newtralize | The End Of Love

[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. ]

[Newt can't help but laugh a little into his tea. It's almost shy. The way he averts his gaze just a bit and hides his face behind his teacup.] Saying things like that. How can a man not crumble? You'll find me hard-pressed not to offer what free time I have to you.

[He places his cup down.] Honestly, you'd be hard-pressed for me not to give you my time even if I were preoccupied. [He looks at the other with a smile.] You have such a way to grab my undivided attention.

[ There's no helping the small curl of his lips when Newt laughs. Such polarized moods they flip between—heated innuendo to meltingly sweet—Percival doesn't know which way is up. Maybe that isn't a bad thing, this once. ] It seems you know a thing or two about how to make a man fall just the same.

[ Tapping his fingers against his mug, before his mind can wonder too far his eyes focus on Newt's cup for a moment and then back up to the auror himself.

The laugh that leaves him is soft, some sort of reserved shy if you listened closely enough. ] My free time is... minutes, anymore, I feel. [ Percival holds a quick breath. ] I would gladly spend every single one with you, as well. Regardless of availability.

[Newt's gives the other a grin.] Well, I'm about done with my drink. I don't know about you, but I would fancy to continue our time together in a more private setting. [He usually isn't this forward nor has he ever been so interested in someone so quickly, yet it feels so normal.]

Assuming you don't have any qualms with that of course. [His grin turning a little more coy.]

[ Where his heart had fluttered before, Percival feels it jump now. It was where they were headed for sometime, of course, it shouldn’t have been such a surprise. It must have been the way Newt said it, how that grin settled so easily on his lips.

Percival reaches a hand out to Newt’s to gently reassure. ] Not a single one.

[ When he takes his hand back his other hand already pulled his wallet and he leaves a couple bills that cover their drinks and a generous tip as well before he stands from the table, offering Newt his arm again. ] I know a shortcut through the alley. We’ll be there in a jiff.

[Newt happily hooks his arm around Percival's. Happy to feel the other by his side. He isn't sure what it is about the other, but there's something comfortable about having him there.]

Lead the way then. I hardly can wait.

[ With a smile and a nod to the courtyard’s back gate, once they’re around a corner and in a back alley with no peering eyes, true to his word, they’re off. Though he knows the other is also familiar with apparating, Percival still gives a warning of: ] Hold on, [ Before jumping them. In the next moment they’re no longer surrounded by the hustle and bustle of New York, but the quiet foyer of a two-story penthouse.

Surrounded by well-kept dark wood, to one side of them is a mirror and the other a coat closet, an umbrella stand tucked away in the corner by the door—tidy. It’s no less true peering into the living room; lavish furniture over an ornate rug, handfuls of paintings decorating the walls though they nearly pale to the bookshelves that stack high above them. The windows between are just as tall with wine red curtains tied off to the sides, framing a beautiful view of New York just beyond the balcony.

Though before they get any further Percival loosens his hold on Newt’s arm, a hand swiping towards the closet to open it as he does. ] May I take your coat? [ He asks as a pair of hangers float out behind them and his own coat shrugs off with his scarf. ]

[He doesn't pay much attention much to his surroundings. Newt will give a proper look around of the place at another time, but his attention is so helplessly focused on the other man.

Percival probably only has enough time to get his coat and scarf off before Newt is in his personal space and pressing his mouth against the older man's own. He doesn't even think about where his outer garments will end up as he shrugs off his wool coat and slides his own scarf off his neck; engrossed with kissing the other. Percival tastes of coffee and something so very him and it's intoxicating for the Brit.]

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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