The First Runner

I really hate nightmares

Jess POV

I jolted awake, my heart racing as the remnants of the nightmare clung to me. Flashes of faces, places, and a woman screaming—her voice a haunting echo that seemed to pull me into a world I didn't recognize but felt all too familiar. My breath came in short, ragged bursts, and I struggled to ground myself.

"Jess."

Newt's voice was soothing, calm despite the early hour. I turned toward him, the dim light of the room revealing his worried expression. His arm was already around my shoulders, pulling me into his comforting embrace.

"Hey, hey, it's alright," he murmured, his voice steady as he gently rubbed slow circles on my back. "You're safe. It was just a nightmare."

I tried to focus on his words, but the images from the dream still swirled in my mind. My chest tightened, making it hard to breathe. I gripped the blanket, trying to steady myself.

"I keep seeing her," I whispered, my voice trembling. "The woman— I don't even know who she is."

Newt tightened his hold, pulling me closer against his chest. His warmth was a lifeline, grounding me. "She's not here, Jess. You're here with me, in the Glade. Nothing's going to hurt you here."

I leaned into him, drawing comfort from his closeness. "Thanks for always being here," I said, my voice muffled against his shoulder.

Newt pressed a soft kiss to my forehead. "You're not a burden, Jess. Never think that. I'm here because I want to be, not because I have to be."

His hand continued to rub circles on my back, and I felt my breathing slowly even out. I looked up at him, my eyes searching his for reassurance. "I hate waking you up like this."

Newt's thumb brushed away a tear I hadn't realized had fallen. "You don't have to apologize. I'm here for you, no matter what. We've been sharing a room for a year now, and I wouldn't change it for anything."

I managed a small smile, feeling more composed as he guided me to sit up. "Alright, let's get some breakfast in you. Minho's going to be his usual self, and you know he'll give us grief if we're late."

Newt helped me to my feet, his hand still resting gently on my back. We dressed quickly and made our way to the dining area. Minho was already at the table, his eyes sharp as he looked up at us.

"Morning, sleeping beauty," Minho greeted with a mischievous grin, his usual swagger evident. But as soon as he locked eyes with Newt, his expression shifted. The protective brother side of him emerged, and his gaze softened as he took in the concern on Newt's face.

"You okay, Jess?" Minho's voice was gentler now, and he raised an eyebrow, waiting for my response.

I nodded, attempting to shake off the last remnants of my nightmare. "Yeah, just a rough night."

Alby, who was already seated at the table, looked up with a concerned expression. "You alright, Jess?"

I forced a reassuring smile. "Just a nightmare. Nothing new."

"Alright, well, eat up. You remember I'm coming with you today," Alby said, handing me a plate with a slight frown of concern.

"Yeah, don't worry, I remember. I'm not that out of it," I replied, taking the plate with a small smile.

Minho's eyes flickered with his usual teasing light. "If you were, I'd have to start bringing you coffee or something. And we all know how I feel about coffee."

Newt chuckled softly beside me, his hand still warm against my lower back. "You'd have to bring her coffee just to get her to stay awake long enough to argue with you."

I took a bite of the food, trying to ignore the residual chill from the nightmare. Minho's playful banter and Newt's comforting presence made it easier to push the night's fears aside, though the tight knot in my chest hadn't fully unraveled. We finished up quickly and headed for the doors just as the first Gladers started to stir, their sleepy faces barely registering our movements.

I walked hand in hand with Newt, his thumb gently brushing over mine. The touch was simple but grounding, and I felt better with every step. Still, there was something lingering—an unease I couldn't quite shake, like the nightmare had left a shadow I couldn't escape.

"You sure you're alright?" Newt asked softly, his eyes searching mine.

I nodded, offering a small smile. "Yeah, just... still a bit off, I guess. But I'm fine. I'll be fine."

Newt stopped walking for a moment, tugging gently on my hand to pull me closer. "If you're not, you'll tell me, right? No being a stubborn shank today."

I huffed out a small laugh, leaning into him slightly. "Yeah, yeah. I'll let you know if I need anything."

He smiled, brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear before resting his forehead against mine for a brief second. The warmth of his touch soothed the lingering anxiety. "Good."

We continued toward the Maze entrance, the tension easing slightly as we walked. Up ahead, Minho and Alby were already waiting by the massive stone doors. Minho shot me a look, no words needed—just a quick nod to let me know he understood. No teasing today, just silent support. That nod was his way of saying, I've got your back, Tiger.

Alby, ever serious, crossed his arms as he took in the sight of us. His brow furrowed in concern as he locked eyes with me. "You sure you're up for this, Jess?" His voice had a firm edge to it, but I knew it came from a place of care.

I squared my shoulders and forced a grin. "I'm fine, you shanks. Let's do this."

Newt gave my hand one last squeeze before finally letting go as we neared the Maze entrance. "Remember," he said softly, his gaze holding mine with intensity, "be careful."

I smiled, feeling the weight of the moment lift just a little. "Always." I leaned in and pecked him on the lips, the brief touch leaving a soft warmth as the doors groaned open. "Love you, babe. See you later."

Newt's eyes softened, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he nodded. "Love you too, JJ. Don't keep me waiting too long."

As the massive stone doors creaked apart, Minho motioned for me to follow. "Alright, Tiger, let's go find that dead griever."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever awaited us inside the Maze. There was no turning back now.