Thanks so much to everyone who has reviewed and followed this story, I'm so pleased you like it. Most (not all) of the danger has past for Newt now, so it's all a bit soppy but I hope you still like it. I think everyone is still in character, but let me know. Enjoy :)
As a rule Newt didn't like people, wizards and muggles alike, they made him nervous and uncomfortable due to their unpredictable and more than often cruel nature. This is what made the events in New York so extraordinary for him, he had found himself inexplicably drawn to the three humans he now regarded as friends. Somehow all that confusion had resulted in this one glorious and rather improper moment. He was locked in an embrace with Tina, almost overwhelmed with radiating pleasure as he explored her and she reciprocated. How he had managed to capture the affections of such a rare creature was beyond him, she was like no other woman he'd ever met. Hard as nails with a heart of gold, Tina was exquisite.
They naturally broke apart, arms still entwined as they grinned almost drunkenly at one another, neither one quite believing what was happening.
"Wow," Newt breathed shakily, and with strange confidence he leant in and kissed her again softly on the lips, before taking her face in his hands. His calloused thumbs traced her cheekbones as he reverently kissed her forehead.
"You are quite wonderful, Miss Goldstein," he said sincerely, as Newt stared into her eyes he could feel himself getting lost in their liquid chocolate depths. Still reeling from the unexpected passion, Tina found her voice,
"As are you Mister Scamander," she smiled up at him, "Quite wonderful indeed."
Newt kissed her tenderly again, before taking her into a bear hug, she breathed in his scent which was tinged with the smell of wood, leather and something intangibly exotic.
This close to him, she could feel Newt's heartbeat through his thin shirt, and also hear the unmistakable sound of his stomach rumbling. Tina sighed softly into his shoulder,
"We should really go wake the others and get some food into you," she said, leaning back in his strong arms to look at his face.
Newt nodded with a sad look on his face, "Agreed, I just wish this moment didn't have to end," he mumbled.
"Maybe, this is the start of many moments," Tina uttered with uncharacteristic daring, she was rewarded with the look of pure happiness that took over Newt's face. He kissed her lightly on the cheek and took her hand, "Shall we?"
They began making their way up towards the hut, despite his previous vigour Tina was acutely aware of Newt's fragile state so kept the pace slow. Even so Newt found himself struggling for breath by the time they reached the top of the slight incline.
"Almost there," Tina said encouraging, squeezing his hand as she quietly pushed the door open. It was strange how completely changed she felt, and she was almost disappointed that the scene that greeted them was the same as when she left, her world had shifted and Tina half expected everything else to shift with her. She helped Newt over to his cot, where he sat down heavily with a sigh, cradling his head in his hands.
"Just..need..to..catch..my...breath," he panted, smiling at her despite his weakness, he was already starting to feel better.
"Wake the..others," he waved his hand encouragingly, the movement of the bed had woken a disgruntled Dougal, who peered owlishly at Newt.
"Sorry..buddy," he managed, stroking Dougal's fur with a slightly shaking hand, the demiguise made a pleased sound as he leaned into Newt's side in a sign of forgiveness for the rude awakening. Newt sat back against the wall, and Dougal crawled into his lap, Pickett in tow.
Tina made her way over to Queenie, who was sleeping curled on her side, her golden curls spilling over the pillow.
"Mornin' sleepyhead," Tina shook her shoulder lightly, Queenie grumbled as she woke, she had never really been much of a morning person.
"I'm going to start making breakfast, giving you a chance to get ready," she smiled at her bleary eyed younger sister.
"Swell," Queenie managed, snuggling down between the sheets for one last time before forcing herself out of the bed. More awake she began catching her older sister's thoughts, and Tina's mind was only on one thing.
"Guys!" she exclaimed loudly, which startled Jacob out of his slumber. He sat bolt upright confused, "Wasshappening," he slurred, rubbing his eyes.
"Tina kissed Newt, " Queenie practically bounced, standing up to give her sister a pleased hug.
"Feeling better then buddy," Jacob grinned at the still slightly winded Newt, who gave him a sheepish smile.
"A bit," he acknowledged as his eyes moved to meet Tina's, they just raised their eyebrows at each other in pleased bewilderment at Queenie's ecstatic reaction.
Jacob yawned widely, "Well I'm glad you both have had a good morning, it's nice to see you up and about Newt," he said stretching, "Now did someone mention breakfast?"
The group laughed, "Tinnie and I will get started on some grub in the apartment, while you boys wash up," Queenie said while she slipped back into her dress. Noticing this Jacob nodded distractedly in agreement, while Tina turned to Newt.
"Are you feeling ready for the ladder?" she queried, he grimaced slightly.
"I might need a hand," he reluctantly admitted, "But yes I think I can make it." He looked at the furry bundle in his lap,
"You can have the bed now guys, and I'll be back soon to feed you all," he shifted the pair back onto the mattress.
Jacob looked at his occamy, who had stretched out along the length of the bed, "Do you want to join them," he asked stroking its head. In answer the occamy coiled itself up, so that it was easier to carry, and Jacob took it over to join the other beasts in their lie-in. Creatures settled, he stuck his hand out for Newt to grab onto, and helped to haul him upright. The dizziness that had previously assaulted Newt was considerably lessened this time, and after taking a couple of deep breaths he felt relatively stable.
"Shall we then," he asked indicating towards the ladder, and they began their ascent.