The healer [Maze runner Newt x OC]

Chapter seven

Newt had the day off since the work in the Gardens was nearly finished, so he and Grace decided to spend the afternoon at the lake. With no bathing suits provided by the Creators, Newt wore just his shorts, while Grace opted for shorts and a sports bra.

Grace was already in the water by the time Newt hobbled over to the lake. He winced slightly as he approached, his limp more noticeable without the usual cover of his leg. Grace dove underwater, momentarily turning her gaze away from his leg. She surfaced and swam to the edge of the lake, reaching out with her arms to help him in.

"Okay, one, two, three!" she said, guiding him in with support under his arms to help him stay above the water.

They had done this before. Due to his bad leg, swimming was difficult for Newt, and Grace always helped him stay afloat. After a while, the two of them lay on the grass, letting the sun dry their bodies. Newt turned his head to look at Grace, a small smile on his face.

"Hey, Grace?" he asked softly.

"Yeah?" she replied, propping herself up on her elbows.

"I think I love you."

Grace froze for a moment, the words catching her off guard. It was the first time either of them had said it. A smile slowly spread across her face before she leaned in to kiss him, her hand resting on his cheek as his rested in her neck.

"I think I love you too," she whispered between kisses.

Newt chuckled and pulled her closer, his hands finding their way to her back. She pulled away slightly, her breath a little uneven.

"Actually, I'm pretty sure I love you," she added, a playful smile crossing her lips.

"I'm pretty sure I love you too," he replied, his eyes sparkling. She kissed him again, the moment feeling natural and easy, as they spent the rest of the afternoon talking and enjoying each other's company, completely at ease with one another.

''Grace!? Grace!?'' Grace and Newt both looked up, Grace calling out to Jeff as he finally spotted her. ''There you are! I've been looking for you!''

''What's up?''

''Gally's awake.'' 

Grace, Jeff, and Newt rushed toward the Medjack hut, their footsteps quick and synchronized. As they entered, they found Clint, Alby, and Nick standing around Gally, who was sitting up with Clint helping him drink from a jar. Nick turned to Alby.

"Gather all the Keepers for a meeting," Nick instructed, his voice steady. He then glanced at Grace, Jeff, and Clint. "Can you guys handle this?"

"We've got it," Clint said quickly, the other two Medjacks nodding in agreement. Nick turned to Newt and Grace.

Grace, Jeff, and Newt rushed toward the Medjack hut, seeing Clint, Alby, and Nick standing around the boy, with Clint helping him drink water from one of the jars. Nick turned toward the group, asking them to take over.

"Can you guys handle it from here?" Nick asked, his eyes flicking briefly to Gally. Clint immediately nodded, followed by Jeff and Grace.

"We've got it," Clint replied, and the other two Medjacks nodded in agreement. Nick turned his attention to Newt and Grace.

"Newt, go get dressed," Nick said. But as his gaze shifted, he noticed how casually the two were dressed—Newt in just shorts, his injured leg clearly visible, and Grace in a sports bra and shorts. He raised an eyebrow, a look of mild surprise crossing his face.

Grace caught his glance and shrugged. "I have a shirt here," she said, pointing to a box in the corner of the room. Nick nodded quickly but said nothing, his eyes lingering on them for just a moment longer. Newt gave Grace a quick peck on the cheek before heading out of the hut to get dressed.