Ice Cream Stall: Blueberry (Newt) and Cream Cheese (Charlie)

Circus, jugglers: green, fantastic

Bumper Cars: Charlie Weasley

417 words


"Look at that!" Newt calls, clapping his hands together excitedly as Simone, the newest Welsh Green at the sanctuary, breathes out a little sputter of flame. "Oh, that's fantastic! Absolutely brilliant."

Charlie stands back, arms folded over his chest as he watches the baby dragon stamp around, its green scales shimmering in the sunlight. But more amazing than the little learning to breathe fire is Newt Scamander. When their relationship had begun a year earlier, no one seemed to understand. All they could see was the massive age difference, and they would look at Charlie with confusion—and sometimes disgust—in their eyes.

But Charlie doesn't care. It's little moments like this that remind him how lucky he is to have Newt. Some people fear dragons; some look at them with the same detached curiosity they might look at a rock. But Newt is different. He shares Charlie's passion for the magnificent winged creatures. His bright eyes light up with fascination at even the smallest accomplishments.

"Well, you're being the strong, silent type," the older wizard notes, approaching Charlie with a wide grin. "What's going on in that brilliant mind of yours?" For emphasis, he taps his finger lightly against Charlie's forehead.

"Thinking of how lucky I am," Charlie answers.

Newt nods and turns his attention back to Simone who flaps her wings impatiently. She isn't old enough to take flight yet, but that hasn't stopped her from trying her damnedest. "Quite lucky," Newt agrees with another nod. "I would have loved to be able to have this sort of job in my youth. It was damn near unheard of back then, of course."

Charlie chuckles and shakes his head. As brilliant as Newt is, he seems to miss the point quite often. His mind is always so preoccupied with the world around him and all the little curiosities that abound.

"Not just because of my job," Charlie says patiently, resting a hand on his lover's should, his thumb rubbing gentle circles into Newt's skin through his shirt. "I get to share this life with someone who understands, someone who knows how wonderful these creatures are."

Newt leans in, resting his head against Charlie's arm. "We are lucky," he agrees. "I couldn't ask for more from this life."

And as they watch Simone go about her business, pawing at the dirt and shooting out then streams of flame, Charlie can't stop smiling. He has such an unconventional life, but, to him, it is perfect. What else could he need?