#And Queenie you have struck a nerve

[spyderlondon]

We Can Be Whole

Chapter 1

Chess!Queenie x Circus!Kinger - A request by @digital-chess

Ko-fi

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It was supposed to be another day, another chess round, same as the last to see which team might come out further ahead than the last round. But, something happened, a misfire of a spell from the bishop from black- it was supposed to hit one of Gangle’s pawns, teleport it just a little bit away but still on the board. At least that was the idea, that’s what was supposed to happen but that didn’t happen.

Everything went in slow motion, there was a slip up with one of Jax’s bowling bombs where it went the way he didn’t aim and the moment Crusty was about to finish casting his spell- the bomb blew up behind him which actually made him flinch and say the wrong words at the last minute, his hand jerking upwards. Upwards towards the queen, hitting her squarely, making her vanish as suddenly as the misfire happened and she never reappeared on the board like was the original idea if it didn’t get messed up.

There was silence. Not even a single breath could be heard from either side of the board. No one dared speak. No one dared to even move. The only movement that happened was from Crusty who slowly lowered his book while turning his wide eyed gaze from the tile that Queenie had once been on to look at Kinger, not saying a single word. He could see red and blue eyes fixated on the spot that Queenie once was, his eyes were like pinpricks… each and every eye including those on his robe and staff- he was in disbelief.

“...Crusty.” Kinger’s voice was low and barely controlled as his eyes went down towards the black bishop who was stiffer than normal, “...where is my wife? Where did you send your queen?” He questioned, he was barely able to keep his tone in check and his staff was sparking a bit but not in warning but more in a way that seemed like the king was losing control of himself. The others on the board could see the change as well and they all could tell that this was a really… really bad change.

The black bishop had to take a breath to steady his nerves- Kinger had always been one of the very few that could make the yellow rabbit’s stoic personality break a bit. He averted his gaze as he attempted to figure out where he had accidentally sent the queen chess piece but he came up blank, “...I don’t know, my king.” He admitted slowly, gripping his spellbook with a sigh, “It’s a possibility that I may have mistakenly sent her to another dimension or something.” He shook his head, his long ears waving next to him, “It’s hard to say when I don’t even know what incantation I ended with.” He explained gravelly.

Kinger stared down at the old, yellow rabbit in complete silence as his eyes seemed to have a conflicting icy glare and fiery anger inside of them before he took a steadying breath, “...find a way to get my queen back.” His voice was low and almost broken as gave his request, although there was an underlying danger and rage in his tone as well that he seemed to be barely keeping under wraps. He closed his eyes, trembling a bit and he seemed to be taking a few breaths before opening his eyes once more as he looked down at all the humans on the chessboard with a shake of his head, “Return to your zones. The chess game is postponed indefinitely until Queenie has been returned.” He stated tersely, gripping his staff tight as a lightning bolt struck the tile he was on and he vanished from the board, leaving the players to stand there in silence.

Next thing Queenie knew, she had crashed into a pile of pillows with a grunt and her staff clattering onto the ground with only the pillows softening her landing, “Ugh… what the-?” She furrowed her brows as she tried to get bearings, “Where did that black bishop send me…?” The queen piece scanned the area she was in- it almost looked like the Kidpix Circus but there were obvious differences…

But before she could figure out what was different she felt a poke and heard a voice from underneath her and a floating gloved hand next to her that had a finger pointed out towards her, “Umm… could you please get off of me?” A shaky but somewhat familiar male voice asked politely, pushing up against her but was obviously trying not to force her to roll off of him and hit the ground.

She blinked and quickly picked herself off the ground, moving to the side without a word. She had a confused yet startled look on her face as she tried to place the voice= she had a feeling she recognized it but she had to be wrong… right? She looked down at the man that was now pushing off the pillows that were on top of him and she froze as she saw a very familiar white king chess piece laying on the ground, “...Kinger?”

The male chess piece paused as he stared at her with his two blue eyes and tilted his head as he stood up, “Hm, how do you know-...” He stiffened as he looked her up and down for a moment and it almost looked as if he was getting choked up as he looked at her. He quietly averted his gaze from her.

Queenie stared at him incredulously- why was he acting like this? He never acted like this before- it was like he saw her as someone he had long lost. But he hadn’t lost her, she was right here, she would never leave his side. She furrowed her brows as she moved closer to him slowly and put a hand on his purple robe gently, “My love?” But before she could say more, she was suddenly pulling her hand away in surprise as he spun to look at her with wide-eyed shock and jumped back in slight fear as if his previous familiarity of her was seemingly vanishing.

“AH! WHO ARE YOU?!”

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A/N: The Digital Chess creator has been helping me a lot with this story, making sure everyone in Digital Chess is in character. This is a non-canon project story that focuses on analyzing Chess!Queenie I have a ton of ideas for this :) One of which includes TERMITES!

[disgraced-doctor-junkenstein]

[Continued from here] @queen-of-the-junkers​ “Very astute observation!” Junkenstein chimed though he moved Peach close to his chest as to better keep hold of her as well as make lunging at him risk having the potted plant be in the way of his more vital organs. His other hand remained high in the air like a torch in warning. “However you greatly misunderstand the true nature of bombs.” Choosing to remain stationary, Junkenstein allowed the Queen to cautiously move around him somewhat, his eyes still trained on her as his thumb continued to hover over the lit red button. Would she truly risk attacking him now? Honestly, it would be her greatest advantage and yet he had to wonder if she might doubt herself as well as had underestimated him yet again.  “Scare tactics?” So that was what she thought this was. A fair but completely wrong assessment of the situation at hand. “You really-” He had started to laugh when her doubt in his brilliance was voiced. A sharp jolt tore though his emotions as he gnashed his teeth together in rage. Grace truly was just another ignorant royal that underestimated his worth, his brilliance, his cunning, and skills! She honestly should be made a proper example of and killed as a warning but Junkenstein was a vengeful man and he already had plans to humiliate her. Perhaps the grand finale needed some adjusting when they would reach that step!

“Remember what I said about bombs?” He pressed the button only for the room around them to immediately strobe all around them with red light and a shrill hiss as the center pieces in half of the bombs rose up to start releasing a cloud of deep navy gas that flooded the room looking purple ever other second as the other set of bombs still flashed in warning. “Destruction is the main goal for most, sure!” Having dropped the detonator as it became useless, the doctor moved to his side opposite of where he saw the Queen try to lead off in. His free hand dipping down into the collar of his lab coat to fish out a mask to move over his lower face just as the gas started to temporary obscure their surroundings. In a few more seconds the other half would reveal their purpose.  “Best strike me down fast, Grace! That or leave before the toxin sets in. Does it already burn your lungs? Oh if it is then we are in for one HELL of a ride!” Junkenstein cackled wildly as he backed towards the nearest door fully expecting to be pounded upon but it hardly mattered at that point. This was phases two of his plan and even if he were to be killed here by her, there was more in store for Grace and he was sure she would curse his name as she would stumble through the maze he turned her home into.  As the plume of gas began to dissipate the other set of homemade bombs went off. A large crackling of electricity webbing in arcs between them in bright blue volts that were nearly white in nature. The doctor’s goggles helping to save his vision as he stilled in the doorway to watch. Hell, he could not let himself be killed here and by the Queen no less but if he were to die, well then, surely the Queen would learn not to mess with the mischief ever again. 

All around them everything began to turn back on. Lights growing ever brighter only for them all to pop, sending shards of glass raining down throughout the palace as Junkenstein continued to laugh. Then suddenly it all stopped. The world was thrown into pitch black darkness save for the chemical bombs that highlighted the mad doctor which might serve as a warning to stay back or maybe a lure. Either way, phase three was starting.

[happyandticklish]

The Problems with Legilimency

Notes: For the anon request. This is so fucking late because writer’s block is a bitch, but I hope you enjoy it regardless! ^^ I sort of took my own spin on the request, but I think it’s fairly similiar to the original. 

Summary: Two times in which Queenie’s Legilimency became a problem, and once when it kind of helped. 

1.        

“Newt!”

The sound of his name strung along by that familiar voice sent a peculiar thrill through Newt’s person. He never grew tired of hearing it. He spun carefully around, an Occamy curled in his grasp; its tiny head poked curiously out from under his arm. “Yes?”

Tina stood puzzled back in his lab, hands placed upon her hips as she examined one of the shelves. “It’s not here. That herb you were looking for. I swear I saw it when we first came in here…”

That was odd. Newt was usually very meticulous about his placement system. He deposited the Occamy gently back into their nest, though the task provided some difficulty as the creature attempted to weave through his arms to reach him once more. Eventually though, hands free, he made his way over to where Tina stood.

In the space where a small bottle of rare herbs should have been, there was nothing but empty space. “You didn’t move it somewhere?” Newt asked, his tone inquisitive rather than angry. He began rearranging bottles around it, wondering if it had simply gotten misplaced.

Tina shook her head. “I turned my back and it was gone. It’s not…” she hesitated. “…supposed to do that, is it? I mean, it doesn’t have some kind of magical property to it, does it?”

Newt laughed, the quiet chuckle of an inside joke. “No, no need to worry about that. It does contain magical properties, though they are rendered quite harmless in its current form. Aha!” He grinned, his voice filled with soft triumph. “I believe we have found our culprit.”

Pickett stood frozen where Newt had revealed him, a bottle clutched tightly in his arms. His eyes widened, and quickly he tried to scramble away from them. Unfortunately, his efforts to get away from Newt only brought him into Tina’s awaiting hands, who held him up carefully as she lifted him into the air.

“Nice work, Tina,” Newt said, a hint of pride entering his tone. Seeing two of his favorite creatures in the world interact always brought him a strange joy. “Be careful when extracting the bottle from him; he can be difficult when he wants to be.”

“Oh, um, yes, of course.” Tina seemed more doubtful of her abilities, holding the creature out carefully as though one of two of them was going to accidentally hurt each other. She attempted to gently wrestle the bottle out of his hands, but, seeing her intentions, Pickett was quick to intervene. He wrapped his arms tightly around it, and when she attempted to nudge him off with her finger, he only transferred his hold to her as devious inspiration struck him.

Tina yelped, her heart catching a little in her throat. Though she admired Newt for his love for these creatures, she still found herself a bit wary when it came to actually interacting with them. Newt himself seemed unworried by this development, a smile tugging reluctantly at his lips, like a parent attempting to be disappointed with their child but ultimately unable to help their amusement.

“P-Pickett,” she started, her voice wavering a little at the uncertainty of talking to the tiny being. “I’m going to need you to let go now, if that’s alright; we need those ingredients for medicine—your medicine, I might add.”

Pickett was unbothered, clambering onto her finger fully now and beginning to scramble up her arm rapidly. Tina jerked back in surprise, the sensation of his little arms and feet crawling on her skin igniting a long forgotten sensation.

“Newt!” she called anxiously, tossing him a quick glance.

“Don’t worry about him,” he assured her. “He’s completely harmless—it’s only him who likes to think he’s tougher than he is.”

“B-But he’s—ah!” Tina felt a fluttery laugh escape her as Pickett reached her shoulder, poking around and exploring the area curiously, brushing up against her neck. “E-Ehe, w-wait!”

“What’s all the noise down here?”

The two startled at the sudden appearance of Queenie, her curls framing her face in its innocent curiosity as she stepped off the stairs. Evidently, neither of them had noticed her descent in the confusion of the misplaced bottle.

“Tina was just helping me create a new batch of medicine for the Bowtruckles,” Newt explained quickly, an odd nervousness entering his voice at the two of them being caught alone. He felt the unnecessary need to clarify their presence there. “When a bottle, it—well it went missing, but it was fine as Pickett here—”

“Of course it tickles,” Queenie interrupted, her voice directed affectionately in the direction of Tina. Newt started, those words being one of the last things he expected to leave her mouth. “There’s no need to get all worked up about it.”

“What?” 

Tina stiffened and flushed as Newt’s gaze swiveled to her, focusing on Pickett who continued his exploration of her neck and shoulders with an unapologetic joy. He narrowed his eyes at the pesky creature, who startled at the sudden attention he was receiving and hid quickly under Tina’s collar.

Newt lurched forward, ready to remove him, but his hands paused inches away from Tina, where they hovered uncertainly over her neck. “Can I—that is, do you mind if I—”

“Yes!” Tina agreed, her voice a little too eager in her embarrassment. Quickly but carefully, Newt managed to remove the critter, allowing him to cling moodily to his finger as he pulled away.

Queenie smiled fondly at them, shaking her head a little at their antics. “Honestly,” she said as Newt tucked the errant Bowtruckle into his pocket. “There’s no need to get so worked up about it; it’s just tickling.”

“How did you—”

“Legilimens,” Queenie replied, arching a brow with a sly grin. “Or have you forgotten?”

“Oh. Right.” Newt fussed needlessly over Pickett, adjusting and re-adjusting him as he continued to avoid their gazes. Pickett himself bucked against the attention, batting in annoyance at his fingers. “Um, if you don’t mind, we were in the middle of something if we could return to that.”

“Oh.” Queenie shook her head at herself. “Of course.” There was something in her eyes that said she knew Newt’s true reason for wanting her gone, but for reasons unknown to Newt but that he was nonetheless grateful for, she declined revealing. “I’ll leave you two alone them.”

She whirled gracefully up the stairs, her silk robe fluttering lightly behind her along with her steps. It was only once she was gone that Newt allowed himself to exhale, turning to face Tina. “Are you alright?”

But Tina had already turned away from him, and was wholly engaged in the process of chopping up the retrieved ingredients as Newt had shown her earlier. The tips of her ears were tinged a dark pink, and her hair fell forward in her face, easily hiding her expression from the other.

Newt would have pursued the issue further, had he not been just as grateful to drop the subject at hand. For some reason, this new piece of knowledge about Tina stuck in his brain, a strange concoction of nerves and excitement lighting up his chest. The sudden feelings were too difficult to parse then and there, however, and Newt turned to the counter as well, making sure to stand a couple feet away as he directed her on the next steps.

“Now you want to grind it, into a fine powder.”

2.        

“Oh.”

The word was a startled little gasp, and it drew both Tina and Newt out of the world they had previously been lost in. Newt jerked away from her instantly, releasing her skin as though it were suddenly made of hot iron. Tina’s face was flushed, the remnants of laughter dancing in her smile. Less than a minute before, Newt’s fingers had been engaged in the process of reducing her into a state of flushed laughter. Now, however, he kept his hands firmly shoved in his pockets, far removed from where they could have any kind of effect on anyone.  

After Queenie had accidentally revealed Tina’s secret a couple weeks ago, Newt had found himself unable to stop finding ways to accidentally tickle her in the hopes to see that unexpected smile light up her face once more. After a while, it became less accidental, though if Tina noticed, she chose not to say anything. There was hardly any excuse for that evening, however. It was only that Tina had chosen to stretch her arms above her head moments before and Newt could hardly be blamed for what happened afterwards.

Both appeared heavily embarrassed to have been caught in such a state, and it wasn’t just Newt this time who was having trouble making eye contact.

Queenie smiled, a gentle, reassuring gesture. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to bother you. I just wanted to inform you both that dinner was ready. Although it seems you two are rather… preoccupied, at the moment.”

Newt cleared his throat, coughed awkwardly, and cleared his throat once more, clearly having difficulty coming up with words. “Sorry, we were just—that is to say—I was—”

“Tickling my sister,” Queenie answered for him, appearing unbothered by both the word and the subject. “It’s alright, you don’t have to apologize. I didn’t mean to intrude; it’s just that you were being quite loud.”

Tina’s brow furrowed as she readjusted herself on the bed; she was putting forth a failing attempt to make herself appear anymore dignified than the state in which she’d been interrupted. “How could you possibly have? We were—that is, we were trying to be quiet.”

“Thoughts speak louder than words,” Queenie quoted, though there was a truthful undertone to it that spoke of the embarrassing reality of having a Legilimens as a sister.

“Ah,” Tina said, visibly flustered. “Well.”

“Right,” Newt agreed eagerly, though it was unclear what either of them was agreeing on.

Queenie offered them a knowing look, before finally turning around to head back downstairs. “Alright then, I’ll leave you two alone. But be sure to come down soon; you wouldn’t want dinner to get cold.”

She paused at the doorknob, however, and turned suddenly back around. “Oh, and Newt?”

“Yes?”

“Her worst spot is her knees. Just in case you were wondering. Anyways.” With that, Queenie flounced from the room, her innocent air a betrayal of the words she’d just spoken.

The two of them sat frozen on the bed, both of them waiting for the other to make the first move. There wasn’t exactly protocol for this kind of thing.

After a while Tina groaned, dropping her head into her heads. “Sometimes I truly abhor my sister.”

“She can be quite… blunt,” Newt agreed. He found his gaze drawn now to her legs, swung carelessly over the bed. Queenie’s words played over and over in his mind, and before he knew what he was doing he had reached out and experimentally squeezed her knee.

Tina yelped, her hands flying from her face to shove at his arms quickly. “Don’t,” she warned, but there was a lightness to the warning that implied maybe she didn’t mean it as much as she said. A reluctant smile tugged at her lips, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “Newt, please, this isn’t—”

“Fair?” he finished softly, squeezing again to hear that adorable squeal. Her hands flailed uselessly for a moment before fisting in the sheets, keeping herself from fully shoving him off.

“Newt,” she gasped, the words filled with anticipation and a giddy nervousness that prompted Newt to quickly enact a repeat of earlier, his hands flying as he wrecked her once more. Her laughter rung in his ears, wild and carefree, and he found he would do anything to hear that sound, even for a moment longer.

Eventually he relented, as dinner really was getting cold. However, he found an odd disappointment setting in when she merely stood up afterwards and headed over to the door, albeit more out of breath than before. Before he had time to dissect that feeling, the two were called once more for dinner in slightly harsher tones, and they quickly rushed down the stairs in an effort not to induce the other’s wrath at having to wait for them.

3.      

“Nehehehewt!” Tina gasped, batting uselessly at his hands as they scribbled mercilessly over her stomach. “Plehehehease!”

The two were curled up on the couch, having retreated there for the night while Queenie and Jacob were out on an evening for two. In the beginning the two had simply watched movies, Tina propped up against the other so that her head rested on his shoulder. Movies had been Newt’s idea, a Muggle concept that he had found fascinating. Moving pictures on a screen without the use of magic…. Tina had scoffed at the idea, but even she had to admit that it was pretty amazing seeing it in person. The TV had been a purchase made by Queenie, who had decided to invest after seeing how drawn in the two had been after returning from the theaters.

After a while, however, Newt had once again found his interests caught by a different form of entertainment, that of Tina’s startled shriek when he accidentally squeezed her side whilst adjusting himself. Moments later, Tina had her back pressed against his chest as she attempted to curl in on herself and evade the ticklish hug Newt was administering.

It was truly a wonder how they kept arriving here.

“Please what?” Newt asked, his lips quirking up into that rare teasing smile that Tina both hated and loved dearly. “You’ll have to be more specific.”

“Plehehehease stahahahap!” she giggled, her legs drawing up to her chest as she attempted to protect herself. “Ihihihi—ahahah, ihihit tihihickles! Nehehewt!”

“Alright, alright.” Newt relented, merely resting his hands on her stomach now and rubbing calming circles. “You know, you’re quite cute laughing like that; you should do it more often.”

“I already do it enough, thanks to you,” she replied with a wry grin, her words coming out in an exhausted huff as she fought to regain her breath back. “I don’t understand why you insist on doing it so often.”

“I believe he wants you to return the favor.”

The two startled, Tina letting out a startled yelp as a dark crimson flooded Newt’s cheeks, and they both turned to see Queenie standing at the doorway. Evidently, the two had just returned.

“Q-Queenie,” Newt stammered, with the intent of replying some kind of denial, but Jacob popped his head around her shoulder before he could, viewing the scene curiously.

“What favor? Oh hey, is that Felix the Cat?” Jacob quickly made his way over to them, taking a seat on the couch besides them.

“He what?” Tina repeated, ignoring Jacob and focusing her attention back on Queenie.

Queenie set her purse down, delicately taking a seat besides them. The couch was growing crowded by this point, but none of them appeared to care in the moment. “He wants you to tickle him back.” She paused after a moment, her eyes widening a little. “Oh. Sorry. I didn’t realize it was a secret.”

Newt’s face was permanently burned a color as red as his hair. His mouth was open on a theoretical protest, though it was clear it was too late for that. Eventually, he merely averted his gaze, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. “It’s, ah, it’s okay. You didn’t mean to, I know.”

Tina glanced between the two, trying to gather what had just happened. Jacob was the first to speak, raising one eyebrow. “You like being tickled, Newt?”

“I—” Newt started, his voice stuttering and stopping in his throat. He coughed, gripping the back of his neck tightly. Three pairs of eyes were suddenly focused on him, and while Newt didn’t prefer eye contact at the best of times, the awkwardness of the situation certainly did not help anything. Against his better judgement, his flicked his gaze up to meet Tina’s, anxiety getting the better of him. Her eyes were wide with surprise, which he had anticipated. What he had not expected was the tiny smile slowly tugging at her lips, a gentleness to the expression that made Newt’s heart clench in his chest. Ultimately, it was what prompted him to finally find the words to speak again.

“I—uh, yes. That is, I do. Like. To be tickled.” He cleared his throat again, staring at his lap. He tugged at the hem of his shirt, rhythmically pulling at a loose string to distract himself from the panic roiling in his brain. In the background, the TV hummed, though it was clear none of them were paying attention to it anymore.

After what felt like an eternity to him, but was in actuality only around thirty seconds, Jacob piped up, “Well why didn’t you just say so?”

Newt’s head snapped up, his heart slamming against his chest. “What?”

“Yeah,” Queenie agreed, a grin rushing quickly across her features. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s just another part of you.”

He felt someone grab his hand and he looked over to see Tina, her face filled with such overwhelming tenderness that he couldn’t help but smile slightly in return. “I love you, Newt. Which means I love making you happy. And if this is what makes you happy, than I’m happy to do so.”

Newt glanced around at the three of them, people who he had grown to love and care about more than he had allowed himself to with others in quite a long time. A tiny bubble of happiness rose in his chest, trapping his throat and making words impossible.

“Do you…” Tina started, before trying again, this time with more confidence. “Do you want us to tickle you? Now, that is.”

Newt flushed, the color spreading to the tips of his ears. He stammered, sentences tripping over themselves in his mouth, before he finally managed a quiet, “Yes. Only if you want to, of course.”

Jacob poked him lightly in the ribs and he jumped, a startled yelp escaping him. “Of course, buddy. After all, what kind of friends would we be if we didn’t help you smile every once in a while?”

Newt opened his mouth to respond, but his words were quickly lost to a flood of giggles as all three of them pounced at once, reducing him into a mess of squirming limbs.

Maybe Legilimency wasn’t so bad, after all. 

[mkw-raider]

Fire

Summary: The fight against Hawkmoth has only gotten harder and with most of their allies having a compromised identity of some kind, Ladybug and Chat Noir need a new permanent hero by their side. When Chat Noir gives the Turtle Miraculous to the one person Ladybug did not want to give a second chance, will their team crumble or only become stronger? Can Chloe, as Khelone, prove she's worthy to wield the Turtle and fight by Ladybug and Chat Noir's side again? Fighting akumas, saving the city, and trying to live a normal life in their spare time just got a whole lot more complicated when newly surfaced feelings are added to the mix.

Chapter 1/4 - Waves Are Coming Past Your Knees, It’s Just The Coming Of The Seas

Pairing Chloe/Marinette

AO3    First - Next - Last

Algernon was getting on Marinette’s last nerve. She and Chat had been trying to find some way to fight Hawkmoth’s most recent akuma and had so far come up with nothing. The akuma towered over them, a mass of grey smoke with arms branching off in every direction. Algernon was shielded from attack on all sides, and while it didn’t appear that he had a face, his arms always seemed to stop them no matter what direction they approached from. Neither she or Chat had managed to hit the cloud of grey smoke, but Ladybug was really hoping there was something solid in there because she didn’t think her Lucky Charm would give her a vacuum large enough for all the smoke.

Neither of the duo had used their power yet, Chat didn’t have anything to actually touch, and Ladybug had been trying to figure out where the akuma’s object was but she was starting to lose her patience. Her yoyo had been slicing through air for the past few minutes and she couldn’t find anything solid. Swinging her yoyo at the akuma’s central mass one more time, Ladybug was shoved backwards as Algernon solidified one of his arms and hit her in the chest.

“That’s it, Lucky Charm.” Ladybug yelled. Throwing her yoyo into the sky, a brilliant flash of pink light covered the area and a gramophone fell into her arms. Marinette almost dropped it in shock. Algernon was still attacking Chat but Ladybug knew what this meant. 

After the difficulties surrounding Queen Bee and the public knowing her identity, Ladybug, Chat and Fu had sat down and seriously discussed the next steps in the fight against Hawkmoth. Akumas had been becoming more difficult to battle and the strain on Chat and Ladybug had only increased. They had all agreed that should the situation call for it, one of them would have to choose a new permanent hero to help against Hawkmoth. Marinette had had a few ideas for a permanent hero, potentially considering bumping Rena or Carapace into permanent heroes, but Fu had urged her to reconsider. Queen Bee’s identity had been known by all of Paris, which included Hawkmoth, and he had used that against them, trying to akumatize Chloé on different occasions and using her desire to have the miraculous to try to utilize her in his evil plans. Ladybug had made the decision to retire every temporary hero who’s identity had been compromised.

Almost all of the current temporary miraculous team’s identities had been revealed to someone at one point or another. Chloé had decided to reveal herself to the world, Luka’s identity was known by Adrien, and Adrien was known by Luka. Nino and Alya knew each other's identities, and Kagami had been discovered by Hawkmoth in her first transformation. The only heroes who hadn’t been compromised were Kim and Max.

Marinette had gone to every hero who had fought beside her and explained that they could no longer wield their miraculous. She didn’t want a repeat of Queen Bee, telling someone they couldn’t use their miraculous only to bring them back again. It had been hard to hurt her friends by telling them they couldn’t help any longer, but it was for the best. She had even gone to Chloé to tell her exactly why she couldn’t use the miraculous again, but that had gone poorly when Chloé started to get angry and Marinette had ended up snapping at her and had called her entitled and unworthy. She felt kind of bad after that, but tried to rationalize her actions that it was Chloé and she deserved some harsh truth every so often. That had been months ago, and no temporary heroes had been needed since.

Marinette cleared her mind, focusing on heading towards Fu as quickly as possible while still taking precautions to still cut through alleys and disappear before dropping her transformation. Arriving at Fu’s massage shop, she tried to rush through the process. Fu told her to pick the Miraculous that spoke to her, as this would most likely be their new permanent hero. Marinette had no idea who she would pick, but her eyes were drawn to the Turtle, and she knew the Miraculous of Protection was the one they needed most.

Marinette ran outside as fast as she could, worried about leaving Chat Noir alone for so long. Transforming, Ladybug began jumping across the rooftops, mind racing, as she tried to find a solution quickly so she could rejoin the akuma fight. She needed to decide who she could trust as a permanent hero. Kim and Max were still completely uncompromised, but while she trusted them with being temporary heroes, she didn’t know how either of them would handle the Turtle Miraculous and being a permanent hero. She had no idea who she would have made a permanent hero before, let alone now that she had to pick a new permanent Turtle. Part of her wondered if she should pick someone entirely new, like Ivan who was already so protective, or if she should give the turtle to someone who has already had a miraculous, like Luka or Kagami.

Mid leap between buildings, a sharp yell pierced the air, and she looked up in time to watch a black shape go flying away from the akuma. Knowing it had to have been her partner, Marinette had just enough time to ready her yoyo before her next leap took her sailing over the akuma. He used one of his many arms to grab her leg and throw her towards the ground.

The Turtle Miraculous box was held loosely in her hand as she jumped and dodged the akuma’s swings. Marinette knew she needed to escape, but the akuma’s advance on her was relentless. His every strike kept her on her toes, taking all of her concentration to avoid being hit. Marinette’s mind was split, half of her focused on the fight at hand looking for an opening, the other half trying to think of who Fu had meant when he told her a new turtle would be the permanent holder.

Ducking under a wild arm from her left, Ladybug threw her yoyo up and called for a second Lucky Charm and caught a bell before rolling out of reach from the akuma. One hand swung the yoyo to shield her from the akuma while the other rolled the small silver bell around her palm as her eyes cut from building to building looking for anything she could use to help her against the akuma. Think, Marinette, think, she knew there had to be something but the akuma was taking too much of her concentration. There was nothing for her to use. 

Two seconds before Marinette was going to throw the bell at the akuma in frustration, Chat Noir dropped from a rooftop and readied his baton, his golden bell glinting in the light. A dawning moment of understanding had Ladybug shifting the turtle miraculous to her dominant hand, while still trying to avoid the akuma.

“Chat!” Ladybug yelled, before throwing the box as far as she could in his general direction, hoping he understood what she meant and found someone to help them.

Ladybug didn’t see if he caught the Miraculous, but she did see a black blur jump towards the rooftops before the akuma yelled and struck at her with more speed than before.

\\\\\\\\\\\\

As Chat Noir got further away from the sounds of battle, there were two things he knew. One, Ladybug always had a plan and his complete faith in that plan, and two, the choosing of a miraculous was serious and not something Ladybug had ever trusted him with before. Adrien wanted to pick someone as serious and dedicated as his Lady, someone that would impress her and the citizens of Paris, someone like Marinette, but his heart was leading him elsewhere. This would be the turtle’s second hero chosen, a second chance of sorts for the miraculous. Adrien would love to have Marinette fight by his side again, but a deeper part of him told him where to go, he just hoped Ladybug wouldn’t be too mad at his choice.

Adrien pushed himself through his city. He faltered briefly above the Dupain-Cheng bakery, but pushed himself forward. Extending his baton, he threw himself higher into the air, before landing on a familiar balcony. In front of him on a pool chair, leaning over her phone, sat Chloé Bourgeois. He could faintly hear the sound of Nadja Chamack’s voice relaying the battle.

Chloé looked more startled than anything that he was there, “Chat Noir?”

For a moment he felt ridiculous, how did Ladybug normally do this? Then he remembered the pinky promises and heartfelt declarations from his and Chloé’s past, and he knew what to say. “Chloé Bourgeois, this is the Turtle Miraculous, which grants the power of protection. You’ll use it to protect those you love, and all citizens of Paris while you fight alongside us. Do you want this second chance?”

In all the years he had known her, Adrien had never actually managed to render her speechless. Her phone had fallen from her hands to the ground below her, still playing live footage from the battle, and one of Chloé’s hands had begun to reach out towards him before faltering. 

“Does Ladybug actually want me using the miraculous?”

“Who do you think gave me the miraculous in the first place, Queenie?” Adrien decided that what Chloé didn’t know couldn’t hurt her, just as it wouldn’t hurt Ladybug.

Chloé still took a moment, her eyes gazing at the miraculous box in his outstretched hand. Just as he was beginning to think she wouldn’t take it and he had left Ladybug alone for no reason, Chloé grabbed the box and smiled at him. There was a determined look in her eye as she said, “You can trust me.”

Adrien never really got to focus on how people look when transforming, though he had the general idea of how he looked thanks to his mirrors, but watching Chloé transform made him feel clumsy. The transformation washed over his friend as she spun with an elegance he didn’t think he possessed, and when the green light faded moments later, he was sure he had made the right choice. Where his friend had stood moments before was now a confident superhero with a determined glint in her eye.

He took a moment to appreciate her costume. It was different from Carapace’s, but it also didn’t remind him of how she had looked as Queen Bee. 

Chloé’s hair was free of her usual ponytail, instead hanging freely around her face. Her mask was simple, the same colour as her costume. A darker green coloured her ballet shoes, knee pads, the shell design on her chest, as well as her gloves and the two stripes on her arms. Chloé had baggier pants and a sash tied around her waist, with her shield attached to her back.

Chloé looked happier and, in his opinion, ready to kick some akuma ass.

Chat Noir smirked. “Let’s Go.”

\\\\\\\\\\\\

Marinette was going to throw Chat Noir off of her roof the next time she saw him. She had been flipping around and dodging Algernon the entire time he had been gone, occasionally trying to hit him, but also occasionally being hit. She only had a few minutes until she transformed back. As she was picking herself up from the collapsed roof of a car, wondering where he could possibly be, when she saw green. Standing between her and an arm of the akuma was the new Turtle wielder, a tall figure covered in green with shocking blonde hair. For a moment, Marinette froze, wondering if Chat Noir had chosen Adrien as their new partner, but then the Turtle turned, and Marinette saw blue eyes and a female figure.

“Ladybug, meet Khelone!” Chat Noir yelled as he landed somewhere off to her left, and Ladybug took a second to regroup. She needed to take a moment to think. The akuma’s arms weren’t solid unless he was attacking, but there did seem to be a part of him that remained solid, an area in the center of the smoke she had nicked with her yoyo. Ladybug saw her plan form in her mind and knew what needed to be done.

“Khelone, call for Shellter, try to make him mad and draw his attention to you, Chat get behind him and aim for his centre.” Ladybug didn’t wait for them to listen, she just leapt into the air and swung towards the akuma, ready for round two. 

Although the smoke akuma didn’t have a face, Ladybug definitely felt that throwing her yoyo at him from above had led to all eyes on her. From her vantage point, she could see Chat disappear into the background, trying to avoid the akuma’s attention while waiting to strike and she could see Khelone had brought up her shield, slowly advancing closer to the centre mass with the arms striking harmlessly against her shield.

Ladybug continued swinging above the akuma’s head as more and more of his arms focused on Khelone. The akuma’s ‘back’ only had a few swinging arms guarding it, meaning Chat Noir would have an open shot soon.

A smile crept across Ladybug’s face as they fought. She and Chat Noir had always been fantastic partners, but their new addition was working with them seamlessly. Any apprehension about a new permanent holder started to ease as she realized the fight would be over soon. Until things started going wrong.

Despite Shellter being an almost impenetrable shield, the dozens of arms assaulting the shield had led to the Turtle beginning to struggle. Two of the akuma’s arms had somehow started fighting their way through the shield, inching closer to the new hero with every flail and halting the forward motion she had been making. The arms that had been uselessly smacking against the shield began mimicking the two breaching the shield, and cracks had begun to appear. The akuma had lost interest in Ladybug, and was now solely focused on Khelone. She saw Chat Noir shake his head and knew he didn’t have a shot to take out the akuma’s centre.

Brief panic flashed through her mind as Khelone was forced to one knee due to the strain of keeping Shellter active and the arms from fully entering the circle. Clenching her hand, Ladybug felt the silver bell that she was still holding.

Three things happened in quick succession. Ladybug released her yoyo and fell towards the akuma while shaking the bell, the akuma’s focus seemed to shift to her, and the Turtle released shellter and rolled backwards while throwing her shield at the akuma’s mask.

Two arms reached towards Ladybug as she fell, but neither reached her as the akuma was flung backwards out of his smoke towards Chat Noir. She hit the ground and rolled as Chat Noir crushed sunglasses under his baton.

A little black butterfly fluttered harmlessly into the air until Ladybug snagged it with her yoyo. “No more evil-doing for you little akuma.” Ladybug smiled as she finished her usual post battle sayings and felt the familiar rush of energy as the Miraculous cure swept out into the city.

Striding over to join Khelone and Chat Noir, Ladybug raised her first. “You did great today, Khelone. Pound it.”

Khelone looked shocked at the outstretched hand but still slowly raised her own fist to meet Ladybug and Chat Noir in a three-way fist bump.

Earrings beeping in her ear, Ladybug glanced at the new Turtle before looking at Chat Noir. “Eiffel Tower, usual time. Bug out!”

Normally not one to save the day and run, Ladybug figured Khelone would forgive her for being basically out of time. Jumping to the nearest rooftop, Ladybug was almost going to jump into the alley when a hand at her wrist stopped her.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

Chloé knew Ladybug had to run, and she knew she only had a minute at most, but returning the miraculous was at the forefront of her mind. She had followed Ladybug to the roof as quickly as she could, dropped her transformation and slid the Miraculous off her wrist. Then she had quickly grabbed Ladybug before she could disappear because Chloé knew a second chance didn’t mean Ladybug trusted her to hold onto the miraculous until it could be collected.

Eyes wide, Ladybug looked confused, until her eyes focused on Chloé and somehow got even wider.

Chloé heard soft footsteps behind her and Chat Noir’s quiet, “Woops.”

Ladybug pulled her arm free, her eyes flicking between Chloé and Chat behind her. Her expression shifted from shock, to anger, to guilt, to something more neutral. Chloé didn’t know which emotions were directed at her, but she had a sinking feeling that Ladybug had no idea that Chat was giving her the Turtle Miraculous. 

Chloé stood in front of her hero and watched as she stepped towards the edge of the roof, fire in in her eyes, and jumped away.  

When she turned to face him, Chat Noir looked sheepish. Chloé was thankful for the second chance, but mostly just wished it had been Ladybug’s idea. She wanted to prove to her that she could do this, that she was worthy enough to fight beside her when needed, but now she felt like Ladybug would never give her a chance again.

The Turtle Miraculous hung limp in her hand and for a brief moment thought about throwing it at Chat Noir, or finding some way to go back in time to stop herself from accepting the Miraculous in the first place.

“Can you give the Miraculous back to Ladybug? I know she was out of time but I don’t want to hold onto it any longer than I have to.”

Chat frowned. “Chloé, I gave you the Turtle because I thought you would make a good permanent hero.” Chloé assumed she misheard. There was no way Chat Noir was trying to tell her that she was going to be a permanent holder, and there was especially no way this was happening if Ladybug didn’t agree. He sighed, “Her reaction wasn’t ideal I know, but I’m going to talk to her tonight and then everything will sort itself out.” He ran his hand through his hair before beginning to walk to the other side of the roof.

“What am I supposed to do with the Turtle? What if Ladybug wants you to take it back?”

His crooked smile was not reassuring her. “Keep it ‘til tonight, then I’ll come by and tell you it’s yours for real.” And then he jumped off the roof leaving her standing alone on a rooftop with her new kwami. 

////////

Chloé hadn’t actually known when the ‘usual time’ was for Ladybug and Chat Noir to meet was, but after arriving back at the hotel she had spent the first hour pacing, before settling outside on her balcony to watch the city and wait for Chat to come collect the miraculous. The breeze grew colder as she watched the city start to rest, and the longer she waited the more she considered she should wait inside.

Depending on how she thought about her situation, Chloé figured her second debut as a hero was going better than her time as Queen Bee. She was keeping her identity under wraps this time, not actively seeking recognition for her work in costume, and she was willing to give the miraculous back as soon as the mission was finished. Arguably already a more heroic effort on her part, but there was something that felt wrong about her use of the miraculous. Ladybug hadn’t actually wanted her on the team, she hadn’t been chosen. Chat had told her he had chosen her to wield the Turtle as a permanent member of their team, but how could she deserve to fight beside them when Ladybug had told her how undeserving she was when she had the Bee.

Chloé rolled the miraculous between her fingers. She hadn’t noticed after she had dropped her transformation, but the bracelet had changed shape. The miraculous was now a golden band, with a larger section on two sides engraved with a shell. A simple golden bracelet was more her style than a shell on a string, and was also more likely to blend into her normal accessories and be overlooked, but the change made her time as a hero feel more permanent than she knew it would be. Wayzz had tried talking to her, but she hadn’t been in the mood, instead sending him inside her room to eat the fruit she had gotten for him.

The sun had long since set, but Chloé still sat on her balcony. She would wait all night for Chat if she had to, but she didn’t want Ladybug to think she had run off to try and keep the Miraculous for herself. Almost as summoned by her thoughts, Chat Noir landed silently near the edge of her roof, smiling as he began to approach her.

“Guess which city now has two stunning blondes to protect it.”

Her heart felt as if it stuttered in her chest. “What?”

“Welcome back to the team, Queenie.” His smile grew even larger as he looked at her dumbfounded expression. “Don’t thank me too much, I just reminded Ladybug how good you were in that fight and how no one knows you as Khelone so there’s no need to worry.”

Standing to pace, Chloé tried to hear the trick in his voice. Tried to detect whatever reason he had for lying because why would Ladybug trust her a second time when things had gone so poorly the first. Chat Noir tracked her with his eyes, leaning on his baton as his smile never wavered. Chloé knew liars, and unfortunately for her he seemed completely sincere.

“So I’m the new Turtle? What if Ladybug decides I shouldn’t have a second chance anymore?” She wasn’t about to show Chat Noir that she was nervous and his answer would make or break her, but she felt like he could tell anyways.

His smile seemed to soften, less cool, more gentle. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Just show Ladybug  how much you deserve it by being a good hero like I know you can. You’re the new Turtle, you’ve just got a bit of a trial run period before Ladybug realizes my choice was right.” 

His faith in her made her chest feel lighter and her pacing slowed until she stood overlooking the twinkling city below. “Okay.” It was mostly for herself, a small reassurance, but Chat still called out ‘good luck’ before bounding away and leaving her alone again. 

Chloé moved towards the edge of her balcony and leaned against her railing, Turtle Miraculous still hanging from her fingers. Wayzz floated through the closed door, coming to rest near her elbow and looking at the city with her. “Chat Noir has made a wise choice in picking you to wield the Turtle. I believe we will work well together.” 

A small smile spread across her face as she glanced at her tiny companion. Chloé would miss Pollen from the brief moments of getting to know each other, but she was looking forward to getting to know Wayzz. Maybe he was right and they would work well together. Chloé went back to staring out at Paris, and slid the Turtle back onto her wrist.

[simplythebestbug]

Day 2: Convention AU (Felinette)

AO3

@auyeahaugust

(Note: In this AU, Marinette and Félix are not heroes. In fact, The Heroes of Paris is just a large multimedia experience- there isn’t a real LB, etc.)

Félix sighed, straightening his bow tie. He stood outside the convention, already regretting the decision to come. He was dressed in a Marinette-brand Ladybug themed suit, and he was unhappy. Not with the suit, of course, it was practically flawless, as was everything she made. No, he was unhappy that he had been coerced into attending a ‘hero con.’ 

It was Marinette who found out about it, her parents catering the event, and Claude who had insisted they all attend. Félix was all too happy to decline the invitation… but then Marinette started talking about her Ladybug suit designs, and how they would be just perfect for him, and she looked so excited, and- well, he wasn’t a monster. 

Claude and Allegra were approaching, and when Claude spotted him, he broke into a sprint, “Fé! Baby!” He struck a pose, “I’m looking pretty foxy, don’t you think?”

Félix looked him up and down critically. He was wearing a Rena Rouge themed magical girl dress, with an abundance of ruffles and six inch wedge heels- how did he run in those? It was quite an outstanding dress (Marinette’s talent guaranteed that).

Claude was grinning, “Sexy, right?”

Félix raised an eyebrow, “Indubitably.”

“See, Queenie? I told you! I’m hot as hell!” Claude said, shooting Félix a wink.

“Yeah, yeah,” Allegra laughed, “Fé, what do you think of the outfits? Your girlfriend is pretty talented.”

He glared at her. The Queen Bee suit was impressive, and Félix could freely admit that. After all, it would be wrong not to compliment such beautiful craftsmanship. He was, however, growing unbelievably tired of Allegra’s not-so-subtle prodding of him towards a romantic relationship with Marinette. The nature of their connection was between him and her alone, and if there were to be a change of any kind, it would be a mutual decision on both of their parts. Allegra- and to the same extent, the rest of their friends- had no business interfering.

She poked his nose, ignoring when he recoiled, “Relax, darling, I’m just joking.”

“Don’t worry, Félix, buddy! I gotcha!” A green blur dashed in front of him, holding up a shield, “Shelter!”

“Allan! Rude!” Allegra pouted.

“I will not allow you to torment this civilian!”

“He’s not a civilian, he’s Ladybug! He can take it!”

Allan narrowed his eyes, “That’s just what an akuma would say.”

They broke down into laughter, meanwhile, Claude was eyeing the shield.

“You got your signature weapon? Lucky! Why didn’t we get weapons?”

“Oh, we did,” Allegra pulled out her spinning top.

“Well, Fé and I didn’t-” Félix gestured to the yo-yo strapped to his hip.

“What? I’m the only one without a weapon?”

Allegra shrugged, “Sorry, darling.”

“I bet Mari knew better than to give you a flute-sword-combo thing,” Allan shuddered dramatically, “You would have wreaked havoc!”

“Exactly!” Claude groaned, “This is biphobia at its finest.”

“Speaking of Mari,” Allegra began, looking around, “Where is that girl?”

“I’m here! I’m here!” Marinette yelled, rushing over to them. At the last step she tripped, falling right into Félix’s arms. 

He chuckled, “Hi, Nette.”

She stared up at him, blood rushing to her cheeks.

She was beautiful, in a sleeveless black dress with green accents, a staff strapped to her back. She was wearing fingerless gloves, her nails filed to emulate claws, and her muscles were on full display. Félix knew Marinette was strong, but he was convinced that actually seeing her biceps was almost a religious experience. The only thing more attractive than her arms, were her eyes.

Allan cleared his throat, “Are you two done staring at each other?”

Félix flushed, setting Marinette safely on the ground. He was glad she had opted out of heels.

Her eyes flitted away, “You look nice, Fé.”

His eyes widened.

“Not like, nice-nice!” She spluttered, “Just- you look good! I look good on you- no, I mean, I compliment you nicely! No! My designs compliment you nicely! Not that you don’t look good without my designs! You’d look good without anything- no I just mean that you always look good and-”

Allegra laughed, placing her hands on her shoulders, “Mari, deep breathe. In. Out. There you go.”

She smiled, nodding, “Do you all like your designs? You look amazing!”

“We love them!” Allan said.

“Same here, Mari! They’re gorgeous!”

“I’m the magical girl I’ve always wanted to be,” Claude said, eyes welling up.

“Oh my god,” Marinette gasped, “Claude, are you crying?!”

He wiped away a tear, “I’m just so pretty!”

Allegra leaned up to plant a kiss on his cheek, “Yes, you are, darling.”

“Totally, bro!” Allan said, patting his back.

“You know who else is pretty?” Allegra said, “Marinette. Isn’t that right, guys?”

Félix was a fan of words, and yet knew of none that properly described Marinette. Pretty wasn’t nearly strong enough, but he supposed it would have to suffice. He had yet to tear his eyes away from the girl. He had known that he was to come as Ladybug, and her as Chat Noir, but it wasn’t until now that he fully understood the feeling of being cast as her other half- even in a fictional scenario. 

“What do you think, Félix?” Allegra asked with a sly grin.

“I- uhm. What was that?”

She blinked innocently,“Do you think Marinette is pretty?”

“Well, I- I mean, if you think- well, if by which you mean- I don’t really- um.”

“It’s ok, Fé,” Marinette rubbed her arm, looking away, “You don’t have to answer that.”

He froze. No. She didn’t think- no. He had to fix this, “No! I- that’s not what I mean, I,” He took a deep breath, swallowing his nerves along with his pride. He could do this. He straightened his shoulders, and said, “I think you look absolutely purrrrrfect.”

Allegra broke into a wide grin, and Allan was staring at him in shock.

“Did he- Did he just pun?!” Claude asked, “I’ve been trying to get him to pun for years! Years!”

If Félix hadn’t been so very preoccupied with the exact shade of pink currently occupying Marinette’s cheeks, he might have found it in himself to glare at them. As it was, however, he was far too busy staring in awe, as he watched the emotions racing across her face.

First, shock. Then, flattery, glee, and a giddy smile. Then- cunning? What was she- oh no.

She slunk towards him, brushing a thumb along his cheekbone, murmuring, “I am but a single star in the night sky, when compared to the beauty of you, m’lady.”

Félix couldn’t move.

She traced her fingers along his arm, pulling his hand to her lips, and pressed a single kiss to his knuckles.

He was almost certain that the entire universe had shifted to put her at its center, for he could not imagine anything of more importance than the smile she graced him with. He could not imagine anything at all, for that matter. At the moment, it was only her, and it was only him.

That was, until, Claude clapped his hands with a request for snacks.

Marinette broke away to show him to her parents booth.

Allan patted him on the shoulder, “Might want to close your mouth, dude,” Before trailing after his friends.

Félix snapped his jaw closed, his face heating up as he attempted to process the last minute.

“Félix, darling, you’re blushing up a storm!” Allegra said, laughing.

He was still staring fixedly at the spot where Marinette used to be.

She smiled, starting to walk away, “Come along, lover boy. You know Chat Noir doesn’t want to be away from her Ladybug for too long!”

Try as he might, he could not find it within himself to scowl at her- or anyone else, for that matter, for the remainder of the day.

[sellyoursoulforagoodfic]

Day 10 Take 2: Quiet Night

by @adventuresintooblivion

Newt Scamander x Percival Graves

Word Count: 2098

Newt let out a heavy sigh. It was the day after Christmas and everyone had decided to get out of the house for some much needed exercise. Everyone except for him and Percival. Granted the wizard wasn’t entirely put out by the development but for Merlin’s sake Newt couldn’t keep a straight face with the man in the room.

The change hadn’t been immediate or at least Newt didn’t notice it at first. Now he was painfully aware of the Auror every time they came within ten feet of each other. It was like there was some type of magnetic force that seemed to pull them together from across the room. It always startled Newt when he realized he was suddenly inches away from brushing up against Percival. 

That exact phenomenon had almost made last night a disaster. Theseus had come over for Christmas dinner and when Newt inadvertently ended up next to Percival, his brother noticed. For the rest of the night Newt could feel his overprotective brother’s eyes boring into his back.

What made everything so much worse was when Theseus had politely asked Percival to accompany him outside. If the Auror didn’t already have suspicions about Newts feelings her sure as hell did now. 

Newt groaned into his hands. He was currently hiding in his room dreading the awkwardness that would surely follow him out into the living room. He rubbed his temples and tried to remember what normal people sounded like when they were talking to a friend. 

Hello old chap how’re you?

Oh lovely, lovely how’re the wife and kids?

Newt wrinkled his nose. His mind refused to even picture Percival with a wife. His stomach sank. He was screwed. He was so far gone he was already picturing himself at Percival’s side.

Fuck.

At this point there was no point in hiding. Besides Percival wasn’t an idiot, he’d figure out Newt was avoiding him sooner rather than later. Newt took a deep breath to steel himself, against what he wasn’t sure. He stood forcing himself to take one step after another towards the door.

His hand automatically reached for the doorknob. The cold metal jolted him out of his thoughts, buckling his nerve. Maybe he could just not...No he had to leave his room. Newt took one last look around at the safety of his room before stepping into the rest of the house.

The air was still and quiet compared to the last few days. Without Queenie’s hectic whirlwind personality there wasn’t much to fill the space. The house was not completely silent though. Down the hall Newt could hear the shuffling of footsteps. 

Percival.

Newt made his way toward the sound, forcing himself not to go hide with his animals instead. He should at least try. Suddenly there was the crashing of a vase in the other room.

Newt hurried into the room, “Percival, are you ok?”

The person that greeted him wasn’t Percival. In fact Newt had no idea who the hell was standing in his living room. The man wore a long black coat. He wore a scarf over the lower half of his face in an attempt to hide it. The smell of stale cigarettes and B.O. hit Newt like a brick wall, shaking him out of his stunned silence.

He yanked his wand out of his pocket with surprisingly little trouble, “Stupify!” 

The moment the man saw him reach for his pocket he dove to the side. He didn’t head for the exit as Newt had expected but instead he advanced on the wizard a knife in his hand. Newt’s spell exploded in a shower of sparks over the man’s head. He didn’t wait for the second spell he bent down and barrelled towards Newt, raising his arm to strike. Newt deflected the knife, sending it spiraling across the room but he could stop the man’s momentum.

Newt’s back hit the wall behind him with a solid thud, the impact sending his wand flying. The man reached around trying to punch Newt in the kidney. The awkward angle saved Newt from most of the force. But there was only so long before the man adjusted  and began gaining the upper hand. The lessons Theseus pounded into him as a child came flooding back, it was now or never.

“I’m sorry.” Newt grunted as he raised his arm and brought his elbow down between the man’s shoulders. 

The man yelped, his grip on Newt releasing enough that the wizard’s feet hit the ground. But Newt didn’t stop, he kept hitting the man between the shoulders until he dropped to the ground. He groaned rolling over in an attempt to reach Newt before he could do anything else. Newt kicked him in the jaw sending him off into sweet oblivion. 

Newt leaned against the wall, slowly slipping down to the floor, breathing heavily. He hadn’t had to defend himself like that since he was much younger. He took several deep breaths in an attempt to calm down silently thanking Theseus for his paranoia.

After a few moments Newt remembered what he originally came out here for, “Percival!” He sat bolt straight up before scrambling to his feet and began to yank open doors, “Percival Graves answer me! Where are you?”

There was no answer. Newt checked every room and every time it was the same. Each door was a new hope that Percival was simply ok. And each time the room was gaping and empty. Where is he?! 

Soon the idea of Percival bound and at the mercy of Grindelwald began to tangle with his thoughts. The memory of Queenie’s letter giving news that they’d found him in an abandoned house malnourished and on the verge of death after the bastard’s capture. That he had somehow held up to months of torture for only the sake of amusement. Newt was not about to let that happen again.

A muffled sound came from the other room. Newt sprinted across the house slipping on the tile as he tracked down the noise. It came from the coat closet, one of the last ones that he hadn’t checked. Newt yanked the door open and there he was.

Percival Graves was tied to a chair, gagged and foaming mad. He thrashed against the ropes holding him not waiting for Newt to untie him. There was blood on the side of his head where he had been struck but he refused to hold still.

“Percival, thank the heavens.” Newt’s knees went weak with relief. 

Newt grabbed the lopsided chair to lug it out of the closet, stepping over the various clutter as a shadow fell over him. He froze.

Percival let out a desperate scream against his gag. The chair groaned against the strain the wizard put against it until something snapped. Suddenly a bright flash of green light went off behind Newt’s shoulder.

Newt’s blood went cold as something hit the ground with a loud thud. Percival stopped screaming. He slumped forward in exhaustion causing the chair to collapse a bit. Newt slowly turned around to find the man he’d kicked earlier on the floor dead.

Newt pressed his lips together and returned to Percival. He untied him. The rope around Percival’s wrists were damp with blood. Newt gingerly peeled it off, noting how Percival winced in pain.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I know this hurts.” Once the rope had been removed from Percival’s wrists Newt untied the gag. 

Percival’s voice was hoarse from shouting, “Newt, it’s ok. You’re just getting me out of this fucking thing.”

Newt moved to the ropes around Percival’s ankles thanking the heavens that Percival had been wearing pants. “I’m still hurting you. I...Why did this happen?”

Percival winced, “He caught me off guard and-”

Newt interrupted, “What? No, no. I meant, why was he here?”

The Auror blushed but didn’t answer. He simply shrugged. He looked at the man crumpled on the floor his face going blank as the full force of what he’d done sunk in. “I..I killed him. Without a wand.” 

Newt glanced at the knife still in the corpse’s hand, “Yes. You did. You also saved me.”

Percival didn’t seem to hear him, his eyes locked on the dead man.

Newt bit his lip but slowly stood, wrapping his arm under Percival’s to help carry his weight. Percival didn’t fight it. He moved slowly but didn’t object as Newt led him out of the entryway and into the guest bedroom. Newt deposited the Auror on the bed as gently as he could, both men wincing in pain from their various bruises.

“Don’t… don’t move ok?” Newt might as well have been talking to a wall for all the Percival had responded but he took it as a yes.

Newt slipped downstairs into his makeshift zoo. He rifled underneath his desk until he found his first aid kit. He began lugging it upstairs to drop it off by Percival’s feet before grabbing a bowl or hot water and towels. 

Newt bit his lip before kneeling in front of Percival and lifting his injured hands, “This is going to hurt a bit. I can’t put the numbing salve on it until I know it’s clean. Bear with me?”

Percivaly blinked as if realizing for the first time that Newt was talking to him. He nodded quietly, his eyes scrutinizing Newt closely. 

Newt squirmed a bit underneath the surveillance but began treatment regardless. He took a wet towel and began dabbing at the open wounds on Percival’s wrists, which concerned him the most. Percival didn’t shy away, only wincing a time or two when Newt had to be a bit more aggressive with his scrubbing. Newt reached for the numbing salve. He began to unscrew the lid when Percival stopped him.

“I don’t want that.”

Newt’s brows furrowed, “But it’ll make the pain go away.”

“I know.”

Newt’s heart clenched, “Percival what the hell are you going on about?”

Percival’s eyes finally met Newt’s for the first time since the closet, “He’s the first one you know? The first man I’ve killed since I got reinstated. And definitely the first one that I’ve killed… that way. I..I won’t be him. And...” 

He looked down, fear clouding his eyes. His hands began to shake in Newt’s. His breath was shaky as he hid behind what hair length he had.

“I don’t wanna be tied up again.” His voice was barely a whisper. 

A part of Newt thought he hadn’t heard it, but a deeper part knew he did. He had wondered, despite all the festivities, if Percival was even remotely ok. He finally had his answer. 

Newt pulled him close, squeezing him tight, “Percival, it’s ok. I’m right here and I’ll kick every bloke in the face who tries something like that again.”

Percival hesitated a moment before burying his face against the curve of Newt’s neck. They stayed that way for several minutes until Percival finally pulled away.

“You kicked him in the face?”

Newt nodded proudly, “Like my brother taught me.”

Percival burst out into a fit of hysterical laughter. After a second Newt found himself smiling, then dissolving into a laughing fit. Their laughter fed of each other for several minutes until they leaned against each other gasping for breath.

Percival smiled, opening his mouth to ask something but he hesitated.

“What?” Newt asked.

“It.. doesn’t bother you that I killed a man with wandless magic?”

Newt sighed heavily, “I am a bit freaked out but more about the fact that there was a knife wielding maniac in my house.”

“But..”

Newt rolled his eyes he instinctively pulled Percival down, his lips pressing into the Auror’s, “Shut up, you saved me.”

Percival froze, his eyes going wide as he slowly processed what was happening. Newt didn’t let that stop him. He already jumped off that bridge might as well drown himself to. So he continued to kiss the man he’d been fawning over for a week. 

Eventually, after getting over the shock, Percival began to lean into the kiss encouraging Newt further. The stories of the timid man in New York slowly melted away until there was nothing but the here and now. 

Newt took the hint from Percival and deepened the kiss, his finger’s curling in the Auror’s hair. He slowly learned the rhythm of the man before him, tasting him , savoring him until Percival was gasping against his lips.

“N..Newt?” Percival panted between kisses.

“Mmm?” 

“I’ve been dying to do this all week.”

“Me too?”

[inkstainedfanfics]

I Lived

Summary: As Newt ages, he learns that fear is nothing but a barrier to happiness.

Word Count: 2,268

Pairing: Newt x Reader

Note: I wrote this for my secret santa @jclements919  via @fantasticsecretsanta I hope you enjoy this! It isn’t solely fixated on his creatures, but I did try to incorporate them, and it’s about the fluffiest thing I’ve written! If you squint + listen to it while reading, you can see the inspiration of I Lived by OneRepublic in it! You have an awesome taste in music, and I hope you’re doing amazing and having a lovely holiday season! Be sure to stay in touch :D​

Theseus notices before anyone else. “Newt? Are you all right?”

Newt startles, jumping the slightest. “What? Sorry. I’m fine, thank you.”

The family room couch groans as Theseus sets his book aside, leaning forward, that smile Newt knows all too well making an appearance. “You are not. There’s something wrong. It’s a girl, isn’t it?”

Newt’s cheeks flush a deep red and he runs a hand through his mop of red hair, stuttering and stammering an excuse to Theseus, an excuse his older brother refuses to believe.

“It is, isn’t it? Ha! I knew you’d find someone one day, little brother. So, who is she? Does she go to Hogwarts? Or did you meet her through your letter campaign? Hm? Did she care for creatures’ plight like you?”

Newt drops his face into his hands. “Merlin, Theseus, please don’t tell mum. She’ll never stop talking about it.”

“Come on, you have to tell me.”

“Swear you won’t tell her?”

Theseus rolls his eyes, impatient with his little brother’s somber nature. “Fine, yes, I swear I won’t tell anyone. So come on, who is she?”

“Well,” Newt glances at the hall, listening for the familiar sounds of clanking pots that tell him his mother is too busy with supper to worry about her boys. When he hears them, he relaxes, leaning back against the worn couch and adjusting his glasses. “She’s in my potions class this year.”

“And?” Theseus prompts, impatient for details. “What’s she look like?”

“She’s… cute,” Newt murmurs, hardly able to contain his smile.

“Oh come on, you think she’s the most beautiful girl, don’t you?” When Newt says nothing, Theseus scoffs. “Such a romantic, aren’t you? Lucky that. Girls love it.”

Newt shrugs, tugging the sleeve on his cardigan down. “I don’t know. I can’t… can’t really ask her out now, can I?”

“Why not?”

“Well she’s… amazing.” He swallows, feeling like a fool here in front of Theseus, but it doesn’t matter because the boy’s too excited about the gossip to rest now. “I’m less so.”

“So? She probably thinks you’re great too. Listen,” Theseus glances over his shoulder before leaning in and whispering, “you just gotta ask her out when no one that can tell mum is around. That way, you can avoid dragging her to a family supper until you’re sure she’s great.”

“I don’t know…”

Theseus shakes his head. “You can’t be scared of everything, Newt. How’re you going to live if you don’t do anything?”

“I do things!”

“Like what?”

“I started a club at school and head my own experiments.”

Theseus rolls his eyes. “Yeah, excuse me for not considering those. Seriously, Newt.”

“I am. You’re the one that doesn’t do anything.”

Theseus scowls. “What?”

“You just stand around. What do you think everyone would say if I told them what you named your hippogriff?”

“Don’t you dare.”

“I bet they would think it’s hilarious.”

“Newt—”

Whatever Theseus is about to say is cut off as Mrs. Scamander rounds the corner, dish towel on her shoulder, hair tugged back into a tight ponytail. “Boys, wash up. It’s supper time.”

Theseus glares at Newt one final time before whipping back around and darting to his feet. “Newt has a girlfriend, mum!”

“Thesues!” Newt bellows, leaping to his feet and chasing after his brother, ignoring his mother’s gleeful calls to invite her over.

Merlin’s beard, he’s dead.

Theseus stands at his brother’s right-hand side, grinning that grin that had drawn in every woman he’d ever met. He’s flawless in his black tux, hair slicked back, silver watch around his wrist glinting in the sunlight that pours through the stained-glass windows that hang above everyone. Newt himself is bathed in a golden light, courtesy of the crown shape within the window.

He sucks in a deep breath, hands trembling the slightest in his pockets. Others fill the area, their murmurs reverberating, filling the small room with an energy that only nibbles at Newt’s, feeding his terror, worsening his anxiety. Merlin’s beard, what’s he doing here?

Theseus reaches out to clap Newt on the back. “Wait til you see her. You’re gonna die.”

Newt half-laughs, withdrawing his hands to clasp his wrist and search for a pulse. “I think I may before she even comes out.”

Pickett pokes his head out of Newt’s pocket, jabbering about how hot it is in there and how noisy everyone’s being.

“Yes, Pickett, I know. I’m excited too,” Newt mumbles, reaching up to fix his tie for the millionth time. Theseus just chuckles.

“Relax, Newt. She’s not going to change her mind now.”

Newt absentmindedly raises his hand to his lips, thumb nail landing between his teeth. “But what if she does? What if… what if she realizes she can do better? What if she wants someone more stable? What if I’m not good enough?”

Theseus raises his eyebrows, openly grinning at his brother’s terror. “Newt, I promise you that won’t happen. She’s head over heels for you, and rightly so. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone else listen to your rants on erumpent mating patterns. Trust me, she’s the one for you as much as you are the one for her.”

Newt chews on his nail still, ignoring Pickett as he clambers up his shoulder. “But, what if?”

“When have I ever been wrong?”

“Plenty of times. Remember that time you told Molly Henderson she’d be fine drinking whatever Edward brewed?”

Theseus scoffs. “She was fine in the end.”

“Most people don’t like boils,” Newt quips, eyes focused on the closed doors at the end of the alley.

“Well, that’s not really the point of what I was saying.”

Newt shifts from foot to foot, shaking his head. “You never make sense, Theseus. Never have.”

“You’re together because of me. I was right back then, wasn’t I?”

Newt just scoffs in response, too nervous to respond. Only a moment later, the organ purrs, playing music Newt had heard many times before.

He’d just never been at the front of the aisle when it played.

Bridesmaids that you invited and groomsmen Newt knew more through Theseus than anyone march down the aisle. Jacob helps Queenie down, stopping only to pat Newt on the shoulder, nearly sending Pickett tumbling to the ground. The small creature grumbles, but the noise is lost on Newt as you round the corner, stunning as always, but now… now he doesn’t know what to say.

“Wow,” he breathes out, and Theseus nudges him with his elbow.

“Told you.”

“Shut up.”

But Newt says it with a half-smile, concentrated only on the way you look, the way you shine in the colors, drenched first in blue then red then purple then finally, as you climb the three steps to stand in front of him, gold.

He swallows, fighting and failing to contain his smile. “You—You look lovely, dear.”

“Not too shabby yourself, Mr. Scamander.”

His heart goes into overdrive, entire world glowing around him as the priest begins his speech, begins the blessings and says the words he needs to marry you.

Newt doesn’t really listen. Even when Pickett crawls over his sleeve and clambers onto your shoulder to grab your earring, Newt’s not bothered. It’s perfect. As perfect as can be. For the first time in his life, Newt feels fully and truly alive.

“Forever?” You murmur, grabbing his hands, holding them in yours and Newt can’t breathe.

“Forever,” he murmurs back, knowing with every beat of his heart that he will spend the rest of his life at your side trying to make you smile.

Newt’s fingers are linked with yours, tugging you forward, back to the apartment, to the case.

“Newt,” you giggle, “what are you in a hurry for? It’s only been a couple weeks.”

“Come on, love. I’ve something to show you.”

“What is it?”

He glances back over his shoulder, heart soaring at the sight. It’s been a month that he’s officially been yours—and the eleven years before that when he was unofficially yours—and still he finds himself struck down by how beautiful you are, that glimmer in your eyes, that carefree smile, that wondrous, heart-stopping laugh. How he lived before such a love is beyond him.

But you’re here now, at his side, panting the slightest from rushing up three flights of stairs, hands on your knees. “Well, what is it?”

Newt unlocks the door and leads you inside, into the bedroom, down the case. Theseus and Queenie had managed to convince the two of you to leave it behind for the honeymoon, but it had been an antsy two weeks, both of you excited to return to two different reasons.

You simply adored the creatures, loved wandering with them, playing with them, helping them when they were injured and reading to them when they were tired. Newt found it precious, not that he was allowed to admit that anymore after one too many embarrassed glares from you. Still, he would sneak to the area where you were reading to the mooncalves or occamies and listen, an unavoidable smile painted on his face.

His reason was far more devious.

Theseus greets you both when you climb inside. “Well there’s the two lovebirds. I was wondering if you’d come back.”

“What else would we do?” You ask, eyes darting to Dougal as he putters around the workspace.

“Oh I don’t know. Run off to Italy? Spend your time delving into ruins in Romania? Risk dragons’ fire in Russia?”

“As if,” you say, rolling your eyes.

Newt swallows the nerves growing in his stomach. “Love, if I may interrupt…”

You spin to attention, grinning up at him. “Whatever you want, darling.”

Newt’s cheeks flush as Theseus whistles. Bloody brothers. “I had a lovely time on our… trip,” he hesitates, a glare cast at Theseus to convince the bothersome man to shut up for once in his life, “and I know that we promised not to get each other anything else, but I did.”

“Newt! You knew the deal.”

“Yes, but how could I resist?”

“Whatever it is, I’m not taking it,” you say, clearly adamant in your decision. “You know the rules.”

“Okay, but how,” Newt stretches behind Theseus, reaching for the tiny tree he’d bought and shipped only a week earlier, “can you resist giving her a home?”

You stop your protests short, eyes bulging. “A bowtruckle?”

“She refuses to imprint on a tree. In fact, she’s fixed on staying with me, but Pickett’s already a jealous bugger, so, if you’d like, I thought you could bring her with you. She’s quite kind and observant, and I’m sure she’ll be a wonderful companion when I’m not around to bother you.”

“You’re sure? She doesn’t want to be with the others?”

“They’ve taken to a bit of a civil war.” He sighs, exasperated with his creatures. “Maybe you can bring them peace. You’ve always been better with them than I.”

The knot in Newt’s chest unwinds as you light up. “I’d love to. I always told you that you’re too stern on them. They just want to swing around their tree, not listen to lectures.”

Theseus laughs, “He’s always been like that, you know. Too serious. I’ve always told him to lighten up. You know, he was terrified to ask you out. Shook like a leaf just thinking about it.”

“No way. Newt?”

Newt just reaches out to squeeze your hand. “Utterly terrified. But it was worth it.”

Theseus offers to lead you to the tree as Newt finishes some cleaning, and as he watches the two of you walk away, laughing and joking, he feels his heart swell. There’s nowhere else he’d rather be than by your side. With a final smile to himself, he turns back to his work desk, clearing away months of old notes and menus and brochures. He’d been terrified so many years ago, but it’d been worth it. Now he has the love of his life by his side as he works toward his dream career. In his wildest dreams, he never would’ve dreamed himself so happy.

He finds you later, curled up against an erumpent, playing with the niffler and charming a tea cup to float around for Dougal to try to catch. Your bowtruckle is resting on your shoulder, watching the niffler with a suspicious glance.

Newt stifles a laugh, dusty boots knocking gravel away as he steps to your side. “May I join you?”

“Of course. Here.” You scoot over, making room for Newt. He pats the erumpent’s back once before falling onto the spot next to you, arm winding around your waist.

“Having fun?”

Dougal stops chasing the tea cup, so you let it settle in the grass, turning your attention to Newt as Dougal wraps his arms around Newt’s neck. “She’s a sweetheart, you know.” You nod at your shoulder. “So kind. The others pick on her, though.”

“But you’ll set them straight.”

“I’ve already started. I told them if they don’t be nice, I’ll move their tree into the shadows. They weren’t very happy about that, but I think it might have worked.”

Newt leans over to press a kiss to your temple, smiling into the kiss. “I love you so much, dear.”

“I love you too,” you say with a laugh. “What prompted that?”

He bumps the top of your head with his nose, eyes shut as he soaks in this feeling, this moment of peace, this pure bliss. He can hardly contain his joy, feels like he’s about to fracture apart, but he just kisses you once more. “You, love. You.”

[ssilverstreak]

A Cat, a Fox, and a Bee walk into a Bakery 34

Scarabee was frozen, breath caught in a throat made tight by fear as he watched his boyfriend and two of his girlfriends leap into battle like they did it on a daily basis.

… Well, okay, they practically did, but that did nothing to help his nerves!

Chat gave a wild yowl as he leapt off the roof of a building, staff held over his head, and brought it down directly on the snout of the giant serpent looming over the tied-up civilians.

Okay, he knew it was petty, but he had been kinda hoping the snake would get to bite the assholes first. Even it if was irresponsible to sit back and let civilians get hurt.

Scarabee tensed up as the snake shook its head and hissed in pain, then turned and struck at Chat. The blonde was grinning, wide and toothy, and easily leapt out of the way, earning another pained hiss as the snake hurt its snout on the stone wall Chat had been standing in front of.

Satisfied that Chat had the serpent handled, he looked up in time to see Queen Bee flash by overhead, Valkyrie on her heels.  He tensed as Queenie dodged a swipe of the spear, then paled as Valkyrie used the momentum of the swing to shoot a beam at something cowering in an alley.

“Fenrir, handle these pests for me!”

“Oh, crap baskets,” Scarabee swore under his breath as Valkyrie shot off after Queen Bee again, a flash of orange rushing by as Vixen went to help her teammate, already lifting her flute to her lips.

“Try to distract the giant wolf, and don’t get eaten!” She called over her shoulder.

Scarabee whimpered under his breath as whatever Valkyrie had hit continued to grow, stumbling out of the alley as it grew too large to fit, whines filling the air as a thick coat covered a surprisingly lanky frame.

Weird, Scarabee had always pictured wolves as being bulkier than that.

“Oh no…” He winced as the giant canine stopped growing, back level with the roof of the three-story building that Scarabee was currently perched on.  A head lifted, yellow eyes opened and glowed in the night, and pale fangs gleamed as the wolf snarled.

And it was staring directly at where Chat was currently trying to get the serpent to tie itself into a knot from chasing him.

‘Change of plans, Nino!  You’re going to have to help out after all!’ Scarabee jumped as Tikki’s voice suddenly sounded in his mind, swearing as he hit his head on the outcropping of stonework he had been hiding under.

“But-“

‘Well, if you WANT Chat to have to deal with both at once…’

“Okay, okay, I get it. What do I…”

‘Use your yo-yo.  Don’t overthink it, just run on instinct.  I’ll handle the rest.’

He took a deep breath, unhooking the yoyo and letting it swing down.  It stopped automatically a few inches from the roof, and when he twitched his wrist, it began to spin in a circle and glow.

“… Okay, that’s pretty awesome.” Taking another deep breath, he focused on the wolf, which was beginning to growl, head low and teeth bared as it took one massive step forward.

Another flick of the wrist sent the yoyo sailing out, hooking around the wolf’s muzzle and taking several turns around before the end wrapped around the rest of the string, effectively binding it shut.  He took a deep breath, then ran forward and leapt onto the confused wolf’s head, immediately starting to rub behind an ear bigger than he was.  “It’s okay, big guy.  Come on, no need to get into any fights today.  How about we just sit down and relax?”

Apparently the wolf wasn’t in a listening mood, as it tossed its head, making Scarabee yelp and take handfuls of thick fur, then started to rub a paw over its face, trying to scrape the yoyo string off.  Scarabee hissed as he held on tight, refusing to let it budge.

“Calm down! Easy!  Easy!  It’s not hurting you!” A small note of panic had entered his tone, he knew it, but Scarabee kept rubbing behind one of the giant ears.  Another toss of the head had his grip slipping, and he yelped as he sailed up into the air, only to be jerked back by the yoyo string and land sprawled across the giant wolf’s muzzle.

Dazed on his side and confused on the wolf’s, they eyed each other warily.  Scarabee swallowed hard, but reached out and rubbed a gloved hand over the spot between the giant wolf’s eyes, making it cross them to try and see. “Easy, big dude.  Easy.  See, no one’s hurting you.  That’s a good boy.”

Scarabee guessed that the wolf used to be a stray dog, as slowly, the giant tail began to wag.

Grinning widely, he carefully sat up, straddling the giant nose as he kept rubbing between Fenrir’s eyes. “See, that’s my good boy!  Such a good boy!  Yes you are!  Yes you are!”

The giant wolf’s tail was wagging so hard now that it was slamming into the buildings on either side of the street, and he was beginning to wiggle in glee, giant whines filling the air.

“Good boy!  Can you sit, good boy?  Siiiiiit.” Another whine, and then the massive hindquarters slowly lowered to the ground.  The wagging tail began sweeping cars out of the way, but at least the buildings weren’t being damaged anymore.  “Good booooy! Such a good boy!”

“Hey, so the snake is all tied up now and… Scarabee, what are you doing?”

Scarabee looked over at the nearby roof and couldn’t help a wide, sheepish grin at how utterly poleaxed Chat looked.  “Can I keep him?”

“… They do not make pooper scoopers big enough.”

“That’s what dump trucks are for, bro.  Or… wait, no, that kind of construction equipment with the big shovel on the front. Whatever it’s called.” Cautiously, Scarabee loosened his grip on the yoyo string, putting some slack into what was wrapped around the wolf’s muzzle, then a reflexive flick had it unwinding and the yoyo itself snapping into his hand.

The only change was that the wolf’s jaw dropped and he began to pant happily, eyes nearly shut in bliss as Scarabee kept petting him.

“Okay, you’re officially magic.  Between Chloe and a giant wolf, I think we can all just say that you’re a beast master or something.”

A distant “I heard that!” came, and Scarabee snickered as Chat paled and tucked his tail between his legs.

“Well, I’m screwed as soon as she gets ahold of me.  And not in the good way.”

“Take her shopping, dude. You know she forgives easy if you just know which buttons to push.”

A moment later, Queen Bee arrived, Valkyrie conspicuously no longer chasing her.  “Vixen’s got her chasing illusions of me.  We can’t just keep reacting to her, we have to go on the offensive and get that spear away from her.”

“Um, guys…” Vixen crept out of the shadows, wincing.  “I don’t think my illusions are going to keep her busy long.”

“You’d be correct.” Scarabee went cold as Valkyrie floated down, panting a little but expression unseen under the helm.

All four of them froze, eyeing the akumatized Marinette warily.

Suddenly the akuma’s slight frown deepened, and she sounded confused when she spoke again.  “… I know you.  I know… I know…”

“… Mari?” Chat’s voice was small, and tight, and scared.  “Mari, are you in there?  It’s us. You know us.”

“I… I…” Valkyrie’s voice turned soft.  “I know you.”

“That’s right, baby. It’s us, Mari.  We’re here to help you.” Vixen spoke next, creeping forward a little.

“Vixie…” Valkyrie whispered, then jerked back slightly as Hawkmoth’s sign flashed purple before the glow of her eyes coming from the helm.  Scarabee couldn’t hear what Hawkmoth said, but Valkyrie frowned and shook her head.  “No.  I won’t hurt them!”

A sudden crackle of what looked like purple electricity flashed across Valkyrie’s body, and she screamed as she dropped out of the sky.

Queen Bee yelped, diving forward and catching Valkyrie, lowering her to the street carefully. The rest of them leaned in, Fenrir even lowering his head to sniff worriedly at the akuma.

Valkyrie jerked away from Queen Bee, but didn’t attack, instead heaving and clawing at her own armor with a hiss.  “No!  I will not hurt them for you!  Not them! Never them!”

“She’s fighting him,” Scarabee whispered, then flinched back as another crackle came, accompanied by another shriek of pain.

Valkyrie lay on the ground panting, Hawkmoth’s sigil glowing and pulsing angrily in front of her helm. Slowly, Chat approached and knelt beside her, hesitantly resting a hand on her shoulder.  “Mari.  Mari, listen. I know you’re in there.  We want to help you.  We need your spear.”

The purple glowed brighter, and Valkyrie shook her head in confusion, gasping as another shock ran through her, making Chat yank his hand back with a curse and a wince.

“Mari.  Mari, please.  Please.  Come back to us,” Chat whispered, pleadingly.  “Come back to us, princess.”

Slowly, fighting another shock that tore another scream from her throat, Valkyrie loosened her grip on the spear and lifted it, placing it in Chat’s hands.

“That’s our girl.” Chat gently squeezed Valkyrie’s shoulder, then lifted the spear and tossed it to Scarabee.  “Do your thing!”

Scarabee caught the spear and broke it over his knee, grabbing the yoyo as he had seen Ladybug do several times as a dark butterfly fluttered out of one of the spear halves, swinging it out and catching it.

A flash of energy went up his arm as he reeled the yoyo back in and caught it, settling into the weapon. Curiously, he tapped the top and it popped open, releasing a pure white butterfly that began to fly off.

‘Now just throw the yoyo into the sky and call for Miraculous Ladybug.  I’ll do the rest.’ Tikki told him.

Scarabee nodded and did so, smiling as several streams of ladybugs shot out and began racing to fix the damage.

He then yelped as the giant wolf he had been standing on disappeared, leaving him to drop to the ground next to a dirty, ragged stray dog, who panted up at him adoringly with a doggy grin.

The last thing to be fixed was Valkyrie herself, and his breath caught as the ladybugs swirled around her, leaving behind an exhausted Marinette.

With a groan, she pushed herself up enough to sit, then looked up as they gathered around and winced. “I’m sorry.”

Chat was the first to move, kneeling beside Marinette and scooping her up.  “Don’t be.  Come on, let’s get you home.  We’ll talk there.”

Scarabee took a step after, prepared to follow, when a whine brought his attention down to the stray dog. His heart twinged, and he sighed. “Sorry guys, I can’t just leave him. He fought off the control too.”

Scooping up the (admittedly big) dog like he weighed nothing and holding him up so that he was dangling from his arms, Nino leapt after the others as they all took to the rooftops. “My mom is going to kill me, but he deserves a home for being such a good boy.”

“Well, I do know one thing.” Vixen shot him an amused grin. “Your ‘he’ is a ‘she’.”

[redneonmoons]

The Golden Cave (Newt Scamander x Reader)

Prompt: same plot as most angst newt fics (except angstier)

Word Count: 2395

A/N: Yeah Yeah, I know.  The Bones part 3 fic should be out.  Well, now I can work on it without this fic being in the way. XP

“Hey Y/N?” Newt called.

“Yes?” I called back, trying to find him from where I stood.

“Can you feed the mooncalves?” he asked, “The Goldsteins have invited us to dinner so I was hoping you will be okay with me starting on my way.  With you in the case.”

“Good idea,” I replied, picking up the buckets with the mooncalves’ food.

He disappeared into the shed as I walked over to the mooncalves’ enclosure.  It has been eight months since I started working with Mr. Scamander.  I wouldn't trade it for the world.  His creatures were fantastic and amazing and so very lovely.  Though my favorite creature was the magizoologist himself.  His goofy smile was enough to cure any grumpy mood I may be in.  I fancied him.  I fancied him a lot, but those feelings were kept inside a cage in my heart.  I didn't need to ruin this friendship with selfish desires.

Sighing, I petted a stray mooncalf who was rubbing up against me.  I wanted to tell him.  Desperately, but I am strong.  If he wants to go further in our relationship he would say.  But that didn't stop the slight aching in my heart.

"We're here!" Newt called.

"Finally!" I exclaimed, hopping off the rock I was sitting on.

I was up the ladder in record time.  I turned to close the case when I heard Newt's laughter.  I grinned, happy Newt was enjoying himself.  I walked into the kitchen where Queenie greeted me excitedly.

"Oh Y/N!  I'm absolutely joyed to see you again," She cheered, dragging me to a chair next to her and Newt.

The dinner was amazing as always and there were plenty of stories to go around from Newt and I's adventures across the globe to Tina and Queenie's work-related tales.  The table was soon empty and everyone slowly went silent, tiredness taking over.  I excused myself from dinner and walked into the spare bedroom Newt and I were staying in.  I was jotting down some notes when Tina opened the door and came in, sitting down on Newt's bed.

"Y/N?" she asked, holding her hands on her lap.

"Yes?" I answered, looking up at her flustered face.

"I," pause, "I was wondering if Newt and you were," another pause, "Dating?" she asked.

Now it was my turn to pause, "Uh.  No."

She smiled, "Is it okay if I," pause, "Ask him out?"

My heart suddenly shattered into a million pieces.  It took all my strength to keep the waterfall of tears to come pouring.  I smile weakly at her.

"Sure," I replied, just keeping in a sob.

We sat together in silence before Tina got up and walked out the door.  I soon followed only turning to the door instead of the kitchen, grabbing my coat and donning it.

"Where are you going?" Newt asked.

"For a walk," I replied, opening the door and walking out.

I scrolled the lonely roads of New York, heading towards the frozen Central Park.  Snow softly fell, making me feel as numb as I feel on the inside.  Silent tears flowed down my cheeks, making them more frozen than normal.  I laid my cold body on a bench, casting a spell so I wouldn't die from the cold.  I whimpered as more tears fell and the sobbing became worst.  I soon cried myself to a restless sleep full of horrid dreams of lost.

~~~

I stood outside the Goldstein's apartment, hoping Queenie could sense me and let me in when Newt and Tina weren't there.

The door cracked open, "It's okay sweetie, you can come in now."

"Thanks," I said, walking in; my head down.

"Y/N," Queenie exclaimed, cupping my cheeks in her hands, "You're so cold.  What happened?"

"Just a bit of emotional cleansing," I replied, weakly.

"Liar," Queenie stated, leading me to the couch.

"I'm fine," I said, taking a seat, "I feel better already."

She frowned, giving me a sad look and waving her wand.  Two cups of tea floated over to us.  I took my cup and started drinking it, watching the fire.  Thirty minutes passed when I finished my cup.  I got up and walked to the spare bedroom.  I started at Newt's case before abruptly grabbing my backpack.  Just as I brought my wand out, Queenie burst through the door.

"Y/N!  No!" she cried out, trying to grab me.

But it was too late.  I already disapperated.

~~~

It has been six months.  Six months since I left my friends.  Since I left Newt.  I was in Italy.  Brought here by rumors of a rare wizarding artifact.  Ever since I left I enchanted my backpack to be like Newt's case.  It wasn't exactly like his for his is made for creatures.  Mine for rare and unique objects.  Anything valuable and shiny basically.  It wasn't as big as Newt's either.  Instead, mine was a small cave with a pool of crystal clear water.  The walls were carved with natural shelves for my artifacts.  Most of the floor was stone.  Using sea glass to replace sand for the entrance and bottom of the pool.  

This collecting is the only thing keeping me same.  Well.  That is what I tell myself.

Y/N . . . Come back . . .

"Shut up," I muttered, making a few passerby look at me odd.

Not that I cared.  I stopped smiling long ago.  I stopped feeling too.  My world has slowly turned to gray.  Like the walls of my cave.  This might be the real reason I collect those objects.  Because they're shiny.  I had basically turned into a depressed Niffler.  Chuckling at the thought absentmindedly, I looked up at the overcast sky.

"It's going to rain," I stated dully to no one.

Just like that, a raindrop fell on my cheek.  Several more followed while I adjusted my fedora and coat.  I whispered a password to a hobo, who pushed a button as I walked into a bar.

You shouldn't be here . . .

I ignored his words.  There just my imagination.  Sitting down in the back, I ordered some Italian butter-beer.

You're not safe here . . .

"Shut up," I muttered again as someone came to my side.

I looked over to see the waiter.

"Sorry, I was talking to myself," I mumbled, handing him some money and taking the drink.

"[Insert Italian gibberish]" Someone said, sitting across from me.

"English?" I asked, looking up at the man.

"Oh, yes.  Should have known.  I was just saying how you seemed different," He corrected.

"I'm here on business," I stated.

"You look like you're here to grieve," He said, then hastily added, "Just saying."

I smiled weakly, looking at my drink," That too I guess."

"So what brings you here on business?" He asked.

"I heard that someone was looking to sell a rare artifact."

"Oh I know just who you're looking for," he said excitedly.

"Who?"

"Me," He raised his hand to his chest.

"What are you looking to sell it for?" I asked as he brought out the shiny artifact.

"Have some magical beast on you?" he joked.

In any other setting, it would be funny but this just struck a chord with me.

"If you want a magical creature you should be asking for Newt Scamander," I spat, getting up and walking out into the pouring rain.

~~~

After finding a deserted alley, I went into my backpack putting an invisibility charm on it so no one could look in or steal it.  I kicked off my shoes and fell into my hammock, fresh tears falling from my cheeks.

Don't cry . . .

"GO AWAY!" I yelled, pulling my hair in frustration.

I'm here . . .

"NO!  I LEFT YOU!  YOU SHOULD BE HAPPY WITH TINA!  NOW BE WITH HER!" I screeched.

There were footsteps coming down my ladder.  My tears froze at the sight of who it was.  It was Queenie, a travel-worn Queenie.

"Oh Y/N," she said, sorrowfully, "You look awful."

I turned my back to her, "How did you find me?"

"There were rumors about a collector with some association with Newt Scamander."

"Don't you dare say his name," I warned.

There was a pause, "You hear his voice."

"I'm just going crazy, nothing I can't handle."

"Honey, you can't even handle the sight of me."

"I'm fine," I whimpered, wiping the tears away.

"Now that is just a lie and you know it.  Newt misses you."

"He'll be fine.  He has Tina."

"He is most definitely not fine Y/N."

"Have you told him why I left?"

"No."

"Why not?" I accosted, "Don't you think he would want a reason?"

"I do, but you should be the one to tell him."

"If you think I'll just come with you back to his arms, you're wrong."

"I don't need you to come with me," she smiled, mischievously, "Tina and I are just going to carry you there."

"Wait!  Why is Tina with you?" I yelled after her.

But it was too late.  I was stuck.

Heading towards the last place I wanted to go.

To Newt.

~~~

The days passed slowly.  Painfully slow.  Between the voice-in-my-head fits and the restless sleep, I was okay even though it felt like the longer we took the more panic filled me to the point that I was pacing with Queenie finally come down the ladder.

"We're here," she cheered but her attitude soon changed when she noticed my state.

She walked over to me and hugged me, "Come up when you're ready," she whispered.

"Okay," I said weakly, barely able to speak knowing Newt was somewhere above me.

~~~

I haven't moved.  It has been hours.  The nerves were slowly getting to me.  I looked at the pool.  Hesitantly I breathed out and walked to the edge, taking off my socks and over-shirt.  Still, with my tank-top and pants on, I waded into the shallow water; The water only going to my waist.  I dropped down, submerging my head below before bringing it back up.  I silently watched the ladder, hoping and despairing.  There were sudden yelling and loud crashes before footsteps came down the ladder.  I ducked my head into the water with my nose just high enough to breathe.

There he was.  Blue coat and all.  Standing there in my cave, looking around the room before finding me.  His face softened turning to sadness at the sight of me as he stared into my eyes.  Still not having said a word, he walked over to the water where he started taking off his shoes, socks, coat, jacket, and vest.  He then walked into the water, never letting his watering eyes off me as I raised to full height.

"Why are you crying?" he asked softly, slowing closing the space between us.

"It's just water," I lied, walking backward to keep the distance.

He noticed and frowned a little, disappointed.

"Y/N . . ." He said, but it sounded like he also said it in my head.

I closed my eyes and placed my hands over my ears; a pained expression covering my face.  Warm arms wrapped around me, one hand holding my head against his chest.  I immediately go limp at his touch.  He slowly pulled me to a shallower part of the pool.  Sitting down in the water, he cooed softly to me as I sobbed into his warm chest.

"Why did you leave?" he finally asked.

I paused my crying to look at him.  He eyes bore into mine so I looked back down, unable to hold his glance.

"I knew I couldn't keep up my facade if you and Tina started dating," I whispered, shaking in fear.

"What facade?" he questioned, pulling me closer to him.

"Th-that I love you more than a friend."

The silence that followed those words became deadly.  I didn't dare look up.  I know deep down I wasn't strong.  If I was, I would be able to look up at him like an equal or even would have told him earlier.  I also wouldn't have run away like the coward I am.

I turned to pull out of his arms only to have him just tighten his hold on me.

"Newt," I pleaded.

"Do you mean it?" he asked, "That you love me?"

"Yes," I answered weakly.

He then cupped my face in his hands and kissed me.  I was frozen in shock.  Still even after he ended the kiss.  My face turning into a bright shade of pink, I sank down into his lap, staring at my shaking hands.  He wiped away the last few remaining tears and held my hands.  Still not looking up, he kissed me on the forehead then nose before resting his head on my shoulder.  I bit my lip, trying to understand what was happening.

"Newt?" I asked.

Couple minutes passed.

"Newt?"

The only reply I received was a soft snore from the magizoologist.  I gently pushed him off me so I could see his face.  Smiling slightly, I dragged him to the water's edge.  Being too weak to get him out of the water, I rested his head on my lap, brushing his bangs back.  After a while I got the nerve to put my hand on his cheek.

"I love you," he whispered, making me pull back my hand in shock.

He smiled and grabbed my hand, opening his eyes and returning my hand to his cheek.  I faltered, not knowing what to do so I just stared into his hazel eyes.  Getting brave, Newt turned and crashed his lips against mine.  I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck, deepening the kiss.

Crash!

We separated, searching for the cause.  Scanning the walls, we saw a black shadow scurry away.  Newt immediately gave chase.  He ran to the wall and began grabbing at it.  After knocking down some of my collectibles, he finally got a hold of the intruder.

"You bugger!" he exclaimed, bring the creature to his face.

It was the Niffler.  I giggled as Newt began to shake it by its back paws, some of my artifacts falling from his pouch.

Newt then turned to me, smiling, "Shall we bring him back to my case?"

"Definitely," I answered, smiling.

[thenewtdimension]

A Chased Promise

Pairing: Newt Scamander x Reader Prompt: Requested by anon. One shot(x) or Chapter ( ) Word count: 2.2k Warnings: none Genre: Fluff? A/N: I’m really sorry this took so long, anon! I don’t think it’s my best work but hopefully it’s good enough for all of you!

It was no secret that, after a few years of traveling with you as his companion, Newt found himself enjoying the little details you and your presence brought to his life (although you were utterly convinced he brought more to yours - and you were very enthusiastic and thankful for them.) Which is why it wasn’t a surprise when one day he finally asked you to be his partner. But oh did it take time and multiple nudges, specifically from Queenie. She almost squealed as she noticed the subtle changes in both of your behaviors during one of the scheduled ‘Goldstein Household Trips’.

For Newt, it felt as if the time had barely passed with you by his side. He had given his shy smile then, and now, about two years later, he couldn’t help its return. Certainly, his -and your- confession were true at heart. Yet he desired something more as the minutes turned into hours and the hours turned into days.

As a rule, Newt knew he had to prepare himself for his thoughts to turn to whispers whenever an encounter with Queenie neared. Truthfully, it barely worked and they often slipped. As you sat facing him and besides the legilimence, chatting about with Tina about some news from her job or with Jacob about his new confections, you failed to notice how Queenie’s eyes twinkled and her smile widened at your lover’s soft gaze upon your face. He was eating slowly, eyes focused on your cheeks as they got rosy from laughter and mentally taking note of how, undeniably, your beauty shinned brighter each day. Newt’s smile twitched a bit the way it did when he tried stifling a bigger grin, and as his eyes shifted over to Queenie’s, he knew he was in for.

Queenie had wrinkled her nose and given him a wink before going to answer one of Jacob’s questions, and you quickly brought Newt into your conversation with Tina.

He had tried, really, he had, to attempt and forget the look she gave him - the look he knew too well. She knew about his thoughts on proposing to you, on wanting to marry and finally being with you as husband and wife. And that meant the look indicated she was going to nudge - and oh did she nudge.

As dinner finished, you went to check on the creatures one last time before parting ways with the sisters and Jacob. Newt, who waited near the exit of the warm apartment, was silently cornered by Queenie while Tina parted for her room and Jacob delayed by the kitchen.

“Newt Scamander,” she said, dimples evident on her cheeks as a sly smile overtook her face. “I’m really happy for ya’, sweetie. Did you buy the ring yet? When are you going to ask?”

His cheeks instantly felt on fire and he moved his gaze elsewhere. A lump seemed to form in his throat and his hands kept on wringing as a way to release some of his nervousness. He had tried opening his mouth to answer, but it quickly closed as his voice gave out.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t thought about asking you - on the contrary, he had thought about it quite a lot. The question, said aloud, just brought forth hundreds of insecurities. He knew you loved him, he felt it each and every day. But did you love him enough to marry? To spend the rest of your life with him and with his creatures? You loved them like your own, and his chest warmed just thinking about it - but to spend the rest of your years amongst them was another thing entirely. And - and what if you changed your mind? What if you stopped loving him as soon as he uttered the words? What would he do then? What if, what if, what if.

New, foreign questions popped up like flares and glided across his mind as Queenie’s words repeated themselves afresh. His eyes had glazed over, and it wasn’t until he felt a hand gently fixing his coat’s sleeve that he finally snapped out of it.

Newt looked at the hand, delicate and pale, and then at Queenie herself. Her smile had softened and he silently thanked her for the hopeful gaze she soothed him with.

He offered her a faltering smile back and shook his head, finally answering her question.

“N-no, actually. I hadn’t given that much thought,” he said, referring mostly to the ring.

Queenie clapped her hands together excitedly, without making much noise so her sister and Jacob wouldn’t catch on just yet, while her eyes turned to half-moons.

“Then we gotta do that, Newt. Tell ya’ what. Why don’t we go buy one, together, tomorrow before ya’ both leave?”

Newt stared at her for a bit, before nodding and smiling again. He was thankful for her offer, mostly because he knew she was doing it to squash down any useless thoughts that withered his confidence. He was very determined to ask you the special question, after all. He couldn’t, and shouldn’t, be thinking those things. You meant too much to him for he to get discouraged so easily.

You two often visited the sisters, but with Jacob staying with them as often as he could and the landlady asking way too many questions, it was often ideal to stay in a nearby hotel. You both had returned to your room after the magnificent dinner and settled in for the night. The next day would have to be waited out as the hour to board the ship to London struck the clock.

It was the next morning when Newt stuttered a simple excuse before heading out of the room, forgetting to eat because of his nerves.

You barely had time to ask if he needed help when the door clicked shut a few feed from your face. Figuring you could always ask him about it later, you decided to put your skills to the test and make some breakfast.

As you ate the slightly burnt eggs and toast and finished your too-bitter coffee (Newt was the better cook between you two,) you decided to just go and take care of the creatures since your lover had left the case in his rush, and therefore in your care.

By the time he had returned, you had already feed, sat with and talked to all of the creatures, and even took a nap with Dougal before letting them all rest and going out of the case. In fact, you were just getting out of the bathroom when you noticed the case had been moved.

You looked at the door and upon finding it locked, wondered if Newt was back from his trip out to the city. Chuckling, you started making a beeline towards the kitchen only to hear that tricky claps of the case snap open.

“Bugging little clasp,” you whispered, amused, as you went to close it. Once near it, however, you heard the distinct sound of a glass shattering followed by heavy footsteps and suddenly, a variety of subsequent animal growls, squeaks and squawks.

Worry filled you, and before you knew it, you were already descending the ladder back into the case in hopes of finding answers.

Before you, Newt’s curls wisped around the different enclosures, his lanky frame following a black fluff around while it wriggled and escaped his many attempts at catching it. As the little ball you figured was the Niffler ran around, the rest of the creatures seemed to rile up slightly. Newt, in turn, took his time to calm them down before going to chase the little bugger again.

Now, you weren’t quite sure what was going on and why was he chasing it, but you decided to help either way.

Wondering where you could interject in the chase, you stepped forward and glass crunched under your boot. Once you noticed the broken pieces, you made a mental note to clean that up later so no one got hurt, and proceeded to follow after the creature.

You followed Newt as he chased him throughout the beetle enclosure. He had made a turn to the Graphorns’s area but hurried through the place and scurried elsewhere. It went on for a few minutes as you decided you’d just wait and see his trajectory.

As you saw the Niffler look at the Bowtruckle tree, you hid behind Dougal’s bed and quickly shot out to catch his chubby form once it turned towards the Occamy nest.

The little guy wriggled in your arms, but he stopped to look at you with big, curious eyes that strayed to your necklace. You laughed and looked forward to find Newt staring at you with eyes that defied the Niffler’s own in size.

“Y-Y/N! You’re here, you caught him,” he said and his eyes went wider, “Oh dear, you caught him…”

You smiled slightly, still confused, and nodded before going to stroke the little guy’s head. Or, well, that’s what you aimed to do when he was taken out of your hands.

Newt’s slender fingers held the Niffler before going to retrieve something it seemed to have taken. It quickly protested but Newt kept the item close to the little guy’s pouch in order to keep him from escaping once more. Curious, you stepped towards him.

“Yes, are you alright, love? What did he take?”

Newt quickly lowered his eyes as his face exploded in a red-hue you couldn’t quite catch, and turned his back to take the little guy to his nest.

“I-I’m better now that you’ve helped me catch him…” He began speaking softly, but your ears were already trained to his different tones and you followed him close by.

You hummed and gave him some space, waiting for your other question to be answered.

Newt took out about 3 galleons and offered it to the bugger. The Niffler took them with greedy hands before going to arrange them in his cozy pile. For the moment, he seemed to leave the item be in the curled man’s hands.

A silver ring with leaf-like sides and a small stone that shone brighter whenever the light hit it lay on his freckled hand. He fidgeted with it, persistently turning it over and over. He and Queenie had gone to buy it earlier in the morning, and it instantly reminded him of you.

You weren’t sure why he hadn’t turned to face you yet, but your attention was stolen by your favorite demiguise before you could do anything else.

Dougal’s soft hair tickled your arms and you smiled as you picked him up and softly asked how he was - even you thought you had already done so earlier that evening. You didn’t want to pick favorites, truly, but just as Newt did so with Pickett, you couldn’t help to do with Dougal. He was just too cute for his own good.

You laughed as he played with your hair, but it then got stuck in your throat as he shifted his stare towards Newt - who had turned to face you, all red faced, to gaze straight into your eyes.

“Y/N…” he said, and you nodded as a way of saying, go on, keep looking into my eyes.

You could have stared into his forever- at those blue and golden specks swimming around your favorite green pools and the small, overlaying freckles around his eyelids and, truly, if it weren’t for the words he uttered next, you would have probably been lost for the next hour.

“Y/N… would you - would you not mind marrying me?”

Your body suddenly went rigid, but your surprise was mistaken for apprehension and denial and his gaze glazed over and shifted to anywhere but you. “I-I’m sorry, I-”

Quickly putting Dougal down, you neared the man you loved and gently touched his cheeks, guiding his face to yours and cutting off his mumbles.

“Newton Artemis Fidos Scamander, of course I wouldn’t mind marrying you. In fact, I’d love it. I accept, if that’s what you’re asking me,” you said, words soft and barely whispers and oh how could he think you would say anything different?

Ring partially forgotten on his hand, Newt’s arms snaked around your waist and you held on for dear life as he lifted you a little. He was hiding his smile on the crook of your neck, and both of you laughed as he gave you a twirl and set you down.

“I love you, Y/N,” he said, delicately taking your hand and putting on the ring. It was beautiful and you couldn’t quite believe it was happening.Did you hear him right? Were you asleep?

You had only dreamt of this day - somehow fooling your mind to believe he was never going to ask you such questions. After all, you knew there were better women out there - or so you thought, anyway.

Them the happiness in your chest grew and tightened your chest, a smile spread so wide your cheekbones started hurting. And your eyes couldn’t hold back the water, so you brought your lips close to his in an attempt to ignore the tears that started falling down your cheeks.

“I love you too, Newt. I’ll always love you,” you whispered, before finally sealing the promise with a kiss.

Tag: (I’m not sure if you wanted to be tagged specifically in future fics for the next Stargazers Installment but since you did mention future fics without distinction, I’ll add you here. Forgive me if you meant otherwise! Please notify me if you did! & sorry for any trouble) @kazezakura​