newtralize | Then we are dead.

[ He went a little too far, he thought, as he catches Newt wince at his touch. If Percival was truly angry, he likely would've been rougher with him. Pain worked as an excellent lesson to anything but he wasn't about to hurt Newt in such a way. He didn't deserve treatment like that and he wasn't cruel.

No one likes getting hurt. He almost looks confused by that statement the other gave, one would think otherwise with how often Newt took a predictable hit because he could take it. However minor it might be to save who and what he needed to.

Percival places the files on the his desk, atop all the others as he gives a short wave for the floating papers to settle in a small stack off to the side. ]

I'm aware that injuries happen but out of everyone, you are the only one who seems to get hurt the most regardless of the objectives. I've called you in here more than once over a simple fact as that since you've been with us.

[ He tries not to raise his voice or sound particularly angry but its really testing his self restraint here. There was no use telling the other to stop, they've already argued over that point in the past multiple times but he still tries to drive the point home that maybe... just maybe... Newt might listen, at least, once. He can't bench the other from assignments to keep him safe, not when Seraphina expects results.

Percival would rather deal with more clean up over having the other hurt, he's done it for the others so having to do it for Newt wouldn't be much different or any less off his plate then what he was doing now. It would save him the worry about the other's safety.

He steps around his desk, barely leaving much space between Newt and himself as he stands in front of him again with his head tilted sightly to the side. ]

Look, there will come a time when a case will become unpredictable and as good as you are at being as perceptive as you have thus far, it won't always be that smooth. I don't want to have to explain the day your injuries are more critical to your family... let alone Madame President.

[He purses his lips a bit and bites at his bottom lip for a moment. The other was a bit too close to comfort. Being an auror had made him much less awkward about personal space, but it doesn't mean he likes it. That, and Percival has always been a man of authority and intimidation (or he holds an intimidating presence for others at the very least).]

What? To Theseus? Who's also an auror? [Theseus has definitely got a big enough name himself. From being a war hero from the war to also being an exemplary auror. Theseus and Newt held similar beliefs, although Newt's heart just extended to basically any living thing. While it had strained their relationship at times; Theseus also knew that this was just simply how Newt was and knew that the other was far too stubborn to stop.] Seeing as he's all I got to contact, I find that I fail to see this as a very convincing argument to somehow get me to stop. He knows the risks as do I and he understands how I am.

And I can't say that I hold much interest to whatever responsibility you seemingly feel you have over me. I'm my own person and I made my choices. If you feel like you have some image to uphold or to stay on Madame President's good side, then I'd prefer that you don't involve me in such a thing. [Because that's what it sounds like with the mention of Seraphina.]

If my job is to protect those around me then that is what I'm going to focus on. We've had this conversation before, you know, and my answer hasn't changed in the slightest. [It didn't help that many of their cases involved smugglers and MACUSA's lack of care about the beasts involved in the cases has been alarmingly concerning for Newt. The other may perhaps see them as any old animal and perhaps it's just a differing of opinions where Newt's opinion is just much different from literally everyone else.]

I simply cannot change because that is what you want nor do I intend to change just because that is what you want, Graves.

[ Is every Scamander as stubborn and as much of a gambler as he was? He's aware of Theseus' reputation, who wasn't, but to learn that his brother was the only one from his family that he stayed in contact with was...well, it wasn't new news but still. Of course, it wouldn't work.

Theseus would probably brush off any threatening injury his brother had as if it was a very normal occurrence that would just heal over time. And he saw that differently. ]

I don't know how things operate at the Ministry but its a given to always be on Madame President's good side and having you in my department is my responsibility indefinitely. [ He furrows his brows. ] As Director, yes, I do have a image to uphold and unfortunately, your actions, which you think have no effect on either of these things, do hold some consequence whether you realize it or not.

[ Newt made a valid point that his actions and choices were his to make but he's really starting to think the other thinks of the consequences after the deed was done.

Percival closes his eyes in frustration before he's simply had enough. He tried. His next series of movements are fast as he suddenly grabs Newt by his upper arms and tilts him down and pins him against the top of his desk, looming over him. He'll fix the tweaked pages underneath the other later. Normally, he wouldn't be this aggressive or hands on but Newt was the exception. ]

I'm not asking you to change, Newt, because I know you won't. You haven't changed no matter how much we argue, no matter how much you get hurt when it could be prevented, so I'm not asking anymore...

[ Percival's eyes flicker over his features, gauging his reaction as his own expression is serious while his heart rate is slowly shooting through the roof as he comes to realizes just how close they are right now. Now was the only real chance to get this over with... ]

What I want is for you to be more careful because I care about you, Scamander.

[ Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't allow himself to be romantically inclined to his co-workers but here he is, falling for the one that was the most pain in the ass for him. Funny how the universe works sometimes...

If he had to spell it out for the other to understand, he will and deal with the consequences for his actions later. ]

[Considering that Theseus, along with himself and many others, defied the Minister's order to not participate in the war. Scamanders are all just naturally stubborn and can't help but do what they think is right. It really seems to be a trait among them. Theseus' personality is just much more charming than Newt's.

That, and Percival has never worked with the man at length. Newt loves Theseus, but the guy is a bit of a git. A lovable one. One who's probably overprotective of him, but also knows he really can't stop him either (he ran off to wrangle dragons at some point for Merlin's sake).]

It's presumptuous of you to think that I don't think they have any effect or consequences. I very much am aware the consequences of my actions, Mister Graves. I would like to dispel such assumption right now because I've learned very quickly about not being on the good side of others and the consequences of things. [He says it rather stiffly. He doesn't need to be told such things. He went through school. Felt like an outsider. Get expelled for something he didn't do. He very much knows how cruel people can be.

And perhaps that is why he also shows very little care. Because humans were terrifying and cruel and they show very little care for some of the things around them. And that's why he does what he does.

Which is to say, he isn't thinking about any of those things because he suddenly founds himself against Percival's desk and the man looming over him. His breath hitches a notch and he's honestly rather surprised. He would never have thought the other would actually go so far as to physically intimidate him.

Again, he doesn't think much of that because the other refers to him by his first name (and not even Newton) and that throws him off. What they say next has him completely speechless. He thinks he already was, but his mind just completely blanks. It's so unexpected. Percival wasn't uncaring and he obviously cared for his colleagues. That...This...this didn't quite feel the same as that though.]

I- [He feels his face start flushing.] I-I beg your pardon?

[Look. He's in shock. He can't quite process what the other is telling him right this moment.]

[ Percival opts not to answer. Perhaps he stepped out of line here but, at least, the other was self-aware of his actions even if he didn't much care for what happened afterward or cared who it might upset. It still doesn't excuse his terrible habits.

Judging by the other's expression and the growing flush across his face, maybe he really does have to spell it out for him. Percival doesn't move any closer and doesn't pull away, he simply hovers there. He doesn't blame the other because really, this was a lot to take in, especially when he suddenly says everything out of the blue like this.

He dropped his usual professionalism when it came to Newt's name, where he would have said his name formally, he ended up being too familiar and casual which isn't helping with Newt's shock and confusion.

Percival closes his eyes for a moment before he turned his head slightly and opened them again. Swallowing hard, he repeats himself, not looking at Newt's face again just yet. He needed to get through this confession with as little hiccups as possible and if it destroys their entire relationship thus far... He'll deal with it. ]

I care about you. I'd even go as far as to say that... I love you.

[ With Newt only being with them for only a couple months, he almost starts to wonder how exactly he found himself fostering a slowly growing crush on the man beneath him. All he knows is that with each assignment he gives the other, he finds himself restlessly waiting to hear or see that the other was okay and when Newt strolls in injured it spikes his worry and his underlying frustration when it became a repeated incident.

Percival needed to stay level headed and professional at every occurring sight but it gets harder and harder to just accept without making a scene or a fool of himself. Upholding and image and all that without rising suspicions for his own hidden feelings.

He brings his attention back to Newt's face, jaw clenched and unsure if any of this would be accepted by the other or if he'd have to take it another step further. This was difficult and if he was honest, he would rather be fighting dark wizards and criminals than this. He gives a slight squeeze on Newt's arms. ]

... I love you which is why I keep coming after your methods in the field. Its why I want you to be safe over anything else...

[Newt is a mixed of flustered and doubtful and just a flurry of emotions that he was struggling to parse. He can't quite fathom the idea that the other was actually confessing to him. That Percival Graves, head of security, was romantically inclined towards him.

There was just so many things about this that had him so terribly doubtful. Perhaps the other was saying it to get him to stop him from, well, stop him from being him and risking himself for lives that others typically didn't care for. Of course, that made absolutely no sense, since there were far better ways to convince someone. Of course, he was rather concerned that the other figured out that he was romantically inclined towards men and moreso that he may have held a bit of a crush on the other. He really didn't want that to be the case because he would prefer the other didn't ridicule him when he was already rather bad about romance in the first place.

Deep down, he knows that the other isn't the type to lie, but he really can't wrap his mind around that they would be interested in him.]

I.. I would prefer that you didn't make such jokes, Mr. Graves.

[His voice comes out surprisingly soft. Of course, he is pinned against the table with Graves over him.]

I don't know who told you about my inclinations, but I don't see why this would be brought up during such a conversation...

[Look, his romantic life has not been particularly great and someone as impressive as Percival Graves didn't fall for someone like him. That just doesn't happen.]

The entire time that you've known me, do you really think I'm the one to make jokes?

[ Humor wasn't exactly one of the the things Percival was ever known for, especially within the halls of MACUSA. The other has every right to be skeptical about all of this. However, Percival didn't know Newt's preferences nor his sexuality, he was simply acting according to his own.

Now, he has a suspicion that they both were on a similar boat but he could be reading this wrong. With how much the Auror department and several others have gossiped about Newt and just how much he's become the object of several wanted affections, it really shows how oblivious he seemed to be around such things. ]

No one told me anything nor do i think anyone really knows but god, you really are dense...

[ He lets go of his grip on Newt's arms to gently cup the other's face in his hands before he closes the small gap between them to lay a soft kiss against his lips. Hopefully, this would ease some of the doubts the other had about his feelings towards him if not then he's not sure he can do anything else to explain this more than he already had.

When he pulls away, its just enough to search the other's expression to see if he finally understood or whether he'd continue to question and doubt everything even still. ]

I- Well, no.

[He knows he's being irrational in many ways, but perhaps being irrational was better than facing certain things. He had been quite fine with just being himself and it didn't bother him if others didn't like him for who he is. That is to say, it didn't matter until it was someone where it did matter.

Newt was completely oblivious that others also were interested in him. He had simply just been so deeply hurt before that it never occurred to him that not only one, but multiple people seemed to be interested in him.]

Wha-

[Ah. Ah. Newt can only really think about how soft Percival's lips were against his very own (which it occurs to him are very chapped). He can only feel the way his stomach flutters and he has all but forgotten to breath. The way he almost immediately melts into that gentle kiss and lets his eyes flutter closed.

He can't help but follow the other a little when they pull away; eyes blinking open.

Well...he certainly can't deny that the other doesn't have affections for him at this point.]

Oh. [Eloquent.]

[ There's a flash of smile in the corner of his mouth at Newt's reaction and what seemed like his realization. ]

Do you understand now?

[ His voice turns quiet as his thumb brushes across Newt's cheek, inching a fraction closer as if he wanted to kiss the other again. He did. He does. He wants to do much more than simply make out with the Auror beneath him but he's crossed over several lines to get to this point that he needed to make sure that Newt wanted this and if he wanted to continue. The other hadn't exactly rejected his confession in so many words but he still respected his decision.

His mind was completely in the gutter at the moment and while he couldn't exactly soundproof his office. Well, there might be the potential for some rumors after this, regardless of what happened next. There always was. ]

Is this okay?

I- Yes.

[His reply comes out so breathless like the other had took the air right out of him. Well, they kind of did.

The way his stomach flutters and they're still in a rather precarious position and he's finding that he suddenly cares a lot less about that. Or maybe he's stopped thinking about it because his attention is solely on the other that he's not really thinking straight.

Well, he's always been the type of person to act on his gut feelings or impulses at times anyways.]

Merlin, yes, of course. [He hasn't exactly tried to shove the other off him. Not that it occurred to him to do so in the first place.] Here, I initially thought I was being taunted for fancying you.

[ There's this surge of relief at Newt's words that Percival puts a little bit of distance between them to look down at him proper, moving a hand towards the surface of his desk for easier balancing on his part.

It may have also cause his heart to race just a little bit faster. ]

I honestly had no idea that you were interested but even if I had... I wouldn't put you through a situation like that.

[ Percival may be a sternly professional individual who behind close doors could potentially be anything but depending on the situation, but he wasn't cruel. He valued his image as much as any other higher up would and to break his colleague's trust in him would tarnish it quite a bit.

To know that this feeling between the two of them was mutual, well, it opened so much potential that if they moved forward, would fuel the rumor mill of the department for while if they noticed the slightest change between them. Its something he's rather curious about in terms of what they might come up with but for now, his attention was the younger man beneath him.

He moves the hand he had caressing Newt's cheek to settle it on the other's hip instead. ]

People can be quite cruel sometimes.

[Which isn't him specifically saying that Percival was a cruel man, but because people were just like that sometimes. Especially over when others are different from them.

And he had spent a lot of his life being an outsider of some kind.

~~Percival shouldn't consider what rumours are gonna erupt and probably consider more about being MACUSA's head of security and how he's breaking multiple work rules of some kind. Please.~~

Anywhere that Percival touches him just seems to burn (in a good way), but it also makes him quite aware as to where Percival's hands are and-] We're in your office.

[A statement. He doesn't pull away from the other, nor is he refusing the other either.]

[ He's very much aware how easily people can have a pack mentality against those that were different. While he never really experienced that sort of behavior at the hands of those people, he'd seen it and the consequences of those actions.

Understanding completely where Newt was probably coming from. His tone softens. ]

I know they can be...

[ Percival's gaze drops to where his hand was placed. ]

Would you prefer to take this elsewhere or would you like me to stop?

[ An honest question. As far as Percival was concerned this was the safest place to do something as work inappropriate as this since after all, they still needed to be here till the ends of their shifts. It was a space he could control and muffle and hide that this was ever a thing that happened.

To say that he wasn't aware of the consequences of his actions and just how many work rules he was breaking was incorrect. He's wrapped his head around his title and what sort of behavior was expected of him and just how bad this would look for him if Newt took this to another higher up if it bothered him to any degree.

But he has faith. And its also why he asks.]

[Newt can't help but laugh, honestly. He raises his arms to wrap them around Percival's neck and tilts his head a little. There's a bit of a grin on his face.]

Percival Graves. I would never expect you of all people to break so many rules, yet here we are.

[His tone is a bit teasing.]

Well, it quite works out anyways. After all, I'm probably the last person to ever care about rule breaking anyways. I don't think I could say no to you even if I wanted to, besides.

[The latter is said more honestly. Almost a bit shyly.] You're quite captivating to me

There's a first time for everything, though I think you might be a terrible influence on me.

[ He's joking, of course. Being a person that was primarily by the book in nearly almost every facet of the word while at MACUSA, he's almost surprised in himself how easily he was willing to completely abandon that when it came to Newt and only him.

He lifts his hand up from its spot from Newt's hip to reach out towards the direction of the door, giving it a light twirl to lock the it before waving his hand up for a soundproofing spell that slowly enveloped the room. ]

You flatter me.

[ There's a slight duck of his head. Its rare to hear such a compliment especially when its directed towards him. Percival's hand returns to Newt's hip, his touch a little firmer than before as leans forward, closing the space between them once more. ]

I can honestly say the same about you, even when you cause me unnecessary worry.

You don't seem like the type to be easily influenced. Are you sure it's my fault or maybe you've always wanted to break a rule here or there.

[He gives them a cheeky little grin.

The sound of the door clicking shut and the sound of the lock brings a certain amount of excitement. Like electricity through his body. There's also the realization that he was pretty much at the mercy of one of the strongest wizards in New York.

He takes a sharp intake of breath when the other presses closer to him and there's an obvious look of want for the other.

The Brit would argue against the other about how he doesn't do anything that's unnecessary, but his mind is quite far from those thoughts.] I don't think you realize how attractive it is to be under a man such as you, Percival Graves. [It comes out almost in a whisper.]

[ He's quiet for a moment because Newt was right, he wasn't that easily influenced but he has always wanted to break a rule when there was an opportunity for it. Even if he's had to show incredible restraint against it a vast majority of the time.

Newt just happened to be the final nudge for it.]

Maybe I was just waiting for the right person to come along to give me the reason to.

[ There's a creeping smirk in the corner of his mouth. Hearing that this sort of position was attractive was certainly a first but then again this entire scenario was a first. It could easily become a habit between them if the other liked it so much.

I don't. [ A short pause. He had never had the pleasure of being under someone similar to himself so he can't imagine how the other was taking this. Maybe he might say the same if Newt ever topped him at some point. ] You don't have to be so formal, Mr. Scamander, Percival works just fine.

[ Newt didn't have to keep addressing him by his full name at every chance, though he understands the need for formality. In this moment, his title as head of security didn't matter. Nothing outside of this room mattered.

He inches forward further, lips nearly brushing against the younger man's before kissing him gently, at first. As if Percival was still testing the waters of this before tries to deepen the kiss further. Its more heated and wantful. ]

You make me sound like a bad influence, you know.

[He lets out a breathless laugh at that. Newt would never consider himself someone that can influence others, but that was because he found that most people didn't really care for him in any capacity.

Graves was different, he thinks. The other had a presence and had a certain amount of authority in just his being and that in itself was rather exciting. Despite their height differences (with him being taller); the other had a certain aura. Perhaps the other was intimidating, but he just found it exciting.] You don't bring Mr. Graves to the bed? [It comes out almost like a low purr.

Maybe he's being a bit too playful, but they're in Grave's office in the MACUSA building, so he might as well.

Maybe the other was still testing the waters, but Newt had all but admitted to his preference to men and he was pinned against his boss' desk. He wraps his arms around Percival's neck to drag him into a kiss. Needy. Passionate.]

Then we are dead.

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Weeps over how soft that icon looks

I got lots of soft bois.

my heart for soft

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