Notes: Hello everyone! New chapter, and just in time for Valentine's Day! This one's a little more fluffy and domestic than anything, but not to worry, the plot will kick in next chapter. Enjoy :)
Chapter Nine
Kai POV
The week leading up to our trip to Egypt is chaotic. Newt and I spend hours writing up a list of everything we might need, and Newt often leaves the suitcase to get all the necessary paperwork done. Apparently, he needs a wand permit in order to go to another country, but since his wand isn't technically legal in England he has to use more complex (and illegal) means. He's also not actually allowed to transport magical creatures across international borders, but that's clearly never stopped him before.
While Newt's away, I take care of the creatures and work on packing. It's strange, the way Newt and I care for the creatures it's as though we are their parents in a way. I blush furiously, and bury my face in one of Newt's books. How could think that!? Although, Newt calls himself Momma so does that make me Daddy Kai? I burst into giggles at that thought. I hear someone approaching from behind me and I turn see Newt standing there, watching me with a bemused look on his face.
"Are you having a break down?" He asks, bewildered and slightly concerned. I shake my head no, and laugh some more.
"I just had some strange thoughts that made me laugh." I tell him, and he seems to accept it, but he still looks at me warily.
"How did it go?" I ask him, to deflect any more questions. Newt sighs and rubs the back of his neck.
"Okay. They said the papers will be done by tomorrow, so we can leave any time after that. Did you get most of the packing done?"
"Yes, it's all done, and the creatures are all taken care of." I say. Newt stares at me blankly for a moment before beaming at me and wrapping me in a hug.
"You're fantastic! You didn't have to do all that! How did you do all of that?" He asks me, confused. I roll my eyes at him and peck him on the lips.
"You forget, I'm magical. I can do anything." I say, and he kisses my nose. I smile at him, and show him my checklist. "I double checked this, and everything is finished."
"Thank you! You are certainly a great help." He says, and holds me closer. This man is such a sweetie. He looks over the list and starts mumbling to himself. He's still a dork though. I let him go, and head to my pond. I feel something touching my cheek, and I look at my shoulder to see Pickett sitting on it.
"Pickett! Hello lovely!" I say, and gently pet his head. Hopefully, Newt doesn't freak out because Pickett isn't with him right now. "Are you ready to go on an adventure?" I ask the little creature, and he nods seriously. "Me too."
I slide into the water, carefully keeping my head above the surface so Pickett doesn't get wet. I float on my back, Pickett climbs onto my stomach, and the two of us swim peacefully around the pond for a little bit.
Egypt. I wonder what it's like there. I wonder what creatures we'll meet. Hmm. What kind of magical creatures live in Egypt? Sphinxes? Newt did mention poachers though, so there could be animals from all over the world! New creatures that I've never met, or even heard of before! A sudden thought enters my mind, and I sit up so fast that I accidentally knock Picket into the water.
"Oh, my goodness! I'm so sorry!" I dive to the bottom of the pond to rescue an extremely ticked off looking bowtruckle.
"I'm sorry, Pickett!" I say, pleading his forgiveness, but he blows a raspberry and turns his back on me. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I was just… what if there's another one? What if we find another siren?" I whisper, more to myself than to Pickett.
It's almost too ridiculous to consider, but it is possible. Sirens are often hunted for sport; their enchanting voices making them a lovely challenge for hunters. Not to mention our scales are a rare and powerful potion ingredient. What if we meet one and Newt likes her more? Or wants her to come live with us? I wouldn't mind meeting another siren, but what if we are just too different? I've been away from my kind for so long I don't even know how I would react to meeting one again.
I feel a tug on my hair, and I looks down at Pickett. He rubs my thumb, and smiles at me. I sadly smile back at him, and nuzzle his cheek against mine.
"Thank you for trying to cheer me up." I say then kiss his head. I hear a yell from behind me, and I quickly turn my head. Newt is running over to me panicked.
"I can't find Pickett!" he says through pants. Oops, looks like he did freak. I quickly show him Pickett.
"It's okay! He's with me. He wanted to be with me for a little while, I'm sorry we worried you," I say trying not to upset him. He sighs, and plops down next to the ponds edge.
"Thank Merlin. I nearly had a heart attack." He says, then holds his hand out for Pickett to climb on, which he does after kissing my cheek. Newt cuddles him close for a second and lets him crawl back to his usual place under the collar of Newt's coat.
"So, are you ready for our little adventure?" Newt asks me, brimming with excitement. I push away the doubts in my mind and offer him a small smile.
"Yes. I can't wait." I reply. Newt beams and wraps an arm around me.
"It's going to be amazing!"
"It already is." I say, and lean against my wizard.
Newt POV
Today is the day! Today, we go to Egypt! I woke up extra early this morning to make sure all of the creatures had everything they needed while we were gone, and I triple checked the supplies. I also went out and bought Kai some proper clothes that will actually fit her, so hopefully she'll like them.
I head over to the pond, carrying the bag full of clothes and practically vibrating with anticipation. It's been ages since I went on a real exploration! I haven't gone anywhere really since before I found Kai. I stop and watch her brush her fingers through her hair and softly hum to herself. Merlin, how did I end up with this beautiful woman?
I sneak up behind her then pull her into a hug. She lets out a small yelp, then laughs. I nuzzle her cheek.
"Good morning," I say, and she tilts her head to kiss me.
"Well good morning. I can see you're excited for today." She says, with a small smile.
"Oh, I am! I can't wait to show you around, and see all the new creatures with you! I also got you some new clothes." I ramble, then show her the clothes. She looks at them then motions for me to turn around, which I do, with a small blush. I stand with my back turned for a few minutes until she gives me permission to look again.
"Oh my." I murmur when I turn around to face Kai again. These clothes are certainly an improvement over the other ones. I got her a new pair of pants that actually fit her. They're much more practical than the skirt, or the oversized pants she has been wearing. I also bought a blue blouse and a black wool coat for her to wear. The overall effect is… startling. I've become so used to seeing Kai in her siren state, or in old had-me-down clothes, that seeing her dressed like a real human seems strange. Not bad. Just strange.
"You look lovely."
"Thank you. They will take some getting used to but I like them." She says, smiling and glancing at her reflection in the water. While adjusts to her new attire I take the time to study her, but she catches me looking in the water's reflection and I blush. Kai smirks and walks up to me placing her hands on my chest.
"See something you like?" She asks, and I nod nervously. Kai bites her lip and reaches up to tangle her fingers in my hair. "Like what?"
"You." I say, and lean down to capture her lips with mine. Kai hums and happily kisses me back. I wrap my arms around her waist and draw her closer until her body is flush with mine.
"Newt?" Kai murmurs, pulling away from me slightly and gazing at me with her serious stormy eyes.
"Yes?" I ask, resting my forehead against hers.
"I'm nervous." She admits.
"Don't worry. I'll be right there with you." I say, smiling reassuringly. Kai nods and takes a deep breath to collect herself.
"Okay." She says, and gives me a fleeting kiss before deftly twisting out of my grip. "Let's go!" She calls over her shoulder as she marches for the workshop.
I run a hand through my hair and sigh. That girl will be the death of me. I share a look with Pickett, and follow after my siren.
Kai has already gotten our check list out and is triple checking to make sure we have everything ready.
"Are we all set?" I ask her, and she gives me a wide grin.
"Yes, we have everything all set, and I've spoken to niffler about him trying to leave and how dangerous it is. He promised to stay put." She says, and I shake my head in amazement. I pull her close, and kiss her a couple times making her laugh.
"You, my love, are inspiring. I can never get him to listen to what I have to say." I tell her, and she shrugs.
"That's because you don't share the same bond as we do, and I let him get away with more than you do," She says with a laugh.
"You spoil him." I tell her, and nuzzle her neck. Kai rolls her eyes and pushes me away gently.
"Enough delaying, it's time to go!" She announces, leaving no room for argument. I sigh. This is either going to be really good, or really bad.
I pick up my backpack full of food, water, spare clothes, and various equipment that may, or may not be useful, depending on the creatures we come across. Kai grabs her pack and links her arm through mine.
"Egypt, here we come!" She says, with a wide grin on her face. Together, the two of us climb out of the suitcase and into the real world once more.
