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Newt is making a normal morning trough the glade. Walking, limping, trough here to there.
Ireland, the brown eyed brunette cooker, has some work to do in the gardens. Unlucky her. It's been some tough hours since Thomas arrived and took all the attention she wanted in months, from the person she cared for what felt lifes ago...same person that went right into her path. Unlucky her. So unlucky.
-Hey Iry! - He greets her, as always
-...hey Newt- she avoids him, as...never before.
which don't go unnoticed.
-Iry are you ok? Is it something going on?
Still not looking at him in the eye, and visibly pissed she answers kind of sharply.
-Nop I'm fine thank you --excuse me
And Iry leaves.
He looks at her, weird feeling in his stomach.
What's going on with her? Was it something I said? Did I caused this? Is she mad at me? Did someone something to her? No way. If ever someone puts a finger on her ill kill them.
Or maybe it is just my idea...
-Later-
She's pouring dinner for everyone in line.
But when it comes to Newt, she change places with frypan. Thing does not go unnoticed.
-Hey fry
-There newtie. Enjoy. Next?
-Uh um fry?
-Yes?
-Everything OK?
-Yeah man, no problem. Why? Why you ask?
-Uh um...- looks at Iry, which Is backwards.
-Yeeees?
-Nothing. Just asking.
And he leaves.
At the next morning he doesn't see her as usual . He doesn't find her somewhere casual.
But at breakfast there she is. Working as if she weren't disappeared the whole morning.
-Good morning Iry.
She jumps.
-Uh um...morning
And that's her cue to leave the kitchen.
Ok she is clearly avoiding me
Frypan gets in.
-Hey Fry. Cmere a sec.
-How can I help Newtie?
-What's with Iry?
-With Iryyyyy?
-Yes, the only Ireland we've got. What's on her.
-Nothings on her, why you ask?
- U Sure? Nothing? She's been weird lately
- Nah. She's the same as always.
-Well I guess is only with me
-You? What did you did man?
-Nothing! ...I guess? Look since yesterday she's been like this and I don't know how to...talk to her? And ask her if I did something?
-Tsk tsk tsk newtie. She'll come around when she wants to talk. Just don't push her. She wants space right now
-...you know something
-Naaah....well yeees, but nothing I can fix
-Frypan. Tell me.
-Nope bro. This is something you and her have to talk.
-But I've tried
-Since when? A day? Cm on man. Give her time.
-Dude is so simple. You know what's going on just tell me
-Nuh huh. You and her. Just that. No frypan here.
-But when will this end?
-Whoa dude never have I seen you that impatient
-I want to know why is she so ...I don't know... to avoid me?
-Hey, just relax. Hear me out when I say she'll come around.
-Huff...
-But hey, stay close. Don't lose sight of her or she'll think you don't care
-But I do care! That's why I'm here asking
-Yes but it's too recent
-What's recent?!
-She. Will. Tell.you.
-Aaaagh this is not helping.
-Newt your'e getting too worked up for something like this. Relax, wait for the breakfast and oh keep a distance from the kitchen, I need help here and you are shooshing her
-But you just said I've had to be around?
-Not at peak times, now go, go away.
-And he goes to find Iry, not without first checking the second in command, who's still there. Fry gesture with a hand for him to leave and Newt does, looking at the sky.
It would be easier if he just told him what's with Iry
On the other hand...it is nice to know they rely on each other that much and she can count on him as a friend and he won't do anything to gain her mistrust.
------
Everything happened so fast, so very fast. Everything was stressful, and too repent.
When would he realize about his feelings?
If not it weren't because of Iry...
But...
How come he was in love with two at a time?
When did that happened?
Was it that kind of love?
Did he love them as a brother and a sister?
But why was the necessity, the want, the sole thinking at the sight of her face, to cover it up with kisses?
Or to hold Thomas hand? And never let go?
But don't get iry away too
The world was practically dead.
And yet there he was all confused, all struggled because of ...
Feelings... towards his friends.
May be the beach and the air within?
But
But he figured out
He was in love
Romantic love
With Thomas
And Ireland
But he would not tell them.
He couldn't bring his feels out on this situation. They were unimportant.
They could die at any minute.
But was exactly that, it was there at the vamp, when the WCKD bastards came in again for them that his most horrible fears faced him.
They were so close
He feared for the people at the camp
He feared for his friends. He have lost to many of them in the glade, at the maze, in the scorch, to now lose them so close to the edge?
He feared for Brenda, Jorge, Aris and his friends, for frypan, Minho...
But most afraid of all was for Thomas bravery and stupidity and for Iry's kindness and loyalty, and the self sacrifice they could easily do.
The idea of losing any of them Or both was nightmare for Newt.
He just couldn't stand it.
And after everything happened he just wanted to hug them so tight they would never ever be in danger again or be risking their lives offering themselves holding a bomb again.
But he didn't.
Because doing so would confuse everyone and he felt selfish loving them in a different Way.
It was a mess.
And the less the mess, the better.
So, yes. He figured he was in love with them but his hands were tied.
He would not do anything
He would not try anything
-Newt
He would not try to spend time with any of them.
-yo, Newt
He would even avoid them, for their own sake. They didn't have to burden with his stupid feelings.
-Ireland to Newt, do you copy? Over. Over. Kjjjjk over. HEY!
He was so immersed in his own thoughts he didn't even noticed the presence of one of the holders of his heart calling him.
-Wow huh, hey, sorry just...zoomed out
-Hahaha yeeees clearly saw that
-Um..sorry
-Hey its OK! Just got here, not that I was 10 minutes waiting for your attention
-Pffft like that could happen
-Uh umm well...
-What?
-Kinda did...not that I'm angry or else!
-Wait what? Did I ignore you?
-I mean I know it was not exactly you wanting to ignore me...but I...can we talk for a bit?...you can say no! If you're busy.. or just no if you don't want!--
-Iry
-Yes?
-Wanted to talk?
-Uh yes..if that is OK with you
-Cool, let's get somewhere nice then
-Is it there a nice place in here?
-(Whenever you're near, yes, love) um yes, over the rocks is very peaceful.
-Good that.
-So what is it?
-Well is in fact about what just happened
-Okay?
-Um I mean not literally it but...Newt I know everything have been…
-...crazy?
-Yes. To say the least. But...I kinda feel you different?
-(Ohno) different?
-Um.yes...and I kinda have an idea of why is it...
-(Shuck) aa..an idea you say?
-I mean, I kinda know you a little bit,-- just a bit– but I made myself an idea of what's going on with you...
-(Fuckfuckfuck) and that could be?
-I'm so sorry we have been so insensible towards minho…
…what?
-...what?
-I figured out you, and him and Alby were very close friends from the very beginning and well...me and Thomas and frypan just came after and we haven't the same bond as you with minho and it is clearly very understandable that you're affected by WCKD taking him...
Newt was taken aback. He did miss minho and felt the grief of the moment they took him everyday, yes. That was a big deal.
But for a moment he panicked, feared, hoped, expected, wanted her to know about his feelings.
Part of him was carving to let it all out and finally tell it to someone..
But he swore he won't.
-Oh...
-I know I should have been less blunt about it...I'm sorry I got this so out of nowhere. But I see you're not okay and I was worried… a lot...so I made this bracelet out of shells the other day...as a way to cheer you up!...I know it's silly and useless but--
-Ireland
-Huh?
-You did this for me? You worried about me?
-Of course!!! -she paused an laughed to herself- Newt I treasure the group we have, is the family we've got left ...but...can I confess something?
-..y-yes?
(She did inhale a pair of times and looked at the ocean) I do love them all, don't misunderstand me...but...-she inhales again- youre...-she took her time to find the word- ...different
-D-different...how...exactly?
-...oww dude youre making this hardeeer...is ...is it not obvious?
-What...is...obvious?
she struggles and avoid looking at him in the eye- umm like, when in the glade, at the bonfire? -Yes?
-When minho kept literally shoving me against you?
-Uh um..yes I do remember?
-Yes? And do you remember it was with no other one than with you?
-Was it?
-And And that week I did put something different on your plate everyday And everyone said it was for something but you brushed it out
-Yes
-And when you finally asked I told you it was…
-...Because you felt that week could be my birthday? And after all everyone was asking when their birthday were to get something special too?
-Yes. And it was a lie. But I payed off with that.
-A lie? You never lie
-That's when I got to confess...I kinda lied many times to you
-What? But I trusted when you said you said the truth
-Yes to everyone else...but you
-Why me? Did I did something to hurt you? Or lose your confidence?
-No! Newt youre not seeing what I'm trying to say!
-But just say it then!
-I like ...! -but she figured out the was kinda screaming and that was not romantic at all for a confession, was it? So she closed her eyes breathed in, out, opened them and looked him straight in his beautiful chocolate orbes- I...I just started didn't I? Huff, how many times did I wanted to get this out of my chest. And I tried to tell you, I really tried but non direct is not your way, is it? Huff...the reason why I made those dishes, why I was thrown to you, why was escaping with all of you in the maze, and why I keep putting a feet in front of another is because I have a reason yo live another day and be stronger and care for the ones I love...and that's you, Newt.
She paused
Just to panic at his loss of words
-B-b-but...I know it’s shitty to have this um feelings in here right now in this circumstances and that I know this is uncomfortable like Hella because we're friends, and friends doesn't think about other friends like that and I know but...I can't help it...I couldn't help it from the beginning...and it started a while ago...
-Ireland...
she just looked at him wanting to die right there, only to hear min say what she most feared.
-I'm sorry…
she exploded, knowing beforehand this would be happening.
-YES I KNOW. I KNOW YOU DON'T FEEL FOR ME AS FOR…
he petrified. As for?!?!?!?
-As for? You...didn't finish?!- he was losing his mind.
-No.
-Why?
-Because I ...I'm sorry being so selfish and just telling you how much I feel for you and...Newt I know
he was just so confused he didn't know if tell her about his feelings or not.
-Ireland. have you been reading my mind or something? because I'm not getting anything, and this is making me crazy and dizzy and–
-You like Thomas
-...huh?
-Sorry Newt but...it's obvious...I mean it is for me that I'm your personal stalker and I look the way you look at him...and that's why I'm so selfish because I know How you feel, yet I decided to bring my own feelings to the table, unable to do anything with them. I tried, believe me, when I figured out I had no chance. I swear, I did everything I could to get you out of my heart and mind but it didn't work...
-Why would you want that?
-But ...it obvious!!! Because I had to be happy for you and him and forget what you meant for me, please don't make me explain it step by step ...it hurts ...but I know you mean no harm! I am here and I decided to tell you…
He was ablaze. He was stunned. He was worried, and relieved.
He loved her and she loved him back, incredibly.
But...how tell her she was right and wrong?
-Iry...
-Look, Newt. I...I really wish the best for you. the very best...well, that we can afford in this world. And I know you, And you´re kind enough to let me take this out of my chest and listen to me as you did but..IT WASN'T SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAY YOU KNOW! I swore to myself I would not let you know about this...even if everyone else knew
-¿everyone?
-Did I mention how obvious was I? I mean. Even Brenda knew it!
-pfffft I must take pride on being so oblivious then
-Oh don't Worry, I get...I get that you don't have eyes for anyone else than him...
-(Iry you´re so wrong)...Um am about...that
-yes?
Newt was kind of encouraged by her confession at this point. If she was brave enough to stay true to her feelings, despite the situation she had made in her head...he could, too.
-There is something//
-are you okay telling me this?
-what?
-I mean..Are you okay after what I've said?
-what do you mean?
-Neeeeeewt, I just..CONFESSED! Aren´t you uncomfortable?
-Oh..um no, not at all, just surprised but not so surprised
-is that all?
-..I may have fallen for a loss of words?
-Great, you´re in shock. great job Iry, you caused him to break down. his systems crashed. very good job.
-Ireland
-(she is still in her spiral) Many months dreaming to confess the most romantic hay possible and then deciding to not doing it. at all. AND THEN I COME AND RUIN IT EVERYTHING. GREAT. just...great.
they sat in silence for a while.
-Can I speak now?- he looks at her, funny. She just realized she was the only one in a turmoil while he was almost having a great time smiling at her with that (oh so handsome) half smirk. She just can make herself a human ball and wish for a giant crab to grab and drown her.
-(muffled) /goahead/
-(he takes deep a big inhale before taking all of his struggles at once) You're...not wrong
-/Iknow/
-Iry!
-/sorrycontinue,I'lllisten/
-Huff...If is wasn't you I would have kick that shank's ass...but...it's you
-/thankyou/ (She reaaly thought he said it because everyone had that kind of soft spot for her, so it was just normal people understood and forgave her what was really annoying in others. It was fun when it came to her, she tought)(if only she could pay the attention she was asking for him to give...)
-Okay...I'm trying to do this and it. is. hard.
-/don't worry, I already told you I know/
-BUT NOT EVERYTHING!
She lifted her head up at the sudden change in his demeanor. Surprised and a bit scared. Also repented, to repeatedly interrupt him. So she just looked at him, blinking several times to encourage him to continue.
-Okay! you saw that. You saw me and him and all but...Is not like I have told him or anything...Anyways we all know who’s he interested in, even after all. Even after what she did! and...that just makes me see how much he really cares about her.
Iry saw the sadness around him. It was the same feeling she felt the first times she suspected Newt's feelings towards Thomas. So she inched closer to rest her head on his shoulder. As to say "I get it". Little did she knew how nervous it made him feel. And although she tried to listen, she couldn't help to try and lift his spirit.
-Heyyy, Newtie, what happened dear?- She was now looking straight at him, smiling and trying to reassure- where did the surprisingly confident and kind of energical Newt that was here like 3 minutes ago? where is it? - she started to toss him to the sides like looking for something around- Is he here? no? maybe there?- all in all, she was enjoying making physical contact taking him by his shoulders, and then he started laughing, catching the goofyness of his friend.
They both laughed a bit.- I get it, dear- could she call him like that more often? it felt different now he knew she meant it.- I really get what you mean.
They looked at each other, only an arm lenght apart. It could be so easy, they thought.
*to just bend my arms, still grabbing his soulders
*to just reach her and kiss that precious lips
And still, they just looked at their orbes. their chocolate and sweet brown eyes.
Suddenly, it didn't matter where they were, the cold surface of the rock, the chilly beach breeze, the occasional sand that wind transported.
He could just feel her hands on his shoulders, her faint scent, her gaze upon him. And he felt so peaceful, so protected, so...loved.
She was Enjoying, her insides cheering the closeness. All her disappointment toward her own feelings, melting. Melting under his gaze. So attentive, so focused on anything but her. She felt so seen, yet not nervous about it. Unsure about what was she exactly feeling about him right now...confused, but happy, excited, but relaxed, eager, but calmed. Was..was she getting closer?
Was him?
Were they inching toward the other?
Their foreheads connected.
It could be so easy.
just to change the angle
and she could kiss him
just lift a bit
and he could taste her
-Newt...
-NNNEEEEEEEWWTTT!!!! IRELAAAAAAND! WHEREAREYOUTHISISIMPORTAAAAANT!! WE HAVE CONTAAACT! GUUUUYS CMERE QUICK!!
They separated as if an electroshock went trough them.
DANG IT
Ireland looked everywhere but him.
Newt was ablaze of what was an inch to have happened.
And two seconds later they were sprinting to Frypan.
Contact? Did they find Minho?.