How I survived in an all boys glade

Chapter Nine

- A day off -

"After you, M'Lady." Newt grins, his eyes sparkling with playful mischief as he opens the door to my hut. He bows slightly, a gesture full of charm.

I can't help but giggle at his antics, feeling a warm flutter in my chest. "Why, thank you, kind sir," I reply, my voice light and teasing as I step into the small hut, the familiar scent of wood and earth surrounding me. The door closes softly behind me, and before I can take another step, I feel a pair of strong arms wrap around me once again.

I lean into his touch, allowing him to guide me to the bed. Newt helps me sit down gently, his hand lingering on my shoulder as he ensures I'm comfortable.

"Hey, Newt," I say, my voice quieter now as I watch him surveying the small things that make the hut feel like home. The little touches, the trinkets, the blankets. It's comforting to see how he's noticed every small detail.

"Hmm?" He hums, a soft acknowledgment that he's listening, his gaze flicking back to me. "Could you grab a pair of sweatpants from the basket for me?" I ask, nodding toward the corner of the room where a basket of laundry sits.

Newt turns to me, a slight smile pulling at the corner of his lips. "Sure, love." His voice is warm, and I feel my stomach flutter at the nickname, like a swarm of butterflies suddenly taking flight. It's silly, really, but it makes me smile, the softness in his words spreading warmth in my chest.

As he walks over to the basket, I can't help but watch him, a smile creeping across my lips. His movements are calm, confident, and he somehow manages to make everything seem effortless.

He's almost to my bed again when I call out, "Newt...?"

He pauses, turning around with a small frown of curiosity. "Hmm?" His gaze is gentle, his attention fully on me.

"Could you stay for a while? I mean, after I've changed, of course," I ask, my words softer now, tinged with vulnerability. The blood loss still lingers, and though I feel much better, there's an emptiness when I'm alone. I don't want to be by myself just yet, not in this quiet, empty space.

Newt's expression softens, and he smiles reassuringly. "Sure." His voice is comforting, sincere. "I'll just be right outside the door if you need me."

He walks back to the door and exits, leaving me to change, but even then, his presence lingers. Slowly, I shift to the edge of my bed, carefully pulling off the bloodstained pants, folding them neatly and placing them on the floor beside me. The shirt, too, has bloodstains on it, so I begin to peel it off, wincing slightly as my left arm protests.

I hear a soft knock on the door. "Come in," I call, already knowing who it is. Newt peeks his head in, his brow furrowing slightly as if unsure whether he's interrupting something. But when he sees it's fine, he steps inside, a sheepish smile on his face. "Need some help with that...?" he asks, a quiet chuckle in his voice as he watches me struggling with the shirt.

I laugh lightly, feeling a little embarrassed at my own awkwardness. "Yes, please," I admit, thankful for the assistance.

He steps toward me, his movements slow and deliberate as he gently takes hold of the bottom of my shirt. His fingers brush lightly against my waist, sending a wave of warmth through me, making my breath hitch for just a moment. His touch is soft, deliberate, and I can't help but smile up at him, my heart skipping a beat.

But then, as he begins to pull the sleeve off my injured arm, a sharp sting runs through my muscles, and I hiss in pain.

"Sorry," Newt quickly apologizes, his voice full of concern. His expression tightens with empathy as he carefully maneuvers my arm out of the sleeve, the shirt falling to the floor with a soft rustling sound.

He looks back at me, our eyes meeting, and for a moment, we just stare at each other. His hazel brown eyes are full of tenderness, and something unspoken passes between us in the silence.

I glance away, my heart racing a little faster, and shift in the bed to make more space for him. "You can sit down," I murmur, leaning back against the wall, feeling an overwhelming need to be close to him.

He sits down beside me, and I lean into him, my head resting gently on his shoulder. His presence is grounding, and I feel my heart settle as the tension in my chest begins to ease. He doesn't say anything, but I can feel the comfort of his body next to mine, his warmth seeping into me, and I close my eyes for a moment, letting the silence wrap around us.

It's peaceful. In a world full of chaos, this simple moment feels like everything.