Secrets | TMR | One

3:1

A/N More mention of self-harm and mental health
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By time Nick had managed to settle Adeline down, breakfast was nearly underway. A queue of Gladers fighting to get into the bathroom is what the pair were met with, along with the odd cheer or whistle as the boys watched them pass.

The leader gave no care to this, however, too busy concentrating on getting Adeline back to their room.

Thinking back on the previous few hours, and the fact that Adeline had been keeping everything locked up inside riddles the boy with guilt.

Although she had promised him that the tears were just a result of her nightmare, Nick knows her well enough to know that her statement was nothing short of a fib. A lie in which she told to protect him, so that he can heal his own mind.

But he does not need protecting.

He is not a child.

Well, he is, but he is not one that requires looking after. He is a leader, the leader of the Glade, and of its inhabitants.

Seeing Adeline in such a fragile state made him realise just how much they all needed him, and contradictory to what the girl had said, it is his job to ensure that each and every one of them is happy in their home.

That is why, for the first time in months, after leaving Adeline in the capable hands of Alby, he inhales the morning air from the front step of the Homestead, and not from his window.

First task on his list is to speak with Gally. To find out exactly what happened with Adeline the night before, and explain to the builder that he really has no business trying to push the girl for answers.

On this morning, it would appear that luck is on the leaders side, for the first thing he spots as he enters the kitchen is the keeper in question, stood by the counter with his back facing Nick.

The leader briskly walks forward, turning his body to the side just when he reaches the counter. His left hand balls into a fist, the side of resting against the counter while looking to the builder.

"We need to talk" Nick states, but he keeps his voice low enough so as to not run the risk of any other Gladers eavesdropping.

Gally turns his head to look at him, his left arm - which was originally stretched out - bends slightly from the turn. "Alright."

Nick begins to turn away, but falters as Frypan talks to him.

"You wanting a plate of something before you go, Nick?"

"Uh, no, it's fine, I'll grab something later" the leader responds, sending a tight-lipped smile towards the cook before looking to Gally and twitching his head to the right.

The pair stroll away from the kitchen, through the dining area and out into the Glade.

"Where are we going?" Gally questions, although he continues to follow the leader.

"For a walk" Nick advises, stuffing his hands into his pockets, shrugging his shoulders and glancing to the builder. "Thought we'd have a nice chat about last night."

"Okay..." Gally starts, mimicking Nick's movements by stuffing his own hands into his pockets, "what do you wanna know?"

"What happened. From start to finish, leave no details out please."

The builder clicks his tongue against his teeth and tilts his head to the side, keeping his eyes trained on the ground a few feet in front of him. "Well, I saw a lamp on outside my window, and when I looked outside I saw Adeline sitting on the step. So, I went out there and tried asking her about her nightmare and-"