The Maze Runner - One Shots / AU

Becoming a Runner - Newt

"Why can't I be a Runner? Tell me!" I shout.

"It's too dangerous out there," Alby says.

"We can't risk losing anyone else," Newt adds.

"Because I'm a girl?" I ask.

Both Alby and Newt don't say a thing. Looks like I'm right.

"Y/N, we're only trying to protect you! You've been here for a little more than a week," our leader explains.

"So? Thomas became a Runner in less than a week!"

"You're just like Tommy," Newt sighs.

"Only that I'm a girl, and that's why you don't want me to be a Runner. Right?" I'm starting to get angry, but then Thomas speaks in my mind.

"Don't worry, Y/N. You'll be a Runner. I'll talk to them."

"What? How?"

"Just wait till I get back, okay?"

"Okay."

A few minutes before the Doors close, Thomas and Minho return to the Glade. Theygo straight to the Map Room, without saying anything to any of the other Gladers. But Thomas speaks in my mind again. "I'll talk to Newt when I get back from the Map Room."

"Okay," I reply.

"So, what did Newt say?" I ask out loud when Thomas gets back from talking to Newt.

"They're having a Gathering right now," he explains.

"Y/N! Come over here!" Newt shouts after dinner. I walk over to him.

Next to Newt are Alby and Minho.

"Yeah?" I ask.

"You don't give up that easily, huh? Well, congrats: starting from tomorrow, you're a Runner," Newt speaks. "You can thank your friend Tommy later."

I just stand there, not knowing what to say. "Newt.."

"You won't be running the Maze all alone, though. So you'll go with Minho and Tommy the first couple of days, maybe weeks."

I nod. "Good that."

Then Alby and Minho walk away, and I'm about to do the same, when Newt grabs my wrist. I turn around and see the worried look in his eyes.

"Please, be careful. You'll be with two of our best Runners, but still.. Be careful. I.. I don't wanna lose you," he whispers, then hugs me.

"Thank you, Newt," I say, and hug him back.

"And thank you, Thomas," I say in his mind.