Work On It

Please

Newton Scamander had become a common sight at the Macusa headquarters. Often accompanying the Goldsteins but more often that not, Percival Graves.

Rumors had spread across all departments, from one mouth to another.

"Have you heard-" -'committed-" -"He has a secret family on the side-"

All of them were borderline insane, usually making Newt and Graves roll in laughter once they'd heard the newest one. Queenie was always quick to fill them in on the gossip, even if they didn't ask for it. They never had the hearts to ask her to stop.

Since Graves returned from recovery after the Grindelwald incident, he and Newt had bonded over their love for literature and desire to constantly know more. While Graves was still skeptical about Newt's case, he warranted it fine as long as he had all the permits- which he was happy to get filled out for him. Because that's what friends do for one another. Friends.

Newt currently sat adjacent to Graves, teacup in one hand, Pickett in the other as the Bowtruckle expressed- something- to Newt, Graves didn't know what.

"Say Percy, one day you should really join me in my case." Newt had said it so nonchalantly while Graves new it was something so serious. To be trusted around Newt's creatures, his babies. His stomach did flips at the thought that they'd come so far as to get to this point.

"Would you really be willing to let me in?"

Newt looked to him, Pickett had gone silent.

"Of course!" Newt exclaimed, face painted with disbelief.

Graves gave a small smile, tongue licking at the back of his teeth.

"I'd be honored," He said.

Newt gave him a smile that looked like he had reached above and gave him the sun itself. Graves was friends with Newt but so very smitten.

•••

"Percy!" Newt yelled from down the hallway. Graves froze, embarrassed as workers nearby turned and gave him quizzical looks and knowing smirks. But even more than embarrassed he was relieved.

Newt had gone on a short trip to save a creature Graves had never even heard of. It had taken Newt a day longer than expected to return and he hadn't contacted Graves nor the Goldsteins. At every chance they were in contact with each other asking if they'd heard anything. Then as if a dam broke Tina shrunk down collapsing to her knees.

"He's home, the house, charmed, oh god Queenie." Tina pushed her hair out of her face.

"That boy! He could have sent an owl, he could have done anything!" Tina was upset but it had been easy to see the relief etched into her features as she pulled her sister down to hug her.

Newt was a constant in their lives now and Graves fully understood what they felt. The worry he had harbored for Newt was shattering. The moment Newt didn't get off the plane he was scheduled to return on, Graves was torn on whether or not he should retrieve the man himself but he knew Newt was fully capable of protecting himself. But that didn't stop him from feeling the way he did.

Newt had returned the day before and Graves had been itching to see him since. To make sure he was okay.

"You foolish- where- how-" Graves grabbed Newt's arm and dragged him into the closest vacant room, locking the door behind them.

Newt had clasped his hands in front of him, looking up at Graves bashfully.

"I'm sorry, have I upset you?" Newt asked.

Graves' breath faltered as he looked at Newt, and looked and looked because he's here, he's home and he's safe. Graves let out a soft sigh as he tugged Newt into his arms, burying his face into soft locks.