To Love an Obscurial (Newt Scamander x Credence Barebone)

Chapter 5

*Really long chapter! :)*

Credence woke up under the golden light of the early morning. He was sprawled on top of Newt, who was asleep. Newt was warm and comfortable, and made him feel safe. Credence took the opportunity to gaze at him. Although he knew it was wrong, he let his eyes and fingertips skim over Newt's torso, taking in every inch of his lean figure and his... scars?

Newt had many silvery scars, ranging from tiny scratches to huge gashes across his toned body. Credence absently traced them with a finger, wondering the history behind each one. Newt shifted comfortably under his touch, still asleep. If Newt's scars made him this beautiful, why did his scars give people just another reason to consider him a freak?

"That one's from a manticore in Persia. I was a smidge too bold and I startled it." A soft voice said. Credence flinched and blushed crimson, ashamed, as he realized Newt was now awake and had caught him.

Credence tried to apologize. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to touch you without permission!" He was silenced by Newt sitting up and giving him a gentle hug. Newt wore a small smile, and a pink blush dusted his freckled cheeks.

"There's no need to apologize, Credence," he said softly. "It's quite all right."

More than all right, thought Newt. He winced slightly at the indecent thoughts flooding his head.

"How about some breakfast?" he offered, trying to lighten to mood.

Credence couldn't even look at Newt for the entirety of the morning. His scarlet blush showed no signs of leaving anytime soon, and he barely said a word, eating his breakfast silently. Credence went to get dressed, and as he came out of Newt's bedroom wearing a pair of Newt's worn trousers and a button-up shirt, it suddenly struck Newt that Credence didn't have clothes of his own. He had been borrowing Newt's clothes during the journey here, but if Credence was really going to say with him, he needed clothes of his own.

"Credence, how would you feel about coming with me to go shopping? You can say no if you don't want to, I don't want to force you." Said Newt. After a long silence from Credence, he added: "It'll be fun..."

"What if I get lost?" Credence asked worriedly. He was rather afraid to leave Newt's home, a comfortable sanctuary filled with books and animals. He was fearful that he would lose Newt in a crowd, or that Newt might even abandon him on the streets.

"You won't get lost, I promise. I'll always be there."

"All right..." Credence answered hesitantly.

Newt walked down a busy London street, looking for a male clothing shop, with Credence clutching his sleeve like a lifeline. Newt didn't mind. Credence was comforting to have around. He spotted a promising-looking store, and ducked in with Credence in tow.

The store was dusty and smelled a little odd, but the shopkeeper was welcoming, and flashed them a smile as they stepped through the door. The store contained all kinds of clothing, from elegant suits and ties to outlandish rainbow outfits.

"What do you like? Pick out some clothes." He let Credence explore the small shop by himself, he himself going to explore the neighboring shop. He wanted to get Credence a gift, and was so excited at the thought of getting his face to light up the way it did under the stars that he forgot to tell him he was leaving.

Newt saw a small grey felt cat in the window display of a store, and knew he had to get it for Credence. The boy loved cats, and they liked him. He'd do anything to make him happy. He purchased the small stuffed toy and hurried back to the clothing shop, eager to show Credence his gift.

When Newt stepped through the door of the clothing shop, he was immediately tackled in a hug.

"Newt! I thought you left me! I got so scared and I panicked! You said you'd always be there!" Credence said, eyes wide.

"Credence! I'm so sorry! I didn't- I forgot to tell you I was going to the neighboring store because I was so excited to get you this." Newt produced the felt cat with a flourish. "I'm so sorry." And that was the truth. Newt felt absolutely terrible for leaving him.

"Y-you got me a gift?" It was Credence's turn to be shocked. He had never in his life received a gift, except for the necklace Graves gave him.

"When I saw it, I thought of you and I knew I had to get it. If you don't like it, I can get another one, it's okay, you don't have to-"

Newt was cut off by a strong hug. He hadn't realized how powerful Credence was despite his slender frame. He must have done all the heavy lifting at the Second Salem Church. As Credence leaned into him, Newt could feel the muscles of his arms, chest, and broad shoulders.

"I love it. Thank you so much, Newt."

"You're welcome. I'm so glad you like it. Have you picked out some clothes you like yet?"

Credence picked up a small stack of modest clothing from the counter.

"Have you tried them on yet? Do they fit you?" asked Newt.

"Try them on?" Credence had never picked out clothes for himself, much less been asked if they fit him. Mary Lou had always made him wear the same clothes whether they fit him or not.

"Of course! Excuse me," Newt asked the shopkeeper, "Where are the fitting rooms?"

"Right in the corner to your left." The shopkeeper answered.

Credence entered the stall and undressed, and tried to put the clothes on. They tangled around him, and he had to ask Newt for help.

"Newt, could you please help me?"

Newt was blushing furiously as he stepped into the stall, and he tried to hide it.

"W-what do you need help with, Credence?" he asked.

"I can't seem to figure out how to put these clothes on." he replied.

Newt couldn't keep himself from sneaking glances at Credence's exposed legs, chest, and shoulders as the other stood awkwardly in his underwear, red in the face. After helping him with the trousers, Newt buttoned the shirt for him, his fingers brushing Credence's chest.

"You look wonderful!" exclaimed Newt as he finished buttoning the shirt. It was true. The outfit accented Credence's broad shoulders and long legs. As Newt looked at him, Credence could feel himself heating up under the warm gaze.

Newt paid for the clothes, and as the pair stepped out into the midday sunshine, Newt had trouble keeping his eyes off of Credence. The boy was spectacularly dashing in his new clothes, and moved much more confidently now. He was even smiling a little, something which he rarely did. Credence could feel the weight of Newt's gaze on him as they walked, but he didn't say anything. He enjoyed the feeling of being noticed and cared for.