Free (Maze Runner fanfic Newtmas Newt x Thomas)

Chapter 13

Newt refused to talk to anyone since Thomas pushed him in the trough. Minho's little comment made its way to Newt and he got so flushed in embarrassment that he was avoiding everyone's gaze. They all shared the same knowing smirk, so either they heard it or Minho was telling everyone what he heard.

After some tough persuasion, the three boys and the other runners all followed Thomas to where he found the crack in the wall, planning to spend today finding out what exactly was behind it. For all they knew, it could be a glitch in WICKED's system and the crack would be gone by the time they got there.

With different tools each, they spent the whole day hammering away at the wall, slowly making the crack wider until it was sizeable enough to be called a hole and they found a keypad. "We're going to have to clear the rest of this door before we trying entering anything. It probably won't open otherwise." Gally said, trying to be in control."

"So shut up and continue." Thomas retorted, whacking his hammer at the wall and making a large chunk fall down.

"No, it's late, we need to head back if we're all going to beat the walls." Minho said, starting to pack away his things.

"Then I'll stay overnight."

"Oh no you don't." Newt grabbed his arm, "not after last time. For all we know this is also where those grievers live in the day, they can't just magically vanish when the sun comes out."

He had a point, he could stay overnight and not even be able to do anything to the wall. He nodded, making Newt's body relax a little. "Let's go back then."

~*~

They all returned again the next day, and managed to uncover the whole circular door by lunchtime. The keypad sat directly in the middle, a narrow display on top of it. Not even a handle, so hopefully this door would open on its own. "Okay, we've got in uncovered. Let's pack up, head back, grab the others, and come straight back." Minho ordered, everyone agreeing and hastily shoving things into their rucksacks.

The walls closing was their time limit, that was the maximum time they had before needing to leave but with a plan of escape, but arriving at the wall before grievers appeared would be preferable. One Mourney was eaiser to avoid than countless grievers; Thomas had never confirmed how many there were, just that 'they kept coming'.

With everyone virtually healed, even Newt as he managed to keep good pace with the others, it shouldn't be too hard to get everyone together. Since Thomas and Gally volunteered to round everyone up, they headed back first at a faster pace, a good couple minutes ahead the others. "So.. Thomas, eh?" Minho asked, giving Newt playful nudges.

Newt jabbed his elbow into Minho's ribs. "You just had to mention it, didn't you?"

"Your reaction was priceless." Newt scowled at him. "But even those kisses of yours couldn't muffle it. Congrats anyway, you dirty shank. Can't wait till you reach third base."

"Minho!" Newt looked away, his face gone bright red.

Minho laughed and they continued running in silence.

~*~

They were almost back when Gally slowly came to a stop round a corner, making Thomas stop as well. "What?" Thomas went quiet. "Do you hear the Mourner?"

"You can't leave the maze."

Thomas frowned. "What? Why not?"

"Things are only going to get worse."

"What are you on about? What could possibly be worse than this place? Stabbed by the Mourner? Stung to death by grievers? WICKED won't supply this place forever and with all the klunk that's been going on I think things are only going to get worse if we stick around."