Escape to the Hills // Newt x Reader

25

For lack of a better word, the whole situation sucked. The climate refused to change, staying at some ungodly hot temperature, even as the sun began to set. It wasn't humid and sticky, which was a plus, but the stillness of the air was torturous. There was no wind. You felt like you were walking through an oven. Sweat gushed from your neck, armpits and forehead. You knew you smelt like a pigsty but you had other things more important than that to worry about.

The farther your group travelled the more scarring things you passed. There was an overturned car with its wheels melted into now-cool sludge puddles at its sides. Small shacks and wooden fences bleached by the sun. Remanence of people, such as clothing and children's toys where the most eerie to pass. They gave the sight a horror film feel, even in broad daylight. Someone's clothing line was still up; the clothes still hung up were faded from exposure to the elements.

The road you walked on was barely visible under the layers of windblown sand. Every once in a while you'd have to take a moment to rid your eyes of grains of the stuff. You felt your teeth grinding down to nothingness because so much of it was in your mouth.

River hobbled along the group, going from person to person spreading happiness across the barren wasteland that was your groups hearts. She flaunted a drawing she had hidden somewhere in her dress to Winston, who complimented the stick figures and called them very "life like." She then headed to Gally. She held her hands up and said "My leg hurts." Gally lifted her easily and let the girl lay her head on his shoulder.

To you, watching Gally with River was always an enduring sight. He had this soft side that he only showed for kids and you felt like you were seeing something secret every time you witnessed it. It felt as if you got to know him a little better every time you happened upon it. It surprised you how the big guy could be so gentle.

What also surprised you was how River's makeshift cast was still in place. With all the moving she did and how you had rushed through making it you expected it to have fallen apart by now. It did seem beaten up and ready to collapse now, so you knew you'd have to find some supplies and put it back together before you do any serious jogging.

Newt all but dragged himself along beside you. His hands were shoved in his pockets and his face blank. Whatever was bothering him hadn't given him a moments peace since you left the bus, and it had to be about two hours later. And since Newt was acting weird, you worried and when you worry things tend to get a little crazed. On your part at least.

You had attempted asking him what was wrong and if you could help but every time he just waved you off. It infuriated you one last time before you decided to just walk quietly. You had tried your best, and if he just wanted to be annoying, so be it. He can catch up and explain to you later then.

To kept your mind off Newt and settle your feelings you sped up to walk with Minho, who was jokingly throwing insults back and forth to Thomas and Alby. You enjoyed listening to the three all but destroy each other with a smile on their faces but you ended up tuning them out to think.

No matter how hard you tried your mother always seemed to pop back into your mind. The sun setting in the distance reminded you of the many times you'd stare out your window at the same such sight and pray for a chance to get away. You'd pray for a blessing. Something. Anything. A distraction, a chance, an open door, an air vent. When you were younger you'd wish for a prince. Cliché. But anything to keep you moving. A hope that drove you on.

Whatever deity was in charge of wishes must have gotten tired of your constant nagging because soon enough, Teresa strolled in. The memory was very faint but you could recall what had happen. Teresa had been brought in by one of the nice "teacher" ladies and was sat at the table with you. Then the lady had left the empty room for the two of you to talk.

You were the first to speak. "Hello, I'm (Y/N)."

"Hi. I'm... Teresa." She had stopped herself midsentence, as if she was going to say something she wasn't supposed to. You hadn't thought much of it at the time, maybe she was nervous. Looking back on it you realized she was about to say something she wasn't supposed to.

"That's cool," You had said. Why did you say that?

After a moment of some awkward silence Teresa turned and looked at you. "This isn't a good place, is it?"

You admire her courage that day, asking such a question. Once again, child you didn't think much of it. You had thought she was asking you of your own experiences. "Well, my mom says they're doing something good. I don't know..." You had shrunk then, thinking you'd get in trouble for what you had said, but no one came in and yelled at you.

"Did you get hit, too?"

You looked up, startled. "Hit with what?"

"Those pointy things." Teresa had held up her arm to show you a band-aid. The blood it was absorbing was just beginning to show.

"Oh," You had looked at the band-aid for a minute longer. "No, I didn't. That's gross."

"I know!" Teresa had exclaimed. "Maybe I'll have a scar."

"Ooh, that would be cool."

That was a start of a friendship you thought would never have ended. The Flare changed things. The Maze changed things. Growing up changed things. Teresa had shown her cards and you had shown yours.

Teresa was in front of you, Gabi grumbling something to her. You watched her back for a moment, wondering if she thought about that first meeting as much as you did when you first stopped talking.

Apocalyptic world friendships either are broken like glass or are stronger than steel.