A Battle With Hope (Newtmas)

Chapter 12

'Hey.' Newt called softly down into the dark ditch. He was met with a bright smile that made his stomach flip. 'Hey.' Thomas responded, moving into the moonlight so that Newt could see him more clearly in the shallow, dark ditch, the opening covered by a sturdy, homemade gate.
'Sorry about that Tommy, it's just the way things have to happen around him' Newt said, smiling apologetically.
Thomas shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. 'I understand, besides, it's only one night.'Newt gave a short nod, unsure what to say next. 'So what happened after I left?' Thomas asked, filling the silence. Newt gave Thomas a wolfish grin. 'You got it, you're a runner.' Thomas' jaw dropped and Newt chuckled. 'What?' Thomas asked disbelievingly, stepping closer to the bars separating him and Newt. 'I spoke to the guys, man' Newt spoke through the bars, 'You're in. You start tomorrow. You'll leave the Glade early tomorrow morning and run with Minho.' Thomas let out a loud whoop and reached a hand through the bars. Newt slapped his outstretched hand and the two teens grinned at each other. Newt studied Thomas' face. He supposed Thomas was quite handsome, by the Glader's standards anyway. He had dark hair, a strong jawline and a perfect set of pearly white teeth. He wasn't bad to look at at all.

Newt realised Thomas was waiting for a response. He coughed loudly, shaking his head and the thoughts away. 'What was that Tommy?' Thomas laughed, shaking his head. He once more reached a hand through the bars and placed it on Newt's knee that was resting just centimetres away. 'I just wanted to say thanks. I know I can do this. I know I can get us out of here.' He said with determination. Newt placed an unsure hand on top of Thomas' and squeezed before quickly removing his hand. 'Don't mention it Tommy.' Thomas retracted his hand as Newt made to stand up. Once Newt was upright he leaned down and placed his forehead against the bars of the slammer. 'Be careful tomorrow Tommy.' He was rewarded with another one of Thomas' bright smiles, before he turned and headed towards the gardens.

As Newt walked with his hands in his pockets, one still a little swollen and very sore, he found himself grinning. He tread lightly across the thick, soft grass, his thoughts only interrupted once reaching Minho's sleeping, snoring form. Newt threw himself down beside Minho, a small grin still on his face. He stretched out, snuggling into the grass and placed his hands behind his head. He closed his eyes and immediately his mind filled with flashes of the day that was now coming to a close. Newt replayed the relief he had felt at being reunited with Minho and Thomas, the outcome of the meeting and in particular, that kiss. What a kiss it was...
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Newt awoke to the sun on his face, warming his entire form. He glanced to the side, surprised to discover Minho had already gone, all that was left in his wake was a Minho-sized, crumpled patch of grass. Newt stretched his arms up to the clear blue sky, groaning in satisfaction as his bones clicked and popped. He thought about laying back down for a few moments longer, but his hunger got the better of him. Newt stood up and made his way to the homestead for breakfast.

Stopping several times along the way to speak to fellow Glader's, Newt finally reached the homestead. As Newt sat and ate his breakfast he found his thoughts straying to Thomas and Minho. Newt caught himself before he could be seen grinning into his porridge. He hoped Minho wasn't too hard on Thomas on his first day, because while the Minho most Glader's knew was the fun, loveable goofball, in the maze there was no room for jokes. Newt's thoughts once again strayed to the kiss the day before. After having had 24 hours to consider, Newt was positive he'd like to do it again. He didn't know why and to be honest he didn't care. There was something about Thomas that he found so incredibly consuming. He'd lived here years now and not once felt any attraction to another Glader, but that was before Thomas. Newt leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck. Perhaps he could get Thomas alone when he got back from the maze tonight. Newt shook his head softly, still grinning to himself as he finished his breakfast.