Who: Newt and Blake What: Blake's arrival When: Saturday Warnings: Boys thinking about boys, boys kissing Status: Closed, Complete
Blake was really starting to think he should swear off older guys. They were so dramatic, seriously. And on one hand, that was super hot, but when a date ended with a history lesson instead of a hook up? Yeah, there was something wrong.
He was kind of disappointed. Will was cute, in an anchorman kind of way. He seemed a little uptight, but Blake had a feeling he’d be really good in bed. The tense ones usually were, because the bedroom was the one place they let themselves go.
He was pretty sure he’d never see Will again, though. That made him feel a little sad. Oh well, there were plenty of other guys out there. Eventually he’d find someone special, he just had to keep putting himself out there and looking.
Sometimes that was easier said than done. Blake shivered, suddenly very cold. He was wearing shorts and there was snow on the ground? That was insane. New York could get crazy cold in October, but snow didn’t just suddenly appear.
He realised someone was walking toward him, looking at him. He shifted his stance, preened somewhat. He forgot about the cold and the snow for a moment. It felt good to be seen, even if the guy was wearing a suit. Suits were hot, too, at least on a guy who took the time to get one that fit...He frowned, the suit was handing him some kind of packet. Blake looked down at it, and the words Welcome To Madison Valley written in very neat, precise handwriting.. “Madison Valley? What? I’ve never heard of it,” he protested. The suit put the envelope in Blake’s hands, bid him good day, and good luck.
Blake looked around then, and realised he had no idea exactly where he was, but it definitely wasn’t New York.
***
Newt tugged his coat a bit tighter around him. There was a light dusting of snow covering the pavement and even a bit in the roadway. He frowned as his eyes fell on a young man who looked a bit older than Newt but couldn't be more than twenty-five, standing in the middle of the roadway. He seemed to be lost and Newt realized it was likely that he was witnessing his first new arrival into town. He sighed. He didn't really feel like helping. He'd just finished a day of school and had recently learned he was being placed in the tenth grade, instead of eleventh like he thought. That meant a whole two more years after this, and he really didn't feel the need to be in school at all. Unfortunately, as both Thomas and Lydia reminded him, it wasn't really his choice. Or theirs, for that matter. He couldn't really expect them to home school him either, which he had been told was the only alternative. So, he sucked it up, but that didn't mean he was going to be happy about it.
The only thing that had him leaving the pavement to come up short of the older man, who was nearly his height, was the fact that he was still standing in the roadway with no sign he planned to move.
"Don't you think you should get out of the roadway, yeah? Pavement's much safer, mate. You won't get run down by cars."
He eyed the packets in the other's hand. He had gotten his after he'd had his leg set and wrapped up to assist the healing. His leg was much better now, though he still had the limp he'd had ever since he jumped from the wall in the Glade. He'd have it for the rest of his life, but it didn't seem to bother him nearly as much as it had back in his own world.
"Come on, mate. You can gawk around once we get you on the pavement." The other was staring at him now and it made him feel awkward, heat creeping up his neck and into his cheeks. He looked away before glancing back again. Still staring... what was this shank's problem? It also didn’t help that Newt found the older man cute. Like, really cute. Not as cute as Tommy or Stuart. But cute.
-----
That accent cut right through to Blake’s soul. He’d always liked accents. Who didn’t? But English had always been a favorite. He associated it with distinguished older men, classy older men, the kind of guys Blake liked to fantasize about.
It took him a few seconds to reconcile his fantasy with the reality in front of him. The person speaking to him wasn’t an older, classy and distinguished gentleman, He looked to be a teenager. Normally, Blake wouldn’t give the kid a second though, but there was something about him, something more than the accent, though Blake had no idea what it was.
He felt his mouth go dry. How could he say anything in reply when his mouth felt like he’d been sucking on cotton? Blake only had that reaction when he was super majorly attracted to someone. He wasn’t attracted to teenagers as a general rule. There was always an exception, though, and this seemed to be his.
“I…” he started. He didn’t usually struggle to speak or find his words. The last time that had happened, it had been Dave. Blake had thought he was the one, but it wasn’t meant to be. Blake sighed and pushed those dark thoughts from his mind. Why was he thinking about Dave when there was a gorgeous guy right there in front of him, who was very much not Dave. In fact, Blake couldn’t really compare him to anyone he’d dated, or thought about dating before.
But that accent. That accent was a killer. Blake came back to himself with a slight start. “Okay, handsome. Leave the waaaay,” he said, making the word ‘way’ pitch with the lilt of a melody.
***
Newt raised a brow when the other only continued to stare, barely able to get out one word. He considered just leaving the bloke to handle whatever it was he was dealing with but then the man seemed to pull himself out of it.
He called Newt handsome and Newt blinked, his face heating up in seconds. It didn't help when the older man then sang at him. But not even really. He just sort of sang one word. Newt was beginning to wonder if this man was jacked in the head but he'd already started this so he figured he needed to finish it.
At the very least, keep him from getting hit by any cars. It was lucky enough the town was so small that it was very unlikely many cars would be zooming by. That didn't mean it was impossible, though.
He hesitated before reaching out a hand to rest it on the other's forearm. It was instinct, the same instinct he'd had back in the Glade when leading all the other boys. Together with Alby and then on his own, after Alby had passed. With his other hand, he gestured at the pavement not four feet in front of them. It took next to no time to get him safely out of the roadway.
Pulling back his hand quickly, he blushed as he brought the same hand up to rub at the back of his neck. He bit his lower lip as he glanced away and then back at the man.
"So, er... you just, you just got here?"
Obviously, Newt. Why do you think he was standing in the bloody roadway? He ignored himself in favor of nodding at the packet in his hands.
"That'll explain everything so... so if you don't need me for anything I'll just... go..."
A large part of him really hoped this bloke could figure it out on his own, as rude as that was. But a smaller, more confusing part, hoped that the man would find a reason to ask him to stay. He mostly really didn't like the way he was looking him over, but the same part that wanted him to stay was the same part that felt excited by the intense look in those bright blue eyes.
Bloody hell, this world was confusing.
-----
Blake followed Newt’s gaze to look at the packet in his hands. He turned it over and around, as if it would make more sense that way. It didn’t, and after a couple seconds, Blake lifted his gaze and looked up at the young man in front of him. “You’re just going to leave me?” Blake questioned, again with the sing song lilt highlighting the words. Newt would quickly realise that was a thing Blake did constantly, and barely even realised he did it at all. “I have no idea where I am, how I got here, and you’re going to leave me alone? That seems a bit irresponsible”
Okay, so maybe he was laying it on thick. And using melody to try and appeal to the guy. He wasn’t above using trickery to get what he wanted. He was confident it would work, it always worked for him. He wasn’t used to people ignoring him, or whatever.
He shifted his feet, his weight, his stance. He licked his lips, and smiled an awkward, nose crinkling sort of smile. He knew how to play hard ball, and get what he wanted.
***
Newt frowned when the other asked... or sang... that he was going to leave him. He felt a soft stab of guilt and looked away. Really, was he going to just leave him? Any time a new boy came up in the box, Newt tried to be one of the first ones there to greet them. He knew well, as had any of the other boys, how it felt to be displaced and suddenly find themselves somewhere that they had no idea where they were. It was a bit easier here. At least here, people still seemed to retain who they were. They still remembered their lives back home. When a boy came up in a box, they could hardly remember their names... and definitely not their real name. Nothing about their life before though.
Just because it wasn't like that here though, didn't mean Newt should just not help someone who needed help. Just because he was a little off putting with the way he looked at him and the cute little singing thing he did and that pout... just because of all that, didn't mean Newt shouldn't help him. It wasn't like him to not help someone in need.
This man shouldn't be any different.
Newt found a shy sort of smile pulled from his lips at the way the other smiled and his nose crinkled. Something told him that the man knew exactly what he was doing but Newt couldn't help it as his smile grew a tiny bit. He rubbed the back of his neck again and shrugged.
"I'm still new myself, honestly, mate," he said, chewing on his lip as he tried to hold the other's gaze but couldn't, glancing away again. He was feeling hotter than he should have in his warm clothes, as it was winter and there was snow on the ground and a sharp chill in the air. Every time this man looked at him with those warm, bright blue eyes and that bloody contagious smile, his body warmed up in ways he wasn't used to.
"I know you should have money in there. Keys to a flat. And a mobile. Er, a... cellphone?" He watched the other to make sure that he understood what he was talking about. A lot of them who had arrived here came from places and times where a mobile wasn't a common thing. "I could help you find your flat... er, apartment, if you like and then, if you're hungry... I could show you a few good places with food that is bloody brilliant."
----
Blake could see the war the guy was raging in his own mind. He wanted to stick around and help, but he didn’t want to stick around and help. Blake got the impression the guy thought he was cute, but maybe he wasn’t gay, or hadn’t come out yet. Blake had a pretty good gaydar, though, and he’d rarely been wrong.
There was once...but it wasn’t something Blake wanted to remember. The thought of it almost made him lose his composure. He flashed a smile, though, and pushed those thoughts to the back of his mind. This was not the time or place to think about such things. Of course, there was never a time or place to think about such things.
Blake renewed his focus, looking intently at Newt. The guy had some seriously dark eyes, and Blake found that attractive, especially in contrast to his pale skin. If his tongue skated across his bottom lip, it was entirely involuntary. “I insist you join me for a bite,” Blake said when Newt mentioned food. He raised a hand and gave a little ‘oh you’ kind of flap. “It’s the least I can do.” Newt had mentioned a credit card, but Blake had his bank card, maybe even a little bit of cash.
Blake looked Newt in the eye and shook his head slightly. “I’m not gonna take no for an answer, so you might as well agree,” he said, ending on a high note. He flashed a goofy grin. Even if Newt turned out to be straight, Blake knew he was charming him. Blake had a tendency to charm everyone, he considered it a gift.
***
Newt tried to ignore the other's tongue as it made its way across his lips but failed miserably. He couldn't really blame himself. This man was doing whatever it took to hold Newt's attention. That was clear. What wasn't clear to Newt was why? Why was he so interested in Newt noticing him? Newt wasn't used to this sort of attention.
Newt raised a brow when the other all but told him he had to go with him to eat. He frowned but really, he had the money so it wasn't like he couldn't afford to go with him. Then again, the way Blake was talking, it seemed as if Blake was planning to pay for both of them and Newt wasn't sure how he felt about that. He'd heard other people talk. People who liked each other or were at least interested in one another and wanted to get to know each other better went on dates.
Newt and this guy had just met, in fact, he still didn't know his name and Newt hadn't even told him his name. So there was no way he was asking him out on a date? Right?
He decided that the other probably just wanted to be nice and give back in return for Newt's help. That was something he could wrap his head around and so he found himself nodding. He grinned at the goofy grin and snorted softly.
"You're strange," he said finally, shaking his head. It was sad fondly and he waved in the direction that the apartments were located. "I suppose I've got no choice in the matter. Let's get you to your new home first, then we can discuss food."
With that, he started off toward the apartment building, not even worried as to whether or not Blake was following. He didn't have to wonder. Blake had made it absolutely clear that he didn't plan to leave Newt's side, at least for the time being.
Part of Newt found this bloody annoying but he was surprised to find it was a very small part. The rest of him was... what was the word... flattered. But also very confused.
As they walked, Newt ignored his nervousness in favor of pointing out different places of note. He pointed out shops, food places, the schools.
"That's the uni over there," he said, pointing at a large building in the distance. He then pointed at the high school as they passed it. "That's where I'm being forced to attend." He didn't even try to hold back his pure annoyance at that fact.
----
The fact Blake didn’t even know Newt’s name hadn’t really sunk in. He felt like he knew they guy. Well, he wanted to get to know him and to Blake, that was pretty much the same thing. He felt an intense and undeniable attraction, and he wasn’t willing to let that go.
He followed right on Newt’s heels when he started toward the apartments. Blake thought it was interesting that he wanted to go to the apartment first. So he maybe wasn’t wrong. They guy was gay. And attracted to Blake.
He felt like breaking into a song and dance, right there on the sidewalk. Pavement, as the other boy had called it. But he resisted that urge, repressed it aside from a little impulsive sway of his hips. He reigned it in and followed along, though he couldn’t quite suppress a grin.
He listened as Newt rattled off the various places they passed. That accent, it just cut him right down. He could listen to Newt talk for hours. He could jerk off to the boy reading the phone book, actually. It didn’t matter what he said, it was that voice. It was a killer.
“Be coooooool, stay in schooooool,” Blake sang out when Newt pointed out the high school. High school had been an awkward time for Blake, but he’d survived it. And if he survived it, he felt anyone could. “And hey, I’ve been through it so if you need a tutor or anything…” Blake flashed his eyes. Oh, he knew exactly what he was doing, and he wasn’t going to apologise for it.
***
Newt didn't really get the phrase Blake sang at him but it rhymed so he figured it must have been a thing back in Blake's world. He tried to ignore the heat he felt everywhere Blake looked because everywhere he looked was at him. He was pretty sure Blake hadn't even bothered to look at the places he was pointing out. It was a fact that both irritated him and excited him thoroughly. He didn't bring attention to the fact, however, instead glancing at Blake when the other offered to tutor him.
He frowned. He did need a tutor but he didn't know this man and wasn't sure how good a tutor he could be. Also, something told him that the only reason he was offering was because it meant he would get to spend more time with Newt. The younger male was definitely not used to people going out of their way to spend more time with him, and so he chose not to comment just yet. He wasn't exactly sure what to say anyway.
Newt continued to point out other places but soon they arrived at the apartment buildings and Newt nodded at the packet.
"You'll need the clicker to open the building door and then the key will open your apartment. I'll wait in the lobby for you to..." Already the look on Blake's face told him all to clearly that Blake had thought Newt would accompany him up to the apartment.
Warnings in his head told him that going up with him wasn't the best idea but they already had plans to go eat and Newt would stay in the hallway while Blake looked around. He hadn't needed to get an apartment but he'd been told that they were furnished for the arrivals. He would definitely stay out in the hallway or at the very least, close to the door.
"Okay, yeah. Let's get you up to your flat," he said, chewing his lower lip as he slipped his hands into his pockets. "I've, er, I've heard they're really nice so you should be comfortable here."
-----
Blake didn’t even try to hide the smirk when Newt realised waiting in the lobby wasn’t going to be acceptable. Of course, Blake reasoned he would have allowed it, sure. He wasn’t going to pressure the guy, a complete stranger, into going up to his apartment. No, he liked how Newt said ‘flat’ and decided he’d refer to the place as his flat from here on out, because why not?
But before Blake could even say anything, his companion was talking himself into going up with Blake. And seriously, how cute was he, chewing on his lip and acting all shy and stuff. Blake had always been drawn to the more refined class of an older guy, but he was starting to see how younger guys could be freaking adorable too. Especially a younger guy with a killer accent. Yeah, Blake was smitten, and not the least bit ashamed, even if his new friend was apparently still in high school. Blake didn’t think age was a true measure of a person, how mature they might be, or what they could handle.
Maybe he should care, because there was a good chance he was younger than 18, but it wasn’t like Blake was sleeping with him. He kind of hoped it would go that way, but there was no way to tell so early in the game.
Blake just grinned at Newt and started for the elevator. He didn’t look to see if Newt was going to follow. He had a feeling he was, and even if he didn’t, Blake would deal with it. He wasn’t worried, though, and once the doors opened and he stepped inside, turned around and there was Newt right there with him.
“Flat 226. I assume second floor, then.” Blake said, nodding toward the panel of numbered floor buttons. He coupled it with the flash of a smile. He kind of had Newt right where he wanted him, and it was a beautiful thing.
***
Newt watched the other as he made his way to the elevator. He didn't even hesitate as he followed after, as if some unforeseen force was guiding him in whatever direction Blake went. He brought a hand up to scratch at the base of his neck, suddenly very nervous the moment the doors closed. The space was small and Blake's personality almost filled it up completely. Speaking of Blake, Newt's eyes glanced toward him and the other spoke, Newt's eyes falling to his mouth as he spoke.
He almost didn't register what the other was saying, snapping out of it and swearing mentally to himself. What the bloody hell was wrong with him? He pressed the button with the bold black 2, deciding to watch the numbers above rather than look at Blake again. Apparently, looking at Blake for any length of time was dangerous. They reached the floor and the doors opened and Newt couldn't get off fast enough. He waited for Blake to exit the elevator and lead the way, following after but at a slight bit of distance. Not too much that he would really notice unless he was specifically on the lookout for it, but not so close that Blake could disarm him with a single glance his way.
He slipped his hands back into the pockets of his jeans as he followed after, wondering at his odd behavior. What the shuck had gotten into him?
---
Blake would be flattered and amused if he knew what thoughts were rolling through Newt’s mind. He didn’t know, though, but he was amused at the obvious effect he was having on the younger boy.
He opened the door to the apartment he’d been assigned and looked back at Newt. “Come on in,” he said with a dramatic wave of his hand to accent the sing songy tone of his voice. He moved through the door, and gave the pace a cursory look around. It was kind of nondescript, but nice enough. A couch and a chair, a coffee table and matching end tables, a TV, a couple of book shelves. And that was just the main room.
He glanced at Newt again. “Come on in, I won’t bite.” He flashed a sly smile. “Well, not unless you ask, anyway.”
He stomach grumbled. And he realised Stella might not be around. Could he stand to live in an apartment by himself? How would he manage without Stella to tell him what to eat and what to wear and when to take a shower as she was fond of doing?
***
Newt had half a mind to decline the invitation into the house but instead he just stepped into the doorway and hovered. He watched Blake as he looked around but before long those intense, penetrating eyes that were somehow also disarmingly adorable were back on him and Blake invited him again, assuring him that he wouldn't bite.
Newt sighed but pushed from the doorway and was stepping in when Blake continued, assuring him that if he asked, he'd be more than happy to bite Newt. Newt coughed and fought to clear his throat before he shook his head adamantly.
"I won't."
Are you sure? That was a more rebellious voice in his head. It was the same one that had talked him into drinking far more than he should have at the New Years Eve party. Newt grimaced as he recalled the very next day and busied himself with looking around until Blake's stomach grumbled.
Newt couldn't help it. He chuckled, the sound surprisingly low for a boy his age but he nodded back at the door.
"Come on, mate. We'll get that bite, yeah?" He smiled genially, hoping that Blake would go for it. He was feeling very vulnerable standing around in Blake's place when there was no one else around. He also realized that they still hadn't formally introduced themselves to each other. Newt planned to remedy that before they went anywhere else.
When Blake drew closer, Newt held out his hand for the other to shake. "We somehow keep managing to not introduce ourselves. I'm Newt."
----
Blake was very aware of the young man hovering close to the doorway as he looked around the apartment. Flat he corrected himself. He felt his mouth twitch, the corners turn up into a sly grin. He set the welcome packet down on the table in front of the sofa, but pocketed the cell phone and held onto the keys.
He glanced back at Newt when he spoke, and moved to grip the offered hand when he introduced himself. Blake’s grip was firm, his hand warm but not sweaty. “Blake,” he offered his first name and nothing more. Last names were so Throwback Thursday as far as Blake was concerned. Besides, Newt hadn’t offered one, so why should he?
“It’s very nice to meet you, Newt,” he said. “And I think, do you mind if I check if there’s clothes in the bedroom? I’m a bit underdressed for the cold.” He gave Newt’s hand a firm squeeze before letting go.
He didn’t really wait for an answer, and figured if Newt followed him to the bedroom that would certainly change the stakes. He might not be able to resist making a move. So what if he was young. He was cute, and Blake was definitely attracted. And if he didn’t follow to the bedroom, that was okay too. Because really, Blake preferred older guys. If he made out with Newt, it would be a deviation from the norm.
Stella would give him such shit for it. He could practically hear her now. He sighed and shook his head and looked in the drawers before he looked to the door to see if Newt had followed. He was a little disappointed that Newt wasn’t standing there, but that was really what he expected. He changed quickly into the jeans he found, and headed back out to the living room.
“All right, then. Let’s go.”
***
Newt was definitely not used to this sort of interaction but that didn't mean he didn't have an idea of what was going on. At the very least, it was a feeling. Instinctual. So when Blake asked him if he minded if he checked to see if there were clothes in the bedroom, Newt stayed put. He knew very well that Blake had wanted him to follow. Shuck, a substantial part of him had wanted to follow as well but he also knew better, even if he didn't exactly know what it was he knew.
He let Blake take his time, moving deeper into the room they'd entered into but going no further into the flat. He looked around, taking in the very minimal decoration that was offered. He wondered if he had come at a time when he was 18 if the flat he had gotten would look exactly the same.
Pulled from his thoughts, Newt looked up as Blake entered the room once more. He had changed into a pair of jeans and Newt frowned to see that they actually fit him quite well. How could the welcoming committee even know? Was it really just a lucky guess? Newt decided not to waste too much time thinking on it. This place was bloody confusing enough as it was.
Blake was bloody confusing enough as it was without Newt finding an interest in pants that fit him well. He shouldn't have even noticed, honestly. Looking away, he nodded at Blake's words.
"Right. Blake, was it?" he said, trying out the name. He gave a friendly sort of smile. "What kind of foods are you not particularly partial to and do you have any allergies or things like that?"
He had a lot to learn in this world, but allergies had been a very big thing back in the Glade as well. He knew how deadly they could be. He crossed his arms and moved to lean against the counter as he let Blake think.
-----
Blake didn’t actually hear much after Newt said his name. Because the way he said it, with that gorgeous accent of his, Blake nearly came undone right then and there. He shifted a little, but all that accomplished was pressing the seam of his jeans against his sudden erection.
If Newt called attention to it, and Blake was fairly certain he wouldn’t, Blake would claim it was a spontaneous boner. He wondered if Newt would believe him. Probably not. But since he hadn’t followed to the bedroom, Blake was going to tone it down a little.
He didn’t want to come on too strong and scare Newt off. He’d adjust his game and play it slow, if that’s what Newt wanted. Hell, Blake wasn’t even sure why he wanted it, except that Newt was cute and that accent was damn sexy.
“No,” he shook his head, grinning at the younger boy. He caught himself wondering if Newt had any idea how freaking hot he was. “No allergies. Don’t like anchovies on my pizza. Or hot lettuce. Like on a sandwich? That’s disgusting.”
He thought it was sweet that Newt thought to ask about allergies and aversions. The guy was charming. Probably more charming than he realised. “Lead the way,” Blake said, with a demonstrative flutter of his hands, indicating the door.
***
Newt noticed the other's slight discomfort but didn't dwell on it. He had an idea of what had caused it but he wasn't wanting to think too much down that specific path. He wasn't yet ready to go there. After all, attraction and relationships hadn't been a thing in the Glade. Sex had definitely not been a thing in the Glade. Besides, he was fairly certain he was the only bloke in there who was attracted to other blokes. More crucial, surviving was the most important focus. Anything else didn't matter.
He knew about sex, of course. WCKD had taken their memories and a lot of the things they knew but things that were a base desire for humans they couldn't really delete. But there was no need for it. That wasn't to say that the boys in the Glade hadn't learned quickly how to take care of their frustrations, but it was all very quick. Very need driven. Once it was taken care of, it was back to work. Newt had gotten to know himself inside and out, as far as touch was concerned. He knew what he liked to that effect but he had no experience with other people. Not in the direction Blake wanted to go, in any case. Newt was curious, but he was also scared. Things he knew how to do and was good at, those were things that made him happy. Things he didn't know... those scared him. Blake and everything Blake stood for—attraction, relationships, sex—scared him.
Newt tilted his head in confusion at the word anchovies. They hadn't had those in the Glade and he couldn't recall anything to tell him what they were. They sounded disgusting, if the name alone was anything to go by. Lettuce though. Lettuce he knew well. He'd grown quite a bit of it back in the Glade.
"People eat it hot?" His tone was incredulous. "Why? That's disgusting."
He realized he'd mirrored Blake with the last two words and blushed but pushed forward.
Blake told him to lead the way and so he did. He was vaguely aware that Blake's eyes might have been traveling along his body, which warmed up quite a bit at the thought. He really did not understand this guy. There were far more attractive men in this town. He was nothing compared to them. Of course, he hadn't seen them yet. Maybe once he had, he'd leave Newt alone.
He felt as if he should be pleased at the thought, but instead, he felt a rush of disappointment. Pushing it out of his mind, he led Blake to the elevators and onward to lunch.
If Newt had been asked to describe how lunch was with Blake, in one word he would have to say enjoyable. He had actually had a lot of fun with the man, reminded constantly that Blake was really not that much older than he was. At one point, when Newt had prompted him, and after a bit of teasing, Blake had divulged his age. Newt had been a bit surprised. Though he was only 23, Newt would have guessed 18 or 19. He supposed it had everything to do with Blake's personality.
He wasn't necessarily immature, but he tended to act more like a teenager at times. At least in comparison to the teens here who were more like normal teens. At least, Newt guessed. Newt and others from their world had had to grow up fast. They had their teenage tendencies, of course, such as Gally and his jealousy and Minho and his attitude. But they had had to live as a group, taking on jobs and working together. And Newt had been a leader, which meant he had to grow even faster. It was why the actions of other teens his age often confounded him. Once he sat and thought about it, they made sense, but his default reaction was confusion.
Now he was having to unlearn everything he had learned, and learn to be a kid. A teenager. To make friends and just have fun. Obviously, there were some responsibilities, but going from having many responsibilities to only having a few, was proving difficult for Newt. Especially when it came to things like this.
He glanced at Blake as they walked back to the apartments after lunch. He couldn't help the slight grin that slipped onto his lips before disappearing.
Definitely when it came to things like this.
Pushing his thoughts out of his head, Newt listened as Blake regaled him with a story from home. Honestly, Blake had a lot of stories but Newt didn't mind. In fact, he was surprised to find he enjoyed them. Whenever Blake finished one, he was eager to hear the next. It also hadn't been lost on Newt that every few feet they walked, Blake would move just a little closer. Now they were walking next to each other, close enough that their fingers brushed every so often as they did. Newt was surprised that he didn't feel the need to pull away. If anything, he wasn't sure he wanted to. If Blake took his hand into his own, Newt wasn't sure he would mind. He had decided already that he found Blake attractive. Even more than he had initially. It didn't seem to matter that he didn't look like Tommy. Or Stuart. He looked like Blake and that was as it should be.
Blake let them into the apartment building. It was a silent agreement that Newt would ride up to the apartment with him. This time it wasn't nearly as uncomfortable as it had been the first time. He'd gotten used to Blake's larger-than-life personality by now and he'd also noticed that the older man had made it a point to rein it in just a bit. Newt had appreciated that.
Now that they stood outside his apartment, however, Newt found himself reluctant to say goodbye. Would he see him again? Did Blake want to see him again? Would he be upset if Blake didn't want to see him again?
Newt didn't know the answers to the first two questions but he didn't even have to think about the answer to the last.
Yes.
-----
Discussions of how lettuce in warm sandwiches was disgusting aside, the pair of them had a very nice lunch at one of the restaurants in town. It was a brisk walk from the apartment building, but not unpleasant. Blake had a feeling he’d be walking there a lot, and every time he went, he’d think of Newt.
Blake most definitely wanted to see him again. Not only because he had that killer accent. Not just because he was an emphatic listener, hanging on every word as Blake recounted some story or another. Many of them were made up, or at least heavily embellished, but that hardly mattered. Newt sat across from him with those intensely dark eyes and that gorgeous smile, and Blake felt like he had to keep making the details bigger and bigger to keep himself focused on the story and not the fact he wanted to absolutely ravish the boy across from him.
He wanted to watch Newt come undone, he wanted to see him fly apart. He wanted to see those dark eyes heavy and sated, the flush of sex in his cheeks. He wanted to hear desperate moans, soft sighs, and quivering breaths. He wanted to hear Newt say his name in the heat of the moment, in the throes of passion. His elaborate stories served to keep him from indulging too vividly in the fantasy...he’d save that for when he was alone.
He already felt like he needed a cold shower.
The walk back to Blake’s apartment was nice. They continued to talk, and Blake wasn’t forced to sit across from Newt, staring into his eyes. They were, more or less, walking in stride, step for step. Fingers occasionally brushed, and with each point of contact, Blake felt a bolt of electric heat and desire surge through him.
He definitely needed that cold shower ASAP.
Eventually they made their way back to the apartment, and again Newt went up to the flat with Blake. It was all Blake could do to keep his hands off the younger man. Everything in him wanted to grab him and pull him into the bedroom and just have his way with Newt beneath him. And it was so weird, because he didn’t usually have that urge. Blake liked older men, men who told him what to do and totally Dominated him. This, these feeling he was having for Newt were new and exciting for him, and he wanted very much to act on it.
“Do you want...I mean, I’ve no idea what’s in the kitchen, but I’m sure there’s running water, at least. Do you want…” Blake took a step toward Newt, and his will power melted away. He couldn’t resist leaning in for a kiss. It was impulsive, and probably a really bad idea, but it was all he could really think about. He didn’t care about running water, or whatever else might be in the kitchen. All he could see was the puff of Newt’s lips and he couldn’t resist.
He absolutely could not resist going for that first kiss.
***
Newt hadn't been privy to Blake's internal thoughts. If he had, he would have blushed profusely and quite possibly run away. Not because he was afraid... at least not in the sense most would think. He would remind them he had been in a place where relationships of this kind just weren't necessary. Not only that, but where they had been held captive, they were impossible. One bloke out of many who was in part attracted to other blokes. There was no way Newt would have ever had the chance to experience sexual attraction, at least when mutual, or love. Since he wasn't privy to the other's thoughts, however, Newt found himself fretting over the silliest things. Silliest of all: whether or not Blake would want to see him again.
Yet, silly or not, they were still very present in his mind. He was thankful to Blake when the other spoke up, allowing Newt to get his mind off how ridiculous he was being. However, all thoughts of anything left his mind as Blake stumbled over trying to invite him in and Newt blushed, feeling his neck hot and his heart suddenly thumping wildly against his chest. He had seen a few television shows recently. He knew this sort of thing. Being invited in led to sex, one of the things he knew absolutely nothing about outside of getting sexually aroused and taking care of it with the means of one's hand. He was saved from even trying to formulate an answer because he was now warring with himself.
Yes, go in. You don't have to do that. Not yet.
Maybe you want to do that.
No. He quickly stomped on that thought because he was nowhere near ready for sex. Not in its entirety. Shuck he hadn't even had his first kiss yet.
Scratch that.
Newt's eyes widened as Blake stepped into his space, leaning in and kissing him.
He had kissed him. Blake had kissed him.
On the mouth.
Newt pulled away, out of shock more than disgust. In fact, his body was warm in a way it had never been before. His lips tingled as he brought up his fingers to touch them. He shook slightly, though it was out of nerves and quickly passed.
When he finally managed to look up at Blake, he blushed. He could see the worry in the other's glittering eyes. He cleared his throat and bit down on his lower lip. When he trusted himself to talk, his voice gave out at the first try. When he tried again, he glanced away, embarrassed but his voice was clear and firm.
"Er, sorry. That was... that was..." He rubbed the back of his neck as he made his mind up. "I shucked that up quite a bit. Do you think we could, er, try that again?"
-----
Blake wasn’t sure he could take the teasing. He knew it wasn’t deliberate, of course not. Newt had no idea just how he was affecting Blake, making him question everything he thought he wanted. But it was there, a whole host of questions, because Newt absolutely did not fit the profile of what Blake looked for in a hook up and yet Blake wanted very much to hook up.
He was well aware that he’d come on strong, and quite possibly seemingly out of the blue to Newt. He’d kissed him without warning, and while he felt a little burned by the fact Newt pulled away, but it was obvious right away that he wasn’t pulling away because the kiss was unwelcome. Blake hadn’t entirely misread him, he’d just jumped the gun.
And honestly, Blake had no regrets there. He’d gone for it. He’d taken the risk, and despite Newt pulling away like he did, Blake didn’t regret it.
Especially since Newt was asking for a replay. Blake tried not to smirk. Really he did. But he couldn’t help it. It didn’t last long, though, because he was leaning in again, shifting his stance and pulling in closer to Newt as their lips met again, this time at Newt’s request.
Blake’s hand moved to Newt’s shoulder. His thumb rested against Newt’s neck. He could feel the boy’s pulse there, thundering wildly, and it only served to excite Blake more. He had no illusions that he would get to take Newt into the bedroom, and he was okay with that. The kiss was enough.
Blake would take care of everything else when Newt was gone.
***
Blake smirked and Newt watched warily as the other stepped in closer, wasting no time to lean in and press his mouth to Newt's once again. His whole body was a live wire of white hot electricity as he pressed into the kiss. He closed his eyes when he noticed that Blake had his closed and really, that made all the difference in the world. With his sight gone, he could experience and live all of the other sensations that had seemed muted when he could still see.
Newt focused on each one, taking a bit of time with each. The feel of Blake's lips moving against his own. It was soft but also demanding in a way that felt very restrained. Newt realized Blake probably was holding back a great deal, trying his best not to scare Newt away. Newt felt a rush of gratitude toward the older man. Taste was next. Blake parted his lips and Newt, who was very good at learning hands on, did the same. Blake's tongue slipped into his mouth and a soft gasp escaped him. He was surprised when Blake didn't pull away, thinking he had messed it up again the moment he'd gasped. Apparently he had not, if the way Blake continued to kiss him was any indication.
When he first got here, which hadn't been long ago at all, Newt would have said that slipping one's tongue into another person's mouth sounded shucking disgusting. Hell, he would have said the same thing that morning. He had thought it enough times when he'd catch Tommy and Lydia kissing or when he'd seen so many kids at the New Years' Eve party kissing. It was one of the few moments toward the end of the night that he could remember. But the truth was, it wasn't gross. It didn't really taste like anything but the intimacy of it made it delicious, in a way Newt couldn't better explain.
The part that got him the most, was the touch. There was something electrifying about sucking on another person's tongue, or them doing the same, or the slide of tongue against tongue. He couldn't be completely surprised. The mouth was sensitive. It new right away when something was too hot or too cold. It sent sensations to one's brain whenever it needed to "feel" something. Right now, his brain assured him that everything that was happening felt not only great but right. He felt safer in that moment than he had at any other point that afternoon.
Add to that the assuring weight of Blake's hand on his shoulder and the seemingly innocuous press of his thumb to Newt's neck, a sound Newt had only ever made with his own hand on himself escaped him. Hearing it startled him enough that he laughed almost nervously, his smile bright as he looked into Blake's eyes, glancing away as a blush rose in his cheeks. He couldn't look away for long, no matter how suddenly shy and awkward he felt. He had only met Blake a few short hours ago but already Blake was able to command attention out of him. It was both an extremely scary and shocking realization.
He was very aware of the hand still on his shoulder, that finger still pressed against his skin. He wondered if Blake could feel how hot the skin was. He wondered if Blake knew how much he was doing to Newt. He narrowed his eyes and the look he saw on Blake's face was answer enough.
He knew alright. He knew well.
Newt cleared his throat and stepped back just enough that Blake would get the idea and move his hand. Once he had, Newt brought his hand up almost involuntarily to rub at the back of his neck, his own thumb pressing at the spot that still burned from Blake's simple touch.
"I should go..." he said, and then straightened and nodded. "I should go and let you get settled. If you ever, need anything and I can be of assistance... there's a network programed into the phone. It lets all of us refugees talk with each other. I didn't know how to work it when I first got here but I quickly learned, but I'm not sure why I'm telling you this because you, er, probably learned back where you're from unless like where I came from, you didn't have mobiles?"
He was rambling and finally forced himself to stop. He brought the pads of his index and middle finger to slide along his lower lip which still tingled from the kiss. He smiled against them before dropping his arm and gave Blake his attention once more.
"If you need anything, just post it to me on the network, yeah? I'll get it." He smiled brightly here. He hesitated a moment more, ignoring his body's impulse to lean in and take a kiss from Blake. No, right now he needed space between himself and Blake so that he could wrap his head around this. He might need to tell someone.
Lydia. He could talk to Lydia. She knew people. She knew guys. If anyone could help him make sense of the events of that afternoon, it would be her.
"See you around then," he said, waiting just long enough for Blake to say his goodbye before turning and walking with purpose for the elevator. He pressed the down arrow and touched his lips again as he waited. The elevator dinged, surprising him out of his daze. Just before getting onto the elevator, Newt glanced back down the hall. Blake was still there and Newt smiled, blushed, and stepped inside. As the doors closed, Newt laughed nervously, sliding his fingers through his hair. He would see Blake again, he was sure, and that made him far happier than he was willing to admit.
----
Closing his eyes was the best decision he could have made. Denying the visual stimuli, he was able to focus on the experience, and able in a way to experience the kiss through Newt’s reactions. He was aware of every subtle shift, every physical response and it was amazing and intoxicating.
Blake was going to ride the high from this for hours, even if he was terribly disappointed when the kiss ended. His eyelids felt heavy as he pulled back, his hand still on Newt’s shoulder even after their mouths parted ways. Blake licked his lips, held his bottom lip with his teeth for a long moment to savor the last remnants of the kiss.
Newt cleared his throat and shifted his feet. Blake got the message and let his hand fall away from the other boy’s shoulder. He stuffed it into the pocket of his jeans, his other hand reaching across his chest to grip his arm. He knew what was coming, and he wasn’t wrong.
It was hard to mask the disappointment, even though he knew Newt was going to take his leave. Of course he was. There was only one outcome if he stayed, and it wasn’t sitting on the sofa eating ice cream and drinking iced tea. Blake hadn’t sugar coated it, he was pretty sure he’d been clear about what he wanted. And while he really really wanted it, he was also not the kind of guy to push someone into something he wasn’t ready for. He’d respect Newt’s need to leave before they ended up in the bedroom, even though Blake really wanted to take him to bed.
He forced a smile and nodded. “I’m sure I can figure it out,”” he said. “The phone, the network, I mean.” He’d had his own cell since he was ten years old, and he wasn’t afraid to use it. He just hoped he could reach Stella once Newt was gone. He really really really needed to chat with his bestie.
And he still needed that cold shower…
“Thanks. For...everything,” he said with a sly sort of grin. He knew he’d affected Newt. he was fairly confident Newt would want to see him again. That someday, hopefully it wouldn’t take too long, he’d get Newt into the bedroom and into his bed. But for now, he’d let the younger man leave without showing his desperation to cling to something that made sense in this crazy wild day.
He stood at the door watching until Newt was in the elevator. He didn’t turn away until the doors closed and he was sure that Newt was gone. Sighing heavily, he shut the door to this flat that appeared to be his and his alone. There was no sign of Stella in the place, no sign of anyone ever living here before.
He would have to make it his own, even if the thought of living by himself without Stella was terrif ying. He needed to focus on one thing at a time, and first priority was to take a very long, very cold shower…