middaeg | [CLOSED] you spoke my language, and touched my limbs

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[CLOSED] you spoke my language, and touched my limbs

Who: Hiccup Haddock and Newt Scamander
When: Forward dated to the 8th or 9th
Where: The Phoenix Tear / Newt's place
What: Two soft men try to stop being dumb about each other.
Warnings: None, they're too soft.

[It's been nearly a week- has it been a week? A week of dancing around each other, avoiding deeper conversation than brief greetings or requests. Newt had taken off a few days ago to observe the nesting Snowbirds around the farmland, and Hiccup... had stayed behind, to keep working on the repairs the Phoenix Tear needs and care for the animals. He can do that much.

It's been a long several days, but he's spoken to some people, spent plenty of time away from the house getting his frustrations out in the air, and has even spent a lot of time up on the Bright Wall, next to his and Percy's ballista, thinking in the cool air. He's had to reflect on a lot in the last week, ever since learning about Newt's feelings for him. He's probably gotten glimpses of his feelings through the Bond - the confusion, the conflict, the deep ache in his chest the longer they go without talking to each other. He's not used to trying to block off his side of the Bond, and while he tries it once or twice when he's especially frustrated, he doesn't turn to it often. He never has before, never needed to.

He wants that back. It isn't that he doesn't love Astrid, far from it, but... he's figured out pretty certainly that he loves Newt, too. And if he can only have this while they remain in Aefenglom, maybe they owe it to each other to try. But all of that depends on what Newt says too, what he wants.

This evening, Hiccup has finished the evening feedings, and is in the kitchen making a pot of tea. Sharpshot is stationed on the roof outside, just above the door, tail swishing back and forth - alert. The Terror will start "singing" (more like warbling) as soon as he spots Newt, which will let Hiccup know that he's arrived. Newt can probably feel the twinge of nerves coming from Hiccup; he's a little anxious about this, but he doesn't want to let them go another day only speaking a few awkward, stilted words to each other. That much he's sure of.

He pours a cup and prepares it the way Newt likes it, then pours one for himself, waiting for him to get home.]

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[Oh no. That's adorable. The tips of Newt's ears are a little red, and Hiccup's smile widens. It's hard not to feel overjoyed right now, because things have actually worked out. Or, he hopes they will. They seem like they will. If only they had talked to each other sooner, worked this out together rather than putting themselves through all the anxiety and uncertainty.] I liked it then, too, though. I was just worried about making things awkward.

[That's over now. Well- maybe not completely, but now, at least, they don't have to feel bad or hide what they want. They're on the same page.]

It's better when I know you want it, and that we're not just doing it to get our feet unstuck. [He laughs, leaning in again to curl his arm around Newt, resting very gently against him.]

I know things could have happened in a nicer way, but- I'm glad we got here.

I don't know if you've noticed, but being awkward is something of a natural state of being for me at the best of times. [He isn't so oblivious not to know that his social skills weren't exactly stellar.] I can only be glad that you didn't realize that my feelings during the kiss were less than platonic, Hiccup. Knees weak so to speak.

[Newt is all stiff and a little awkward. The closeness of the other was nice, but he doesn't really know what to do. He's probably overthinking it all.]

I just didn't want to make you uncomfortable.

Well, we're- we're both awkward, so things should work out just fine. [He says with a laugh. He doesn't care at all, honestly; he adores Newt just the way he is, for who he is, not who anyone else thinks he should be.] I can't believe you didn't realize that I- I liked it. More than I thought I should. I was afraid of making you uncomfortable.

[He can feel it. How Newt's gone a little stiff, a little tense. He's trying to feel out how he might be feeling through the Bond, but it's difficult for Hiccup when it's this nuanced. Slowly, he pulls back just a little, regarding him with a soft look.]

I still am. Is this... too much? You can always tell me, you know. Now that- now that we've gotten past this, you can tell me anything.

I- [Newt lets out a sheepish laugh.] I don't think it ever occurs to me that anyone would like me. It's not exactly, well, common of a thing. [And all that becoming famous brought was people constantly talking about his eligibility, but he wouldn't know an admirer if it kissed him on the face.]

No, no. It isn't something I'm used to. I'm sorry. It'll take me a bit of time to grow used to. I've never been particularly, uhm, physical in any capacity. It's very new to me.

I can't imagine why. [It's a comment that could very well be sarcastic, but from Hiccup's mouth, about Newt, is nothing but sincere. He can't imagine it; but then again, he guesses he might see a side of Newt that most don't. He's not the most open of people normally, and Hiccup has the advantage of being Bonded to him.]

That's okay. You don't have to apologize. I'm- sorry, I'm usually- [A physical person, someone who likes to touch and be touched, even if it's just casual or platonic. He's playful with those he loves. His hesitance is long gone, after his relationship with Astrid.] Just- tell me if you ever don't like something.

[Here, his smile turns a little playful, and he reaches for his hand again.] I hope you get used to it eventually. I uh- I like this.

Well, there's quite a few things I can think of as to why. [And Newt's reply is just as serious. Self aware to know some of the things he does and why it doesn't jive well with others.]

It's- That's not something you have to apologize about. I just- I suppose I wish I weren't quite so, well, awkward. [He shouldn't be this hesitant with physical affection at his age, right?] I guess I had just spent so much of my time with animals and taking very little time to interact with others proper.

It- Well, better late than ever, right? [Newt gently places his hand in Hiccup's own. A willingness to try.]

Well, I can't, and you're going to have to deal with hearing that you're- that you're amazing. [The dam is broken and now he'll have to deal with Hiccup's compliments and effusive praise. He's a loving person who wants his partner to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that he loves them.

Like now, when he says he wishes he wasn't awkward, and Hiccup can only laugh softly and shift a little closer, squeezing the hand that slips into his.] It- it doesn't matter to me. You know that, right? We'll get comfortable together. [It might take time but that's fine - they've got it now. As much as they both may have left in Aefenglom.] I like you. Awkwardness and all.

[He smiles wide, looking like everything's just gone his way, and he steals another brief, sweet kiss.] It... it happened when it was supposed to happen. I don't think we would have gotten this far if we hadn't been friends first.

Amazing is too strong of a word! [He flushes a bit. Hiccup is so much sometimes. Not in a bad way, but still a lot for the more reserved man.

He laughs a little. Something sheepish.] I do. I would like to, well, return the gestures. [At least at the same level as the other, though he doesn't think that will ever happen with how affectionate the other seems. For now, Hiccup will have to take shy kisses and gentle hand holding and the like until Newt opens up to the other more.]

We were quite daft about it all. [A chuckle after the other kisses him.] I don't think it would have happened unless we were close. [Though, Newt typically didn't make such close bonds with just anyone. He valued the people in his life more than others might.]

No, no, it's definitely the right word. [Hiccup smiles a little wider, warm and fond and just- happy. Happier than he's been. Not that he's necessarily unhappy in Aefenglom, has fit in quite well all things considered, but right now, right here, this is the happiest he's been in this new world.

And he will happily take whatever he's given. Whatever Newt is comfortable with.] I'd like that too. Don't feel rushed, but- but I like this. A lot. [He can probably feel it through the Bond, how delighted Hiccup is at every little kiss and brush of his hand. It's possibly a little pathetic, but- well. He's just a bit touch-starved.]

It was a misunderstanding. I can't believe you thought me calling us friends meant I wouldn't- wouldn't be interested when I've definitely never been... interested in anyone I wasn't already friends with. [Friends to lovers is just how he does relationships, apparently. All two of them now.]

You're quite a bit sometimes, you know that? [Newt smiles so warmly at Hiccup though, that it's impossible for the other to think he's bothered by it all.

Newt might not initiate too much, but at least they can happily stay curled up together on the couch. How he tucks himself against Hiccup comfortably after they had been avoiding each other for that stretch of time. It was awful and felt like an eternity and maybe he didn't truly realize how much he yearned for this closeness.]

I- You know, I think we'll be at this all day. I would like to push pass how much dawdling that was done. [A little huff.]

Yeah, I- I've been told that. I'm a lot. Can't keep this much raw vikingness contained. [He says teasingly, leaning into him as they settle on the couch together, comfortable and warm. The contact alone is easing the part of the Bond that had been buzzing for the last few days at the lack of even casual touch. Avoiding each other really is the worst and he never wants to do it again.

He kisses the side of his head, still grinning, unable to quite stop.] As long as it took me to realize, are you surprised if I'm at it all day? [A quiet laugh.] Okay. I'll drop it. It's time for us to just be happy.

Raw vikingness. I wouldn't go that far. [A soft laugh.]

We'd be at it for months if we went with how long it took you to realize. [Newt retorts with a slight shake of his head. A grin on his face.] There are things I much rather talk about. Oh! They were quite gorgeous. The snowbirds! Beautiful creatures. [Newt's face lights up immediately when he remembers that he had just returned from his trip and what his trip was about.]

Wow. [He fakes offense, trying to hold back his laughter.] There's a blow to the old ego. At least you'll always keep me grounded.

[He can't help but return the smile, arm curling around his shoulders, comfortable and happy and warm all over. Newt is back to being Newt, enthusiastic over a new species of creature, and Hiccup's heart is full to listen to him.] You found some? Tell me everything! What were they like?

That sounds rather difficult to do, honestly. You do ride a dragon on the daily after all.

[He laughs softly.] They were wonderful! Quite darling, actually. I found them so wonderful and very playful. Curious and wonderful creatures they were. The young ones were very happy to play. Their feathers- Oh! The feathers are gorgeous. I really should show you some. I learned so much while I was out there. Their habitats and their habits and particulars. You really should see them. I think you'd love them too. Beautiful things- [There he goes.]

He's got jokes. [Hiccup teases, squeezing him a little tighter to his side, happy to cuddle while they talk.

Newt's enthusiasm is infectious, and he doesn't even tease at how many times he calls the snowbirds 'wonderful', too eager to hear about the little creatures and share this with him.] Now I'm sorry I missed it! Take me tomorrow? Are they still nesting near the city? I'd love to see them.

I'm not that humourless. You offend me. [Except he isn't actually offended.]

We can go tomorrow! I, well, I had intended to go back, but I was running low on certain supplies. [It hadn't been to avoid the other. Not completely. Newt really didn't need any sort of excuse to end up away from civilization for days to weeks (or months) on end after all.

He's getting up and heading to where he had left his case. It wasn't that he wasn't comfortable, but that he was quite excited to show the other what he had brought back. He assumes Hiccup will follow anyways.] I think they'll be there still for a bit of time. If we get errands done and everything prepared, we can possibly leave by early afternoon- [Newt seems to be wrapped up in preparations and ignoring the fact that his body still needed proper rest.

Hiccup just got him worked up is all.]

I'll make it up to you. [Hiccup laughs, kissing his cheek.

Sure enough, when Newt gets up, he follows, subconsciously missing the line of warmth pressed against his side but also interested in the things that have Newt's interest captured.] Tomorrow, then! We'll get everything sorted and head out. [He can't help but laugh at his enthusiasm, resting a hand gently on his shoulder blade.]

Tonight you should probably rest. I sort of cornered you right as you got in the door. Do you want anything first?

[It's so very new. This intimacy. Hiccup can feel it from Newt. This fluttering feeling as he kisses him.

Newt pauses when he feels a gentle hand on his shoulder. It's only a slight pause before he prattles on about supplies and other necessities and he waves the other off as though to let the other know he heard him while being equally dismissive about it.

He's much too absorbed in showing the other everything as he opens the briefcase to start his descent into the case.] Yes, of course. But first, you really must see how gorgeous these feathers are. They're quite fetching. We can have tea after this. [Please stop this man. He is a danger to himself.] I've also got sketches of them, though they aren't quite as good as my usual and it really is quite unfortunate. I think I took some photos of them because of that. Would do me no good when I have the ability to have pictures of them alongside drawings.

[Hiccup decides he enjoys catching hints of that fluttering feeling through the Bond, knowing it's a reaction to what he's doing. He laughs a little as Newt waves off his concerns, following him down into the case, because how can he not? He still feels drawn to him like a pair of magnets, wanting to remain in his orbit.]

Okay, okay! I do want to see the feathers, and your pictures! Show me, and then tea. [And then bed, but he doesn't say that yet. He is loathe to end their night too quickly now.] I'm excited to go see the real thing tomorrow, though. They sound beautiful.

Tea, yes of course. [He is...definitely not listening. Newt is rummaging around the tiny little shack. It's cluttered and filled with all sorts of things. From plotted plants to books and papers to nets and cages. The space is crammed and the table was even more of a mess of his usual desk in his room.

He finally hands Hiccup a stack of loose papers. All of them have sketches of varying quality along with a plethora of notes scribbled wherever he could fit them (that wasn't taken up with drawing). Newt himself seems to be rambling, but it's hard to say if he's directing it at the other or just talking to himself at this point while he continues to putz around.

Eventually, he pulls a glass jar out filled with feathers. They're crystalline and quite fetching.] You must see them before they leave. It would be an opportunity lost otherwise.

[And he gets on to Hiccup for leaving things everywhere. Honestly it reminds him of the forge a little bit - of his and Percy's scattered workspaces.

He takes the papers obligingly, looking through them with interest he doesn't have to feign, taking in the sketches and the notes - even just the chaotic sprawl of his new partner's handwriting.] I can't wait. I wouldn't miss it for anything. [He says with a laugh, looking up from the papers to the feathers in the glass jar, sparkling when they catch the light.]

Oh wow, they really look like ice or crystal-

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[CLOSED] you spoke my language, and touched my limbs

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