The healer [Maze runner Newt x OC]

"Morning, guys." Newt's voice was warm as he took a plate from Frypan and slipped into the seat next to Grace. She offered him a soft smile, one he returned before reaching for his fork. Alby arrived moments later, dropping into the seat next to Nick as the group settled into their breakfast routine.

Alby's fork paused mid-air when he caught sight of Newt. His eyes widened as he slowly stood, drawing the others' attention. "Newt?"

The tone of surprise made Grace glance up, and she followed Alby's gaze. A small grin crept across her face as she gave a little wave to Newt, who was making his way over. He had a relaxed air about him, his smile crinkling the corners of his eyes, while Minho sat back, clearly trying not to laugh.

Reaching Grace, Newt leaned down and pressed a quick kiss to her cheek. Grace's smile grew as a wave of warmth flooded her cheeks, but it was nothing compared to the stunned silence that fell over the table.

"Since when?" Alby finally blurted out, his tone hovering between shock and amusement. His eyes flicked between Newt and Grace like he was piecing together a puzzle.

"Uh..." Newt chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck as Grace slid her hand into his. "Last night, I guess."

Alby crossed his arms, a teasing smirk forming. "And you're just telling me this now?"

Newt chuckled again, the sound soft and unguarded, and Grace felt her heart leap at the sound. It was a sound she'd missed terribly over the past month.

As if instinctively, her fingers reached up to toy with the necklace Newt had given her. She could feel his gaze lingering, and when she glanced at him, his smile widened. Newt casually draped an arm around her shoulders, and Grace's face flushed a deep red.

Her eyes darted down to her plate as she quickly shoveled a bite of food into her mouth, desperate to hide her embarrassment. Across the table, Minho gave an exaggerated wolf whistle, earning a sharp glare from Grace.

"What?" Minho asked innocently, raising his hands in mock defense. "I'm just appreciating the cute couple vibes!"

"Cut it out, Minho," Grace muttered, though the corners of her mouth twitched with a reluctant smile.

The group burst into laughter, the initial tension dissolving as everyone relaxed into the moment. Newt gave her shoulder a light squeeze, leaning close enough to murmur, "You alright?"

She nodded, a grin spreading across her face. "Yeah. Just didn't expect you to go all-in with the public displays of affection this soon."

"Well," he said with a small smirk, "no point hiding it, is there?"

Minho leaned forward, his grin mischievous. "You better be ready for the gossip mill, Grace. The whole Glade's gonna be talking about this by lunch."

"I can handle it," Grace shot back, meeting Newt's eyes with a playful glint.

The banter continued as the group fell into easy conversation, the lingering joy from Newt's return spreading like sunlight through the otherwise ordinary morning. For the first time in weeks, Grace felt like everything was exactly as it should be.

The Medjack hut was quiet, save for the occasional sound of Grace rifling through supplies. She sat at the worktable, scribbling a list of necessities for the next Box delivery. The sharp scratch of the pencil filled the air as she muttered items under her breath.

"Hey, Clint," she called without looking up, "do we still have bandages in the left cabinet?"

"Yeah," Clint replied, standing on his tiptoes to check. "But only three rolls. We'll need more."