Abused ≫ Newt [2]

Chapter 23.

Emily stared out over the Glade, squinting her eyes as the bright sunlight shone through a thin cloud. She watched with a smirk on her face as Thomas sat down against a tree, Teresa beside him.
Ever since the day before, when her and Newt found Teresa talking to Thomas, the two seemed to be inseparable.
The other Gladers didn't trust her- all of them saying things about WICKED sending her to destroy the Glade and whatnot. But Emily couldn't help but trust her. Sure, she did have an odd feeling about her, but she knew that they were connected in some way. And Thomas trusted her, so she was going to trust her, as well.
The branch above her thrashed with sudden force, causing dozens of dead leaves to come down on to her head. A beetle blade was perched on the branch above her, staring down at her with its single red, beady eye, its gaze seeming to burn into the side of her skull. It made a series of clicking noises, followed by a whirring sound as its red eye seemed to focus on her like a camera.
She grabbed her head, clenched her jaw as a searing pain shot through her skull. She squeezed her eyes shut as a voice rang through her head. A voice that she thought was gone for good.
"I'm still here, Emily. Don't think you're safe. Death is coming."
"Emily?"
At the sound of the accented voice, the pain disappeared, along with the man's voice. As if it were never even there in the first place. Emily slowly opened her eyes, scared that if she did so, the pain would return.
Newt stood beneath her, staring up at her with a single raised eyebrow. His arms were crossed, with a look of such seriousness on his face, Emily knew what he had to say was important. She let go of the branch with her hands, let herself fall backwards so that she was hanging upside down. She came face to face with a wide-eyed Newt, who took a step back in surprise.
"Shuck, Em. Don't do that." he placed a hand over his heart, rolling his eyes slightly. "Why are you in a bloody tree?"
"Why not?" Emily retorted with a shrug. "I like trees. They're nice... relaxing..."
"Please be serious for like three minutes," Newt said. "I need to talk to you about something."
"Why are you so cranky today?" A smirk was beginning to form on her face as he rolled his eyes once more, running a hand through his blonde hair.
"Because it's my job, as second in command, to talk to people about stuff like this," he stated. "And it's not exactly easy when my girlfriend decides to act like a total slinthead and not be serious." Though his tone was serious, his brown eyes shone with amusement, the beginning of a smile forming on his lips.
"Can I say something?"
"What is it, Emily?" Newt folded his arms over his chest, letting out a long sigh.
"If you frown when I am upside down, it makes it look as if you're actually smiling for once," Emily laughed and poked the tip of his nose with her finger.
"I can smile," Newt pulled his mouth into a big, obviously forced smile. "Now, can we talk now?"
"You know, you look cuter upside down. Maybe I should look at you like this more often." Emily said.
"Please, princess," he groaned, sticking his bottom lip out in a pout.
"Please be serious for two bloody minutes."
"Okay." She dragged out the word with a roll of her eyes. She let go of the branch, dropping to the ground on her feet and turning to face Newt. "What is it?"
"There is a Gathering today. They are probably waiting on us to start, since you couldn't be serious. So we are going to have to get over to the council hall now," he explained.
"I have to go?" Emily was surprised at this. She never really had to attend a Gathering before, unless it had something to do with her. She hadn't really any experience with them, especially with Newt leading it.
"Yes," Newt nodded. "You and Tommy are the only thing on the buggin' schedule."
Emily rolled her eyes, letting out an overly-dramatic groan as she linked her arms with his, entwining their fingers, "Lets go, then. Wouldn't want them waitin' on us."
She turned to head over to the council hall, but Newt held her back, pulling her flush against his chest and pressing his lips to her. The kiss lasted for a mere second before he pulled away, rested his forehead against hers and smiled sheepishly.
"We could keep 'em waiting longer, if you'd like."
Emily scoffed and slapped her chest lightly, "Slim it, alright? Don't be so immature."
"Me, immature?" Newt laughed cheekily. "Alright, princess. Whatever makes you sleep at night."
He pulled away from her, grabbed her hand and began leading her towards the small wooden shack that served as the council hall.
He turned back to look at her, his eyebrows furrowed, confusion written all over his face, "Do you really think I look cuter upside down?"