Aris Jones X Reader One Shots

No Longer Alone (Part 4)

Despite having time to think about it, I never actually considered what the feelings of being free would be. I just assumed happiness, but what about the confusion of what I’m meant to do? The worry of screwing it all up? The fear of WCKD taking me back? The nervousness that I won't know which one of these many people is my Aris?

Staying away from everyone for now, I stared at the setting sun, still taking it all in. I hadn't spoken a word yet. I hadn't had a reason to.

I should probably go find someone and figure out what exactly is going on, but I don't think I have much energy left. Turns out, a lifetime of experiments and torture really makes you tired. Who could have guessed that?

I should still try and find Aris though. Somehow.

Sighing, I stood up, brushing the sand of my pants. Slightly shaking my head, I silently scolded myself for freaking out about every small thing before taking a breath and turning around.

As I did, I found myself facing a fairly pale boy with brunette hair that was pushed out of his face. He has a small bandage on his cheek and a split lip. One of his eyes was bruised, and he was wearing the same uniform I was. WCKD’s uniform.

“Hi,”I got out, giving a small wave.

The boy’s face flashed with some sort of recognition as he looked at my wrist. Following his gaze, I saw him fixating on the bracelet with wide eyes, even as I put my hand down.

“Aris?”I asked hesitantly, walking closer to him.

“Y/N?”

Holding out my hand to him, I let him take a closer look at the bracelet. Slowly, he took my hand while inspecting the beads that spelled out my name. The ones he was already familiar with.

“I didn't get to keep the notes. I didn't have time to take them,”I admitted.

He didn't say anything. Just put my hand down before wrapping both his arms around me. An unexpected embrace that I immediately returned, resting my face by his chest and listening to his heartbeat.

“I’m glad you're okay,”He whispered.

“I’m glad I’m here with you. I love you in every way you could ever love someone,”I whispered back, shutting my eyes as tears fell from them. All the overwhelming emotions, relief, uncertainty, comfort, all of it spilled out at once.

“I love you too. I won't let bad things happen to you anymore. Okay? I’ll make sure nothing hurts you,”He said gently, cupping my cheeks with his hands. Using his thumbs, he wiped my tears away, even as they kept falling. “It’s okay. You're safe here,”He coaxed.

“How can you be sure?”

“I’ll make sure of it. As long as I’m here, nothing will touch you.”

Reaching my hands out, I held his injured face without really thinking about it. He gave a strained smile until I gently kissed his cheek. As I pulled away I could see a small blush creeping on his soft skin.

“Thank you for keeping me sane. I didn't know how much I needed you until I had you,”I admitted, taking both his hands in mine.

“Thank you for being my good thing in there. I needed it. I needed you too,”He smiled, lacing our fingers together. 

“So what do we do now?”

“I think we just live.”

He spoke in a way that told me his answer had another meaning. One that I was too tired to decipher right now.

“Can I live with you?”I asked hesitantly.

“If that's what you want.”

Nodding my head, I wrapped both my arms around him again, closing my eyes as I listened to his still beating heart. It may just be the nicest sound I’ve ever heard.

“I love you,”I repeated.

It feels nice not to have to say it through a vent.

“I love you too.”

Or hear it through one.