Falling

Firewhiskey

Fair warning this chapter's all over the bloody place. Essentially two ideas merged into one as neither were long enough to be stand alones and I needed to add some more structure. But we've got hints to a drunk Newt and Newtina fluff so all's well that ends well.Enjoy:)

Newt was knelt on the floor waving his wand at a newly forested part of his basement. The Zouho was getting restless in the case so Newt decided to create a Chinese forest next to the Augreys for the creature to finally get some more space. It was just him alone currently as everyone else was constructing Nagini a cabin by the Mooncalves.

After multiple long discussions, it was decided that Nagini would reside in Newts basement so after the blood curse takes effect she can remain to be comfortable and well cared for. Tina had decided to head up the construction as she was used to creating furniture and various other objects from providing for Queenie since she was 8 and was adamant about making Nagini's home as enjoyable as possible. Jacob had decided to do some baking in preparation for his meeting with Bryan, something Newt reassured him was not necessary but Newt wasn't trying too hard as he was enjoying the various baked goods, as well as teaching Nagini in the process. He had also begun to teach both Tina and Theseus as neither were overly well versed in cooking and Newt knew that Jacob didn't start explaining soon their home would go up in flames.

As Newt finished adding a small lake for the Zouho to splash in, his thoughts drifted back to his brother. Despite the fact he was running on little sleep and even smaller amounts of food he was still going in to work. Even Tina had taken little encouragement before conceding that a week off before joining the Auror department wouldn't kill her but he was having no such luck with Theseus. He would just look at him with his eyes filled with annoyance and huff "Since when do you care so much about my well being Newton" and leave with a mug of cold coffee and a stack of paperwork.

Grumbling in annoyance at his brothers' non-compliance Newt kicked his case open and accio'd the large cat toy. A quick jingle caused the giant cat-like creature to come bounding out. Newt threw the toy at the newly freed animal and chuckled as it began to gambol within the trees.
"Successful then?" Came a sweet-sounding voice from behind causing Newt to hastily turn around. The sight that met him was Tina with her hands rested casually on her hips, watching him curiously.
"Very. This will be a large improvement from that pathetic cage"
"I never really noticed but I guess circuses hardly take care of their animals" Tina replied casually. She had come to sit beside him but before Newt could respond calmly his passionate animal side overtook. His eyes flared as he spoke clearly
"They're medieval. Not a single animal deserves to be treated that way. They lock them up and use them for entertainment because people choose to control through terror rather than be educated". Tina didn't respond for a moment before continuing "But that's why you wrote the book wasn't it? To educate those who act out of fear"
"It is." Newt replied quietly then in a sudden change of tone he continued "Did you know one of the first creatures that I cared for was a colour-curio named Nigel that I rescued from the circus?"
"No-I didn't"
"I had him for years and I carried him in a coin pouch with an extension charm just large enough for him to be comfortable. When I was expelled I couldn't find a lot to do as not many wizards wanted to employ me so I ended up helping the circus when it came to London. Nigel was dying and couldn't be used for entertainment anymore and they were going to kill him. So obviously I took him and brought him everywhere. He died early on in my international travels as I knew he was getting old so I brought him back to his homeland, the deserts of Kenya and he's buried under a curio tree." His voice trailed off at the end but he cleared his throat of emotion and continued
"As much as I miss him I owe him a lot. He was not just my only friend for almost a decade but I got my trunk off an Erumpent trafficker the same day because of him" He could feel his eyes were burning with tears but he made no move to wipe them away. Tina merely moved closer and placed a comforting arm on his shoulder
"Shh, it's okay. I bet he's glad he could have stuck with you for so long"
"I-I hope so" Newt sighed staring as Tina's arm slid down his and rested on top of his hand. They sat there enjoying one another's silence before Tina realised his wand had rolled just out of his reach. Newt was clearly inside his mind but she thought it was best for him to have it back in case he wanted to make any more amendments.