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It isn't fair. it isnt fucking fair.
Hermann is awake when he should be asleep, because his leg is acting up and his blasted insomnia will not allow him to fall asleep. No human being should be awake at 3:45 in the morning when all they ever wanted was a good nights sleep.
Not that it matters what time he goes to sleep now anyways, because he has nothing to wake up early for, nothing to look forward to, absolutely no one and nothing.
The winter semester is over at Cambridge university, and it is officially summer break for all of Dr. Gottlieb’s students. The first week of his summer break has gone in a similar fashion, a viciously monotonous, tedious, repetitive cycle that doesn't seem like it’s going to let up any time soon.
Wake up at an ungodly hour – because Hermann physically feels ill if he strays from his routine. Pour himself a cup of coffee from a machine that never seems to brew it properly. Drink his watery-piss coffee while sitting by the one window in his flat that actually receives any natural sunlight and do the daily crosswords.
Then he’ll turn the tv on, but never actually pay attention to whatever news story is playing. He doesn't understand why he has a tv, it isn't like he has any interest in watching movies or television, but the lack of background noise would make him lose his mind even quicker than he already seems to be losing it.
For the rest of the day, he’ll faff around, maybe read a book! Maybe go for a quiet walk, one where he doesn't run into any of his annoying and chatty neighbours. And then it’s bedtime.
Rinse, repeat. Every single day for the past week.
The very thought of enduring four more months of this is enough to make Hermann scream loud enough to concern said chatty neighbours.
Buzz. His eyes dart to his phone on the side table. He grabs the device with a groan and reads the alert.
10:30 AM
Therapy appointment
Dr. Lightcap
Well. There’s something to look forward to.
Time to force himself back to sleep.
______
“I don't know what to do. I'm just bored.” Hermann confesses. He’s sitting across from Dr. Lightcap, who he’s been seeing every two weeks for the past few months. Not long enough to get really into the nitty-gritty of his psyche, just enough to scratch the surface of his childhood and upbringing.
He twiddles his thumbs and looks down at his shoes, the top of his left shoe also seems to look scuffed no matter how much he brushes it with polish in the morning. It's due to the way his foot drags when he's using his cane but moving in a rush. He hates having to scurry between people, which mainly happens when he’s crossing the road or navigating hallways. The scuff mark is barely visible. He finds himself bothered with it all the same.
When Hermann was younger, he tried not to depend on his cane. He truly believed that he could train himself to walk without it one day. Of course, those days are long gone. His forties are approaching faster than he's ready to contend with, and pretty soon the greying bits of hair he’s begun to notice will be replacing the brown locks on his head. It’s been a long time since he looked down on himself for his disability, but the thought of his younger self - and all the turmoil he was working through - never fails to make his stomach sink.
“Have you thought about taking up a new hobby?” Dr. Lightcap suggests. She sits with her legs crossed and hands intertwined on her lap, she doesn't take notes like many other therapists Hermann has known in the past, and she always has her full attention on him.
Hermann sighs. “Nothing really interests me all that much.”
“I thought you’d say that.” Dr. Lightcap replied. “When was the last time you stepped outside of your comfort zone?”
Hermann thinks for a second. “Well, it was probably when I told my father I was leaving Germany and that I never wanted to see him again.”
Dr. Lightcap raises her eyebrows. “That’s quite a bombshell. I noticed you don’t talk about your family that much, might I ask why?”
“We don't really get along… Evidently.”
“Hermann,” Dr. Lightcap never usually uses his first name, but when she does, it has that tone. In his first session with her Hermann told her his preference for being called Dr. Gottlieb, but she protested, saying it would feel too professional and keep him from opening up. Treat me like your friend, not your colleague. Hermann recalls her saying.
Not that he has any friends to experience from.
“I never got along much with my siblings, my father was always strict on us and kept us in competition. My mother wasn't all so loving either, nor present. So after I finished my doctorate in London I went home to Bavaria. Before ultimately deciding I’d rather move to America.” Hermann says in a tone that feels like he’d rather stub his toe repeatedly than open up about his upbringing.
“Hmm…” Dr. Lightcap says. “Had you ever visited Boston before you moved here?”
“No.” He replied. It’s coming up on a year since he moved here, and he doesn't really have any friends or a social life outside of his colleagues at the school. Which were never the let’s meet up for lunch outside of work! type of relationships.
“I know you're not the most social, but I strongly suggest you take up a new hobby. Learn a new skill, keep yourself busy! These are all things that will only serve to help you mentally.”
“You know how I feel about meeting new people.” He mutters, causing Dr. Lightcap to let out a sigh.
Suddenly, her eyes widen and she scurries around her desk. “Wait! I have just the thing.” From out of her drawer, she retrieves a handful of brochures.
“I got these from the bus station,” she presents a few of them to Hermann. Some of them are for local museums, advertising tours and summer hours. Public parks, private gardens, and a few national parks and nature reserves. Hermann takes one of them, advertising a place called Rockport National Park. Upon closer inspection, he notices a picture of a man on the inside cover. He’s scruffy, and dressed in a park ranger uniform, donning binoculars that hang around his chest, and smiling widely with his eyes scrunched shut.
“There are lots of activities you can do, without making new friends.” She offers.
“Hmm…” Hermann starts. “Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to try something new.”
“Yes!” Dr. Lightcap says. “That place has tons of things that would interest you. Walking trails, birdwatching clubs, even a fishing area!”
Hermann seems skeptical about the latter two, but hiking can’t be all that awful. It’s just walking on dirt, even Hermann is capable of such exercise – after all, senior citizens do it all the time.
“Very well,” Hermann hums.
______
A day later, Hermann ventures to the shops. He should give this “walking a trail” idea a try, but he needs to be prepared. Sunglasses? Sunscreen? Shoes, for sure, he doesn’t have any footwear appropriate for navigating rough terrain. Rightly so, in the back of my mind he still thinks this whole idea is preposterous, but he truly has nothing else to do to fill his time. Oh well.
“Looking for something?” The overly cheerful shoe salesman says. He has coiffed black hair and a gaudy bowtie.
“Uhh.. Shoes?” Hermann responds.
“Well you’re in the right place!” The man sticks out a hand, Hermann shakes it. “I’m Tendo, let me know if you need anything.”
“Yes, well. I’m looking for shoes for hiking. Sneakers, perhaps?”
“My specialty! I’ll find the perfect ones for you, Mr…?”
“Dr. Gottleib” Hermann corrects. He always feared he sounded too stuck up when insisting people refer to him by his title, his cold demeanor certainly doesn't do him any favours in the making friends department. But he worked hard for his position, dammit.
Tendo just laughs heartily. “Of course Doctor! A fancy-pants guy like you can take his pick of our selection.”
Over the course of half an hour, Tendo brought Hermann a variety of shoes to try on. Some were specialized for different sports or activities, and some had truly atrocious price tags. Hermann looked quite funny and out of place trying them on, his everyday outdoor wear didn’t mesh well with the athletic shoes.
Eventually, he decided on a black pair that had a dark purple stripe going down the sides. A bit flashy for Hermann, but miles better than some of the other options.
“Let me know if you need anything else!” Tendo said, waving goodbye as Hermann made his exit.
The same night, Hermann found himself scrolling through shopping websites on his computer. Looking for birdwatching binoculars. He sighed, removing his glasses and rubbing his eyes. If he went on like this, he would never actually go hiking. Instead, he’d continue to make excuses on why he wasn’t prepared enough, and would continue to make unnecessary purchases until the time for hiking came to pass. No, he must go through with this.
As he climbed into bed, he was equal parts thrilled, and absolutely dreading the idea. On to see what tomorrow brings.
______
Pulling his car into the parking lot of the park, Hermann spares one last glance to all the brochures taking up space on his passenger seat. If this doesn’t work out, maybe he’ll go do a museum tour or something, but those brochures are definitely getting binned.
He didn’t bother to purchase any other athletic wear, so he was wearing old dress pants that fit tightly and hugged his calves, and a loose material dress shirt that he probably would've upcycled into pajamas. It’s not like he’s trying to impress anyone.
As he ventured into the park and began walking the trail. He observed there wasn’t too much public. After all, it was a bit early for the average picnicking families and afternoon bikers, but there were quite a few joggers. Hermann didn’t look into the visitors booth or sign up for birdwatching tours or anything, he didn’t feel like seeking out too much human interaction at the moment.
The first 10 minutes of walking were uneventful. Hermann saw a few birds and squirrels, and didn’t look too closely at any plants. He never ended up ordering any binoculars, so all he had was his cane and his mobile. After a quick break on a nearby bench, he continued his trek.
40 minutes in, and the sun was starting to shine brighter as the chill of the morning air dissipated. Hermann took a seat on a nearby bench. He rested his eyes for a moment, until a voice startled him.
“Hi!”
Hermann jolted to see a man standing on the path, wearing a khaki shirt with matching shorts and sporting a bright smile. He wore thick, black rimmed glasses and his short brown hair was styled messily.
Oh God. This is the man from the brochure.
“Hello.” Hermann offered, much less enthusiastically.
“How's the park treating you this morning? I haven't seen you around before, just thought I’d introduce myself. I'm ranger Newt – but you can just call me Newt, that’s like… totally cool with me.”
Goodness, the man was chatty like no other, Hermann thought. Though he was quite cute, Hermann seemed his attraction for the man was quashed once he noticed his sprawling, colourfully garish tattoos that seemed to adorn his arms. Hermann wondered where they ended, in a completely normal way, of course.
“Yes. I’m Dr. Gottlieb. It's my first time coming to this park.” Hermann responded hesitantly.
“Oh, well I’d be happy to show you around, Doctor.” Newt said with a cheery smile. His voice was shrill in a way that Hermann found slightly unpleasant.
“Yes.” Hermann said again. “I seem to have gotten turned around a bit.”
“I can walk you back to the visitors centre if you need. We’ve got refreshments there.” Newt steps closer to the bench and reaches his hand out for Hermann to grab, but Hermann opts to grab his cane instead and help himself up. It doesn't seem to wound Newt’s pride too much, as the wide smile that makes his eyes scrunch up doesn't leave his face.
As they walk through the trail path, Hermann looks up at the trees. The dense foliage allows for the sunlight to peek through and protects them from the heat. Newt has a pair of large binoculars hanging off his neck, and never missed an opportunity to point out a bird, bug, or a plant he finds interesting.
“-- These plants are actually invasive but I was told not to pull them because apparently that’s not my job? But I still really wanna pull them out everytime I see them–”
Newt chatters on endlessly, with only a slightly polite hum of acknowledgement from Hermann at every pause in the shorter man’s ramble. The lack of enthusiasm in Hermanns responses doesn't seem to discourage Newt.
“Look Doctor!” Newt yelled in a way that made Hermann wince. “A red-breasted nuthatch! It’s the first one I’ve seen today.” Newt brings his binoculars up to his eyes, and stares into a tree for a second. Then he hands the binoculars to Hermann. Awkwardly – considering the binoculars are still connected to the strap around Newt’s neck – Hermann brings it up to his eyes and watches a small bird in a tree, picking at the bark.
Hermann hands the binoculars back to Newt. “It's fascinating, thank you.”
Newt smiles with his eyes wide, making him look a bit goofy. “You know, we have bird watching groups that meet here, maybe you can join them.”
“Maybe.”
They continued walking, Hermann staying relatively silent and Newt talking about one thing or the other.
“Stop!” Newt shouted, startling Hermann.
“What is it?”
“Look!” Newt crouched down to the floor, and reached his hand down. In front of them was a small, fuzzy white caterpillar.
Newt let it crawl onto his finger and then stood up, bringing it close to his face in a way that made Hermann shudder.
“You nearly stepped on the little guy. It’s gonna turn into a moth for sure.” Newt looked to Hermann. “You wanna hold him, Doc?”
“I’m fine just looking at it.” Hermann said, trying not to show the disgust on his face.
“Not a bug guy, huh?” Newt could definitely still read Hermann’s face.
“Not particularly.”
“Well, what do you like then?” Newt inquires.
“Uhh… Math. I suppose.”
“Interesting.”
“Quite. I work in the Physics department at Cambridge. I’m off for the summer though.” Hermann doesn't ever open up about his life to complete strangers like this, but something about Newt is so… inviting. Besides, they’ll probably never see each other again.
Probably.
“Professor, huh? That's pretty awesome. I spend my summers doing park ranger duties. It's a great way to spend the time, and get my steps in!” Newt supplies his statement with a smile and a thumbs up.
They continue their trek, and come up on the main entrance. There’s a few small buildings around, with posters on the outside walls detailing all sorts of park features and activities.
“Well, here we are. There's the visitors lodge, gift shop, we’ve got a big building over there that’s kinda like a mess hall, multi purpose kinda thing.”
The two men sit down on a picnic table near the various structures. There’s a small group of kids entering the larger building, no adult in sight. Hermann raises his brow at them.
“There's a good amount of children here.”
Newt notices the unsupervised kids. “Yeah, they love it here. Don't worry about them, I know the parents, they like to come here with their older siblings and wreak havoc. More of them will start coming by noon so, almost that time.”
Hermann hums in acknowledgment, as he usually does in response to Newt.
This never seems to discourage Newt, though. “I’m actually gonna be in charge of a scouts thing in a few weeks. We don't really have a summer camp area here but there's still plenty of kids who want to learn about nature and whatever skills kids learn in boy scouts. It’ll be my first time doing it so, what do I know.” He chuckles.
“I imagine you’ll be quite busy with that, then.”
Newt turns to him. “Not too busy. I’m always game to give a newcomer a park wide tour.”
Hermann smiles a very small smile, and it seems to light up Newt’s face. “Yes, well, perhaps we can continue the tour another day. I’ve had my fill of nature for today.”
“Of course, Doctor.”
“Hermann.” He tells Newt.
“What?”
“My name, it's Hermann. You don't have to call me Doctor.”
Newt beams. “Okay, Hermann.”
“Newt!” A voice from outside the visitors lodge calls, both men turn their heads to it. A young woman with her hair tied in a ponytail is waving Newt over.
“Seems like I’m needed.” Newt begins to stand. “But I’ll see around?” Newt asks with a lilt in his voice.
“I hope so.” Hermann replies, and with another yell from the woman, Newt runs towards her.
______
On the drive home, Hermann does a bit of pondering. Newt was attractive, for sure, but also very… eccentric. Oh God, was Newt flirting with him? Goodness! Did Hermann flirt back? And telling Newt not to call him Doctor? He makes everyone call him Doctor!
Hermann replays their entire conversation in his head over and over. He scoffs at the idea, people weren't attracted to Hermann, there wasn't anything particularly attractive about him. Newt seemed like a flirty guy, he’s probably like that with everyone.
Still, Hermann said he’d go back, and he does want to. The park is very nice. But going again tomorrow might seem a bit desperate. Perhaps in a few days.
Or the day after tomorrow.
______
“Tendo, you will not believe what happened at work today.” Newt screeches into his phone as he pulls his car out of the parking lot.
Across the line, Tendo pulls his phone away from his ear, eyes scrunched from the sudden onslaught of noise. “Hey buddy, what’s up?”
Newt grips his steering wheel with a deadly force.
“The cutest, grumpiest, hottest man ever. That’s what happened.”
“Hell yeah brother!” Tendo jeers. “Didja get his number.”
Newt paused. “Did I… FUCK! I forgot to get his number!”
“Aww well that's too bad, maybe you’ll see him again?”
“Maybe. He didn't look like much of an outdoors guy but he did imply that he would come back. I just gotta make sure I’m also there too.”
Tendo hums in agreement. Newt continues his drive home, hoping not to get caught in the insane Boston traffic.
“Fuck, I’ve gotta pick up some more morning shifts.”
______
Hermann was delighted to learn that after a day of conversing with a stranger and hiking at the same time, he actually felt better about himself.
Maybe he’ll go back to the park tomorrow, but for now, he was having a cozy night in. With his wooly socks on, reclining on his sofa with a blanket and his favourite star trek episode, he was looking forward to relaxing, not answering the incessant buzz of his mobile.
Groaning, he moves from his comfortable position and picks up the phone from where it was discarded earlier onto the coffee table.
Gareth: 2 new messages
Fuck. A text from his ex was so not the night he had in mind.
Gareth was a nice man, an English professor at the same University as Hermann. He was tall, handsome, quite nerdy, and best of all: he approached Hermann first. It wasn't difficult to tumble into the expected relationship with a man like that.
Not that Hermann had much experience with things of that manner.
Ultimately, it ended the way many of Hermann's relationships do, a lot of how come you're so distant? sprinkled in with why do I always have to make the first move?
Apparently being unambituous and emotionally cold all the time doesn't make you a great boyfriend. Or something.
Gareth: Hello Hermann, I’m going to be in town this weekend. Thought it would be nice if we sat down to catch up for a bit
Gareth: Just wanted to know how you’re doing
As Hermann read the texts, another came through
Gareth: No pressure.
Hermann weighed the pros and cons here for a bit. Would it be nice to see his ex boyfriend right now? They weren't exactly friends at the end of it, they ended their relationship with an earth shattering argument in which a few weeks later, Gareth was packing up his things and moving to Chicago.
But it does seem like he still cares, at least enough to have a chat. It wouldn't be so bad to hear about the windy city. And maybe something good can come out of it. Good as in, in the physical sense. Hermann hasn’t slept with anyone since. Surely, plenty of people have a tumble in the hay with their exes.
Hermann replies promptly. They decide to meet for coffee.
______
The rest of the week passes in a haze.
Hermann supposes when you see your ex, you're supposed to gloat about your life and how happy you are without them. Unfortunately for himself, Hermann didn't really have much going on for him generally, and definitely didn't feel like lying and saying he was in a relationship.
Now, he was once again pulling into the parking lot of Rockport, the park where he met Newt.
Maybe Newt will be working again today.
Entering the park, Hermann walks along a trail at a slow pace, giving himself time to explore the surrounding fauna while keeping things easy on his leg. He tries not to think about Newt. After all, it's been a few days since they met, so Newt must have forgotten all about him. He’s a handsome, fun guy who probably has a number of people in his life who take up his attention. Hermann wouldn't expect someone like that to remember someone like him.
“Hermann!”
Speak of the devil, Hermann turns his head to follow the shout, but that voice. He’d know that voice anywhere. Newt is currently running to catch up with Hermann, wearing his ranger uniform along with a leather satchel that sits at his waist.
“Hello, Newt.”
Newt halts when he gets close to Hermann, but he’s clearly winded from the running and struggling to catch his breath. “Hi! Fancy seeing you here again! Mind if I join you on your walk?” Newt asks in that cheery tone of his.
“If you must.” Hermann replies with little enthusiasm.
“Oh, I do must.” Newt pats his satchel. “Got important work to do on this trail today.”
Hermann doesn't correct Newt’s poor grammar, but he does raise an eyebrow at Newt’s so called work. Newt, upon noticing, opens the bag for the Englishman to peek inside.
Inside are different coloured flags, the type that construction workers stick in the ground. “I gotta mark all the invasive plants with these flags. Cool, huh?” Newt smiles widely, his eyes crinkling shut behind his large glasses.
“Yes, quite.” Hermann begins walking, knowing that Newt will follow.
Their walk continues much like the first one did, Newt talking, Hermann being prickly, Newt stopping a multitude of times to plant flags in the ground while nattering on about the invasive species he’s just marked.
At one point, Newt is on his hands and knees digging through dirt trying to find a worm that, in his own words, eluded him.
“Get off the floor Newt that’s disgusting!” Hermann made a face while Newt grinned at his muddy hands.
“This worm is my enemy.”
Hermann scowled while pulling his flask of water out of his small hiking bag, forcing Newt to wash his hands under the light stream.
They continue until they're done walking the trail, and Hermann stops to sit at a bench, Newt following to sit beside him immediately.
It’s quite… nice. Hermann wouldn't mind if these walks of theirs became a reoccurring thing.
He tells Newt as much, who in turn lights up like a small child on Christmas morning.
“Yeah! Dude, of course! Do you want my number? I mean- we should totally coordinate!” Newt begins patting his various pockets on his cargo shorts, seemingly trying to locate his cell phone.
Hermann tries to fight a smile.
______
Later that evening, Tendo Choi was in his kitchen, watching his leftovers revolve in the microwave. His phone rang, and the photo of him and Newt that he had saved as Newt’s contact picture brightened his phone.
“Hey, Newt. What's up?”
“Dude dude dude dude. Remember the guy I was telling you about the other day? Cute grumpy British guy?”
“Yes.”
“WE EXCHANGED NUMBERS! Oh man, he’s so awesome. He lets me bother him like crazy. And he’s sooo irritable, like a young, sexy Uncle Scrooge.”
“Interesting comparison.”
“You don't get it man, you haven't seen this guy. Shit, should I text him? Is it too desperate to ask him to come back to the park tomorrow?”
“I have no idea, Newt.”
“We totally bonded today, and he only called me gross like, 2 times.”
“And that's… a good thing?”
“Yes! He’s totally throwing me a bone. We walked a whole trail and he was like ‘Oh Newt! We must do this again sometime! You are so dashing, I cannot bear it!’ Newt imitates Hermann with an over-the-top and also terrible British accent.
Tendo rolls his eyes. “Sure. Just ask him to hang out or something.”
“Psh. No way. This is a classy guy, okay? We need to take more walks together so I can get more info on him before pulling any Signature Newt Moves.
“Okay, then ask him to come back to the park when you're there.”
“Dude, you're the smartest guy ever.” Newt replies, and then promptly hangs up.
“I know.” Tendo says to the empty kitchen.
It’s a bright, unbearably warm morning in Boston, and Hermann tries not to scowl as he walks down the street.
See, he’s been thinking. He’s been thinking about how the routine of actually going outside and interacting with the world has actually been improving his body and mental state. He’s been thinking about maybe buying some clothes that are more suitable for hiking. And most importantly, he's been thinking about Newt.
Newt is everything that Hermann isn't. Loud, eccentric, over-enthusiastic, crass, bold, charming, lovely, handsome….
Shit. That is not where he wishes for his thoughts to go, but it seems to be the case recently. The man can no longer deny his attraction towards the public servant any longer. And it's making it impossible for Hermann to focus on anything else.
Such as the coffee shop that he’s currently standing in front of, where his ex-boyfriend is sitting inside, awaiting his arrival.
Oh well. Might as well get this over with.
“Hermann!” Gareth looks up from his book as Hermann walks towards the table.
“Come, have a seat. I hope you don't mind – I ordered for you.” Gareth looks good. He’s had a haircut since Hermann saw him last, and he’s neglected to dye the grey streaks in his hair. He was always ashamed of greying early, but Hermann always found it quite endearing. He’s also dressed down a bit, (compared to Hermann, everyone is) in a red polo shirt that looks quite flattering.
Hermann sits with a tight smile, cupping the warm cup of coffee in his hand. “You remembered how I like it.”
“Of course I did.” Gareth says in a tone that tells Hermann how could I forget? We only broke up 5 months ago after dating for a year.
Hermann doesn't know what to say to undercut the tension he’s currently feeling. Luckily, Gareth is used to speaking for the both of them.
“So how have you been?”
“I’ve been fine, I suppose.” Hermann replies, pointedly not meeting the eyes of the man sitting across from him.
“Hermann…” In a different tone, one that means don't lie to me.
“Seriously! In fact, I’ve been doing quite well!” Hermann bursts, which Gareth raises an eyebrow at.
“You're right in assuming the lack of work in the summer usually keeps me counting the days until I can go back, but not lately. I’ve taken up a few hobbies.” Hermann huffs.
“That's awesome Hermann, I’m happy for you!” Gareth smiles widely, and the way he says awesome like a teenager who thinks vandalism is totally rad bro reminds him of Newt.
A lot of things remind him of Newt.
His thoughts of the eccentric park ranger are interrupted by Gareth, who’s still smiling like a beam of light. Since when did he get so happy?
“What kind of hobbies have you gotten into?”
“Oh, you know. Hiking, watching birds and the like.” Hermann tries (and ultimately fails) to sound natural.
Gareth doesn’t seem to notice. “I’m glad, Hermann. I’ve… thought about you a lot since, you know.” He trails off.
Hermann looks down at the drink in his hands. “Yes, er-, as have I.”
Fuck it. Hermann thinks. I’m never gonna get a chance like this again.
“Gareth, I’m not sure how long you’re in town but, would you like to get dinner sometime?”
Gareth’s smile drops into a puzzled expression. Hermann desperately thinks he needs to salvage this.
“I just meant– to catch up more, it could be like old times!” He feels his eyes widen so large he must look raving mad.
Gareth avoids his eyes. “Hermann, I don’t want to get back together, you seem to be doing fine without me, and that’s a good thing! I have a whole life now… I can’t just, you know.” He says.
Hermann hums.
As they continue catching up, Hermann starts feeling more confident in himself. Gareth very graciously moves past their awkward moment, sparing Hermann the embarrassment.
When Hermann is walking home, he realizes something.
Why is he stuck in the past? Why doesn’t he move forward? He’s got a perfect man in front of him every week, and it feels like each of them are waiting for the other to make the first move. Well, no longer.
Hermann knows what he’s going to do tomorrow.
______
It’s dark out. And even though it isn’t super late, Newt is very tired from a day full of cleaning reptile terrariums and other household chores around his apartment. He flops onto the couch with a groan, face down so his glasses are squished upwards. His phone beeps
Hermann: 1 new message
Upon seeing Hermann’s name, Newt scrambles like a cat stuck in a bag. The message is simple enough.
H: Park tomorrow?
N: YES!!!!