Chapter Text
Before accepting the job Picquery offered him, Newt heard so many things about Percival Graves (the real one). Abernathy told him he was an ill-tempered wizard that, in most cases, only communicated with others by snarling and growling. Weiss said not to feel offended if the man acted like he didn't care what Newt was saying 'he's usually very busy, best not to bother him'. Fontaine gave him his blessing because 'he gets really irritated with the new ones, don't ask him any questions, you go to me or Goldstein for advice.'
So when his first day as an official consultant comes, Newt is already a nervous mess. The only good thing is that his desk is going to be next to Tina's and surrounded by all the other aurors that have been encouraging him the past few days.
"You'll do fine, Scamander," Roberts assures him, patting his shoulder kindly. She starts to explain the many things a report has to have in order not to get rejected by the boss. "He tells you to write it all again if you make a mistake. Also, you have to be specific about dates and kinds of spells used in the case you were assigned to. In your case though I think you'll have to be precise about the kind of creature you see. But that'll be easy for you, right?"
"More than easy I'd say," Tina answers for him, smiling. "He's an expert."
Newt feels more relaxed when he looks back at his friend, sadly, Tina's joyful expression doesn't last that much because she's frowning again before adding: "But try not to get into many details about the creatures in your reports, Newt. I don't think Mr. Graves would appreciate that."
"You all are just scaring the poor boy!" Kenneth walks in with a bunch of documents floating around him. He leans beside Newt and puts an arm around his shoulders. "Look, boss is not THAT bad okay? He has his moments. Just don't provoke him... Besides, it's not like he has time for us mere mortals, he's always busy, you'll never see him down here. So, you'll be fine."
He doesn't respond, just nods and wishes with all his heart that the wizard is right. Because... based on past experiences, well... Newt always tends to complicate things a little bit. And sometimes it has to do with his lack of ability to connect with people; his mother used to say that was just who he was, that it was not his fault, but the people he encountered during his many years of traveling around the world told him otherwise. He knows he's not good with people, but he also doesn't care, he doesn't make an effort (except with Tina, Queenie and Jacob) because he's usually focused on his creatures.
He remembers all the times Theseus tried to introduce him to his friends in the Ministry, only to find out later that they prefer to avoid him because they consider him weird. Theseus says he doesn't care, that if they're not going to accept his little brother then they're not good friends, but Newt feels guilty about it.
This time though he's going to make an effort. He's going to try his best to get along with the Director of Magical Security, despite how much he intimidates him; after all he's Tina's friend and he's not going to make her look bad for suggesting both Mr. Graves and Madam President that Newt would be a great addition to their work team.
He's determined, but said determination falls apart as soon as Roberts returns from Graves' office and tells both Tina and Newt that the Director wants to see them.
"Do we really have to go?" Tina rolls her eyes at his question and yanks him from the chair by the arm.
"He just wants to meet you, it'll be quick I promise, it's not like he has much time," she assures. Newt sighs and reminds himself that's his opportunity to put into practice all the things his parents and his brother have told about how to be nice to people.
He can do it, he tells himself, but just when they hear the deep voice inviting them to come inside is when Newt regrets his decision of making Pickett stay on his tree that day. He would've felt better having the bowtruckle close.
Mr. Graves greets them, but doesn't look up from the document he has in his hands. Tina must be used to that kind of behavior because she just introduces Newt and informs the Director that he'll be starting his job that same day. With his eyes still glued to the paper, Graves nods and tells Tina she's the one in charge to explain Newt the rules and requirements to work in MACUSA.
"That'll be all. You two are dismissed." Newt can't quite believe his luck, that was much more easier than he thought. Tina sighs, relieved, thanks the Director and turns around, but just before Newt starts following her, he looks back at Graves and remembers that he promised to make an effort this time.
'First impressions are important, little brother,' he recalls Theseus telling him once.
But how does he do that? What he should say?
Compliments! Compliments always work, right? But what kind of? Newt looks around and finds nothing that could help. Maybe he should tell him he likes his office? But that's not entirely true, because Graves' office seems kind of... cold, empty... and Newt is not good at lying so he must think of something else. What about looks? Yes! That'll do! He just heard Kenneth telling Roberts that she looked nice and she giggled at him and that was just minutes ago... so that definitely works.
Newt is staring at the Director; he feels like he should do a different approach though, perhaps commenting on his clothes. Graves is not currently wearing his dark coat because he's in his office, nor his jacket, only the vest, but it fits him... He seems like a man that spends time choosing the right clothes to wear, he's elegant and-
"Newt, what are you doing? Let's go!" The magizoologist blinks and feels Tina's fingers around his arm, pulling him.
Panic is what he feels when Graves' dark eyes finally look up from his work and meet his. Newt can't keep eye contact with other people, especially if he just met them, but this time he does, because he promised himself he'd tried. But because he's in the middle of a panic attack he can't help but blurt out: "I like your vest! I-I mean it looks good on you!"
His face is burning; Graves' brows quirk up with curiosity and amusement, his eyes spark. "You said you liked my... vest?"
Newt bites his lip, knowing he has made a mistake, but having absolutely no idea how to fix it.
"Y-yes! But I... I also think you look nice... today," maybe another compliment is the solution. Or maybe not, judging by the way Tina's staring at him, pale and shocked.
"Sir, you see... Newt is-"
She doesn't get to say what he is though because her boss (their boss now actually) rises from his seat and walks towards Newt.
Now that he's close Newt realises he looked away, his eyes are focused on the other man's shoulder. But Graves clears his throat and Newt has to look back. The are two red spots on the wizard's cheeks and he's sure Mr. Graves is furious with him.
What a great first impression.
His lips part, ready to apologise while his legs prepare to get him out of there as fast as he can. "I'm-"
But there's a smirk forming on the other man's face when the Director cuts him off: "Thank you. I think you look gorgeous. Blue is your color; it complements your eyes."
Newt blinks, surprised, the blush that was already fading away returns to his face and spreads down his neck.
"I was rude before, I'm sorry," he takes a step forward. "I should introduce myself properly this time... I'm Percival Graves. But you can call me Percival."
"Newt Scamander," he answers without thinking and takes the hand Graves is offering. He thinks he can hear Tina gasping behind them. "But Newt is fine. Everybody calls me Newt."
"We should go now," Tina insists. "We won't bother you anymore, Sir. I know how busy you are."
"Actually, I think I'll explain Newt the rules and I'll show him around. It's his first day after all," Graves grins. "But you can return to your desk, Goldstein. I'll take care of him."
Tina still has a confused expression on her face, but doesn't argue.
Grav- Percival is still smiling when he offers Newt a seat on the couch next to the window. He doesn't look angry or grumpy like the others said he would... Which means Newt finally did something good? Relieved, he beams at the Director realizing he's getting along with his new boss, he just needs to put into practice his family's advices.
Theseus would be so proud.