( Reader ) P.O.V.
To tell you the truth, I hadn’t really witnessed the clumsy side of Newt until we started dating. Funny enough, it gets worse when he gets nervous. This hadn’t occurred to me until we finally went on our first official date and ended up tripping, which sent his beverage to spill all over me.
Newt expected me to be mad or embarrassed but I just laughed. “Seems like you’re keeping your word. Literally stumbling through life with me.” Once he realized I found it humorous, he gave me a closed lipped smile.
A month has passed since Thomas found out about us and he’s been so great about it. He’s still the ‘older brother’ in the sense that he teases us and makes noises when Newt and I are affectionate but he doesn’t make any effort to stop us.
Not so surprisingly, Brenda and Thomas have been flirting with each other. When I witnessed this first hand, my reaction caught everyone off guard. “Whoa, I felt like I just went into overprotective sister mode.” I admitted.
Minho thought this was hilarious and it became his go-to line when they’d start flirting. “Oh no, y/n’s might go into overprotective sister mode if she catches you!” I’d always play along and pretend to separate them but we would all laugh.
Mostly because I wasn’t strong enough to push them away from each other.
That’s who I’m with right now, a little outside the city. All of my friends are here with me as we walk through a festival that’s being held. Minho has somehow convinced us to race through a maze, built up with hay bales.
The idea kind of freaked me out, the thought of feeling lost and stuck fills me with dread. The nightmare rages against my skull but Newt grabbed my hand after whispering something into T’s ear. Everyone went on ahead, agreeing to meet up on the other side and left me alone with Newt at the beginning.
“We don’t have to go, y/n. Whatever you want to do, I’m going and staying with you.” Newt looks down at me, waiting for my response.
Contrary to how I feel, a smile tugs up my lips and I pull on his hand. He holds a confused expression, so I explain. “I won’t lie, this is kind of terrifying but I’m not scared right now. Those feelings disappear because I’m with you, Newt. I’m not scared when I’m with you.”
Muscles in Newt’s arm tense as he gives my hand a reassuring squeeze, leading us into the labyrinth. Although I’m not scared, with the man I love by my side, my heartbeat pounds away and I find myself clutching, hard, onto his arm.
No doubt, my nails are causing painful indents in his skin but he doesn’t wince away or stop me. Newt see’s my inner struggle and he wraps his arm (snaked out of my death grip) around me, laying his hand on my abdomen.
Comfort washes over me and I instinctively place my hand over his, reassuring myself that he’s with me and not going to leave. As if he read my mind, he leans in, his nose against my temple, and whispers to me. “I’m not going anywhere, love.”
We travel between the hay corridors, running into dead-ends and other wanderers but I find myself laughing through everything instead of freezing up. The only time my heart dropped, even a little, was when Newt’s foot caught on the corner and pulled me to the ground with him.
Even with this, the worry only lasted a moment after he groaned from hitting the ground. His hair looking even messier with strands of hay weaved into his golden locks. Among his groaning, he gives me a clumsy smile and I try to stifle a laugh, which doesn’t work.
We are both still on the ground, playing around as he throws hay in my hair and me sprawled on top of his body as we fight against each other’s hay assault. All of this ceases as a throat is cleared and we startle.
The throaty sound came from Minho as he watches with his arms crossed and his foot tapping the earth. Feigning irritation, he chastises us for our 'tomfoolery’. “So indecent for the public! You’re going to give the elderly a heart attack if they see you!” He sasses out sarcastically.
Getting off Newt, I walk over to Minho while batting my eyelashes. Offering my sincerest of apologies, I smash a handful of hay onto his head before Newt grabs my hand and we dash away from the scene.
A frustrated groan echos as we vanish from Minho’s view and I trustfully follow Newt without thinking about it. Before I know it, we’re out in the open and no longer surrounded by hay barriers.
Thomas, Brenda and Teresa are all sitting with their backs against the prickly wall, watching us. “Where’s Minho?” Teresa asks, being met with an answer soon after.
He comes racing out from between the walls and glares at us. It’s hard to take his expression seriously when he has the leftovers of my attack interwoven in his already spiky hair.
“Nice crown, Min.” Brenda teases and Thomas points at him, mouth open wide as breathy laughs leave him. Newt holds me close, smiling apologetically and I try to hide my laughs in his chest.
We’re all keeping it together (except T, obviously) until Teresa bends over gasping with laughter, tears in her eyes. This breaks us all as we laugh, Minho joining us after failing at keeping his glare.
Pulling away from Newt, I walk up and hug Minho. “Sorry, ya loser.” I say, rubbing the hay from his dark hair. “You look good with highlights, though.” His eyes squint together as his face pulls up into a toothy grin, resting into the dimples of his cheeks.
“I knew you had the hots for me, y/n!” He teases but instead of Thomas cutting off the comment, Newt wraps his arms protectively around my waist. A light gasp escapes my lips as my back hits his chest and his arms secure themselves firmly.
“You wish, you twit. It wouldn’t happen, even in your wildest dreams!” He calls, resting his chin on my shoulder. Minho shrugs, commenting with a 'I don’t know, my dreams can get pretty wild.’ which I laugh at and stick my tongue at him.
Heat rises to my cheeks at Newt’s slight protectiveness but in a good way. It wasn’t too much or mean, but it was simple; He made it clear that my heart belonged to him and no one else.
Looking back at my brother, his eyes gleaming with pride as he watches us and I just roll my eyes at him. A shiver rolls through me, causing goosebumps to spread across my skin, as Newt’s warm (slightly chapped) lips place a chaste kiss to the exposed skin of my shoulder.
My body’s reaction doesn’t go unnoticed by Newt and he mumbles an apology. Quickly shaking my head, I reassure him that it was completely fine and hold onto his arms, keeping their grip firm, so he can’t retract from me.
“C'mon, you awkward lovers, let’s keep exploring.” Thomas calls, snapping us out of our moment. Both of us flush and I hang my head low to hide my face as Newt drags me to join our friends. When I glance at him from the corner of my eye, I see that even the tips of his ears are beet red and, weirdly enough, I feel better.
Knowing that I’m no longer alone; in life, in my emotions, in everything. Welcoming the warmth that spreads from the middle of my chest, all the way to the tips of my fingers, I lean into his side and follow our group.
**Four Months Later**
My eyes wander across our apartment as I replay the past five months of my life, from the moment I moved here. How much my life has changed in such a short amount of time and how much I’ve grown.
Even though Newt and I aren’t together anymore, I’m still happy. Why you might ask? Because I know he’ll return home and welcome me, his girlfriend, with a kiss. Haha, heart attack and confusion much?
Of course, Newt and I are still together. Just not in the same area at this moment. Where is he, you might ask? He’s at a sports event with Thomas, bonding their brotherly friendship even more. They sent me a boomerang video of them enjoying the game and I replay it every five minutes, loving their expressions.
I love my boys, so much.
A familiar voice snaps me out of my trailing thoughts and I glance over at Brenda and Teresa. They both came over and will be spending the night since Newt and Thomas will be home late.
“Y/n, are you alright?” Teresa asks, placing a hand on my arm.
Nodding, I return to the present. “Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking about everything that’s happened since I’ve moved here. My daydreaming is over now.” Teresa smiles kindly at me and she returns her attention to the movie.
Brenda’s asleep in the love seat and I watch her shift, groaning at the interruption to her resting. One eye cracks open, looking at us and she yawns before sitting up. Her hair is stuck to her cheek and looks a bit knotted on the top.
“You guys should go upstairs. Share my bed, you’ll be more comfortable there.” I suggest after seeing Teresa yawning as well. They both ask where I’ll sleep and I can see the hesitation on their faces. “I’ll sleep on the couch. I’ve done it before and it has plenty of room.”
With tired faces, they nod and bid me goodnight. Their bodies disappear from my view and I get up to make sure the door is locked. As much as I want to stay up and wait for the boys, I feel fatigue weighing on my mind.
I am determined to stay awake. I am not sleepy. I will watch the television until their return. It shouldn’t be that hard, right? My eyes stare at the bright screen but my mind doesn’t get anything out of it. I can’t even tell you what movie I’m watching….
One moment I’m blinking, with the bright movie irritating my eyes. The next moment, I’m laying down on the couch, in the dark and I’m met with frustration at the fact that I couldn’t stay awake.
Groaning, I try to turn around and bury my face in the cushion. But as I turn, I notice that the fabric of my shirt bunches up, with resistance, as I turn and I’m met with a familiar voice groaning at my movement.
“What’s wrong, love?” My beloved British accent asks, clearly tired. He lifts his arm from around me, the one causing my shirt to resist, and shifts back to look at me. The room is dark but it’s the kind of dark where you can still see enough to work with.
Contrasting with my self-frustration, I smile at my boyfriend. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were here.” I admit and I feel him exhale out of his nose, laughing. “Nothing’s wrong, exactly. I’m just irritated that I fell asleep before you came home.”
Newt places a few kisses on my forehead, my cheek and then pecks my lips. “And I’m irritated that you’re irritated with yourself.” He teases and I flick his arm in response. “Seriously, y/n, it’s okay. I came home to the girl I love asleep on the couch and knew that you had been waiting.”
Humming, I still feel slightly bad. Newt knows me well enough to realize this and he pulls me to his chest, our legs overlapping each others, and holds me close as he whispers sweet nothings to me - helping me to fall back asleep.
****
In the morning, I wake up and I’m still snuggled up with Newt. An overwhelming feeling of love pulls at my heart as I watch the warmth of the early sun color his features. Without thinking about it, I remove my hand from his chest and run it over his cheek as I admire the small freckles.
Newt doesn’t wake up but he leans into my hand. The arms that are wrapped around me, pull me closer - almost protectively. One side of my mouth lifts as I trail my fingers up the side of his face and to his hair, marveling in the feel of it’s fluff.
As I comb through his hair, my thumb barely grazes his temple and he shivers, his skin flooding in goosebumps that disappear a moment later. I can’t help but imagine waking up to him everyday. Taking a picture in my mind, I try my hardest to memorize every detail so I never have to forget.
His eyelids wrinkle right before they open and his brown eyes focus on mine, the sunlight making them shine brighter than normal. I continue my fingers movements and he doesn’t try to stop me. We don’t speak because we don’t need to as we lay there, perfectly content with each other’s company.
Newt’s hand traces my arm while keeping his eyes on my face and it’s in such a loving way. “Darling?” He asks and I stop moving so I can listen. “I’m afraid that we have an audience.” It’s a whisper and I’m a bit confused.
His eyes look behind me and I prop myself up on my elbow to see what he’s talking about. Much to my dismay, Brenda is sitting in the love seat, Teresa is standing by the tv and Thomas is sitting on the floor with his chin resting on his hand as they all watch us.
Usually I’d be embarrassed but I’m not. Then I realize that I’m not embarrassed because they made no smart comments or teasing expressions, they’re just watching us with wonder. Watching their friends in the purest form of themselves.
It reminds me of the first time I went to work with Newt. He was so caught up in what he was doing that I was able to see him in a way that usually wouldn’t be seen. That’s what our audience is doing as well.
Newt clears his throat, startling me slightly and making our friends search to find something else to do. Together, we, unwillingly, get up and make room for others to sit. My boyfriend gives my hand a light squeeze before he gets up.
While he’s gone, I ask Thomas how the game was last night and he goes into an elaborate story about how everything. Everything he tells me seems like they enjoyed themselves and it makes me happy to hear him excited about spending time with Newt again.
Speaking of the British devil, he comes back and sits next to T on the floor. As much as I enjoy times like this, I have to leave for work soon. Newt goes into work an hour before me, today. So I get a ride from him since he works within walking distance of my job.
The girls left and Thomas made plans with Minho, leaving me and Newt to head out. Not too long after, I’m sitting in my chair beside Newt’s computer desk and I’m watching him as the time for me to leave nears.
His eyes bounce over to me every so often and I ask him why. “Come here, I want to show you something.” With that said, I scoot over to him as he pulls up a file.
An amazed gasp leaves me as a picture of us pulls up. It’s one of us laughing in this office. “How? I’ve never seen this picture!"
"This was taken right before we left, a few days after we started dating. Rob took it but just recently sent it to me. It was already so perfect, I didn’t need to edit anything.” He says, looking at me.
Emotions overlap one another and I feel my eyes sting with unshed happy tears. Without saying anything, I lay my head against his shoulder and he goes back to working.
Newt…Everything is perfect when I’m with you.
**EPILOGUE**
“I hate you…” I say to Newt as he holds my hand.
“No you don’t. You love me, dear.” He replies, a big smile on his face.
Huffing, I glare at him as he continues to drag me along. “I want to slap that smile off of your face. This is your fault!!” I accuse, not fully mad but still wanting him to understand.
“No it’s no-” He starts before looking at my stern expression. “Not completely.” It’s hard for me to be irritated with him because I’m not angry. I’m not sad or any of that. I’m nervous, happy and a little scared, really.
Newt feels me slightly pull back and he stops in front of me. “Newt….I’m excited, you know that, but I’m also terrified.” I admit, looking up at him. His face softens and he leans down a bit, looking straight into my eyes.
“Y/n, I married you. You’re my wife and, as your husband, I’m going to protect you. We’re in this together and that’s not going to change.” As if he uttered a magic spell, I’m almost instantly calmed.
With a kiss to my knuckles, he continues to guide me inside.
****
Chills of nervousness mixed with excitement wash over me and I look over at Newt, who is watching the tech with anticipation. “There we are! Well, congratulations! It’s a girl!” She says, pressing a button as she slides the transducer over my abdomen and takes a few pictures.
The biggest smile I’ve ever seen spreads across Newt’s lips and he looks at me with tears in his eyes. I’m sure I look exactly the same, knowing our baby girl is healthy.
The tech gives us the ultrasound prints and leads us out. As we’re walking to the car, Newt gets a phone call and immediately answers it. He puts it on speaker and I hear Thomas, Brenda, Minho, Teresa and both of our parents on the phone, asking for the results.
Glancing at each other, I nod at my husband to go ahead because I know he wants to be the one to tell them. “We’re having a little girl!” He beams. Immediately we’re met with cheers and congratulations.
Now, we’re sitting in the car and finishing up our phone call. After hanging up, Newt turns to me and we embrace each other. “You’re going to be the best Mom, y/n. I can’t believe we’re going to be parents.”
“I love you so much, Newt. You’re going to be an amazing Dad to the most clumsy little girl.” I tease and he giddily laughs. “Still, it’s your fault that I’m pregnant.” I say, returning to our earlier conversation.
“It’s also your fault. If you didn’t marry me, you wouldn’t be pregnant - So, I believe you should be thanking me.” He says, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
Resting his hand in my hair, I roll my eyes at him. “Fine, we’re both responsible for this. It is unbelievably amazing, though!”
“Yes, it’s a bit overwhelming. How are you feeling?” He asks, knowing that I had been feeling a lot of emotions before our appointment.
Smiling, I place his hand on my stomach and rest mine on top. “I’m so happy, Newt.”
“Me too. To think, all of this started when you moved here a long time ago. All of this is possible because it all started with you and me, meeting awkwardly on a set of stairs.” Newt recounts with a far off look in his eyes, remembering those moments.
This is the start of a new chapter of our life together. One of the many new experiences that I’ve encountered since (literally) falling for Newt and I’m no longer scared of what the future holds for us.