It was in his eyes. In the way he observed and studied and took in everything Newt said. Newt loved spending time with Credence. He loved that he can be eccentric with someone else, like he was with Jacob. But he loved even more that he can be quiet with someone else. The right kind of quiet, too. If he hummed or muttered to a bowtruckle, there wouldn’t be any question of, “Who’re you talking to?” It was so simple. And what’s more, Newt liked the company.
“Thought we could bring in a more domesticated creature for you,” Newt told Credence one day after revealing to him a Puffskein.
Credence’s head tilted and he reached his hands out to it. Newt tossed it to Credence and the yelp that Credence let out was so terrified and hilarious all at once, as he lurched forward to catch the creature. Newt started to laugh, which he rarely did.
“It’s alright, Credence,” Newt assured the other man, stepping closer to stroke a hand over the Puffskein’s fluffy, round back, “They rather enjoy being thrown about.”
“You startled me,” Credence pointed out, a blush on his cheeks from his embarassing reaction.
“They also enjoy a cuddle. See?” Newt took the Puffskein from Credence and rested it on his shoulder. Perched there, it snuggled close to Newt’s neck and began to purr.
Newt giggled and his head jerked. Credence caught on immediately and he finally allowed himself to show a very slight smile.
Newt took the creature away from his neck after squeaking in an undignified kind of way. Now both he and Credence shared their pink-tinged cheeks.
“Careful with that one. She may have a bit of mischief in her,” Newt extended his arms with the yellow-furred Puffskein in them. Credence took the fluff ball back.
“Thank you,” he said and went to sit on the sofa with his new pet. Newt took a seat next to Credence.
“You’re very welcome,” Newt smiled and he reached over and scratched at the Puffskein’s furry belly. It started to purr again. Credence giggled now, as it was seated in his lap close to his belly.
“Feels odd,” Credence got out when he held the Puffskein from him in his outstretched hands.
Newt, emboldened by the soft interactions with the Puffskein, reached up and graced his fingers across Credence’s neck. The Occulus’s head came crashing down to his shoulder and the Puffskein went to his lap once more.
“Newt,” Credence breathed.
“Just lightly. It won’t feel bad, I promise,” Newt, ever reassuring, began to trace his fingers along Credence’s side, up his ribs. He curled away with a high-pitched giggle. And Newt loved it this way.
A/N - Welcome to day four of ficruary! Today’s fic is one of the best fics I’ve ever wrote in my opinion so I really hope you guys like it! It’s a Fantastic Beasts AU fic where everyone lives together and Credence was informally adopted by them all. Enjoy my friends!
Word Count: 1,745
It was over. Grindelwald had been arrested and Credence had been calmed, the Obscurus no longer wreaking havoc. Tina and Newt had even unofficially adopted Credence, taking him away from his old, unfit home. The two of them wanted to help him and teach him about his abilities, among other things.
He was brought back to the shared home of Queenie and Tina, where Jacob and Newt had also grown to call home. For the time being, Credence slept on the couch, which they turned into a bed for the night, which the boy didn’t mind. This was the best home he had ever come to known and he appreciated everything the four had done for him.
Everyone treated him with respect, all of them accepting him as if he were their own child. Every single one of them took turns every day to be with him, not giving him very much alone time unless specifically asked for. On certain days, one or more of the four will take Credence on special outings. For instance, Jacob has taken Credence to show him his bakery and taught the boy how to bake, a hobby which Credence has taken a liking to. Newt and Tina have taken him to the zoo, showing him the nonmagical animals, then going back to the flat for Newt to show off some of his beasts.
Credence was always very interested in the beasts Newt had hidden away in his case. He always tried to follow Newt when he was going to work with the beasts, always wanting to interact with all of them. Newt usually allowed him to, though tried his best to keep Credence away from the Obscurus, not wanting to provoke any ill memoires.
One particular day, Credence found himself following Newt and Tina to interact with the beasts. Today, was bathing day. While most of the beasts could groom themselves, Newt liked to bathe them himself to keep the area from smelling too bad and to bond with the beasts. Having Tina and Credence was an added bonus, getting to spend time with them and having help, especially since some of the beasts tended to be a bit rowdy during wash days.
“So, all we have left is Niffler, which won’t be too hard after everyone else we washed,” Newt smiled happily at Tina and Credence, who had literally gone through hell in the last few hours. The beasts didn’t take too kindly in them attempting to wash them, which lead to some very exciting chases around the suitcase. “All right, you two. Have either of you seen him?”
Tina and Credence shared a mildly amused look after both noticing Niffler trying to sneak behind Newt as he was talking. Credence was the one to break Niffler’s cover as he pointed at the small creature. Newt spun around to catch a glimpse of the beast before it darted off into another room.
“I’ll be back in a minute,” Newt let out a sigh before chasing after the quarrelsome beast. Tina and Credence remained standing in the middle of the room, mindlessly fiddling with the small pail being used as a bath tub for the smaller beasts.
“I’ll give him five,” Tina said, shooting a large smile over to Credence.
“Wow, only five?” The boy laughed lightly, melting inside by the sight of Tina’s smile, a sight he adored. “I was going to give him ten.”
“I like your style, Credence,” Tina giggled, placing her hand on the boy’s shoulder. The two of them waited for Newt to return, laughing at the various crashing sounds coming from the other room.
“I got him!” Newt reemerged eight minutes later, per Tina’s mental clock. The man’s hair was ruffled and was panting heavily as he brought Niffler to the pail. The three of them began to bathe the creature, Newt holding Niffler as he instructed Tina and Credence for the process of shampooing. It had taken Newt longer to get ahold of Niffler than it did to bathe the small creature. Once dried, Niffler pounced onto Newt, scurrying across his torso. “Niffler!”
Newt stumbled backward, plopping down onto the ground as Niffler scurried over his ribcage. Newt exploded into a peal of giggles, folding into himself as the beast dug in. Tina and Credence watched the show, observing Niffler vanishing under Newt’s vest. The man squealed and fell onto his back, fists beating against the floor as Niffler crawled around on bare skin.
“Tina,” Credence nearly whispered, gently placing his hand on her elbow. Tina looked away from the flailing Newt, turning all attention to the boy. “Tina. What’s happening to him? Why is he laughing?”
“He’s being tickled,” Tina answered, nearly stuttering over the word. Based on Credence’s continued confusion, Tina was quick to realize that the poor boy had probably never experienced tickling before, having grown up the way he had. “It’s kind of hard to explain. Um…Newt!”
Niffler scurried out from underneath Newt’s shirt once he heard Tina’s voice, racing away to hide. Newt curled up into a ball on the ground, residual giggles streaming from his lips. Tina and Credence waited as Newt recovered, taking deep breaths to steady himself.
“You called?” Newt asked as he sat up, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced up at the other two. Wiping the sweat from his face, Newt got to his feet, approaching the two with an air of slight embarrassment. “What do you need?”
“Credence doesn’t know what tickling is. I was trying to explain it to him, but I don’t really know how,” Tina admitted, digging her toe into the floor. A hint of color rose to Newt’s face as he turned to Credence.
“So, tickling is this thing that humans do. Beasts can do it too, but that doesn’t matter. Anyway, um, it’s when someone touches another person in a certain way. When said person is touched, they start to laugh. It’s a fun thing to do amongst friends and family. It’s kind of a form of bonding and a way to have fun.”
“So, it’s a good thing?” Credence asked, trying his best to understand. “It’s a way to make people happy?”
“Yeah,” Tina chimed in. “Whenever Newt is upset, I do it to him. It’s a way to make each other happy.”
“It makes both people happy. Tina is happy when I tickle her and I’m happy too,” Newt responded, getting her back for her previous statement.
“Can I…can I try it?” Credence asked, looking away from both of them.
“You want to be tickled?” Tina asked softly. The boy simply nodded as Newt and Tina exchanged looks. “Okay, do you want me or Newt to tickle you?”
“You can do it, if you want,” Credence let out.
“Okay,” Tina replied, taking his hands. She guided him to the floor, the two of them sitting across from one another as Newt sat on his stool, watching from above. “All you have to do is sit there as I tickle you. It’s okay if you squirm around, most people do. Just try not to accidentally hit me or anything. If you do, however, that’s fine. It’s all an accident and I understand. Now if you want me to stop, just say so. I’ll stop immediately, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Good,” Tina let out a small sigh of relief. “Now you can sit there if you’re comfortable or you can lie down. Either is fine with me. I’ll start once you want me to.”
Credence lowered himself so his back was against the floor, his hands intertwined on his chest, looking over at Tina. Giving her a gentle nod, she crawled over to his side. Credence watched her as she gently placed her hands on his belly. She glanced at him, receiving another nod, and began.
Slowly, Tina moved her fingers over his belly, letting the pads of her fingers glide over the thin fabric of his shirt. She glided her fingers over his torso, feeling the gentle rise and fall of his breathing as she traced over his ribs. She felt him twitch in some locations before she started to gently scratch at his ribs. Tina looked up at Newt once she noticed the smile forming on Credence’s face. They both shared a loving look before Tina began to tease the skin just below Credence’s ribcage.
Credence began to giggle, startling the other two. Neither of them had ever heard a sound this beautiful, especially not from this broken boy. They both smiled at him, adoringly, as he giggled under Tina’s fingers. She lowered them and began to scratch around his navel, his giggles evolving into laughter. Credence’s laugh was magical, music to their ears. It was a bit higher than his speaking voice and was bright, full of delight.
“Tihihihnaha!” Credence said through his laughter. The boy squirmed under her touch, though he resisted using his hands to combat hers. Instead, he just let his hands fall at his sides, uselessly.
“Do you want me to stop?” Tina asked, her fingers slowing.
“Nohoho,” Credence replied, noticeably leaning into the touch. “I like ihihit.”
Newt’s and Tina’s hearts melted simultaneously, both falling in love all over again with this boy. It was moments like this that they never wanted to end, to keep this bliss constant and forever. They wanted the best for this boy and now, they were giving it to him.
Tina tickled Credence for another few minutes before letting up on her own, Credence never saying “stop” once. Tina and Newt watched as he lay on the floor, catching his breath before sitting up.
“Thank you,” Credence said, smiled planted on his face.
“You’re welcome,” Tina smiled back at the boy. “How was it?”
“I loved it. I liked being able to laugh and,” Credence paused, concerning the other two. They exchanged worried looks as Credence gathered his thoughts. “I…uh, I don’t really know how to say this. Uh, you, you made me feel loved and safe. Both of you have made me feel so loved this past few months and I can’t thank you both enough. I love you both so much.”
Tears instantly swelled up in Tina’s eyes as threw her arms around the boy, hugging him tightly. Newt hopped down from his stool and joined them. The three of them sat on the floor for a long time, fully embraced by the love of their new, little family.
A very special request from Negligible!Anon, who has been there for me to discuss only the perfect things at the right times. This is from my personal favorite request ask in which you send me a pairing/fandom and any three words. I highly encourage more of these to be sent to me, as I do enjoy writing them the most. I hope you enjoy!
Words: 1,595
“There isn’t much I can do out there, is there?”
“Credence, I promise I’ll be back in a few hours. A little past supper,” Newt was busy rifling through his suitcase, making sure everything was in its place.
Credence held back an audible sigh, but he was used to not having things go the way he’d want. That was the definition of his life.
“There have been sightings of a lone Hodag in this part of Wisconsin. Tremendous creatures Hodags..” Newt was excitedly explaining, almost oblivious to Credence’s discomfort. The Magizoologist packed up his case and stood as upright as he would allow himself to bid Credence farewell.
“Be safe,” Credence croaked out.
“Hodags are hardly the type to put anyone in danger, Credence. Save for their fangs,” Newt offered a fleeting smile before shutting the door behind him. The small wooden cabin creaked at the slam.
Credence quickly scratched the back of his neck before going into the kitchen. The sink in this cabin they were borrowing for Newt’s trip dripped every three and a quarter seconds, as Credence kept count. It would have gotten on his nerves if not for the odd calming effect it had on him. Old-fashioned. That was the word to describe every nook and cranny of this wooden edifice.
A gentle breeze wavered the tree branches outside. Credence gazed out through the window to watch leaves shake and rustle. Something in the next room fell over, as it sounded with a metallic clang when it hit the floor. It made the Obscurus jump, but he went to investigate in the next room anyway.
A brief scuffling tore Credence’s attention away from the fallen pot and the hint of a tiny clawed foot ducked under the loveseat.
Credence swallowed the nervous lump in his throat. Newt hadn’t told him that he left behind a creature. Or perhaps it escaped without the wizard knowing. First, he picked up the pot, the tinkling of a fallen coin rattling against the floor alerting him to the wooden boards. The pot must have been housing some loose change.
As quickly as it had gone under the sofa, the creature scurried towards the twinkling coin and snatched it up.
Credence took a startled step back to see the niffler on the loose. The creature gave Credence a tilt of its furry, beaked head before running into one of the bedrooms with his loot.
The young man took a shaky breath, hoping the thing wouldn’t run off. There was nothing shiny in the woods, was there? No, of course not. It would be safe when Newt returns. And then Newt could take care of it.
Credence groaned and he held his head. He pushed open the front door and walked straight ahead until he reached an open patch of grass. Only about 80 feet from the cabin, Credence sat down. He sat with his knees tucked up to his chest, dark eyes staring blankly ahead of himself. Another mood. He got into a lot of these lately. When he doubted himself, or if something didn’t go right, he blamed himself for it all. Why couldn’t he be like Newt? Perfect, charming, lovably awkward Newt?
Tears welled up in the dark haired man’s eyes, clouding his vision of the greenery surrounding him. If he knew himself, he would bet anything that he was the one who let the niffler out accidentally. It was his fault. What a stupid, clear head he had.
A sudden tugging at his sleeve alerted him to another’s presence. He jerked his arm and looked around him, more apprehensive since no sign of life was present. But the gentle tugging persisted until a tiny, green, leafy head peeked over his arm. Credence held his arm out at an angle to watch the bowtruckle climb his arm.
The distraction took attention away from Credence’s tears as he stared at the small creature. He would guess that this was Pickett, judging by the bend in his twig arm. He was learning a thing or two from Newt.
Credence stiffened, never relating much to the creatures just yet. He hadn’t warmed up to them properly like Newt had. So he remained unmoving, thinking he’d disturb the bowtruckle if he shifted.
Pickett gazed at Credence, detecting the sadness oozing off of the young man. He sat comfortably on his shoulder and tapped his arm twice, signaling for Credence to lower his arm. The Obscurus followed and he allowed the bowtruckle to sit on his shoulder. He went back to looking ahead of him, eyes catching the shadows that ducked in and out of tree trunks. A looming depression still swamped Credence. He couldn’t help it. He was starting to blame this second creature’s appearance on himself. But he knew he wasn’t smart or strong enough to do anything about it.
Credence sighed and he lowered his head onto his knees, arms providing a secure pillow. Pickett frowned and humphed. He slid down Credence’s forearm and tried to attempt consoling him by petting through a few strands of his hair with his twig hands.
Credence felt a soft nudging at his foot and he lifted his head, eyes red from the urge to hold back tears.
He glanced down at the grass to see the niffler. Its pouch was stuffed to the brim with riches, a gold chain and some special pennies poking out. It sniffed Credence with its beaked snout and looked at him, seemingly studying him. Credence watched it rummage through its pouch until it pulled out one of its biggest, shiniest golden coins and held it up. The niffler offered it to Credence.
Credence blushed, unable to help himself at the sweet gesture. A niffler giving up its treasure was sure to mean something special, wasn’t it? The Obscurus formed a crooked smile on his lips and he held out his hand for the coin, the niffler placing it there. It waited with baited paws to see Credence’s reaction to its gift.
Credence turned it over in his hands a few times. He brushed his thumb over the metal before giving it back to the niffler. The creature seemed offended and it snorted, pushing at Credence’s fingers, neglecting to accept his coin back.
“It’s yours.. take it back,” Credence spoke just above a whisper.
The niffler shook its little head adamantly and scurried a foot away from Credence, defying the young man. Credence was amused by its behavior now, but was distracted by an itch in his ear. He jerked his head and his hand went to scratch his ear but the bowtruckle was there instead. He nearly knocked it clean off his shoulder.
Credence tried tilting his head to get a look at the bowtruckle, but didn’t expect it to skitter across his neck to get from one shoulder to the other. Credence scrunched up his neck with a breathy giggle.
Pickett squeaked in delight, knowing that reaction anywhere after being with Newt for so long. A ticklish human was Pickett’s favorite kind.
So with a jump, Pickett scuttled into the collar of Credence’s shirt and began his venture. The dark haired man gasped when he felt the tingling sensation running down his neck and then chest.
“N-No! Wait, come out of there, pl-please!” Credence jerked around from both feeling Pickett crawling on his skin and from trying to get him to get off.
Pickett wasn’t hearing much laughter like he normally would from Newt. He stationed himself at this human’s belly button and he poked his branched hand inside, scratching it around.
Credence’s eyes widened before a smile split his face in two and he let out a sudden laugh.
“Aha!” Credence caved in on himself, hunching and giggling from the incessant scraping.
“Ple-Plehehease... no, don’t! Stop thahat!” Credence wiggled around whichever way he could to try and stop the sensations. Or perhaps not stop them. It was a reflex.
But Pickett wouldn’t give up. Credence wound up laying on his back, allowing the bowtruckle to scratch and tickle the young man’s ribs. When Credence rolled onto his stomach, laughing even harder, Pickett crawled his way across Credence’s pale back.
Credence squeaked and giggled more, arching his back. Pickett teasing his lower back with gentle scrapes and strokes of his twiggy arms drove Credence nuts.
While Credence was spasming on the grassy ground, the niffler had gotten his senses back. He wanted his coin back, but he just had to find it. It was on Credence somewhere, he knew that. And there was only one way to find where it was. The niffler ran over and jumped onto Credence’s stomach when he was turned back over.
“Oof!” Credence grunted from the new weight on his abdomen, “Wait! No no no nonono!”
He tried pushing the niffler away, but it was too late. The curious little creature found an untucked portion of Credence’s shirt and he dove under, scurrying and sniffing around. Credence buckled more in laughter. The soft fur mixed with the tiny claws and moist beak was too much for the poor young man. Pickett found a safe cranny nestled in Credence’s neck, his leafy head now brushing back and forth against the sensitive skin.
Credence didn’t know how he arrived here, but he was so happy he did. Laughing at the hands of two wonderful, loving creatures. Who would have guessed he’d find joy without Newt? A bowtruckle, a niffler, and a sunny day in the grass produced the finest happiness for a young Obscurus.
This was originally a drabble prompt requested by @the-word-weaver-of-the-faeries and it got too long to be a drabble anymore. So here’s a full length fic.
As I was writing this, it turned out to be less of one coherent narrative and more three drabbles I combined into one. So there’s no main plot lol you can tell when the fics change.
Also, weirdly enough, I started to ship Newt and Credence the longer I wrote this, but in case that was weird and gross, I didn’t do it???? just very friendly and cute platonic domestic Newt and Credence presented here lol Hope you enjoy!
Words: 2,276
Credence was never one to interact with others, growing up with an abusive parent like his mother. He’d keep to himself, head down, never acknowledging anything. But he did hold a certain affinity for cats. There were strays all over the dreary neighborhood where he lived. And he’d long to take them in for his own. Living with an abundance of cats was better than living with his mother, in his mind. Better than living with any other humans, in fact. They were all out to hurt him. But not cats.
The young wizard would go outside and put out bowls of food and water for the alley cats, hanging around outdoors long enough sometimes to get to pet them.
And Credence hadn’t thought of cats since living with Newt, being more distracted by wild monsters and other such magical creatures. It wasn’t until he’d taken a stroll through the neighborhood and in a park on a bright sunny day was his reminded. He was passing by a turned over trash can and a small mew reached his ears. He paused and tried to take a look around the area of the trash can as to what made that noise.
A grey furry cat peeked its head out from inside the can, a lone noodle from someone’s thrown out food looping around its ear. Credence’s heart melted instantly. He knelt down, not wanting the cat to be afraid of him. He started to mutter and made hand gestures at the cat, holding his hand out. Eventually, the small mass made its way out. It was a little larger than the size of a kitten, so it was obviously still young. Poor thing. Credence let it lick his hand before he was allowed to pet it. And the cat purred, nuzzling into Credence. Oh boy. He’d have to make a decision sooner or later…
Credence arrived back at Newt’s place twenty minutes after, and the sun had just started to set. Newt was busy cooking dinner for the two of them and he stepped out to greet Credence.
“How was your walk?” Newt inquired, not seeing at first but he noted a peculiar bulge in Credence’s coat. And in the next second, a cat’s head poked out from the coat and looked around at its surroundings. Credence blushed and he set the cat on the ground, looking at Newt but not saying anything.
Newt sighed but he smiled, “Well…. what’s one more creature around here, hm?”
Credence smiled wide. He cared for Newt so much. The man was so nice to him, pleased with anything he’d do. It was a welcome experience after the life he’d led. The Magizoologist knelt down and tittered, the cat walking towards him after some hesitation. The cat warmed up to Newt unsurprisingly fast.
“She’s a beautiful cat,” Newt pointed out, looking up at Credence through locks of his light brown hair.
Credence nodded and asked, “How did you know she’s a girl?”
Newt smiled and stood up, “I’m not an animal expert for nothing. Now come, supper’s almost ready.”
Credence watched the grey cat carefully, making sure she was adjusting to her new environment. Newt put out a dish full of water for the cat and set it on the floor next to the table. She quickly trotted over and lapped it up.
“Have you got a name for her?” Newt asked once he sat down and began to eat.
Credence, chewing, nodded, “I was thinking Molly.”
Newt smiled approvingly, “Molly it is.” For Newt, this was such a nice experience. Credence found something he clearly liked and brought it home. It was refreshing to have Credence pleased with animals for once instead of hiding his fears of the ones Newt worked with constantly.
And so Molly became a part of their small family. Well, not so small if you counted all of Newt’s creatures. Credence would go to sleep cuddled up with her frequently. Newt would bring some other creatures of his to interact with Molly, making a note of who she clicked with and who she disliked.
A rainy day seemed less frequent nowadays than in the past, but they did occur. And today was one of those days. Credence stood by the window and watched the rain pour from the sky. He looked down when he felt something furry nuzzling and swiping against his ankle. The wizard smiled softly and he sat down on the sofa, picking up Molly when she followed him. He settled her into his lap and stroked her like she loved.
Newt emerged from his suitcase after feeding all the creatures, looking dirty and worn as always. But still immensely happy. Nothing could bring down his spirit, even the tiring job of having so many magical creatures to take care of. Pickett had stowed away in his vest pocket, and Newt didn’t mind.
He plopped down into a lone plush chair and sighed, running his fingers through his hair. He looked out the window and hummed, “Looks like a day for staying in.”
Credence nodded. He looked at Newt and asked him, “Would you like to read?”
Newt knew what Credence meant and he smiled, “Yes, I believe they don’t need caring for for a bit. What would you like to hear today, Credence?”
“Your choice. I usually prefer the ones you pick over mine.”
Newt smiled and he went to his vast shelf of books, thumbing through the spines until he lifted one from its spot. Credence scooted over on the couch so Newt could sit beside him and Molly.
“It’s the one we started a few weeks ago. I figured we’d pick up on it now.”
“The one with the traveling banker?” Credence asked, tilting his head. Newt nodded in response and opened it up.
“Chapter 6: A Game of Chess…”
Credence sat back in the couch. He loved when Newt would read to him. It was one of his favorite things. And now Newt’s soothing voice mixed with the pleasant purrs from Molly as he pet her put Credence into a state of absolute bliss. Everything was calming. Even the patters of rain against the roof and windows was welcome.
The peaceful state was only broken when Newt cut off one of the words he was reading and replaced it with a yelp and a brief giggle.
Credence looked up, confused as to what had happened.
Newt squirmed slightly, pressing his palm to different parts of his chest and abdomen, “P-Pihickett, come out of thehehere.”
Credence now understood and he smiled softly.
Newt giggled and he gasped, hunching over only slightly when Pickett reached his lower belly, “N-Nohohoho… Pihickett!”
The small bowtruckle was heard emitting a mischievous little giggle as he crawled across Newt’s belly. It always worked out well for him since he knew Newt couldn’t move much because he feared hurting the small twig creature. But Pickett did soon exit through Newt’s sleeve, forcing another string of giggles out of his mouth. Newt held Pickett in the palm of his hand and he chortled, shaking his head. He couldn’t stay mad at the adorable little bowtruckle.
Unfortunately, Molly had caught sight of the intriguing small creature. So she hopped off Credence’s lap with a meow and lunged for the bowtruckle. Pickett, sensing the danger, gasped and jumped off Newt’s hand.
“No!” both Newt and Credence chorused, one trying to catch the bowtruckle and the other trying to catch the cat. They ended up crashing into one another, Newt on top of Credence.
“M-Mahaybe this wasn’t such a grand idea,” Newt smiled and blushed, quickly standing up and running where Molly had gone, “Pickett, come out,” he picked up the cat as she was scratching at a small crack in the wall, “She won’t hurt you.”
Credence stood up, “I’m sorry, this was my fault. I should’ve contained her.”
“Not to worry, Credence,” Newt reassured, handing over the cat. He crawled close to the hole and spoke into it, trying to convince the frightened bowtruckle that it was safe. Once Pickett walked out, Newt picked him up, “Alright, back in the case you go. I know, I know, I’m sorry.”
Credence felt bad now as he watched Newt retreat into his suitcase to put Pickett back home. He sighed and sat down again with Molly.
When Newt returned, he looked bashful and relieved at the same time, “I didn’t think about the two being together, Credence, I apologize.”
Credence shook his head, “Don’t. It was no one’s fault, really. Cats will chase things resembling mice, I suppose. It’s in their nature.”
Newt nodded and he brushed his hands off, “I’m going to wash up for the night.”
Credence didn’t object, and he heard Newt’s footsteps ascending the stairs. Oh no, what if he was mad with him? He hated whenever he felt tension within the household. He tended to create imaginary tension with his paranoia most of the time, which Newt had to help him work through.
Turns out, they were both fine. Credence went to speak with Newt after the Magizoologist showered and cleaned up. There was no bad blood between them, and Newt even offered to finish the chapter in the book before they both went to bed.
A few days later, Newt was having a particularly fun time with his creatures. He’d give many of them time playing with him. And he even managed to calm his Erumpent enough to let them roll around and start a chase. Newt was perhaps so livened with all the fun, it oozed out into the real world when he encountered Credence.
He saw Credence laying on the couch, a book in hand as he read with a somber face. Molly was laying on her bed on the floor near the desk. Newt walked up to Credence and sat by the young wizard’s feet.
Credence looked up from his book and grinned slightly at seeing Newt covered in dust and dirt.
“Are you absolutely sure you wouldn’t care to assist me with them today? They’re all in delightfully playful moods.”
Credence shook his head, “No thank you.”
“Then perhaps I should describe to you all the fun we’re having down there,” Newt stood up and he began his depictions.
“The Occamy was teaching her children how to fly for the first time, and she was using me as targets for them,” Newt reenacted him having to run around and jump into the air to dodge and attempt to “fly” with the babies.
Credence couldn’t believe the spectacle he was watching. Sure, Newt could be energetic and excited about his creatures. But he was never this eccentric. It brought a smile to the Occulus’s face as he took in what was before him.
“And the Erumpent would charge at me like this,” he bent forward and pretended his head was the Erumpent’s giant horn as he nuzzled close to Credence. The wizard let out a giggle.
“The Fwoopers were having a grand old time making me spin around until I fell down from dizziness. They’re quite fast flyers, you know,” and Newt plopped onto the floor after spinning around. His giddiness was only heightened by the amount of enjoyment Credence was getting out of this display.
“Oh, and how could I forget the bowtruckles?” he hopped up and jumped up onto Credence’s waist, looking down at him.
Credence looked back up at his friend, seeing the freckled and dirt-smudged red cheeks looking back down at him. It made him smile even wider. But he squeaked and started to giggle when Newt spidered his fingers all across his belly.
“They all ganged up on me like this. So it felt like a dozen spiders running across my skin. It was so ticklish, I couldn’t believe it,” Newt smiled and he fluttered his fingers up to Credence’s neck. The young wizard snorted and he ducked his head.
“N-Nehewt! Hehehe…”
Newt slipped his hands under Credence’s sweater and he skittered his fingers all around the quivering tummy, “Doesn’t this all sound like fun, Credence?”
Credence laughed harder and he shook his head, “Ihihihit’s ahaHA toohoohoo muhuch! Hahahahaha!”
Newt hummed and he giggled, swirling a finger around Credence’s belly button, “Once you have a bowtruckle tickle you here,” he scritched one finger inside Credence’s navel, “You’ll realize you’ve never laughed harder in your life.”
And Credence shrieked and dissolved into deeper laughs, being more high-pitched. Newt pulled his fingers back to give Credence a break. But he wiggled them above Credence’s face to taunt him.
Credence squeaked and shut his eyes, “Noho more!”
Newt let out a soft laugh and he lowered his hands, resting them at Credence’s waist, “No more,” he repeated.
Credence opened up his eyes again and he smiled at Newt. The hands at his waist were still making him wary, but he let it be. Just the two smiling, panting faces were enough in that small moment. Now that the laughter had calmed down, the two could hear Molly meowing from the foot of the couch. She’d wandered over, seemingly wanting to get in on the fun, too.
Newt receded off Credence and he sat with his knees under him on the couch. He picked up Molly and held her in the air, letting her lick at his face. He scrunched his nose and giggled softly before handing her to Credence.
“Beautiful,” was the thing Newt decided to say at that moment. He reclined where he sat and shut his eyes, obviously tired from all the fun he’d had. Credence huffed a small laugh, having to agree with him. Things were beautiful.
Ah! I haven’t seen the movie in so long and I’ve never written for Fantastic Beasts before….. yikes, I hope you like it!
“You see, he’s quite harmless,” Newt explained, a drowsy niffler cradled in his arms.
Newt had been trying his damnedest to get Credence to feel as comfortable as possible around him and his creatures. But of course, the bashful Magizoologist was himself unsure of how to do so. He was aware of giving Credence space when he needed it most, and of course a shoulder to cry on when he needed it. The various mood shifts kept Newt on his toes.
What he did do best was present his creatures, and so he had begun doing that with Credence. The silent young man listened to Newt’s every word about the different magical creatures, nodding to show his understanding at various points.
Newt, having slipped his mind that he had a pocket watch in his coat, got into a mini scuffle with the niffler as it tried to pick it off him.
“No, this isn’t yours,” Newt corralled the little fuzzy creature and was able to lock away the watch.
He even played with the niffler for a bit, Credence looking on with a soft gaze and a tilted head. The play chase carried on until the niffler was tuckered out for the most part.
Newt looked at Credence and he mused, “You can pet him if you like. He won’t jump on you.”
Credence folded his hands together, thinking this over before he scooted forward and sat down on the floor cross-legged. He was right across from Newt and he extended a hand. Cautious pale fingertips made contact with the black fur coat the niffler had, sifting them through it once. The niffler blinked its eyes open and nestled more comfortably in Newt’s arms, wanting more of the touch Credence provided.
Newt smiled encouragingly at the young wizard, nodding his head. Credence resumed the position of his hand, enjoying the feeling of the soft fur against his fingers. It seems the niffler was enjoying it just as much since it shook its little head out and relaxed more.
“You’re a natural, Credence,” Newt knew to use the young man’s name as often as possible. It was a good way to ease him into his name being called from a source of kindness and not malice. No one would beat him or cause him harm when they called his name.
And it seemed to be working, since Credence kept up the petting, a soft smile on his lips now. Barely there, but it was the slightest quirks of the corners of his lips.
Newt wanted to see more of the smile. This was the first creature he’d seen Credence connect to. He kept his distance from the others, but Newt hoped in time that would change. He thought of a fun activity for himself, Credence, and the niffler.
“Would you like to see a trick?” Newt asked Credence, and the dark haired wizard pulled his hand back.
“What kind of trick?” Credence inquired in a subdued voice.
Newt smiled and he stood off the floor, “So, I’ve told you how good nifflers are at searching for shiny objects and acquiring them. It’s quite amazing to see them in action.”
With a niffler in one hand and his other searching through some small sacks, Newt pulled out a handful of coins. Immediately, the niffler’s beaked nose sniffed the air.
“Here,” Newt handed the coins to Credence, “Put a few in each of your pockets.”
Credence was slightly nervous, not sure if he would get hurt or if he would be hurting the niffler by accident. But Newt trusted him, and he trusted the elder wizard back.
Newt removed himself into the next room over, and Credence was busy filling his pockets with the coins.
“Do you have them all stuffed away, Credence?” Newt’s voice asked, clearly filled with mirth.
“Yes,” Credence leaned over to try peeking into the other room.
“Fantastic,” Newt said and there was a silence before the clicking of claws against floor was heard. The little niffler came scurrying around the corner and ran right for Credence.
The wizard’s first reaction was to cover up, protect, flinch… but the niffler had latched onto his stomach before he could do much else and was scouring his pockets with snout and claws.
Credence gasped and he let out a surprised sounding chuckle, a hand grasping at his side. He put coins in the pockets of the vest he was wearing. And that was where the niffler was currently scavenging. A few slipped giggles later, the niffler ran off in the direction of his den to stash the goods.
Credence watched him go with a crooked smile. Newt had emerged after letting the niffler go and was leaning against the door frame, smiling.
“That tickled,” Credence informed Newt, a hand still on his side.
Newt chuckled pleasantly and sat down on the floor beside Credence again, “Yehes, I’ve had my own run-ins like that with the niffler, too. But I don’t mind it. There’s something about tickling and the creatures that forms a closer connection. Pickett, for example, relishes in tickling me. He knows I can do nothing for fear of hurting him. He’s a smart little bugger,” he chortled.
Credence nodded and went silent again, listening to Newt.
The Magizoologist looked Credence up and down and one eye squinted as he observed, “You haven’t been tickled much, have you?”
Credence made eye contact with Newt only for a split second before looking away and nodding nervously, rubbing his hands together.
“Well,” Newt smiled wider, “That connection I mentioned works between humans as well as human and creature.”
Credence barely caught the hint before Newt was prodding away with nimble fingers along his waist. They were kind and explorative, not wanting to make Credence uncomfortable. Only happy.
A giggle bubbled up in Credence’s throat and he batted at Newt’s hand only for Newt to shift positions and dance his fingers along his belly.
“Hehe mm… hahaha!” Credence laughed and tried moving away from the ticklish sensation, but the effort was futile. Dealing with someone as agile and knowledgeable as Newt Scamander was no easy task.
“Credence, your laugh is absolutely infectious,” Newt praised and swiped his fingers back and forth along the bend of Credence’s waistline. New waves of giggles erupted from the young wizard’s mouth.
“Nehehewt! Ah!” Credence pleaded, but he didn’t want it to stop. This felt so nice and happy, so much so that he didn’t want this feeling to end. The tingles were welcome, as well as the barks of laughter.
Newt had covered Credence’s entire upper body with tickles by the time the young wizard was breathless and red in the face. Newt stopped and he smiled down at Credence, who wound up on his back on the floor.
“Y-Youhu said you were ticklish as well?” Credence got his strength back and Newt blushed before he was sent into his own hysterical fit of laughter when Credence fought back. And Credence was not a gentle tickler in the least. He sought to make Newt laugh and laugh he did.
“Stohohop thahahahahat! Credence! Noho!” Newt tossed his head back and squirmed against the floor.
Credence was smiling openly now, so pleased with the effect he was having on Newt. His friend.
Newt’s sides were always an effective spot, and with Credence kneading away at them, the Magizoologist snorted and fell into silent laughter.
“You’re more ticklish than I am,” Credence pointed out with a grin.
Newt scraped the heels of his boots against the floor, unable to push Credence away. His freckles jumped with every new laugh and every new smile that graced his face.
The Obscurus soon ceased his attack, sitting off Newt.
“Nehever again…” Newt had to catch his breath and he sat up, “Never again am I introducing you to the ways of the niffler.”
Credence giggled, acknowledging the joke. He and Newt exchanged caring glances and Newt gripped Credence’s shoulder. They were sure to get into more tickle fights in the future.
