The First Runner

I thought I lost you

I woke up slowly, the world around me coming into focus bit by bit. My whole body felt heavy and sore, as if I'd been trampled by a herd of Grievers. The first thing I noticed was the smell—antiseptic and something herbal, probably something Clint whipped up. I blinked, my eyes adjusting to the dim light filtering through the cracks in the wooden walls.

I was in the medjack hut. The pain in my side was a dull, constant throb, and I could feel bandages tightly wrapped around me. I could tell there were two people in the room, I just wasn't sure who. 

I shifted and immediately felt the pain increase and I let out a groan. Instantly the two people in the room where at my side and I found myself looking up at the familiar faces of my boyfriend and annoying best friend.

"Hey Tiger, you're awake," Minho exclaimed, relief evident in his voice.

 "How do you feel JJ?" Newt asked, his eyes filled with concern.

 I tried to speak but my throat was dry and scratchy. I managed to croak out "Water," 

 "I got it," Minho said getting up and walking to the door.

 "Minho, get Clint while you're out there," Newt said before his eyes turned back to mine.

I watched Minho nod and disappear through the doorway, leaving me alone with Newt. His gaze stayed locked on mine, a mixture of worry and relief etched on his face. I could see the exhaustion in his eyes, like he hadn't slept in days.

"How long was I out?" I managed to ask, my voice barely above a whisper. Every word felt like it scraped my throat raw.

"Couple of days," Newt answered softly, pulling a chair closer to my bedside. He reached out, gently taking my hand in his. His touch was warm and steady, a comforting contrast to the chaos I remembered. "You had us all worried, Jess."

I squeezed his hand weakly, grateful for his presence. The memories of the maze and the Grievers came rushing back, and I shuddered involuntarily. "We... we got Gally out, right?" I asked, needing to be sure that my efforts hadn't been in vain and that Gally was still breathing.

Newt nodded, a small smile breaking through the concern. "Yeah, we did. Thanks to you. He got stung but we gave him the grief serum and he's been up and about for a couple of days, although he did serve time in the slammer but other than that he seems ok,"

Relief washed over me, and I let out a shaky breath. "Good," I murmured, feeling the tension in my body ease just a little. "That's... that's good."

Newt's expression softened, and he leaned in a bit closer. "You're a bloody hero, you know that?" His voice was thick with emotion, and I could see the sincerity in his eyes. "You saved him, Jess."

"I just... I couldn't leave him," I whispered, my voice cracking. "I couldn't let him die out there."

Newt squeezed my hand, his thumb gently rubbing circles on the back of it. "And that's why you're amazing," he said softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to my forehead. "But next time, don't scare us like that, okay? I thought I lost you,"

I managed a small, tired smile. "I'll try," I whispered.

"Here you go Tiger," Minho said walking in with Clint, Nick, and Alby close behind. He brought the glass to my lips and I allowed the cool liquid to run down my parched throat, savoring the cool sensation.

"Thanks Minho," I said my voice coming out far less scratchy.

"Hey Jess, what hurts the most?" Clint said coming over and doing some vitals

I took a moment to assess my body, feeling the dull aches and sharper pains that still lingered. "My back," I admitted, wincing as I shifted slightly. "And my side... it feels like something's pressing against my ribs. My whole left arm as well,"