newtralize | Aefenglom Inbox

[Newt enjoyed the colder weathers. He often traveled in a coat, so chillier weathers were ideal, but also because London's weather has always been on the colder side. It was rare for London to be on the warmer side. It was always foggy and dreary. The worst it got was mild, though Newt had been in the humid jungles of Asian and the dry deserts in Africa. He was adaptive.

Newt chuckles a little as he staggers a bit to get the door closed behind them and keep in step with Hiccup as they travel down the cobblestone roads.

Aefenglom held many similarities to home in design. Cobblestone paths and the architecture shared some familiarity to the Brit.] No, of course not. I appreciate it. You dressed up even for this. [It was touching.]

[It's definitely more pleasant for Hiccup, especially lately. His penchant for fire magics means he runs warmer than most on an average day, never hot to the touch but warmer. It's going to make the coming summer hell on him.

It's easy for them to keep up with each other, both as tall as they are, one isn't hurrying up on shorter legs to catch up. It's a nice walk, and Hiccup appreciates it for what it is, a light dusting of snow on the ground and more flakes occasionally falling from the sky, good company, no new worries at the forefront to sap attention.

He lets out a flustered laugh at the comment on his attire, shrugging.] Well, I- I didn't think they'd let me in otherwise. It's- you know, a nicer place. And I don't want to draw too much attention either. [Obvious Mirrorbound tend to draw attention within the city, positive or negative. He just wants to have a nice, quiet afternoon tea with his friend before they get back to work.

Bumping arms lightly, companionably, he shoots Newt a smile as they make it up to the shop's entrance and the host stand. He's too distracted to notice the look the (human) host is giving the two of them - mostly Newt.] Hi, we have a table under Haddock-

[Newt looks around them as they walk. Snow was always nice early on. When it was still white and pristine and untouched. There's an added niceness to it because the streets weren't crawling with automobiles to dirty the snow as much and the snow was still light, that it'll probably clear up before heavy snow starts to fall.

It made the city rather quaint. Picturesque.] It's nice. You look nice. [Hiccup cleaned up quite well.

Hiccup will feel it more than anything else. The small pangs of nervousness from Newt. The Brit always kept his gaze down or away, but he was acutely aware of his surroundings. He knew when he was being stared at.

The host doesn't say much and nods and leads them inside and Newt's anxiousness spikes. There was plenty of chatter that fills the space, but he can tell the atmosphere changes as they're lead to their table. Eavesdropping, while rude, was a skill Newt had honed. Plenty used when in rowdy bars and questionable establishments where being able to pick up certain conversations was well worth the risk.

These weren't thugs or smugglers or unsavory sort though. These were elite. The rich. Those who are probably valued in society. People he didn't fit in with. It felt similarly to back home, actually. He didn't quite get along with his brethren well at times. He could hear whispers here and there. A few about Hiccup, but it was easy for him to figure out. Most of them were talking about him.

As they take a seat at their table, Newt can't help but fuss with his napkin instead of setting it on his lap. He stays quiet, unsure as to how to breach the subject. Perhaps it was paranoia, but he knew what it was like to be scrutinized; placed under a microscope. That's how this felt.] It's- This place is quite nice, isn't it?

[He flushes lightly at the compliment, but he smiles his thanks instead of voicing it. It falls a little when he starts to get those pangs of nerves from Newt, that sense of being watched, and it sharpens up his own awareness a little. It isn't that Hiccup is oblivious, per se, but more that... He gets stares all the time. Roaming around town with a two thousand pound dragon as black as night will do that, so he usually doesn't pay it any mind. It doesn't matter what anyone thinks of him.

As they're shown to a table, Hiccup reaches down to curl his hand around Newt's and squeeze briefly, sending a sense of reassurance and solidarity through the Bond as best he can. He can hear the shift in the tones of the conversations around them as they walk in, but he's determined to get past it if they can. Sure, this is a little more upper class than he'd initially thought, but it shouldn't stop them from enjoying themselves. Or it shouldn't have to. Whether it will or not remains to be seen.

Glancing around them briefly, Hiccup suppresses a frown.] Yeah. Yeah, it's- fancier than I thought, originally. [Admission that he isn't intentionally putting Newt through this - he really hadn't expected it. And then, obviously trying to put a more positive spin on things,] But, hey, they've uh, supposedly got this new tea blend from somewhere up the coast-

[It probably doesn't work, but even if it did, it wouldn't when a man in a nice suit, not a waiter, approaches their table, looking down his nose at them.]

Gentlemen. Unfortunately it seems you're causing a bit of a disturbance. I have to ask you to leave. We cater to... a different sort of clientele here.

[Hiccup is frowning now, about to rise out of his seat.] What do you mean by that? We haven't done anything.

Oh, I don't mean much about how fancy it is. It just, uhm, the place seems nice. [It isn't as though Newt doesn't know what it's like to live higher class. Sure, his salary wasn't great at the Ministry before his book, but things had changed since his book launch. He knew what fame was like. Knew he didn't like it, but also knew what it was like to live more comfortably.

He didn't think it was the difference in class that was earning the stares. No. Not with the bits and pieces he could hear being whispered. The Brit can only try and concentrate on how nice everything is. Or should be. It seemed like a gorgeous establishment.

Newt easily places his napkin back onto the table when the gentleman approaches them and speaks though. He wasn't a fool. He knew what the man was referring to.]

I understand. [He keeps his gaze averted. It has gotten louder. People are speaking to each other and not doing much to keep their volume down. It's becoming a myriad of noises and it feels a little overwhelming. He's no stranger to this. What's overwhelming him is less what they're saying, but the amount of noise that surrounds them. Though, what they're saying isn't all that great.]

Dirtying the place. He should be out in the dirt like those filthy Monsters instead of ruining our spaces.

Good. Filth should be taken out like the garbage it is.

Hee, how disgusting. Do you think he lays with them too? How obscene. I wouldn't be caught making friendly with such creatures.

[Newt moves to get to his feet.]

[It's harder to ignore the stares, the whispering, when they're making Newt so uncomfortable. That's what gets Hiccup's hackles up more than anything. This was supposed to be a nice outing, and now other people have ruined it. It's one of the worst feelings, and Newt will probably catch the pang of guilt he feels that he brought them here at all. When the manager comes to their table, he just gets angry, though.]

I have as much money as the rest of these people. [He says lowly, eyes narrowed.] Why are you asking us to leave? Shouldn't you be kicking out the ones causing the problem? Because it damn well isn't us.

Sir, we will be... happy, to serve you, but your, ah, friend needs to leave.

[Hiccup stands up abruptly, slamming a hand down on the table, angling himself unconsciously between the manager and Newt. A Chief protects his own. He pulls himself to his full height, expression gone hard.] My Bonded isn't disturbing anybody. [The rest of the cafe falls quiet, staring more blatantly, if that's even possible.]

His presence is the disturbance, I'm afraid-

Say that again.

[He thinks it's already enough when the other mentions that he needs to leave. It's never a good feeling, even if he can't deny that the feeling isn't familiar. Newt wasn't really one who liked to cause problems. While he most definitely was a stubborn person and very strongly the type to do things that he believed to be the right thing to do; he did much prefer peace.

Newt jolts a little when the other slams his hand against the table.

This was too much. Even if they were allowed to stay, he was sure that neither of them would enjoy it and it was all quite too much for him. It felt suffocating to be in there.

He doesn't say a word when he suddenly gets up. Completely quiet as he automatically makes his way to the front and out the building. It's unconscious. He hadn't even realized that he just walked out until he feels the cold air against his face. The brightness of sun reflecting off snow. Cobblestone beneath his boots. He absentmindedly shoves his hands into the pockets of his coat. At least he can breathe again.]

[The guilt for putting Newt through this will eat him up later. Right now, though, he's just- angry, a fire simmering under his skin, not for himself but for his Bonded being treated this way. His Bonded, who is a kind and gentle and quiet man who hasn't hurt any of these people in any way. All he's done is help those who aren't so privileged. Those who can't sit in a nice cafe and have an expensive afternoon tea service with their loved one. Those who wouldn't be allowed in a place like this in the first place.

This is a new feeling. The desire to defend someone's honor. He's never had to do it for Astrid - if anything, she's the one always defending his. Newt isn't like Astrid, though, and it's clear from the way he gets up to go, quiet and suffocating, he won't stand up for himself here.

From inside, the argument continues, voices raising as Newt leaves. The manager is rounding him toward the door - not physically, just directing Hiccup as they "speak". Backing out through the open door, Hiccup calls out one last time,] You should all be ashamed of yourselves for treating people like this. He's a better person than any of you could ever hope to be!

[Newt typically knew what battles to fight and which ones to not. Making an entire room full of people see the same way as him was really not a battle he was going to win. Perhaps with time, they'll learn, but not as it were.

And isn't that just how it always had been? School. The Ministry. Even his brother sometimes.

Newt isn't exactly upset. He's not angry. There's just the strong feeling of being overwhelmed. A hand absentmindedly reaches up to the pocket hidden underneath the lapel of his coat. The quiet chittering from Pickett as he peeks out and reaches out to grasp Newt's fingers. Still quiet and maybe not quite mentally all there. He seems to be aware enough to wait for the other instead of just disappearing down the street. He doesn't know how long he has been standing there. How long he has been waiting. Everything seems muffled around him. He finally glances in Hiccup's direction.]

[Hiccup, on the other hand, he's stubborn about trying to change people's minds. About trying to make them see the truth. It's not a battle he's given up on, though maybe he's lost some ground today, raising his voice like this. It was hard not to, though, listening to the whispers around them, the baseless accusations, the way they spoke about his kind, gentle, amazing Bonded. He just kind of... exploded. Verbally, thankfully not physically or- magically (Hiccup isn't that kind of person, he wouldn't deck someone for no reason.)

He's endlessly frustrated as he storms away from the establishment, thankful that Newt hasn't gone too far.] I don't want to spend money in a place like that anyway. [He practically growls out, shooting one last angry look at the door, which has, by now, slammed shut.] We can find another place to-

[Except, no. When he actually tunes out his own anger, he gets that sense of being overwhelmed, drowning, from Newt, and his heart pangs in his chest with the realization that he really screwed today up. A little more slowly, he winds an arm around Newt's shoulders, leans his forehead briefly against the other man's in that common gesture of Bonded around the city.] No, maybe we should just go back to your place. I'm so sorry, this wasn't supposed to be... [Like this.]

[Newt immediately leans against the other. A comforting warmth and weight against his own. He shoves his hand back into his pockets and hears Pickett disappear back into the tiny space to hide himself from the cold.

It takes him a few minutes to find his voice. A few minutes is a lot of time for complete silence, but it's taking him a bit to come to.] It's quite alright. [It wasn't, but there wasn't anything that could be done about it now.] You didn't know.

[Newt agrees at returning home. He didn't care to be out and about much longer and immediately starts walking back towards the barracks. At least with the bond, Hiccup can kind of keep track of how Newt was doing emotionally. The slow ebbing of anxiety as they put distance between the building and them. and time passing.]

It's not alright. I should have- I could have checked the place out first, or picked somewhere quieter. [He should have. He wasn't thinking. Some part of him does recognize that he couldn't have expected such an awful reaction to Newt's presence, though. He didn't know that it was this bad, that the wealthy elite saw someone who helped others as nothing more than dirt. Hiccup has experienced his share of prejudice for being Mirrorbound, but nothing quite like that.] I won't make that mistake again. [Monster-friendly places only, in the future. He's sure he can find somewhere much more pleasant, albeit less fancy. Which is fine, neither of them live the high life or even care to do so.

But for now, he just wants to make sure Newt is okay. He walks alongside him, companionably close, hand brushing Newt's with every other step. Hiccup is... more vigilant than he should be, perhaps, but he feels as tightly strung as a bowstring after the confrontation. If it's not obvious through the bond, it's probably obvious in how he gives off heat, more than usual.

He doesn't try to talk about it until they get back to Newt's, until they're through the door. Hiccup nudges him toward the sofa.] Go sit down. I'll make some tea.

Hiccup. [He looks at the other.] This isn't the first time I have seen others treat others in such a way. It hasn't been the first time that it has been directed at me. Sometimes, people are cruel and it's good to assume the best of others even with that fact. [Newt had always considered people to be the most dangerous. Terrifying in ways.] I don't want you to beat yourself up over the behavior of others.

[He was used to it. Newt keeps telling himself that. Reminding himself.

At the very least, he doesn't argue with the other and makes his way over to sit on the sofa. He kicks his boots off and tosses his coat and scarf over on one of the arms of the sofa as he sits cross-legged on it. At least he seems to be calming down. Returning to normal.

Still, there's probably something sad and lonely at the idea that Newt seems to be very used to being a black sheep at his age. How much it puts into perspective his rather limited socializing with others. Why he seemed to get along better with creatures than people.]

That doesn't make it right. [He's stubborn about that, all the more so hearing that this kind of treatment... that this is something Newt is used to. It sounds wrong in his ears, feels wrong in his heart. Sure, he knows a thing or two about feeling like you don't belong. Sometimes, those days seem very close, and others they seem impossibly far away. The difference is that he changed their minds, proved himself to be someone his village could be proud of. They saw the real Hiccup eventually.

It's terrible, thinking that maybe, people have never seen the real Newt. These people, the wealthy 'elites' of Aefenglom, they certainly never have, and probably never will, because they won't open their minds to the idea that maybe they aren't superior for being human and having money- it takes a lot not to slam the cabinet doors, but he manages somehow.

Hiccup takes the minutes it takes to put on the kettle, boil water, and make tea to calm down. With the Bond, he figures Newt doesn't need Hiccup's restless agitation and righteous indignation right now, so he does his best to file it away for later.] You don't deserve any of that. [He says as he prepares a tea tray. Two steaming mugs of what he knows to be Newt's favorite blend, the pot with more tea inside it, some hastily-made sandwiches and cookies from the tin. It's not fancy, but he tries to pick out the items Newt will like best and arranges them with anxious energy.

He brings it over, sets the tray down on the closest surface to the couch, and then falls into the cushions right next to him.] You're amazing, and I'm not- I'm not gonna hear otherwise, alright?

No it doesn't, but it isn't your fault they're like that. [He understands that it takes time to get those to change their perception of things. A lot of the time, some never do. Newt just doesn't Hiccup to feel like he's at fault. Change like that in larger society was difficult. Slow.

Harry has crawled out of his burrow of shiny things and moves to crawl into Newt's lap. He gently runs his thumb over Harry's stomach absentmindedly.] No one really deserves being treated terribly in any capacity, I think. [He has always been very vehement about that. More noticeably with how he feels about the mistreatment of creatures, but just the mistreatment of those that haven't done anything to merit it.

Newt smiles softly at the other joins him. He sees the other had certainly made an attempt at learning more about tea time. The inclusion of sandwiches and sweets. He appreciated it. The other had really went out of his way.] That sounds like a rather biased opinion, but who am I to argue?

No, but still. [Maybe he just has a less realistic view of how quickly change can come. Berk seemed to change overnight, after the Red Death. (It wasn't really overnight, Hiccup doesn't know how long he was unconscious in his bed after losing his leg, so it only felt like it.) When things happen slower... it frustrates him. He's used to having the kind of authority, as leader of the Dragon Riders first and now as Chief of Berk, to make it happen. Aefenglom is outside any sphere where he might have some kind of control, though.] No-, but it's- it's worse when they hate you because- what, because you're helping people that need it? Just because the people you're helping happen to be Monsters, and poor? It's disgusting. That kind of attitude.

[It's endlessly frustrating. He admires the work Newt is doing. He admires Newt.

Despite his at-times overdramatic movements when he's like this, the tea tray is carefully arranged. That's the thing about Hiccup - he learns quickly and always puts his heart into whatever he's doing, especially when it's for someone he cares about. He doesn't know how to do anything half-assed.

Sinking down onto the sofa next to Newt, he lets their legs press together, not embarrassed by the closeness. It's a simple fact that the Bond is strengthened by touch, and that it feels good to do so. Suppressing a smile that tries to surface, he leans a little closer to pet Harry as well.] I'm not biased. Maybe they don't see it, but you are.

People like them don't consider Monsters as equals. They see them beneath them. Expendable. When you consider those around you expendable; your world view is quite different to those that don't see eye to eye, I think. [A world where those think the world around them serves them.] It's not a good view, in my honest opinion, but those kind of things are backed by centuries of history.

[Newt takes one of the sandwiches from the tray. The other was a comfortable warmth and weight.]

I wouldn't consider myself amazing either, Hiccup. [He doesn't really see it himself.]

I know that, I just- I don't think I'll ever understand it. [And he isn't sure if he wants to. That line of thinking... Well, look at all the strife it's caused so far. All the hardship. All the horrors. It's senseless.

It's easier, at least, to breathe now, safely ensconced in a private place, just the two of them. They've always understood each other pretty well, and since the Bond, it's easy to fall into sync. Hiccup leans against his side comfortably, turned just slightly to the side, some of the tension held in his muscles starting to bleed out of him now that they're both away from the conflict. Sharpshot clambers up to join them eventually (he can't be left on his own at the house, or Hiccup will come back to a forge in disarray - the little dragon's new favorite game is fetching tools for Percy), sprawling out over Hiccup's legs, edging his snout toward Harry and Newt's hand.]

Because you're not the kind of person that- that cares about being amazing. You just are. [Newt isn't the kind of guy who goes around boasting about his achievements. It just makes Hiccup like him more.] And sometimes it... it takes someone else to see what you can't see in yourself.

[Newt breaks pieces of his sandwich to feed to Harry and Sharpshot. The niffler hungrily eats the piece he's given while Newt holds out another piece to Sharpshot to eat. Of course he would feed the animals before actually eating himself. It's just like him, even if he was the one that was shaken up.

Hiccup likely can feel the other fluster if his appearance isn't a dead giveaway. Being called amazing in such an earnest way. His face starts to turn bright red and he looks down at his hands. He focuses his attention on the partly eaten sandwich instead.]

I think you're being incredibly too kind about this.

[Sharpshot is quick to take the offered food, and probably nip at Newt's fingers along with it (it really isn't that he doesn't like Newt, it's just that he's very bitey with him for some reason), gobbling it up quickly. Hiccup pats his back gently in reprimand; notably he takes a little more of a conventional approach to training Sharpshot than he ever does with Toothless, who is quite a bit smarter than any Terror.

He can definitely feel him fluster but he doesn't think anything of it, really. Newt is a modest guy, that must be it.] After the disaster that was today, I really don't think I am.

And, anyway, you- you know I wouldn't say it if I didn't believe it.

[Newt doesn't seem terribly bothered and just gives the other a few scratches under Sharpshot's chin. Bites and scratches were something he was so used to that they're just another tiny scar to add to the collection if they even manage to scar.]

Those people- Your actions don't reflect anymore or less because of their actions. People are unnecessarily cruel sometimes. A lot of times. But I appreciated you going out of your way to take me there regardless. You decided to clean up and try and get reservation in the first place. It was all entirely thoughtful. That alone...That alone, I was happy enough. [It's very rare that he has someone that goes above and beyond to offer a kind gesture to him.]

I think it's a little more embarrassing because I know you're being quite genuine. You're a very honest person, Hiccup. Didn't you say you're bad at lying? [He looks at the other with the shyest of smiles.]

[Sharpshot generally has more manners than to bite that hard - they're more like sharp-toothed puppy gnaws, and Hiccup would probably reprimand him more strongly if he thought Newt minded too much. He's had worse. And a little roughness is just par for the course with dragons.

It's Hiccup's time to get a little flustered, when Newt tells him, so sincerely, that just the thought made him happy enough.] Well, I- I mean, I promised, when we were still stuck in Dorchacht. And- I wanted to do it. [He had been looking forward to the afternoon with his Bonded. Though, he guesses they're still getting to spend the afternoon together, so things could be worse.] I just- wish it had gone better.

[He lets out a sheepish laugh, meeting his gaze despite the slightly embarrassed flush on his face, a kind of warmth filtering through his end of the Bond.] I guess I did. Look, you- you just deserve to hear those things once in a while.

I know you promised and I don't think you would have broken it. [He knew the other wouldn't. That wasn't the point, obviously.] I just- I really do appreciate the time and effort. Even if things didn't quite go as expected. [Or well at all. They can both agree things went quite terribly if anything.] We'll find another establishment that won't have issue with what I do. Honestly speaking, an extravagant afternoon tea is wonderful and all, but I'm more interested in the experience of having it with you. That, and if they can make a good cup o' tea.

[Newt carefully leans forward to take a cup and saucer from the tray.

Honestly, he doesn't know how to respond to that. There's no use in arguing.] THank you, Hiccup.

['Didn't go exactly as planned'. Yeah that's an understatement. Still, he's flushing lightly, hearing his words, a little embarrassed but also fond at the same time. Yes, as long as they're doing it together, it'll be nice.] Maybe once Aziraphale gets his shop open. I think he's going to sell tea. [And another Mirrorbound certainly won't want to cause trouble with them, especially one as nice as Aziraphale.

He smiles, scratching his fingers lightly over Sharpshot's spined back, and then lightly through Harry's fur.] Hopefully my cup o' tea is alright. I think I've gotten better at making it. [Considering he only knows what tea is because of Newt. They don't have it on Berk, at least not tea like this. Just medicinal teas made from plants that aren't tea.]

Oh. Yes. He's quite kind. I do quite enjoy his company. I do feel rather terrible. I think Lilac gave him a bit of a fright. [His Swooping Evil...] I hope his shop does well, really. I'd love to help out even. [Because Newt is always a helper.

Newt laughs though. Lighter despite the events from earlier.] It has improved quite a bit. If I am to be honest, there were a few pots you had made that weren't very palatable. I don't think any creature at a watering hole would even willingly consume. [He sips at the cup in his hand thoughtfully.] Much better than before.

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