he'd waited to speak.

It was absolutely damning and though his heart flutters at the wink and can't fight the grin he faintly wonders if it's too sudden or too crass. ] The present company is undeniably helping in that. [ He was never so forward like this after all. ] Yes, I think so. My sweet tooth is quite active today. [ How could it not be?

Just another half block down is the cafe: outside is a small area fenced off with wrought iron and lined with foliage, a few matching tables set within it as burgundy umbrellas shaded them. Percival points to it with his free hand, looking ahead. ] They have a seated courtyard in back, if you'd like to rest a moment before we head to Central Park.

[Newt is absolutely living for it and he doesn't know why. The way that the other makes his heart flutter and hammer in his chest and how he feels like a teen in some whirlwind romance.

One couldn't just fall for someone like this. Love at first sight? Sure, he loves the concept, but he never think it could happen to him at least.] Well, it's a good thing that we have all day to ourselves now don't we? I don't see why we can't find more private accommodations. [Merlin, he knows better, but it's like being punch drunk and he can't help himself.] We're not on the clock and I do want to enjoy my day. It doesn't matter how.

[He laughs a little as they head down the block to the cafe. He gets the feeling that they may possibly have to go to Central Park another time. Perhaps that's presumptuous of him, but he can't really find himself wanting to detach his own being from the other.] Let's enjoy a drink first and then decide what we want to do from there. I rather not want us to get ahead of ourselves.

[Perhaps he's being too forward, but he adds it anyways.] I feel like we may be considering other things than Central Park at the moment as is.

[ Percival tries rationalizing this all in his head. Trying to think of some reason as to why he would suddenly be so enveloped in the idea os someone like this. For all his effort, nothing comes to mind—he's so distracted by the other man's voice, the warm radiating against his arm and side.

It surely can't be anything but a sudden infatuation. And what's so wrong with it for now? Surely it was better to get it out of their systems before it got all tangled up in their work. To indulge all this tongue-in-cheek flirtation while they could, even if for the briefest of moments he thinks he doesn't want it to end. ] I'm sure, then, we could find something to occupy the time.

[ He sounds confident, certain, as if he already has a place in mind beyond an afternoon drink. He doesn't, not entirely, but he's thankful for the brisk air to distract him from all his heated thoughts. ] Yes, a drink would do us well, I think. [ In fact there's no denying it; they need a small breather.

Because hearing that from the other just makes Percival want to skip straight to somewhere private. A small bit of color finds his ears and the man keeps his head forward as he fights a smile. ] You're not wrong, [ Is the soft admittance as he casts a glance over to Newt. ] And if that's the case, it sounds like things have already been decided.

[ Central park wasn't going anywhere. ]

[Newt just laughs a little as they make their way down the street.] What we had while sailing was far from enjoyable. I'm looking forward to something that's far more pleasing to the senses. [He does actually mean that.

Sailing from England to the States was far from the most enjoyable thing.

Of course, he had been able to keep busy, but it was a bit of an affair to get things done without his fellow aurors possibly knocking and asking for his company for whatever reason.]

Well, that really depends. Where were you thinking of going after our little date? [Oh, he's really just going for it at this point.] You're the one who knows the best places, right? [He glances at the other with a knowing look.] I'm leaving it to you to show me a wondrous time.

[ A heat rises up under Percival's collar at all the implication being thrown around. It's all so naturally enticing but at the same time quite scandalous, speaking of such things so freely in public. People might only pick up pieces, but still. ] A few things more enjoyable than a voyage certainly come to mind.

[ Things that required nothing but each other and time, which they had an abundance of today. Quite an undertaking, a whole day spent on nothing but indulgence, though there's little worry in Percival about it all. With how well they've hit it off he's sure they'll keep busy.

A date. So long has it been since he's been on one the idea brings out another wave of sensation through his limbs, especially with all their talk of after. ] I was thinking somewhere more quiet, [ His smile is confident as they reach the cafe. ] High up, where there won't be any distractions to bother us.

[ He angles their stance once they get to the door to open it for Newt, and though it takes their arms unlocking to do so Percival keeps their hands together—guiding Newt inside before following after. As they take a few steps in, headed towards a side hall leading back outside into the courtyard, a barista perks up from behind the bar.

'Mr. Graves, good afternoon! What will it be today?' ]

My usual, please, [ He starts before glancing over to Newt, a small grin still tugging at his lips. ] And a selection of tea for my partner.

[ 'Of course, we'll bring it right out!'

Though he's loathe to so do again, as they approach the hall Percival lets Newt on head, motioning for him to go through. ] After you; it's a bit narrow for two. [ He's been here often enough with Seraphina to know better than try. Thankfully now he doesn't have to worry about stepping on any of Newt's clothing. ]

With you, I can't imagine a dull time in anyway. [He gives the other a little, cheeky grin. He can't help but feel a bit excited at what's to come. Just something about the other brings a certain excitement he hasn't ever felt. To be so attracted to someone. He should worry more about it, but he's much too drunk on the feeling.

And Percival has all but probably implied his place, and if that doesn't make his body tingle-] That sounds simply wonderful.

[Newt unravels the Hufflepuff scarf around his neck as they step in and stuffs it into his coat pocket before shuffling through the hall ahead of the other. Percival can see the freckles that dust the back of his neck and disappears under his shirt collar.] A regular here, are you? They seemed rather happy to see your face. Aren't we popular? [He teases a bit.

Even if their fingers were laced together as though it were natural.]

[ A chortle hums out from Percival in response to that teasing. ] I’m not sure what they would do without my patronage, truth be told. [ It wasn’t the only place he frequented but it was certainly one of his favorites, and being so close to the Woolworth certainly didn’t help. But he can’t think of work now.

Not when Newt’s freckles stick out against his skin so vividly, and Percival can’t help himself in admiring them—how they dip down under his collar. A flaring desire to know just how far those speckles are peppered over him hits the poor man like a train. With little thought to it, his hand squeezes Newt’s as they walk in an attempt to temper himself. This date was going to be quite difficult.

And short, with any luck.

The heat of their hands between entwined fingers both grounds and drives him up a wall. He feels like an absolute fool. Percival can’t even compare himself to a teenager; he’s never felt so twitter-patted in all his years—it’s taking everything in him not to take Newt around the corner, hold him against the wall and kiss him. But they’re at a table before he knows it, and he’s almost loathe to let go of Newt so that he can pull a chair out for the Brit. ]

I apologize for rushing us through the cafe, and I hope it isn’t too forward, [ He starts with a gentle smile, thankful for the quiet surrounding them. ] But I wanted you all to myself.

It sounds like you should tone down your caffeine intake with that statement. [He laughs brightly at that.

Newt thanks the other as he takes a seat in the chair offered to him. Such a gentleman. He does miss the warmth of Percival's hand in his own, but he does guess they can't hold hands forever. Not when they're getting settled for a nice cup.] I don't think anything is too forward at the moment, you know.

[He gives him a wry little grin.] Have we not been rather forward with our words this entire time?

Though, I didn't suspect you to be possessive. [A low chuckle.] Don't worry, Graves. You'll have all day to have me to yourself if that's what you wish.

[ The laughter does well to cause the butterflies in his stomach to flutter. ] Well, when you put it like that. [ Percival knows he goes there too much; he has a usual. At the same time, you’d be hard pressed to find a better, friendlier cafe. But that’s neither here or there.

Percival sits across from Newt at the small table, pushing down the way he wants to reach out for the other’s hand. ] No, you’re quite right. We have been candid. [ How refreshing that was, truthfully, for all the looking-over-the-edge worry it brought. There was no dancing around so to speak. A date like this hardly qualified for that.

That grin lingering on Newt’s face combined with the low sound that follows gives Percival gooseflesh, a lopsided smile of his own curling one side of his lips. There was something to be said about the way his name sounded on Newt’s tongue. ] There’s a first time for everything, I suppose. [ Who would have guessed him to be so inclined? Who could have blamed him, with the company it regarded? ]

Quite an undertaking, a whole day. [ He speaks softly, tone dipping down to something salacious. ] I can hardly wait. [ As if the way he leaned forward in his seat wasn’t a tell, or the way he so keenly kept his eyes on the other man. ]

First time for everything? I'm charmed that you would feel this way with me then. I best not squander it. [He leans forward a tad and the table is just small enough that Percival can feel Newt's hand move to rest on his knee. It's innocent enough. For now. Nothing scandalous. Just a hand on the knee. What could possibly be wrong about that?

He laughs softly.] Perhaps we should have thought against drinks. I'd hate to make you wait. [They're probably not going to make it through finishing their drinks at this rate.] We'll just have to make up for lost time somehow.

[He'd honestly be mortified with his words, but he's really just too busy thinking about the other to think about being embarrassed. He's never pursued a man so fervently and so quickly even.]

I don't believe anything could be squandered with you. [ Percival wants to leap across this table. He wants to grab Newt's collar and pull him across it and kiss him until they see stars—walls be damned; he'll have him however. A thought he doesn't dare question. It's what he wanted. What they both wanted. When he feels slender fingers feather over his knee it's enough to make him feel electrified.

He sucks in a breath. ] Respectfully, I disagree. We need to get you on the right foot. [ Speaking of, he repositions his legs, shifting in a way that allowed his legs closer to the other, and just enough to brush the tip of his shoe up along the back of Newt's heel. ] Waiting will be all the sweeter.

[ As heavy as the words are, he means it, the glimmer in his eye steadfast. If ever there were a poster boy for smitten, Percival Graves was it. He reaches out, fingertips skimming across Newt's hand as if to find the best place to hold it. ] We have all day to ourselves, as you so kindly put.

[ He feels himself giving in to the sparks under his skin telling him to just take Newt's hand, holding it securely as he leans in a hair. ] We're sure to find a few ways to make up for it. [ Subtlety was still preferred, but there's no reason to be shy. Percival hasn't felt himself so drawn to someone like this in... ever. He found himself emboldened. ]

I would hate for someone to think I don't appreciate what's being given to me. [Newt lets out a soft laugh at that. A little shiver when he feels the other rub the back of his heel. Not something too obvious, but probably wouldn't be missed by the other.

He rests his chin on his hand as he looks at the other in such a fond manner.] I think you of all people will make sure of that. I have my utmost trust in you to get me on the right foot so to speak.

[He idly runs his thumb over the back of Percival's hand. No one would know seeing the two men as they speak. How close they really were sitting. How much closer they wanted to be to each other.] I do love trying new things. Discovering something new is always exciting. [A grin and a look in his eyes, though they're disrupted for a moment as their order is placed on the table before them.]

[ Percival relishes in the way Newt shivers at his touch, and his smile might just give that away. ] Then you have nothing to worry about. They already know you do. [ He doesn’t mind taking their time here, as much as he wants to push forward with things—he wants to enjoy every minute he can with the other, even if that meant not immediately jumping home.

He finds such a moment as he stares into Newt’s eyes, hanging on every word he speaks and Percival laughs something faint and amused at the implication. ] I do strive to see that others are well taken care of. [ And, oh, how he planned on doing so.

A shiver of his own shoots up his arm at Newt’s touch, making him forget where they are for a moment as he gently squeezes their hands again and lets more of their legs mingle. But the soft clatter of cups and silverware breaks his concentration, though he can’t manage to let go of Newt in spite of their brief company. Percival clears his throat gently and smiles to the waiter. ] Thank you, Simon.

[ Once they’re left alone again, he eyes over the tray and all that came with it. A thumb rubs over Newt’s finger as the brunet looks up to regard him. ] And how do we like our tea?

Well, it's a good thing that I am in your hands then. Good ones at that. [Perhaps that was a said a bit cheekily.

But, for a moment, Newt is distracted by their drinks. He pours some tea into his cup before adding some milk and honey and stirring the contents of his cup for a moment. A little more than what people would say is reasonable. He had always liked his tea on the sweeter side of things though. He places the spoon on the saucer before taking it and giving it an inquisitive little sip.]

I must say, Americans are not completely lost causes when it comes to the finesse of tea. [He laughs softly. He wasn't actually really that much of a snob.] It's quite good, thank you.

[ A gentle but proud grin finds Percival at the compliment, his head canting to the side for a brief moment. ] My reputation precedes me. [ There's a tone to the words, something that lead on he used to believe them, shining through again to reply to Newt's brashness.

Though he keeps his shoe comfortably tucked alongside Newt's, the distraction of their drinks is undeniably helpful in cooling their actions. His is easy; a couple cubes of sugar—mixed well. It lets him better watch Newt and how he makes his tea. The thought isn't new, of course, but he certainly hasn't cared to notice anyone else make their cup before like he does now.

He stops over-stirring his coffee at the sass, lips quirking to a small grin. ] Perhaps not all of them, [ He pauses to set his spoon aside, a faint chuckle of: ] I certainly am. [ Before he raises his coffee to his mouth. The hum that comes after is soft as he nods, lowering the mug. ] I'm glad you enjoy it. The first of many, I hope.

You wouldn't be head of security if you didn't have a reputation worth boasting. [Though, Newt wasn't one to talk given his popularity for his age and his own position.

Newt seems rather pleased with his cup as he sips at it politely.] You are probably as lost about tea as I am about coffee then. [He lets out a little laugh.] I can't say that I'm terribly fond of the taste most of the time. I can be, however, convinced if it's sweet enough.

And that depends. I hope this won't be the last time. [It's unsaid, but the other obviously means having the company also.]

A fair point, [ He has to concede, if mostly to save himself from flustering more at Newt’s words. Percival knows his worth but the way his heart flutters around the other mades the idea feel new. ] Though I could say the same of you; your file is quite impressive.

[ Percival lets a gentle smile form as he takes in Newt, dipping his gaze back down to his drink when he speaks. ] I can’t say I’ve had the same outcome with tea, [ The laugh is soft, almost apologetic. ] Perhaps you could show me different ways to prepare it while you’re here. And vice versa. I wouldn’t mind the challenge. [ Finding something for each other’s taste.

However the meaning behind those words isn’t lost on Percival, and it shows in the relaxed pause he gives as he looks to Newt over his cup. In the next moment, before he replies, the toe of his shoe slips back up to brush at the other man’s ankle. ] I have a notion it won’t be.

Well, it's a good thing I'm not talking about myself, but talking about you. [Immediately. Deflecting. Yes. Because, he'll easily get flustered otherwise. He is still just so very terrible at taking praise. Or more like, he doesn't think he could take praise from the other. Not with how they always seem to make his stomach do these flips. Not uncomfortable, but it makes him feel giggle and young. Like giggle water.]

I hope you realize that you'll be at it for awhile then. Tea comes in so many flavors and styles that it might take some time to find you might just not have absolutely any taste for it. Or we'll get lucky and find one that you'll fancy pretty early on.

[He has to cover his mouth with his napkin to muffle the small noise of surprise. The way he startles just slightly.] No, of course not.

We could always change that. [ For as good as it feels to be reminded of who he is, there's still apart of him from the time he spent away that feels as though he isn't worth the praise. And he himself would much rather focus on Newt. So he speaks quietly, as to not draw attention to the entirely innocent phrasing of: ] Switching wouldn't be a problem.

[ While disguised as a change of topic, he really he should be fined for it. This might have been a small break to cool off but Percival didn't see any issue in keeping their future plans fresh in their minds. It would at least keep them from straying back to the thought of work. ]

I'm not sure we'll have such luck, but that's quite alright. [ Whatever small and kind smile he wore had grown into something more cunning. Not even a sip from his cup could hide it. ] The company of a guide such as yourself would make any investment less daunting.

I much rather talk about you. [He says it just a tad too quickly. He was sure that he might actually fluster a bit. Deepdown, he was still rather bad at being the center of attention and no amount of practice will ever truly change that. He just learned to hide it well and switch subjects as soon as possible.] I'm not that interesting of a subject.

[He gives the other a wry little smile.]

Is that an excuse to spend more time with me? I'm flattered. [As if they aren't already hoping to take up more of each other's time.]

[ The insistence of Newt's redirection is grabbing, to say the least. Though it was nothing alerting, at least—just noticeable. Percival sets his cup down, holding it as if to warm his hands. To stop himself from reaching out across the table. ] You're far more interesting than you give yourself credit for. [ He says it kindly and confidently, leaving it at that.

The smile he returns is warm albeit small, a gentle laughter following it as he tips his head down to look in his cup. ]

I hope that flattery continues. [ Newt's time is all he's hoping for. ] I think you'll find me hard-pressed not to find excuses for you. [ The words feel natural, despite the way his stomach flutters at them; that he would want to spend time as much time with the other as he could. And why wouldn't he? They got along so fantastically. ]

The End Of Love

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SLAPS THIS TAG BACK FIFTY YEARS LATER IG...

slaps this back 200 years later THANKS I LOVE IT

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