middaeg | [OPEN] We were cold and we were clear

Entry tags:

[OPEN] We were cold and we were clear

Who: Newt Scamander(

newtralize and You!
When: Throughout the month
Where: Various locations
What: Quests, Event, and general prompts.
Warnings: N/A

I. Cold Weather, Warm Company
A.
[The common space at the Phoenix Tear is in disarray as of late. From wrapping paper to string to ribbon to bows. If it isn't items to wrap presents, there was the items that were meant to be wrapped. There didn't seem to be a space that wasn't occupied with something. Sitting on the ground and surrounded by presents is Newt himself. He has bows stuck to him as he carefully is wrapping a box.

The petalwolves in Newt's care aren't really helping much as they shred up paper and roll around in it. At least they're cute.

He sighs after a moment though as he watches the pups play.] They're darling, but they're really not conductive to productivity. [He glances up finally.] Sorry, did you need something?

B.
[There's been a lot more activity in the barracks as of late. Plenty of Monsters and refugees can be found there. Why exactly?

The smell of food wafts in the air and plenty of the less fortunate have bowls full of a warm and hearty stew and bread in their hands. A soup kitchen had been set up to help them get through the chill of Winter and fill their empty stomachs.

Perhaps you're here to assist or want a meal. Newt is kind of flitting about to and fro though. He can be found in the kitchen helping with food prep and cooking or he can be found outside serving meals or sitting with some and chatting with them. He's a bit all over the place, but he isn't hard to get ahold of. Just get his attention before he disappears off again.]

II. Snow Way Out
[The weather doesn't really deter Newt in anyway. He's used to it, if anything. England got quite chilly at times after all and he had traveled through all sorts of weathers while abroad for the year he was researching for his book. He also had a tendency to think of others before himself, so of course he ends up assisting.

Newt can be found transporting supplies or helping with repairs that can be managed given the weather. He's become a rather common face around the Refugee District.

He can even be found helping out in the Aristocratic District by shoveling snow and clearing pathways. Despite the way they might treat the Mirrorbound and him in particular, he's not the type to let others suffer when he can assist. Still, it would be nice if they didn't look at him with disdain or seemed to be more appreciative.

Newt wipes his brow, feeling quite warm despite the weather. Constantly on the move really helps stave it off at least.] There's still so much to be done...

III. Kiss-tletoe
[Newt is pretty sure mistletoe is the bane of his life during the Holidays. Social interaction is already enough of a pain to manage, but the tradition of mistletoe definitely doesn't instill him with particular joy.

Interacting with people? Fine. Kissing strangers because of some ridiculous tradition? Absolutely not.

It's too bad Newt doesn't get a choice when he gets stuck under a sprig with someone else. Not only was it a public setting (he was just wandering the streets and window shopping), but there were a few people hollering. Newt's face is probably turning a bright red at this moment and the man looks like he all but wants the Earth to swallow him hole. He's just very flustered about it and it shows easily.] I- Well, I believe we should, uhm, get on with it so they say.

IV. Eat, Drink & Be Merry
[He ends up at the park for a little bit. He was curious to see all the dishes laid out and adds one of his own to it.

It's nice to see everyone mix and mingle in ways. It's obvious that many stick to who they're comfortable with, but there are those that seem to venture out too. He has a cup of warm cider in hand as he sits and listens to stories or people sing with a soft smile on his face. Despite it seemingly be a Holiday for people to join together, Newt is off on his own.]

V. Hunting of the Wren
[Decidedly, he isn't too fond of this tradition. Watching creatures caged and being paraded around leaves a sour taste in his mouth. He doesn't do anything about it, but he's very disapproving of it.

That, and the pranks. Newt had always been at the wrong end of pranks and it seems to be nothing new here too. He huffs a little as he finds himself on the floor and in the snow looking quite unimpressed. The pranksters merely laugh a bit as they go on their merry way and Newt gingerly moves to get to his feet and starts patting snow off himself.] Absolute rubbish. [He shakes his head a bit.] I think I'll just say that I have no love for whatever this is.

VI. Wildcard
[I didn't put a plotting comment up due to time constraints, but I'm happy to plot things out. You can PM me or catch me on plurk. I'm happy to do anything pertaining to the available event options or more general December activities! I'll also reply to any starters written.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Luckily - or maybe unluckily - for Newt, it's not a stranger he winds up trapped underneath the mistletoe with. It's Hiccup, carrying a couple of packages wrapped in simple brown paper and tied with string, obviously on some errands of his own. Toothless is a full block away still, getting way too much attention from a gaggle of kids for his seasonal adornments. (One of the errands was bringing some gifts for the kids of the Refugee District, so he had dressed Toothless accordingly.)

Hiccup almost doesn't seem to realize he's stuck at first, because he'd about-face to catch up with Newt anyway, and stopping under this archway to talk to his Bonded isn't an unusual act.] Hi, Newt- [He starts to greet him with holiday cheer, and then he realizes his foot is stuck down to the ground. Just the one. Apparently it doesn't work on the prosthetic.

He glances up at the innocuous sprig of greenery, and then flushes, cheeks turning even redder than they were thanks to the cold and flying into town, as a couple of people in the crowd around them start to laugh and holler.] Oh. This is- Right.

[Is this worse or better? On one hand, ending up in this situation with a stranger was incredibly awkward for Newt. Kissing strangers? Definitely not something he does very often or at all really.

Seeing Hiccup though makes his stomach flutter a bit and the realization that they have to exchange a kiss to get out of this situation. Kissing Hiccup...

No. He has decided that this is definitely worse than if he had ended up with a stranger. Most definitely. Completely sure.] Oh bugger. [He feels like his heart is trying to hammer itself out of his chest and Hiccup can easily feel all the array of emotions Newt was feeling at the moment.

The people around them encouraging them to kiss really is not helping.] Are you, uhm, just returned from somewhere? [Why here? Usually they meet up at each other's home or a predetermined location.] Mistletoe is really not a tradition I think I care much for.

Delighted to see you too. [Hiccup says dryly, holding in a laugh, as Newt curses. He can't help himself sometimes. It's a little odd, the glimpses of feelings he can catch coming from the Bond, something like nerves being the most prominent. He chalks it up to having to kiss someone in front of other people, a few of which are cheering them on. It is a little embarrassing, even for Hiccup, mostly because of the onlookers.

He does laugh now, a little sheepish, setting the packages down on a dry patch of ground nearby.] Heading somewhere, actually, I- Well, I was going to deliver some gifts to the Refugee District, for the kids, and then I- uh, was actually going to see you. [It's completely coincidence to run into each other here, underneath a sprig of mistletoe.]

It's not so bad. Or, well, I guess it's a little worse when it's enchanted mistletoe. [A quieter laugh, and he rests a hand on Newt's shoulder, leaning in a little closer, smiling.] Let's get it over with so we can keep walking?

I- No! I'm happy to see you. Really. I just- [He's a stammering mess. He doesn't want Hiccup to not think he's excited to see the other. He's always happy to be in Hiccup's presence. Maybe a little too much.

It's fine.]

Is that so. I- Well, I seem to have caused you to delay then. [Which isn't actually Newt's fault, but maybe Hiccup would have been fine had he not gotten stuck here with him. He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly.]

I can't say I am of a similar mindset. I've always found the whole thing rather mortifying. [This was unsurprising, really. Newt had always seemed to not be too fond of physical affection of any kind.] That would...it would be best. Before more oglers show up. [This is all just a Very Bad time.]

Hey, no, I'm just- I'm just teasing you. [Hiccup laughs, shaking his head once, reaching out to touch his forearm the way he usually does when he's trying to get Newt's attention, or telling him something particularly honest. He hadn't meant to fluster him with that; he'd be able to tell through the Bond, most likely, if his friend wasn't happy to see him.]

Not really. I'm ahead of schedule anyway, no thanks to Toothless. [A vague motion behind them to about half a block down, where Toothless in his garland finery, with a full saddlebag, is still happily accepting fish treats from a gaggle of excitable children.] And I was going to see you at some point today anyway! [Because it's not like they have very many days anymore where they don't see each other.]

Things could be worse. What's a kiss between friends? [Hiccup isn't as easy to fluster. He might be a little embarrassed, but that's his constant state of being back on Berk, pretty much. Everyone watches when you kiss your girlfriend in public when you're the Chief.

He tilts their foreheads together, a common public gesture between Bonded, and lowers his voice a little, taking on a note of concern underneath the light-hearted, happy tone. He can tell Newt is flustered, but he doesn't want him to feel uncomfortable.] Are you sure you're okay with this? Kissing is the fastest way to get unstuck, but we can figure something else out.

Yes...of course. [He can't help but feel frazzled right now. Newt had always struggled a bit with processing his emotions and this is not an environment conducive to that. At all.

But he can at least distract the fluttering feeling in his stomach and chest to glance over at where Toothless was. Ah.] Well, you can't really be mad at him being enticed by food. [Beasts were simpler in terms of their needs after all. How could Toothless say no to being offered free treats? He laughs a little at that.] I was just window shopping. [Newt never bought anything though. Hiccup and him have probably browsed the shops countless time and Newt has most likely never bought anything that wasn't a necessity.]

I- Yes. I suppose it could be worse. [No, this was definitely worse. He's not about to say why though.] I-It's fine though! I just- Well- You know physical affection is not something I usually indulge in. That's more my brother. He's the hugger, not I. But I don't want the crowd to get bigger than it already is. [And he would be lying if he didn't want to kiss the other. Or maybe he wanted to confirm his feelings.]

[Hiccup laughs. He teases Toothless all the time; he's not really mad at his favorite useless reptile for basking in the attention and getting his share of treats.] I'm not, but it makes it hard to get anywhere on time. [Not that... his timetable is really all that strict. He doesn't have a real job or anything. His days are fully his own. He does smile knowingly at Newt's admission that he's window shopping; it's definitely something he's noticed, that Newt rarely actually makes a purchase.] Find anything you like?

[He leans a little closer, cups his hand against the back of Newt's neck. Hiccup's other mistletoe kisses have been as quick as possible in order to get unstuck, but... he doesn't want Newt to think he doesn't like being around him. It's a nonsensical thought, really. He doesn't really know why he's taking a little more care right now.] Well, no- no offense, but thank the gods I'm not stuck under the mistletoe with your brother. [He laughs quietly, turning it into a joke to try and lighten the mood a little.

Hiccup leans in a little closer, somewhat unused to the angle - Astrid is tall for a girl, but still shorter than he is - but a moment later, he's pressing his lips to Newt's, his own wind-chapped but warm, the kiss chaste but still somehow affectionate. Simply because it's hard not to be, with his friend. And he moves with surprisingly little hesitation, only a hint of awkwardness. A cheer goes up in the gathering crowd, and then they begin to disperse, blessedly.]

That is a sentiment I can understand. I've merely learned to start earlier because I always know something will cause me to lag behind. [Though, Newt honestly ran on a fairly strict schedule when it came to the creatures. There was never a time where he didn't make sure his creatures were fed and tended to on time. Quite the busybody in the end.] Oh, well yes. There were a few nice coats in some of the stores. [Says the man wearing worn out clothes and clothes that didn't quite fit him right.

Newt means to laugh because it was funny. To hear the other be glad that it wasn't his brother (and he's very glad Hiccup isn't kissing his brother for a multitude of reasons why) was something to chuckle about, but it dies on the tip of his tongue along with all his thoughts. Whatever was on his mind was immediately gone as soon as Hiccup's lips are on his own. They're chapped like his own, but they're warm too.

By all means, it was just a kiss. There was nothing particularly exciting about it, but it possibly meant the whole world to him in just that moment. It was a fluttering feeling in his chest. A certain elation to have Hiccup kiss him and to return it.

If he had doubts before, he certainly didn't have them any longer. He was smitten with the other. Quite so.]

You're better at that than I am. My dad was always grumbling about how I was never on time for anything. [Hiccup is similar, honestly. The only things he's never late doing, even when he's caught up in a particularly interesting project, are feeding the dragons, and going out with Toothless for early morning flights. Lately he's also been making more of an effort to be on time whenever Newt asks for his company, though.] Yeah? I've been thinking about a new coat too. Maybe show me the ones you were looking at sometime? [Hiccup, very suited to the cold weather, coming from a place where they have several months of Winter and then a few months of Devastating Winter, hasn't been considering a new coat at all, but he doesn't think his Bonded will readily agree to showing him just so Hiccup can buy him one.

And all that kind of gets lost in the back of his head as he and Newt kiss. It's- he's not expecting the little spark it makes him feel, like the first time Astrid kissed him. Is that just how kissing feels? He's never kissed anyone else in his life, not like this at least - only Astrid, and now Newt. Or maybe it's just the bond. Maybe it's not even his own feeling at all? It's too much to consider in that moment. He can feel his feet become unstuck as their lips meet, but he doesn't pull away immediately. He doesn't want it to come off like he hates this. He doesn't. Hate it, that is.

The onlookers go back to what they were doing before, though one man in the crowd whistles at them laughingly as he departs, and that's maybe what startles Hiccup a little, reminds him that there is a world outside of this little bubble. He pulls away slowly, hand sliding gentle from the back of his neck to rest at his shoulder. They're still standing quite close, and whether his cheeks are red from the cold or something else, it's hard to determine. Scrambling for something to say, he laughs,] See? Could have been worse.

I worked for the government. As much I would prefer concentrating my efforts somewhere else, I can't say I was in any position to get fired from it. [Society was also probably far more advanced that being late wasn't exactly something most could afford back home.

Newt doesn't seem suspicious, but he does seem surprised.] I rarely see you even wear your current coat. [Maybe because they spend much of their time together indoors though.

And Merlin if he didn't want to spend so much more of his time with the other. To gently grasp Hiccup's hands in his own and just-

He really has it bad, oh dear.

Newt lets out a nervous laugh. The other doesn't seem to realize. Maybe they just can't tell how much Newt's heart wants to beat right out of his rib cage right this moment. It takes him a moment to gather himself enough to answer.] I- Yes. It could have been wors- Not that it was bad. It was- [Oh he's such a mess.] I enjoyed it. That is. I- Not that I want to make this, uhm, awkward. [This was A Mess. He is A Mess.]

It's easier when you're born into the government. [Hiccup says dryly, a joke about being the son of the Chief back home. The Chief basically being Berk's government, along with a small council. He lets out a slightly sheepish laugh when Newt says he never sees him in a coat, though, getting out,] Be...cause it's getting too worn out! [Yes. That will keep him from being too suspicious.] Also I'm... bad at... fashion? [True but not the point.

The kiss kind of shakes everything else out of his head. He hasn't felt this flustered in a while, if he's honest. Not since he was 15 and had gotten a girl's attention for the first time in his life. He can't exactly tell how much Newt's heart is racing because his own thoughts are racing just as hard.

His own heart nearly skips a beat when Newt says he enjoyed it. Oh. Surely he doesn't mean- No. Hiccup will not be the one to make this awkward. More awkward than it is. Hiccup lets out a nervous laugh of his own, linking his arm with Newt's to tug him out from under the mistletoe, just in case the enchantment reactivates. Not that... it would be so horrible. They're Bonded, this makes sense, right? People who are Bonded tend to be close in strange ways, don't they?]

It's not awkward. [It is a little.] Maybe could have done without the audience, but you know- We're- you know, you're my best friend. We don't have to be awkward over a kiss. It's- it's easier than getting stuck with a stranger, for me. Hey! You can show me those coats now.

It sounds like you lived in a close knit community. [Which sounded nice. Something that isn't really a thing given how society is. Everyone getting caught up with their own agenda and it's feasibly impossible to care for so many people as is.] You didn't seem to care before? [Not that Newt is exactly a fashionable guy, but just the style of the era worked in favor of him.

That, and London's constant weather making it necessary to own nice, warm coats.

And maybe the idea of focusing on coats is far more enticing now that he was so flustered. It would be a good way to get his mind off just how Hiccup's lips felt against his own and ho- This is the opposite of what he wants to be thinking about. Newt laughs. It's a little too high and Newt kind of clamps his mouth shut again. Oh, Merlin, he was a mess.]

Yes. Of course. We, uhm, don't. [Right. They're just friends. There's nothing behind it passed they had to kiss to get out from underneath mistletoe. It's nothing more than that.] Uhm. Yes, sure. Of course. Coats. [This feels like a very weak attempt at small talk. Like asking about the weather.]

[Something is a little off. Hiccup can't quite tell how or why. Maybe Newt, ever the private person, is just embarrassed at having to kiss someone in front of a crowd. That's pretty rough if you aren't used to it. He'll just... go with that theory for now, happy to try and change the subject to something else.

Like getting Newt to point out what coat he'd like. Hiccup's definitely going to get it for him. He deserves something nice and warm since he's not nearly as well adjusted to the cold as Hiccup the Berkian Viking is.] Great. Which one did you like? [He gathers up the couple of packages he had been carrying before they ran into each other, going to tuck them under one arm, but then he stops, taking the thin, brown-paper wrapped gift off the top.]

Oh, I might as well- I was going to go see you later, to give you this. For, uh, Modranicht. Or- Christmas? Is it called Christmas where you're from? I heard that somewhere. It's... it's Snoggletog for my people, but it all sounds like the same thing. [Oh. He's rambling a little.]

You don't have to open it now if you don't want to.

[Newt absentmindedly wander down the cobblestone paths. His mind is a little elsewhere. It still lingers on the warmth of Hiccup's lips on his own.

Honestly, how was he supposed to keep acting like things are just platonic between them now that he knows the feeling of kissing the other? He almost wished that he could obliviate himself at least this particular detail.] I- Yes, I think it was down this stree- oh? [He stops when the other holds a package to him.]

You didn't have to. [Of course Hiccup didn't have to. That's not the point, Newt.] Uhm, yes. Christmas. I hadn't celebrated it last year. I was still traveling at the time, actually. The creatures don't really follow Holidays. I'm sure that's a surprise.

[He looks at the package in his hands; fingers absentmindedly running over the rough paper. A smile.] Thank you.

I know. But I wanted to. It's- it's not much. [Luckily he can't read Newt's mind. Wow. You can't obliviate yourself after kissing your best friend, that's rude.

He laughs a little, quiet, slightly awkward. He's picking up on Newt's maybe, or maybe it's his own. It's hard to tell with so many feelings pinging back and forth between them normally. Maybe some people learn to close off their end of the Bond, but Hiccup has honestly never had that thought cross his mind.] It'd be- you know, kind of weird if they did, probably. [Considering holidays are human constructions, mostly.

He shoves his hands in his pockets again, exhaling, smile turning just a little sad.] I didn't celebrate Snoggletog last year either. It- It was the first one without my dad. It just wasn't the same. So... I wanted to at least do something this year. Even though I can't be back home for the feast in the Great Hall or the decorations or any of it. At least I could- do this much.

[He doesn't!!! Want to think about Hiccup's lips!!! It's awkward!!!.]

I was being sarcastic, Hiccup. [Newt laughs a little.] The only one who might actually celebrate it is Harry. I think he has picked up that I always give him something during the winter. [And so the creature now kind of expects it too.

New York was different, but Harry got plenty out of that trip, so it didn't really matter. Harry won and made an absolute ruckus from it.]

I was never much for Holidays, to Theseus' frustrations. I'll hold onto this though. I'd like to open gifts together. If...If that would be alright with you. [He didn't care for material things, but spending time together. That mattered more to him.] We can still enjoy it together, I hope.

[Newt stops in front of a quaint little shop. The mannequins in the window were sporting classic, woolen coats not so dissimilar to the ones he wears. There was a blue one with brass buttons. What stuck out was the ornate embroidery on the lapels and collar. The coats really made it obvious how worn out Newt's own was in comparison. While it was well taken for, it was obvious it was far from new and that Newt's ability of magic probably prolonged getting rid of the article of clothing.] They're quite nice, aren't they?

Right. I know that. [Did he? Honestly he's just a little thrown off his game by that kiss. If he's totally honest, he keeps thinking about it too. He laughs a little at this tidbit about Harry.] I'll have to get something for Harry, too, then. And- probably some trout for Toothless. That's his favorite Snoggletog dinner.

[He looks over at Newt and gives him a warm, fond smile, a little brighter at the thought of opening gifts together. Celebrating a holiday together. It sounds... really nice. Nicer than he could have hoped for, being in Aefenglom.] That sounds perfect. I'm- I'd love that. [Newt can probably feel through the Bond the sincerity that accompanies that statement, the twinge of excitement about enjoying the holiday with his Bonded and their animals.

Stopping in front of the shop, Hiccup looks at Newt and then at the display of coats in the window. The blue one, with the brass accents and embroidery, captures his attention immediately. He can almost see him in it, through the reflection on the glass. It had just been a thought, but suddenly, Hiccup really wants to get it for him. He's not sure why, other than he thinks his Bonded should be warm and have a nice coat.] Yeah, really nice. What- uh, what do you think about that blue one? [It's going to be pretty hard to hide his actual intentions here. But he also won't be told no.]

I'm sure he'll end up with plenty, even if you don't. Ornaments and decorations and other things I assure you I didn't give him. [It's usually harmless enough that he lets Harry keep them.

But he pauses when the other asks and Newt looks back at the coat.] Oh. Oh no, Hiccup. It's a gorgeous coat, but it's much too luxurious for me. [And Newt has always been frugal. The dress of his era meant he looked relatively overdressed in a modern time, but he definitely didn't buy clothes meant to be expensive but comfortable instead. Even then, his clothes were ill fitting at times. Pants that might be too short for his legs to clothes that have been mended or probably fixed with magic.

Newt never really spoiled himself in any capacity.] What I have is really good enough.

There's a difference between plunder and gifts. [He points out with a laugh. Maybe it's silly to think a niffler can differentiate between a sentimentally-given gift and something shiny it's snatched off the street, but Hiccup is honestly very soft with all the creatures and likes to spoil them a little.

And he's definitely been called out for wanting to spoil Newt a little, too. The more he insists it's too luxurious for him, the more the set of Hiccup's expression changes into something stubborn. He's going to dig his heels in. He's a viking, after all - when he sets his mind to something, it's no use arguing.] I can tell you like it, so why not? You deserve more than 'good enough' sometimes, even if you think you don't.

[He takes his hand, and he marches them into the shop, only letting go to have a brief conversation with the owner. Initially, the man seems skeptical of the two Mirrorbound, but his tune changes completely when Hiccup digs out a folded wad of cune notes.] The blue one, in the window. And- can we make sure the sleeves are the right length?

Don't spoil him too much. [Says the man who has probably spoiled all his creatures at some point.]

It's really quite fin-Hiccup- [He barely can protest against the other before he finds himself dragged into the shop by the other. One moment they're outside and the next moment he finds himself being ushered to a large mirror getting his measurements taken while the coat is being removed off the mannequin.] This really, truly, is unnecessary.

[As if Newt's words were gonna deter the other.]

I've seen you slip Toothless an extra trout. [They are both equally as bad as the other when it comes to spoiling the animals and this is why they trust each other with them. Because deep down, Hiccup and Newt are the same.

Hiccup is just, perhaps, a little more blatantly stubborn sometimes. Like now. He can spoil his Bonded a little too, right? He watches, a little smug, as the tailor goes about getting Newt's measurements to make some minor adjustments to the coat in the window, ensuring it will fit just perfectly. Hiccup crosses his arms over his chest, smiling like he's won something.] Sure. [It's unnecessary, but he's doing it anyway.]

The blue is a nice color for you. I like it.

You both have bottomless pits for stomachs. [A weak argument, but also something true.

Eventually they slip the coat onto Newt to pin any alterations down. The blue is vibrant against Newt's paler complexion and Newt's leaner build is very obvious wearing the long, luxurious coat. It's no surprise that blue is a good color on the other with the coat he usually sports, but his old coat had lost that new, vibrant look that new clothes had.

And of course the tailor and their assistants turn Newt to Hiccup to confirm that he wanted to buy this coat before they started making the adjustments on it. Newt, who was shyly looking at the ground wearing a coat he didn't imagine was something he should have.]

[The tailor has to stifle a little laugh at their bantering, probably making assumptions about the pair. But he's efficient in his work, getting measurements, testing the fit, checking to make sure it will lay just right. Hiccup offers a thumbs up and stands by the counter to pay, handing over a few cune notes like it's nothing to cover the coat, the tailoring, and a generous tip.

It really does look good on him. The color suits him well, the cut emphasizes his handsome figure, and he settles back to watch the assistants adjust the hems with a few little domestic spells. They have it sewn up and ready in no time, and the owner asks,] Would you like to wear it out, sir?

[Hiccup grins widely.] You should. It looks great.

[The way that Hiccup looks at him really just flusters him if he were being honest. He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly.] I, uhm, I'll wear it down. That's fine. I really don't want to inconvenience. [He's already wearing it and it seems a bit of a hassle to have to take it off now that it's on.

It's how he finds himself standing side by side with Hiccup in a luxurious coat back on the streets of Aefenglom.] Uhm. Thank you. You really didn't have to.

[Hiccup only smiles a little wider as he agrees to wear it out, and when they step out onto the cobblestone streets again, he can feel confident that Newt will be kept a little warmer than before. He's awash with a flush of pleased contentment; it speaks back to what his father always taught him: a chief protects his own. He's just taking care of his own. And really, Newt deserves it.]

I know. [Newt never would have actually asked for it on his own, after all, so there was no obligation.] But I wanted to. It really does look nice on you. You- you absolutely deserve nice things, and it's not like money is hard to come by. [Well, it is, for people who aren't rich dragon scale barons.] You never treat yourself so it's up to me to treat you.

There's nice things and then there's this... [Newt shakes his head a bit. He knows that money isn't really an issue for Hiccup so the costs of things isn't really an issue at all, but Newt had always grown up being frugal. It was hard to think about being able to spend so lavishly, even if he did enough work to live fairly comfortably.] I heard how much it costed.

[He smiles a little. Hiccup didn't care about that, did he? Just that he wanted to give him something.] You'll spoil me rotten with that mindset. [As if Newt would ever hit that point.]

It's not- not that expensive a gift, you know- [He got relatively wealthy relatively fast here so he really has no idea how much a cune is worth on an economic scale. It's all kind of like monopoly money to him.] What's the use of having money if you don't spend it?

[He shoots him a smile over his shoulder, as pleased as Toothless when he's slipped extra treats.] Would that be such a bad thing?

I think you just have very little idea or sense of the worth of the money here, Hiccup. [Hiccup basically could live richer than majority of the aristocrats here. Hilariously so because Hiccup lives so modestly.] I would say that kind of thinking is irresponsible, but you don't lack being able to afford basic needs, so I can't really criticize you.

[Newt shakes his head with a laugh.] You really are something.

I have an idea of what things are worth! [Hiccup will always be a wealthy dragon scale baron who lives like an old-timey disaster. Really he just has better things to spend his money on than expensive items just to have expensive items.] And I can be responsible. I've always got enough for the Phoenix Tear and the forge and making sure my dragons are fed. If there's extra... why not treat my Bonded?

You really are too good to me, Hiccup. [He doesn't think he has anyone ever been so good to him.]

Do you need to be anywhere else or can we return to the barracks? [Not that he minds accompanying Hiccup with errands; just that Newt thinks he has been out in public long enough. The public kiss and everything has certainly flustered the quiet man more than enough.]

You're my best friend, and my Bonded. And you deserve good things! [He's important to Hiccup, more than anyone else here in Aefenglom. The weight of his feelings is a solid thing, unmistakable.

And here he seems a little sheepish.] Ah- I actually still need to deliver a couple of things- [He got distracted when he saw Newt, wanting to spend time with him despite having other things to do. He doesn't regret a second of this, even the awkward mistletoe kiss. (Maybe especially not the awkward mistletoe kiss. It's fine.)] But I'll come by in an hour or two, when I'm finished? We can talk about what we're going to do for Christmas-slash-Snoggletog! [Because that's something he's very excited for now.]

Right, I recall you had errands to run. [Everything had become somewhat a blur given what had happened. The other had thoroughly distracted him if he were honest.] I'll head back then. I can get a kettle on the stove and food prepared by the time you're back. [He smiles softly.]

I'll see you then Hiccup.

Just a few. They won't take long. [And he would normally forget about them, or do them later, if it wasn't delivering some gifts to refugee children for Modranicht. He can't imagine Newt would want him to shirk that duty anyway. They both care deeply about all of those people.

He whistles for Toothless, who finally bounds over, abandoning the natives giving him attention.] Right! I'll see you then. C'mon, bud, let's get moving.

Of course. Do take your time. There's no need to rush.

[Newt lingers a moment to watch the other leave. He can't help but press fingers to his lips distractedly before turning to start heading back to the barracks.]

Little old me? [ Leaning against a far wall, Asura seems perfectly at ease—though he's never before set foot inside of the Phoenix Tear, the atmosphere (even when in disarray) is welcoming, right down to the Petalwolves which yip and play in the warmth of the indoors. And if Newt's gaze hadn't been nearly so fixed upon the Petalwolves laying waste to an innocent roll of wrapping paper, the man might've noticed the King's stare (pervasive and knowing, as it always is) fixed upon his person, but... Given how Newt is so easy to fluster, it's likely for the best that he'd been none the wiser. ]

All I need is for you to finish your bang-up wrapping job. [ Which is... well, a work in progress. Newt himself looks more gussied up with ribbons and bows than the box in the mid-stages of wrapping. ] I'm here to help distribute gifts when you're done.

[ Because Asura would inadvertently shred as much decorative paper as the Petalwolves with his draconic's talons, were he to assist with the wrapping. And lo: he answered the call to footslog through the snow instead, traveling on behalf of others to deliver glad tidings and gifts, because...! Asura (much as he likes to grouse about Winter) is sturdy and perfectly fit to make the trek. Or, at least, most of him is sturdy—his right forearm is bandaged, and hastily so from the appearance of things, the wound sustained when he'd used his body act as a brace for a rafter collapsing beneath the weight of snow.

But despite being stationed in a clinic, Asura calls no attention to the injury, and seems... distinctly a m u s e d when he offers: ]

But if you need me to corral the Petalwolves so you can get this show on the road, you need only to say the word.

Edited (woooords) 2019-12-21 21:49 (UTC)

Oh! Hello. I beg your pardon. [He might have been caught up with his work and the petalwolves that he didn't really notice the other. It didn't help that Monsters kind of came and went, so he kind of didn't always acknowledge everyone unless they personally approached him.]

Right, right. Yes. Thank you for that. It's been quite busy, so I very much appreciate the extra helping hand. [He glances around him to figure out what was actually wrapped and what was just buried under paper and bows and the like. Newt stumbles a bit as he gets to his feet.] There's a few presents that can be delivered though- [He pulls his wand out with the intention of levitating the wrapped gifts to Asura, but he pauses when he notices the injury.]

Oh. Oh, no. Your arm. Nevermind them. They're just playing as pups do. Was that properly tended to?

As best as it could be. [ Carding a taloned hand back, through the fall of his hair, Asura stands in quiet marvel at Newt's astonishing capability to bustle about, tending to a slew of different matters at once (and all the while, likely plotting the undertaking of several more even though his hands were busied with wrapping presents and tying bows). From the look of the other Mirrorbound alone, one could readily be convinced that some great deadline were looming just around the bend, but... As far as Asura can see, gifts are gifts, something which can be appreciated at any time, at any place. And maybe, focusing on a singular task (looking over a patient) would grant Newt something of a reprieve from the very controlled (and very chaotic) state of affairs at the clinic. That's why Asura gestures to his arm, offering: ]

The armored scales on my forearms are tough, but not so much that they didn't crack beneath the weight of a fallen rafter. It fissured pretty deep, [ and bled something awful ] but...

[ Jus wait, here's the kicker!: ] ...I couldn't patch it up, even with a healing spell. Dragon scale and magic resistance, you know?

[ Read: Asura's still grappling with the question of why in all the realms this world went and deemed him a Witch when he's always been a monster to begin with. ] I'm not sure if anything can be done for it.

[ But maybe Newt's of a different opinion. ]

Edited 2019-12-31 03:54 (UTC)

[ while flat himself has no love for caging creatures, he does have a deep love for pranks. and seeing newt on the ground...well he's just an easy target, isn't he?

hope he likes more snow, because he'll be getting a snowball thrown at him from behind--but there doesn't seem to be anyone behind him either? Hm. ]

Guh! [He quickly moves to his feet and turns on his heels. He frowns a little when he finds that there isn't anyone in view. Brows furrowed before he pulls his wand out.

It isn't like this isn't the first time he has dealt with something he couldn't see. Newt had cared for Dougal, his demiguise, for quite awhile and Dougal was often invisible.] Really, as if today wasn't trying enough. [He takes a large inhale before seemingly blowing into his wand as so. Instead of gold flecks though, it kicks up loose snow in a flurry around him. It's unavoidable to get hit by any of the snow that was getting blown around in what was a small whirlwind.]

Haha!

[ flat himself doesn’t seem to be bothered in the least by the snow whirlwind. he shakes off his own illusion with small laugh, revealing a tall and lanky teenager with a who’s grinning all too excitedly. . ]

Good job on catching me! Guess it’s pretty hard to hide in the snow, huh?

[This may be a surprise to Newt, but Theseus doesn't exist to mercilessly tease him whenever such an opportunity arises. He certainly has his own life and worries to focus on, such as forming bonds and making sure his magic remains stable in this world. With that being said, however, the Auror definitely isn't going to waste a chance to needle his brother if he's definitely looking distracted by something.

Like right now.

Leaning one hand against his chin, Theseus cocks one curious eyebrow as he observes Newt, noting his distracted expression. Something definitely happened and what sort of older brother leaves that alone? He leaves his half finished tea on the table as he addresses Newt.]

What's on your mind? Don't try to use one of your beasts as a scapegoat, you'll have to try harder than that.

[Newt has definitely been stuck in his thoughts as of late.

Ever since the mistletoe mishap with Hiccup, in particular. It had been something that had been growing, but the kiss in particular had all but confirmed whatever suspicions he had.

He hadn't even realized how distracted he was currently; just standing there with a pail filled with fungus for the petalwolves. Newt jolts a bit when Theseus speaks up.] Oh. I- [He absentmindedly goes to dump the contents into the food bowls and watches them climb over each other to try and scarf down their meal.]

There's just still a lot to be done. More packages to deliver and upkeep on some of the buildings that in worse conditions than others. I think I have to go shopping for more ingredients for tomorrow and- [Newt at this point seems to just be rambling. There's certainly a lot on his mind. Yes.] I think I might fancy Hiccup and I have no idea what to do. [Oh, that came out sooner than Theseus probably expected. Newt is a bit frantic though and all of it comes out rather rushed.]

[Theseus continues to watch him for a few more seconds, letting his brother ramble on about all the various tasks that he still needs to do. A part of him wants to tell Newt to slow down a hinge, but the words completely die in his throat when Newt reveals a rather significant bit of information.

Oh.

Oh ho.

So, is this the thing that's been on his mind? The Auror lets himself be surprised by the news for a solid moment, but he eases into a smile, curiosity with a small hint of teasing reaching both his voice and eyes.]

You like Hiccup, Newt? How did you arrive at that conclusion?

Edited 2020-01-07 00:56 (UTC)

[Newt is definitely a bit manic. Not seriously so, but all his mannerisms have him rather frantic. He paces back and forth and he doesn't seem to be capable of staying in one place at all. Such this rather frantic energy as he talks.]

We got stuck under mistletoe. I- Oh Merlin. [He presses fingers to his lips and his face is going unbelievably red.] We're just- We're supposed to be friends.

[He seems to have it in his mind that they clearly can only be friends.

He didn't actually answer all of Theseus' questions, but it's hard to imagine that Newt would be acting so frantic if he weren't being honest about how he felt about the viking in question.]

[Ah, a mistletoe. Theseus can't say he's all that surprised to find that particular plant to be the culprit of Newt's current erratic behavior. But really, it's sort of charming to see his brother so flustered over his feelings about Hiccup. Has he ever felt this way towards someone before? At least Hiccup is a rather considerate fellow, so Theseus isn't worried much about that particular aspect.

So, that just leaves him to mercilessly tease Newt and his obvious crush on Hiccup. Theseus is so glad to be around for this.]

Is there a reason why it can't be more?

[Theseus raises an eyebrow, still leaning against his hand as he awaits Newt's response.]

[Newt stops pacing and turns to look at Theseus.]

Reason why? I've been bonded from him for some time now. I think if he were interested, he would have made it known. [Says the guy who hasn't exactly made his own feelings known. Though, Newt was also somewhat obvious about it too.] Besides, it's unlikely he would be romantically inclined towards me in the first place. [And there was always the issue of how Newt perceives how others perceives him.

And perhaps Newt looks a bit put out because of it.]

[He can't say he knows Hiccup enough to tell Newt that he'd certainly be the type to let his feelings be known to him. Theseus can wager and guess that the young man might be a bit too shy himself, which is the reason why he hasn't spoken to Newt about it. Still, it's just an assumption he's making here.

Well, he's not going to give up just quite yet. After all, he's totally here to help his poor brother with his romantic problems. He's waited years for this.]

Those are quite a lot of assumptions you're making, Newt. Perhaps he's just as shy as you when it comes to admitting your feelings. [He gives a small smile of encouragement.]

And why wouldn't Hiccup be romantically inclined? You're a good man.

[ At least, after that embarrassing incident a while back, Judar's gotten a better handle on things. Well, more that he knew what was going on and could look out and control himself better. Which sometimes meant taking more physical ways (like going out in the snow for a while, when people weren't really an option,) but he can at least have the mental capacity to hold back on those instincts.

Since then, he's also been helping out with things more. Partially to earn his keep, given limited funds, but more that it was his way of acknowledging a fuck-up, even if he was knocked out before things got too aggressive in its goal.

Which is why he's helping, both doing actual work (despite some developing instablity in his legs,) but the developing faun has demonstrated some ability to recognize skill or when it was time to rotate people around and get someone the chance for a constructive break. With some weird inkling, given the petalwolves that've been a wonderful help (for morale and guest entertainment,) Judar was bringing someone over to take over right as he's easing some of the serving bowls out of the way. ]

There's enough of an opening for a while. You should grab something to play with and let those wolf pups chew on... Before they gnaw on shoes or fingers.

[ Newt seemed best and happiest when working with animals like that. Creatures were his element, right? ]

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