No Better Version of Me Than When I'm With You

Chapter 1

Chapter Summary: Thomas comes up with a crazy plan to help Newt.
A/N: This fic has been pre-written and will update on a weekly schedule. It is also cross-posted to AO3 under a different pseudonym (where a less sfw version of the later chapters will be posted. If you're interested in that, DM me and I'll share my pseudonym for the site!) Votes and comments are much appreciated! Hope you enjoy!

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"I don't know what to do, Tommy." Newt groaned, looking at him from his position to Thomas' right on the couch where they sat watching a movie.

"In regard to what?" Thomas asked distractedly, rather enjoying said movie, but it sounded like Newt was ready to figure out life plans less than a day after graduation.

"My student visa runs out in two months."

"I know, and?" Thomas still didn't look over at him but could see out of the corner of his eye that he was being stared imploringly at as if he were just supposed to have the answers to Newt's visa problem.

"I want to keep living here, obviously, y'know; hoping to make this a permanent thing."

"I can't believe you waited until the last minute to try and figure something out." Thomas paused the movie with a sigh, turning to meet his gaze. A small grin jumped onto Newt's face as he finally got his full attention.

"I know, it's such a you thing to do."

"Hey!"

"Just statin' fact." Newt shrugged, grin widening.

"Mhmm, sure." Thomas knew he was right, but admitting to that would be a crime.

"So d'you have any ideas, then?" Newt asked, sobering slightly. "'cause I'm shit outta luck over here."

Thomas thought for a second, absentmindedly chewing on the cuticle of his thumb. What would help Newt get his green card before his student visa ran out? Was there any such solution? His mind wandered for a few moments to earlier that morning when he'd checked his pay stub as he'd gotten paid. He remembered vividly cringing at the amount of taxes that were taken out of his check and shook off the thought. He was making decent money, but the taxes were killing him. Felt like more was being taken out there than needed to be taken, if he was honest.

It was then, as his mind began to wander to other things, that the idea struck him. "Crazy idea. . ." He said with a slow grin, gaze focusing again on Newt.

Newt narrowed his eyes suspiciously, "I can see your wheels spinnin' Tommy, what're you thinking?"

"What if – and hear me out here – what if we get married?"

Newt blinked, expression blank for several seconds. Thomas waited for the reaction he knew was coming.

"You're out of your bloody mind! We aren't getting married." Newt scoffed, laughing wryly.

Ah, there it was.

"C'mon, just think about it for a second!" Thomas pleaded, suddenly entirely onboard with the idea. "You can get a spousal green card, and I'll get a break in my taxes by not filing as single anymore." Newt watched him, expression back to suspicion; but he was silent, which meant he was thinking about it. That was good, he could work with that. "And, if we join our money, we could probably even afford a house. Like an actual house, better than this shitty thing." Thomas gestured at the walls around them. They'd been living in the same cramped, outdated apartment for the last two years, having been more focused on their studies than where they lived.

"You actually have a point," Newt sounded begrudging. "I can't believe I'm considering this, but you have a point. It would help both of us, this. . . union."