The Rogue Variable

After the celebration we had all retired to bed.

It was kinda awkward since I shared a room with Newt, especially after our... Kiss. My stomach soared every time it came to mind. I lay awake in bed, staring into the darkness. I could hear Newt rustle across the room.

For some reason he insisted on letting me get the bed. Something about that I worked really hard for this.

I glanced over at his figure in the sleeping bag. He was on his back, but then went to scratch his head.

He was wide awake too.

"Hey Newt..." I called. I saw him turn to me, "you're awake?"

I arose, walking over. "Can't sleep," I sighed, plopping down, beside him. "Yeah..."

We sat in silence until he started saying something, "hey, I don't know if... Listen... Ummm... Look I'm bloody sorry if... You didn't want to... Kiss,"

I must've turned red, and I hoped the darkness concealed it. "Umm... No it's okay... Like I didn't hate it. OH MY GOSH, I didn't mean I didn't like it!!! I liked it!"

He suddenly smiled at me, "what are you bloody trying to say?"

I grinned, "you know what I'm trying to say,"

"If your brother finds out he'll kill me," Newt laughed. I chuckled along, "then we'll have to banish him, so I guess it all sucks,"

He laughed even more. "You could have kissed any guy, why me?" He asked. "Well... Why me?" I answered, not sure how to respond. He laughed, "really? Is that your bloody best?"

I laid down next to him, staring into the roof. I turned my head to him, my laughter gone. "Why are we even here?"

He sighed, like a heavy weight was weighing him down. Shrugging, he mumbled, "wish I knew,"

I completely faced him, "thanks for being there for me," then added, "and from saving me to have to kiss Minho,"

He chuckled at that, "any day,"

I closed my eyes, a quick exhaustion settling over me. Before long, I succumbed to more dreams.

"This isn't right," a girl stated, and this time I quickly realized it was me. "I know," I turned to see Adam. "How can Teresa be so... okay... With this?" I choked out. Adam opened and closed his mouth, "I don't think she's really... Okay, with it. She's just, more easily persuaded than like Thomas," he explained.

"They've already taken him," I sighed, "they've taken my brother,"

"I know... A week ago," he explained. "How did you know?" I asked shocked. He weakly smiled, "Joanie I didn't see you for a week, I knew something was up," he explained. "They kept me locked up in that room for a week," I cried.

He looked shocked, then it hardened into anger, "and soon, they'll pay,"

The dream jolted me awake. I turned to my side, and my eyes widened with shock.

I fell asleep in the sleeping bag... Next to Newt. I sat upright, trying not to wake him.

"Should I be concerned?" Minho asked, lurking by doorway. "Minho!!!" I scream whispered. "Is there anything going on? Is this your way of making up for you not giving him his prize?" He asked, smiling.

I looked around, "okay, you can't say anything Minho, ANYTHING. Okay?"

"Okay..."

"We kissed,"

He grinned widely, "hey Gally!" I clamped a hand over his mouth. "I will shucking punch you in the face, you slinthead," I whispered fiercely. He held his hands up in surrender. At the same time, I heard rustling behind me.

I pushed Minho out of the doorway, "leave and shut up!"

I turned to Newt, shutting the door. "Um, hi..." He started, "did you fall asleep on the..."

I looked at him sheepishly, "yeah..."

He got up and started changing his shirt. I turned away, unsure what to do, so I collected my stuff. When I turned back around he was shirtless.

No I did not drool.

No I did not wish to 'stroke him'

I just handed him his shirt like every morning. Remember, we're still bestfriends.

We're not even dating.

After Newt left, I changed myself.

Time to start preparing for the next greenie.