In The Maze

Chapter twenty-five (Newt)

He scuffed incredulously. "Me? I'm fine. It's you I'm worried about."

"No need to worry 'bout me."

"I always worry about you."

All of the gladers watched from a safe distance further back. Many hid behind trees or peered out of windows; unwilling to approach. A few gladers, led by Gally, rushed over to assist us, having gone to retrieve weapons.

"What the shuck!" Winston looked past us, his eyes as big as saucers. Khan and Fry were equally dismayed. Their attention torn between the girl glader and the griever bonfire.

"Y'all are insane!"

"Holy shuck, I'm so glad you're all alive."

They probably would've stood there gawking for hours, but we had to keep our wits about us. (Y/N) needed medical treatment pronto and we had to prepare in case there would be further incursions. I needed to protect my family and wasted no time taking charge.

"Tommy, run ahead to the Med Hut and tell the med-jaks what happened then grab some food and water for you and Minho. Once you've done that, meet us back at the Med Hut." He immediately rushed to fill my command. No questions asked for once. "Minho, you and I are going to assist with (Y/N). The rest of you, gather everyone up and get them indoors. If another griever decides to visit us, I don't want anyone to become an easy target. Make sure everyone stays inside until the doors close."

I received a chorus of, "Good that" in response, and Winston even saluted. The builder hesitated, his gaze lingering on (Y/N) before leaving. They split off to gather everyone while I turned back to my beloved. With minimal effort, I picked (Y/N) up bridal style, stifling a grunt when the cut on my bicep protested the movement. Her head rested against my shoulder and I made sure not to jostle her too much

"I- we tried our best," Minho spoke softly, his eyes trained on the sleeping girl in my arms. He walked alongside me. "We did our best to protect her. I swear we tried."

"I know you did, mate." I gave him what I hoped was a reassuring smile, though it probably ended up as more of a grimace. "None of this is your's or Tommy's fault." He looked like he wanted to argue but fell silent. Minho loved (Y/N) like a sister and Tommy like a brother; he'd undoubtedly harbor guilt over this for a long time, regardless of my efforts to convince him otherwise.

We entered the Med Hut moments before Tommy did, water and bread in his hands which he shared with Minho. Following Jeff's instructions, I laid (Y/N) on the nearest cot and stepped back so they could do their jobs. One cut away the sleeve of (Y/N)'s t-shirt while the other wiped the injury site of any blood and debris. They then sterilized a needle and prepped sutures to seal the wound.

Relinquishing my hold on her was more challengin' than it should've been. The mere thought of letting her go twisted my stomach into knots. It didn't matter that we were in the same room and I could still see her, or that I could simply reach out and touch her if I desired. I wanted more than anythin' to hold her again. To hug her, to feel her embrace, and listen to the steady beat of her heart. To be granted her love. After months of no contact and then trying to avoid her after she returned, I craved her affection. Desired her love as if it were a drug and I was experiencing withdrawal.

Willing my tears away, I hung back; the two runners stood with me in a display of unanimity. There wasn't anything else we could do for her, at least for now. The burning sensation I'd been ignoring flared intensely and I grit my teeth against the sensation. It was only a flesh wound several inches long that wouldn't need stitches, but it still required treatment. Still, I had no intention of mentioning it until they were done attendin' to (Y/N).