Why Can't I Tell You

You Came Back

Tina sat with her back to the door drinking hot cocoa and scanning over the fresh newspapers.

I'm looking for evidence, she told herself, but really she was looking for any mention of the release of a new book. Queenie walked around dusting the living room and humming lightly to herself. Tina's constant stream of thoughts drummed against her skull.

"Teen, could ya think a little quieter. He'll comeback," she said gently.

"Sorry Queenie," Tina said apologetically, "I just haven't heard from him in a while, and I'm starting to think.." Tina faltered, "nevermind."

"Oh Teenie, he would never forget about you!" Queen said rushing over to wrap her arms around Tina and stroking her hair. Tina's shuddering breath broke her sister's heart. This was so unlike the strong, determined auror her sister usually was. Now she was so vulnerable. Queenie heard a quiet click and a jumble of incoherent thoughts. When she looked over her shoulder she almost screamed. Her look of surprise changed to a beaming smile and she continued to stroke Tina's hair.

"I know Queenie, it's just that I miss him so much, I should have told him at the docks before he left, but I think, I think...I love him Queenie," Tina whispered through tears. Queen abruptly stopped stroking her hair and raised an eyebrow at a gaping, lost looking Newt in the doorway. A smirk stretched across her rosy facade. Newt quickly dropped his case and walked over to the table. Tina had hid her head in her arms so she didn't see him sit down. Queenie turned around to stir the soup simmering  on the stove, still raising an eyebrow at a flustered looking Newt. He tentatively raised his hand and pushed some of her hair out of her face, "Tina," was all he managed to choke out. Tina jerked upright at his voice.

"Newt?" she whispered looking up at him, her lashes coated and heavy with glistening tears. The sight of her crying, in pain, made Newt's eyes sting. "You came back," she whispered, smiling through her evident pain.

He smiled slightly, hiding behind his fringe,"It seems I have," her said amused. He looked up and she met his eyes. Her dark, chocolate ones flitted around Newt's face, between his bright green ones, his freckles, his dimples. She couldn't believe he was there, and for once he didn't look away.

"Teenie," Queenie said still facing the stove," could ya set the table for four, Jacob's comin' over for dinner." Tina quickly snapped out of her reverie. Without uttering a single word she shook her head slightly and stood up, waving her wand in intricate patterns. Newt watched her, awed, but then straightened up under Queenie's watchful, peripheral gaze.

"I'm afraid I cannot stay much longer. I need to seek accommodation for the length of my stay in New York."

"Absolutely not honey!" Queenie exclaimed whirling around, her first words to him since he arrived, "You will stay here, in a real bed, and no arguing. Awww, you are never a bother." Newt smiled, embarassed, nonetheless greatful for once for Queenie's legilimency.

"Thank you," he said and chanced a glance at Tina who also happened to be looking his way. They both dropped their gazes, with blushing cheeks and red-tipped ears.

"Oh you two," Queenie whispered breathily. Tina didn't have time to scold her sister before there was a rap on the door. "That would be Jacob," Queenie said rushing to the door. She opened the door a crack, then all the way pecking Jacob on the cheek.

When Jacob spotted Newt he smiled, "Hey pal!" he exclaimed hugging him tightly. Newt lightly returned the affections, looking a bit uncomfortable at such a reunion, "Missed ya, how've you been?"

"I'm doing well thank you! And you have your memory back!" Newt said looking over Jacob's right shoulder.

"Yeah! Can you believe it! Somethings I don't remember here and there. I remember you guys, your case, your creatures, and this doll he said pulling a giggling Queenie in by the waist and kissing her cheek. While the two enjoyed the moment, Newt's gaze flitted over to Tina who was watching them with a sad smile, her shoulders sagging, then she looked at Newt and her whole face turned red. Newt watched her scratch her neck, then get up to laddle the soup, her hands shaking slightly.