The Key to it All (Newt)

Trial

*TW: talks of attempt assault and harrassment*

It took almost an hour for Newt to come get Artemis. During that hour, she sat outside the Homestead and watched the boys try to figure things out. She usually had some sort of routine. Today she'd likely be unpacking some boxes and gardening, but the boys were messing everything up. After the morning, Artemis wasn't feeling up to helping them. 

"Nick wants you." Newt said, coming up next to her. 

Artemis looked at him and sighed. The fight left her about half an hour ago, and she wasn't sure she was ready for more. "I have a feeling you guys made some decisions without me." 

Newt shrugged. "We discussed things, but now we want to hear your side of the story. Jackson's wasn't very convincing if that makes you feel better. Everyone in there thinks he deserves to be punished for trying anything with you."

"That's good. The only problem is I don't know if all of the other boys will agree. If this gets out, who knows what will happen? Not many boys would be able to sit on top of me naked and not not be drooling at the sight and touching me all over. You were respectful, as respectful as you could've been, and that makes you an exception, Newt." 

Newt blushed furiously. He was obviously uncomfortable with talking about what happened between them a few hours ago. Still, he didn't try anything, and they automatically made him better than 80% of the people in the Glade. 

"I-I uh What can I say? I'm just an amazing human being" He finally choked out after a little too long to not make it awkward. 

Artemis laughed. "I've only known you for about 16 hours, Newtie. I wouldn't count on anything just yet. Anyways, don't want to keep the council waiting." 

"Council?" Newt asked, still blushing but talking in coherent sentences. 

"Just a fun little name since they seem to be acting like they're in charge. You're part of it." Artemis said as she made her way to the Homestead. 

"That's a little dramatic-don't you think?" Newt said. 

Artemis didn't answer as she walked through the front door. Sitting on chairs in front of her were Nick, Alby, George, plus two empty ones. 

"Hey, Artemis. Come sit." Nick gestured to the chair that faced all the others. Newt took the seat to the left of Nick. Not at all intimidating

Alby wasted no time. "Jackson said you willing stripped for him? Invited him in? Told him you wanted it?"

Artemis glared at him. "That little bitch. I did no such thing." The anger was back in Artemis at just the mention of Jackson's name and the accusation. 

Alby replied first. "He said you 'dropped your towel sexually' for him." 

"Okay, yeah" Artemis admitted. "BUT that was after he made all the comments. It was only so I could distract him long enough for me to get a hit in. I'm not an experienced fighter, and he's way bigger than I am. I needed the advantage." 

"So you did willingly get naked in front of him?" Nick asked. 

Artemis rolled her eyes. Of course they would focus on that, and not what proceeded the events. "Yes. But context is an important thing. I'll go through it all for you. I get in the shower, when I come out he's standing there and says oh I wonder what's under that towel. Then he continues to make stupid comments, I drop my towel, he gets completely distracted, I punch him, kick him, pin him against the wall. That's when I threatened to scratch his eyes out. Then I walk away, grab my towel, and he says how much he'd love to fuck me in that position. So I make good on my threat. That's when Newt walked in." Artemis explained.