newtralize | The End Of Love

[ 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.

[Newt thinks of all the traveling and the long hours of filming. All the interviews and talks and parties to be at.

There's that bit of worry that his work will make it difficult for them to see each other. That perhaps it was silly of him to try and pursue this. The idea that the other will grow tired of it.

But he glances at the other and the soft smile and-] Yes, but it's worth it when you want it to work. [It kind of tumbles out of his mouth, but it is rather honest. He looks at the other and he really hopes that this may be more than a fleeting fancy. He's rather enamored by the other, he's finding.

He hesitates before reaching out to that hand held out to him. Shyly placing his hand inside Percival's own.] Okay.

[ Meanwhile Percival thinks nothing of it, the time Newt had been away. Whatever it was, it was nothing to detour the other man from coming back and seeing him after some small, awkward meeting beforehand. Surely there was something there.

And when Newt seems to pluck the words straight from his mind, he smiles warmly, the soft chuckle rumbling from his chest. ] Exactly, [ He manages to speak, gently squeezing the hand now in his. ] Very worth it then. [ After a brief pause he clears his throat and starts walking backwards towards the counter. ]

It’s not so frightening, I promise. [ He still faces Newt as he leads them around the register and through to the back room. It’s filled with supplies—pots of all sorts, tools hug up on the walls, shelves full of various bagged dirts and off in the corner what appeared to be an old library filing cabinet. Next to it: a spiraling staircase what went up to the next floor and to the roof above.

Percival leads them there, beginning the first few steps while still keeping hold of the other’s hand. It’s a little tricky, with such a tight fit, but he keeps his arm tucked behind his back for Newt’s convenience. ] Now, watch your step—these are a little steep.

[ Then again, the taller man might not even notice. ]

[Percival's hand is so warm and comforting in his own. He likes the feels of it quite so.]

I'll take your word for it. [It's very hard not to trust the other, he's finding. There's just a certain gentle warmth from the other that he doesn't feel in most other people. Perhaps the man just has a nurturing and gentle nature to him. Then again, the man was a florist and seemed to care quite a bit about the plants in his care. It makes sense that Percival is how he is.

The steps don't really bother Newt, but his longer legs are probably why. His attention seemed to be concentrated more around him as he takes notes of all the supplies and such. He climbs the staircase without much trouble, but stumbles a bit into Percival's back when they get to the top of the staircase.

Newt is far from completely graceful at times and apparently tripping over his own two feet at the end of climbing the stairs after so seamlessly climbing the stairs just moments before is just his luck.} O-Oh! I'm- I'm very sorry.

[ On their way up Percival's mind is preoccupied by thoughts of what to show Newt first—saplings or seeds? Hands on or off?—a logical way of approaching it. To answer the latter, subconsciously, his hand squeezes at Newt's. No, hands-on was a good way to show him; decrease that worry he has.

The thoughts are so distracting that he doesn't hear the slip the other man has, and belatedly he reacts, letting Newt tumble into him—which was more a full stop and arms cast out behind himself to catch Newt—to prevent him, or them, from falling face first.

And Had Percival been a more distrusting man in the other he might have taken the trip as intentional. Thankfully, he wasn't. He laughs, taking an odd, half-step forward as he does his best to offer Newt something to balance on and regain his footing. ] Don't worry. Are you all right?

[ He gives a small glance over his shoulder, still holding onto Newt. ] Those stairs aren't easy on ankles and shins.

[Newt lets out a quiet little laugh. Completely embarrassed.

He does right himself proper and regains his balance before rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.] I-It's nothing like that. I'm- I can be quite clumsy. My friend often teases me for it. [He laughs again.] "How do you manage to be so graceful on the dance floor, but you can't even walk straight?" Or something along those lines. [Leta has always teased him about countless things.]

I'm fine. I've had worse. [He tries to put some distance between them; not wanting to invade Percival's personal space. Nervous to seem to forward despite his tripping being unintentional in the first place.] I-I hope- I didn't mean to intrude or anything.

[ The laugh is quite charming, Percival finds. And completely disowning to the idea that the trip had been purposeful.

He turns when he feels Newt get back up own his own feet, smiling gently as he does, and unable to help the chuckle when the other man gets to babbling again. He really, truly didn’t mind. ] You dance, do you? [ He brightens to the idea before turning back around and heading down the hall to the door. ] You’ll have to show me sometime. We might just have to dance to get around.

[ The tease can’t be helped, but at least it seemed (to him) to be more lighthearted than to point out his embarrassment about all this.

When they get to the end of the hall, despite the distance Newt’s put between them, Percival holds open the door for him. ] You didn’t intrude at all. I’m just glad we didn’t end up on our faces, or the first floor. That would have ruined the date tonight. [ That was most definitely a wink he threw in at the end. ]

Y-Yes. Well, only at home recently. [The only person he danced with was Leta and sometimes his brother now. He hadn't really had a dance partner in quite awhile. He was too shy to do it with strangers.] I...Like I said. I don't go out very much.

[He shyly looks down at his feet as he follows the other.] I'm only okay at it. Dancing.

[He wonders if Percival could dance. That it might be nice to dance with him. Newt tries not to entertain the thought too much. It was only the first date after all.] O-Oh. I'm sorry... [He says it like he did somehow ruin things already; his face turning a shade of red.] I wouldn't want that. I mean- I enjoy your company that I-I don't want to ruin anything.

If you can't dance at home I really wouldn't call it a home. [ Was it nice, to get dressed up and have a night out? Of course, he enjoyed it when he had the energy. It wasn't necessary to go out and dance, as far as Percival was concerned. ] We could certainly make a night of it without going anywhere.

[ They'd already had bold flower talk—why not this? He wanted to spend more time with Newt, and they seemed to have another shared interest to explore. The concern, however, that slips from Newt has him pausing on the last small jaunt of stairs before they reach the roof, turning to face the other man with a gentle expression. ]

You haven't ruined a thing. [ Percival leans over a hair and whispers, though there's little need to in a concrete stairwell that could echo for days. ] And you don't need to apologize for enjoying anything. [ Did that mean he enjoyed being bumped into? Yes.

He smiles, holding out his hand again for Newt to take; to trust again. ] We're nearly there.

You...Do you dance then? [The question is tentative. Shy. The hopeful tone in Newt's voice is obvious though. Just this shy hope to dance in the arms of the other.] I mean- I don't want to assume. [But it very much sounds like he wants to.

He doesn't expect the other to lean in and whisper and he can't help the shiver that follows unconsciously. The other so close makes his stomach flutter something awful and he lets out a airy little laugh.] E-Enjoyed? I- Oh, I didn't- I mean who wouldn't enjoy bumping..bumping into y-you. I didn't do it on purpose! [Is the other teasing him? Is he being teased?

But the other holds their hand out to him and he takes it immediately.]

You’re welcome to assume, because I do, [ Percival nods. ] Sometimes, when I can, anyway. [ Is his airy chuckle. It was difficult to dance without a partner, and even when he did it didn’t last very long. It might not have been home if you couldn’t dance there but it was quite lonely to dance by yourself.

But goodness, he didn’t mean to fluster the man as much as he did. ] I know you didn’t do it on purpose. Even if you did, everyone enjoyed it. [ Those words would normally be a tease, just as they are, but Percival says them genuinely—reassuringly. He squeezes the hand in his gently, still smiling the same, and pulls Newt along and through the door to the roof.

The space is quaint but well organized, much like the storage downstairs. Surrounding the entire roof at the parameter is wooden lattice, crawling in red bougainvillea that lends a great deal of privacy (and coverage for the “eyesore”) to the glass greenhouse and supplies outside of it. There’s even a small patio table and a few chairs in the far corner under a fabric awning. ]

This is it, [ Percival turns back to Newt, letting go of his hand to motion around. ] The nursery.

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