Better than Answers

Newt One-Shot

I had made up my mind long ago about asking him this. But, of course, I doubted myself.

Come on, Auden! Just ask him!

Maybe I shouldn't…

If you keep talking like that, I'm leaving!

What the heck is that supposed to mean? You're my brain, you can't leave!

Just do it!

Fine! Geez!

Yup, just a normal day in the life of Auden. Hesitantly, I lifted my fist and knocked twice on the door. There was a shuffle of movement and then, "Who's there?'

"Auden," my voice came out in a squeak. Of course. I cleared my throat and tried again, "It's Auden," this time my voice was even.

The door creaked open to reveal a bare-chested Newt. I sucked in a breath and my face instantly heated up. Maybe this idea wasn't so good after all…

Leaning against the doorframe, Newt noticed my blushing face and smirked, "You lost, Greenie?" He seemed completely at ease, which made me even more uncomfortable. Fidgeting with the hem of my tank top, I mumbled, "I needed to ask you something,"

"Sorry, didn't quite catch that," he leaned forward as I said more loudly, "I needed to ask you something."

"Why didn't you just say so? C'mon in," he opened the door a little wider and walked back into his room. How did I talk myself into this?

I sighed and swiftly stepped inside. Newt was sitting on the edge of his bed, tying his shoelaces. I cleared my throat quietly and he looked up, an eyebrow raised. "Is something bothering you, Greenie?" he asked with mild concern at the troubled look on my face. I shook my head, "Not exactly"

"Well, take a seat," he gestured to the bed and I slowly perched myself onto the edge, separating us by a foot. He shot me an odd glance then went back to tying his shoes.

Just ask him the question, Auden! It isn't that hard!

"So," I started, "I was wondering…" I took a deep breath. Ask him! "Iwaswonderingwhyyouhavealimp," I said so quickly that my words toppled on top of each other. He looked at me for a moment, bewilderment strewn across his features. He blinked twice, shook his head and said, "What?"

I took another deep breath. Slower this time, Auden, come on. "I was wondering why you have a limp."

He looked at me, not blinking, then suddenly, he stood up and said, "I forgot. Alby asked to see me as soon as possible. Out you go."

I sat there, staring up at him, as he pointed to the door and growled, "Get out." I didn't waste another second. I was out of there before you could say Glade.

That went great, I thought bitterly. Just because I'm the only girl doesn't mean that I can ask whatever I want. Now he probably thinks I'm some kind of intruding, inconsiderate shank. I shouldn't have done that.

But damn, he looked good.

Shut up!

I made my way to the Gardens(where I was supposed to be) and found an unhappy Zart standing by a tree with an axe. When I got to him he handed me the axe, slapped me on the back and walked away. He's an odd one. I looked over the tree. Dang. It was huge. I stepped up to the trunk and started hacking away at it with the axe. I found it quite relaxing; I could get all my anger out and cut down a tree at the same time. Whoop!

"Hey, Greenie!" Someone yelled from behind me. I jumped, startled, and dropped the axe. I reached for it, trying to catch it, but it sliced across my palm and fell to the ground. I fought to hold back my scream and tears. Shuck! That hurt!

Suddenly, Zart was in front of me, grabbing my hand. "Auden!" someone yelled behind me and soon the Gardens were filled with chatter and yells.

Zart started pulling me away, toward the Homestead when someone grabbed my other hand. I turned to see Newt standing beside me. "Don't worry," he was saying, his accent thick, "I've got her. You go back to the Gardens." That's when it occurred to me that he was actually talking to Zart.

He hesitated for just a moment then let go of me and walked away. Well, isn't he a chatty one.

"Come on, Greenie. Let's get to a Med-jack." He was stroking my hand lightly as he led me toward the Homestead. "I thought you were talking to Alby," I croaked out. He was silent then nodded, "I was. He didn't have much to say, though."

I tried to wiggle my hand out of his grasp, "Newt, I think I'm okay. It's just a little blood. I'll survive."

He shot me a glare and continued walking. Again, I noticed his limp. Remember what happened the last time you said something about that? I blushed slightly and stayed silent. When we finally reached the Homestead, a Med-jack was waiting for me.

"I've got to get back to work, Newt."

"Greenie, just hold on a second."

"Don't call me Greenie."

"Auden, come on, I need to talk to you."

I gulped down my anger and spun around, a fake smile plastered on my face, "What is it, Newt?"

We had gotten my hand bandaged pretty quickly, and I was about to head off to work when Newt had grabbed my arm and prevented me from going. Now, I stayed completely still, hoping amongst hope that I wasn't about to get a lecture.

"I'm sorry, Auden," Newt confessed solemnly. My eyes widened. Okay, not what I was expecting. My tight shoulders loosened, "About what?"

He pulled me a little bit closer, "I'm sorry for being cross with you. You were just curious and you deserve better. I know that."

Wow. Talk about surprise. Act cool, Auden. Act cool. "Um…" Seriously? UM! Try again. "That's alright. I mean. I shouldn't have asked you that. It's completely private and I shouldn't be so nosy. It's not your fault." Good.

"But, it is though. You probably have no clue what's going on here yet and you probably don't feel comfortable at all. Especially since you're a girl. I shouldn't have-"

"What do you mean, 'especially since you're a girl.'?"

"Well, just because everyone else is a boy." I kept staring at him and he went on, "Listen, Auden. Please don't be mad I just want you to feel comfortable here."

I looked at him some more and saw the pure, raw concern and hope in his beautiful blue eyes. I had a flash of him without his shirt on and blushed, "Don't worry it's fine. Just…" Don't mess it up, Auden.

He leaned in closer to me, "Just what?"

"Just don't tell anyone I dropped an axe on my hand," I flushed and he chuckled. The sound brought a smile to my face. He leaned even closer to me and whispered, "As long as you don't tell anyone about this."

I opened my mouth to ask him what this was, but as soon as I did, his lips covered mine. He wrapped his arms around my waist and I tangled mine in his hair as I kissed him back. I moaned in his mouth as his tongue brushed mine. It was perfect; it was beautiful. But, too soon, he pulled away.

When I opened my eyes he was gone. That was better than any answer I asked for. I smiled.

Told you it was a good idea to ask him.