The Tributes from the Maze (Newt/OC)

Rest in Peace

"Aris was the first and last boy to come up in our maze." Harriet began her speech as she stood with a fearless expression on her face in front of the crowded REC hall. "From the beginning, we all knew that Aris would help us to escape. He had only been with us a few days, but we trusted him with our lives. He proved to us that our trust in him wasn't misplaced. He was a compassionate, intelligent and brave young man who deserved a lot better than what he was handed in life. Despite all odds, he survived the Maze trials and the Scorch trials only to be bested by some unknown threat in the woods of the one place he thought was safe. Aris deserved peace. He deserved to be safe here, just like every one of us does. We won't let his loss be in vain. We will find who did this, and make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else."

Even stoic Harriet couldn't hold back her tears of grief. She stepped back, swiftly wiping her eyes and composing herself before she continued.

"Aris was a good person. Just like the rest of us, he did what he had to do to survive, but he wasn't a bad guy. He never wanted to hurt anyone. He was always there for us when we needed him. We hope that he can finally rest in peace, reunited above with Rachel, and Beth and everyone else we've lost along the way. We know he's watching over us, and we want him to know that we love him. You can rest now, Aris."

The group didn't clap. They didn't make a sound. They stood there in silence, commemorating all the loved ones they had lost. Even Minho composed himself for the event. Teresa moved up as Harriet left to collect themselves. The raven-haired teen glanced back at where Thomas, Gally, Jorge, Brenda and Phoebe carried a large, tall rock into the hall, placing it in a corner.

"Thank you, Harriet, for that beautiful tribute to our fallen friend." Teresa began formally. "It hasn't escaped us that we have all lost people close to us. They won't go unremembered. This night isn't just for Aris. It's for everybody that we've ever lost. So in your own time, and in your own way, you can come up here to this memorial behind us and pay your respects to those who have been taken from you."

Ariadne glanced over to Newt, who had a solemn look upon his features. She slipped her hand into his and gave it a supportive squeeze to let him know she was there for him. He shot her a sad smile in appreciation.

"I don't know about you, but I can think of a name or two to inscribe on that stone." she said in a soft voice, tugging him along behind her. "Come on."

Thomas was hunched over one side of the stone, carving something into the surface with a sharp hunting knife. When he was done and traced his fingers over the letters, a haunted look in his eyes. Chuck.

"Hey, Tom. Could I use that knife?" Ariadne asked her brother. He nodded before passing her what she'd asked for. She turned to Newt, holding it out to him. "You were there for him in the maze when I couldn't be. You should do it."

The Brit nodded and wrapped his long, slim fingers around the handle. Brushing against Ariadne's warm hand as he did so. Ignoring the electricity that buzzed up his arm at her touch, he pushed the tip into the stone and began writing, handing the knife back to Frypan. Alby.

"Alby would be so proud of you, Newt." she slipped her arms around his midsection, ducking under his arm to tuck into his side.

"I wish I could have saved him, Ari. He should be here with us." he held her close, running his hands over the smooth fabric of her dress from her ribs to her hip. She shuddered and he frowned at her. "What's wrong?"

"Your hands are cold." she replied. "Plus, who said he isn't here with us? He's probably looking on, laughing at Minho and wishing he could come and scold him for the irresponsibility and lecture him on how to be a real leader."

Newt chuckled at this. "Yeah, you're right. He'd do a way better job at running this place."

"There's the smile I love so much." she grinned and reached up to brush his fluffy golden hair from his forehead.

"Did you need to get on your tip-toes to reach?" he teased and she poked his side, knowing exactly where his weak spot was.

"That's what you get, Newton." she shrugged at him flinching.

"Come on, love. Let's go get you some cheesecake." Newt shook his head and gave the stone one last look back to the memorial. Chuck. Alby. Winston. George. Zart. Jeff. Clint. Nick. Ben. Rachel. Beth. Aris. Mary.

"At least you're still here, Newt." she mumbled. "If I'd had to write your name up there...I don't know how I'd manage."

"But you don't have to write my name up there. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon, love." he pressed his lips against the top of her head, over her hair, taking in her scent of sweet marshmallows and vanilla.

"That better be a promise, Newton." she sighed at the comfort close proximity to him brought her.