Chapter Text
"I haven't been on a date since high school," Newt admits.
"I don't know why you're worrying so much," Hermann sighs. "We work together daily and we share a room. It's not a big deal."
"Yeah, but I mean... it's different now. There's the romantic element involved."
Hermann blushes. The setting is rather romantic, with the mood lighting and candlelit tables. "Yes, well. It is not a conventional first date."
"I suppose not," Newt agrees. He looks over the menu once more and sighs. "I have no idea what I want."
"Allow me to order for you, perhaps?" Hermann offers.
Newt contemplates, then nods. "Not too spicy." But Hermann already knows that.
---
Once they finish their meal, Newt having had some impossible-to-pronounce chicken dish and Hermann with his pad Thai, both make a move for their wallets.
"Tch," Hermann hisses, smacking away Newt's hand. "Please. Allow me."
Newt knows better than to argue, so he acquiesces. "Thank you," he grins. "Who knew you were such a gentleman?"
---
"Dessert's my treat, and I know just the place," Newt says as he helps Hermann onto the motorcycle. He climbs on as well and starts it up. He smiles to himself when Hermann's arms wrap tightly around his middle.
He takes them to a place high up on a hill with aview. Reconstruction projects, all halted for the night, lay sprawled all over the shoreline of Hong Kong. The two of them eat their ice cream in silence before Hermann's hand finds Newt's.
---
They stay until the restaurant closes for the evening. When they arrive back at the Shatterdome, everyone is asleep. Newt assists Hermann up the stairs to the catwalk overlooking the now-empty Jaeger hangar.
"So, um," Newt begins, rubbing the back of his neck. Hermann can tell he's trying to gather the courage, so he takes the initiative instead. He lins in and kisses him gently on the lips, deepening it slowly.
"Not at all bad for a first date," Newt gasps when they finally break apart.
Hermann smiles. "It was perfect," he says. And it was.