angelic - newt x reader

3

The day dragged on, a steady rhythm of tasks keeping your hands busy while your mind wandered. A few Gladers had stopped by with minor injuries—a scrape here, a bruise there. Nothing too serious, but enough to keep you on your toes.

One of the Slicers had come in earlier with a nasty cut on his forearm from a slip with his tools, and a Builder had needed a bandage for his knuckles after an unfortunate run-in with a poorly placed plank of wood. You'd patched them up quickly, offering reassurances that they'd be fine and sending them back to their work.

The Medhut was quieter now, the late afternoon light streaming in through the small window and casting long shadows across the walls. You found yourself tidying up the space again, organizing the supplies for what felt like the hundredth time that day. It wasn't the most exciting job, but it kept your mind off things—off the ever-present hum of anxiety that seemed to linger in the Glade.

As the minutes ticked by, you couldn't help but glance out toward the Maze entrance in the distance. The runners had been gone all day, and though you weren't supposed to worry about them, it was hard not to. The Maze was unpredictable, dangerous, and the thought of anyone being caught out there too long made your stomach twist.

After another thirty minutes or so, you saw the Runners returning through the Maze entrance, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and determination. The sun hung lower in the sky now, casting long shadows over the Glade as they jogged back, Minho leading the others with his usual confident stride.

You stepped out of the medhut, leaning against the doorframe as they approached. It was always a relief to see them all make it back safely, even if some days they came back worse for wear. Today, though, it seemed like luck was on their side—no limping or visible injuries as far as you could tell.

Minho, Ben, and the rest of the Runners slowed their pace as they neared the Glade, exchanging quiet words with each other. You could see their energy was spent, but they still carried themselves with purpose. Newt, Alby, and a few others were standing nearby, watching them with approving nods.

As the Runners made their way toward the rest area, you turned to head back into the medhut. Your shift was almost up.

Once you'd finished, you freshened up and headed to the dining area. The tables were already filling up with the usual chatter of the Gladers. You grabbed your plate, scanned the room, and found a spot near the corner, where Chuck waved you over with a smile.

"Hey, over here!" he called, and you made your way over to join him. He looked exhausted but happy, already picking at his food.

"Long day?" you asked, sitting down across from him.

"You could say that," Chuck replied, chuckling. "But at least we're all in one piece."

You smiled, picking up your fork and joining him in eating, grateful for the calm of the evening after a hectic day.

You leaned forward slightly, watching Chuck fiddle with his spoon. "So," you began softly, "how's the job trial going? Tried anything interesting today?"

Chuck's face lit up, though there was a hint of embarrassment in his smile. "Frypan had me in the kitchen earlier," he admitted. "It didn't exactly go great, though."

You raised a curious brow. "What happened?"

"Let's just say I might've overcooked the stew... and almost set the bread on fire," he muttered.

You couldn't help but laugh, the sound drawing a grin from him. "Hey, it's a learning curve. At least you're trying," you said, resting your chin on your hand.

"Yeah, well, I don't think Frypan wants me back anytime soon," Chuck replied, though there was a playful glint in his eye. "Maybe tomorrow I'll try something that doesn't involve sharp knives or fire."

"Probably a safe bet," you teased lightly. "But don't stress it. You'll find something that suits you."

Chuck nodded, a small smile forming on his lips. "Thanks again, Y/N. You always know what to say."

Once you finished your meal, you stood up and grabbed your plate, ready to drop it off in the kitchen. Chuck gave you a cheerful wave as you walked away, and you smiled back at him before heading to the sink where the other Gladers had started stacking their dishes.

As you reached out to place your plate down into the sink, another hand moved in at the same time, brushing against yours. You flinched slightly, looking up just as Newt pulled his hand back, his gaze meeting yours for a brief moment, "Sorry about that," he said, his voice soft with an almost apologetic tone, the warmth in his eyes catching you off guard.

For a moment, you found yourself getting lost in his gaze, your thoughts suddenly scattered. There was something in the way his eyes held yours, a quiet intensity that made it hard to look away. For a few moments, you just stood there, frozen, as the noise of the kitchen seemed to fade into the background.

"You alright?" Newt's voice broke through the silence, gentle and concerned, as he studied you with a small smile.

You blinked, suddenly snapping out of the daze, "Yeah," you said with a small, almost shy smile. You giggled lightly "I'm good."

Newt smiled back, making your heart flutter just a little. He didn't push further, though, just keeping his distance in that easy, understanding way he always did.

You turned back to the sink, grabbing your plate to wash. After rinsing it, you reached up to place it on one of the higher shelves, but it was just out of your reach. You stretched on your tiptoes, trying to get it into place, but it still wouldn't quite make it.

Just as you were about to try again, you felt his presence behind you, close but not overwhelming. Newt reached over you to easily place your plate on the shelf. The proximity between you both sent a little shiver down your spine, and you couldn't help but notice how easily he towered over you, his frame warm and strong as he hovered just behind.

"There you go," he said softly, his voice low but kind, his gaze lingering on you for just a second longer than usual.

"Thanks," you whispered as you looked up at him. His eyes were still on you, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away, just the two of you standing there in the quiet kitchen.

Just then, Minho's voice cut through the stillness. "Am I interrupting something?" he asked, leaning against the doorframe with a teasing grin.

You suddenly became aware of just how close you and Newt were standing. There was barely any space between you, and the sudden realization made your heart skip a beat. You took a step back, breaking the moment, and noticed Newt doing the same, though neither of you moved too far.

You quickly looked down, a blush creeping onto your cheeks as you fidgeted with your sleeves, suddenly embarrassed by the situation. Newt, sensing the awkwardness, gave you a gentle, understanding look. His eyes softened once again, and he gave you a quiet and reassuring smile.

Minho, watching the exchange with amusement, chuckled. "Alright, alright, I'll let you two off the hook," he teased, shaking his head as he walked past you both, heading toward the counter to drop off his plate. "But seriously, have either of you seen Alby around here?"

The shift in the conversation was enough to break the tension, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.

"I haven't seen him since earlier," Newt replied, his voice returning to its usual calm tone. He gave a small shrug, clearly not too concerned but noticing Minho's curiosity.

"I haven't either, sorry," you said apologetically, "but if I see him I'll let him know you were looking for him."

"Alright. Thanks," Minho nodded in your direction.

As the conversation calmed down, the door opened suddenly, and Gally along with a few other builders walked in, their loud chatter filling the room. You exchanged a brief smile with Newt, once again, holding each other's gaze a little longer.

After a moment, feeling the shift in the atmosphere as Gally and the others made themselves comfortable, you quietly slipped out of the room, not wanting to interrupt the new flow of conversation.

With a soft sigh, you smiled to yourself and headed out.