Chapter 3

Tina woke with a start. Light barely shone through the window as dawn fought the darkness. Everything was quiet as she climbed out of the bed, slipped her blouse back on and switched on the light. She glanced at his desk, messy with papers detailing all sorts of strange creatures. A copy of his book sat off to the side, partially covered. It was nicer than the one she bought, with a blue leather cover and gold-embossed lettering. She flipped it open, and gasped. The inscription on the title page had been made out to her.

To My Dearest Porpentina,

Fondly, Newt

She wondered if this was the book he'd planned on delivering to her in person before his travel ban.

She tip-toed down stairs, finding Theseus dead to the world on the sofa. Jacob snored on the bed. She slipped through the door to the basement and froze in amazement at the wonderous sights surrounding her. It reminded her of Newt's case, but larger. She walked down to the first landing and spotted Newt sleeping on an old army cot below. His face looked so peaceful and child-like in sleep. Adorable.

Something rubbed against her leg and she stifled a scream. The Demiguise she'd helped recapture in New York looked up at her. She smiled down at the gray, ape-like creature. Dougal, right? He tugged at her pants, and she sat down on the step. He climbed into her lap, and she stroked his long fur. Knowing they had precognition, she wondered what he saw about her future that made him trust her enough to embrace her.

"He likes you." The soft voice from below startled her, but it was just Newt striding up the stairs.

"He probably just remembers me from our adventure in New York."

Newt smiled, his eyes shining as he looked at Dougal. "Nah, that was a bit of a traumatic meeting. He senses you are good and feels safe with you."

Tina smiled back at him. They sat in silence for a few minutes, listening to the stirring animals around him.

"I've got give everyone breakfast. Care to help me?"

Tina nodded. Getting to see Newt working in his natural environment with the beasts he loves made her heart beat faster. He showed her all the different enclosures with his wonderous creature, including the impressive kelpie. The giant, cat-like, Chinese Zouwu also seemed to like her, nudging her until she finally threw the feathery bell toy across the room for him to bound after.

Once they finished, they sat next to each other on the steps, watching all the animals enjoying their breakfast.

Newt looked down at the floor, frowning slightly. He seemed to struggle with the words for a minute, then softly said, "I'm sorry about Queenie. I know we'll find her."

Tina shut her eyes, the memories of watching her sister walk through those blue flames to Grindelwald assaulting her. She blinked. "Thank you, Newt. I'm sorry about Leta. She was such a strong woman. She saved us all." She touched his hand tentatively.

His eyes locked on her's, their chemistry and loss bonding them together.

Tina leaned forward and touched her lips to his. A spark flashed through her body, but then he jerked away. His hand gripped her arm though, not letting her move away. "Sorry," she blurted out.

"No, I just get nervous. Kiss me again."

She complied, and this time he leaned back into her. Their mouths moved against each other, sending more sparks coursing through her. Surprisingly, he deepened the kiss. He opened his mouth, drawing her lower lip in and running his tongue along it.

She moaned. Her hand rose, caressing his cheek. The faintest amount of stubble brushed her fingertips.

A scream echoed from above. They broke apart, eyes wide. Then they grabbed their wands and charged upstairs.