#had to settle for the recliner instead. It's uncomfy

[eteledhasanaxe]

Born to live in the early 1900s as a middle-class citizen of some sort, sitting in my rocking chair next to the gramophone and listening to classical music, drinking slowly from my teacup as I read mystery novels late into the night by the fireplace while my flatmate deals with his paperwork in the kitchen; he occasionally regards me with tired eyes, though a hint of determination shining ever through until he finishes and I invite him to join me before he promptly falls asleep in the armchair across from me.

Forced to do schoolwork and use computers all the time in an inelegant fashion, not being able to live in a nice house like that because I don't live in ye fucking olde London.

[thotsforvillainrights]

~Pivitol~

Summary: The long awaited first date arrives for both you and Kai, and the elders in your lives offer some meaningful advice (no matter how pesky). When the date finally comes, you and Kai find some common ground and interest, opening a doorway to an intense relationship to come. (In other words...the first date went great!)

Chapter: 8

Warnings: None

With your bosses blessing and Yuko’s help, you got off work early today and that gave you some time to prepare. You still hadn’t given Kai a certain time to come over, so any time tomorrow was fair game. With him being a germaphobe, you had to make sure your place was in tip-top shape upon his arrival. You would spend the rest of the day cleaning and then get some sleep tonight. You’d even squeeze a little self care in there somewhere so you didn’t have to look like a monster when he came tomorrow. Halfway through thinking up a game plan and digging out the broom from the supply closet, there was an interrupting knock at your door. You opened it and looked down, smiling when you saw it was the landlord Ms. Yumine. “Oh dearie would you mind if I came in? I’m walking around all the units today and checking the air vents. Some of the maintenance reports tenants sent in have been complaining about poor air and heating. I just wanted to see if I could help the maintenance man before he came over.” She asked you sweetly. “Of course!” You stepped aside and let the old lady enter the apartment. “My oh my, you seem a little distressed dear? What seems to be the issue?” You chuckled and shyly rubbed the back of your head with your free hand while still holding onto the broom in the other. “I’m having someone important over for dinner tomorrow and he doesn’t like germs very much. I’m cleaning up now but I’m still worried about how this is going to go and I just worry that maybe he might-”

“Pardon my interruption, but I think I know what’s biting at your heart. This man is important to you yes?” She turned and asked you. You nodded while feeling your skin burn with embarrassment. “Have you spent a bad moment with this boy ever before?” Ms. Yumine continued to press on. “Well no, but-”

“No butts then! If you feel comfortable with him, then that shouldn’t change now either. Just relax and stop trying so hard dearest.” She reassured you before going back to inspect the vents. You slowed down your cleaning efforts and bid her a goodbye when she was finished. Afterwards, you finished off the rest of your cleaning, showered and laid down for bed. As quickly as your eyes closed, they opened again at the sound of your alarm a few hours later indicating that the new day had begun. 

Meanwhile, Chisaki was scrubbing his skin like never before. He had to assure himself that he was clean enough for you. After his VERY hot shower, he got out of the steamy bathroom, put on his white suit, and began to vigorously spray himself with cologne until he heard the sound of a throat being cleared at his bedroom doorway. He turned to see Pops smiling (very obnoxiously might I add). “What do you want, old man?” Pops simply held his hand up in defense and chuckled. “Oh nothing, it’s just...well you’ll end up poising her/him/them at that rate if you don’t go easy on the cologne.” Kai scoffed at the elders words and proceeded to brush his hair in the bedroom mirror until he sighed and put the brush down. He turned and glared at Pops, old man still widely smiling. “Pops, what do you want? Are you going to stand there all day or something?” Kai was annoyed but also embarrassed, knowing that Pops was going to tease him one way or another. “Of course not, my boy! It’s just...I’m so proud of the man you’re becoming. It feels like yesterday I was watching you be rebellious and here you are preparing for your first date. Let me enjoy this moment since I didn’t get to see you have this in elementary, middle, or high school.” Kai blushed lightly and quickly turned away to check his appearance in the mirror. “Oh, I also have a gift to give to you! In fact, I left it in the glove box of your car. It might come in handy later on.” Then without further explanation, Pops sauntered off somewhere else in the house to do old man stuff. Kai sighed in relief having finally being given the moment to be alone before the date. He waited at least another hour or two, googling tips on his phone and watching helpful YouTube date videos. Finally he decided it was time to go when you texted him your address. 

He left the base and got into his car, pausing to curiously see what Pops must’ve left for him in the glove box. Once he pulled it out, he choked and quickly tossed it in the back seat, before reading the note that was also left in the glove-box. ‘Safe sex is essential to a relationship, so I got you this condom while I was out yesterday. I know you’d rather hear the talk from YouTube or the classes you took in high school, so I’ll leave it at that. Good luck!’ Kai crumpled up the note and tossed it in the middle console of the car before turning on the radio and drowning his embarrassing thoughts with music. In no time he had arrived and was standing outside of your doorway, pausing with his hand at the door. He wasn’t even sure how to knock properly until you opened the door and jumped back at seeing him. “Oh! You scared me there! I was actually just about to check the mailbox but I’m glad to see you here. Come in, come in. I tried to clean up as best I could by the way, so I’m sorry if it’s not up to standard.” You rambled on nervously behind him as he entered your apartment and looked around. “No, it’s just fine. It’s actually just like I imagined you to decorate and everything. Do you mind if I...take a seat here?” He asked you and you nodded. Kai removed his coat and hung it on the couch arm before taking a seat on the couch and looking around some more. You scrambled off to your room and checked your appearance one more time before coming back to the living room and sitting in the recliner next to the couch. You grabbed the remote and turned the TV on. “I know this isn’t what you had in mind for dinner but it’s a bit early for that and I also wanted to catch the newest episode of my favorite show. Is that okay?” You asked him and he nodded. About 5 minutes through the show he was calling out the plot line and picking the actors apart ruthlessly. He stopped his over-analyzation when you started laughing. “Oh my God Kai, it’s just a show for enjoyment. If you think too much into it then you won’t have a good time watching. Haven’t you ever followed a series before?” He took a second to think before shaking his head. You gasped and dramatically picked up the remote. You scrolled through the menu and found the first episode of the series. “I’m only on like episode 8, so I don’t mind starting from the top for you. Let’s watch it together okay?” He smiled under his medical mask and nodded in agreement. It didn’t take long to catch up.The episodes were only 30 minutes a piece anyway, so of course it didn’t take that long. Now that he finally understood the story-line he was hooked. “When do the new episodes come out?” He asked you eagerly. You laughed and stood up from your spot on the chair to stretch. “Every Wednesday...so today as well, but we burned through it pretty fast. Hey, do you wanna just get together and finish out this first season with me every week? I mean only if you’re okay with that and all-”

“Yes! I mean...yes, of course.” He cleared his throat and turned his attention away to something else. You smiled at his enthusiasm before heading to the kitchen and washing your hands. You began to gather the ingredients and supplies for dinner when you noticed he had gotten up to join you. He eyed the stuff curiously and you felt your nervousness kick in again. “Is everything okay?” You asked him shyly and he nodded. “Yes, it’s alright. I’m just curious is all. Would you mind me helping? I feel bad about you having to do this all on your own.” You agreed and Kai showed you just how awful he could be in the kitchen. The only upside to the venture was that you got to see his beautiful hands without any gloves on. With dinner now burnt and Kai furiously apologizing for said mistake, you had ordered take-out instead. After consoling him, and sitting down to eat the take-out with him, you two had settled to finish the night off with a horror movie. You noticed 10 minutes into the movie, Kai was being really fidgety and kept glancing over to you. Finally you decided to grill him on it. You paused the movie and looked over at him. “Is everything alright Kai?”

“Yes but well...no. I mean, you are sitting over on the chair and there’s so much room here on the couch. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind sitting by me?” Your eyes widened a bit and you looked away for a second. “Well it’s just that I know you’re germaphobe and all. I was keeping my distance because of that. I didn’t want our first date over here to be considered too much and-”

“Date?”

“Oh!!! No! no no no! I’m so sorry for calling it that! I mean, I understand that this was supposed to be us hanging out with no strings attached and all! I’m so sorry if I messed that up!” You rambled on and on with apologies, completely blind to the way Kai’s face was burning red with excitement. (Lucky for him the room was dark for the movie). “No! I...wanted this to be a date and I’m ashamed I didn’t ask you first. Would this be okay?” He asked shyly. You sheepishly nodded and headed over to sit on the couch next to him. You unpaused the movie, blinked and yawned in the middle of it, and woke up to Chisaki gently nudging you. “Oh shit. I’m so sorry Kai. Did I fall asleep on your shoulder? I know that must’ve been so uncomfy for you. I’m glad you woke me up.”

“Actually I let you sleep through the rest of the movie. I mean...you don’t bother me as much when it comes to germs. I rather enjoy your company.” You two stared at each other for a little bit after that. The intense curiosity as to what his lips might have felt like under that mask made you jump back a bit and quickly withdraw from the situation.

(Little did you know he was wondering how your lips felt too.)

“It’s uh...getting late. I don’t mean to kick you out but I’ve got a meeting tomorrow and...yknow.”

“Oh no, of course. I also have work as well so I’ll be going but...thank you for inviting me. I hope to see you again soon.” To show you he trusted your touch, he hugged you goodbye (a shocking moment for himself as well). Once home again, Pops was waiting for him in the living room. “How was the date?”

“It was fine, and Pops?”

“Yes, my boy?”

“DO NOT LEAVE ANOTHER SINGLE ‘GIFT’ IN MY CAR EVER AGAIN.” Kai stomped off to his room leaving Pops a laughing mess on the couch. That night he couldn’t really sleep because his heart was too busy fluttering with excitement and happiness at the thought of you...his first date.

»—————————–———————————————————–✄

TIp Jar: https://cash.app/$YuTakeyama

[funkzpiel]

It's five in the morning I just woke up AGAIN and my body has been doing this to me for the past week I am exhausted :(

I’m so sorry, lovely! I meant to respond to this WAY EARLIER - but fucking LIFE™ got in the way. Have some teeth rotting fluff (edit: whatever this ended up being) as my apology. I hope you’ve been able to sleep well since.

[EDIT] As a quick side note now that I finished writing it, I am super tired and just realized I changed tenses a million times - please forgive me if this or the characterization OR THE ANYTHING doesn’t make sense. XD I tried.

It’s common knowledge that Percival Graves does not sleep. The aurors tell Newt that the man’s blood is made of coffee. He ingests more cups of black, soul crushing coffee than he does water; or food, for that matter. One might even call it an addiction, if they really didn’t give shit about their job or their life. 

He takes his biggest cup in the morning - it is also his strongest cup. The sharp, heady stench of black roast can be smelt all across MACUSA every morning from Graves’ cup alone. From there, he has another two before lunch time. Sometimes, he’ll eat a sandwich or hotdog. Usually, he’ll forget. He’s only got time to brew a cup or grab a bite before his 1 o’clock meeting, and everyone knows what he’ll pick.

There’s another large cup that comes around 3. Another before the end of the day, and finally - after his most painful Wednesday meeting - a cup of blonde roast with just one dollop of honey, to soothe his enraged throat after a meeting of enraged interdepartmental fighting.

Everyone knows that Percival Graves does not sleep.

But everyone also knows that now more than ever, fresh from his measly two-week recovery vacation (in which he barely vacated MACUSA at all, let alone rest), Percival Graves needs to sleep.

They can see it in the dark, waxy skin under his eyes and in the way his cheeks are drawn and tight, jaw clenched in an eternal struggle to stay awake and present. They can see it in the dull, muted shine of his hair and the tremble in his hands that no one dares mention. They can see it in the way his suits aren’t exactly wrinkle free, not like they usually were.

He misplaces files he never used to misplace. He loses track of time. He enters a room, blinks, then exits - and everyone knows he’s forgotten why he came. 

And most worryingly of all, he doesn’t go home. They thought he was just working late, but Tina’s tried to outstay him. He doesn’t go home. He just doesn’t. Instead, he stays in his office and makes a bed of his rather uncomfy (but very beautiful) black leather couch. No blanket to warm him, no pillow to ease him away.

And even then, he doesn’t sleep. He just reclines, resting his aching bones, and goes over more documents - a warm cup on his belly, soothing the cramping of his empty belly.

He’s thin. His clothes are beginning to drown him. 

Tina’s beside herself. All the aurors worrying they’re watching him slip away, unable once again to save him. They try to bring him food - and he accepts graciously - but always forgets to eat, too quickly absorbed into another document, another meeting, another case. They’ll find the sandwich on his desk - a perfect row of teeth through the corner and no more.

They try to give him water. They try to walk him home.

Then finally, sleep comes in the form of one Theseus Scamander. He comes as a favor to MACUSA to help consult on a case, as well as discuss more opportunities for partnerships between the aurors of America and the aurors from the Ministry of Magic. Long time friends as they are, it takes Theseus one second to recognize what’s wrong.

He leaves Graves’ office after their first greeting to return to the hotel and settle his things, but not before spotting Tina and stopping at her desk.

“How long has it been?”

Tina blinks.

“Excuse me?”

“Since he slept. How long?”

Tina blinks again, even more surprised.

“I–” she trails off, her mouth a long, pursed line; unsure of how much to reveal. Hopeful that if this man knew the director well enough to notice within moments, that he might be able to help. She had heard stories of their friendship, after all. Maybe… “Weeks, just a few hours here and there.”

“Of course,” he muttered, then slung his case atop the empty desk next to Tina. She balked, wide eyed and captivated as Theseus then opened his case and began to sort through some of his possessions, muttering all the while very much like his brother - and that made something in Tina’s heart flutter. Finally, the man pulled back from his case with a candle and a book-sized parcel in hand and let loose a small, victorious noise before turning back to Tina. “Would you mind terribly if I left my case in your care for a moment?”

“O-of course not,” Tina stammered.

And with a wink, Theseus disappeared back down the hall and into Graves’ office.

Graves blinked up at him mildly from over the rim of his cup - full, Theseus noted, when he had just finished one during their chat. 

“Did you forget something?” Graves asked blandly, the faintest hint of concern at the edge of his question, poorly disguised. Theseus waved him off and smiled.

“Nothing of grave importance–”

“–wasn’t funny in the barracks, isn’t funny now,” Graves groaned.

“But my darling brother did want me to pass this along to you, as a thank you for backing his book. As I understand it, you went in on a deal to jump start the publishing until such a time that its proceeds could cover the costs of production and turn profit.”

Graves blinked.

“I did no such–”

“The publishers told us, Percy,” Theseus said, hushing him as he handed over the brown papered parcel. “Take it.”

He watched as the man took the bundle with the slightly flush and gently unwrapped it, muttering all the while that ‘it was the least he could do, considering,’ and whether he meant that in reference to Newt recognizing Grindelwald as an imposter or because Grindelwald tried to execute the man while in his skin, Theseus didn’t know.

What he did know was that he had a small opportunity to set the candle he had behind his back upon the table behind one of Graves’ very few knickknacks and light it before the man would notice. It was a testament to the man’s exhaustion that he didn’t catch Theseus cast the “notice me not” spell upon the little thing, nor the spell that activated the scent within. 

“Percival Graves,” he murmured to direct the spell, and unfortunately that caught the man’s attention.

“Hmm?” he said, fingers just about to open the little book he had been admiring.

“Look for yourself, right inside the cover,” Theseus said quickly, “Special Thanks to Percival Graves.”

Graves flushed a little darker.

“He didn’t have to–”

“–he wanted to. It was a kind gesture you did for my kid brother, Percy. Really helped get the ball rolling for him.”

Graves gently closed the book, a softness in his eyes Theseus hadn’t seen in a long, long time.

“I’m glad I could contribute in some way.”

“Once you read it, do send him a letter. He’d be overjoyed to know you read the blasted thing. Even more so to hear your feedback.”

“Of course,” Graves said. “I’ll try to carve out some time.”

And then he did something that made Theseus smile. He yawned. A long, suffering yawn that put tears in his eyes and made him look twice at his coffee cup.

“Strange…perhaps that was decaf,” he said as he stood, no doubt of a mind to refill it, only to suddenly plop back down in his seat with wide, adorable stunned eyes. 

“You alright there, Percy?” Theseus asked, mock concern as he watched the man’s lids flutter, then jerk open, only to flutter again. He slouched ever so slightly, fingers digging into his arm rests as though to anchor him.

“Theseus, I think I’ve been–”

“Drugged?” Theseus asked, and those brown eyes flicked lightning quick to focus on him. Stunned, betrayed - a little afraid. Something in Theseus winced, but in the face the man’s exhaustion, he found he didn’t regret it. “No, not directly. It’s a candle my brother made. Helps the lighter sleep - or in this case, helps the lighter put someone else to sleep.”

He lifted the tiny, flickering candle to Graves’ gaze.

“Theseus, what the fucking hell?”

“I remember how you used to get during the war, Percy. Used to run yourself ragged. Had to pin you to a bunk or spike your drink to get you to take a wink. It’s not good for you. I thought you had overcome it.”

“I had,” Graves croaked, and he didn’t need to say another word for Theseus to know what had changed. Instead, the redhead merely nodded.

“I’ll stay with you,” Theseus said. “Nothing will happen to you, I swear. Will you let me do that, Percy? Let me watch your back, like I used to?”

And slowly, but all at once, Graves sagged - exhausted, relieved.

“You giant fucking git.”

Theseus smiled, then rounded the desk to sit on its edge beside Graves and lean down to straighten the man’s rumpled tie.

“Wanker,” he said back with a smile, and waited for sleep to take his friend. When it had - when Graves was finally limp in his chair, hair tickling his brow and wrinkles finally slack and smooth as they should be - Theseus gently gathered him up with a softly muttered ‘too fucking light, Merlin's balls’ and disapparated them to the address Graves had been writing to him from these past years. 

He’d collect his luggage later. It’d be safe with the woman that had stolen Newt’s heart.