"Pompous, arrogant son of a bitch!"

Percival paced around his office.

"Stupid, fucking- "

He was cut off at a gentle rapping on his office window, prompting him to glance over and frown at the sight of Theseus Scamander standing on his small balcony.

"It's me? N- Theseus?"

Percival audibly groaned at this, storming over and flinging the doors open, "By Merlin's beard, if you don't leave me alone, I'll- "

"Please, I-I just want a chance to- Hey! No!"

Something familiar darted out of the British Auror's pocket, as Theseus frantically lunged for it…. Only for it to land right in Percival's hands.

"I know this little guy." He murmured, gently running a finger over the Niffler's head, gently fending off attempts to steal his cufflinks.

"Ummm, all Nifflers look the same you know." Theseus stammered, not sounding entirely convinced himself, "There are some slight variations in the fur colour, but aside from that- "

"- This is the same Niffler. This is Newt's Niffler." Percival narrowed his eyes at the British Auror, "Why do you have him?"

"Because…." Theseus looked panicked for a moment, "… Newt left me in charge of all his creatures. I wasn't just going to let them get killed."

Percival had to admit, that this was a perfectly reasonable explanation, and simply nodded. "I see." Turning away, he hid his sadness, summoning a golden coin over to himself and handing it to the Niffler, watching as the cute creature eagerly snatched it, examining it for a few seconds before shoving it into his pouch.

…..

Newt had to resist the urge to beam at the sight of Percival being so sweet with the Niffler. Most people would do anything to kill the pests, but not Percival.

Remembering all the old courting lessons he'd been forced to go to as a young man, Newt knew he had to think of something nice to say about Percival… that wasn't related to creatures.

Apparently, most people didn't appreciate that.

Nervously, he cleared his throat, "Director Graves… you're very- "

Any and all complimentary words flew out of his head, causing him to sputter like a complete idiot.

"- Punctual!"

"Punctual?" Percival exclaimed in disbelief.

"Protective, I mean!" Newt quickly tried to cover up his mistake, "Protective!"

Percival glanced back at him, before sighing and shaking his head. "Didn't help your brother did it?" He whispered, almost too quietly for Newt to hear, before he turned to the younger man and sneered, "Leave. I am not interested in courting now or ever!"

"Wait! Director Graves- "

"- Go, before I push you off the balcony!"

"Okay, okay!" Newt backed away, climbing on the balcony railing, "You're right, this was too bold and too presumptuous, so I'll just go and- "He cut himself of from the babbling and stepped back, trusting Frank to catch him.

"No!" He heard Percival cry out, prompting Frank to lift him up just enough for his head to peek over the railings of the balcony.

"What?"

Percival looked shocked for a moment, before moving closer and peering over the edge, "Please tell me you're not doing that in front of No-Maj's."

"Don't worry, Frank and I are very well camouflaged." Newt reassured him, smiling as Percival nodded in understanding.

"Well, he's just as magnificent as I remember."

"Do you… do you want to go for a fly?" Newt nervously asked, "I promise we won't be seen by any muggles."

"… Is it really safe to ride him like this?"

"Of course, do you trust me?"

….

Percival felt like his heart had stopped at the simple question. "What?"

"Do you trust me?"

There was a brief moment of silence before Percival slowly nodded, taking Theseus's hand, allowing himself to be helped onto the Thunderbird.

As soon as he was sat on Frank's back, he flew away from the balcony, rising high above the city skyline. Yes, it was a view Percival had seen multiple times before, on a broomstick, but somehow this was… better.

"Here…." Theseus nervously handed him a small flower, "… F-flowers are customary on a first date, right?"

"This isn't- "Percival stopped, as a bowtruckle jumped into the flower, almost seeming to glare up at him.

"Sorry about him, I- Newt spoiled him I think."

Frank then surged upwards, flying up into the clouds, alongside a congregation of birds, which they travelled alongside for several minutes, before Frank dived back down.

"How did we end up in Egypt?" Percival asked, frowning at the surroundings.

"Frank." Theseus replied simply.

"… Right."

They flew past the Sphinx, before shooting up into the sky once again.

When they dipped back down, they were in Greece, flying past the Temple of Zeus and through the beautiful fruit trees that lined the fields. As they flew past, Theseus picked one of the fruits, handing it to Percival with a shy smile.

The Theseus Scamander he remembered, would never smile like that.

…

By the time they decided to come to a stop, Theseus declaring that Frank needed to rest, the pair were in Chine, watching the New Year fireworks and watching the celebrations down below.

"No-Maj's can be quite remarkable sometimes." Percival sighed, smirking as Theseus nodded happily, "I'm surprised you didn't have a Chinese dragon in that case of yours."

"They're really not meant to be kept in places like this, and actually, the Chinese have a fantastic history with their respect to dragons and- "Theseus immediately tensed up, eyes widening in alarm, "I-I- "

"- Revelio."

Theseus yelped as his face changed, hands flying up to try and hand it.

"You are Newt, I knew it!" Percival smirked victoriously, "What happened? Why was I told that you'd been executed? Why did you go along with it?!"

"I-I-I- "

"- When you decided to do this, did you think I was stupid? That I wouldn't find out?"

The newly transformed Newt flushed bright red, mouth opening and closing uselessly.

"Tell me the truth!"

"They banished me from America!" Newt suddenly blurted out, slapping a hand over his mouth, "I didn't know they told people I'd been executed until the President told me."

Percival narrowed his eyes in suspicion, "You've had plenty of opportunity… why didn't you just tell me?"

"I thought… you might prefer Theseus."

There was a moment of silence before Percival shook his head, "No… not a chance."

As the fireworks continued, the days' event caught up with Newt and he slowly started to lean against Percival, his eyes sliding shut.

"Guess it's just you and me, hmmm Frank?"

…

On their way back, Newt woke up, stretching out his limbs as they arrived back at MACUSA, where Percival made his way back onto the balcony of his office, turning to give Newt a soft smile.

Well, Theseus now.

"Goodnight… Mister Scamander."

"Sleep well… Director Graves."

"Call me Percival."

Newt flushed bright red, opening his mouth to reply, only for Frank to suddenly bounce up, causing his lips to connect with Percival's.

The kiss must have only lasted around two seconds, but it felt like years.

Once Percival pulled away, he gave Newt another sly smirk, before heading to his office, leaving Newt to make his way back to his own accommodation.

"Things are really starting to look up." He whispered.

And then the hands grabbed him.