Multifandom One-shots

152. A Brief Respite With Moment of Love - Newt x male reader (The Maze Runner)

The sun hung lazily in the sky, filtering warm, dappled light through the dense canopy that encircled the Glade. For once, the air was calm, free from the usual hum of anxious whispers or the distant rumbling of the Maze walls.

Today was a rare reprieve—a day off granted by the Keepers to let everyone catch their breath. Minho and Newt, having survived a particularly grueling week of navigating the Maze, were more than ready for a break.

Minho stretched his arms above his head, a satisfied sigh escaping him as he walked beside Newt. "Feels good to be out here, huh? Away from the chores?" His teasing grin was in full force.

Newt chuckled, his hands buried in his pockets. "Definitely. Not often we get a chance to just... breathe." He tilted his head back, squinting at the patches of blue sky peeking through the trees. "Almost makes you forget we're trapped in this bloody place."

"Almost," Minho agreed, their shared silence settling comfortably between them—a quiet testament to their bond forged through adversity. They ventured deeper into the forest, the shadows lengthening as the trees grew denser.

As they rounded a bend, a rhythmic thwack of an ax splitting wood drew their attention. Minho raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Who's working on their day off?"

Newt shrugged, though his interest was clearly piqued. "Only one way to find out," he said, quickening his pace despite his slight limp. They pushed through a cluster of low-hanging branches and emerged into a small clearing.

Y/N was there, a Builder known for maintaining the Glade's structures and providing firewood. Today, he was preparing wood for the next Greenie's welcome bonfire. With his shirt draped over a nearby stump, his bare back gleamed with sweat, each swing of the ax revealing the strength in his muscles.

Newt froze, his breath catching at the sight. Y/N's effortless strength and focus were unexpectedly captivating. Newt's heart raced, and he found himself unable to look away.

Minho, ever perceptive, noticed Newt's reaction and smirked. He elbowed Newt playfully. "Enjoying the view, Newt?"

Newt's face flushed deep red as he jerked his gaze away. "Shut it, Minho," he muttered, though a hint of a smile tugged at his lips. Minho's amusement was unmistakable, and Newt tried to maintain his composure, despite his eyes returning to Y/N.

Minho leaned in closer and whispered, "Careful, Newt. You're drooling."

Newt shot him a half-hearted glare. "Keep it up, and I'll throw you in the bloody pit."

Minho laughed, hands raised in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. But you've got to admit, you're making it way too easy."

Unaware of the banter, Y/N continued stacking wood, his movements efficient and fluid. He looked up as he finished, his eyes catching sight of Minho and Newt. A warm grin spread across his face. "Well, look who decided to join me—my two favorite Gladers!" He nodded at Minho. "Speedy..." he said with a playful twinkle before his gaze lingered on Newt. "And Handsome."

Newt's heart skipped at the nickname. He struggled to keep his expression neutral, the simple word affecting him more than he wanted to admit.

Minho, clearly entertained, chuckled. "Speedy, huh? And Handsome? That's a new one."

Y/N shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "I call it like I see it." His eyes lingered on Newt with a spark that made Newt's stomach flutter.

Newt cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "Thanks, I guess," he said, his voice higher than he intended.

Y/N leaned on his ax, muscles rippling under the sun's glow. "What brings you two out here? Thought you'd be enjoying a break from all the running."

Minho shrugged. "We were, but then we heard someone hacking away and figured we'd check it out. Didn't expect to find you working on your day off."