[Open Log] Quaint Little Cottage

[findingbeasts]

Who: Newt Scamander, Credence Barebone, anyone wandering through!
Where: Newt's Cottage just outside Azalea near Ilex
When: Now into the first couple weeks of February
Summary: A catch-all for bonding and visitors!
Rating: PG, some subjects could get a little more PG-13 depending on what Newt and Credence discuss from home.


Just outside of Azalea town on the outskirts of Ilex Forest one may spot a small cottage. It sits right on the edge of the woods near a wide stream that curves and disappears around the back, lining the property and providing a wide area for water Pokemon to enjoy. The roof of the cottage is covered in perches for various Pokemon to make use of and you may see various flying types taking advantage of it--some that aren't even native to the area and are just passing through. In the stream running through the property a pair of Lapras and an Alomomola can be seen splashing about with the occasional Magikarp or Wishiwashi making an appearance. (The Wishwashi being a member of the household mind you.)

Don't be surprised if Pokemon are milling about the yard as if they own the place, either. A large, old Drampa is most likely wandering about with young Pokemon in tow. A small pack led by a Midday Lycanroc keeps watch over things, prowling about and making sure no one is trying to cause any of the Pokemon any harm. The door of the cottage, while usually wide open in warmer weather, is closed but Pokemon of all sorts can be seen going in and out of a pet door so someone's definitely home.

Congratulations! You've found the residence of Mr. Newt Scamander. Feel free to stop in for a visit or engage with the Pokemon wandering about. Everyone's friendly!

Comments

For Credence - January 25th

[findingbeasts]

"Easy now, easy!" Newt said gently, smiling at the young Pokemon darting about his feet as he moved about the cabin. Pamela the Oddish let out a high, sweet little giggle as she bound past with Uric rolling after her, Montague the Elekid following cautiously and giving Newt a wide berth as he went. The wizard just continued on into the kitchen area where Queenie, Jacob and their triplets were making cookies, Newt's smile warming at the sight of all of them. "Good morning, everyone."

As the family greeted him Newt busied himself with making tea, pulling two mugs out of the cupboard and glancing around towards the living room.

"Has Credence come down yet?"

The cottage was small and only had one proper bedroom but the attic area had been made into a cozy little room of it's own. Newt had given it to Credence since the young man was staying with him now and made sure it was properly furnished and that it was as welcoming as possible. (The last thing he wanted was to make Credence feel like he was being punished by sleeping up there.)

Queenie twilled and shook her head, giggling as Jacob bopped her nose gently with frosting. The Slurpuff beamed at her as she wiped it off and licked her paw, the pair clearly far too busy charming one another--again--to be absolutely sure.

Newt fought down a chuckle as he let the tea steep, stepping out of the kitchen to check the living room, scooping Quong Po off the back of the couch in the process to gently cuddle the little Salandit.

"Credence?"

Tis I, Credence!

[notclearwater]

Credence hadn't slept well. He spent much of the night staring up at the ceiling as some distant song was playing. He thought perhaps it was someone playing music before remembering that it was always there. Always. And he wasn't ... from a family that listened to music. At all. This was just adding to the culture shock.

Everyone had been so nice on their way here. Just.. smiles and happy creatures and comfortable people, despite the wintry cold of the air. It was like some odd paradise and Credence knew he wasn't meant to be here.

Someone like him wasn't allowed to have something like this.

At some point he must have fallen asleep because Tina was tugging at the blanket for him to get up. He still felt exhausted but he could hear bustling down the stairs. Mr. Scamander must be awake and he was laying around doing nothing.

He scrambles up to get his clothing on, feeling disheveled even as he puts himself together. He takes a moment to flatten his hair, not noticing the weird look Tina was giving him. It looked better all over the place to her. Less like an upside down fruit bowl.

Footsteps were near silent as he creeps down the stairs, leaning to peer around the corner. It sounded like a family, a normal family and--

And there was a bag of trash staring at him.

They held eye contact until Newt stepped into the living room. Credence hadn't even noticed Quong Po. He was just .. ... There was a bag of trash staring at him.

"...Mr. Scamander, does your trash normally stare at you...?"

[findingbeasts]

"Hm?" Newt murmured thoughtfully before letting out a quiet laugh. "When it's a Pokemon, yes it does." It was still a strange concept to him as well, Credence. It's alright.

From around the corner of what led to Newt's room came Gertie the Trubbish, toddling along with Gwenog the Archen in tow. She let out a cheery sound and waved at everyone--including the little Trubbish that was one of her children--heading for the kitchen to help dispose of whatever trash there was. Gwenog just chirped and hurried after her friend, as bashful as ever.

"They are a species called Trubbish," the wizard explained as he made his way over to the stairs, holding Quong with one arm while reaching out to gently pet the Trubbish standing in Credence's way. "Most people seem...they aren't a very popular Pokemon, unfortunately, but they are very sweet creatures."

[notclearwater]

Credence glances after the other Trubbish and.. oh another strange looking-- he looks back at the other Trubbish and he kneels down to offer his hand out.

"Why aren't they popular? Because of how they look?" The Trubbush was approaching curiously now. "Hello. My name is Cre--"

"Trubb."

"Cred--"

Trubb.

"...Cre."

"...bish."

"So your name is Cree?"

The Trubbish decides to hug Credence's leg now. Credence pats him gently, then looks up at Newt.

"You're kind, for taking them in. All of them. You don't ever send any away?"

[findingbeasts]

Newt can't help but smile as he watches the pair interact, gently stroking Quong's back and getting a content sound out of the Salandit.

"It seems as though you've made a friend, Crendence," he said thoughtfully, gesturing to the Trubbish as Credence looked up at him. Said Pokemon made a noise of agreement from it's place at the young man's leg and Newt couldn't help but chuckle then. "Perhaps you should take him on as your own?"

Just a thought.

"No, not unless they cause some sort of serious issue but that hasn't happened as of yet," Newt explained, motioning for Credence and Cree to follow him as he turned and started towards the kitchen, shifting Quong up onto his shoulders now. The Salandit practically melted onto them, tail flicking as he yawned widely before settling, happily dozing there now. "Most come and go as they please, stopping during their travels or just to visit. I honestly don't have that many that I call my own."

But there were plenty that called Newt theirs.

[notclearwater]

Credence brushes the little ears that the Trubbish hand gently. It smelled funny. Honestly, it smelled like New York. He didn't hate it. It was like a little piece of home floating in the air. He may hate the city but it was still home and home was something he was attached to despite himself.

He stood, dragging his leg a little because Cree wasn't letting go. This was fine, he had some of the younger children back home do this. If it made the Trubbish happy he would let it continue for the time being.

"I thought everyone only ever wanted to catch all of them and put them in those little balls.."

This was a nice change. It was strange to Credence, to want to keep such interesting creatures locked away. The cottage was a nice change.

He extends his hand cautiously towards Quong but hesitates when he realizes that would put his hand awfully close to Newt's head.

"They all seem so happy here.. "

[findingbeasts]

Quong blinks sleepily and his tongue flicks out before he's squirming out of Newt's arms and over his shoulder. Hope you're ready Credence because now you've got an armful of Salandit coming your way!

"Many do and honestly it seems to be something some Pokemon actually want. It's simply the nature of Pokemon," Newt said thoughtfully as went to the sink to fill the tea kettle, since his hands were free now, and get it started on the stove, stepping around Gertie as she ate some banana peels. "But there are many that prefer to come and go as they please and honestly I don't mind in the least. I have no interest in gyms or anything like that so haven't a consistent team isn't something I'm necessarily worried about."

Once the kettle is on the stove Newt goes to one of the cupboards and retrieves two baskets: one filled with pastries suitable for humans and another with treats for Pokemon. Both are set on the counter and he nudges the human-safe ones towards Credence.

"I do what I can to make them as content as I can. Their happiness makes me happy in much the same way as I tried my best to make the creatures I cared for back home safe and content."

For Newt and Ivy - January 26th? 27th? - Time to sully these innocent eyes.

[schachmeister]

[Honestly speaking, this trip is unnecessary.

It had been unnecessary to get on the last ferry to Kanto last night just so he could pick up his new egg from Mr Pines in person this morning (though it had been nice to see him again, even if it was just for a quick breakfast and coffee). It had been doubly unnecessary to board the train to Johto after. And it had been triple amounts of unnecessary to then make his way to Azalea to visit pay a visit to Newt.

Oh, Armin can try and justify it to himself by saying he'd like Newt to see his new egg. Or that he wants to check up and see if Grover is doing all right in his new environment. Or even show off Nemesis now that she has evolved. But he also knows, very deep down inside, that none of those reasons is really where he is here.

O-oh well. Doing unnecessary things once in a while is fine too, right? He doesn't have to work so it is not like him taking a little day trip gets in the way of anything.

When he slides off Amadeus' back, Armin is nearly immediately set upon by several of Newt's horde who remember him from his last visit. Duchess, Duke and Baron especially seem happy to see him again, crowding around his legs and chirping and thrilling their greetings, scuffling a bit in a good-natured way for the privilege of escorting him to the quaint little cabin. Armin is more than happy to let the three Audinos bustle him through the door, though he has the good grace to at least call out while they do so.]

Mr Newt? I'm sorry for just dropping by on you--

[toxicodendron_isley]

[Armin may have been alerted to the presence of another guest by the number of unknown Pokemon wandering around and mingling with Newt's but actually that was harder to decipher then it would first seem. Mostly for the fact Newt always had extra Pokemon on his property, a fact Armin would be well acquainted with.

Stood in the cabin, Ivy's arms are wrapped lazily around Newt's neck as she holds herself to him, lips sliding over his softly, fingers teasing the curls at the nape of his neck.

At Armin's arrival she looks his way and ends the kiss, not abruptly but with a more natural slip away of her lips. She doesn't jerk back or pull away from Newt, instead nonchalantly slipping her arms from around him, no longer pressed to him but still close, casually stroking her hand down his arm to rest on his wrist.

She gives the newcomer a small smile and certainly doesn't appear bashful at the scene Armin just walked into. There's telltale lipstick left on Newt's cheeks and lips. And one spot on his neck.]

Well, hello there.

[findingbeasts]

[It happened often enough now, Newt spending time with Ivy that is, that he had slowly but surely started to get use to her being close like this. Being affectionate just because she could. Because they..well there was definitely mutual attraction there Newt was just floundering still on how to show it properly.

His arms were wrapped loosely around Ivy's waist, head ducked just the slightest bit as he returns the light brush of lips. A blush stained his cheeks as usual but he seemed at ease nonetheless if the faint smile on his lips was any indication.

At least, he was at ease.

Armin's voice startled him and he stepped back just a bit from Ivy, looking sheepish as his gaze fell on the young man standing in the doorway.]

Armin!

[schachmeister]

[Things Armin had been expecting: Not that.

Just.

Not that.

For a moment, Armin does a spectacular impression of a fish on land, just gaping, before he seems to turn red all at once, for one resembling a strawberry more than a coconut. And he's tripping, over his words, his feet, his feelings as he takes an awkward step back. He feels embarrassed, that's certain; cheeks burning hot and his stomach squirming but there is a short here and then gone again flash of something sharper and more sour that he can't quite define.]

S-sorry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-- I didn't mean to intrude. Duchess, Duke and Baron let me in and-- I mean, I'm not blaming them. It's my fault, and--

[Please someone just stop him before he warbles himself to death.]

[toxicodendron_isley]

[Ivy's eyes flash with amusement as her lips curls wider. Her hand slides from Newt's wrist and across his lower back affectionately as she watches Armin.

She doesn't answer on the subject of intruding, since it wasn't her home nor was she particularly perturbed by it. She would leave that to Newt, though she didn't doubt the look on his face was less about Armin letting himself in and more about being caught.]

Oh, this is infamous Armin.

[findingbeasts]

Armin it--please it's alright.

[Oh well this was a delightful mess, wasn't it? This poor young man.

The Audino triplets let out joint twills, both apologetic and amused because they loved seeing their trainer all red faced like that. It was so entertaining!

Newt sighed, letting one of his arms fall away from Pamela so he could lift a hand to rub his forehead.]

My apologies, Armin. Had I known you were coming I would have made sure to be prepared.

[And not in an embarrassing position.]

Pamela, this is Armin. Armin, this is Pamela.

[His hand drops from his forehead, a fond smile on his lips despite how flustered he is as he gazes at said woman.

Yep. He's smitten.]

For Newt - I am excited for this actual meeting!

[logical_lioness]

Hermione was enjoying being outside, walking along the forest trails surrounded by all her pokemon. She'd been holed up in Violet City library for a good couple weeks (in between working part time) reading, taking notes, making copies, and downloading as many useful ebooks to her pokegear as she could. She'd only stayed a couple days in Azalea before moving on - Hermione was keen to get to Goldenrod City, which she heard had the best library in the region.

Furin, her Chingling, was wrapped around her left wrist (Furin's favourite way to travel) while Cyto, her Solosis, and Umbra, her most recent pokemon Misdreavus floated along nearby. Umbra was the mischievous one of the two, and had fun disappearing into the forest randomly and scaring the wild pokemon there. Hermione had tried multiple times to stop her, but Umbra just laughed and pulled Hermione's hair when she wasn't looking.

Abies (Snover) and Ampere (Mareep) trotted along beside Hermione, while Cherise (Bounsweet) rode atop Ampere.

Rounding a corner, Hermione espied a cute cottage tucked away in the forest, surrounded by pokemon playing happily. She smiled wistfully. It seemed peaceful - a taunt to all the things that had happened to her, Harry and Ron at Hogwarts this year. She felt a pang of homesickness and worry, and had a sudden urge for some human company.

"Hello?" she called out. "Is there anyone home?"

YESS

[findingbeasts]

When Hermione called out several of the Pokemon stopped what they were doing to look over and see who had come to visit them this time. Perpetua the Elgyem, who was closest to the group hovering just above the snow, drifted just a few feet closer to them only to pause since, well, she didn't know these Pokemon or this human.

"Hello." Her eyes glowed softly as the voice entered Hermione's head, the Elgyem waving slightly.

It was at that moment that a Midday Lycanroc trotted out of the woods nearest the newcomers with an Absol in tow, the pair pausing in between Perpetua and Hermione. The Lycanroc flicked her eyes and tilted her head, watching them for a moment before she looked towards the cabin and let out a loud bark. It took a moment but the door to the cabin opened up and out stepped Newt, Niffler the Sableye on his shoulder eating a hunk of charcoal and making a mess of her trainer in the process.

"Roxy, what--oh! Hello there."

[logical_lioness]

Hermione would never get used to pokemon talking to her telepathically. It always made her jump, followed by an intense feeling of self-consciousness. This time was no different.

"Oh uh, hello," she stammered as she noticed other pokemon turning towards her before the door opened.

Her eyes widened as she recognised the owner. "Oh this is your place? I'm not sure if you remember me but we spoke a few weeks ago over video. I'm not stalking you or anything, it's just we were passing by and I wanted to know who lived here..."

She realised she was rambling. "I apologise, I didn't introduce myself properly then either. I'm Hermione Granger."

Meanwhile Hermione's herd of pokemon had taken off to meet the resident pokemon, except Furin and Cherise, who opted to stay wrapped around her wrist and by her ankle respectively.

[findingbeasts]

Recognition set in as Hermione started to speak and Newt smiled, relaxing as he stepped down off the porch.

"Yes of course I do. It's quite alright, I hardly mind visitors. We do tend to stick out a bit here given, well--" He gestures to all the Pokemon milling about with a sheepish chuckle as Roxy let's out a satisfied huff and trots over towards Newt with the Absol in tow.

Her rambling doesn't seem to bother him in the least, reminding him a bit of Armin honestly and he simple smiles a bit wider, giving a slight bow in greeting.

"A pleasure to meet you Hermione. Newt Scamander," he replied, reaching out now to pet both Roxy and Mopsus. "Could I interest you in some tea perhaps?"

Hoo boy someone is going to start fangirling soon, sorry!

[logical_lioness]

He seemed genuinely pleasant and welcoming, which put Hermione at ease. After all she didn't want to intrude. And her pokemon seemed to be enjoying themselves as they romped around the cottage.

"Oh tea would be lov...wait, Newt Scamander???

Hermione's eyes widen and she studies Newt intently, noting every detail about his appearance.

"You're the Newt Scamander?"

NEVER APOLOGIZE BD

[findingbeasts]

Newt startles and he stares at Hermione in confusion for a moment, taking a slight step back as if he's worried she's about to jump him or something of that nature.

"I--y-yes?" The way she said that was a bit odd. Had someone on the network said something about him? Well, that wouldn't really justify a reaction like that. "Ah, my apologies but is everything alright?"

Roxy and Mopsus, who are seated on either side of their trainer now, share a glance then look at Hermione, the Lycanroc tilting her head in confusion. What in the world..?

For Credence - set after seeing Ivy and Newt.

[schachmeister]

That had been... quite the meeting.

To be quite honest, Armin's cheeks still feel like they are on fire and it has nothing to do with the brisk, January wind. He... he hadn't expected to walk in on that. Not at all. Of course, so he reasoned, it was to be expected, right? Newt was an adult, and adults did get involved in those sort of things. Though, to be honest, Armin had never quite seen Newt as the person to end up dating someone. He always seemed too preoccupied with his Pokemon and a fair bit too awkward with people.

Still, it is clearly happening, so he best just accept it.

Though maybe it'd be easier to accept if he didn't keep thinking about it. No matter how much he tries, the mental image of Ivy and Newt kissing keeps coming back to him, his stomach twisting in response. He can't even tell why he keeps thinking about it. It makes him feel almost creepy, like some sort of mental voyeur.

With a huff, he puffs his bangs out of his face, trying to concentrate on a familiar Sawsbuck. The last time Armin had seen him, Xander had still been in his autumn colouration, but now he's splendid in his winter white. Peeling off his gloves, Armin stuffs them in the pockets of his winter coat, reaching up to stroke the Sawsbuck's soft snout. "Hello, Xander. Have you been doing well?"

Yep. Just going to talk to his old Sawsbuck and pretend he saw nothing at all. It is for the best.

[notclearwater]

Dr. Isely was.. something. Credence had mentally noted how bright her hair was and that he liked the color before almost getting an eyeful far more of female skin he'd ever see.

He excused himself rather quickly to do his chores. He had the grasp that people from different worlds came here and that every world had different social expectations. So that knee jerk desire to say something was crushed down.

Credence felt relieved to be outside despite the chill. He knew it may come off rude but.. he didn't knoe what else to do.

His dog Pokemon were frolicing wildly around the yard, Tina attempting to corral them so the little flock of Pidoves would settle down for the feed Credence was spreading.

"Come on, Jack, Rocky.. leave them alone." He calls, the two barking and turning to dart off to play.

Jack, the Furfrou ended up almost crashing into Xander and Credence sighs before making his way over.

"I-I'm sorry, he..he's a little wild.. Jack, please.."

The Furfrou chooses to roll about on the ground instead of really listening.

[schachmeister]

Xander lowers his great, antlered head to sniff at the Furfrou. Buddy, what are you doing?

"Ah, it's okay," Armin is quite to reassure. Honestly, the Furfrou hadn't actually crashed into him and even if he had... well, if you share a house with three huge Incineroars, more Spheals than you can shake a stick at, Jean's army of balls, and whatever he himself ends up fishing up from the oceany depths, you learn to handle a bit of rough-housing. "He didn't hit me."

[notclearwater]

Jack reaches his nose up to boop against the Sawsbuck then he is tossing his head and taking off. And yes, he bowled the Rockruff over in the process. The puppy took a moment to regain his bearings then off he went after the bigger dog.

"I'm..I'm sorry he almost did." Credence's head was down, wishing his hat would absorb him into nothingness.

"Um.. are you... Mr. Arlert? Mr. Scamander said you were a friend.. I'm Credence. I just.. help here and there..."

Lulu the Poochyena yelps loudly, having been dragged into the play. The poor Pidoves...

[schachmeister]

Mr. Arlert?

Well, apparently there really is a first time for anything because nobody has ever called Armin that.

"That's right. Though, uhm, you can just call me Armin." Armin can't tell exactly how old Credence is, but he has a feeling he is a bit older than him. It's strange to be called mister by someone older than him.

"It's nice to meet you, Credence. Are you new here?" At least, Armin cannot recall ever really seeing him around. He certainly hadn't been here the last time he had visited Newt's little home and that hadn't been so long ago.

[notclearwater]

To be honest, Credence couldn't even tell you what color Armin's eyes were. The only reason he knew the boy's hair color was because it was longer than what Credence was used to. He hadn't lifted his eyes above Armin's chin this entire time, whenever his head actually lifted high enough to seem to be making the attempt.

"Yes, I just arrived, Mr. Arl-Arm.. Mr. Armin."

He was fumbling over words and he tries not to get overwhelmed as he takes a deep breath. The cooing behind him was a fine enough distraction at least. He turns to look at the Pidoves that had gathered expectantly now that the dogs had raced elsewhere.

"Oh, I'm sorry. You're hungry, let me.. Come here now, makes sure the little one doesn't miss out."

He remembers how Newt would talk to them. Would treat them like children and it reminded him of the Second Salem orphans. The Pidoves were cooing excitedly as Credence showers dried seeds down onto them, feathers fluffing as they playfully groomed the seeds out of one another's feathers.

"I just.. I help out, around the cottage.. He lets me stay, at least for now.."