Happy Belated Birthday to Newt

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot vaguely remembered that Newt's birthday was in February. He also had a feeling that Newt wouldn't make any effort to celebrate it in either place. He gave the other man a little time to settle in to the unfamiliar world... and reacquaint himself with his case full of creatures. Tonight was the night, though.

He made a deal with the hotel kitchen for them to let him cook up a fabulous meal. It was almost done. The hot pan was on a cart by the table he'd set up in their hotel room. The table had full place settings, with a bottle of wine just waiting to be poured. There were candles around the room and a pair of taper candles in the center of the table. The final addition was a cake he'd asked Tina to make just for the occasion. He wasn't about to put candles on it, but the meaning was clear.

Once all was set, he knocked gently on the lid of Newt's case.

Comments

[newtralize]

Eliot was very right about Newt not making an effort to celebrate. One, because there was actually no time to celebrate it back in Deerington. People were dying or sick or something and he was far too busy too even think about his birthday when it had come and gone.

There really was no reason to celebrate it here, since it has long since passed. Newt just didn't really see the need to celebrate his birthday anymore, anyways.

There's no response when Eliot knocks, which isn't so shocking. Newt had been spending a gratuitous amount of time in his case since arriving. Finding that all his creatures were in the case had been such a wonderful shock, that he had perhaps cried a little hearing all the noise and seeing the countless creatures that traveled with him. He hadn't seen them in months and it was so nice to reacquaint with them all again.

Eliot will find the magizoologist in the environment with the mooncalves. He was currently curled up and dozing off with all the mooncalves nestled around him and humming. He was tending to his creatures, indicated in how he was slightly dressed down and his sleeves had been rolled up to his elbows. The scars from his time in the sinkhole have healed a bit and faded and were merely just another story that mapped the man's body.

A few of the mooncalves will wander to Eliot, but Newt doesn't shift at all.

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot would be tempted to leave Newt be if he hadn't gone through so much to set up his surprise. He knew how much Newt's creatures meant to him and seeing him so relaxed and happy warmed his heart.

He pet one of the mooncalves when it came close enough. He was starting to get used to all of the creatures and was comfortable enough to move around them and interact with them more. Smiling, he crossed to Newt. Careful not to disturb the other mooncalves, he gently kissed Newt's cheek. "Hey sleeping beauty."

[newtralize]

Newt shifts a bit before rubbing his eyes and opening them sleepily to look at the other. He gives Eliot a sleepy smile before propping himself up a bit by his elbows. "Hullo," he says dazedly. "Sorry, I suppose I dozed off while I was tending to everyone. Were you trying to get me for something?"

He's not sure what the other would need of him, but Eliot usually didn't have any specifics when they wanted to just get his attention.

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot smiles fondly down at Newt. It really is precious how innocent he is. He never would have thought he'd be so attracted to a man like him. But here they are.

"You should eat something. I have some food up in the room if you can pull yourself away."

[newtralize]

Newt seems to pause and consider the last time he had eaten. If he has to really think about it, then it probably means the other was right and he hadn't eaten recently. Then again, anything is a lot to ask of someone who had just woken up.

"You're probably right. Help me up, would you?" Otherwise, he might just get comfortable again and then he'll never manage to leave the mooncalves.

[spectacularlyhighking]

Chuckling, Eliot holds out his hand. "gladly."

He knows the mooncalves will be disappointed by Newt leaving them, but they can deal.

[newtralize]

Newt dusts himself off a bit once he's back onto his feet proper. The mooncalves scuttle off now that their friend seems to be done laying with them.

"Thank you. I don't think I would have managed to get up on my own. I was quite comfortable." Only Newt would be someone who could fall asleep wherever possible and call it comfortable. "Shall we go?"

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot knows how close he is with his creatures. He doesn't judge. Instead, he smiles and leans in to gently brush Newt's lips with a kiss.

"I'll never mind helping you to your feet. It brings you closer to me."

Cheesy as hell but it's true. With a bright smile he takes a step back, tugging Newt's hand, "Yes, please. Shouldn't leave it sitting too long."

[newtralize]

Newt stiffens a bit and makes a small noise in the back of his throat. It's only for a moment though and he returns the kiss earnestly. He's still fumbling a bit.

"Merlin, that's probably the sappiest thing I've heard from you in awhile. Really trying to sweep me off my feet are you?" If Eliot is, he's really doing a good job, honestly. Not that it's hard to with how besotted he is with the other.

Newt lets out a soft laugh and starts heading back towards the shack so they can get out. "You seem excited. Is there something particular about our meal tonight?"

[spectacularlyhighking]

"Is it working?"

Eliot echoes that laugh. It's been a long time since he's been able to lavish someone with affection like this, let alone do something special for them. He was thoroughly enjoying himself.

"Maybe. But I don't need any excuse to do something nice for you."

[newtralize]

"You have to do very little to have me under your spell, Eliot." The man was far too charming for his own good. Endearingly so.

He gives the other a curious look before he starts climbing up the ladder to get out of the case. "You certainly don't have to do anything for me. Your company has been more than enough for me." Therapeutic even. He knows he has woken the other up a few times in the middle of the night. Nightmares from Deerington were still particularly rough.

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot pushes open the lid of the case, exiting and extending a hand to help Newt out (not that he needs it).

"Oh no spellwork here, I promise. It's all sheer charisma."

As Newt emerges into the room to see his handiwork, he smiles fondly at him.

"And I didn't get a chance to celebrate your birthday. So I believe I do."

[newtralize]

Newt takes Eliot's hand anyways. He's been doing his best to not shy away as much. It helps that Eliot was rather forward and affectionate in his interactions.

"That makes it worse somehow. I can't blame it on enchantments," he says. He means to make a teasing or joking remark, but he climbs out and sees the set up around him. Oh.

"This-" Newt was far from having romantic nights like this. His experiences with dating was pretty nonexistent before Eliot, so he can't quite believe what he's seeing. "I- Eliot, you didn't have to. I-" He's being so terribly articulate right now isn't he.

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot beams, entirely too pleased with himself as Newt looks at his little set up. He does so enjoy treating those he loves, after all.

"Well of course I didn't have to, but that doesn't mean I didn't want to."

[newtralize]

Hopefully, the other isn't too startled when the other starts rubbing at his eyes and Newt might be crying just a tad. It's such an overwhelming feeling. The love that the other expresses to him.

It wasn't as though his life had been devoid of love, but that he had never really thought about being in a romantic relationship that didn't offer him the heartbreak that he felt with Leta.

He was certainly feeling overwhelmed and this was apparently the only way he knew how to express it. "You're far too sweet, Eliot."

[spectacularlyhighking]

Okay, he's a little startled. His eyes widen and he reaches for Newt. "Whoa, hey, I'm sweet but I'm not that sweet."

He'd never made someone cry like this WAT DO?!

[newtralize]

Look, he doesn't know many (or any?) people who would go out of their way to do these kind of things for him. How else is he supposed to react??

But hey, that's definitely Newt shyly grabbing the front of Eliot's clothes to press his mouth to Eliot's own. It's far from the best kiss because he's pretty sure he accidentally bumped his forehead against Eliot's, but he's trying. "Thank you."

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot couldn't help the laugh that slipped from his lips. That kiss was so awkward, but so genuine. It made him giddy with emotions. He wrapped his arms around Newt and gave him a kiss in return.

"You're welcome. Do you need a minute before I serve dinner?"

[newtralize]

WOW, don't laugh at him. No, it's fine. Laugh at him. He's so bad at this. He can't help but laugh into the kiss Eliot returns. Newt is aware at how bad that was just now. What matters is that he's very earnest about his feelings for the other.

"No, no. I'd hate to make you wait any longer. You really went out of your way for all of this. I haven't really celebrated my birthday proper in awhile. Loses its charm after awhile," he says with a gentle smile.

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot makes a quick motion with one hand and all the candles burst into life. Smirking, he gestures towards the table. "Go on, sit."

Releasing Newt, he walks over to the cart and lifts the pan from the cart. When Newt sits, he smiles. "Just one final touch." With another gesture, he lights the contents of the pan aflame. It burns off quickly enough, but he's always had a flare for the dramatic.

[newtralize]

Eliot's magic is always rather fascinating to him, so there's a rather awed expression when the other uses it. He could easily watch the other and their hands do even the most mundane spells.

Which probably doesn't help Eliot's love to having a bit of a dramatic flair. It works out at least.

Newt takes a seat and laughs a little. "You surely do enjoy putting a good show on."

[spectacularlyhighking]

"I always do." he winks, laughing. He dishes out the meal, finishing off by pouring them each a glass of wine. Taking his own seat he lifts his glass in a toast, "To you. The Wizard who stole my heart without my even realizing it."

[newtralize]

He looks away with a rather bashful smile as he gently taps his glass against Eliot's. It's so easy to fluster him, but it's hard to not let his heart flutter just a smidge when the other says something as sweet as that. "Well, it's rather hard to dislike you. You're quite the charmer, Eliot.}

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot beams, "Why thank you." He does try, after all, it's nice to hear his hard work acknowledged. He takes a sip of his wine and sets it down, reaching for his utensils. "Eat. Even if it wasn't your birthday, you still need that."

[newtralize]

"You speak like I don't eat regularly!" Newt acts a bit mock offended as he sips some of the wine from his own glass.

Newt was generally good at taking care of himself, but he did sometimes forget when he got too busy. Eliot was just good at making sure Newt didn't end up getting too distracted by his responsibilities to forget about his necessities. "Did you cook all of this too?"

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot raises an eyebrow at Newt, teasing "not as often as you should. Have you seen yourself? You're almost as skinny as Pickett." it's an exaggeration, sure, but it gets his point across.

"I did make it, yes. Everything but the cake." he may not be as talented in the kitchen as Josh but he knows his way around a few dishes.

[newtralize]

"What? I am not!" Newt pouts a little at that. "Besides, I could probably lift and throw you if I wanted to, you know." Which actually...might not be an exaggeration honestly speaking. Newt does enough manual labor that he probably has enough upper arm strength to lift the other. How far he would be able to throw them is another thing entirely though.

Newt settles a bit to start eating. "I feel like I should have known you'd have talents with making food, given your talents with drinks." It just never really occurred to him. Eliot also seemed like someone who didn't have to cook for himself if he didn't have to. "This was really lovely of you. Thank you. I'll have to return the favor sometime." Because he can't just accept the hospitality without returning it somehow. It wouldn't sit well with him.

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot laughs, he does like teasing the other. It's so easy! How can he resist when Newt gets so adorably flustered?

He's remarkably modest about his cooking. He shrugs off the compliment. "It's nothing, really. I like entertaining and it's far easier to host a dinner party when one can make the dinner. I just happened to teach myself some of the flashier meals." He wouldn't expect Newt to reciprocate, but he wouldn't say no to it if he did.

[newtralize]

Eliot, you're such a bully!

He smiles a little. "I'm used to making meals because of traveling, but I was also used to eating alone." He says it mostly as fact, since he didn't consider meals as a means of entertainment and purely because food was a necessity. "I picked up a lot of recipes throughout my travels though. It certainly was a good experience to try different dishes that were native to their countries though."

[spectacularlyhighking]

Am not!

Eliot is intrigued. He finishes chewing before responding, "I'd be curious to try some of those recipes. After eating what the Fillorians consider food I think I'm ready for anything." He laughs. No really, some Fillorian food is downright weird.

[newtralize]

"When you say it like that, I'm almost concerned with what foods you had eaten while there," Newt says with a small laugh. "I'm not the best cook, but I like to think that I manage to get by." It occurs to him that he hadn't really cooked for the other in anyway. Maybe because it was easier to get by without eating homecooked meals here.

[spectacularlyhighking]

He chuckles, "Most of it was good. It was just strange. I mean, many of the animals talk which adds a whole new level of strange to eating any kind of animal products." He makes a face, cringing at the memory. "Thankfully we don't have that problem here.

[newtralize]

"Ah, yes. When you can interact with them, it becomes more personal. A bit more uncomfortable with that in mind."

He laughs a little as he takes a few bites of his food before speaking. The laugh seemed less humorous and more sad though. "It's sometimes hard enough to kill a creature. I can't imagine how I'd feel if it could talk to me too." Newt had plenty of carnivores to feed and not every creature made it out alive even in his care.

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot makes a slight face, "Well this isn't the most pleasant dinner conversation. How about you tell me how your creatures are doing?"

That's a surefire subject change right there. He has no shame in admitting he's taking the easy route, but he just doesn't want to talk about talking to his food while he's eating meat. That he cooked. That's too weird even for him.

[newtralize]

Well, it certainly works anyways. The man immediately is happy to tell the other about the older graphorn pair and how they've recently had another baby and the baby was quite well and healthy and doing wonderfully. He talks about Pickett getting along better with the other bowtruckles, but he's still having trouble getting Pickett to stay with them still.

He chatters honestly for quite a bit to the point that he has temporarily forgotten to also eat his meal. The man has a bright smile though and he kind of waves his hands as he speaks and he really should put his utensils down if he's gonna do that.

[spectacularlyhighking]

"Newt," Eliot laughs, "While I'm enjoying your tales, don't let the food get cold."

He uses his fork to point at the plate of food still in front of Newt. He loves how caught up Newt can get once he starts talking about the creatures, but it sometimes came at the expense of everything else!

"Are the Thestrals adapting well to having a full house?"

[newtralize]

"S-Sorry," he says rather sheepishly. "I can't help myself sometimes."

Not a lot of people are as willing to sit and listen to him ramble and even enjoy it. He sometimes just gets quite ahead of himself. He resumes eating, because the other would chide him again if he didn't, before speaking again.

"Oh, they're doing wonderful. They're rather social creatures, actually. I had to move some environments around to better suit their needs, but they seem to be adapting well."

[spectacularlyhighking]

"Well that's good to hear, at least. I mean... we did kind of kidnap them from a dream world. Still not entirely sure how that works but there you go."

He chuckles, poking at his own meal as he thinks. As much as he hated school, he's enjoying listening to Newt talk about his creatures and learning about them through him. It's something about his enthusiasm for them. It's infectious.

[newtralize]

"I wouldn't use the word kidnapping. Technically speaking, Thestrals are native to England and some other areas of Europe. Their natural habitats aren't at all supposed to be anywhere in America. I would like to consider I am merely helping relocate them when they're not where they should be in the first place," Newt says with a grin. "Of course, I say the same things when dealing with traffickers and poachers, but I can't say they're too fond of my reasons." No one probably expects the mousy looking British man to ruin their day.

Newt resumes eating before he speaks again. "I really should have said sooner, but you're a wonderful cook, Eliot. Pardon my manners."

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot laughs, "Okay, I can't argue with your logic, there. Although I can't imagine poachers and traffickers would like any reason you give them, no matter how sound your logic is." His eyes twinkle as he smiles at the other. He worries for his safety but he can't help but be amused at the thought of Newt standing up to poachers. He seems so unassuming and non threatening. But he knows from experience how far from the truth that is.

The compliment draws a warmer, almost bashful smile from him. "Thanks. I like to cook, especially for people I care about."

[newtralize]

"They're not fond of me at all really. There's a few that I've had run ins more than once and you can imagine the faces they might make when they see me flittering off with whatever creature they had at the time," Newt says with a rather cheeky grin. The quiet man honestly had a bit of a troublesome streak. Newt's behavior was a far cry from their first meeting. He was far more open with the other and a certain energy to him that was only reserved for those closer to him. "I wouldn't recommend making unsurly types sour though. They aren't really there to make friendly."

He gives the other that shy little grin of his. "Well, it's quite an honor to be in that category. This truly has been wonderful."

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot laughs, both at the image of the poachers faces and at Newt 'flittering.' He's so amazed and honored at that change in Newt. He'd come so far from the shy, reserved man he met in that coffee shop.

"Well they deserve it every time you thwart their nefarious plans."

His smile is warm and genuine, one that only a select few get to see. "I'm glad. You deserve it, truly."

[newtralize]

He chuckles a little. "I'm sure that they wouldn't agree with you, unfortunately." Though, Newt obviously has very little care for what some poachers think when they're trying to profit off creatures while treating them badly. He definitely agrees with Eliot.

Eliot's smile makes his heart flutter something awful and he shyly looks away; face turning a bit red. "You're much too kind to me."

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot chuckles, shaking his head. "No. I'm as kind as you deserve. Newt, I will treat you just this kindly, if not better, for as long as we're together."

He reaches across the table, taking Newt's hand and giving it a squeeze. He will do everything in his power to make Newt feel as loved as he can. What? He likes spoiling those he loves.

[newtralize]

He idly recalls how Queenie had said to him about Leta and his own needs. She was a taker. You need a giver. She was probably right in the end.

He tugs the other forward though and leans over the table to give the other a gentle kiss. Soft and chaste and not so clumsy this time. "Thank you." It comes out as a whisper.

[spectacularlyhighking]

Eliot let's Newt pull him, happily kissing the other. He lifts one hand to touch his cheek as he whispers back, "You're welcome."