Hanging On

Engaged

Newt fought the urge to pace the length of the crowded dock as he waited for the passengers to disembark. In just a few minutes, he'd be seeing his wife and son again. He watched the stream of people coming through customs, trying to spot his family.

He finally saw them. Nick was clinging to Tina's hand as they descended the ramp to the dock. They joined the queue for customs. Newt stood fidgeting until they were finally through.

Nick was the first one to spot him. Tina's breath caught as his hand left hers and he darted forward. She was about to call after him when she saw her husband. Nick had just reached him, and he had scooped the child up into a tight hug.

Her pace quickened, and she reached them in seconds. Newt shifted his son to one side to free one arm so he could pull his wife into a hug. She clung to him with her own free arm, burying her nose in the collar of his shirt.

"Oh, Tina," he breathed.

He set Nick down and took Tina's case. Nick took his free hand, and they made their way away from the dock. When they found a hidden corner, they Disapparated and made their way to Newt's house.

Nick was usually talking nonstop when he saw his father for the first time in weeks, but today he was unusually quiet. He showed his father the gap in his teeth from where he had lost his first tooth while on the boat, but that was all. He couldn't understand any of the thoughts coming from either of his parents, but he picked up their emotions easily. Both of them were worried, and he was afraid of making things worse.

They arrived at the house a few minutes later. It was early in the evening, but Bunty had already gone home. She hadn't wanted to get in the way of the family reunion, especially since Newt had some distressing news.

Newt heated the meal he had prepared earlier, and they all sat down for a quiet dinner. When they had finished, Tina informed Nick that it was time for bed. It was a little earlier than his usual bedtime, but she was anxious to speak to Newt alone and find out why it had been so urgent for them to be in London.

"I was hoping I would get to see the basement," Nick admitted softly.

Newt offered him a smile. "I know, but it's almost your bedtime, and there isn't enough time to show you everything."

"Besides, Daddy and I need to talk."

"About why you're both so worried?"

"Yes, Nick," Newt said. "And I don't want you to worry about it, okay?"

He led them up to the next floor. He had never really used it for anything but storage, but he had transformed it back into the two bedrooms it was meant to be. There was a narrow hallway at the top of the stairs with two doors leading off it. 

The smaller room had a twin bed in one corner. It was the same bed that had always been downstairs. Newt helped Nick change before tucking him into bed.

"Will I get to see the basement tomorrow?" he asked.

Newt smiled, rumpling the boy's hair fondly. "Of course." He kissed him.

Nick kissed him back. "I missed you."

"I missed you too."

"Goodnight, sweetie," Tina said, kissing him as well.

"Goodnight, Mum. Night, Dad."

"Goodnight, Nick."

Newt turned the light out, and he and Tina made their way back downstairs. He pulled her into a tight hug.

"I've missed you so much," he murmured. "I'm so glad you're here."

She offered him a small smile before pressing a kiss to his lips. "I've missed you too." She reluctantly pulled out of his arms and moved to prepare a pot of tea. Then she joined her husband at the table.