TW and TMR - Newtmas

Part 19

Beacon Hills High – Morning

Thomas' POV

I splashed cold water on my face in the school bathroom, gripping the edges of the sink until my knuckles went white. The fluorescent lights above hummed like they were trying to drill into my skull.

Pull it together, Thomas.

I had barely slept after the nightmare, even with Newt's arms around me. My chest still felt tight, like something was sitting on it. I looked up at the mirror, staring at my reflection. I didn't recognize myself — and not because of WCKD.

Because of everything I hadn't said.

"Breathe," I muttered. "You've survived worse."

⸻

Minho's POV

I spotted Thomas near his locker, surrounded by noise and life — students laughing, walking, shouting. But he looked like he wasn't even here.

I nudged Aris. "You see that?"

Aris nodded, chewing his lip. "He's doing the thing again."

"The thing where he pretends he's fine but looks like he's gonna pass out at any second?"

"Yeah. That."

⸻

Scott's POV

I caught up to Thomas in the hallway between periods. He gave me a half-smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"You good?" I asked, gently.

"I'm fine."

The lie was so practiced it almost sounded real. Almost.

"Look," I said, "if you need to talk—"

"I said I'm fine," he snapped, then winced immediately. "Sorry. I just... I didn't sleep well."

I nodded. "Alright. But you don't have to carry it alone."

He didn't answer.

⸻

Liam's POV

Lacrosse practice was brutal.

Coach Finstock was barking orders like he was training us for war. But even he noticed Thomas wasn't all there.

"Hey, Maze Boy!" he shouted. "Your head on vacation or you just forgetting how to hold a lacrosse stick?!"

Thomas flinched. "Sorry, Coach."

He scored three goals and ran faster than half the team combined... but his usual spark was missing. No smirk. No banter. No Minho-style arrogance.

Just... silence.

⸻

Newt's POV

We met outside by the bleachers after practice. Thomas was sitting on the lowest bench, staring at his hands.

"You don't have to pretend," I said as I sat next to him.

"I'm not," he muttered. Then, quieter: "Okay, maybe I am."

He looked up at me, eyes tired. "It's just... we're finally safe. I don't want to bring everyone down with my nightmares and trauma."

"You're not a burden," I said immediately. "You're a survivor. You're allowed to have bad days."

He looked at me, really looked at me.

And finally, finally let out a shaky breath.

"I'm scared it'll never stop," he said. "That I'll always feel like I'm running."

"Then I'll run with you," I said softly. "Even if we're standing still."

⸻

Later That Evening

Back at Thomas's house, the Gladers and the pack gathered for a movie night. It wasn't loud or crazy — just warm. Comfortable.

Thomas curled up with me on the couch, Minho and Aris arguing about popcorn toppings, Gally dozing off on Frypan's shoulder, and Liam teaching Kira how to use an Xbox controller.

He leaned into me, and for the first time that day, I felt his muscles relax.

Even if the nightmares never went away... this?

This was healing.