The First, Last Trigger -The Maze Runner's Base-

Untouchable

I wasnt able to sleep for nearly the entire night. Tossing and turning in the small hammock hanging right next to Chuck's.
I had seen no sign of Minho or Frypan since then. It was morning by now and I knew Frypan would be up early, cooking before everyone woke up. I kmew I had to talk to him. I dreaded it, but I had to.

I walk down to the outdoor kitchen and feel a slight relief to see Frypan cooking at the grill. Though at the same instant, I felt my chest get heavier, and heavier.

"Hey." I say silently as I walk up to Frypan getting the breakfast meal ready.

"Look" he begins and turns to face me, "You and Minho's business is not mine. But I know what Alby tells us to do and I follow his rules."

"I know, but he didn't- I was the one who kissed him, it wasn't -"

"Stop acting, Teresa. I knew Minho was into you for a quite a while, although I did trust he would leave it alone. You two are so lucky I was the one who saw you and not another klunk mouth." he explains.

"You always knew about him feeling that way?"

"He talked to me about it a few days- shit!" he flinches at a slight contact with the grill fire.

"Are you okay?" My eyes go wide and I reach for his hand to examine it.

"He's really into you. But Alby was pretty clear about his rules." he finishes.

"Rules?"

"Yeah. Shortly after you arrived, he told everyone to stay away from you. In that way, I mean. Or he threatened to make us pay the price." he keeps talking as he flips the food.

"What if me and Minho ever WERE something? How would that be so bad?" I ask.

"40 guys and only one of you in the Glade? Put the rest together yourself. If Alby found out about this, regardless of Minho being the Keeper, he could be prohibited of ever being runner. And you know that is all he puts his work into." he says, raising a brow.

"Look just, stay away from him. Alright? If you really care about him, stay away." Frypan says and turns back to cooking.

I turn and start making my way back towards the Homestead with a feeling in my chest as if someone had stuffed a rag down my throat making it impossible to breathe.

Once I reached the Homestead, I thought twice and kept walking. I didn't want to stop. I needed to think, alone, for a while. I keep walking and soon I am surrounded by trees. Several, hundreds of trees.

The forest was truly beautiful. I could hear the soft hum of the maze beyond my reach. I could smell the sharp scent of pine trees around me as I took in deep breaths.

As soon as I felt I was deep enough into the forest, I sat and rested my back against a tree. Soon enough, I felt very thirsty, dehydrated. I lick my lips slowly and stare at the sky above me. It was nearly a sky, the tree branches and leaves crowded every corner.

It was strange to see the sunrise and sunset , but never a trace of the sun itself. I lick my lips once more and rest my head back onto the tree .

If you really care about him, stay away. Frypan's words echoes in my mind.
I've been wanting to do that forever. Minho's words then creep in on the other side.

Frypan was right. I couldn't risk Minho getting punished for this. He kissed me, yes. But I did as well. I am just as responsible.
Do you even feel something for him?

My eyes slowly open at the absent voice of my own mind. DID I feel something for him?
You kissed him.
I kissed him... because he was there. And I wanted to, really.

No. You just think you like him now because he kissed you. Sure he's handsome. And sweet, gentle. Desirable.
He kissed you. Nothing more. It means nothing.

And with that, I fell asleep faster than I had time to think.

---------------------------------

"Teresa don't do this. Dont fucking do this. You can't do this to me." he pleads.

I had no choice. I was under their influence .

Glass. Shattered glass. Water, drowning. Small recallings that lead up to nothing.

"Teresa listen to me. I know you're in there. You're not like them. Dont do this to me. Dont do this to us."

More glass shattering. Then white. White blurrs.

"I love you..."

"I love you too."

Water. Drowning.
Wicked is good.

I wake up with a deep breath, my lungs inflating more that usual, desperate for air. It was dark, very dark. All I could see were vibrant tree shadows of a soft white glare on the ground.

It can't be possible. How could I have slept all day? There has to be something wrong.

I kept shaking as I slowly stood to my feet. I shouldn't be out here so late in the first place. I look around for a moment and begin making my way back towards the open Glade.

I nearly tripped a few times due to the absence of light guiding my way. In a split second, I stop and grab a tree. My head is heavy, my eyes are burning. I close them and press my brows together , letting out a groan in pain.

I slowly bring my head up and open my eyes. My head is in an immense amount of pain, though I knew I had to get out of here, now.

I begin taking a few steps and I hear a small creature scatter on the ground, constantly crunching dry leaves and I jump a bit, now sprinting.

The air around me gets thicker, heavier. It is difficult for me to even see. But I knew I couldnt stop. I had to keep going. I had to get out of here.

I begin to run. As fast as my feet will take me. The sharp, cool air hits my face as I continue to sprint as fast as I could. Before I could process, my feet fold below me and I start rolling down a hill. My head hits a few rocks as I do, though I feel no pain from my nerves having an attack on my body.

Seconds later, I come to a halt, my head still spinning. Everything was blurred, dark. I lay there, the pain slowly washing in. I then saw dark shadows running towards me and my mind drifts away from me.