In The Maze

Chapter twenty-one (Y/N)

Four things:

1) Newt's suicide attempt is briefly mentioned in the beginning, so skip if you prefer. I didn't go into the story because most of the fandom already knows it and because it makes me sad, having attempted twice myself.

2) Adrian is named after Publius Aelius Hadrianus, an emperor of Rome.

3) I have been building up to this chapter for so long! You have no idea how much I've bounced this around my crazy, chaotic brain! I'm actually kinda proud with how it turned out, so I hope you enjoy it!

4) PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE give me your thoughts!!! Your comments are what keep me going and I'd love to hear from you!

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"Mornin' Darling," Newt murmured before placing a soft kiss on my temple and nuzzling into my hair. 

I shifted so I was on my side, facing Newt with my head on his shoulder. With a content sigh, I let my eyelids flutter open, weary of the morning sun streaming through the window above the bed. I grinned at Newt's adorable, sleepy expression. That sweet smile gets me every time.

"Hi, honey. Sleep okay?"

He nodded and pulled me closer, his grip strong despite his grogginess. He always did hold me tighter the nights before I ran. Probably his subconscious way of dealing with my future absence. "Mhm. I usually do if we're sleepin' together. You?"

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and nodded. The same sentiment applied to me as well. Over eleven months here and I still couldn't believe how lucky I was to have Newt by my side. There were times when I doubted myself and my ability to support Newt, but, no matter what, he always found ways to reassure me and reaffirm the importance and strength of our relationship. Even in unintentional ways, like he did last night.

Last night, after making out and while we cuddled, Newt told me the story behind his limp. It was heartbreaking and I almost regretted wanting to know in the first place. But Newt had been composed and wiped my tears away with an affectionate look on his face.

"I'm glad my suicide attempt failed," he'd said. "Because if I weren't here I never would have reconnected with the love of my life."

It was a bittersweet moment and we were both better for it.

Taking our time, we got dressed and I slipped on my running gear. I was just about to leave when Newt stopped me, his body tight with apprehension. He shuffled anxiously and scratched the back of his neck.

"This was supposed to be for our one year anniversary. I know it's a little early, but I wanted to give this to you." Newt fished around in his bedside table drawer, an intense look of concentration on his face. "It's not much, I know. But I worked with what I had." He pulled out a small object and handed it to me.

It was a necklace. Simple in its design but charming all the same. Two, thin leather strips were looped around a one-inch, steel washer that was so shiny I could see my reflection in it. At the other end, one strip of leather connected to a smaller washer and the other, to a smooth metal bar which created a toggle clasp when inserted into the washer.

"Oh, Newt," I breathed, rubbing my thumb against the sleek metal and velvety leather. It was gorgeous and I absolutely loved it. "Thank you! Thank you so much!" I wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my lips to his, unable to stop smiling.

Blushing, he breathed a sigh of relief. "I'm so glad you like it."

"Like it? I love it." I put the necklace on then admired it in the mirror. It fit well and was a choker-style length which ensured it wouldn't get caught on anything while I worked. Then I realized, the individual pieces were the same ones I saw in his room months ago. "You've been working on this for a while, haven't you?"