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Life inside the Glade had improved for Newt and Thomas since they started dating. Days tended to blend together in the Glade, and being trapped took a toll on all of them, but together Thomas and Newt felt free in a way neither expected they could. They found themselves able to escape into their own little world when they were together. Something that was just for them.
Tommy becoming a runner was always frightening for Newt, especially when his feelings developed and he couldn’t imagine life without him. Newt feared that Tommy and Minho wouldn't make it back to the Glade one day and he’d lose the two people he cared about most. His stomach dropped thinking about them being in pain and afraid, lost inside the maze or even worse.
So, Newt had started seeing Tommy and Minho off for their runs, as well as meeting them at the doors before they were due to close and afterwards the runners would go to the map room.
If Tommy got back sooner, he’d go find Newt. The send offs Newt gave the boys were different but it was a routine they’d all come to find comfort in.
Newt and Tommy make their way over to where Minho was waiting for them.
Tommy squeezed Newt’s hand with a reassuring smile. He knew Newt worried about him getting trapped in the maze as much as he did. Minho smirked at them as they got closer.
Newt stopped to wrap his arms around Tommy’s neck and said softly, “Stay safe Tommy.”
“I’ll do my best,” Tommy kissed Newt and they smiled fondly at each other.
Thomas wanted to be able to tell Newt I’ll be okay, or don’t worry I’ll see you later, but he couldn’t make those kinds of assurances as a runner. They both knew the danger involved. Newt appreciated that Tommy would only make assurances about what he could control.
They parted, Newt wishing Minho good luck. He watched as the boys left through the doors.
Newt wandered to the garden. It was always a welcome distraction after seeing the boys off. Recently, he’d been working on extending the garden by adding another row of vegetables. He continued his work from yesterday, as well as chatting with Alby about various things around the Glade as his second in command.
That same day, Newt finished what he wanted to do with the garden and was talking with Frypan about some supplies sent from the box. It got to around the time the runners needed to be returning. Newt scanned around the Glade in case Thomas was looking for him but didn’t spot him.
He started making his way over to the doors. He spotted Minho running out before bending over with his hands on his knees trying to catch his breath, Newt was relieved he wasn’t injured.
Newt swallowed dryly and asked as he got closer, “Min? Where’s Tommy?”
“He should have been in front of me.” Minho stood up straighter and frowned before turning to look back into the maze. “He isn’t back yet?” Minho asked but Newt’s expression told him everything he needed to know.
Minho stood in front of Newt and put his hand on his shoulder. “He’ll be back soon, Newt, he’s still got time.”
Newt didn’t look convinced.
Minho was worried too. There wasn’t a lot of time left but he knew Thomas had a way of getting out of these kinds of situations. It would crush Minho if Thomas didn’t return. He couldn’t begin to imagine how Newt would feel.
Newt had started to pace nervously. Minho had tried to help him calm down—to no avail—and he knew better than to push it. Newt stood still only so he could stare at the entrance to the maze, chewing at his lip desperately.
His heart hammered in his chest. He crossed his arms, his fingers digging into his skin anxiously. Tommy was quickly running out of time.
His mind was an endless stream of please. Please, don’t be hurt. Please, I need you. Please, be okay. Please, don’t leave me here. Please, make it in time. Please, I can’t live without you. Please.
Newt scrubbed a hand over his face.
A few other boys had made their way over, but he paid no attention to them, only the doors. His only thoughts were about Tommy. His Tommy. Newt felt his stomach drop when he heard the doors and still couldn’t see him.
“Min—he—” Was all Newt could get out, his voice broken.
Minho tried to be strong for his best friend, his own heart was racing in fear. “He’ll be okay, there’s still some time. He’ll be okay.” He said out loud, trying to convince himself as much as Newt.
Newt nodded because he didn’t trust himself to speak. He bit down on his cheek, trying not to cry. He’d never felt so scared in his life. He couldn’t handle the thought of Tommy being injured or worse. He couldn’t live without Tommy. He just couldn’t. As his thoughts drifted, he didn’t realise he was staring at the floor, his eyes blurry as they filled with unshed tears.
“Newt, look,” Minho shook his shoulder to get his attention, pointing through the doors.
Newt’s head shot up. “Tommy!” He yelled not caring how desperate he sounded.
Tommy didn’t look hurt; the doors were getting closer to shutting. He tried to calculate the distance in his mind to work out if Tommy could make it. He looked like he just might be able to. He could hear the boys around him yelling for Thomas, encouraging him.
“Tommy! Please,” Newt yelled, but the please came out broken and quiet.
Minho had a hand on Newt’s shoulder, trying to offer comfort. “He’ll make it,” Minho told him, but Newt wasn’t so sure.
Newt’s entire world slowed down as Thomas got closer. The doors had almost shut, and Newt’s heart was thudding in his chest. Tommy was panting loudly and as he got to the doors he pushed himself forward and had to move his body sideways to slide, mostly fling himself, through the gap. He barely managed not to fall on his face as he made it through, the doors closed abruptly behind him.
“That’s my boy,” he heard Minho shout, the Glader’s clapping.
All Thomas could focus on was how broken Newt looked. He’d never seen him that way before.
He lunged forward and wrapped Newt in his arms, pulling him into a hug. “Baby, I’m okay,” he whispered in his ear.
Minho looked at his two friends, knowing they needed privacy.
“All right boys, shows over.” Minho shooed the other Gladers away, making his way to the map room. Minho smiled warmly at Thomas, he couldn’t see Newt as he had buried his face against Thomas’ chest.
When they left Thomas stepped back so he could cup Newt’s face and look at him properly, “I’m okay, really.” He smiled at him comfortingly, running his fingers through his hair.
“I just—I...” Newt tried and looked away.
Tommy could see his face was flushed and it looked like he had tears in his eyes. He was obviously uncomfortable talking about his feelings when they were so exposed. Tommy had realised after spending so much time with Newt that he only let the Gladers see a certain side of him. He needed to be strong for them. Newt got nervous about being vulnerable with others.
“Let’s go to your room okay? We can talk in private,” Thomas said, and Newt nodded.
He put his arm around Newt and guided them there. He was supposed to fill out his maps after running but he’d do that later, Newt was more important to him, especially in a moment like that.
Once he was alone with Tommy the words spilled from his mouth as soon as Thomas had shut the door and Newt hugged him tightly.
“I was—I was so scared Tommy—I thought—” Newt burst into tears. He clutched at Tommy’s shirt and took a ragged breath so he could continue. “The doors w-were closing, and I thought you could be hurt or worse… Tommy, shuck, I was so s-scared—” Newt sobbed against his chest.
Thomas rubbed his hand over Newt’s back soothingly and spoke against his hair, “I’m here, I’m okay now, everything’s okay.” He ran his fingers through Newt’s hair the way he knew his boyfriend liked and repeated that sentence until Newt started to calm down.
Thomas shut his eyes and hugged Newt tighter, “I—I was scared too, of not getting back to you. I’m so sorry Newt, for worrying you like that.”
Newt sniffled and pulled back so he could look at Thomas. “You don’t need to be sorry, you didn’t do it on purpose Tommy. I’m just glad you’re okay,” he whispered as more tears fell from his eyes.
Thomas used his thumbs to wipe away the tears with an adoring smile. “After that, I think I really need to cuddle my cute boyfriend. What do you think?”
Newt grabbed Tommy’s hand and guided him to the bed in answer.
“Sorry—I probably don’t look very cute right now though,” Newt glanced away, embarrassed, and wiped at his face. He hated crying in front of people and the shame was setting in.
Thomas laid on his side so he could face Newt and pulled him closer. “You always look cute.” Newt’s eyes were a bit red, his cheeks flushed, and his bottom lip was red from biting it.
Newt snuggled up to him as Thomas ran his thumb over his boyfriends’ cheeks and bottom lip. “Nope, you’re still so cute, how do you do it huh?” He asked in a teasing tone as he nosed at Newt’s neck, he smiled against his skin hearing Newt giggle.
“Just born that way I guess.” Newt teased back, but it lacked his usual cheeky tone. He was genuinely happy Thomas didn’t think he looked gross, that he wasn’t judging him from crying, but he still felt awkward about it.
“It’s embarrassing… the crying.” Newt mumbled avoiding eye contact.
Thomas caught his gaze and looked at him seriously. “Baby, you have nothing to be embarrassed about. If I had a moment to think clearly when I was running, I would’ve cried in there. When I got back and had you in my arms, I felt so relieved, Newt. I still am. There’s nothing wrong with how you feel, and you don’t have to hide your feelings from me okay? Your feelings are important to me, Newt. I want to know how you’re feeling, even when they’re feelings you think are embarrassing.”
Newt smiled at him bashfully, “Thanks Tommy.”
Thomas kissed his cheek. “Newt, you don’t need to thank me.”
Thomas shifted to lay on his back so that Newt could lay with his head on his chest. He ran his fingers through Newt’s hair and the blonde moved so he could kiss Tommy.
All their feelings spilled into the kiss, leaving them both breathless. Thomas whispered sweet things in Newt’s ear as they cuddled, making him feel so valued and cared for. Newt teared up but he didn’t try to will his tears away that time. Tommy kissed Newt until he no longer felt embarrassed.