Feral → newt, tmr

Chapter 8: Chocolate Cookies

“Quite a day, huh?” Newt says, leaning against the bedpost and glancing down at her.

She nods, her eyes fluttering shut for a brief second. “Yep,” she breathes out. Chuck agrees to sneak into the pit and give some food for Thomas without getting caught by Gally. So, she's relieved that her brother doesn't have to spend the night dealing with hunger. "Where's Teresa sleeping?" 

“At Alby's room.” Newt gives a tired smile, his gaze drifting to the wardrobe. He pulls out a worn leather backpack and holds it up for her to see. “This was mine,” he says. “When I was a Runner.”

Katherine’s curiosity stirs, and she sits up to get a better look. “Looks cool,” she says, tracing the edges of the cracked leather.

He hands it to her, his fingers brushing against hers. “Give it to Thomas. He’ll need it more than me.”

She takes it, feeling the weight of the small gesture, and looks up to meet his tired but gentle gaze. “I will,” she says quietly.

“Good that.” Newt’s shoulders slump with the exhaustion he’s been trying to hide all day. He begins to untie his shoes, glancing at the bed as if contemplating something. “You don’t have to sleep on the floor again,” he murmurs. “I don’t mind sharing… if you’re okay with it.”

Katherine’s heartbeat quickens at the suggestion, but she hides it behind a casual shrug. “I don’t mind.”

Newt pulls off his hoodie and tank top, tossing them aside, and sits on the edge of the bed. She notices the tattoo on his back for the first time, the black ink stark against his pale skin. “What’s that?” she asks, curiosity getting the better of her.

He turns, brow furrowed. “What’s what?”

“The tattoo,” she points out. “On your back.”

Newt’s expression is unreadable as he reaches over his shoulder, almost as if he’s forgotten it was there. “Everyone here has one. They’re all different,” he says.

She bites her lips nervously. “Can I look at yours?” 

“Sure,” he shrugs and takes a seat on the bed, so she can reach his level. 

“Property of W.C.K.D. Group A, Subject A5. The Glue.” Katherine frowns as she traces the ink with her fingers, feeling the ridges of his skin beneath. “The Glue?” she murmurs. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Newt chuckles softly, the sound tinged with something deeper, almost sad. “Dunno. Maybe I’m just the one who’s supposed to keep everyone together.”

She pauses, her touch lingering a moment longer. “Seems like a fitting name,” she says quietly, a warmth spreading through her chest at the thought. “You’ve always been the one keeping things from falling apart.”

Newt’s gaze softens, and he gives her a small, grateful smile. “Maybe.”

“Can you look at mine?” she asks suddenly, the question tumbling out before she can think twice.

Newt’s runs his fingers through his blond hair before nodding. After she takes a seat, he sweeps her hair to her side and pulls down the collar of her loose blouse to uncover her tattoo, his breath warm against the back of her neck. "Property of W.C.K.D. Group A, subject A2-II. The Feral."