The healer [Maze runner Newt x OC]

They crossed the street quickly, Gally moving ahead and crouching by a small wall. "Alright, Newt, you're up," he said, lacing his fingers together to boost him.

Newt hesitated, his jaw tightening, but he eventually stepped forward. Gally hoisted him up, and he scrambled over the wall with some effort. "Good," Gally said before turning to Grace. "Your turn."

Grace nodded, but as she gripped Gally's hands and pulled herself up, a flicker of unease crossed her face. Once over the wall, she cast a glance around, her nerves prickling with paranoia.

"Relax," Gally said as he climbed over after them. "No one comes up here anymore. You're safe."

"Why not?" Grace asked, brushing off her hands and scanning the area.

"You'll see," Gally replied with a vague smirk.

"Way to be reassuring," she muttered, rolling her eyes.

They followed Gally, who led them further along the pathway. With each step, the path narrowed, and the view ahead became clearer—a broken-off bridge loomed, its jagged end hovering precariously over an expanse below.

Gally stopped and stretched his arms before leaning on his knees. "Alright, make some room, boys and girl." He suddenly bolted past them, sprinting toward the edge of the bridge.

"Wait, what are you—" Grace's words were cut off as Gally leapt from the bridge and landed with practiced ease on a ledge across the gap.

Her eyes widened in shock as Gally straightened and yelled back. "Come on! You're up! Let's go!"

"He's kidding... right?" Grace turned to Thomas and Newt, but neither answered.

Thomas huffed, shaking his head as he glanced at Newt. Grace followed his gaze, her stomach twisting when she noticed Newt standing stiffly, his hands clenched at his sides, his breathing uneven. His face was pale, and his eyes were shut tightly.

"Newt," she whispered, stepping close to him. She placed a gentle hand on his arm, her voice soft and steady. "Hey, look at me."

Newt's eyes opened slowly, filled with a mix of fear and anguish. Grace's chest tightened. She could see it—the flicker of memory. The Maze walls. His leap. His pain.

"You're not there," she murmured, moving in front of him and gripping his hands. "You're here, with me. You've got this, okay? You're stronger now." Her voice was firm but kind, her thumbs brushing over his knuckles. "I'll be right there on the other side, ready to catch you. You won't fall, Newt."

He stared at her for a moment before giving a slow nod. His lips parted as if to say something, but instead, he leaned forward and pressed his forehead to hers for a brief second.

"I'll be right there," she repeated with a small smile. Then she turned and sprinted toward the edge, launching herself off the broken bridge.

Gally caught her effortlessly, steadying her on the ledge.

"Good jump," he said, giving her a nod.

"Thanks," she said quickly before turning back toward Newt and Thomas. "Come on, Newt!"

Gally's eyes flicked to Newt, still frozen on the other side. "Is he going to do it?"

"He's got it," Grace said, her voice confident but her hands clenching nervously at her sides.

Newt's face hardened with determination as he stepped back, bracing himself. Then, with a shout, he ran and leapt across the gap. His landing was shaky, and Grace reached out, grabbing him around the waist to steady him.