What if?

Chapter 32

It was a beautiful afternoon in the Safe Haven. The group just finished their breakfast. 

Everyone went about their chores and tasks for the day. Newt, still trying to hide the mark on his neck, was working on repairs with Gally and some other people. He was aware that Gally was giving him lingering looks every once in a while, but he tried to ignore it.

Thomas was helping out with the crops, working alongside other members of the settlement. His eyes kept wandering over to Newt, watching him as he went about his tasks.

Teresa was working in the medical tent, taking inventory and organizing supplies. However, she couldn't help but glance over at Newt and Thomas every so often, a playful smile on her lips.

Minho was helping around the camp, but he made sure to find time to bother Newt whenever he had the chance. He would tease Newt about his "little love mark" and make jokes, much to Newt's chagrin.

Time passed quickly as everyone was focused on their tasks, the sun slowly descending in the sky.

As the sun set, the work around the camp was mostly done for the day. Newt, feeling tired and somewhat exhausted, wandered back to his tent, the mark on his neck more pronounced than before, thanks to his efforts to cover it up all day.

Once inside the tent, he collapsed on his makeshift bed, letting out a sigh. His mind was still on the events of the morning, the memory of Thomas's touch and Minho's endless teasing running through his head.

The flap of the tent opening suddenly made him sit up, the movement sending a small shiver down his spine. Thomas stood in the entrance, looking at Newt with an amused expression.

"Hey," Thomas greeted, entering the tent and closing the flap behind him. He sat down on the edge of Newt's bed.

Newt's heart rate picked up, and he reflexively put a hand up to his neck, as if to cover the mark.

Thomas chuckled at the movement, clearly amused by Newt's attempt to cover up. "You don't have to keep hiding it, you know?" he said. "Everyone already knows."

Newt's cheeks flared up again, and he let his hand drop from his neck. "I know, I know. It's just... I feel like they're all staring at it," he muttered.

Thomas chuckled again, shifting closer on the bed. "They're just curious, it's nothing to worry about."

He lightly touched Newt's neck, tracing the mark with his fingertips. "Besides, I think it looks good on you."

Newt's skin tingled again at Thomas's touch, and he struggled to suppress a shiver. "You would, wouldn't you..." he muttered, still feeling a bit self-conscious about the mark.

Thomas smirked, his hand moving from Newt's neck to his jaw. "Of course I do," he said, his voice low. "And I'm not the only one who thinks so."

Newt's heart rate skyrocketed, the feeling of Thomas's hand on his jaw sending tingles through his whole body. He swallowed hard, staring into Thomas's eyes, unable to look away even if he wanted to.

"You, uh... you're not possessive, are you?" he joked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Me? Possessive?" Thomas said, feigning innocence. "Of course not."

He moved even closer, his hand sliding around the back of Newt's neck. "I just like the idea of everyone knowing that you're mine," he said, his breath hot against Newt's skin.

Newt's breath hitched at Thomas's words, and he couldn't help the shiver that ran down his spine. "Thomas, I-" he started, but his words were cut off as Thomas leaned forward and captured his lips in a passionate kiss.