Second Time Around // Newt x Reader

23

_*_*_(The Next Morning)_*_*_

River yawned and stretched in her spot next to you. She turned on her side, facing you.

"Morning, (Y/N)," She mumbled sleepily.

You smiled, "Morning, River." You had just woken up and you already knew today was not going to be your day. Alby had thrown Gabi in the Pit yesterday after she finished eating and had he called a Gathering. Practically everybody wanted her to be at least bound, but you wanted her in the Pit, bound, and left behind. But, naturally not wanting to sound like a psycho path, you just voted on her in the Pit. She's supposed to go with you when you, Teresa, River, and the boys leave. You weren't so thrilled, and Newt seemed to be the only one who noticed. After the Gathering he came up to you and asked you if you were okay.

"I'm fine," You had said.

"Are you sure?" He didn't seem convinced, but he knew when to let the topic go.

"Yes, I'm sure,"

"(Y/N), I'm hungry," River said, sitting up.

You sat up as well. "You're always hungry,"

"Your point?"

"Touché," You stood, stretching your arms behind your head and rubbing the crusty things out of your eyes.

River was by the door to the Homestead when you were done stretching and waiting for you. She checked her imaginary watch to emphasize that you were taking forever. You stuck your tongue out at her and opened the door, letting her out and you followed, shutting the door behind you. You picked River up when you were halfway there because she said her ankle hurt again. She rested on your hip with her arms wrapped around your neck, her head rested on your shoulder, she was watching her doll she was making dance on your other shoulder.

"Are you having fun there, River?" You ask, side eying her.

"Yeah," She said flatly. "You should try it, too," She held her doll out in front of your face. You took it; you made a little tune and made the doll do flips and twirls. River laughed and grabbed the doll out of your hand, hiding it behind her back.

"Hey!" You complained. "I was having fun!"

"No, you weren't," River argued.

"Yes, I was,"

"Nuh-uh,"

"Yeah-huh,"

"Nuh-uh,"

"Yeah-huh,"

"How much fun were you having then?" River tried, giving you an evil smile.

"Too much?" You offered and set her down in a seat at one of the tables.

"Too much," She agreed and turned around, pulling her markers out of her ripped and dirty faded pink, less frilly, grass-and-dirt-stained dress.

"Oh, this child," You said to yourself walking to the kitchen and greeting Fry, Gally, Alby, and Winston with a smile.

"Morning," They said in unison. You raised an eyebrow.

"How long have you been practicing that one?" You asked sarcastically, taking the plate Frypan offered you. It was filled with eggs, toast - burnt less than usual, some bacon, and apple slices. Just looking at it made your mouth water.

"Couple years?" Winston answers, just as sarcastically. He was cutting an apple and eating the slices. He tossed one at Gally, who caught it, giving a grin to Winston then proceeding to put the apple piece in his mouth and chew it.