A/N: Lemon warning for this chapter as well as a bit of blood and blood drinking, but what do you expect when there's a vampire in your story? R and R! 3


Credence had taken to occupying an armchair that no doubt was older than he was. His fingers were gripping at the squashy arm rests, digging into the worn fabric with obvious nerves and anxiety. Despite this, he was trying his best to look calm. They shouldn't make him nervous or fearful, yet he couldn't help his body's reaction. Newt and Tina symbolized a change; a change he had no desire for when he was just now settling in with Frankie. When things between them were falling into a more natural order and he no longer felt so choked and smothered.

Yet the pair were only regarding Credence with concern and Newt did nothing to hide his fascination with Frankie. Tina looked a bit wary, recalling how the woman had acting the other night. How her eyes had shone like golden venom as she snarled out her warnings to back away. On some level she realized the vampire had only been protecting Credence, but the thought still managed to leave goosebumps along her flesh. Perhaps this is why Frankie's gaze had spent more time locked on Tina than anyone else. Once Tina and Newt had taken a seat, she'd offered them refreshments, but both had declined. Credence wasn't the only one unsure and full of anxiety after all.

Frankie for the most part had taken to standing slightly to the side of Credence's arm chair. She didn't feel like sitting, as new aromas mixed in the air. It reminded her that her stomach was empty, but that was hardly the focus right now. Perhaps her stare was unnerving, because soon enough Tina was looking away from Frankie, centering on Credence instead. Funny how even Frankie's nerves had her coming off more menacing instead of just apprehensive and anxious. Then again, everyone didn't think vampires were capable of fear or weakness. Well maybe not everyone. Newt was looking at Frankie now with pity, as if he read her thoughts like an open book. This man was surprisingly perceptive when he wanted to be, and Frankie had a sudden urge to just hide. She always wanted to hide... But what good would that do? So instead, she pouted and tilted her head, realizing someone needed to break this ice.

"So... How did you find where I lived?" That seemed like a good place to start considering all her years of living here, this was the first uninvited guests she'd every entertained. Something in Tina steeled at this question; her fear was shoved back and replaced with determination and poise.

"We went to your work and he just asked your name," she inclined her head at Newt, who gave a short nod in confirmation. Frankie just blinked at them, before her nose scrunched and her lips turned into a frown.

"Well... That was too easy," she responded lamely, almost finding the urge to laugh. They simple asked; why hadn't she thought of that one? Probably because she didn't figure anyone would want to know. Blowing out a breath, she shook her head and leaned against Credence's chair. Something about the simplicity of it all actually calmed her. Maybe it was the fact that it had been straight forward and there wasn't the bitter stench of a lie surrounding them. "Just ask. Why hadn't I thought of that?" Now she snorted before looking down and finding Credence was looking at her with the mildest form of amusement on his formerly strained face. "I suppose we aren't that good at hiding?" He offered in jest. His delivery was dry, but there was no mistaking his humor, and the comment had Tina raising her brows and Newt chuckling briefly. Whatever tension was left finally broke, and Newt scooted forward on the couch. His rested his chin on his hand, elbows set on his long legs. The suitcase sat between said legs and the couch.

"What happened to you, Credence?" Newt asked flat out, his voice still gentle and kind. He knew it wasn't a pretty subject, remembering how aurors had blasted the young man with vicious spells that literally tore him apart. Yet Credence didn't looked upset or even surprised by the question. He had to have seen it coming really and he let out a long sigh before falling back into the chair. While he tried to remain calm, his fingers tightened on the armrest again. "I... I don't remember a lot after that moment in the subway. I remember all the flashing lights. Your voices... Mr. Graves' voice..." At this, his lip almost curled in anger. That liar had tried to use him even though he told Credence he had meant nothing. That he was nothing! He felt fingers brush the top of his dark head, nails scraping lightly on his skin. Frankie. She didn't have to say it for him to hear her 'you with me?' drift through his mind and tether him. Getting lost in his head is what brought the obscurus to the forefront. He needed to remember this; he needed to hold on to his control. Newt noticed the exchanged, but didn't ask. Not when there were bigger things to understand. "And," he finally went on, realizing the lull was becoming tense once more, "I remember wanting to hide and the snow, but things are still very fuzzy from that night. Frankie found me behind the trash bins."

"Yea about frozen stiff and so I brought him here to heal and that's really been it?" Frankie finished with a slight shrug of her shoulders.

"I should have known that they couldn't destroy you. MACUSA hardly understands what an obscurus really is... You can't kill magic and considering you're the oldest obscurial I've come across, I bet you've beyond bonded with this dark sort of magic. It doesn't seem to be exactly parasitic with you. Almost symbiotic actually." Newton Scamander always had an amazing amount of theories buzzing around his head, and this one had been one he'd puzzled every since his return to London. It had been a miracle Credence had made it to adulthood with an obscurus growing in him and it had been divine intervention that he'd lived passed a group of aurors shooting him down. Tina looked relieved, her eyes watering as she smiled. But there was also a guilty hang to her head, for even though she had not shot Credence, it had been her people. Her society who had written Credence off so quickly as a dangerous thing instead of a frightened and very hurt man. "I'm so sorry," she said to him, "For everything. For leaving you with her and not protecting you." Newt looked at his companion, realizing this was a lot more emotional for her than just relief that Credence was well. Awkwardly, as if meeting a hippogriff for the first time, he slowly patted her leg. He often forgot that Tina had seen a lot more of what had happened before Newt was even in town and that on some level it ate at her. Tina shot him a look, a little surprised at his touch, but nonetheless comforted by it.

"No, no... I know you never meant me any harm. I realize that laws are very strict with witches and wizards. There wasn't anything you could do without setting off mom and others, exposing yourself. I'm grateful you came at least that day." Credence was slowly accepting some facts about how twisted and cruel his mother was. It wasn't his fault, he started to tell himself. Wasn't anyone's fault but his mother's, and she was gone. Blissfully gone.

"You know, I was wondering that too. I read that obscurials were children and never reached puberty usually, but his obscurus never does anything to him. I think it even healed him. When I found him, he was in bad shape and I only could do so much to help him that night, but the next day he was already healing up faster than anything I know. Fast like me almost. I don't think his obscurus wants him to die at all," Frankie finally chimed in, falling into Newt's curiosities with musings of her own. What he said made sense even if they didn't know a how or why. Credence couldn't help a frown, annoyed that they spoke about him as if he wasn't there, though he knew they meant no harm. Tina caught this looking, her eyes meeting his even as he looked down out of old habits.

"Credence, you're safe now, so what do you intend to do? What do you want?" Tina asked, bringing everyone's attention to the man and not the obscurus rustling in his bones. Credence went a bit pink at the question, finding it personal while surprising someone wanted his input. About himself of all things. "Well," he started, swallowing as he picked at his words. Between him and Frankie, it wasn't always about talking, yet they got along and communicated well in their own way. But this wasn't between just to the two of them now; Newt and Tina looked more than eager to hear him out. That alone was unnerving. Not when he was use to being told to stay quiet or seeing a belt being pulled out for his brazen tongue. But no, no... No one here was like that. No one here would do such things. Everyone cared, he had to remind himself. Everyone wanted this to run smoothly... "I want to stay here." He finally admitted, and he felt Frankie shift a little to his left. At some point she came to sit on his armrest, her bare toes skimming at the worn Oriental rug that lay beneath them. Sparing her a glance, she wasn't looking at him, but her lips were curled in a subtle smile. His words had pleased her, and in turn pleased him as he found he liked trying to pull smiles out of her. "Frankie is going to help me with my magic and I like being here."

Newt gave a lopsided grin as he looked up through the fringes of his thick, messy hair. "Really? Are you prepared for that, Miss Watson?" At first Frankie thought he was mocking at her, but his words had open and once again more curious. Admittedly, Frankie had no idea and probably no business being a teacher, but it had to happen somewhere right? Credence couldn't go unchecked, even if he did learn to reign in his emotions. It wouldn't help with his actual magic and gaining true control of the obscurus and what he could do. "Just Frankie... I'm going to try. I'll admit I had no other plan besides having him study my own textbooks and maybe get him a wand, though I've seen the possibility of him being great with wandless." All the while, Newt nodded with her words, taking them in as his mind started fitting pieces together. The room went silent as if everyone could tell the wizard was thinking. Even Tina had turned to him expectantly, her dark brows raised, wondering where he was going with all this. That answer came soon enough.

"If both of you would like, mainly you Credence, I wouldn't mind helping you with that. Learning magic that is. Learning about the wizarding world. Not that, Mi- Frankie wouldn't be a wonderful teacher, but I think you need something a little more traditional before tackling more...Unconventional ways." It was clear Newt was picking his words carefully as to not offend the vampire. The gesture she appreciated, but it didn't stop the small sting. He was right, she knew, but she didn't like to think she was totally incompetent. Yet she held still and quiet, knowing that this was Credence's choice. Credence's thick brows had shot up to his hair line and those ridiculously straight bangs that were finally getting some decent length to them. He looked at Frankie, who wasn't smiling, but staring back with imploring hazel eyes.

"What do you think?" He asked quietly, even though the pair across the rug could hear just fine. Frankie shook her head, "This is up to you. He could probably teach you a lot more than I can and you need it, plus he looks like fun, don't you think?" Frankie kept her voice light, fighting back her own pettiness over the situation. It wasn't too hard as long as she focused on Credence's face. The long line of his nose, the few moles that dotted his skin, the sharp angle of his cheekbones... Yea, this had to be about him. Her words didn't convince him though, for he was still looking at her like a pup needing approval. Again she shook her head, "It's really whatever would make you happy, Credence. Don't let me make that choice for you. It's not like you have to move out or anything, and you wanted to train with a real wizard, right? I'm sure he much better than that Graves fellow."

He felt almost silly once he realized he'd been mostly concerned with Frankie's reaction more than Newt's offer. His mind supplied a screaming yes the moment the man had asked, but he found himself turning to his housemate first. All for nothing since she was urging him to do as he pleased and he realized he'd still have a home here... "I'd really like that. I won't let you down!" He finally said to Newt, he was smiling wider now, his full mouth stretched taunt. Tina clapped her hands together once in excitement.

"Brilliant!" Newt, who was now the one who looked like a pup, started to reach for his suitcase to drag it forward. "I can introduce you to everyone! I'm sure they'll be more than excited to meet you, won't they Tina? He'll fit in well with them and there's so much I'd love to show you! We can even start with some basic watering charms and-"

Tina's gasp effectively cut off anything else Newt was trying to say. Which possibly was a good thing since Credence was eyeing the man's bag with utter confusion, wondering who 'they' were and why he was going to fit well with them. All eyes went to Tina, who had clutched at her chest. Well not exactly her chest, but a pin that had been looped through the lapel of her coat. The eagle was flapping it's wings furiously, and Tina brushed her thumb over the round pin several times before it settled down.

"What on earth?" Newt asked, but Tina wasn't paying attention to him; instead her eyes were on Frankie.

"Do you happen to have a fireplace and floo I could use?" Tina asked, her voice urgent even if she was a bit sheepish from the interruption. "It's work."

Frankie hesitated, instantly remembering the other woman was MACUSA. She had half a mind to tell the other woman definitely not in her home!

"I'm promise it's only worked related things. They won't know where I'm calling from, and I'm not mentioning any of this," her chocolate brown eyes were pleading with Frankie and the vampire was quick to relent. "Alright, yea. You can use this fireplace actually." Frankie hopped off her perch and went to the old fireplace that looked like it hadn't been touched in decades. "Sorry it's a bit messy, but it'll get the job done and it's the only one I have connected to the network." Frankie pulled down a vase from the mantle that was practically brimming with floo powder. Clearly she never used the stuff. No calls, no guests. Tina wanted to ask about that, but found more pressing matters to attend to when the bird started to flap over her heart again.

"Thank you. Pardon me," Tina took the vase and bent down, tossing the powder before speaking her destination and dipping her head in. The group watched her; Credence with endless fascination and perhaps horror, while Frankie and Newt looked indifferent. Everyone was silent as they listened, only catching half sentences as Tina spoke quickly. What was being said at the other end was unclear, but the call wrapped itself up in less than two minutes. By the time she pulled back, she was strained and a bit pale.

"There's another body. I have to go," she spoke to mostly Newt, who nodded gravely and stood. The fun would have to wait.

"Tomorrow," he looked at Credence, "Can I come by tomorrow? We can start then." He looked saddened that today wouldn't be the day, but this magical drug was no joke either and it piqued his morbid thirst for knowledge. Not to mention, now that he was here, he did not want Tina alone for this.

"I'm very sorry to cut this short, you two, but this has been a rough case. I'll come back soon. Thank you for opening the door to us, Frankie," Tina was already headed to the door of the parlor. Newt grabbed his case to follow.

"Thank you for coming to help Credence and you are welcome back any time, the both of you. I'll have better refreshments next time and I hope you don't think me rude for not seeing you out," she called, catching Newt's hand as he waved and disappeared around the corner. Credence had gotten up to see them out, locking the door as the pair left in a sudden hurry. He too was disappointed there wasn't time for more, but the promise of tomorrow still warmed him.

And once again, the girl and boy were left in their magical house.


"What do you think he had down in that case?" Credence asked once they returned to Frankie's bedroom. He'd taken up the chair at the desk like before, his head filled with a lot more to think about from the events of this day.

"I'm not sure. I thought I caught the scent of something wild and musky... I get the impression it's something like the moon room. Not what it seems and much larger inside. Why else would he be toting that ratty thing around New York." The meeting left Frankie with more questions than answers, but at least the angst of having strangers around dissipated. Something told her she could trust Newt, and even Tina. The headstrong woman would be annoying if it wasn't for the fact that she cared for Credence so much. For that Frankie couldn't fault her, and she even admired how the witch knew how to get things done and had just as much beauty as brains. With a sigh, she went over to her bed and sat down heavily. Days like this had her tired both mentally and physically, and she was happy they'd have their peace for the rest of the day.

"You're really not bothered with him teaching me?" The obscurial was tilting his head back, looking at Frankie with his solemn dark eyes, his lips in a slight frown as he noted that for once Frankie looked tired. He then remembered what they had been talking about before, and what Frankie needed today. "You really mean I can stay?"

"I'll admit I was unsure for a moment. I just thought it meant... Maybe you would leave. And of course I don't want you to leave! You can stay, but I wouldn't have stopped you if you left with them. It's about what you need, Credence and only you can really tell us that much. It'll probably do us both good to have things change up a little anyways. You can't sit in the dark here forever."

While she spoke, Credence had abandoned the chair and moved over to the bed. He hesitated, looking down at Frankie, a plea in his expression. It wouldn't be proper to sit with her on the bed, but he wanted it, only holding back from ingrained habits about moral society. The vampire saw this, and patted the spot next to her, having no interest for rules and what people expected. He sat down, facing Frankie. "I wouldn't mind the dark. Not when it's with you. It's a lot less frightening than it use to be; I don't feel lost and I can always see your face." His voice had gone soft, a slight grin curving his pink lips. His fingers sought hers on the thick comforter and he realized she was a lot cooler than he was use to. Frankie chuckled at him all the while her eyes were falling against his neck and her ears were picking up the thudding of his heart. It was becoming hard to ignore these things; her body told her to lean into him. Pull in his warmth, his life, his blood. He was a sharp young man; has hand left hers in favor of gentle caressing the side of her neck and eventually her cheek. It occurred to her that he hadn't broken eye contact with her, something he did quite often on the regular. His look was intense, dark and knowing. Frankie felt raw, but she loved it and her head tilted against his palm, which felt hot on her cooled flesh.

Frankie kissed him them. She shut down the space between them and kissed his beautifully full lips. It wasn't like last night, wild and desperate, but instead it was languid. It still carried an undercurrent of passionate need; her tongue had been quick to dart against Credence's teeth. He yielded, parting his lips as his eyes slipped closed. His tongue was a little more unsure as he tested against her, brushed against her teeth. He explored a little slower, careful as his tongue swiped over impossible sharp fangs. The hand he'd placed on her cheek, had slipped back behind her neck. His finger tips teased in the short hair at her nape, and Frankie didn't suppress a shiver as he absently toyed with the sensitive spot. For all his care and ease, it didn't prevent his tongue from eventually catching the razor of her teeth. It sliced his tongue, splashing their kiss with red and causing him to gasp. Credence pulled back, the move spilling bright blood down his chin. He drew in a deep breath, the pain already nothing even as blood pooled into his mouth. Frankie had stopped breath, her hazel eyes going golden and animalistic. The taste of his blood, however small, sang down her throat. It was a tease, stoking a fire in her that not only squeezed her belly, but between her thighs as well.

It was already numb, his tongue. The initial shock of pain is what had him pulling away, catching his breath only to realize the pain had been more than welcomed. His body had grown warmer and his skin flushed. Even he could hear his heart thundering away in his chest, while his head spun from more than just a lack of oxygen. Frankie looked wild as she sat before him, the smallest look of worry in her glowing gaze. "You OK?" She asked, her voice hoarse as if she'd just been shouting. He knew in his gut that there would be no coming back from this if he kept on. Every fiber in him told him to keep going; there was an itch right under the surface. It was pushing out and for once, Credence wasn't wholly fearful of it. In fact, he wanted to drag it out. Could feel it being dragged out. Oh, he definitely didn't want to deny this one bit.

He slipped his other arm around Frankie's waist, pulling her closer, his hand splayed against her lower back. Then of all things, he nuzzled her. His forehead brushed against hers before bumping his chin against her, smearing his drying blood on her skin. The crimson left on his lips ended up on her cheek, leaving a lewd impression of admiration in its wake. That was answer enough. That's all Frankie needed to know.

After that time both stopped and sped up. The pair were caught in the headlights of each other, while their hands did as they pleased. The desperate urge from last night hit them anew as she gently pushed, falling on top of Credence and scrambling up his lean form. Fingers flew through buttons, and dark material was none too gently being pushed aside. A all too familiar coolness slid up her back and over her shoulders. It brushed up her inner thighs before circling around to her bottom. Up her torso, under her breasts... Frankie didn't have to look down to know what was happening. Not when she could look at Credence as see the inky black tendrils lashing across her bed, destroying her sheets. Later she might have an earful for him on that one, but right now she couldn't care. His eyes had gone that swirling fog color and his plush lips were simply smirking. He no doubt was enjoying the view, especially once Frankie sat up and straddled his waist. Strips of fabric had fallen away, leaving her bare without even making an effort. "How unfair," she hissed, though it had no actual malice. His clothing remained just fine, still covering him despite all her work to undo the buttons.

The obscurial chuckled darkly and sat up, pushing at his shirt. The traces of his arousal now pushed up between her legs, hot and rough as it pushed against the fabric of his woolen pants. Frankie almost choked on whine then, an ache threatening to overwhelm her. "Better?" Credence offered, now topless with his chest pushing against the softness of her breasts.

"Could be better," she breathed as she slipped from his lap. A protest hung on the tip of Credence's lips, but Frankie was only getting up so she could crawl towards the middle of her large bed and in turn give the man a chance to ditch his pants. Credence too the hint and as he stood, slipped off his pants. A new wave of pinkness hit his cheeks, realizing she was seeing him fully now and she did nothing to hide the fact that she was watching him with not an ounce of modesty. There was no disgust or disappointment as she swept over him. From the top of his dark hair, to the flush of his blue veins as they traveled down his body, to the heavy sign of his lust that almost could brush his lower belly with it's rigidness. The tendrils had not gone as they wrapped around their owner or dance around, reaching out for the vampire that laid on the bed. It should have struck Frankie as odd, yet she couldn't be surprised by him at all any more. No, in fact she felt she wanted him more for it. She held out her hand to him, laying out her body in invitation. One that he gladly accepted as he crawled up between her, his arms around wanting to pull her close.

Things like this could always be a bit awkward the first time. He hadn't admitted it, but Frankie was fairly sure this was his first time. Something in her preened at that, pleased that he wanted this along with her fangs and wild eyes. Just as much as she began to love those sandy dark tendrils destroying her things as much as destroying her. Frankie scooted closer to him as Credence began caressing over her ribs. His nails scrapped along her earthy complexion; his palms flatten against her breasts before he plucked at the hard peaks of her nipples. It was all so curious to him. Lustful and curious as he studied her body with his touch. Air wasn't necessary, but she found herself sucking in several lungfuls with each gasp or moan. He mapped her, remembering spots Frankie was particularly responsive to. All the while her hips rolled over his thigh, greedy in taking a small bit of relief.

Sweat prickled Credence's skin and he once again found himself overheating even as the black mass that grew around them stayed cool. It licked at the sheets still, ruining them before twining its way up the bedpost. That too was scorched, but neither seemed to notice this happening. He felt her hand fall between his legs, cupping him before giving a firm squeeze. His eyes fell close, his lips parting in a silent cry of pleasure. Frankie only grinned as she pumped him a few times before nudging him back onto his back.

Now it was a lot more fun to climb up and straddle his thighs. It was even more fun to drag her wetness up and down Credence's manhood, not quite pushing onto him just yet. Instead she was looking into the haze of his eyes, gold locking with silver. The question was still there, even as his larger hands went to her hips and pushed down some. Even as the black wisps grabbed at her and engulfed the couple. "Like this?" She barely whispered, her lips mouthing the words more than saying them. And he nodded, not even wanting to try and form words.

It was then she slid right onto erection and it was then the darkness seemed to explode.

It felt like the wind was whipping around them as Credence let out a scream that was from pleasure as much as it was pained. His nails dug into Frankie's thighs sharply and the vampire bucked her hips, squeezing around him. The obscurus seemed... To burn almost like a fire. Surrounding them as Frankie let herself go and started to move at an almost jolting pace. Cool blackness bobbed and wove around the couple, emanating from every pore on Credence's body. He looked shocked for the barest of moments before his body decided what he should do. His hips thrust, trying to meet Frankie's though he was not doing well with matching her rhythm. Not that it seemed to matter, both wrapped up and overwhelmed. Both too pleased to be upset with the sloppiness. Both ignoring that fact that the obscurus was pulsing and ripping up anything close to them. Credence couldn't control it and perhaps didn't want to. Frankie was bent over him, a pert nipple to terrible close to his lips... He bit down on it, unthinking. And he bit hard. Frankie hissed, but didn't pull away beyond a startled jerk. Pain and pleasure, she realized, always went so well together. Hand in hand, really.

A single heartbeat was pounding in her head now, her fangs giving a throb as they sliced into her own lips. Oh it was so very close, she could feel it, smell it, practically taste it. Credence lapped gently now at the deep brown nipple he just abused, growling of all things as she shifted and pushed her face into his neck. It was hard to understand beyond feeling, and Credence didn't think twice as he held her head against him. He'd finally found the pace, and slammed into her, knowing he would not be able to last much longer. But once again that didn't matter. Not as Frankie licked at the hot flesh of his neck, and definitely not as she bit down into it and took her first deep draw of blood.

At that, he clawed at her back, falling over the edge with a euphoric cry. His vision blackened as he came, hugging the vampire close. Frankie groaned, feeling him lose what little control he might have had and pushing her right into her own release. Each mouthful she drew, she felt herself clench and spasm around him.

And all the while sand and smoke swirled, cocooning them in their chaos.