Variant | Newt

8 | strange

I didn't have lunch that day, nor did the other Builders.  We hadn't even realized it, focused so much on our own projects.

For once, these knuckleheads seemed to be actual craftsman, dedicated to something and so utterly focused.

Frypan started shouting, clanking a spoon against a pan- sounded the alarm that it was dinnertime.

My hands were still covered in paint, but by now most of it had dried and begun to flake off my skin.  I brushed them off against my pants.

The other Builders, clearly used to a specific schedule, put down their tools immediately sauntered towards the Homestead.  I leaned on my heels, still kneeling, as I tidied up my area - cleaning the brushes and closing the paint can lids, putting the hammer and saw back on Gally's workbench.

I walked myself to the Homestead, hunger growing in my stomach as I realized we hadn't even stopped for lunch.  While Gally kept me well hydrated through the day, trying to nonchalantly refill my Mason jar of water, I was still aching for some substance.

I heard heavy footsteps behind me, quick thuds against the dirt and much too loud to be just one person.  Before I could turn, I felt two palms on my shoulders, bumping me forward a bit.

"Juliet!"

It was Minho, calling my nickname like a war cry.  He was on my right, I felt his hand unclasp my shoulder, I felt another hand remain on my other side.

"Hey, Y/N," greeted Ben, his hand lingering on my shoulderblade slightly longer than one would expect.

I sent him a welcoming smile.  "Hey, boys.  Find the exit yet?"

Minho scoffed, continuing on with sarcasm drowning his words, "Yeah, totally.  It's lit up all nice and bright with a sign; easy to find."

"It's about time," I replied coyly, going along with the wishful thinking.

Minho shook his head. "How was your day, huh?  Figure out your spot yet?"

"Mm, building was kind of fun," I said honestly, and both of them dropped their jaws like I had admitted to murder.

"What?!" Minho furrowed his brows, and Ben scrunched his nose, "I'm surprised Gally didn't run you off."

I shrugged, "He tried.  But he's not that bad."

"Not that bad?" Minho rolled his eyes, "Shuck, Jules, you must be smoking something to believe that Gally's got feelings."

"Or maybe he's got a crush!" Ben snickered, though his playful smirk flickered for a moment as it was replaced with a look of distaste.

The three of us neared the tables, where Alby and Newt were beginning to sit.  My eyes caught Newt's and I smiled at him, expecting him to give me the same in return, but instead he just looked over me with worry.

"Ugh, that'd be the day, wouldn't it, Jules?" Minho was repeating himself, trying to get my attention, even though I was still focused in on Newt. "Jules?  Hello?" I felt a sharp poke in my side as Minho finally caught my attention, his index finger stabbing at my ribs.

"Huh?" I slapped his hand away.

Ben and Minho glanced at each other and sighed, laughing at me for my blatant eyes at Newt.  I didn't bother trying to deny it.