Chapter Text
Tina, like many others, thinks her best friend is an adorable shy oblivious wizard with so many freckles. Well, he's most of those things for sure, but he's far from oblivious.
Newt's work has made him a very observant man, in order to survive, he needs to interpret every growl and movement a creature does so he doesn't get hurt. And, like some of his creatures, he has learned to use all his abilities not only when he's working but in the social environment. Because he might be shy and sometimes awkward, but Newt definitely knows how to read people and he uses to his advantage.
Tina realises it when he returns New York for the third time, after Madam Picquery sends him a letter offering him to work for MACUSA as a consultant.
Newt accepts and arrives after a few days. Tina and Queenie welcome him in their own home, although Newt promises to move out as soon as he finds another place to live. But of course that's not a problem, to be honest, both sisters love to have him with them.
Then Newt meets her boss, Director Percival Graves, and it's clear to Tina when she sees the auror freeze staring at Newt like he has never seen something so beautiful that they're all in trouble.
Newt clears his throat, because her boss is still standing in front of her friend, just looking at him. He's so lost he doesn't hear when Newt introduces himself.
Director Graves blushes and she can't believe it, he actually blushes and blinks when he notices Newt's hand. He shakes it and, like he has no idea what personal space is, he closes the distance between them.
"Mr Graves?" Newt's eyebrows quirk up and he suddenly has this adorable, confused expression on his face.
"Yes, that's my name," the wizard blurts out and blushes even more, Tina has the feeling her boss wants to facepalm himself but he doesn't. "I mean... It's a pleasure, Mr Scamander."
There's a spark in Newt's eyes that Tina doesn't know what means. She hears him giggle, Graves hears it too and he looks almost fascinated by the sound.
This is bad.
"Please, call me Newt," he says. "Everybody does."
She knows her boss, or at least she thinks she does and by the years she has worked with him, she's sure Graves is going to refuse, because that man loves to be professional and formal during work hours. There are no exceptions in his world.
Oh she has never been so wrong.
"Then is only fair you call me Percival," Graves grins from ear to ear.
"Alright Percival."
No, it has to be a delusion, because she didn't just not hear Newt Scamander purring Mr Graves given name. But by the way Graves shivers it's probably that Newt did it.
Oh no, this is not bad, this is worse.
***
It's a week after that she confirms her theory and she honestly doesn't know if it's a good or bad sign.
Probably the later.
Newt has been given an office, but he doesn't use it, he prefers to spend his time in her office and visiting Queenie every now and then. She has told him he should stay in his office, but Newt doesn't seem to like the idea so she stops pressing.
She is not surprised when one morning her boss storms in the room. He doesn't look pleased.
"Newt, I believe you have your own office," Graves comments, but his glare is directed to her.
To her surprise, Newt doesn't seem intimidated by Graves' frown, he just looks up at him with his big hazel eyes.
"I'm sorry, Percival. I know I shouldn't be here, but it's difficult for me to adapt to new places and people, so I try to spend time with someone I'm familiar with. I was planning on visiting Queenie next and then you. But if you think it's better for me to stay in my office I understand," Newt bites his lip. Graves eyes follow the movement and Tina holds back a squeak because his boss has a predatory look on his face. She feels... No, she knows they both forgot she's still right there.
"So... You were going to... spend time with me?"
Newt nods and offers her boss a bright, so very sweet smile.
"Yes, of course! We're friends, right?" The wizard with red curls says.
"Yes," Her boss agrees, almost mesmerized.
"But if you think I should go back to my-"
"No, it's perfectly fine, Newt. It's only your first week and after all."
"Thank you, Percival."
Oh no, it cannot be. Newt is definitely not batting his eyelashes at the Director of Magical Security, he is not. Except that he is and Tina just witnessed it all.
There are two red dots on Graves' cheeks as he mumbles an excuse and turns around just to walk into the door.
The most powerful and skilled auror alive bumped into a fucking door just because Newt Scamander made eyes at him.
And the worst thing is Newt knows.
Tina prays to Mercy Lewis because she knows this is going to give her headaches.
She's too busy and tired for this.