𝓹𝓸𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓵𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓫𝓸𝔂 // 𝓷𝓮𝔀𝓽𝓶𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝔂 ✿

Secret Affection

Our time at the swimming hole was better than perfect. The water felt amazing after the heat of the maze, and the air hung moist and heavy afterwards. I couldn't help but steal glances at his bare chest as we walked back. He is so beautiful.

We began making our trek back to the Glade. I examined the forest floor, taking in all the small mushrooms, roots, and different types of fallen leaves. Newt pulled me out of my trance as he enveloped his arms around me. I felt him relax against me, and I wrapped my arms around his as well. He nuzzled his head into my neck.

"I wish I could've done that right when you came back from running." He admits with a sigh.

I consider a small laugh but then I analyzed the situation. Why couldn't he? Why should any of the other Gladers care?

"Newt why not?" I question him.

"Thomas it just can't happen. It will make us seem foolish or like we're children." He explains gently to me.

"And we aren't children, or at least not you." He adds, running his hands from my chest down to my torso and then around my waist.

The contact of his hands on my bare skin electrifies me. I take a deep breath and push the question.

"But Newt, I don't want to have to be different around the other Gladers." I whimper, quite childishly actually.

"I know Tommy, but people won't understand. And imagine how Teresa will feel." He says, taking a step back.

"Teresa? Why are you bringing her into this." I say with a burst of anger.

I'm unsure whether it's because he moved away from me or because he brought up my former lover.

"Oh come on, it's obvious she stills likes you." He retorts.

I was worried. This was morphing into a dispute.

"Sorry." I lower my voice.

He takes a step towards me and hugs me once more.

"It's okay, sorry I said that about Teresa. It was stupid." He scolds himself.

"But trust me Tommy, I wish we could be open with the Glade too, but it's just not possible right now." He says with an understanding smile.

I don't push the subject any further. Or mention how Minho already gets it, and Chuck too. Instead I take his hand and we resume our silent walk back towards the Glade. I am stopped once more just on the outskirts of the Deadheads, so close I can hear their chatter. I inhale sharply as Newt places his hands on my shoulders, effectively getting me to face him. I brace myself for whatever comes next.

He swiftly moves into me. He stops his lips, opening his mouth so it hovers directly above mine. I feel his hot breath.

"Just kiss me already." I mumble.

He closes the gap and almost immediately flicks his tongue against my lips, I'm taken aback, but I allow him to deepen the kiss. My eyes flutter shut and I allow my mind to drag out the heavenly experience. I feel the carpet of grass underfoot. The small babble of the stream, and Newt's soft breaths. He barely tugs at my lower lip with his teeth, causing me to gasp. He giggles and pulls away.

"I used to be a runner you know?" He tells me.

"I didn't know that." I say, surprised.

"Mhm, strong and independent like you." He nods to me.

I shake my head in defiance, yet still smiling giddy from the kiss.

"I have plenty of tales to tell you, but they can wait for now. Now come on lover boy let's go eat." He says nonchalantly.

It's almost as if the kiss didn't stand out to him. It amazes me if it didn't. It's all so perfect when I'm with him. Time stops entirely, and nothing else matters. Except for flowers, books, the scent of him on his linen sheets, and perhaps the willow. We walk impossibly slowly back to the Glade, dreading the moment we have to wake up from our dream of a reality tucked away in the Deadheads. All the birds know, the daises and the willow have seen. But the Gladers will remain unbeknownst to our secret affection.