This Conspiracy

Chapter 17

Author stuff: Just a reminder, after chapter 20, I will be taking a weeklong break from posting. That'll be the break between parts 1 and 2.

Chapter 17

In Which Flirting Is The Topic Of Conversation

The Greenie's name was Harry, and he was one of the most annoying people to ever step out of the Box. He asked her far too many questions, and he flirted very openly. She was about ready to punch him. She just needed to form a plan.

"How long would I get in the Slammer for knocking him out?" she said at dinner after his first week. She clenched her fist as if to illustrate her point.

"Well, first of all, you'll end up breaking some fingers that way," Newt said, taking her hand and fixing it for a proper hit. "Second, no more than a couple of hours. I honestly think Nick might get to it before you. He's getting tired of hearing about it. If he doesn't, I'll do it myself."

Gally snorted into his bite of potatoes.

"That or Gally will do it for you," Zart said, pointing his butter knife to the other boy.

"I can fight my own battles, thanks," she said. "Besides, all Gally would have to do is scowl at the Greenie and he'd klunk himself."

"I'm not that scary, am I?" Gally said, not bothering to swallow his mouthful. She fought the urge to scooch away from him. He was too warm and too close. But, then again, she liked that he was too warm and too close.

"Keep talking and we'll see," Newt said.

"No, but you can intimidate people," Flossy said, glancing up at him through her lashes. "But, seriously, you think just a couple of hours?"

"Maybe even one. Maybe five minutes. We'll see how much Nick dislikes the slinthead by the end of next week."

"On the positive side, he sucks at gardening," Zart said. "You won't have to see his klunk face very often. Just at meals and around the Glade."

"He has just one more day of tryouts," Gally said, "and it's with Fry. Fry can make his day miserable, if you just ask."

"What, have Fry put him on onions and potatoes?" she said.

"I wasn't aware that potatoes were a punishment," Graham said, slowly setting his fork down on his plate.

"Graham," Newt said solemnly, placing a hand on his shoulder and shaking his head, "we have something to tell you."

Zart tried to cover up his laugh by coughing. He failed miserably.

They all joined him. It felt good to laugh.

Minho plunked down across from her, digging into his food before his bottom even touched the seat. He didn't speak, just raised his brows and nodded in greeting. She could only watch on as he ate, her face twisting into one of disgust.

"What?" he eventually said, his mouth full.

"Don't talk with your mouth full, you shank," Newt said.

"Always have before."

"We have a girl in the Glade, remember? She doesn't want to see your food."

In retaliation, he opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue. She scrunched up her face.

"Very impressive," she said.

Minho smiled at her, pushing the chewed up potatoes between his teeth as he did. Newt reached across the table and smacked him on top of his head. Minho rose to fight back, but Newt had already backed away. Both of them wore playful grins.