Crack Baby

by History_Neek

Summary:

What if Newt managed to get the cure on time? (Movie based but book references x)

Crack Baby - song by Mitski
(crank baby…. Get it? 🙃)

Notes:

This is finally finished! I hope you enjoy x

Chapter 1

The air was full of smoke and angry fire. Worried about his friend’s mad outburst earlier over a necklace, Thomas was in a rush to get him to safety. With instructions from Thomas, Gally and Minho sprinted away to find Brenda meanwhile Thomas stayed with Newt, watching over him carefully. After a few moments of Newt panting frantically and gunshots echoing across the street, Thomas could no longer wait in anticipation.
“Hey, listen to me- Newt?” Thomas shook his ill friend’s shoulders, making him focus and look at him.
“I need you to give me everything you’ve got, okay?” Newt grated his teeth and nodded.
“Alright bud let’s get you up.” Thomas wrapped his arms around Newt and hoisted him to his feet. Newt grimaced but didn’t put up a fight, his only response being a small groan.

Explosions were ricocheting around the city and the sky was pitch black. Using all of his strength, Thomas half-walked half-dragged Newt across a road which had been converted into a no-man’s-land. It was a miracle that they crossed unscathed. Thomas helped Newt through a smashed window and sheltered him, still cautious of the bombardment outside. Newt had stopped using his legs and was resting all of his weight on Thomas.
“Newt please-“ Thomas dragged Newt across an empty path for a few yards before the boy collapsed. Thomas was immediately on all fours, checking Newts breathing. The blonde boy was gasping in short bursts and his throat sounded raw.

Thomas didn’t give up, he couldn’t. Newt needed him more than ever, but things were becoming impossible. Thomas attempted to drag Newt the rest of the way but his energy was drained. He fell backwards, admitting defeat. He just prayed silently that the others would arrive on time with the cure. He placed his hand on Newts chest, checking his breathing. Suddenly something sounded all around them.
“Thomas?” Teresa’s voice played through the numerous speakers that surrounded him. He froze, confused.
“Can you hear me?..I need you to listen to me.” The world around Thomas went silent.
“I know you have no reason to trust me,” she paused for a while, “but I need you to come back to me.”

Blood rushed in Thomas’s ears as he stood up and looked at the speakers. The whole ordeal was unexpected and he didn’t know how to feel. The words that came next shook him to the core.
“Thomas, you can save Newt,” he unwillingly turned and looked down at his dying comrade, who was sprawled out on the floor,
“There’s still time for him.”
Thomas’s eyes stayed rooted to Newt, despair seeping into his mind. Teresa continued,
“There’s a reason why Brenda isn’t sick anymore- it’s your blood.” Thomas turned his attention back to the speakers,
“Do you understand?”
He wished he didn’t.

“She isn’t sick because you… you cured her. She doesn’t have to be the only one-“
Images flashed in Thomas’s mind. His mother. His father. Winston, and now Newt.
“All you have to do is come back, then this will all finally be over.” A white noise bubbled up inside of Thomas and he felt sick to the stomach.
“Please. Please just come back to me. I know-“ the electronics cut out and Thomas was left staring into space, a dark void where his heart should’ve been. Was that all it took? Could he save Newt? He didn’t care about himself anymore, but he certainly cared about his friends. He shook his head and forced his tears away. How could he trust Teresa after what she did? But then again… he stepped backwards slightly, the thought of him slowly dying as cranks feasted on his blood filled his mind. He could stop them from becoming cranks in the first place though-

Thomas was shaken from his thoughts by a figure moving behind him. Slowly, Newt stood up with his back to Thomas. Something wasn’t right.
“Newt..?”
The blonde boy turned around agonisingly slowly but when Thomas got a look at his face, he wished that his friend would turn back around.
Madness swirled around Newt’s empty eyes and black veins popped from his skull. His mouth was dripping an inky-black saliva and his posture was uneven. With a roar that was filled with pure rage, Newt bared his teeth and pounced.

Chapter 2

“Newt…” Thomas’s heart dropped but it was too late. On instinct, he shoved the infected boy roughly as he sprung forwards. The entire time, Newt emitted inhumane screeching and growling sounds which shook Thomas to the core. He grimaced and stumbled backwards as he watched Newt hit the ground hard.
“Newt it’s m-“ Newt jumped up without even faltering and attacked again.
“It’s me!” Thomas shouted. Newt’s eyes were glazed over with a madness that terrified Thomas. He was Newt no longer. He was a crank. This time, Newt used all of his body weight to thrust Thomas to the ground. The pair rolled around on the floor, each trying to gain the upper hand. Thomas released himself and Newt leaned over on the ground catching his breath.

Thomas backed away and put his hands forward as if he was trying to calm a violent dog.
“Tommy.” Newt said through pained breaths. He looked up at Thomas and a slice of clarity shone in his eyes.
“Kill me.”
Thomas didn’t move, too shocked to make a stand. The no response pained Newt as his eyes clouded over again. He gurgled and screeched before diving into another attack. Newt knocked Thomas off of his feet with a scary speed and crawled on top of him. He gripped Thomas’s shoulders with a new found strength that Thomas couldn’t beat. Thomas tried to squirm and free himself but Newt’s body on his chest made it hard. Newt lifted his hands and started trying to tear Thomas to shreds. He seethed and growled whilst trying to bite Thomas’s face off.

“Newt…no-please!” Thomas got out in short breaths as he attempted to restrain his friends wrists. Newt blocked his windpipe momentarily before his muscles relaxed and his eyes cleared. The pair panted heavily and Newt looked at Thomas, clearly confused. Thomas looked up at Newt with pity in his eyes, his hands still holding Newt’s fists tightly against his chest.
“I’m sorry T- sorry Tommy…” Newt mumbled. Thomas’s heart almost broke at his friends sorry state. Thomas let go of Newts wrists and Newt held Thomas’s shoulder as he stabilised. Suddenly, Newt bared his teeth and quickly grabbed Thomas’s pistol that was strapped to his leg. He had already cocked it and aimed it at his temple before Thomas had any time to react. Thomas guessed that his friend had gone all crank-mad on him again but Newts eyes were clear. He knew what he was doing.

Newt looked at Thomas with a face that showed no worry. Thomas couldn’t bare it.
“No!” He yelled and knocked the gun out of Newt’s grip. It flew to the side and out of reach. Madness bubbled up in Newts eyes once more and he roared, trying to injure Thomas again. Thomas shoved Newt off of him and Newt rolled onto his front, gurgling. Thomas shot to his feet as his friend pushed himself upwards. A sinister sound rung around the desolate street as Newt slid his knife out of his belt. Thomas didn’t see it until it whipped above his face. He fell onto his back and Newt straddled him once more, plunging the dagger downwards. The only thing that was stopping Thomas from what looked like his inevitable death was his arms which reached out without him thinking and grabbed Newts hands, the knife hovering just inches above his heart as their struggle continued.

Both of them let out grunts and Newt roared fiercely as the dagger crept towards Thomas’s skin. With one nightly push, Newt lowered the knife with all of his strength and it pierced Thomas. He cried out as blood seeped out of the wound. It was in that moment when Thomas lost control. He shoved Newt away in an aggressive lurch and kicked his friend’s legs so he crumpled to the ground. They both tried to pull their heads up as they laid on the cold floor but Thomas beat Newt to it, landing a painful punch right in Newts face, earning a screech from the crank.
Meanwhile, Brenda was bolting through war-torn roads with Gally and Minho in tow. She knew the stakes were high but she also knew how much Newt meant to Thomas, and the team couldn’t afford to have him fall apart.

Newt managed to regain his balance and once on his feet, he roared and swung the knife in front of him in an arc motion, stepping forwards each time. Thomas ducked and weaved but he could only avoid getting himself sliced for so long. Newts actions became more frantic and he screeched with madness. It was then Thomas noticed something changed. Clarity crossed Newts eyes but he didn’t back down. Was Newt fully gone? No. I’m an instant, Thomas knew what Newts plan was. It was so subtle but the dagger had switched directions. Newt barged into Thomas for the show but Thomas grabbed the hilt of the dagger over Newts hand. Newt paused as he tried to shove the dagger in between his ribs but Thomas pulled it away.
“Please…Tommy?” Newt looked into Thomas’s eyes and tears were forming.
“You will make it Newt.” As he said those words, Brenda appeared from behind. With one final act of rage, Newt roared and shoved the dagger into him.

It pierced an inch before Thomas roared back and fully yanked it from Newts grasp, chucking it far away. Newt looked defeated but his eyes still held fire.
“Tommy.” He growled, his voice full of warning.
“You’ve got to leave me. Go. GO!” Newt threw his hands into the air and turned to Brenda, his mouth foaming. She backed away but Thomas tackled Newt to the ground before he could make a move. Newt howled and Thomas shouted for Brenda to give Newt the serum. Brenda sprinted forwards and stabbed the liquid into Newts arm. He hissed and writhed but Thomas held him down, looking into his eyes. It was weird seeing the mixture work. Newt suddenly paled and his eyes widened. He shook and gasped for air before all his muscles un-tensed. Thomas jumped off of Newt and crouched at Brenda’s side. Gally and Minho bolted around a corner and stopped dead in their tracks.

“Oh my god.”
“Shucking hell.” The boys breathed.
“Is…is he still alive?” Minho gawked at the sight of his friend laying perfectly still on his back.
“Yeah- but he needs medical treatment. Quick take him to the ship.” Thomas practically shouted the last bit and seized Newts arms. Gally and Brenda followed suit and took a leg each.
“Follow me.” Minho said, his face rock hard and determined. The group ran as fast as they could whilst carrying Newt through blazing streets and bombed buildings. They were met with Jorge who froze at the sight of Newt but assisted the group in carrying him. Brenda rushed over to Frypan to inform him about the situation.

“Let’s go go go!” Thomas yelled when they settled onto the Berg.
“What about Teresa?” Brenda panted. Thomas paused and his eyes lingered on Newt. He knew he couldn’t leave his friend.
“I have a plan.”
Jorge flew straight towards the W.C.K.E.D’s hub and hovered outside.
“Are you sure?”
“Definitely.” Thomas grabbed a lose equipment cable and tied it around himself. The Burg door opened and Thomas prayed that the cable held up. He walked forwards onto the open door, which was laid out like a platform, and kicked a window until it shattered. He was met with the petrified face of Ava Paige before she regained her composure.

“Thomas! I knew you would come back!” She held her arms forwards but Thomas held his pistol out.
“Teresa. Where is she?” Ava frowned.
“Thomas, think radically for me. Please come home and help save the world.” Thomas gritted his teeth and spoke to Ava calmly, too calmly.
“The world is already too far beyond repair. The only way is to start again.”
“Tom?” Thomas removed his focus from Ava and saw Teresa running over.
“Teresa quick! Jump!” Teresa froze by the open window.
“Teresa!”
“Tom please just come! I have the cure- I just need your blood. Please?” Thomas’s head was spinning. Now that Newt’s breathing and skin colour had returned to normal, he felt no need to further pursue a cure. Thomas tried to speak but his voice was cut off by a gun shot- and it wasn’t him who had fired.

Janson, the rat man, emerged from the shadows with his gun pointed straight ahead. Ava collapsed as blood spread over her clothes. Thomas’s ears rang and his body felt detached from his mind. Cautiously, he looked down to see a bullet hole in his chest.

Chapter 3

Summary:

Sorry this one’s short 😭🙏

“Thomas!” The others on the ship yelled. Immediately, Frypan, Gally and Jorge aimed their guns and fired. Something hit Janson and he crumpled, but he never broke eye contact with Thomas.
“Little..brats. You were meant…meant to be my cure.” Janson’s eyes rolled up and Thomas knelt down on the edge of the Berg’s floor.
“Thomas?” Teresa shouted. Thomas didn’t say a word. He held out his hand weakly to her, beckoning her to join him and the others but she smiled sadly. A large crash sounded and fire licked up inside of the building.
“Kid it’s too dangerous, we need to go NOW!” Jorge yelled.

“Teresa, Thomas!” Everyone back in the berg shouted. Teresa tried to say something but her voice was overpowered by the sound of an explosion. Thomas watched in horror as the building before him crumbled, taking Teresa with it. He screamed but it was lost in the commotion. So much spun around in his head. He didn’t love Teresa but he had once. She was now just another person he had lost. The pain from the gunshot finally swam through his body as adrenaline faded and he tucked himself into a ball on his side. He shut his eyes and wanted to disappear. He was half aware of the cable around him being pulled as he was hoisted back into the berg. The door slammed shut in front of him and a cold numbness consumed him. Voices spiralled in all directions but he blocked them out. Lots of hands grabbed at him as black dots swam in front of his dropping eyes. For the moment, he decided to be lost from the world for a while.

The trip back came in fractured pieces. Even in a delirious state, Thomas noted his surroundings. Him and Newt had been laid side-by-side on the floor of what might’ve been a storage room. Minho paced around and kept checking his watch. Thomas fell unconscious again. The next time he woke up, the room was empty apart from himself and Newt. The only sounds were the humming of electricity and the mumbled voices of people. Thomas sapped his strength as he turned to face Newt. Immense pain shot through his body but it was worth it to see Newt’s peaceful face, sleeping deeply. Feeling nausea and sleep overcome him, Thomas reached out and held Newt’s hand gently. He then used his other hand to rest on Newt’s wrist, checking for a pulse.

He forced himself awake until he was content with Newt’s heart rate. For what felt like the first time in months, Thomas let sleep take over. He had strange dreams. His first night at W.C.K.E.D, his favourite memories of the Glade, even things he shouldn’t have remembered, like fractions of his childhood, came back to him. Thomas only woke a few times when he subconsciously thought that Newt’s pulse was wrong. He would focus on Newt’s wrist and watch the other’s face until he was sure Newt wasn’t dead. He completely forgot that he was still holding hands with Newt with his other hand but he didn’t care. It was nice to have someone with him as throbbing pain ran through him at every slight hindrance of turbulence. Newt was the best at comforting Thomas, even when he was unconscious. Unaware of the fact Brenda was trying to communicate with him, Thomas finally fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Chapter 4

Thomas gasped and bolted upright. Sweat beaded his forehead and dampened his skin. Gally walked into the room and quickly forced Thomas to lie back down.
“You’re stupid enough already, we don’t need you getting any brain injuries.” He snorted. Thomas let out a sigh, slightly amused by the comment. He looked around.
“Where’s Newt?”
Gally paused and crackled his knuckles.
“He’s in another medical tent. I’m on night duty and you’re the first one to wake up.” Without thinking, Thomas sprung out of his cot and stumbled towards the tent door but he fell.
“You may be stronger than you were in the Glade but you more if a shuck-face than ever.” Gally scoffed and helped Thomas to his feet before leading him back to his bed.

“Please-“ Thomas put a hand on Gally’s shoulder.
“Please can I… I need to see him.” Gally’s eyes softened slightly and he rolled his eyes.
“Fine. Twenty minutes.” Thomas would’ve jumped for joy if he could control his legs properly. Gally reluctantly guided Thomas out of the tent and past a few huts before arriving at a tent similar to Thomas’s. For some reason, Thomas felt anxious but he strode forwards and went inside. Newt looked fragile as he laid in his cot. The sheets were covering him but he looked frail. The inky-black veins that had once smothered his body seemed to have gone, only a few faded marks still remained on his shoulders and collarbone. Thomas crept over to the bed and perched on the end.
“Hi… Newt.”

He felt stupid as Newt most likely couldn’t hear him but he continued.
“I hope you feel well when you wake up.” He paused and ran his hands through his hair nervously.
“Uhh- I know you didn’t want to continue with your life but I want you to know that I, we- I will support you no matter what. Please choose to continue living.” Thomas looked over to Gally who raised his eyebrows but didn’t say a word.
“I should go back now.” Thomas tried to stand but Newt held his arm. Thomas jumped, bewildered but Newts arm dropped and fell back into place. Thomas smiled, aware that his friend had heard him. He sighed and ruffled Newt’s hair.
“See you soon Newt.” Gally escorted him back to the tent.

Thomas was alarmed to find that he had slept for a few days straight. He got up and checked the calendar that he guessed Jorge had put in the room, and stared at it. He almost laughed, he had really needed some shut eye it seemed. He climbed out of his bed and stood on his feet. He felt stable and he could no longer feel pain in his chest. He was recovering. A buzz of noise sounded outside and Thomas ventured out to take a look. People off all ages milled around the grounds, acting as if it was just another day. It had been night when he looked around with Gally so Thomas hadn’t realised how large their new safe haven was.

He wanted to find Newt but he wasn’t in the medical tent. Putting the thought aside, Thomas briskly strolled past people until he saw a beach. Sea air hit him and made him feel fresh.
“Thomas!” Minho approached him, tears prickled in his eyes. Thomas covered the distance between then and met Minho with a big hug. The pair cried silently in their embrace, aware that finally, the worst was over. They stepped apart and after a few happy tears flowed, Thomas greeted his other friends. Jorge, Brenda, Frypan, Gally. Each of them hugged him tight and they laughed like old friends.
“Tommy?” Thomas froze as he heard a voice he knew so well. He spun around to see Newt standing behind him, grinning like an idiot.
“Sleeping beauty is awake!” Newt jeered and walked towards Thomas with open arms. Thomas’s eyes betrayed him and he sobbed, sprinting up to Newt and almost knocking him off his feet.

“Careful!” Newt laughed and he patted Thomas on the back. Thomas held his friend’s shoulders gently and looked at him.
“Glad to have you back Glue boy.” Thomas wiped away his tears. Newt smiled and pulled in for another hug. Thomas hadn’t wanted to part with Newt but the other had insisted, saying he had something important to do. It was evening already and Thomas hadn’t seen him since. He sat on his own, staring at the bonfire that had been lit.
“Hey.” Minho said as he sat down beside Thomas.
“Sup?” Minho pulled something out of his pocket and fidgeted with it momentarily before handing it to Thomas.
“You had this when you passed out. I kept it safe.”
“Thanks Minho.” Thomas smiled as Newt’s necklace was placed back into his hands. Minho nodded and left, leaving Thomas with his thoughts.

The necklace looked well loved but something bothered Thomas. Why had Newt entrusted it to him? He set it aside as maybe being a heirloom until he accidentally twisted it. He continued, curious, until a cap fell off. Inside? A letter.

Chapter 5

Dear Thomas,

This is the first letter I can remember writing. Obviously I don’t know if I wrote any letters before the maze.
But even if it’s not my first, it’s likely to be my last. I want you to know that I’m not scared. About dying anyways or forgetting, it’s losing myself to this virus, that’s what scares me.
So every night, I’ve been saying their names out loud. Alby, Winston, Chuck, and I just repeat it over and over like a prayer. And it all comes flooding back. Just the little things, like when the sun used to hit the Glade at that perfect moment, right before it’d slip beneath the walls.
And I remember the taste of Frypan’s stew, I’d never thought I’d miss that stuff so much.
And I remember you.
I remember you first coming up in the box, a scared little greenie who couldn’t remember his own name.
But, from the moment I saw you run into the maze, I knew that I would follow you anywhere. And I have. We all have.
If I could do it all over again, I would, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
My hope for you is when you’re looking back, years from now, is that and I know you’ll stay the same.
The future is in your hands now, Tommy, and I know you’ll find a way to do what’s right. You always have.
Take care of everyone for me.
And take care of yourself, you deserve to be happy.

Thank you for being my friend.
Goodbye mate,
-Newt

Chapter 6

Thomas’s hands trembled and his heart sunk with the letter. It only just occurred to him that Newt had planned to die that day. That’s when the panic set in. Without trying to worry anyone else, Thomas walked around the entire camp briskly. Most people were now gathered around the bonfire but Newt wasn’t there. Where was he? Thomas was about to start calling him when he spotted something in the nearby woods. He crept closer until he saw the outline of a boy. Jogging now, Thomas made his way towards the trees. Newt was sat against a tree, his chest rising and falling evenly. He was asleep. Thomas let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding and smiled. Newt was safe. Thomas then remembered something from the Glade. Newts accusations of being “Glade mother”. Thomas chuckled quietly to himself before rushing off to his tent.

He whisked a blanket off his bed and made his way back over to Newt. Carefully, he draped the blanket over the sleeping boy. Newt looked truly beautiful in the lighting, the bonfire lighting up his features. Thomas, who was crouched down, turned to stand up and leave but a strong hand gripped his arm.
“Gotcha.” Newt muttered, half asleep, his eyes still closed. Thomas smiled.
“Not very good at being ‘Glade mother’, am I?” He scoffed. Newt opened one of his eyes and looked at Thomas with an amused smirk.
“Nope. I’m way better.” Without a warning, Newt pulled Thomas over. It was easy since the boy was unbalanced.
“Hey!” Thomas groaned, sitting up.

“Stay here a while… please?” Newt said, opening both of his eyes. Thomas wished Newt’s eyes were still closed as he was probably blushing madly.
“Well… Minho might be wondering where we are-“
Newt pulled Thomas closer, both their backs now resting on the tree, and put his head on Thomas’s shoulder.
“Alright fine, you win.” Thomas made a show of dramatically rolling his eyes and crossing his arms. Newt laughed, still sleepy. He put the blanket over both of them and they sat in a comfortable silence for a while. The stars and moon shone beautifully above them and Thomas found himself awestruck. Newt, however, just looked up at Thomas, taking in the other’s presence.

They sat huddled together for what felt like forever, but forever still wasn’t long enough. Thomas wondered whether he should bring up the subject of the letter but he guessed that Newt already knew, he wasn’t stupid. Instead, Thomas looked down at Newt and sighed,
“Please stay with me. You deserve to be happy.” With a quote from his letter read out in front of him, Newt paled but calmed himself.
“When’d you read it?”
“Earlier.”
“Just you?”
“Mhm.”
Newt paused, then wrapped his arm around Thomas’s shoulders.
“Then I might stick around for a little longer. Who knows.”

Chapter 7

The night went by quickly as the pair sat in a tranquil silence. Soon enough, the fire faded and the rest of the village went to sleep. Thomas and Newt did too, still underneath a tree, and were later discovered by Minho in the morning.
“What do we have here?” Minho grinned and stomped over to the boys who were huddled together under a blanket. Minho had just reached them when Thomas jolted awake. His fight or flight instinct was built into his mind and he was a light sleeper.
“Woah, easy there.” Minho muttered and crouched down to Thomas’s eye level. Thomas tried to sit up straight but Newt’s head was leaning on the crook between his neck and shoulder, limiting his mobility. Minho laughed quietly as Thomas tried to scoot himself into a better position while Newt mumbled in his sleep.

“So when did this become a thing?”
Thomas went red and looked away from Minho, who was waggling his eye brows.
“It’s not a thing…” Thomas grumbled, even though he didn’t agree with his words.
“Sure.” Minho smiled sarcastically. As if on cue, Newt rolled over and his head fell forwards, spooking him awake.
“Tommy?” Newt gritted his teeth and looked around. Thomas was confused but concluded that Newt was half asleep still.
“I’m here.” Thomas patted Newt’s head to wake him up. Newt opened one of his eyes, groggy.
“Huh. Minho.” He huffed and tried to go back to sleep.
“Oh no you don’t.” Thomas shook Newt’s shoulders. Minho punched Thomas’s arm jokingly and winked before walking away. Thomas tried to forget the awkward conversation and shook Newt again.
“Newt…”

Newt opened his eyes and frowned.
“Five more minutes pleaseee?” He whined. Thomas wondered why the boy was still so tired but he guessed it was still an after affect of the crank cure. Thinking about it, the whole cure thing was bothering Thomas. How come two of his friends had been given a cure and lived but W.C.K.E.D we’re still trying to ‘find the cure.’ It was strange. Well it didn’t matter now. The virus wasn’t going to find them for a while at least. With a grunt, Thomas stood up and stretched, his bones crackling at the movement. Newt looked grumpy but Thomas gently grabbed his fore arms and lifted him off the ground.
“No…” Newt muttered but reluctantly got to his feet. Thomas draped the blanket over Newt’s shoulders and took his hand.
“Time to get you to your bed mister.” Newt grumbled something incoherent but took Thomas’s hand and let him lead the way.

Most of the camp was still asleep but people were gradually waking up. Thomas snaked through paths, a sleepy Newt in tow, and found the shelter corner where Minho, Frypan and Gally had chosen to sleep. Two beds had been rolled out with towels and clothes piled neatly beside them. Newt sunk down slowly onto a bed, still holding hands with Thomas, and laid down content. Thomas tried to let go but Newt pulled his hand. A mischievous smile crossed his face.
“Newt?” Thomas asked.
“Please stay here. Please.” Newt winked then shut his eyes. Thomas looked around them. Frypan and Gally had gone too. Thomas groaned and Newt knew he had won.
“You’ve got me tied around your bloody finger.” Thomas mimicked Newt’s voice as he crawled under the covers beside his friend.
“Just this once.” Thomas quickly stated, feeling flushed as he felt Newt hold onto his back and weave his arms around him.
“Mkay.” Newt was already almost asleep.

Thomas thought hard. He was safe now. Newt was safe. His friends were safe. With this in mind, he finally allowed himself to relax. He forced himself up after a few hours, which was met with complaining from Newt. Thomas didn’t really want to leave, he was perfectly happy to spend the day napping with Newt but he knew that it was only fair he helped around the haven. Newt watched Thomas as he paced around and picked up clothes.
“Wait.” He quickly said. He jumped up and started doing the same. The pair then took themselves to the showering huts and got dressed. Thomas was waiting outside for Newt to finish when he looked out at the sea. It glistened brightly and the large vessel he assumed had brought them there bobbed up and down, swaying with the current. Thomas felt at peace. It was strange how seeing the ocean always did that to him. He snapped out of his thoughts when he felt a hand clap his shoulder.
“Whatcha thinking about Tommy?” Newt was aggressively drying his hair with a towel. Thomas snorted, amused.
“Just thinking.” Newt raised an eye brow at the comment.
“Well don’t worry your pretty little head about anything. It’s all alright now.” Thomas looked at Newt directly and Newt smiled sincerely, before a smirk crossed his face.
“And anyway, thinking too much can’t be good for you. You’ve got the brains of a builder.” Newt patted Thomas’s chest and headed towards the newly built central building, which Gally had named “The Homestead”.

Thomas chased after him.
“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?” He caught up and the pair laughed together. The homestead was empty except from Gally, Minho, Jorge and Vince.
“They’re awake!” Vince called and crossed his arms.
“Hey.” The guys said in unison.
“Newt, the gardeners want to hire you. That ‘kay?” Jorge was flicking through a notepad. Newt nodded then nudged Thomas.
“What you gonna do Tommy?” Thomas thought hard for a moment.
“I mean, I can’t be a runner anymore I guess.”
Minho joined the conversation, “I’ve put myself down to be a hunter and a gatherer- it’s like being a runner but catching and finding stuff.” Thomas scoffed,
“Very specific I, and think I know what hunting and gathering means Minho. But, yeah. I might do that then.” Vince clapped his hands,
“That’s sorted then.”
“Good that.” Newt patted Thomas on the back.

Chapter 8

Days turned into weeks at the haven. Thomas settled into his hunting and gathering job and Newt seemed in his element. Jorge had designed the haven like how Gally, Minho and Frypan had requested, so Thomas got a slight sense of deja vu every time he passed Newt doing his job. He looked happy enough but Thomas could tell he missed Zart and the other gardeners. One day, Thomas noticed that Newt was missing from his post. A gardener called Liam called Thomas,
“Thomas, have you seen Newt around today? He didn’t show up this morning which ain’t like him.” Thomas shook his head but promised he would look for him.
“Great. Just when I wanted a day off, mr cranky goes missing.” Thomas muttered as he traced the paths around the camp. After over an hour of searching, Thomas was becoming frantic. He knew that Newt was perfectly capable of taking care of himself but his mind kept skipping to the worst outcomes. What if he had been abducted? What if he had run away? What if a crank had got him- Thomas’s miserable spiral evaporated when he saw Newt sat on his own on a cliff over looking the sea.

He sighed with relief but he still knew that something wasn’t right. Making his mind up, Thomas started his trek from the beach, through the haven, up a steep hill and finally, across the landing where Newt was sat. Thomas wondered if he should call Newt over but he was beaten.
“What’s up Tommy?” Newt said. He sounded melancholy and was perched with his legs over the ledge of the cliff. Thomas pushed down his initial panic. He knew that Newt was smart enough not to slip, but that letter. It still rung in his mind how Newt had almost planned his death as soon as he found out he was infected. And another memory. Back before the last city fell. Thomas and Newt had a conversation that had turned sour, forming into an argument, and they later made up whilst looking at the city from a high ledge.
“Tommy?” Newt looked over at him.
“Sorry.” Thomas mumbled, “Zoned out.” Newt nodded and turned to face the ocean.
“Pretty views today.” Thomas nodded even though Newt wasn’t looking at him anymore. He had a few questions but they didn't feel right to ask. Newt’s shoulders fell slightly and he rubbed his hands together.
“Sorry if I worried anyone. Just… I don’t know man. Been havin’ bloody memories come at me while I sleep. They’re not pleasant, I’ll tell you that.”

Thomas walked over to Newt and sat beside him, looking out at the ocean.
“I know what you mean.”
“No you don’t,” Newt’s tone changed, “you don’t Tommy!” Thomas paused and looked at Newt, worried. Newt wiped his arm over his face and Thomas noticed that the other had tears in his eyes. Thomas gently placed his hand on Newt’s shoulder.
“Sorry.” Was all that Newt said in response. They sat in silence, not really knowing what to say to the other.
“Tell me, about your dreams. I could try to help?” Thomas clasped his hands together and stared at Newt’s face. Newt scoffed but then realised that Thomas was being genuine. He knew that there was no point hiding things from Thomas as he was quite stubborn.
“Where do I start. Uhh…” Newt fiddled with his hands anxiously.
“I keep seeing us and the others, but before the maze. It’s like I recognise everything but don’t. Does that make sense?” Thomas nodded along.
“Yeah, I understand what you mean.”
“Alby and Chuck are there too. I think we used to sneak out and chill together.” Newt laughed and Thomas smiled, but then Newt froze and his face fell.
“I have a sister.”
“What?” Thomas was taken aback slightly.
“Lizzie. And they killed my parents. In front of me! They wanted to take Lizzie but they took me too because, because otherwise I would’ve died to starvation or the cold.” Newt was breathing heavily and tears were in his eyes once more.
“Then they separated us. I was in group A and she was in group B. They wouldn’t let us see each other Thomas! They wouldn’t.”

Thomas didn’t know how to react, all of this was very sudden but the name Lizzie jolted something in his memory.
“Newt… how are you remembering things? I-“
“The cure.”
“What?”
“It was the cure! Every night after I got the cure, I saw things I shouldn’t. I saw Ava Paige, I remembered how they tortured Minho.” His voice broke at Minho and Thomas quickly hugged his friend as he sobbed.
“Bloody hell.” Newt held his breath and pulled away.
“I’ve got to quit being sappy.” He tried to smile but Thomas shook his shoulder.
“Emotions are okay Newt. I mean, god, we’ve literally been through hell and back!” They laughed at Thomas’s input then went back to silence. Then it hit Thomas.
“Wait- group B? As in the other maze?”
Newt looked puzzled, “I think so..?”
The name Lizzie repeated in Thomas’s head.
“Sonya.”
Newt looked confused so Thomas repeated himself,
“Sonya. Your sister’s name is Sonya.”

The realisation hit Newt immediately. Thomas smiled wide and jumped up, gesturing for Newt to follow.
“You’ve got to talk to her!”
Newt shook his head in response, “She won’t remember me.”
Thomas frowned, “But if you try, at least that’s something. She might recall knowing you, like how I just remembered who you were talking about!” Newt considered it for a moment.
“Ok.” He accepted Thomas’s hand and he stood up. “I’ll talk to Li- Sonya.” They made their way down the ragged hill and into the camp. The sun was getting lower and Thomas realised that they had spent hours doing nothing but talking. Sonya was sitting with Aris and Harriet. Thomas approached them first, waving.
“Hey. Can we speak with Sonya privately for a second?” He quickly added, “sorry to interrupt.” Sonya looked perplexed but nodded.
“Sure.” The three walked over to a quiet area, where Thomas nudged Newt forwards.
Newt began, “I know this probably sounds stupid and crazy, but, uhm… I think you’re my sister.”

Sonya had a bewildered look on her face but then she focused her eyes and shook her head.
“I think I recognise you. I mean like I’ve seen you before a long time ago, but I just can’t place it. Sorry.” Newt looked sad but not too upset.
“I expected that. You probably know I got infected and got the cure, right? Well ever since then, I’ve had dreams about my childhood and you’re always there…” Newt hesitated, “Lizzie.”
Sonya’s jaw dropped. “That name- my name!” She looked amazed and utterly confused. “You are familiar, but I forgot your name. Newt suits you well though.” Clarity filled both of their eyes and Thomas watched as the siblings hugged tightly.
“They made me forget you.” Sonya mumbled sadly. They pulled away and looked at one another, a childish excitement on their faces.
“At least we’re here now and wicked can’t get us.”
“Sonya?” Harriet called. Sonya patted Newt on the back and turned to go, but swirled around to face him once more.
“I’ll see you around… big brother.” The last words were said with hesitation but she grinned like a child on Christmas after she got them out. Newt was awestruck as she left and Thomas was beaming too.
“That went well.”
Newt rolled his eyes, “Thomas, a mastermind as always.” Thomas swatted him playfully and the boys made their way to the food hall.

Chapter 9

The food hall was a large pergola with benches dotted around. Frypan stood behind a cluttered counter, shouting orders at his chef recruits. “Thomas, Newt,” Frypan beamed as he saw his friends approaching.
“What’s up Fry?” Newt and Frypan shook hands, then Frypan and Thomas. Frypan stepped back a bit and crossed his arms.
“Damn. I still can’t believe that you two shucks both almost died like minutes apart. Now look at you!” He ambled behind the counter and rested his elbows on it.
“What would you like?”
Newt and Thomas sat on an empty bench with their fresh food. The piping hot beef stew burned their mouths as they scoffed it down, unaware of how hungry they were previously.
“Mmm-“ Newt murmured, “he needs to make this stuff more often.” Thomas swallowed and looked at Newt, amused.
“Don’t speak with your mouth full.”
Newt glared at him with humour, “Shuck it. When did you become a proper little princess?” They finished up in reticence and looked at one another across the table. A candle flickered in between them, enhancing the moment.
“This feels intense.” Thomas joked, lacing his fingers and resting his head in his hands. Newt crossed his arms and leant forwards.
“Mhm. Bloody romantic.”

“I agree, it’s quite whimsical over there.” The pair were startled by Brenda who popped up beside them. They shifted backwards awkwardly as she gathered their plates. “Sorry to spoil the moment but the kitchen is closing. Are you going to join everyone? We’re having the bonfire at the beach today.”
Thomas and Newt looked at each other then nodded.
“Sure, we’ll be there.” Newt grinned and jumped up. “Tommy?” Newt walked around and put his hand out.
Thomas hesitated and turned red. “Uhhh-“
Brenda giggled at their interaction. Newt grabbed Thomas’s hand and pulled him up.
“Chicken.”
“I am not!” The pair squabbled like children as Brenda shoved them away from the pergola. Their banta was broken up by the sound of singing and laughter. The whole haven village had gathered on the beach and Vince was standing up, leading a song. Thomas, who was still holding Newt’s hand, ran over and dragged Newt along with him.
The singing ended as the pair approached and was replaced by waves of chatter and music being played by the haven band. The pair strolled around the large mob until they found Minho.

“What’s up Minho?” Newt neared Minho and hugged him. Minho returned the greeting then looked at Thomas.
“I see you two have had a lovely couples day.” He teased. Newt shrugged and punched Minho’s arm.
“At least I’m part of a couple.” Newt grinned cheekily and grabbed Thomas’s hand.
“Wait what?” Thomas was surprised at Newts forwardness. He hadn’t talked to Newt about their ‘label’ and he was disoriented but Newt shared no such worries.
“I’m only messing with you man.” Newt let go of Thomas’s hand and elbowed him. Minho watched the pair with a gleam of happiness in his eyes. Thomas was blushing madly and frowning, perplexed by the turn the conversation had taken. Newt looked into his eyes and smirked, “Flustered is a good look on you. You should try it more often.” Newt walked past Thomas, their arms brushing and holding eye contact, before he walked off to find Sonya. Thomas was blushing like an idiot, staring at the direction Newt had gone. Minho shook his arm,
“You good man?”
“No, I mean yes… uh no.”
Minho laughed at Thomas’s comment. “C’mon. Let’s go find Gally.”

Thomas followed Minho in a trance, all of his emotions jumbled up. He had realised that Newt meant a lot to him after his friend was stung but this was different. It was almost as if his feelings had evolved, from the slight butterflies Newt made him feel back in the Glade to those few moments where his heart almost flew out of his chest because it was beating so fast. Deep down, he hoped that Newt felt the same. Maybe Newt was just messing with him like he had stated numerous times, but his eyes always shone with certainty.
“Thomas are you well?” Gally stood up as Thomas and Minho made their way towards him. Thomas snapped back into reality.
“Yeah I’m good. Great even!”
Gally raised an eye brow. “You sure?”
“Sure.”
The three of them sat down on a log and embraced their surroundings. A large fire crackled in front of them and countless, happy people idly stood around them. There were a lot of new faces that Thomas didn’t recognise but he knew where a lot of them came from. Group B, the other W.C.K.E.D groups and other immunes that were seeking shelter. Thomas had a good feeling that he was going to know a lot more about them as he found his feet in the haven. His eyes drifted to Vince and Jorge. They looked around a similar age and seemed to be in a deep conversation. Thomas was happy for them as it looked like they had gotten closer overtime. As they were some of the only adults, they relied on each other for many duties.

Then, Thomas’s eyes found their way to Newt. He was laughing with Aris, Harriet and Sonya. He subconsciously smiled because they seemed so happy, but then Newt’s eyes met his. Even across the bonfire, Newt’s gaze caused Thomas to feel electricity in the air. He didn’t want to look away and neither did Newt it seemed but he was nudged by Aris and they started talking. It took a while for Thomas’s heart to get back into a normal rhythm.

Chapter 10

Thomas reluctantly looked elsewhere, then at Minho and Gally. Frypan and Brenda had also joined them at some point.
“What’s going on with the blonde girl and him?” Brenda broke the ice and nodded towards Newt and Sonya who were sat together and chatting like old friends.
“Making up for all the years they spent apart.” Thomas replied.
“What? What does that mean?” Minho questioned.
“They know each other? As far as I’m aware, Teresa was the only girl in the Glade.” Gally added. Teresa’s name put a dampener on the conversation but Thomas continued.
“They’re siblings. I know it sounds weird because we never knew before, but Newt got some memories back after he got the cure and he recalled that he had a sister. She seemed to recognise him too after some digging.”
“Ah.” Frypan said, voicing everyone’s thoughts. The topic switched to a building plan introduced by Gally. He wanted him and the other builders to start working on stable huts for everyone.
“I’ve talked to Vince and he approved the fact that we should have permanent houses. We don’t know how many yet but we hope people will be willing to house share to keep the building numbers down.”
“So it will be like a mini city?” Frypan asked.
Gally nodded, “Just like it.”
“Good that.” Minho did a thumbs up.

Permanent. That word stuck with Thomas. So far, nothing in his life had seemed permanent. And house sharing? To be fair, Thomas did like privacy but he was glad Gally wanted people to roommate as he didn’t think he could last a week sleeping alone. His nightmares were always worse when he was isolated. For some reason, he thought of Newt just then. A part of him wished that they could roommate. Maybe just them. That would be nice. The conversation bubbled back into his head again.
“Of course we would need more hands on deck to get the places built by winter, but we have an entire summer to pass. Thomas are you listening?” Thomas jumped slightly then slicked his hair back.
“Mhm… where are the houses going to be built?” He asked to show that he was interested. Gally pointed to the fields beside the cliff.
“We were thinking there as nothing has been set up in that corner yet. We will keep our current sleeping place but maybe make it a trading area, or an entertainment area. Jorge will decide that.”
The conversation droned on and Thomas was happy that Frypan and Brenda seemed interested. He didn’t want to get dragged into any work just yet.

“Tommy.” Thomas was suddenly startled by Newt standing over him. He fell backwards and hit the sandy ground. Newt chuckled and helped him up before sitting down next to him.
“I was talking with Sonya and she brought up Gally’s housing plan.” He pointed to Gally who was still talking behind them.
“Cool, yeah. We had a similar conversation here.”
Newt nodded slowly. “Well we talked about house sharing and Aris suggested that me and Sonya should roommate.” Thomas's heart dropped. He had wanted to ask Newt that question.
“Oh.” Was his only response. Newt took in a large breath, then faced Thomas.
“But I could tell that Harriet really wanted to share with my sister, and, well…” Newt stopped. Thomas looked into his eyes.
“I told them I was planning on bunking with you. If that’s ‘kay of course-“
“Yes. I mean sure.” Thomas had never said something so fast. A smile lit up on Newt’s face.
“Really?” Thomas nodded eagerly, smiling.

The rest of the evening went by with casual conversation and stupid jokes until a kid called to Vince.
“Is it true we’re getting houses?” It seemed like rumours of the building plans had spread across the circle. Vince stood up and addressed the campers.
“Yes it’s true. Me and Gally, head builder-“
“Keeper of the builders.” Gally interjected. Thomas had almost forgotten how annoying Gally could sometimes be.
“Yes, keeper, have decided on a build plan to ensure everyone gets a sturdy shelter to sleep in by the time winter rolls around.” A few whoops sounded in the crowd.
“Jorge and I will sort out arrangements with you lot as we will need people to sleep in pairs or groups. Building will start in a few weeks but to gather numbers, I will need everyone to talk it out and inform us who will be with who.” Newt patted Thomas’s knee, smiling.
“You better be a good roomie. No mess.” He whispered in Thomas’s ear.

Vince sat back down and the beach erupted back into a bubbling noise.
“This place reminds me of the Glade.” Newt murmured. Thomas looked around at all the kids who were talking excitedly.
“You’re right.”
“When am I not?” Newt shrugged and Thomas rolled his eyes dramatically. They smiled at each other and for a few moments, they had never felt closer. Newt turned his attention back to the loud group.
“It is noisy though. Glad to see everyone enjoying themselves but-“
Thomas interrupted, “Want to go somewhere private?”
“Huh?”
“I mean, we are a couple, right?” Thomas leant towards Newt, making the boy blush. He stuttered but nothing came out.
“Just messing with you.” Thomas grinned and ruffled Newt’s hair, happy that he got him back. Newt huffed but a brilliant smile was still plastered to his face.
“Why bloody not.” He jumped up and took Thomas’s hands, pulling him away from the group. The sounds of whistling from Frypan and Minho followed them but they didn’t care, too overcome by a childish excitement.

They ran across the beach, taking in the salty air and dashed around a corner. The beach was dark away from the fire and Thomas ended up toppling over, taking Newt with him. They collapsed with their bodies intertwined and laughed as they sat up.
“You’ve got sand in your hair shuck.” Newt giggled like a little kid and messed with Thomas’s hair. Thomas laughed and shoved Newt back. They felt drunk with happiness as they snickered over stupid things. After a while, they just stared into the waves that lapped at the shore.
“It’s mesmerising.” Newt breathed.
“Uh huh.” Thomas responded, looking at Newt with awe. The sky was clear and the moon shone brightly, illuminating Newt’s features. Thomas was speechless at how ethereal Newt looked. Abruptly, Newt latched onto Thomas’s hand and interlocked their fingers.
“You’re staring.” Thomas quickly looked away and focused on their hands. He felt light headed and giddy. Was he dreaming? He looked back up at Newt’s face and the blonde boy was peering intently at him.
“You were staring.” He repeated.
“Sorry.”
Newt shook his head and smiled, “I don’t mind.” Thomas knew he was bright red but he grinned.

“So, want to go in?” Thomas pointed towards the sea. Newt paled but breathed in deeply.
“I can’t remember the last time I went into the sea.”
“Me too.” Thomas sprung up and pulled Newt with him.
“Tommy!” Newt wailed as Thomas dragged him towards the sea. Cold water splashed up their legs and soaked their trousers. Thomas laughed and Newt gripped his hand tightly.
“It’s cold, so cold.” Newt grumbled but smiled. They stood up to their shins in the water and Newt grabbed Thomas’s forearms.
“Guess what Tommy?”
“What?” With a smirk, Newt shoved Thomas and he toppled backwards, landing with a splash. Thomas let out a shocked cry and Newt laughed. He gasped for air as the cold water lapped over his chest. Newt stood over him with his arms crossed.
“Nice dip?”
“Oh you’re so dead.” Thomas smiled with gritted teeth and kicked Newt’s shin. Newt barely had time to react as he flew forwards and landed on top of Thomas. The boys sat up, gasping for air as the cold water covered them. Newt raised himself with his arms and looked down at Thomas, wincing.

“Ow- leg hurts…” Newt stammered. Thomas immediately gasped and held Newt’s shoulders.
“My god, I’m so sorry!” Newt held his hand up.
“Hey I’m good, just gotta be careful sometimes.” He smiled, then a look of horror crossed his face. Thomas lowered his hands to his side.
“What? Newt are you alright?” Newt lifted his hands up slowly and they were shaking. Thomas reached his hands up to hold Newts but Newt ripped his hands away, holding them to his chest and looking down at Thomas with frightened eyes.
“Newt..?” Then Thomas was hit with a terrible realisation. Images of that night flashed across his mind. That horrid night, when Newt had gotten gravely infected and attacked Thomas. The way there were positioned was nearly identical, Thomas lying on the ground and Newt straddling him. “Oh…Newt.” Thomas said in almost a whisper.

Chapter 11

“Look at me, please Newt just look at me!” Thomas cried as he shook Newts shoulders. He had managed to get Newt off of him and dragged him to the beach. Newt was skittishly looking around, eyes darting everywhere, and his body was shaking. Then, Newt looked him dead in the eyes. Thomas cautiously rubbed Newt’s arms and spoke to him gently.
“It’s okay.” He kept repeating those two words until Newt calmed down. Newt blinked a few times then locked eyes with Thomas again.
“What..?”
“It’s okay. Don’t worry, I think you just had a panic attack.”
Newt nodded. “Sorry.” He said in a monotone voice. Thomas sat up straight and looked at Newt, who sat beside him with his arms wrapped around his legs. Both of them seemed oblivious now to the breeze that rolled over their soaked bodies.
“That dark time is gone now Newt. You’re safe. We’re safe.”
“Good that.” Newt seemed suddenly distant as he looked out across the water. Thomas gently put a finger under Newts chin and turned the boy’s gaze to him. Newt smiled sheepishly,
“Sorry mate. Just thinking’, you know how it is.” Thomas smiled and nodded, removing his hand. Newt stood up but stumbled slightly so Thomas tried to lend a hand once he got on his feet but Newt refused.
“I’m fine, honestly.” He then took a couple of steps before staggering and falling to his knees.

Thomas lurched forwards and grabbed his friend under the arms, hoisting him up.
“Never mind, I might need a bit of help.” Newt grunted. Thomas was happy to assist and let Newt wring his arm over his shoulders for support.
“I’m really sorry about your leg. I stupidly forgot and-“
“Hold that thought Tommy boy. Just get me to a seat, please?”
They walked together back down the beach until Thomas couldn’t help himself anymore. He scooped Newt up, much to Newt’s protesting, and carried him the rest of the way.
“Put me down! I have legs!”
“Only one of them works,” Thomas shrugged, “and you deserve to be treated right.”
Newt raised an eye brow, “By treated right, do you mean you’re just going to carry me everywhere bridal-style?”
“I will drop you.”
“Oh please do.”
“-into the cold water, your majesty.” Thomas turned to face the sea and Newt quickly wrapped his arms around Thomas’s neck.
“Don’t. You. Dare.”
“Fair enough.” The boys let out small laughs at their banta and carried on walking back to the haven village.

The place had quieted down apart from a few stragglers and some of Thomas and Newt’s friends.
“What’s going on here then?” Frypan chuckled at the sight of Thomas carrying Newt.
“Did you just get married or something?” Brenda added, high-fiving Frypan.
“Actually, he’s hurt.”
“What?” They sprung up. “Why?”
Thomas lowered Newt onto a seat.
“I may of kicked his shin…” Thomas mumbled.
“You shank!” Minho seethed, “Did you forget he’s injured there?”
“Yes I did!”
“Shuck-faces calm it. Both of you!” Newt shouted. “It’s my fault for being a piece of klunk in the first place.” Thomas and Minho mumbled apologies then turned to Newt.
“It’s only an ache, Thomas was just being extra.” Minho sighed and punched Thomas’s arm, a small gesture of a true apology. Thomas shrugged.

“Time for bed kids.” Jorge approached them.
“Seriously? A bed time?” Gally asked.
“We’re not five.” Brenda rolled her eyes.
“You guys need some shut eye. C’mon.” He offered a hand to Minho and the rest of the group followed suit. Minho led everyone to the sleeping area and they all dived into their beds, keen for a good nights rest. Thomas couldn’t sleep however. He kept tossing and turning which earned him a sharp kick in the ribs from Gally, who’s bed stood opposite his. It was just, every time he closed his eyes, he was transported back to those few moments where he had really believed he had lost Newt completely. He tried to sleep peacefully but was thrown into a mental worm hole.
“Newt..?” Thomas murmured, his voice shaking. Newt turned around to face him and he was gone. His eyes were inky pools of sinister darkness, dark veins protruded on his skin and black fluid dripped out of his mouth.
“Newt-“
“Tommy?” Thomas’s eyes shot open and he gasped for air. Newt sat next to him looking worried.
“You look awful.” He said as he combed his fingers through Thomas’s hair in an attempt to soothe him. His heart rate declining, Thomas settled back down into his bed.
“Thanks.”
Newt sniggered, then went serious, “Bad dreams?”

Thomas closed his eyes and nodded. Newt let out a deep breath and crawled back to his bed, lying down on his side and facing away. Thomas opened one eye, then the other, and stared blankly at the makeshift ceiling above him. Attempting to sleep again, Thomas tried to focus his mind on happy memories. He dreamed that he was walking home with his mum after a boring day of sitting at home. The sun flares had dampened Thomas’s view on the world but his mother had insisted they remained positive, going out on daily walks as soon as the worst of the radiation had cleared. Then, hands were holding him, dragging him away from his mum. Wails, screams, crying, a chaotic load of noise threatened to burst his ear drums. The noise then moulded into a disturbing rattling noise. The box. He was back in the box. Fear and adrenaline shot through his veins and he smashed the metal walls with his fists.
“Help!” His throat was raw and painful,
“Help!” Surely someone would hear him,
“HELP!”
Blackness. Silence.
Thomas opened his eyes, panting. He was in the haven and his friends were still sleeping around him. He thought that the nightmares would’ve died down by now as he had company near him, but something told him that the dreams would’ve been much, much worse if he was on his own. He slowly sat up and pushed his blanket away.

Clueless on what he should do, Thomas turned his thoughts to Newt. He felt bad and childish for seeking Newts help but he didn’t want to scream in the middle of the night and wake up everyone over a stupid dream. Carefully, he crept towards Newt and delicately shook his shoulder.
“Newt?” He whispered. Newt grumbled and turned to him, a grumpy expression on his face but his demeanour softened when he realised it was Thomas kneeling beside him.
“How can I help Greenie?” He murmured, resting his face on his palm.
Thomas scratched the back of his head nervously. “Nightmares. Getting worse.” Newt nodded solemnly.
“Can I…sleep here?” He asked. Newt opened his eyes more in surprise but shuffled over and held his duvet up. Without another word said, Thomas crawled in beside Newt and laid down, feeling more secure immediately. Every time his body tensed or his breathing shifted, Newt would rub his back to calm him. The gesture worked well and Thomas managed to succeed in getting a somewhat dreamless sleep.

Chapter 12

Thomas woke up early despite his lack of sleep and he peeled himself away from Newt. Tired, he decided to go and look at the grave stone Vince had introduced which was decorated with names. Thomas had even added one, Teresa. They had fallen out, sure, but they were once close and he would forever stand by that. The other names that stuck out to him were the ones of the other gladers. Chuck, Alby, Winston, Ben, Jeff, Zart, Clint, Dan, Jack, Adam and too many more. A lot of them had helped him escape so he knew it was only right he addressed them and thought of them as often as he could. The day was bright and sunny but there was talk of a storm forming later on so Thomas made the most of the sun while he could. He paced up and down the beach a few times before sitting by the water and watching the tide roll in and out. Crunching sounds in the sand sounded behind him and Thomas turned to see Minho walking towards him.
Thomas nodded in a greeting and Minho returned the gesture. He stopped beside Thomas and stood facing the sea.
“How are you feeling?” He asked, crouching down.
Thomas wiped his sandy hands on his jeans and shrugged, “Terrible. Couldn’t sleep.”
“Nightmares?”
“Yep.”

At the haven, it seemed like most campers shared one problem, and that was the recurring nightmares and strange dreams. Some had it worse than others but it was evident that everyone experienced it every once in a while at least. Minho smiled with slight compassion and patted Thomas on the back.
“Busy day today. Gotta work before the rains come in. You joining me?” Thomas stood up and walked with Minho off the beach. They grabbed their tools from the homestead before entering the forest. The forest was a dark and cramped place. Animals ran wild everywhere and strangling undergrowth swallowed all of the sun’s light. Thomas knew that Minho was determined to map the whole place but he himself wasn’t too bothered. As long as he knew which way led back home, he was content. Thomas pulled out a checklist of things they had been asked to do.
Gather any animals you find (from Mike, for the farm)
Pick out different plant species that you haven’t yet discovered (from Liam, for the outer garden)
Collect seeds for any edible shrubs (from Frypan, for the kitchen garden)
And so on. Gally had also asked that Thomas looked out for any trees that could be worth felling for the house project. Thomas scoffed at the request, as if he knew what a tree worth felling looked like.

The forest messed with your mind and minutes warped into hours. Thomas and Minho returned to the camp well after lunch with some new belongings; apples with seeds, a strange looking flower complete with its roots that Minho had picked with gloves in case it was poisonous, and a wild boar that Thomas had spent over an hour chasing with an improvised lasso. Thomas was still bitter because Minho had just watched and laughed at him, but his mood instantly became lighter when he saw Newt walking over to him.
“What have you been doing that made you go so red?” Newt crossed his arms and looked Thomas up and down.
Thomas smiled and stepped towards Newt, shortening the space between them, “Well, you know. Just seeing other people.” He winked.
“Ha ha very funny.” Newt said sarcastically, shoving Thomas’s chest.
“Stop flirting you two and come over here.” Minho beckoned. Thomas and Newt shared a doubtful look but went over to see Minho.
“What’cha want?” Newt asked. Minho nodded to what looked like a distressed mother. Thomas walked over to see what was going on.
“Are you alright miss?”
The lady shook her head frantically and pointed to the forest. “My son wondered off in there and he hasn’t come out in a long time! We keep calling him but it’s no use.” Thomas could tell that this woman had been previously living in a crank city as her eyes were wild with tears.
“Don’t worry ma’am.” Newt interjected, “What’s your son’s name?”
“Charlie!”
“We’ll find Charlie for you.” Thomas smiled sincerely and the woman composed herself slightly.

“Back into the woods we go.” Thomas muttered and rejoined with Minho. They trekked inside for a few metres until Thomas realised that Newt was walking with him.
“Where are you going?”
Newt looked at him, perplexed, “That’s a stupid question. I’m going with you.”
“But you’re not a hunter gatherer?”
“Wow! I wasn’t already well aware of that! Thank you so much for telling me.” Newt put on a sarcastic show of being shocked before pushing past Thomas. When they got further in, the boys started calling for the child.
“Charlie?
“Charlie!” The woods were quiet except the sounds of distant birds and the occasional small mammal.
“He’s either run away very far or he’s still at camp and the mother isn’t good at searching.” Minho yawned.
Thomas sighed, “The pair of you are getting on my nerves today. Charlie?”
Minho and Newt glanced at each other. “Someone’s being stroppy.”
“Yeah where’d this bloody sensitivity come from?”

They continued pacing around until Newt quickly shoved everyone to the ground. On instinct, Minho went silent but Thomas was just confused. “What on earth are y-“ Newt covered his mouth with one hand and shushed him with the other. Then, he cautiously lifted his head up from behind a bush.
“What did you see?” Minho whispered, sliding his knife from his belt. Newt ducked down again.
“There’s a bloody wolf-dog thing and I think it’s trying to eat our little friend Charlie.”
Thomas immediately stuck his head up and saw was Newt was talking about. A large, black beast stood on its hind legs, scratching at the bark of a tree. In the tree? A small boy.
Thomas jumped up but Newt pulled him back down. “What are you doing? Has your brain been replaced with a pile of klunk?” Thomas shook off Newts grip.
“We’ve got to help Charlie!”
“Thomas that dog is probably rabid.” Minho growled with a stern look on his face.
“Then what do you suggest we do?”
“This.”

Chapter 13

Minho revealed a large slice of meat from his bag.
“Bloody hell, where did you get that.”
“Frypan’s kitchen obviously.”
“And why?”
Minho shrugged, “I get hungry after running in the forest all day. What’d you expect?”
“Certainly not that.” Newt muttered. Minho stood up, still crouched and held the meat in his hands. He looked at it sadly.
“I was hungry too.”
“Will you get on with it?” Thomas hissed. Minho grumbled incoherently and stood up fully.
“Hey dog!” He yelled. The animal turned to face him, bright yellow eyes piercing into him.
“Fetch!” Minho chucked the meat far away and the animal chased after it immediately.
“Go go go!” The three boys sprung into action. Thomas and Newt ran to the tree the boy was huddled in.
“Hey Charlie, we’re here to help you!” Thomas waved his hands in the air.
“Can you get down?” Newt questioned. The little boy shook his head.
“Great.” Thomas muttered, “Minho watch the dog. Newt give me a boost.”

The boys obliged and Newt put his knee and hands down. Thomas jumped onto him and Newt shoved him up.
“Charlie, grab my hand.” Thomas motioned for the small boy to go to him. Charlie crawled forwards and Thomas grabbed him.
“Got the kid!” He called down. Newt lowered the pair.
“Uhhh guys-“ Minho murmured.
Newt kneeled down next to Charlie. “Are you hurt?” Charlie nodded and showed his arm which had a nasty cut sliced down it.
“Guys!” Minho said with more urgency. Thomas pulled a small rag from his bag.
“Apply pressure to it, that will stop the bleeding don’t worry.”
“GUYS!” Minho yelled. The dog growled fiercely.
“Shuck it’s finished its food!” Newt yelled. He quickly picked up Charlie. “Let’s get you home now!” He smiled before running with Charlie. Thomas and Minho trailed after them, the dog almost at their heels. It was barking crazily which only gave the group more motivation to keep running. Minho caught up with Newt. “Follow me, I know the way-“
“Take the boy.” Newt shouted.
“Wh-“
Newt passed Charlie to Minho who stood, confused.
“Run!” That’s all it took for Minho to get in motion.

He sprinted as fast as he could, his brain working like clockwork as he remembered the way out. Thomas made his way to Newt, the dog barely metres away. “Newt let’s go!” He grabbed Newts arm and yanked him forwards. The pair ran like the wind but it was clear that Newt was falling behind. His limp was getting the better of him. Thomas debated whether he kept running but at a slower pace, or carried Newt. Both were not ideal. Fate, however, made his mind up for him as Newt toppled over and rolled across the ground. In a flash Thomas was there, grabbing Newt and carrying him under his arm. His mind was haywire but he knew the creature was easily going to catch up with them. He darted around a corner and dived into a bush, dragging Newt with him. They didn’t dare breathe, only listened. Newt rubbed his leg and Thomas laid still. They could hear the dog getting closer. It was only a matter of time.
Thomas reached out and squeezed Newt’s hand. He was scared and also annoyed. They had been through so much, only to get hunted down by a big dog? Silence crawled along the forest. They hadn’t heard the creature in a few minutes so they assumed the coast was clear. They peeked their heads out of the bush.
“I think it’s sodded off now.” Newt murmured. The next second, it appeared and was barrelling towards them.
Newt and Thomas shrieked and clung onto each other. They hugged tightly and waited for the creature to get to them but a loud yell roared to the left. They looked up to see Frypan and Gally with bows.

“NOW!” Gally yelled. The arrows soared through the air and hit the beast with two thunks.
It collapsed to the floor leaving Thomas and Newt curled up together, panting heavily. The boys crawled out of the bush and rubbed their eyes. Thomas noticed that Frypan was happily examining his bow.
“Since when have you been able to use a bow and arrow?” Newt asked.
“Just now!” He beamed. Thomas rolled his eyes, but the scene felt very familiar to him…
An unpleasant memory shone in his face. He was lying on the ground, scrambling to get away from a rabid Ben. Alby stood tall and fearless, his bow cocked directly at Ben. A sickening thunk sounded and Ben crumbled into a heap-
“THOMAS!” Gally shook his shoulders violently.
“AAAaaoh.” Thomas yelled but his voice faded. “Sorry. Zoned out.”
“Dude you’ve got to stop doing that. It gives me the creeps.” Frypan shuddered. Thomas stood up and helped Newt, dusting themselves off.
“Thanks.” They said in unison.
“You should thank Minho. He’s the one who warned us this thing was chasing you.” Gally sighed and held the bow on his shoulder. Frypan knelt next to the wolf, studying it.
“Let’s get out of here.” Newt grumbled, looking around at the forest with a worried expression. Thomas described the entire ordeal on the walk back. Gally kept nodding and stroking his chin as if he was in deep thought.
Frypan added to it when Thomas had finished, “My good cooking, gone to waste.” Newt looked at him with an annoyed expression.
“We almost died and you’re upset about your food.”
“I’m a chef klunk brains, and good chefs always make food their first priority.”
“I think you’re the one with klunk brains.” Newt scoffed.

“Actually,” Frypan swung the bow over his shoulder whilst he walked, “I’m actually quite a handy guy. I studied that wolf’s body and I recognise it. It’s a lone hunter type, which is lucky, so there won’t be anymore wild chases until a new one pops up and claims the territory.” Frypan crossed his arms and smiled as if he had just solved world hunger.
“Whatever you say Siggy.” Gally sniggered. Frypan frowned and continued the walk in silence. When they exited the woods, the boys were blinded by the sun’s light. It was becoming dusk but it was still a huge contrast to the darkness of the forest. Frypan went to start with meals, Gally went to help Jorge with his lists and Minho approached Thomas and Newt.
“Thank heaven you’re alive!” He said as he crammed the pair into a hug. They laughed off the adrenaline until they remembered the kid.
“Is Charlie okay?” Newt asked.
“Oh yeah he’s fine. Got stitched up by those med jacks and is now happy as Larry.”
Thomas paused, “Who’s Larry?”
Minho shook his head and Newt face-palmed. “It’s a phrase shuck face.”

Chapter 14

Soon, the evening came along. Jorge found Newt and Thomas as they were eating their dinner.
“Sorry to interrupt boys but do you have a moment?” They nodded as their mouths were full of food.
“You two are the last ones we’re talked to about the housing as we haven’t had a chance to meet.” He flicked through his notepad.
“Any roommate requests? Either that or you’re a, on your own or b, in the community bedroom.”
Newt swallowed his food and spoke up, “Me and Thomas are room-mating.” Thomas nodded eagerly.
“Alright… just you two?”
“Yes.” Thomas said happily.
Newt grinned, “Don’t speak with your mouth open.” Thomas swallowed and stuck his tongue.
“Well that’s sorted then. We have made some assumptions, I hope you don’t mind, your house is going to be on the east side of the neighbourhood, near Minho and Gally, Sonya and Harriet, me, Brenda and Frypan. I’m hoping that’s ok?”
“Oh no perfect.” Newt smiled and shook Jorge’s hand.
“Have a nice evening.”
“You too.”

After they finished their meal, Thomas and Newt exited the pergola and saw a steady pile of logs being built.
“Builders working already?” Thomas pondered.
“They’re probably worried about the storm. It didn't come today and if they start now, they might be able to get a couple of huts up if they’re quick enough.” Newt was leaning on a post with his arms crossed and Thomas took a moment just to admire Newt.
“Staring again.” Thomas just smiled and looked away.
The storm hit a few days later. Like Newt said, Gally had managed to get three huts built in the time. They were being occupied by a few younger kids and a family. A few drops of rain hit the ground early in the morning, forcing everyone to stay in their beds until the skies cleared up slightly. When they hadn’t even softened after a couple of hours, Gally and Brenda were sent around to deliver Frypan’s brunch to everyone. Thomas and Newt sat together under a blanket whilst munching on ham and eggs.
“You think it’s gonna clear up?” Thomas asked.
“Nah. Maybe it’ll get better soon but for all I know it could last days.”
The rain continued well into the day. People had given up waiting it out and were back on routine, just with coats and umbrellas assisting them. Newt and Thomas strolled around together under an umbrella. They had given up working for the day as they were pretty much useless in times of bad weather.
“At least the garden water tank’ll be full.” Thomas said as they passed the vegetable patches.
“I guess.”

They decided to sit down and asses their surroundings. Everything wasn’t all gloom. There were small children jumping in puddles and messing around, and there were a few people who had been picked up from the scorch and hadn’t seen rain in years, some for the first time. In the tranquility of the moment, Newt cupped one of Thomas’s hands in his own.
“You’re bloody freezing!” Thomas laughed at the comment.
“I don’t want you catching a cold. Here.” He slipped off his coat and handed it to Thomas.
“No, I can’t! Then you’ll be ill.”
Newt shoved the coat into Thomas’s hands, “I’ll be fine, I’ve got a few layers on. You, shuck face, have a T-shirt and trousers.” Thomas reluctantly slipped the coat on to himself.
“Happy?”
Newt winked at him, “Very.”
The next day was pretty much the same but the weather cleared up and everyone got back into routine. The summer had begun to end and most of the houses had been built. Everyone on East side were still sleeping in the social area as their houses were the last ones to be built but Thomas didn’t mind. It reminded him of the Glade in a fond light.
“Thomas!” Charlie ran up to Thomas one day at lunch.
“What’s up little guy?” Thomas and Newt had gotten closer to little Charlie and Thomas couldn’t help but think of Chuck. He wanted to remember Chuck always, so being a big brother figure to Charlie had been the best opportunity he had to achieve it.

”My mummy told me that there might be a school getting built. Is it true?” Charlie was so excited that Thomas was half expecting him to start bouncing off the walls.
“Possibly!” He crossed his arms and smiled. Thomas had heard Vince talking about building a school house for the younger children and he was glad to see Charlie looking so happy. Another building that was going ahead was a second shower room. There was already a facility near the common area with separate cubicles and the new one was going to be larger and closer to the residential area. As Thomas ate his lunch, Charlie explained to him every single detail of his day so far. Guiltily, Thomas felt relieved when Charlie’s mum called him away. He was getting a headache from all of the kid’s unrelated side rants. As Thomas left the food hall, he caught Newt working in the corner of his eye. Casually, he strolled over and watched him from afar. Somehow, Newt always managed to look good no matter what he wore. Today, he was tending to the plants in some baggy grey shorts and a blue shirt.

Thomas wished he could capture the moment and save it. He decided to feed some of the animals he had captured recently as he wasn’t needed in the forest. The farm had grown considerably since the first time Thomas had seen it. Two boars, twenty five chickens, eight pigs and more other creatures. Thomas chatted with the Farm keeper for a while before he helped out. The guy was nice enough, but he was no Winston. Thomas’s thoughts were abruptly ended when Newt appeared beside him with no warning and grabbed his hand.
“Newt! You scared me mate.”
“Don’t be such a sissy. Come on, I’ve got something to show you.”
Thomas followed Newt out of the farm and through busy streets. Haven village was becoming a proper little settlement and Thomas was pleased with the direction it was headed. Newt lead Thomas down some more roads until he reached the east side of the residential area.
“What are we doing here?” Thomas asked.
“Look.”
Thomas walked further up the path and he noticed that there were some huts in a bunch.
“They finished already?”
“Yeah, and they’re already starting the school house. This is one of only times the builders have been on time.” Newt sniggered.

Chapter 15

Thomas walked over to the huts but he was stopped by Gally,
“Wait a second Greenie, there are still builders working here.” Thomas stepped back and crossed his arms.
“Jeez I was only going to have a look!”
“C’mon.” Newt interrupted, “Let’s go talk to Jorge and Vance. Maybe they’ll give us the keys to our new abode.” Newt seized Thomas’s collar and dragged him away from Gally before things got heated. Gally and Thomas had made up for all the Glade drama but now and again they tried to one up each other. They walked away, Newt still gripping Thomas’s collar, and made their way over to the homestead. Thomas attempted to change the subject.
“Keys?”
Newt stopped and looked at him, “What about keys?”
“You said we’re gonna get the keys to our place, but who made them? It’s not like anyone here owns keys and locks. Do we have a blacksmith? I would like to try that…” Thomas continued rambling as Newt dragged him down a path.
“Shut it Tommy. We’re here.” Thomas immediately closed his mouth and they entered the homestead.
The homestead was a large wooden hut with a circular table and chairs. Jorge and Vince were sat down together and analysing a small electronic device. Jorge slid it away when he noticed the boys come in.

“Hola boys! What can I do for you?” Jorge sat up straight and folded his arms.
“Hey Jorge. We were wonderin’ which house we’re in.”
“Ah I see.” Jorge pulled a map out of a drawer and spread it across the table.
“It’s like the map room.” Thomas mumbled absent-mindedly. Newt elbowed him in response. They leant over to see where Jorge was pointing.
“This little area is East side. Your house is number 46. Here,” Jorge pulled out a piece of paper.
“This is the confirmation. Show it to Gally and he should let you right through.”
“Thanks!” Newt said and pocketed it
“What’s that tablet?” Thomas blurted out.
Jorge paused before pulling the device out of his pocket, “This?”
“Yeah- what is it.”
Vince stood up and took it from Jorge.
“It’s something we got from the Berg. If we want to get more supplies and fuel, it shows us various maps. We were just studying it.”
“Thomas lets go.” Newt grabbed Thomas’s arm. “It’s none of your business.”
Vince nodded slowly and Thomas slicked his hair back.
“Sorry.”
“No no it’s fine. Don’t really get to see electronic stuff out here.” Vince winked and the boys went back to East side.

“What was all that about?” Thomas said as they walked away from the homestead.
“My bad, just worried about the idea of leaving the safe haven. Fight or flight thing y’know?” Thomas nodded and they walked in silence. When Gally saw them, he tried to say something but Newt quickly flashed the paper out in front of him. Gally grumbled but let them past.
“What number did you get?”
“46.”
“Follow me.” Gally led them through a haze of busy people before they stopped in front of a wooden hut.
“Here ya go.” They nodded and Gally left them.
“So this is it.” Newt looked the building up and down.
“You’re saying that like we’re about to die.”
Newt grinned and opened the door,
“After you.”
Thomas rolled his eyes and walked into the building. Newt closed the door after them and stepped towards Thomas.
“Better then I expected to be fair.” He said happily.

He put his hands on his hips and inspected the room. A small window, a fireplace, a wash basin and a bed.
“There’s only one bed.” Thomas pondered.
“Wow such an astute observation. Whatever could I do without you?” Newt threw his hands up into the air dramatically. Thomas ignored him, “So?”
“So… can you continue your sentence?”
Thomas folded his arms, “What do we do?”
Newt shrugged, “Well it’s obvious. We share until they build a bunk.
“Right.” Thomas sat on the bed and Newt threw himself onto it beside Thomas.
“It is bloody comfortable.”
“Good that.” They sat in a peaceful quiet for a few moments.
“What’s Gally’s problem?” Thomas added.
“Stress I think. It is a lot of work putting up over forty houses with a deadline.”
“Nah I think he just likes being ‘powerful’.” Thomas made quotation marks with his fingers and Newt laughed.
“True. He can be a shucking big’ead sometimes.”

They laughed again at their comments and took in their new home.
“We need to cosy this place up a bit.”
Thomas agreed, “A rug or two and a comfy chair would do it good.” The day passed and Thomas found himself at his house at the end of the day. His house. The words made him feel excited but also mature. Newt swung the door open and leant on the frame.
“You gonna come in or just stand there?”
Thomas smiled and walked past Newt. He looked around the room, still in disbelief about the fact he owned a house. Newt had organised their belongings and when he noticed Thomas looking, he shrugged, “Don’t be a messy roommate.” He patted Thomas’s arm and turned around with a pile of clothes in his arms.
He cocked his head to the side and smiled, “I’m getting dressed so don’t peek.” Thomas immediately went bright red and turned away.
“Right…” he changed his attention to the fireplace. Minho had given them fuel earlier and Thomas was eager to get warm. He crouched down and piled a few longs into the pit before striking a match. It burst up into flames and Thomas tended to the fire, prodding it with a metal stick.

Newt finished and Thomas did the same whilst Newt stared into the fire. The room was illuminated by an orange glow and warmth washed over the pair.
“I could get used to this.” Newt murmured.
Thomas grinned at his friend’s words, “Well you better. This is the new norm.” Newt sighed and warmed his hands.
“Yeah.” They sat on the floor and talked for an hour before Newt extinguished the flames and they crawled into the bed. It wasn’t too small, a twin size, so the boys nestled in comfortably. Thomas laid and stared at the ceiling. This was his home now. He was aware that he wasn’t the only one awake when Newt turned over and faced him.
“You alright?” He asked. Thomas turned his head towards him and smiled, nodding.
“Good that.” Newt gazed at Thomas for a while before shutting his eyes.

Thomas felt his heart racing as he faced Newt. Everything felt to good to be true. He sighed and decided to get some shuteye. The dreams came again. He was dragging Newt down the street and collapsed, every single muscle in his body screaming at him to stop. He checked Newt who was breathing shakily and grunting with a raw throat.
“Thomas?” Teresa’s voice echoed around him.
No. No . NO! He tried to wake up but Teresa’s voice faded away. He turned back to Newt, who was slowly standing up.
“Newt?”
Newt turned to face him and Thomas knew it must be too late.
“Newt…” Newt roared and pounced at him.
“TOMMY!” Thomas sprung up into a sitting position. His body was shaking and he felt nauseous. Newt grabbed his face with both of his hands. Thomas looked at him and reassurance flooded through him. He calmed his breathing and just looked at Newt, confusion from the dream still impacting his thoughts.

“You’re alive. You’re alive!” Thomas pulled Newt into a hug and sobbed, letting his emotions out. Crying wasn’t something Thomas did often but it was okay as long as it was Newt there with him. He trusted the boy with every fibre of his being.
Newt patted him on the back a few times, “I’m here now.” They sat in the embrace for a while before Thomas pulled away.
“Sorry about that.”
“Don’t be, we all have it.”
Thomas nodded and Newt wiped his tears away. They laid back down but this time, Thomas had his head buried into Newt’s shoulder. Newt ran his fingers through his hair until he fell asleep. The next morning, Thomas woke up early but chose to stay in bed. Newt was gently snoring next to him, his arms around Thomas.
Thomas wished he could stay there forever.

Chapter 16

Newt ended up having to forcefully get Thomas out of bed and ready. The boys got ready and left their hut. They assumes it was a normal work day but they didn’t pass anyone on their way to the food hall. The reason? Everyone seemed to have gathered by the fire pit. Curious, Newt and Thomas went over to see what was happening. People were talking in hushed conversations. Thomas spotted Minho and went over to talk to him.
“Minho, what’s happening?”
Minho turned to him and frowned, “Vince called a meeting. Where have you two been?”
“Probably kissing.” Frypan popped up from behind Newt. Newt shoved him in response.
“Just tired this morning.”
Minho looked him up and down, “Well don’t start slacking off. We need you in the forest this week.”
“Campers.” Vince appeared and walked around the fire pit. Thomas found it interesting how everyone immediately stopped talking, Vince was a big authority figure.

“I called you here to discuss a very important quest.”
“A quest?” Newt looked sceptical.
“That sounds cool.” Harriet murmured from a few metres away.
“I am asking a few brave people to join Jorge and collect supplies.” Everyone stayed silent.
“I am not going to force anyone but I cannot assist Jorge as I am needed here. He needs someone to join him.”
Brenda stood up, “I’ll go.” As soon as she made her statement, Gally stood up too.
Frypan also joined them, “Unless I’m needed in the kitchen, I can go.”
Thomas felt energy build up inside of him. He jumped up and nodded. He felt Newt grab his hand and he looked down. Newt had a determined face on, but Thomas knew he was scared. “I’ll go too.” He said, standing up.
Minho groggily stood up and folded his arms. “If they’re going, I’m going.”

Vince smiled and clapped his hands. “Thank you for volunteering. Jorge is planning to go tomorrow.” The crowd dispersed and everyone went back to work. Thomas was feeling nervous but he wanted to go with his friends. They had saved his life so if he could help them in any way, he would. Newt walked beside him, looking gloomy.
“Newt, you good?”
Newt quickly shoved him into an alley behind a building. “No I’m not ‘good’.”
Thomas looked into his eyes, “Why? What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong? This quest is wrong. We’re perfectly fine and safe here but suddenly you go all mighty and throw yourself into a dangerous job!”
“We’re only scavenging,” Thomas replied, “and you don’t have to come if you’re scared.”
Newt let go of Thomas and looked at the floor, his shoulders tense, “But you’re going.”
Thomas was confused, “Yeah..?”
“And I can’t risk you getting hurt! If you go, I go.”

Thomas suddenly realised how scared Newt looked. They had been through so much together so he knew why Newt assumed the worst.
“We’ll be fine.”
Newt looked up with a scowl on his face but his eyes softened when they made eye contact.
“If a crank eats your face off, I’m not helping.”
Thomas smiled as Newt walked away. It was nice to know that Newt just cared about him a lot. He followed after the boy and put his arm around his shoulders.
“Let’s get some food.”
Frypan was making pancakes with his trainee chefs and the other chef, a guy called Aaron, was rushing around organising things.
“What’s up with Aaron?” Newt asked Frypan when they got their food.
“Just worried about me leaving, I don’t think he’s happy about taking full kitchen responsibility.” He laughed and handed them the food.
The boys sat down with their food and discussed their plans. Minho had suggested they packed early and rested so they did just that.

Back at their house, Newt and Thomas packed some belongings whilst Brenda watched over them.
“How long are we going?”
Brenda shrugged, “Bout a week, maybe two.”
“Very specific.” Newt grumbled. They had been given large backpacks to put all their stuff in but Thomas was struggling.
“Which shirt do I choose?”
“Either one.” Newt didn’t look up. Thomas turned to Brenda.
“The blue one.”
“Thank you, a proper answer.” Thomas directed to Newt, saying proper loudly. Newt rolled his eyes.
“You two seriously argue like an old married couple.”
“We do not!” They said in unison looking up at Brenda. She smirked and didn’t reply.

Chapter 17

The boys spent the rest of the day settling back before their journey. Newt spent a while hanging out with Minho and Thomas attempted to be friendly with some of the other campers. He offered to help Sonya and Harriet who were fixing up their shirts with patches and he talked to them about what their maze was like.
Later on, Thomas and Newt sat on the beach together, talking about random things. The conversation shifted to the trip.
“Where are we going?” Newt asked.
“Not sure, but most likely an area that had people so we have to be careful.”
Newt shifted uncomfortably at that but didn’t say a word. Thomas wasn’t too eager about it either. The thought of fighting more cranks wasn’t pleasant and he fidgeted with his belt that had a pistol holder.
“Will we see cranks?” Newt asked even though he already knew the answer. Thomas wanted to reply with ‘hope not’ or ‘maybe’ but he knew they were just lies.
“Yes. We’ll try to stay as far away from them as possible, but yeah probably.”
Newt nodded in response. Thomas slipped something out of his pocket.
“Here.”

“Huh?” Newt looked at the thing Thomas was handing to him.
“It’s a mask. Brenda informed me that the flare was also airborne so I made this for you.”
Newt accepted the gift and put it on his lap. It was hand sewn with green fabric and his name had been embroidered on the front.
“Thank you.” He smiled and studied the letters, “Have you always been able to sew?”
“Sonya actually showed me. I was helping them fix up old clothes and I told her about the journey. We were both worried about you so she showed me how to make a mask. Sorry if it’s a bit cheesy.” Thomas smiled and Newt put the mask on.
“Does it suit me?”
“It looks great on you.” Thomas patted Newts leg and they laughed. Newt put the mask into his pocket and they changed the conversation to a different subject.

Anxiety built up more as the sun fell beyond the horizon. The group had been called into the homestead and Jorge was showing them the tablet.
“We have numerous maps on this bad boy.” Jorge started, “We want to find fuel for the Berg and we need more coal and metal. That sound okay?”
“Where are we going?” Minho sat up straight.
“Michigan.”
“Always wanted to visit there.” Vince huffed, “Well, before the solar flares.” He added.
Gally didn’t look convinced, “Isn’t that place, like, totally crankified?” An uncomfortable silence descended over the group.
“There are a lot of cranks, yes, but a lot of them got detained as soon as the virus got out. We just have to hope that they’re still locked indoors or dead.”
Brenda took the tablet and studied it, “What do the blue circles mean? And why is there a brown haze over the middle of the map?”
Jorge took the tablet back and put it down slowly.

“The brown haze shows where the scorch hit the worst. The blue circles were W.C.K.E.D bases.”
Frypan jumped up, “You’re taking us to W.C.K.E.D?”
Vince hushed him and explained, “We need fuel for the Berg and I guarantee, those places are desolate now.”
The group seemed a lot less enthusiastic than before but no one said another word. Frypan sat back down and Jorge started discussing the plans.
“I’m driving the Berg, then when we land, Frypan and Brenda will remain on the ship. Gally and myself will scout first, then the rest of you will come along with us.”
Everyone agreed to the plan and were sent home to bed. Thomas and Newt walked to their house and held hands under the cover of the evening darkness.
“I’m hoping we find the goods Jorge wants.” Newt sighed.
“Yeah, it’ll be a good chance to see how the rest of the world is though.”

They made their way into the hut and Thomas dived into bed, not bothering to get dressed.
“You’re dirty.” Newt sulked. Thomas just stuck his thumb up and buried his face into the pillows. Not long after, Newt joined him and they settled in for the night. Sleep came quickly and luckily, Thomas and Newt were free of bad dreams. However, another thing plagued Newt’s mind. He sat silently, staring at the ceiling as he thought about their ‘quest’. He was dreading it but he couldn’t let his friends go without him. If they got hurt, he could never forgive himself. He had already lost too many people. He repeated some names in his head. Alby, Winston, Chuck. After a while of repeating the names, he didn’t notice he was saying them out loud. Thomas turned around and looked at him.
“Please try to sleep Newt. We need you to have energy for tomorrow.” Newt didn’t respond and just went quiet. Thomas put an arm over Newt as a comforting gesture. Newt was glad to have Thomas with him. Eventually, he allowed his mind to rest.

Chapter 18

Minho woke everyone up early the next day. Thomas was slightly embarrassed by the look Minho gave him when he saw them sleeping together.
“Have they not given you a bunk yet?” He asked. Thomas nodded, sitting upright.
“I’ve asked Gally a hundred times and all he says is ‘I’ll get to it’.” He looked down at Newt who was still asleep. “I should wake this one up. See you later.” Minho left and Thomas woke Newt up, shaking his shoulder. Minho had woken them up at four in the morning so the sun had not yet risen. Newt sat on the bed with the blanket over his shoulders whilst Thomas got ready. Both of them were slow and tired but they made their way to the beach by five. The Berg had been parked up on Vince’s large ship so Jorge and Brenda had taken out a small rowing boat to reach it. The group all gathered on the beach as the Berg slowly landed a few metres away. A few villagers had woken up and were gathering around to wave them off. The group boarded the craft and Vince watched them go. Thomas and Newt sat by a window once they were up in the air and stared at the sunrise.

“I haven’t been in here for ages.” Frypan paced around the ship.
Minho turned around, “Shouldn’t you be up in the cockpit?”
“But it’s boring in there! It’s only fun when I’m doing the driving.”
“Which is hopefully never.” Minho and Frypan glared at each other until Gally told them to cut it out. Everyone watched the world shoot past them as the Berg traveled over sea and land. The trip was surprisingly quick and everyone gathered in the cockpit as the machine landed. Newt gripped his pistol worriedly and Gally patted his back.
“Calm down. We’ll be fine.”
Frypan took the drivers seat and Jorge grabbed his gun. “Gally let’s go.” They crept off of the Berg and scouted the area.
Brenda grabbed her gun and took the co-pilot seat, looking out the front window. They had landed in an empty car park and luckily, they hadn’t spotted any cranks so far. Minho, Newt and Thomas sat by the Berg door and waited. After a few minutes of time passing slowly, Gally stuck his head through the door.
“Come on.”
Newt slid the mask around his face and they crept outside.

The group were hit with the sun which shone blindingly bright. All around them, tall office blocks and other buildings stood derelict and dry. The city was eerily silent.
“Maybe Vince was right.” Minho murmured, “This place seems empty. Jorge was walking beside Gally, holding the tablet.
“It should be over in that general direction.”
“General direction isn’t good enough, give it here.” Gally took the tablet and studied it briefly.
“Got it.” He powered ahead, forcing everyone to follow quickly. The group got to a corner before Gally growled,
“Get down!” Everyone slumped to the floor, behind an overturned car.
“What?” Thomas grabbed Gally’s arm.
“It’s a crank.” Everyone stopped breathing and listened. Gally stuck his head up, “There’s only one, but we don’t know if there are more.” He stood up and walked forwards with his pistol aimed. The crank didn’t do anything, it just stood in the middle of the road staring at the sky.
“Gally!” Newt called, Gally ignored him. Instead, he walked past the crank, still on his guard. When it didn’t move, he beckoned everyone to follow.

The group walked in a single-file line past the zombie but it didn’t move, just stared at the sky.
“Weird.” Minho put his gun back to his side. They continued walking, looking back every once in a while to check if they were being followed.
“I don’t like this.” Thomas muttered.
Newt looked back at him, “You’d be stupid if you did.”
The entire walk to the facility, there was not a single crank in sight. A sign that read ‘W.C.K.E.D is good’ told them that they had arrived. It was a small, shabby building made of concrete. They crammed themselves in and took in their surroundings. There was a few desks with computers, equipment trashed over the floor and a body on the floor.
“Looks like someone left in a hurry.” Jorge murmured. He walked to the body and poked it with his gun. No response. Minho kicked it slightly but they confirmed the person to be dead.
“Look for anything useful.” Jorge announced.
“Like what?” Newt peered around the messy room.
“Tablets, charging cables, metal scraps. Vince requested them.”

Thomas and Newt got to the floor and scraped around the litter. Thomas picked up a few loose cables and Newt collected a pocket full of metal scraps. Jorge and Minho returned from another room with a tablet and a controller.
Gally turned around from the desk. “This computer was just on.”
“How can you tell?” Thomas got up and walked over.
“It says last active, fifteen minutes ago. Who used it?”
“Let’s not stick around long enough to meet them. Minho found a controller and I think it’s for a Berg charging port.” Everyone got up to leave but Newt shrieked. Thomas rotated around to see the dead body clinging onto Newt’s arm. He dived forwards and smashed it with the end of his gun. The arm dropped and Thomas helped Newt up.
“Jorge you said that thing was dead!” Minho shouted.
“It was dead!”
“It’s dead now, let’s just leave.” Newt stormed past everyone.

Thomas followed him out and cocked his gun, aiming it everywhere. The others filed out and they walked back down the street.
“There.” Newt pointed at a person who had just appeared in a doorway. They waved at the group before walking into the street and around the corner. “So there are cranks here, just hiding.”
Gally took the lead and more cranks came into view, standing in their doorways.
“We have to get out of here and fast.” Thomas started walking quicker and he caught up to Gally. The group slowly picked up pace and started running. They had made it near to the Berg when Thomas looked back at the way they had just come from and gasped. A large mob of cranks were standing and watching them.
“Jorge!” He hissed, “There’s hundreds of them!”
“I gathered that!” Hew shouted in reply. The Berg door started opening but very slowly. They waited in anticipation, hoping to leave fast. Suddenly, a crank stepped forwards, then another step. The other cranks copied and they walked slowly as one.
“This is bad, this is really bad!” Minho hopped up and down on the spot.
“Can’t that door open any faster?”
Everyone jumped when a startling cry sounded in the crank crowd. The cranks all copied and ran forwards.

Chapter 19

“Shuck it!” Gally threw himself into the Berg through the gap at the top and reached a hand down.
“Hurry!” Newt took his hand first and was hauled up, then Minho, then Jorge. Thomas was the last one.
“Thomas!” Gally shouted. The door was more open but the cranks were close. Thomas tried to jump in but a gunshot sounded. Everything froze.
“Who did that?” Thomas asked.
“One of the cranks has a bloody pistol.”
Thomas immediately turned back to the Berg and jumped but something seized his leg. He screamed as a crank crawled onto him and he fired his gun at its face. It crumpled and he shoved it off him but more came, taking advantage of the fact he was on the floor.
“Tommy!” Newt yelled and leapt back out of the Berg. He started firing his gun wildly at the crowd, causing a lot of the cranks to scatter. Newt grabbed Thomas’s arm.
“Go!” The door was fully open now and the boys threw themselves in.

“We need to sort these doors out!” Minho yelled as they tried to close them. Newt scrambled across the Berg floor to assist Thomas.
“Tommy are you alright?”
“Of course I’m not alright!” Thomas winced with pain, then looked up sadly into Newts eyes, “Thank you.”
“You two stop flirting and help us!” Brenda had appeared from the cockpit and was shooting cranks through the gap in the door. Newt got up and helped Thomas. They aimed their guns and shot at the crank army that was trying to climb into the ship.
“Frypan quickly!” Jorge shouted.
“It won’t go any faster- I’ll start raising the ship and they might fall off.” As soon as he said that, two cranks managed to squirm inside.
“Newt shot them both but they stood up and pounced onto Gally. Jorge kicked one and Minho rugby tackled the other, straddling it and punching its face. Thomas and Brenda continued shooting the ones outside but they were endless. The ship suddenly lurched and started going up. The door was one a metre away from shutting now. The rest of the cranks ended up backing off but not before one more got in. Minho had seized the other two and chucked them out of the window, Jorge and Brenda had sprinted to the cockpit and Gally was catching his breath on the floor.

The third crank jumped onto Thomas and started punching him. Thomas couldn’t get a grip on his gun and tried to shield himself. Newt panicked, he couldn’t get a clear shot. On instinct, he smashed his gun into its head and when it fell, he stomped on its head a few times. Then he grabbed it and held it out the door, but not fully.
“Newt just let go of it.” Gally wheezed. Newt didn’t hear him. The door rose slowly and the crank’s chest got stuck.
“Newt!” Gally shouted this time, but Newt took no notice. The crank screamed in pain and its ribs started cracking. Thomas realised what was happening.
“Newt…” he gurgled and Newt flinched. He looked down at Thomas and suddenly choked.
“Oh god.” He rammed himself into the crank’s legs, dislodging it slightly. He repeated it until it fell out and the doors slammed.
“What was that?” Gally yelled. Newt sunk to the floor and buried his head in his hands.
“I don't know.” He said quietly.

Thomas spat out blood and hoisted himself off of his back.
“Newt?” Newt turned to face him and horror was plastered on his face.
“Jesus Tommy are you okay?” He crawled over and slipped off his mask.
“I’m fine.” Thomas tried to stand but he crumpled and hit the floor. “Maybe not.”
“Brenda! Grab the medical equipment, Thomas is hurt!” Gally shouted and bolted out the room. Newt repositioned himself and laid Thomas’s head on his lap.
“You’re gonna be okay.”
“Wh- what’s happening? I’m just dizzy that’s all.”
“Tommy,” Newt had tears in his eyes, “they shot you.”
Thomas looked down and saw a bullet hole in his chest.
“Damn it…” was all he said before he fell unconscious.

Chapter 20

He woke up with his shirt off and bandages wrapped around his torso.
“Ugh.”
“Tommy you’re awake already!” Newt was sat beside him.
“I think so.” He sat up and rubbed his head. “What happened?”
“That measly crank with a gun got you.” Minho was stood in the doorway. “Still hurting?”
Thomas was in terrible pain but he just shrugged, “I mean, you don’t really get used to being shot in the chest.”
“We’ll need to put you in a bulletproof vest in a minute.” Jorge said as he walked in.
“Jorge? Who’s flying?”
“Frypan.”
“Well if I don’t drop down first because of this bullet, I’ll definitely drop down when Frypan crashes us into something.” He scoffed.
Minho laughed but Newt punched his arm.
“Only a couple more places.” Jorge pulled out the tablet and studied it. Minho and Jorge left but Newt stayed next to Thomas.
“I don’t feel so good Tommy.”
Thomas looked at him worriedly. “What do you mean by that?”

“A crank grabbed my back and sliced it up.” Newt gestured to his ragged clothes.
“Let me check it out.”
Newt nodded and slipped his shirt off. Thomas gasped when he saw the blood but he sucked in a breath.
“We need disinfectant and more bandages.”
Once the stuff was handed to him Thomas carefully knelt down, ignoring the pain he was in, and unscrewed the put of gel.
“This might sting ‘kay?” Newt nodded and Thomas slid some of the gel onto Newt’s back. The other flinched but didn’t say a word. Thomas rubbed the gel in as gently as possible then grabbed some bandages.
“Could you lift your arms up for me?”
“M’kay.” Thomas wrapped the bandages around Newt and handed him one of his fresh shirts when he was done.
Newt faced him and smiled. “Thanks.”
Thomas put a shirt on over his bandages and carefully stood up.
Once he was on his feet, he turned to Newt, “I think Jorge’s gonna have to cut the trip short because of us.”
“Probably.”

Thomas found that he was able to walk. “How come I’m not literally dying?”
Newt thought for a moment, “The bullet wasn’t too deep actually. I think Frypan got it out of you and we fixed it up.”
“Wow.”
They walked to the cockpit. “Up already?” Gally leant against a wall with his arms crossed.
Frypan’s face lit up when he saw them. “Dude- I should quit being a chef and be a med jack.” Brenda patted his back and the group returned their attention to the window.
“Where are we going? Weren’t we gonna spend the week in Michigan?”
“Well genius, we can’t stay in Michigan because there is an abominable number of cranks.”
“And there is no Berg charging point.”
“So… where are we going?”
Jorge paused for a moment. “We flew over Indiana the other day and right now we are…” he checked the navigation device in the Berg console, “flying over Missouri.”
Thomas froze, “How long was I out for?”
“Just a day, we spent a while hovering and planning our next moves too.”
Thomas calmed down. It had just hit him that he could’ve been in a coma for ages, but he had been lucky.

“Two more miles south and we’ll be there.” Brenda announced to Frypan.
“There is another base around here where we’ll be able to charge the Berg.”
“Do you think the cranks there will mind?” Newt joked. Jorge scoffed in response.
“We’ll see.”
Newt and Thomas went back to the storage room where Thomas had woken up and gathered their gear. Minho returned to the doorway.
“What are you doing?” He gestured to Thomas.
“Getting geared up?” He replied.
“You were shot and you’re still injured. It’s too dangerous.”
Thomas ignored him and slid his pistol into his belt.
“I’m coming with you.”

Chapter 21

The Berg landed a while later Missouri. Jorge looked out the front window and shook his head sadly.
“The arch fell. I always wanted to see it up close as well.”
“We’ve got more problems than a lousy arch right now.” Thomas walked over to the cockpit. “How do we know there won’t be another hoard of cranks?”
“We don’t. We just have to hope for the best.” Minho sighed.
“Hope for the best? And where did that get us last time?” Newt spoke up, clearly agitated.
“If we tears each other to shreds now, the cranks will have easy pickings. Let’s just find that base and fuel up.” Gally stood in between the boys with his arms crossed. Thomas put his hand on Newt’s shoulder.
“We’ll run as soon as we see any sign of movement this time.” Newt frowned but didn’t argue.
Thomas was starting to worry about Newt more. A memory crossed him, a memory of Winston. The kid had been immune just like the rest of them, right? He sort of turned into a crank because of his injuries and Newt had nasty wounds on his back. Newt was also acting strange, being angry at every little thing. Thomas was getting too much deja vu. He turned his attention to another thing.

“Shouldn’t we land near the W.C.K.E.D base? It’ll be quicker and hopefully safer.”
“Yes yes, we will do that, I just can’t keep hovering as it burns up the fuel too fast.” Jorge stroked his chin. He was examining the tablet with Brenda and Frypan.
“Just a bit more south east from here. Let’s go.” Jorge took back the controls and the ship shot into the air. Everyone started talking about different affairs, so Thomas took his chance to get a word in with Gally.
“Do we have any cure jabs?”
Gally thought for a moment, “I don’t know if we have any on board, Brenda will know, but I’m sure the med jacks have a couple back at the haven. Why’d you ask?” Thomas glanced at Newt and Gally noticed, following his eyes.
“Oh- you don’t think-“
Thomas quickly pulled him into the corridor. “I don’t know, but, you weren’t there for Winston. Um… Winston died from flare-infected injuries.”
“Minho said he shot him-“
“That was because he was turning into a crank. My point is, I think Newt got pretty roughed up. Just… just keep an eye on him for me. Please?”
Gally nodded, “Sure.”

Half an hour later, Minho had managed to pin point the base and Jorge was making a steady descent with the Berg.
“It’s a field? I didn’t know Missouri had fields.” Frypan peered out of the window.
“Literally almost everywhere has fields.” Brenda sighed and tied her bootlaces.
“Come on hermanos, we need to start scavenging.” Jorge pulled out the controller Minho found back in Michigan and pressed a button. Instantly, the ground below them started to open.
Newt stood up and looked out of the window next to Frypan, “What in the world?” The Berg slowly moved down into the earth and all light from the sun ceased.
“Underground base. Do you think W.C.K.E.D wanted people spotting them from miles away?” Jorge landed the ship in complete darkness. Everyone on board jumped as lights flickered on. A large runway, perhaps miles long, stood out in front of them.
Gally and Jorge shared a look before Jorge slowly moved the Berg forwards.

The large room echoed and more lights were still turning on in the distance.
“I always forget how loaded W.C.K.E.D was.” Frypan sat back in his chair and studied the underground area.
“There we go.” Jorge parked the Berg up and a blue light shone beneath them. “Charging port.”
The group all stood in silence as Brenda watched the battery life slowly crawl to one hundred percent. After the painfully long wait was over, Jorge backed the ship out and flew towards the surface.
“This doesn’t feel right.” Thomas grumbled.
Gally keenly watched the windows, “I think you said that in Michigan.”
“I know, but this is too easy.”
“I agree.” Jorge muttered, “I don’t like the feel of this place, should we park up?”
“And test our luck? Pfft no way.” Newt paced around the room.
Minho walked to the window as soon as they arrived above ground, “I don’t know. Seems derelict to me. Maybe we should park and rest for a while.” Newt glared at him but didn’t say a word.

Jorge flew the Berg a few hundred metres away from the base and parked it. Everyone was sat in an anticipated silence but nothing happened.
“See?” Minho patted Jorge on the back. “I’m grabbing lunch.”
After a while, the group was all sat in the cockpit eating the food Frypan had packed. A casual conversation filled the room but Thomas didn’t give any input, he just watched Newt intently. Jorge interrupted everyone with an announcement.
“As we still have a while to go, I think we should check out Massachusetts.”
Brenda scoffed, “So are we crossing off our list of states that start with ‘m’ or something?”
“And that’s ages away!” Newt responded.
Jorge shrugged, “Was a large hub for W.C.K.E.D at one point. Vince wanted us to see if it was still inhabited.”
Thomas was about to speak but something caught his eye.
“Guys, I think we have a visitor.”

Chapter 22

Minho jumped up first, and he saw who Thomas was looking at. A lone crank had appeared straight ahead of the Berg in the distance. Everyone else got a look, but it didn’t move. “Just like the one in Michigan.” Gally mumbled. Jorge took a seat in the pilots chair and started the engines. The Berg hovered upwards and the crank just watched it. The group all huddled together as if the crank was about to suddenly become an army, but nothing. Jorge flew past it and it just waved with a smile on its face. Thomas only dared to look away when it had vanished into the horizon.
“Creepy.” Newt rubbed his arms anxiously.
“Yeah.” Thomas sunk onto the floor. The atmosphere in the Berg was tense. Everyone was worried that something was about to go wrong but nothing happened. Years of constantly expecting the worst did that to you. It took a couple of days to reach Massachusetts and Jorge made sure to park the ship up on any mountains when he saw them. On their second night aboard the Berg, everyone laid strewn across the ship floor on blankets meanwhile Thomas and Newt huddled in the corner.

Neither said a word, they just wanted each other's company.
“How’s your back been?” Thomas whispered. Newt shook his head and rested it on Thomas’s shoulder.
“I think I’m going to die, I mean, getting infected twice?”
Thomas’s heart pounded harder at his friend’s words, “Newt…”
“Does the cure make you immune? Has anyone been cured and infected again?”
“I doubt it.”
“Then I might be the first,” Newt groaned and curled into a hall, “I’m just bloody unlucky.” Thomas wrapped an arm around Newt and held him close.
“We’ll cure you again, then there will be no more off-haven activities for us.”

Newt didn’t respond, and by the rhythm of his breathing, Thomas guessed he had fallen asleep. This meant Thomas was left alone with his dark whirlpool of thoughts. He hadn’t told anyone, but a crank had bitten his leg when he was pounced on. Everyday, he swore that a part if his brain succumbed to the virus. It was horrible, and he felt extra sympathy for Newt who was experiencing it for the second time. For the meantime, Thomas pushed the thoughts away. All that mattered was getting to Massachusetts, conducting a mini survey, then making it home. After a painstaking few minutes, he fell asleep.
He had dreams again, but something was different. Usually, they consisted of traumatic events he had experienced or fragments of his memories, but this dream was too realistic and vivid for his liking.
“And what happened to the test subjects?” An old lady sat in front of him at a desk. Thomas felt himself thinking.
“They didn’t die?”
“Correct. Some did die eventually but the tests showed that their brains were getting eroded. Then what?”
“The virus evolved and will continue to evolve until we get a cure.” Thomas said the words as if he was reading them off of a script. The scene then changed.
A dark tunnel surrounded him, cages on all sides.

“I don’t like the look of this place.” A boy stood next to him. It was hard to tell who it was in the dim light of torches, but Thomas recognised that voice. How could he not? Alby took a step forwards and searched the area with his eyes. A couple of other kids walked over to them, and Thomas knew exactly who they were. Teresa and Minho.
Thomas tried to move and say something, maybe even hug his dead friends and Minho, but he couldn’t. He was only spectating the scene through the eyes of his younger self. All of a sudden, a woman’s voice echoed down the hall.
“Release them.”
Thomas wanted to know what that meant but he found out soon enough. A large swarm of cranks amassed behind the gates, all roaring and reaching their hands through the bars. The kids all froze and clung onto each other in a huddle. The cranks spat and hissed at them, all while shoving one another away to get to the railings. Thomas grabbed Teresa’s hand, seeking comfort from the nightmare that surrounded them.
“Do you think this will happen to Newt?” Alby murmured, holding Minho’s arm anxiously. At the mention of Newt, Thomas subconsciously let go of Teresa’s hand.
“Hope not.” Was all the Minho could get out without his voice breaking due to fear.

“Newt will be fine as long as we get a cure.” Teresa stammered and stared at the cranks with wild eyes.
“We’ve seen enough.” Thomas seised Minho’s arm and walked down the tunnel, the others following close behind.
Thomas sat up slowly, awake. It was dark outside but everyone was in different positions. The dream had shook him to the core. Alby and Teresa’s faces were burned into his eyes and he tried to blink them away. It wasn’t seeing all of the cranks that had frightened him though, it was Alby’s words.
“Do you think this will happen to Newt?”
It had happened, and Alby hadn’t been there to see it, but it had happened. And it was going to happen again, and to himself too. He dreaded even the idea of becoming anything like a crank but as the hours had passed, he felt himself changing. Only in subtle ways at first, like not responding to his name sometimes, or talking without thinking, but more things were changing in his mind. He felt more angry, as if beating someone up was the only way to feel happiness. It scared him.

Another thing also bugged him. What had younger him meant when he said the virus was evolving? And what did it mean?

Chapter 23

“Lucky you, getting to sleep through a boring day.” Frypan turned his head towards Thomas and grinned sleepily.
“What do you mean?”
Frypan shrugged, “You were shucking knocked out yesterday and Newt insisted that we let you sleep. That boy is bloody worried about you.” He mimicked Newts voice on the bloody. Thomas rubbed his head and sat up, feeling stiff.
“I might grab some water.” He quickly rushed out of the storage room and went to the cockpit. Barely any lights were on but Thomas managed to stumble down a corridor easily enough. Jorge and Minho were awake and driving tube Berg when Thomas walked in. Minho glanced up at him and smiled, handing him a canister of water. “Came for this?” Thomas nodded eagerly and chugged the drink down. Sleeping for a day made you thirsty.
“Almost there Hermanos.” Jorge had his eyes glued straight ahead at the window. “Another hour and Massachusetts will be in sight.”
Thomas sat on the floor against the wall and closed his eyes, just thinking. He thought about his dream and the flare. What had he meant by evolving? A deep nausea bubbled within him as he realised something. The first time he was infected, Newt took weeks to fall ill and show bad symptoms, but they had only been poisoned a few days ago and the effects were starting to take a hold of them.

Was the flare getting stronger? Thomas swallowed down his fear and tried to focus on something happy.
“Newt insisted we let you sleep.” That’s what Frypan had said, and it made Thomas smile. The Glade mother instincts had never left Newt, which made him hopeful. The flare could change a lot of things, but a person’s heart could remain intact. There it was, he was thinking about the flare again. It seemed like no matter what he thought of, his mind traced it back to the flare. Was that a symptom? He groaned and put his hands on his face in dismay.
“You alright back there?” Minho looked at him with an unreadable expression.
Thomas wondered if he should tell the group about his infection and his thoughts about Newt but he didn’t want to worry them any more than he had to.
“Yeah, groggy.”
Not another word was said and Thomas let sleep take over once again.

The next day they had arrived. Jorge had parked the ship up high on a cliff overlooking the sea. There were scarcely any houses around and the place was quiet. Jorge, Gally and Minho had left to scout around so Thomas and Newt left the Berg for fresh air alone.
“Nice views.” Thomas said to no one in particular as he walked towards the ledge. He looked down at the drop which seemed endless.
Jump.
What?
Jump.
Thomas smacked his face. Was he talking in his head to himself? Was he going mad?
Jump.
He clenched his teeth and shut his eyes. This was just the flare taking a hold on his mind.
“Tommy? Are you alright over there?” Newt approached him slowly. The strange feelings in his head dissipated at the sight of Newt and Thomas quickly backed away from the ledge, worried that the other boy might get the same strange commands in his head.
“Yeah I’m fine. Let’s look around a bit while the others are gone.”

Newt looked reluctant but he followed Thomas. They walked side by side down a small lane. There were a few houses along the way and they held their pistols tight in their hands. Gally had suggested that less people went deeper into the suburbs so they had less chance of being spotted. On one hand, Thomas was glad to be away from the action, but he was also worried about his friends.
“They’ll be fine.” Newt said, as if reading his mind.
“I know but-“ Newt took ahold of Thomas’s arm and looked him in the eyes.
“We didn’t make Minho keeper of the runners for no reason. Gally is a tough one as you know. Jorge spent years in military training. They’ll be fine.”
Thomas smiled at his friend’s words, it was proof that they still had time before they got home to get the cure. As Thomas thought that, a splitting headache ricocheted through his skull. He keeled over and grabbed his head.
“My head. My head. My head.” He muttered over and over again.

Newt looked at him terrified.
“Tommy, do you need to tell me something?”
Thomas shook his head and started at the ground, his whole body trembling.
“Tommy something’s wrong- what is it?”
“No I’m fine, I’m fine,” he gagged as the pain hit him again.
“THOMAS!” Newt yelled and grabbed Thomas’s shirt, pulling him up. Thomas froze. He hadn’t heard Newt use his proper name in ages. Newt quickly let go of Thomas and brushed him off. Then, he crouched down and pulled up Thomas’s trouser to reveal a purple, blistering wound.
“Forgot to mention this?”
Thomas couldn’t make eye contact with Newt. The boy looked too betrayed.
“Why didn’t you tell me..?”
Thomas didn’t respond, his mind too blurry.

Newt stood up and forced Thomas to look at him.
“Don’t you trust me?”

Chapter 24

Thomas’s heart broke as Newt’s hurt eyes scanned him, as if reading his face for an answer. Thomas stepped back and looked at the ground.
“I didn’t want to worry anyone, but, yeah. The group doesn’t need to have me as a dead weight so I was hoping we would make it back to the haven in time for us to get the cure.” Newt looked shocked.
“But I admitted I had it. Am I a dead weight now?”
Thomas shook his head quickly and grabbed Newt’s arms. “No! No! I didn’t mean it like that!”
Newt looked away and slipped his mask over his face. “Let’s continue walking and hope these cranks don’t follow us.”
Thomas paused, bewildered at what Newt meant, but Newt grabbed his hand and dragged him along.
“Load your gun and look down. They heard us and wanted to see what the commotion was, hopefully they’ll become uninterested and go back inside.”
Thomas wanted to look around desperately and see the monsters that Newt was talking about, but he didn’t. He wanted to prove to Newt that he trusted him so his eyes stayed rooted to the ground.

They made their way back to the Berg in an agonising silence. Thomas could hear whistles and singing behind them. Newt dragged Thomas forwards faster as footsteps matched theirs behind them.
“How many?” Thomas asked. Newt glanced back.
“Couldn’t say bout the houses, twenty? But following us, five.” Thomas heart dropped and he skipped faster, walking in time with Newt.
“If we can just get into the Berg safely and contact Jorge through the ships transceiver-“ Newts words where cut off my a painful shriek.
“Never mind. RUN!” The boys sprinted instantly, not bothering to check behind them. They held hands tightly and kept in rhythm. The Berg was just in front of them when something grabbed Newts shoulder. The boy didn’t even hesitate and shot the crank without looking.
Thomas looked back and saw that there were six cranks behind them. As they closed in on the Berg, Newt yelled for Brenda.
“Brenda! Fry! Hoard of cranks, warn the others!” Brenda popped her head out and stuck a thumbs up.
“On it!”

Newt spun around and aimed his gun, shooting a crank in the head. Thomas followed his lead, shooting another in the chest. More ran towards them and their numbers increased. To make sure that Brenda got the transmission through clearly, the boys didn’t try to board the ship and just defended it. Every time one fell, another took its place.
“Why does this keep happening?” Thomas shouted.
Newt scoffed, slightly amused, “We must be bloody crank magnets!”
Aim, shoot, hit, reload, aim, shoot, hit, reload. The process was endless and the cranks were getting nearer. Thomas was just about to fire another shot when a body smashed into him. A crank had managed to pick up Newt and chuck him at Thomas. Thomas collapsed but Newt shot up as if he was completely unaware of fact he had been thrown a few metres. Aim, shoot, hit, reload. Thomas managed to shoot another crank as he scrambled to his feet, but he was instantaneously side tackled by another crank.
“Where these people all rugby players before the flare?” Thomas wheezed as another crank dived on top of him.

“Tommy!” Newt cried as he watched his friend get crushed. It was then something snapped in his brain, his sense of morality dimmed and he let out a crank-like scream. He rushed forwards, smashing his gun into the cranks, and let loose a series of shots which all made contact with numerous bodies. Thomas would have watched with awe if a crank wasn’t trying to bite his face off. He gripped its neck and squeezed. Tighter and tighter. Terror flashed across the crank’s face and it gurgled.
“Please…don’t hurt…me!” Clarity shone in its eyes but Thomas didn’t hold back. A snap broke out and the crank dropped dead. Thomas shoved it off of him then defended himself from the other creature that was attempting to snack on his arm.
“Get off me, got OFF ME!” He roared and punched the crank’s face in. An acute, intense pain abruptly rippled through his body as a crank’s jaws made itself home in his neck. He screamed but before he could react, a gunshot blasted right next to his ear and the crank let go, toppling over. Newt stood above Thomas, his eyes wild, his face splattered with blood. His pistol was aimed right next to Thomas’s head, smoking. A ringing sound filled Thomas’s ears as Newt turned to face the crowd.

“Back off.”
None of them moved a muscle, just staring.
“I SAID BACK OFF!” The cranks started stumbling backwards and sprinted back from where they came.
“Maybe they’re less gone than I thought.” Thomas mumbled. He knew that if the cranks had been further along with the flare, they would’ve continued attacking until everyone was dead. Newt faced him and his eyes changed, as if all of the madness had been wiped clean away.
“Tommy…” he staggered and dropped down next to Thomas, who was still laid out on the ground.
“Oh, Tommy.” The sadness in Newts eyes made Thomas want to hold his face close, but he couldn’t feel his arms. Panic flooded in him as he realised his legs were numb too.
“Newt, what happened.” Thomas said sternly.
Newt slipped off his mask and he looked like he was about to cry. “I think you’re turning.”

Chapter 25

Thomas could only imagine what he looked like. He pictured black veins scrawled across his skin and soulless dark eyes. A small tingle seeped into his numb body and he coughed up mucus, but it was completely black. He felt inhuman pain as he regained his senses, a headache pounded against his skull and the bruises and bites that covered his body stung insanely.
“Newt-“ Thomas tried to sit up but Newt put his hand on his chest.
“Stay down, you’ll be okay.” His voice broke and Thomas gripped his hand. Brenda sprinted out of the Berg and froze.
“What…”
“Brenda do we have a cure?” Newt yelled frantically.
“I’ll look!” She shouted back, pain in her words. Thomas squeezed Newts hand but the boy let go and stood up.
“Newt?”
Newt walked towards the cliff.
“Newt?” Thomas called again, raising himself slightly and facing Newt. Newt didn’t look back and Thomas noticed black veins were also on Newt’s neck.

“Don’t die Tommy.”
Thomas paused, choosing his words carefully, “Wasn’t planning on it.”
Newt looked back, he had madness behind his eyes and Thomas almost sobbed, remembering the night he almost lost Newt.
“You die and I’m jumping off.”
The world froze and Thomas stared at Newt.
“No… Newt please.”
“Remember I told you how I broke my legs?”
“Newt it will all be okay, please come back here.”
“I hated every second of my life Tommy, and I thought we were going to have a fresh start at the Haven, but NO!” He spun towards Thomas and stormed towards him.
“You had to go all heroic on me and volunteer to leave. Look at us now. LOOK AT US!” He grabbed Thomas’s collar and growled the last words.

The pair stood with Newt looming over Thomas, breathing heavily. Thomas gently raised his hands and cupped Newt’s face. Newt’s eyes shifted and he calmed.
“Sorry, sorry Tommy…”
Thomas shook his head and smiled. “It’s not your fault. We’ll both get through this.”
Brenda and Frypan rushed out of the Berg with a blue vile. “There’s one!” Thomas almost cried with joy. Brenda knelt down and readied the serum.
“Pass it here.” Newt gestured and Brenda gave it to him. Thomas’s heart raced. It was now or never. As the syringe neared his arm, he grasped Newt’s wrist.
“Newt?”
“Mhm?”
“Sorry.”
He quickly knocked the syringe and stabbed it into Newt. He cried out and Thomas got up to hug him tightly.
“Tommy…why?”

Thomas pulled away and looked at him.
“You need it more than me.”
Newt’s eyes flickered shut and he seemed to melt. Thomas held him softly and lowered him down. Brenda stood up and grabbed Thomas’s gun.
“Brenda…”
She stared at him obviously scared. “Why the hell did you do that?”
Thomas carefully turned Newt onto his back and pointed at his face.
“In case you didn’t notice, he’s cranked too.”
Brenda slipped the gun into her pocket and put her hand out, “Panicked, sorry. Just don’t go crazy on us.” Thomas accepted the hand and they both looked at Newt.

“Let’s get you two to the haven.” A voice sounded behind them. Thomas jumped and saw Jorge standing behind them, looking displeased. He nodded and scooped Newt up. Gally eyed Thomas warily and held his shoulder, guiding him inside. He knew that the others were probably scared and he didn’t hold it against them. He would be the same. Then again, his mind played tricks on him. He felt a raging anger burn inside of him. Were they going to treat him like a shucking prisoner? He shoved the thoughts down. He had to be brave.

Chapter 26

Thomas and Newt were put in the storage room where their injuries were tended to. Food and water was left with them and Gally checked up on them now and again. The rest of the group spent their time in the cockpit, organising plans and steering the way home. Two days. That’s what Minho had said. Thomas had to stay put for two days before he got the cure. He was constantly agitated and wanted to tear someone apart but he did his best to control himself. He had actually requested to be left alone until they landed because he didn’t want to hurt anyone. The only thing that stopped him from going completely feral was Newt. The boy had suffered terribly when they got attacked by cranks and after having the cure given to him unexpectedly, he hadn’t stirred. Thomas spent hours sitting beside Newt’s sleeping body, watching his chest rise and fall. The worst part was Thomas felt fine. The headaches came around every so often but he put up with it, curling himself into a ball and holding Newts hand.
Also, he has been correct when he thought about the flare strengthening. He could feel himself becoming more and more detached from reality every minute. He was sure this wasn’t the case when Winston and Newt had been infected. They had gotten hurt, not felt great, become angry, shown physical signs and then became cranked, and it had been a gradual process. A week for Winston and possibly over a month for Newt. Thomas had been injured and in a matter of hours, he was showing mental and physical signs. In a couple of days, he was ill and becoming a crank.

In the storage room, Thomas completely lost track of time. All he did was watch Newt sleeping or stare into space. He had been zoned out for a while when he heard Newt croak. He jumped at the sudden noise but then watched Newt curiously. Newt opened his eyes slightly and gasped his mouth wide, making raw grunts as he tried to breathe. It took Thomas a few moments to realise that Newt was getting worse, but how could he help? His mind was jumbled and the only sane part of him was hoping he didn’t try to eat Newt. It’s not like he wanted to, he was just aware that he was now technically a crank, and that’s what cranks did right? He drifted into a state of mindless staring until he suddenly snapped back. What was happening? He groaned and pounded a fist into his head. He had to snap out of his crank state and help Newt before they both died. He quickly crawled over to Newt and put a hand on his chest. His breathing was uneven and ragged. The cure wasn’t working and the black veins that were originally fading were now crawling back up his neck.

Thomas decided to do something that felt nearly impossible in his ill state, he thought. He thought back to the time they gave Newt the cure first. What had been different.
“Thomas?” He sprung up and looked around wildly.
“Teresa?”
…no response. He was definitely going mad.
“There’s still time. You can save Newt!” Thomas covered his ears and wailed miserably. Of all the times to be having flashbacks, it had to be when he was half mad and his friend was dying. Then it hit him.
“It’s your blood.” Teresa’s voice drifted away and Thomas bolted up. That night, before Newt was given the cure, Thomas had been stabbed with a knife that then stabbed newt. Could that work? He didn’t have many options.
He rushed around the room, tearing things apart, until he saw something glisten. A small knife had been hidden behind a crate. Thomas grabbed it but froze.

Stab.
What?
Stab.
No, no, NO!
He chucked the knife onto the floor and stared at it, shaking. He felt like a rabid animal, unable to do anything without violence. Cautiously, when he had calmed down, he picked it up and crept towards Newt. Then, he focused, harder than he had ever before. He wasn’t going to harm Newt but he was going to have to hurt him. As if the sleeping boy was made of glass, Thomas rolled up Newts sleeve and made a delicate slice on his arm. A trail of blood dripped out, making Thomas giggle with excitement but he slapped himself. The impact made him collapse but he crawled up again. He had to do this properly and without the flare interfering. He put his hand out and sliced it deeply in the centre of his palm. He howled with pain but bit his lip. He didn’t want to disturb anyone on the Berg. Speedily, he pressed his palm onto Newt’s arm and held it down, occasionally lifting it and letting the blood drip to make sure.

After what felt like a long time, Newt gasped before his breathing returned to normal. His eyes fluttered shut and the black veins slowly cascaded off of his face. He had done it. “You were meant to be my cure.” Janson’s voice rang around the room, startling Thomas. He jumped up, throwing the knife away, and covered his ears. The words made sense but they hurt his head. He curled up and smacked his face against the floor until Janson went away. He was the cure… he was the cure? Did that mean he could cure himself? Thomas stared at his hand in a daze. It was still dripping crimson blood. Deciding it was worth a try, Thomas reached for the knife, hands shaking, and slit a line across his other hand. He gulped down the pain and with teary eyes, he put his hands together and squeezed them tightly. At first, nothing seemed to be happening, but after a minute or two, a fizzing sensation bubbled up in his stomach. He shut his eyes and held down the nausea he was feeling. The flare-infested part of him was screaming at him to part his hands and he almost succumbed to it, but he refused. He ripped a bandage from his leg with his teeth and somehow managed to bind it around his hands, securing them together. Feeling satisfied with his work, he laid down beside Newt and tried to sleep the disease off.

He was woken up by a loud shout right next to his ear.

Chapter 27

Newt had jumped up and was panting heavily. He stared at Thomas with worried eyes before his gaze softened.
“Tommy, are you okay?” Newt slowed his breathing and held a hand out to Thomas. Thomas glared at him and slowly got to his feet. He felt bugs crawling inside of his head, eating away at his sanity. Grumpily, he slipped the bind off of his hands and glanced at Newt before ripping his palms apart. The dried scabs on his hands that had fused them together were instantly torn off and fresh blood started seeping down his fingers. Newt stepped backwards and subconsciously grabbed his arm.
“Tommy?” He felt a small stinging sensation and cautiously lifted up his sleeve. A small line cut across his skin and dried blood was smeared everywhere.
“Your blood…” Newt thought back to the first time he became a crank. Teresa’s voice. “Your blood.”
“Tommy, did- did you try to cure me?”
Thomas growled and the flare consumed his mind. He balled his hands into fists before diving at Newt.

Newt dodged and stumbled backwards. Thomas got up and tried again but to no avail. Newt just ducked and weaved without saying a word.
“FIGHT ME.” Thomas roared. Newt just stared at him. Thomas sprung up and stepped towards Newt before grabbing his collar and shoving him against the wall.
“FIGHT ME!”
“Tommy?”
Thomas let go of Newt and the boy slumped down against the wall. Thomas walked into the corner of the room and sat down.
“Sorry Newt, I’m sorry.” He whimpered. His head spun and his mind felt strangely numb. Newt stood up and carefully walked towards Thomas as if he was approaching something explosive.
“I know. Tommy, I know.” He crouched down and Thomas whipped his head around.
“Kill me! This stupid, stupid disease is going to end me but I don’t want it to. Please kill me yourself.”

“That’s what I said to you Tommy, and did you kill me?”
Thomas stared at Newt with wide eyes before turning his face to the wall.
“Shuck it. Tie me up then, I don’t want to hurt anyone- so I can’t hurt you.”
Newt got up slowly and found the rag that Thomas had used to tie his hands together.
“Are you sure?”
Thomas turned around with a look of grim determination.
“Either you tie me up and leave me alone, or I kill someone and die of guilt.” Thomas choked out the last words. He couldn’t believe what he was saying. Newt crept towards him and Thomas turned away with his hands behind his back.
“Hurry before I go cranky on you.” He tried to joke which earned a huff of amusement from Newt.

Newt tied the fabric around Thomas’s wrists, binding them tightly, then patted his shoulder gently. “I’ll get you some food.” Newt knocked on the storage room door and Thomas stayed in the corner, not moving. After a few seconds, Minho slid the door open slightly and almost cried when he saw Newt.
“Shucking hell, I thought I’d lost you again.” The boys embraced before Minho turned his attention to Thomas.
“But he looks like klunk. Is he a crank yet?”
Newt looked down sadly. “I think so, but he’s not too far gone. He still has time. His sanity may be fractured but it’s still there.”
Minho nodded and the pair left the room, leaving Thomas in silence. Newt was met with hugs and smiles when he entered the cockpit, but all happiness frazzled away when he explained Thomas’s condition. He also showed them his arm and told them what Thomas had done even whilst being mad.

As he walked back to the storage room, food in hand, he silently promised to himself that he was going to get Thomas home, no matter the cost.
When he reentered, Thomas was in the same position, curled up in the corner.
“Tommy? I’ve got you some food.”
No response.
“You need to eat something otherwise you’ll get worse.”
…
“Tommy?”
Newt dropped the food and rushed over to his friend. Thomas was unconscious and a knife stuck out of his hip.
-a few minutes earlier-
Newt left the room, leaving Thomas alone with his thoughts. His mind raced and his entire body ached as the poisonous flare circled around in his system. He wanted to die. Not in front of Newt, even though he desperately wanted his friends comfort, but because he couldn’t do that to him. As soon as the boy’s footsteps faded, Thomas shuffled backwards and locked his eyes on the knife he had thrown the previous day. It was sat in the shadows of the corner. Without his hands being of any use, he seized the hilt of the dagger with his feet and lifted it up. Then, he leant forwards and grabbed it with his teeth. He shuffled back into the corner and stared into space.

He was going to finally be free from the flare. He lifted his head up, then plunged the dagger into his hip. He didn’t cry out, he didn’t scream. Instead, he just stared at what he’d just done with horror. A small slice of clarity filled his mind and he stifled a sob. Blood poured out of his wound and he closed his eyes. Hopefully, no one would get to him before he passed.
But Newt did. And he wasn’t pleased.
“GALLY BRING DOWN THE BLOODY MEDICAL SUPPLIES. NOW!”

Chapter 28

Gally bolted down the hall with a medical kit and Newt rummaged through the equipment. Gally laid Thomas on the ground and held him steady.
“Jorge!” Gally called the man as the boys had never really treated a stab wound.
“No time-“ Newt put the bandage in his mouth and but his hand on the knife, “Gally hold him down, on the count of three. Sorry Tommy, one, two, three!” Newt yanked the knife out of Thomas’s leg and the boy wailed in pain, slightly conscious. Gally used all of his strength to keep him still. Newt chucked the knife away and ripped Thomas’s trouser leg. Blood was pouring out more and he tied the bandages tightly. Jorge rushed into the room and stared at the mess.
“What the?”
“The bloody shank tried to off himself,” Newt looked down at Thomas who seemed to be in a coma but writhing in pain.
“Little help here?” Gally grunted. Thomas was thrashing and crying out. Jorge held the boy’s legs down and Gally pressed firmly on his shoulders. Newt put his hands on Thomas’s face.
“Tommy? Tommy!” He shouted and shook the boys head. Thomas paused and calmed his breathing after Newt spoke and Gally backed off. Newt sat down by the wall beside Thomas and stared blankly.

“That was shucking stupid.” Gally slumped onto the ground and glanced at Thomas, “The pair of you have problems, I mean, who throws themselves into danger at every opportunity and, ugh, I can’t even fathom how many times both of you have almost died!”
Newt didn’t move his eyes from Thomas. He just lowered his hands and rubbed Thomas’s shoulders gently.
“Sorry.” His voice broke and Gally shook his head.
“Forget it. I’ll inform the others.” Gally stormed out of the room and Newt was left with Jorge.
“Don’t listen to him Newt, both of you have been through hell. Just, be careful. Gally is right in a way, you two can’t stay out of trouble can you?” He chuckled but there was no humour in it. He patted Newt on the back and stood up.
“Watch over him. We’re almost back.”
Jorge followed after Gally and an empty silence filled the room. Newt was dumbfounded. His best friend had just tried to kill himself, and it was so sudden. Yet, he thought back to the night he had fought Thomas as a crank. He had asked Thomas to kill him and almost succeeded.
“Getting your own back shank?” Newt smiled sadly and his voice was soft, barely a whisper.

Thomas had relaxed a bit and Newt was glad. Careful not to jolt the wound, Newt pulled Thomas close to him and hugged him tightly. He let a couple of tears fall as he put Thomas’s head under his chin. What if he had been a minute late? That scared him. Newt wasn’t angry or confused by what Thomas had done though, he had experienced the same thought process when he was infected himself. He knew Thomas was only trying to help them by not being a burden, but oh was Newt glad that Thomas was still breathing. Newt was about to fall asleep when Minho rushed in.
“Gally told me everything-“
“Oh god Minho I’m so-“
Minho rushed to Newt and hugged him over Thomas’s body, “Thank shuck that slint-heads alive.”
“Huh?”

Minho stood back and stared down at Newt, “Take you by surprise? Sorry.”
Newt was taken aback, “I thought you were gonna hug him.”
“Yeah well, he’s taken firstly,” he gestured to Newts arms which were wrapped around the sleeping boy tightly, “and… I don’t know what you would’ve done if we lost him.”
Minho’s words hit Newt hard. They resonated in his head and tears welled up in his eyes. He knew Minho was right with his thoughts. Newt couldn’t imagine living without Thomas, and if the boy died…Newt wouldn’t really have a reason to live.
“Yeah, shuck it.” Newt looked at Thomas and smiled weakly, “We’re both here now Minho.”
Minho looked at Thomas too and grinned sheepishly, “What was he trying to do anyways? Die of blood loss?”

Newt paused and frowned sadly, “He made me tie his hands up, no clue how he stabbed him self in the first place, but that would make it impossible for him to hit his chest.. I guess he was trying to hit an artery on his leg.”
“Ah.” They sat in silence until Minho sighed, “I’ll leave you two alone now.”
Minho turned to go but Newt called him, “Minho?”
“Mhm?”
“Thank you.” Minhos words had touched Newt deeply and he was glad his friend was looking out for him. Minho smiled and left the room. Newt leant back against the wall and didn’t loosen his grip on Thomas. The boys heart rate was normal now and Newt could feel it under his hand. He brushed Thomas’s hair out of his face and held him while he slept.
“Don’t ever bloody scare me like that again Tommy.” He squeezed Thomas’s hand slightly before he let sleep take him.

Chapter 29

Newt woke in the morning with a blanket over him where Thomas was laid the night before. He opened his eyes groggily and stared at the figure across the room from him.
Thomas was ready and putting on gear on the other side of the room. He smiled when he noticed Newt staring.
“What?” Newt mumbled, groggily.
“Morning! Oh yeah the blanket, you looked cold so…”
“No, what on earth are you doing?”
Thomas stared at him, perplexed, “Uhh, getting ready?”
“For what?”
“The day? What am I on some kind of quiz show now?”
Newt jumped up, anger suddenly evident in his voice, “Don’t joke with me shank. You bloody tried to kill your self last night. And-“
It hit him that Thomas was standing. “Bloody hell. How on gods green earth are you on your feet right now?”

Thomas shrugged, “Hurts like hell, but someone patched me up well. I’m not sitting here all day, there’s work to do.”
Newt would’ve been more angry if he hadn’t been so confused. He shook his head and walked over to Thomas,
“Work yes, but not for you-“ he paused and quickly pulled up Thomas’s sleeve. The veins that had once ran up his arm that carried the flare had gone.
“How..?”
“Dunno.”
“Stop being so bloody vague!”
“You say bloody too much.”
“Shut your bloody trap Thomas.”
At the absence of his nickname, Thomas immediately stopped talking.

“Was it your blood? Did it actually work?”
“Newt I don’t know!” Thomas pulled his arm away and put his hands up. Newt stumbled back but he regained his composure.
“Huh… maybe you stabbing yourself worked?” The boys were both as perplexed as each other but Thomas was trying to be lighthearted.
“Let’s go up to the cockpit and help out-“ Thomas tried to race to the door before Newt stopped him but Newt had already grabbed his hand.
“Already? Tommy you’ve barely recovered.”
“But I don’t want to be a burden! You guys have done so much for me and I want to assist you.”
“You’ll be better off here.” Newt glared at him and pulled Thomas away from the door.
“Newt what’s wrong with you?” Thomas shouted at him, angry at the boys sudden coldness
“What’s wrong with me?” Newt’s grip on Thomas’s hand tightened, “Bloody yesterday I almost lost the one person closest to me-“ Thomas tried to interrupt but Newt held a hand up, silencing him, “and now you’re still injured but want to go into possible danger again? How do you think I feel?”

Newt expected Thomas to argue back but he just looked up at him with a softened gaze, “I’m the person closest to you?”
“Of course that’s the only thing you pick up from that conversation,” Newt grumbled and dropped Thomas’s hand, looking away, “but yeah I guess.” Thomas put his hand on Newt’s shoulder, smiling and Newt felt his cheeks flush slightly. He looked at Thomas and smiled back. Suddenly, Thomas pulled him into a hug and held him close. Newt’s muscles were tense but they relaxed when he realised what was happening. He wrapped his arms around Thomas and closed his eyes, just happy to be in his friend’s company.
“I’m not going into a battlefield, just the other room.” Thomas murmured. Newt nodded but didn’t loosen his embrace.
“Just, please… please come back to me…” both of them knew what Newt meant. In their world, danger could spring up anywhere at any time.
“Always.”

They separated and Newt followed Thomas down to the cockpit.
“Look who’s back!” Frypan saw Thomas first and clapped Gally on the back. Brenda jumped up and rushed over.
“Jeez Thomas, you gave us a fright!” She gave him a brief hug and stepped back, “Good job with patching him up Newt.” Everyone voiced their opinions and Thomas was given a lot of hugs but a lot of criticism. He embraced all of it.
Newt watched from the side with his arms crossed, he liked Thomas but he could be a klunk when it came to defending and caring about himself. Gally looked at Newt and smiled briefly. Newt smiled back. He knew Gally had just been stressed and didn’t mean everything he had said.
“Almost there hermanos!” Jorge chuckled as the Berg soared over the sea.
Home. After all they had been through just in the past week, home.

The Berg settled down on the beach and a crowd of people gathered a few metres off of the sand. Minho and Brenda carried all of the things they had picked up on their travels and Gally held a bag of coal they had picked up somewhere.
“Need help walking?” Newt looked at Thomas with an eyebrow raised. The Berg door was opening slowly and they could hear happy voices outside.
“Definitely.” Thomas joked and put his arm over Newt’s shoulders dramatically. Newt faced him with an amused look and their faces were almost touching. The door opened and the others all ambled out into the sunlight. Thomas paused and just stared into Newt’s eyes.
“Like the view?” Newt smirked and flicked Thomas’s temple. Thomas broke his gaze and rolled his eyes.
“Nah, and I’ll be fine with walking. Honest.” Thomas planted a small kiss on Newt’s cheek and walked off of the Berg. Newt froze in place and Minho grinned at him before practically dragging him off of the ship.

As they passed the crowd, he elbowed Newt, “You’re telling me everything later.” Minho let go of him when they were off the beach. The welcome group dispersed and Newt was left alone, staring into space. What had just happened? Butterflies filled his stomach and he blushed, burying his face into his hands, was he… flustered? He didn’t want to dwell on it anymore and he ran to his house. He needed to tidy himself up before he fell into an emotional rabbit hole.

Chapter 30

Thomas found himself on the outskirts of the forest. It was quiet and peaceful but his mind wasn’t easy. What had he just done? On impulse, he had kissed Newt on the cheek and ran off, who does that? Did Newt hate him now? He sighed heavily and slumped to the ground below a tree. It must’ve been late afternoon in the haven as many people had stopped working and were milling around socially. Safety at last. Thomas closed his eyes and breathed in the salty air from the sea. He had missed the haven and was glad to be there, let alone in one piece. After a while of just sitting down doing nothing, he slowly stood up and braced himself. Despite what he had shown on the outside, his leg was in a lot of pain still. He regretted what he had done on the Berg, but his mind was clear now. It had been the flare affecting him that had made him act rashly. However, Thomas wasn’t too upset about his actions in the long run. Even despite the terrible pain and the writhing horror that had consumed his mind, he had felt Newt’s arms around him and that itself made him feel a hundred times better. The boy had spoken to him softly and stroked his hair. A part of Thomas wished he could experience it again.
Wait what was he thinking?
Thomas shook his head and took a few steps. He blamed his thoughts on the pain he was feeling from his leg.

For the rest of the afternoon, Thomas walked around and caught up with some friends. He skipped dinner as his appetite was gone and walked to his house as soon as the sun started setting. He was surprised to see Newt inside already, tending to the fire.
“Oh hey Tommy.” He chirped when he saw the boy enter.
“Hi Newt.” He responded quietly and shut the door behind him. He didn’t know what to say.
“How’s that leg?” Newt faced Thomas and looked at him quizzically.
“I lied earlier, it’s shucking painful.” Thomas groaned and sat on the bed heavily.
“Uhh are you getting dressed or are you sleeping in those dirty clothes?” Newt grinned and a light of familiarity shone in his eyes.
Thomas smiled and shrugged, “Only if you help me.” He tried to get Newt flustered but he was beaten.
“Alright.”
“What?”
“You said you needed help.” Newt stood up and grabbed some clean clothes. “How can I assist you?”

Thomas snatched the clothes from him playfully and rolled his eyes, “I’m not being serious.” Thomas expected Newt to turn away and distract himself as he took his shirt off but the blonde boy’s eyes stayed rooted to Thomas.
“Now what?”
Newt smiled and winked, “Maybe sleeping commando is the way for you to go.” Thomas felt himself go bright red as Newt slid his hand over his collarbone before returning to the fire.
“Damn you.” He muttered and took his top off. After a while, Thomas managed to get dressed and he sat on a stool by the fire as Newt changed behind him.
“Tommy can you pass my shirt?” Thomas seized the clothing and turned around to pass it, but his eyes lingered on Newt’s body.
“You’re staring.” Newt balled up the shirt and crossed his arms with a smile. Thomas shrugged.
“How’s your back?”
Newt paused, “I don’t know actually. Could you check?” Thomas nodded and Newt turned around. Thomas stood up and got a closer look at the damaged skin. It seemed to be healed and scarred in a few places, but there were still a few red blotches.

Newt’s breathing hitched as he felt Thomas standing behind him and looking at his bare skin. Strangely, it felt rather intimate.
“So?” He asked, a nervous expression on his face. Thomas didn’t respond and just wrapped his arms around Newt’s shoulders.
“It’s alright.” He murmured into the boy’s ear.
“Tired much?” Newt put his hands on Thomas’s gently.
“Yeah.” Thomas yawned and let go. “I’m sleeping now. Night.” Thomas walked to the bed but he felt a hand grab ahold of his wrist.
“Tommy?”
Thomas faced him, “Yeah?” He felt Newt pull him closer and they stood with their faces inches apart. Newt seemed apprehensive but his eyes flickered down to Thomas’s lips. He then just took his shot, leaning his head down slightly and letting their mouths connect. Thomas was confused but content at the same time and he leaned into the touch.

Newt put his arms around Thomas and hugged him close. Their lips separated briefly and they stared at one another breathlessly.
“Who knew you could kiss shank.” Newt smirked. Thomas just grabbed his face and pulled him in again. The air felt electric and the boys felt complete. They could’ve stayed that close for hours but they were spooked by a voice in their doorway. They quickly jumped back and stared at the trespasser. Frypan stood in the entry way looking bewildered with a tray of food.
“Uhm…” was all he could say. Newt quickly dived to get his shirt which he had forgotten to put on and Thomas approached Frypan.
“Could you knock next time?”
“Well I brought you guys food, Minho’s orders, and I couldn’t knock because my hands are full so I kicked and… the door wasn’t locked.” He settled the tray on a small table and shook his head.
“Damn it… I owe Brenda like a fiver now.” He smiled and punched Thomas’s arm.
“Sorry…” Thomas mumbled awkwardly. Newt popped up behind him with his shirt on and grinned.
“Tell Minho he’s gotta catch up to me in the relationship game.” He winked and Frypan chuckled.
“He’s gonna be pissed. How much did you bet him?”

“What’s going on?” Thomas looked between the pair perplexed.
“Minho and Newt made a bet months ago that whoever got into a relationship first would get some money. Seems like Newt won.” Frypan patted Thomas on the back and left, leaving Thomas feeling happy but still confused.
“Don’t tell me he’s going to inform Minho on this.”
“Believe me, our friend circle is gonna know all about this in the morning,” Newt sighed and slicked his hair back, but a smile tugged at his lips, “but who gives a bloody shuck eh?” He cupped Thomas’s face and kissed his lips briefly before locking the front door. Thomas put out the fire and crawled into bed after Newt. He felt disoriented but really excited. He had just kissed Newt, but properly. It had felt wonderful. Another thing was stuck in Thomas’s head.
“Newt?” He turned to face him.
“Hmm?”
“What are we?” He said it in a whisper but it seemed to echo around the room.
“What do you mean Tommy?”
“You and Frypan were talking about…. relationships. Uhm, are we in a relationship?” He sounded very uncertain and it made Newt laugh.
“If you like. I don’t mind.” They gazed into each other’s eyes in a tranquil quiet for a while.
“I would like that…” Thomas murmured and shut his eyes.

He turned to face away and a pair of arms wrapped around him. He felt Newt breathing down his neck and it was comforting. They were safe and happy in each other’s presence, what more could they want? That night, both of them slept perfectly without an ounce of disruption. For once in his life, Newt saw his future and it was bright.

Notes:

Should I continue this with little Newtmas snippets? X

Chapter 31

Thomas woke up to hands gently brushing his hair. He opened his eyes groggily and saw Newt smiling down at him half-asleep. Thomas’s face flushed slightly when he noticed that he was laying on Newt’s chest.
“Mornin.” Newt murmured. Thomas felt dazed, then it hit him what had happened the evening before. He felt his face get even redder and he looked away.
“Hey…” he said quietly, glancing around. He realised that he was practically on top of Newt so he put his arms out, pushing himself up and off of the boy’s chest. Newt rolled his eyes and pulled Thomas back down again, wrapping his arms around his waist. Thomas froze as he was pulled into a hug. “Don’t be so skittish.” Newt murmured and put his chin on Thomas’s head. Thomas pretended to be annoyed but he didn’t protest.
“I guess we have to face it now.” He buried his face into Newt’s chest.
“Huh?”
“Don’t be a slint-head. Didn’t you hear Fry last night? Minho’s gonna be a dick.”

Newt laughed softly and the sound made Thomas’s heart flutter. “I don’t shucking give one about what he has to say. The others can talk as much as they bloody want to as well, it doesn’t matter.” Thomas felt slightly reassured by Newt’s words but he was still dreading facing everyone. They’d surely try to get all up in their business. Newt noticed Thomas’s worry and let go of him, shuffling up into a sitting position.
“Tommy?”
“Mhm?” Thomas lifted his head to face Newt.
“Are you sure?”
Thomas paused, “About what?”
“Y’know, us? I mean you seem apprehensive and I don’t want to pressure you into a rela-“ Newt was cut short by Thomas grabbing his collar and pulling him into a kiss.

When he pulled away, Thomas had a small smile on his face. Newt smirked and nodded, “That’s all I needed to know.”
The boys dragged themselves out of bed and got ready before braving the outside world. They had woken at the crack of dawn so luckily, many people were still asleep. They walked down to the dining pavilion, hand in hand, and bumped into Brenda.
“Newt, Thomas!” She smiled and put her hands on her hips.
“Shit, hey Brenda.” Thomas ran his hand through his hair and smiled nervously. Newt squeezed his hand jokingly and Brenda noticed.
“So Fry was right then, congrats love birds. I mean, I called this ages ago but…” she shrugged and looked between the pair. Thomas’s eyes widened slightly.
“Frypan already told you?”
“I’m the first person he told… shank,” Brenda paused as she said the Glader slang word, but grinned after she used it correctly, “but don’t panic, Minho isn’t up yet.”

“Great.” Newt said, amused, and winked at Brenda for her use of ‘shank’. Him and Frypan had been encouraging her to use the Glader slang as a joke for a while.
“You and Frypan have been getting close recently.” Thomas smirked as he changed the subject. Brenda blushed slightly but her smile didn’t falter,
“I guess you won’t be the only ones in a relationship soon.” Brenda laughed and quickly walked off, letting the boys continue on to the kitchen. Frypan was already up and cooking when they arrived at the dining pavilion. When the chef saw them, his tired expression changed to one of happiness and he crossed his arms.
“I’m surprised you two are up so soon.”
Newt ignored the comment and dragged Thomas forwards, “What’s on the menu Fry?”
Thomas and Newt sat down at their usual table with their breakfast, a stack of pancakes. “Frypan really put that frying pan to work.” Thomas mumbled through bites of the food.
“That’s the lamest joke I’ve ever heard.” Newt raised an eyebrow and scoffed. Thomas frowned and grabbed one of Newt’s pancakes without breaking eye contact.

“Hey!” Newt complained and tried to grab it back. Their argument was stopped by Gally, who punched Thomas’s shoulder and told him to cut it out as he sat down beside him.
“So anything new?” Gally laced his fingers and grinned at Newt.
“Shuck it, not you too.”
“Oh yes me too- thank Frypan.” Gally gave a nod to the chef who was watching the conversation with a smile.
“I’m gonna kill him.” Thomas grumbled and crossed his arms, but looked Gally dead in the eyes, “Yeah. Something new alright.”
“All of you act like toddlers.” Newt put on a fake grimace and stood up to put his dish away. As soon as he was out of earshot, Gally grabbed Thomas’s shoulder.
“He’s a good one, treat him well.”
Thomas felt bewildered but he swallowed and nodded, “Hm, I know, I’m a lucky guy.”

Gally patted Thomas’s shoulder and his smile returned, “Seeya around Greenie.”
Thomas watched him leave and Newt sat back in front of him, “So what’s on the agenda today?”
Thomas pondered, “Uhm, I think I’m in the forest with Minho? But that’s in a while so I’m sure-“
“We’ll look who it is,” Newt and Thomas jumped at the voice, “Fry where’s my money?”
“For shucks sake Minho.” Frypan handed Minho a wad of cash.

Chapter 32

Minho slid into the seat beside Newt and put his arms out on the table.
“Tell me everything.”
“Absolutely not.” Newt gave Minho a playful shove which he returned.
“Was Thomas really that bad eh?” They laughed and Thomas felt relieved, but Minho turned his attention to him.
“So when did this start?”
Thomas paused and felt nervous again, “Yesterday? What is this some kind of quiz?”
“Won’t be a dumb shank, there’s been tension between the pair of you for like, a year!” Minho threw his hands into the air and Thomas caught a quick glance at Newt, who was staring at him with content eyes.
“Fine… uh but I’ll talk to you another time, oh is that the time? We should go!” Thomas darted up and grabbed Newt’s hand, pulling him up.
“I’m making you talk later you big sissy!” Minho shouted after them, probably waking a few sleeping campers as he did.

“Bloody hell Tommy, fight or flight instinct kick in or something?” Newt doubled over and caught his breath once they had stopped.
“I hate getting grilled with questions!” Thomas shrugged. Newt looked up at him and he had a glint in his eye.
“He’s just tryin’ to be supportive, and I’m warning you, he’s gonna ‘grill you with questions’ even harder when you both go on your little foraging trip.”
Thomas sat down on the floor and Newt followed suit. They had just taken random turns and found themselves at a quiet part of the beach. “This is nice.” Thomas murmured as he stared out at the glimmering sea. Newt just looked at Thomas’s face.
“You're staring.” Thomas turned his gaze to Newt and cocked his head to the side. Newt grinned as Thomas used the phrase he had said many times.
“I know.” They sat in silence looking at each other for a while until Thomas broke the silence.

Turning his eyes back to the sea, he cleared his throat and spoke nervously, “Newt?”
“What’s up?”
“I’ve got a question.”
“Fire away.”
Thomas looked down at his hands, “When did you first… know you liked me. Not just in a friendly way though…” his voice trailed off and he immediately regretted talking.
“Why’d you ask?”
“Just wondering, that’s all.”
Newt went quiet for a moment and Thomas felt as if he had just creeped the boy out, but he sighed softly. “It was back in the Glade, well I thought it was anyway.”

“What does that mean?” Thomas was feeling curious now.
“Memories, regaining fractured bits of the past when I was a crank, I remember growing up with W.C.K.E.D.”
Thomas froze. He didn’t know if messing around with memories was a good idea, but he wanted to know what Newt could remember.
“Go on.” He said gently. Newt looked out across the beach.
“I think the first time I saw you, it was because I snuck outside your room in the middle of the night because I wanted to meet you. As soon as you opened the door, I felt… nervous. But not in a scared way, you know?”
Thomas nodded along.
“Then as I spent more time with you, I knew that we were great friends but I cared about you deeper than Alby and Minho who I had known for years. It was weird. Then… other stuff happened.” Newt stopped talking and they went quiet.

“Newt?” Thomas put his hand on the others arm.
“Oh, sorry. Got a bit lost in my mind for a second. Well… what I mean is that we found out they me and the others were going into the maze but you and Teresa weren’t. Harsh words were exchanged and I felt a strong sense of jealousy towards Teresa. In those final moments where they dragged me away from you, I realised, I loved you. But it was too late.”
Thomas hadn’t even considered their childhoods in his question and he felt bad for bringing it up, but Newt turned to him and he still had a smile on his face.
“The Glade though, that was a different story.”
“Do tell.” The boys faced each other and Newt began to talk.
“As soon as I saw you in the box, I felt a small slither of recognition for you but it quickly left and I thought nothing of it, then when Alby introduced us, I couldn’t help looking back at you and my heart skipped a beat when I saw you do the same.”

Chapter 33

The boys laughed as they remembered that day. Newt continued, “The campfire felt magical. Even after only knowing you for a few hours, I was entranced. Overtime, I found myself feeling drawn to your presence and in those few moments when you ran into the maze, I knew I would follow you anywhere.” His posture slouched slightly and he tipped his head down, but he still glanced at Thomas.
Slowly, Thomas slipped Newt’s necklace out of his pocket. He dangled it in front of his face, looking at it. Newt did too.
“I wrote that line in there, didn’t I?” Newt paused and gathered his thoughts, “Well that letter was my apology to you I guess, most of the things I never got to say as well,” he stopped again briefly, “I knew I had to write it whilst we crossed the scorch because I got infected, and I started it when we split with you and Brenda. I didn’t know if I was going to see you again at that time and I had so much to say to you. I added more and more as time passed then finished it when we stayed with the Right Arm.” Newt kept his eyes focused on the jewellery intently.

“You keep it with you all the time?” He sounded confused as he questioned Thomas.
“Yeah… I do,” Thomas wavered, “but I would wear it if I knew how to tie the string.“
Newt looked up at Thomas with his hand out, “May I?” Thomas handed him the necklace and Newt leant forwards. Carefully, he tied the string around Thomas’s neck. Thomas watched him the whole time, their bodies nearly touching. Newt pulled away and Thomas clasped the locket as it hung over his collarbone. “You need to learn how to tie a knot shank.” Newt sat back and smiled at Thomas playfully. “Can you even tie your shoelaces?”
Thomas looked at the ground sheepishly, “Well….”
“Wait seriously?” Newt laughed and Thomas did too, “Shuck it, you got us out of a bloody maze but can’t tie your shoes. You are a strange man Tommy.”
A large smile spread across Thomas’s face, “I know.”

Time passed and Thomas found himself standing outside of the forest with Minho. Newt stood nearby with his arms crossed. He approached Thomas as he fixed the straps on his bag.
“Be safe.” He planted a small kiss on Thomas’s cheek and stepped back.
“Do I not get one?” Minho whined sarcastically. Newt elbowed him hard.
“Shut your pipe. And get your arse going, you’re behind schedule already!”
“Only because your klunk brains boyfriend takes ages to get ready.”
“Says the man who spent half an hour on his hair!” Thomas interjected.
“Calm it there- if Newt’s got game then I’ve got to step it up a bit. I’ve seen some fine looking girls around the place.”
“I’ve changed my mind, I hope both of you get eaten by a bear. Now get going!” Newt waved them off and they raced into the undergrowth.

They hadn’t even made it ten metres into the woods when Minho let loose the first question. “When did, that, start?” He grinned, referencing to Newt. Thomas shrugged and tried to play it cool.
“Few days? I mean, seeing someone almost die in front of you is enough to wake you up when it comes to how you feel.”
“Okay… what about your little romantic gestures?”
Thomas cringed and ran faster, but Minho easily kept in pace with him. “Thomas.”
“Ugh, I don’t know! I kissed him on the cheek because it felt like the right thing to do.”
“Continue?”
Thomas sighed and slowed down, realising Minho wasn’t going to shut it until he got his questions answered.
“He made the move. We’ve been flirting for ages I suppose, but I always broke it down to something unserious. We were doing the same that night but the atmosphere was different. But Fry just had to shucking walk in on us.”

Minho chuckled and Thomas rolled his eyes dramatically.
“So, Thomas, who are you attracted to?” Minho persisted.
Thomas felt confused, “Uh… Newt?”
“I don’t mean it like that shank, sexuality wise.”
“Oh.” Thomas thought, “Never really crossed my mind.”
“Really? Maybe you’re bi then.”
“What’s that me-“
“Both. There was the thing with you and Teresa, then briefly Brenda, now Newt.”
“Oh.” Thomas repeated.

They walked in silence for a bit until Minho spoke up, “Newt was jealous of Teresa, you know that right?”
“He told me about it.”
“No but like, seriously man.” Minho grabbed Thomas’s arm, “I knew that Newt liked you from day one, but he only admitted it when I called him out for staring off at you and Teresa. It was after he spoke to you at that campfire and I sat with him while you slept. Poor shank was heartbroken because he knew how much you cared for the girl. Even after she dies and we made it to the haven, I could tell that she was always on his mind.”
“Why are you telling me this?” Thomas felt worried, had Newt told Minho something bad?
“Sorry if I sounded pessimistic, just… remind Newt how much you care about him. He needs it, from you.”

Chapter 34

Thomas cracked a small smile, “I will remind Newt how much he means to me, but later. Right now we need to get to work.”
Before another word could be shared, Thomas bolted away. Minho’s words rung in his mind, “from you.” He knew that Newt meant a lot to him, but he’d never really thought about it the other way around. Making his mind up, Thomas decided that when he got back, he was going to make Newt feel important.
Him and Minho ran around the forest for a couple of hours until it was time to return to camp. They collected two rabbits and even found a sheep- that Minho bolted away from when it tried to ram into him. Newt awaited them at the haven and a smile tugged at his lips when he saw them.
“Took your time.”
Thomas smiled as he pulled a sheep along with a rope. “Nice to see you too.”

A few campers escorted the sheep and rabbits to the farm so the boys wandered around in peace. Minho had to leave to talk to Gally at one point. His last sentence to them was, “Use protection and don’t do anything I would.” Which made both Newt and Thomas turn red and flip him off. Later, as the sun cascaded below the horizon, they sat on the beach together in a comfortable silence.
“Still feels strange to be back home.” Newt ran his fingers through the sand. Thomas watched him and hummed,
“Good that. I think our little expedition through the states took a lot out of us.”
“You could say that again.” They stared at the sea absentmindedly as they remembered the trip they had been on, fresh in their minds. It was crazy how one day they were safe and calm, the next almost dead, then back to normal again.

A lot of the trauma hadn’t processed yet until now. Thomas felt a stray tear roll down his face and he quickly wiped it away.
Newt turned to him, “You okay Tommy?”
“Mhm.” Thomas thought about what Minho had said and looked into Newt’s eyes, “Newt?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
The words echoed through the air and Newt opened his mouth to talk, but shut it again, smiling nervously and blushing.
“I love you too Tommy.”
Thomas wrapped an arm over Newt’s shoulders and pulled him close.

They sat together for a while until Newt decided it was time to go. “C’mon.” He stood up and helped Thomas to his feet. They walked with their hands interlocked under the cover of darkness and observed the small lights that flickered across the haven. When they made it to their hut, Thomas opened the door and grinned. “After you.” Newt bowed his head and entered, Thomas on his heels. He threw his coat on the back of a chair and dropped in front of the fireplace, starting a few flames up. Thomas stood by the door nervously and watched Newt. Newt noticed and turned to Thomas, cocking his head to the side and smirking. “You’re staring. What’ya want?” Thomas smiled sheepishly and shrugged. “Well..I was kinda hoping we…y’know.” His voice was laced with a sense of worry and Newt laughed. “Take off your jacket and let us get warmed up first, yeah?” Thomas nodded eagerly and slid his coat off, placing it on top of Newts. He took a seat by the fire and watched as the blonde boy tended to the flames. Once he was done, Newt sat back on the floor and smiled up at Thomas. “Don’t be a wet wipe, come join me down here.” He patted the floor beside him and Thomas obliged, warming himself by the fire. Newt watched him with a lopsided grin. Thomas faced Newt and they stared into each other’s eyes for a few moments.

Thomas couldn’t restrain himself anymore and he pushed his face forwards, their lips connecting. Newt lifted his hands up and ran his fingers through Thomas’s hair, making the younger boy shiver. Thomas put his hands on the sides of Newt’s face and they sat in a happy closeness for a while.

Chapter 35

Thomas woke up the next morning and shot up. He was sat in his bed, a soft light peeking through the window. Newt laid next to him, breathing in and out slowly. Thomas rubbed his eyes and frowned, he didn’t remember going to bed last night, how had he ended up there? A husk voice shook him out of his thoughts.
“Mornin’.” Newt opened an eye and grinned. Thomas nodded and slicked his hair back. “Hey..”
“You literally crashed last night. Kinda funny. You just suddenly fell asleep on the floor so I carried you to bed, hope ya don’t mind.”
“Ah, sorry.” Thomas smiled down at Newt, then noticed his body. He wasn’t wearing a shirt and he quickly pulled the covers over himself. Newt stifled a laugh and looked at Thomas with an amused smirk.

“What? You’ve been like that all night.”
“Uhh… I don’t remember taking it off.”
“Bloody hell, did you drink last night or something? You said the fire was too hot and took your shirt off before you fell asleep. I called you strange but you didn’t care.”
Thomas blinked a few times before dropping the covers slowly. “Man, I must’ve been exhausted yesterday.”
“Mhm.” Newt pulled himself into a sitting position and yawned.
“Newt?”
“Yeah?”
“Love you.”
Newt paused but smiled, “I know, I’m just bloody brilliant.” He jumped out of the bed and Thomas rolled his eyes.
“Where’d this energy come from blondie?” Thomas pushed the covers away and followed after Newt.

“A good nights sleep, that’s what.”
“Huh.” Thomas mumbled and grabbed a random shirt, throwing it on. Newt watched him as he buttoned it up and he raised an eyebrow. “Something on your mind?”
“Perhaps.” Newt stepped forwards and grabbed Thomas’s collar, pulling him in for a kiss. Thomas jumped and it made Newt laugh as he pulled away. “Calm it Tommy. Your nerves are frazzled.”
“Could give me a warning before you do something like that.”
“Not my style.” Newt shrugged and grabbed a towel, leaving to go to the shower rooms.

Thomas wondered if he should follow but he was a flustered mess. Newt popped his head around the door and grinned, “Hurry mate.” Thomas quickly obliged and grabbed his own towel, stumbling after Newt. Autumn was ending and the air sent a chill through Thomas’s spine. He cursed himself for not bringing a coat as they walked through the haven. Luckily, there was no queue for the showering hut so they entered immediately.
The hut consisted of two sides, men and women, where there were changing rooms and multiple shower cubicles. The boys quickly got ready and clean, then changed back into their clothes. Thomas was ready first and he sat with Newt who was still changing.
“..so I told Minho to piss of right? Then guess who walked over?”
“Who?” Thomas was half listening to what Newt was saying but his mind was elsewhere.

As Newt talked, he threw his towel over his bare shoulders and Thomas’s gaze lingered on his chest.
“Vince! And he told us to… Tommy eyes up here,” Newt smiled and tilted Thomas’s head up. Thomas turned red and furrowed his eyebrows, “Sorry.”
“Well back to what I was saying, Vince told me and Minho to stop acting like an old married couple, right? Then Minho goes and loudly proclaims to everyone in a ten mile radius that I’m already with you. So I smacked him round the shoulder and he shoved me into Brenda. I’m still pissed at him.”
Thomas laughed at this, Minho was a lively spirit to say the least. The boys left the changing rooms and returned back to their house, Newt wrestling to dry his hair with his towel the entire walk.

Notes:

I hope you enjoyed! Please tell me what you thought of it x

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of The Maze Runner