Everything is Not What it Seems-Newtmas AU

Chapter Ten

"White coffee for Naomi?" Thomas yelled over the ruckus in The Homestead. He didn't wait around for the pretty blonde haired girl to claim her drink, because Thomas had so many more to prepare.  

He rushed around, spooning coffee grains into mugs and to-go cups, adding whipped cream to hot chocolates, and burning himself with hot, steaming water. He cursed, pulling his hand away as a reflex. The scorching burn left a scar on his skin, blistering and swelling up.

"Whoa," Minho said, stepping in. "You need to get some ice on that." He lead Thomas into the staff room, shouting to Winston and Ben to take over. They complied, and rushed behind the counter, picking up where Thomas and Minho left off. 

Minho got out the first aid kit and a bag of ice from the freezer. He handed it to Thomas, who compressed it against his skin, feeling the pain deplete. 

"You seem stressed today, is everything alright?" Minho asked, concerned about his friend. 

"I don't know, Minho," Thomas answered honestly. "Mornings are so busy, and I can't help but think I'm slacking and falling behind with the orders."

"You're doing fine, Thomas," Minho assured him, rubbing a burn cream on Thomas' hand in smooth circles. "You need to take it easy. When you get overwhelmed, stop and take a breath. If you need to excuse yourself for a moment to get some air, I won't say no. I'm not going to work you to death."

Thomas laughed, feeling better instantly. "Thanks, Min."

"Never a problem. Now, let me wrap up your hand." Minho began wrapping a bandage around Thomas' hand, ensuring the burn was covered. Thomas hissed in pain when the bandage rubbed off the sensitive skin, feeling like it was too tight. "I know it hurts, but you have to keep it on. It'll heal over time. Redress the bandage every morning and put on some of this cream, I'll leave it in your locker."

"You're too good to me," Thomas thanked his friend. "Is it okay if I take my break? I'm meeting Newt again."

"Go for it. I'm going to put the first aid kit away, then I'll be back to make you some drinks."

"See you in a minute." Thomas left the staff room, leaving the door open for Minho. When he was back on the ground floor, he spotted Newt sitting at a table in the corner, his eyes darting around the room in search of something.

Or someone.

When he locked eyes with Thomas, he couldn't stop the smile spreading on his face. Thomas chuckled lightly, gliding across the room and sitting before him. 

"Hey," Thomas greeted. "How are you?"

"Not bad," Newt replied. "You?"

"Better now that you're here." Swift. Both boys blushed, not expecting that answer. Thomas stunned Newt and himself, unknown confidence sprouting inside of him.

That was when Newt noticed the white bandage wrapped securely around Thomas' hand. "Jesus, Tommy, what happened?"

"I burned myself on boiling water," Thomas said, trying to tell Newt it wasn't that big of a deal, but the worried glance he received proved otherwise. "It was a careless mistake."

"Can I?" Newt asked shyly. Thomas held out his hand for Newt, who placed one of his under Thomas' palm so lightly it didn't feel as though there was any contact. The other hand, however,  ghosted over the bandage and burn, fingers trailing atop it. 

Electric sparks jolted through Thomas' body, his stomach doing multiple backflips in the process. He bit his lip, trying to hide his smile but, unbeknownst to him, it only made Newt think he was even more captivating. A sculpture, some may say. Cannot be broken or damaged, either. It -he- would always be perfect.