Stealers (Newt x Reader)

Chapter 11: Aches and Pains

(Y/n)'s POV

I saw something in the darkness, a picture. Maybe a vision. Maybe a memory. I reached out for it, trying to grab on to even a small part of it as I swam through the heaviness of my subconscious mind. It was closer now. More vivid than before, then all at once and out of nowhere, I fell. 

I could see a girl, maybe slightly younger than me but I somehow knew it was me. I could feel her emotions in some strange way, yet I still had all of my own. She sat in the corner of a dark room, pressed against the wall as if she were hiding. I could sense her fear, it was radiating off her, coming out of her mouth in hot breaths. She was hiding. I looked up, seeing two people dressed in white and a boy no older than 15, maybe 16, facing away from the direction I was stood. I knew she wasn't supposed to be there, listening in. 

"The maps Thomas. I don't know when they'll figure it out but the answer is in the maps, just as you designed it," one of the people in white, a woman, put her hand on Thomas' shoulder. 

"Yes it's quite genius," the other older man chuckled slightly. Thomas seemed to shake his head, and I already knew by the way he was standing and the slight shake of his head which Thomas it was. Confusion wracked through my brain. 

"It's sick. I never signed up to do this to them," Thomas shoved the woman's hand off his shoulder and stormed off, the man and woman turning, looking at each other in shock. How could they be even remotely shocked at his response? I pushed the thought aside, that wasn't the biggest question that hung in my head like storm clouds. The maps are the answer? What does that mean? I looked back at myself, the girl's legs now pulled up to her chest as she stayed as still as she could. Before my mind could question anything else, I tumbled down and down, into the darkness once more. 

*     *     *     *

I felt my eyes shoot open, taking a deep breath of air as if I hadn't breathed in a month. I looked around, settling down when I realised I was in the homestead, I was safe. I began to close my eyes, when the memories of the maze came flooding back into my mind. As if on cue, the pain of my injuries rushed through my veins. I noticed several bandages around my arms and body, plenty of large plasters and bruises. The bruises would go soon but I knew the larger cuts would leave scars. At least I could call them battle wounds, I laughed to myself, somehow still finding a slight shred of humour in it. I groaned as I tried to sit myself up, realising I still ached after... however many days had passed. I quickly turned my head as someone entered the room. I sighed in relief when I saw it was Jeff. He rushed over to me, helping me sit up.

"Woah, careful," he smiled to me as he held my hand to help pull me up to the sitting position, handing me a hot drink, "It's hot water and nettles, helps with the pain. Anyway, how are you feeling anyway? We were all really worried about you, you know. Had everyone on edge." He smiled again, patting my hand which lay on the bed. I wasn't the most careful so I had ended up in the hands of Jeff plenty of times, he was a good friend who didn't actually talk to me a lot unless he was helping me with my injuries, but we both still knew we had a strong level of care and respect for each other. 

"I think I'm better," I laughed lightly, not wanting to overreact about the pain, "I just ache a lot I guess but I'm pretty sure I'll be good." I gave him a warm smile and we sat in comfortable silence while he checked my bandages. I continued the conversation, "How long have I been out?"

"About three days I think, you're body probably needed the rest," he said, putting a cream on one of the cuts I had. I just nodded in response, sipping the drink he gave me. "I had to check for stings by the way and stuff like that, I'm sorry if it's weird." I shook my head.

"It's your job, I'd be more happy knowing I'm safe than end up dying because no one had the balls to check," I smirked at him. He just laughed back, nodding.

"I'll be back later," he said as he squeezed my hand and headed out the door, whispering something to someone who was outside. Maybe it was Newt. I settled into the bed a little, clutching the mug Jeff gave me as if it was a rare magical potion that my life depended on. Maybe it secretly was. My thoughts were interrupted by someone barging through the door, making me jump and nearly spill the hot water over myself.

"Holy shank, you're awake," Thomas beamed at me, running over to pull me into a hug.

"Careful I am still hurting you know," I laughed as I hugged him back, trying my best not to spill the drink. Somehow I managed to keep it all in the mug.

"Oh yeah sorry, I was just happy to see you're in one piece and somewhat okay," he let go of me and smiled as he sat down on the bed. 

"Yeah just about," I laughed. He frowned slightly. "What?"

"Don't take this the wrong way but I didn't realise how much I cared until I heard that you might not make it back to the doors in time," I rolled my eyes at him playfully, "I mean I knew I cared.. I just.. I don't know. I'm glad you're okay." We smiled at each other as he wrapped his hand around mine. I enjoyed his company and the atmosphere of bravery and courage which seemed to emit from him. I felt my smile drop slightly as I remembered the dream - or memory it seemed - that I saw when I was out. Was that real? Or was it something that my mind had made up in the overwhelming mix of emotions I had felt?

"You okay?" Thomas had turned towards me, a concerned look spreading across his face. 

"No I'm fine. I was just thinking about random things, guess I just got caught up in it," I smiled but didn't look back up at him, deciding to not tell him about what I saw just yet. I wasn't sure how he would react and I didn't want him to think I was accusing him of this being his fault. I couldn't have him being mad at me right now. To take my mind off it, I asked about the other thing that filled my mind with questions.

"Where's Newt?" I remembered him holding me. Carrying me here. Telling me everything would be okay. Part of me wanted to go back to that moment, stay there in his arms for the rest of time but I knew it was impossible. Thomas still hadn't answered so I looked up at him, feeling my heart drop slightly. His face had gone from normal to panicked, muttering things to himself, trying to find the words to say whatever he wanted to say. 

"What is it?" My voice was low, waiting in anticipation for his answer. He looked down, seeming to not want to look me in the eye. The silence was deathly and I was almost certain I could hear my own heart pounding against my chest. Thomas breathed in and looked me right in the eye,

"No one's seen Newt since that night."