[ The biology wing had to close suddenly that morning. For once. For once!! It had nothing to do with Newt or his team. Which, y'know, it's kinda funny since they do a lot of research with kaiju. Something about smoke and waste hazards? He's not exactly sure what's up. He doesn't really care. Free day off of work, baby. Now that he thinks about it, Newt doesn't think he's ever spent a whole day alone with only him and their son Lukas. They have to have a babysitter (caregiver little internal Hermann voice corrects) by day. Any day the babysitter (caregiver!) isn't around, they're both home. They work for the same university.
Sucks for Hermann that only biology and a few physics classes have been cancelled.
No, seriously, it does suck. They have had a blast all day. Newt even got to take a nap. A fucking nap! And no one yelled at him for it!
Out of habit (thanks, better half), Newt's kept every room clean except the living room. Toys are scattered all of the place. That's because currently Newt is rolling away with the rest of the "citizens of Tokyo" from the scary Lukaszilla. ]
Oh god why! The humanity!
[ Lukas stops his roaring to whisper, ]
Dad, you have to scream louder than that.
[ Of course, Newt laughs. ]
You have to be scarier than that if that's what you want. What kind of a monster are you, huh?
[ Both roars and screams get louder, but Newt manages to save Tokyo by tickling the monster. Somehow, yeah Newt doesn't know how either, the giggling is louder than the monster yelling. ]
[ Hermann had hardly been able to believe it: Newt and his team not responsible for this sudden shut down of the biology department? He had scoffed before finally getting confirmation (which led to him telling Newt to shut up before he even got a word out). He had warned his husband to behave himself and not destroy the house--before charging Lukas with the task of keeping his father in line
His day of classes had gone much the same as they always had. With only a few more people missing; no doubt thinking they could get away with skipping his class because they didn't have any of their sciences today. No worry, Hermann had a surprise for them tomorrow.
When he finally returned home, he was able to momentarily ignore the bite of the cold wind as he heard his husband and son all the way in the driveway. He mumbled 'good lord' to himself as he made his way to the door, shaking his head but still smiling.
The burst of warmth that greeted him as soon as he got the door open was heaven. Even the sight of toys strung in the hallway wasn't enough to ruin it. ]
[ Newt is starting to think their son has some kind of super hearing. He didn't hear the door, but Lukas definitely did. He managed to wiggle and squirm his way out of Newt's grasp to run away from him calling out for his papa. ]
Hey! Hey! No tackling!
[ He is convinced one day an accident is going to happen. He already felt like the worst parent ever the first time they fought in front of Lukas. Lukas didn't need to feel worse than that if he accidentally hurt Hermann. Maybe he was getting paranoid! Maybe he was actually getting used to this whole dad thing. Only took him four years.
Lukas does his best not to hug Hermann's legs too hard. It's difficult. He's wound up from the tickle fights. ]
Papa, papa! We drew frogs and made shapes with the carrots and Dad showed me about my insides-- [ Newt finally gets up from the floor and to the hallway with Lukas continuing his report. ] --and we made sock puppets and napped--
[ Lukas is refusing to let go. He's talking a mile a minute. Sometimes Newt doubts whose DNA was really used, here. Newt's all smiles. He might be a little bit thankful to see Hermann home.
Maybe. If anyone asks, the smile is for the kid. ]
[ Hermann has taken rougher hugs from their son during times Newt wasn't there to witness, so he has no qualms with the one he receives tonight. Even as it makes it a little difficult to remove his jacket after hanging up his bag.
He listens, nodding and making responses where he can get them in. After knowing Newt for so long, dealing with the same behavior from their son comes easily. Although it helps he has more patience for children than he does for adults.
With his free hand, coat and boots still on, he reaches down to affectionately ruffle his son's hair, ]
[ Newt never thought he'd get married. He definitely never thought he'd get married to Dr. Hermann Gottlieb. There were some rough patches in their relationship he thought they might not make it through.
But then, there are moments like this. He can watch Hermann with their kid and know that this is how everything was supposed to be. He's actually pretty lucky. Not that he's gonna tell Hermann that.
Hermann already knows anyway.
Finally, Newt approaches them. ]
Lukas, [ the little one turns, still clinging to his papa. Newt bends down to talk more on his level. ] Go get papa what you wrote for him.
[ And just like that Lukas is bright and alive and dashing away from his papa to get the very thing in question. It's clearly going to be a special something and not your average drawing of the family.
God, he's so tempted to lean in and give him a welcome home kiss. But, he doesn't think he suddenly turned into Mrs. Cleaver over night. ]
Dude, I don't know how the babysitter does it everyday. Kids are exhausting.
[ There was a time Hermann had thought he would never be with anyone. Least of all with someone like Newton. He was a... difficult man to be around, he knew that. He didn't like most people and his attitude demonstrated that frequently. But somehow Newt had worked his way past all of his defenses and here they were, years after the Breach had been closed.
As he takes his coat off, relieved Lukas was able to be distracted, he hands Newt his cane for the moment. ]
That's because the babysitter doesn't do it. The caregiver does.
[ Newt takes the cane on reflex, keeping it held out for him when he's ready for it. Of course, the comment prompts a roll of his eyes. ]
Same thing, Hermann.
[ They don't have long alone before Lukas returns holding up a piece of paper full of crudely written numbers. ]
We did math today like Papa does! [ Lukas might not be ready for really complex things, but ] Daddy helped. [ He says finally lowering the paper to speak over it. ]
Tried to get him to dissect a frog. Wouldn't do it. [ Newt waves his hands, whether he has the cane or not. ] Had to do math.
"Caregiver" is a title that gleans more respect than something like "babysitter", Newton. A job that you just admitted was more draining than you realized.
[ But after he takes his cane back, Lukas is there and presenting him with the paper and Hermann smiles down at him, soft, warm. He ruffles his hair again before taking the paper to look at more closely. He doesn't even look at Newt as he speaks. ]
That's because math is far more interesting, and cleaner, than extracting the entrails of an amphibian.
[ He then presses his forehead to his son's and the child presses back, their version of a nuzzle before Hermann is straightening himself back up and moving past to get to the kitchen. ]
[ Newt is more than happy to watch that with an "aaw" for good measure. It's hilarious and awesome, still to this day, to watch Hermann get all mushy. He had been a little worried about that. Hermann? Not exactly the most affectionate man. Lukas, however, is a very loved child. By both of his dads.
Lukas is thrown over Newt's shoulder like a sack of flour. Doesn't seem to bother him one bit. Newt pats his back (or butt, whatever was easiest at that angle) and asks him to be super awesome and clean up the toys while the dads finish dinner.
The little one wiggles down and narrates each toy being put away as if it were a story. That leaves Newt free to go to the kitchen. ]
We worked on that for forever?
[ Newt's smile couldn't be wider or prouder. He approaches Hermann, determined to get a kiss after spending all day with a kid reminding him of how much they both miss Papa. Newt leans against the counter close to the kettle. ]
[ After realizing he wanted a child, Hermann had also worried if he would be affectionate in the way that was needed for one so young and dependent. But it turns out, it wasn't that hard. Lukas had been a beautiful baby, tiny and quiet for the first several weeks of his life. The rest simply followed.
He merely smirks at Newt, waiting for the kettle to boil. ]
[ Hermann leans in closer, as well, knowing what Newt is after. ]
Don't be a sore loser, Newton.
[ And then he beats him to the kiss by connecting their lips first. It's a small, simple kiss. The longer ones can wait until later.
After they part, he says, just as calmly, ]
And stop our son from eating pasta out of the Tupperware, please.
[ Because Lukas had indeed inherited silent feet and utilized them when he wanted to. Such as sneaking into the kitchen when his parents were distracted. ]
[ He doesn't mind losing this battle. Math over biology? That is one he is going to win.
Newt kisses back as best as he can with the soft peck. ]
Hey. [ Eyebrows raised. ] I don't think a combination lock could keep him out.
[ Newt finally turns away to start getting dinner ready. They eat mostly well. Gotta make sure Lukas learns good habits, but man. Sometimes bad food is great too.
Speaking of, Lukas comes and wants a cup of "tea" with his papa. He tugs at Hermann's pant leg. Of course, the tea that they usually fix is plain water in a mug like the tea. ]
[ Hermann smiles down at Lukas before speaking to him in German about sitting at the table while he prepares the "tea" for their son.
He brings it over to the child and then goes back for his own as Newt is in the process of cooking (one of those talents Hermann had never been aware of until they drifted). ]
[ Newt likes keeping Lukas fluent in German. Definitely makes visiting the grandparents a whole lot easier. Especially Grandpa Geiszler. Poor dad never could get the hang of English. For dinner they'll have something he's cooked a thousand times. He doesn't want to hear from Hermann about ~~his precious kitchen~~. Really, the dude acts like it can never be clean. ]
How was it without all the real scientists running around?
[ Lukas does as he's told. He's surprisingly a good listener. Definitely one of those moments where you know Hermann's DNA was involved. ]
[ Lukas is such a well behaved kid. He sits at the table, drinking at his tea very carefully like both dads had taught him. He's so focused, he manages to be quiet for a few seconds. Plus, Hermann's been getting better about slowly teaching him the importance of manners. Hey, he's a kid. It'll take time.
Newt, on the other hand, is rolling his eyes and continuing to talk. ]
Handle something a little more dangerous than chalk and you might understand, dude. [ And with a spatula flailing around in the process, ] WHY am I the one cooking if you think I'm going to spontaneously combust???
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COLORING • geiszler-gottlieb family
Sucks for Hermann that only biology and a few physics classes have been cancelled.
No, seriously, it does suck. They have had a blast all day. Newt even got to take a nap. A fucking nap! And no one yelled at him for it!
Out of habit (thanks, better half), Newt's kept every room clean except the living room. Toys are scattered all of the place. That's because currently Newt is rolling away with the rest of the "citizens of Tokyo" from the scary Lukaszilla. ]
Oh god why! The humanity!
[ Lukas stops his roaring to whisper, ]
Dad, you have to scream louder than that.
[ Of course, Newt laughs. ]
You have to be scarier than that if that's what you want. What kind of a monster are you, huh?
[ Both roars and screams get louder, but Newt manages to save Tokyo by tickling the monster. Somehow, yeah Newt doesn't know how either, the giggling is louder than the monster yelling. ]
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His day of classes had gone much the same as they always had. With only a few more people missing; no doubt thinking they could get away with skipping his class because they didn't have any of their sciences today. No worry, Hermann had a surprise for them tomorrow.
When he finally returned home, he was able to momentarily ignore the bite of the cold wind as he heard his husband and son all the way in the driveway. He mumbled 'good lord' to himself as he made his way to the door, shaking his head but still smiling.
The burst of warmth that greeted him as soon as he got the door open was heaven. Even the sight of toys strung in the hallway wasn't enough to ruin it. ]
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Hey! Hey! No tackling!
[ He is convinced one day an accident is going to happen. He already felt like the worst parent ever the first time they fought in front of Lukas. Lukas didn't need to feel worse than that if he accidentally hurt Hermann. Maybe he was getting paranoid! Maybe he was actually getting used to this whole dad thing. Only took him four years.
Lukas does his best not to hug Hermann's legs too hard. It's difficult. He's wound up from the tickle fights. ]
Papa, papa! We drew frogs and made shapes with the carrots and Dad showed me about my insides-- [ Newt finally gets up from the floor and to the hallway with Lukas continuing his report. ] --and we made sock puppets and napped--
[ Lukas is refusing to let go. He's talking a mile a minute. Sometimes Newt doubts whose DNA was really used, here. Newt's all smiles. He might be a little bit thankful to see Hermann home.
Maybe. If anyone asks, the smile is for the kid. ]
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He listens, nodding and making responses where he can get them in. After knowing Newt for so long, dealing with the same behavior from their son comes easily. Although it helps he has more patience for children than he does for adults.
With his free hand, coat and boots still on, he reaches down to affectionately ruffle his son's hair, ]
So, I take it you had a good day?
[ To which the child gave a giggled 'yes!' ]
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But then, there are moments like this. He can watch Hermann with their kid and know that this is how everything was supposed to be. He's actually pretty lucky. Not that he's gonna tell Hermann that.
Hermann already knows anyway.
Finally, Newt approaches them. ]
Lukas, [ the little one turns, still clinging to his papa. Newt bends down to talk more on his level. ] Go get papa what you wrote for him.
[ And just like that Lukas is bright and alive and dashing away from his papa to get the very thing in question. It's clearly going to be a special something and not your average drawing of the family.
God, he's so tempted to lean in and give him a welcome home kiss. But, he doesn't think he suddenly turned into Mrs. Cleaver over night. ]
Dude, I don't know how the babysitter does it everyday. Kids are exhausting.
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As he takes his coat off, relieved Lukas was able to be distracted, he hands Newt his cane for the moment. ]
That's because the babysitter doesn't do it. The caregiver does.
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Same thing, Hermann.
[ They don't have long alone before Lukas returns holding up a piece of paper full of crudely written numbers. ]
We did math today like Papa does! [ Lukas might not be ready for really complex things, but ] Daddy helped. [ He says finally lowering the paper to speak over it. ]
Tried to get him to dissect a frog. Wouldn't do it. [ Newt waves his hands, whether he has the cane or not. ] Had to do math.
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[ But after he takes his cane back, Lukas is there and presenting him with the paper and Hermann smiles down at him, soft, warm. He ruffles his hair again before taking the paper to look at more closely. He doesn't even look at Newt as he speaks. ]
That's because math is far more interesting, and cleaner, than extracting the entrails of an amphibian.
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Oh yeah? You're gonna take his side? [ Newt dives down to pick Lukas up again and "bite" at his stomach, resulting in a fit of giggles.
And Lukas looking at Hermann upside down when the giggles calm. ]
Did I do good, Papa?
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You did very good.
[ He then presses his forehead to his son's and the child presses back, their version of a nuzzle before Hermann is straightening himself back up and moving past to get to the kitchen. ]
Now, Papa is in desperate need of some tea.
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Lukas is thrown over Newt's shoulder like a sack of flour. Doesn't seem to bother him one bit. Newt pats his back (or butt, whatever was easiest at that angle) and asks him to be super awesome and clean up the toys while the dads finish dinner.
The little one wiggles down and narrates each toy being put away as if it were a story. That leaves Newt free to go to the kitchen. ]
We worked on that for forever?
[ Newt's smile couldn't be wider or prouder. He approaches Hermann, determined to get a kiss after spending all day with a kid reminding him of how much they both miss Papa. Newt leans against the counter close to the kettle. ]
I think you've turned him to the Dark Side.
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He merely smirks at Newt, waiting for the kettle to boil. ]
I believe you mean I have "shown him the Light".
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Pft. [ Newt leans in a little closer, ] More like corrupted him, Vader.
[ Haha, get it? German? Well, Newt's smiling anyway. ]
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Don't be a sore loser, Newton.
[ And then he beats him to the kiss by connecting their lips first. It's a small, simple kiss. The longer ones can wait until later.
After they part, he says, just as calmly, ]
And stop our son from eating pasta out of the Tupperware, please.
[ Because Lukas had indeed inherited silent feet and utilized them when he wanted to. Such as sneaking into the kitchen when his parents were distracted. ]
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Newt kisses back as best as he can with the soft peck. ]
Hey. [ Eyebrows raised. ] I don't think a combination lock could keep him out.
[ Newt finally turns away to start getting dinner ready. They eat mostly well. Gotta make sure Lukas learns good habits, but man. Sometimes bad food is great too.
Speaking of, Lukas comes and wants a cup of "tea" with his papa. He tugs at Hermann's pant leg. Of course, the tea that they usually fix is plain water in a mug like the tea. ]
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He brings it over to the child and then goes back for his own as Newt is in the process of cooking (one of those talents Hermann had never been aware of until they drifted). ]
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How was it without all the real scientists running around?
[ Lukas does as he's told. He's surprisingly a good listener. Definitely one of those moments where you know Hermann's DNA was involved. ]
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As he sits down at the table with Lukas, rubbing at his leg with one hand and picking up his tea with the other, ]
Blissfully quiet and lacking any threat of fire.
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Newt, on the other hand, is rolling his eyes and continuing to talk. ]
Handle something a little more dangerous than chalk and you might understand, dude. [ And with a spatula flailing around in the process, ] WHY am I the one cooking if you think I'm going to spontaneously combust???
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Because the spray isn't far away if you do.
[ He gives a wink to Lukas, who tries to smother his giggle with his hand. ]
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[ He keeps focused on the task while griping at his other half. It's a skill. Newt does however pull away to point a spatula at their son. ]
Quit taking his side.
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I didn't say you were. Just that I would hose you down if you catch fire.
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[ Yeah, Newt's actually multi-tasking. Talking, chatting, cooking, breathing. He's a man of many many talents. ]