The healer [Maze runner Newt x OC]

Chapter four

"Got it. Thanks!" Grace jotted the item onto her list, her handwriting quick but tidy. The rhythmic routine of inventory calmed her nerves, but it was short-lived when the door swung open, and Winston stumbled in, clutching his wrist. Crimson streaks glistened between his fingers.

"Take a seat," Grace instructed firmly, already grabbing a clean cloth. "Clint, get me those bandages. Jeff, pass the disinfectant."

Clint moved to the cabinet while Jeff handed over the supplies with a low grumble. "We'll be lucky if we even make it another week with this rate of accidents."

"Hey, Winston," Grace said, her tone firm but not unkind as she worked to clean the wound. "Can you tell the Slicers to be a bit more careful? We're running out of supplies here."

"Yeah, yeah, I'll let them know," Winston mumbled, wincing as she tightened the bandage around his wrist.

"All set. You know the drill," Grace said, tying off the bandage. "Take it easy, and if this opens back up, you come straight back. No arguments."

"Got it, boss," Winston quipped, jumping off the table with a wave. "Thanks, guys!"

"See you, Winston!" Grace called after him as he disappeared out the door.

Clint leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "Feels like we're barely holding it together these days."

"We'll manage," Grace said with a small smile. "We always do."

By lunchtime, Clint and Jeff had left for the kitchens, leaving Grace to tackle the chaos in the hut alone. The shelves were a disaster—half-empty boxes shoved wherever there was space, random tools and supplies scattered with no rhyme or reason.

"This is why they need a woman's touch," she muttered to herself as she labeled a box of bandages, stacking it neatly on a cleared shelf. A sense of satisfaction filled her as the clutter slowly transformed into organized order.

Just as she slid another box into place, she heard footsteps. Turning, she saw Nick leaning casually against the doorframe, eyebrows raised.

"Wow," he said, scanning the room. "Never thought this place could look this... neat. Nice job, She-Bean."

Grace smirked at the nickname. "Thanks. Makes life a lot easier when you can actually find things." She pushed the last box into place and wiped her hands on her shirt. "Ready for lunch?"

"Always," Nick said with a grin, extending his hand. She took it, letting him lead her out of the hut.

As they approached the kitchens, Nick called out, "She-Bean has arrived!"

Grace rolled her eyes, chuckling as she let go of his hand. Her eyes drifted to the table where Alby, Clint, Jeff, and Newt sat waiting. The moment she caught Newt's gaze, her heart gave a small leap. His smile was warm and easy, a sight she hadn't realized she'd missed so much.

Newt slid over to make space for Grace as she grabbed a plate from Frypan. Settling down beside him, she was immediately greeted by his soft, accented voice.

"Busy morning?"

"Not too bad," Grace replied between bites of food. "Winston was our only patient. Thank goodness, because we're running low on almost everything." She shot Clint a meaningful look. "Oh, by the way, don't bother asking for more suture material. We've got three full boxes of it."

Clint frowned. "Three boxes? I thought we were almost out."

"Yeah, no." Grace smirked. "I found them buried behind a pile of broken tools. Which, by the way, someone should've sorted months ago."