The Girl Called Owen - Newt x Owen (OC)

The Glade had settled into its usual nighttime quiet. Earlier that day, Owen had spent hours helping Teresa adjust to the strange new world they all now called home. Owen's warm smile and easy nature seemed to make Teresa feel a little less alone.

Now, the Gladers were asleep, the hum of crickets and the occasional distant rustle in the Maze the only sounds in the dark. In Newt's hut, Owen sat cross-legged on the cot, running her fingers over the fraying hem of her shirt. Newt sat beside her, the dim glow of the lantern casting soft shadows across his face.

"You've done a good thing with Teresa," Newt said, breaking the comfortable silence. "She needed a friend, and you were there."

Owen shrugged modestly. "I know what it's like to be the new one. It's terrifying. I just didn't want her to feel alone."

Newt studied her for a moment, his hazel eyes soft. "You've got a knack for making people feel at ease, Owen. You're different, in the best way."

Owen's heart gave a small flutter at his words, but she quickly dismissed it, laughing softly. "You're just saying that."

"I'm not," Newt insisted, his tone growing serious. "You've changed things around here since you came. You've changed... me."

Owen's smile faded as she looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "Newt, what are you saying?"

He hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck in that endearingly awkward way he did when he was nervous. Finally, he sighed. "I like you, Owen. A lot more than I probably should. And I've been driving myself mad trying to hide it."

Owen blinked, her heart racing. "You mean that?"

Newt nodded, his eyes locked onto hers. "I do. Every word."

Owen felt a rush of emotions—surprise, warmth, and a flicker of something deeper. "Newt... I like you too."

A grin spread across his face, and before she could say another word, he leaned in, his lips brushing hers. The kiss was soft and tentative, as if he were afraid she might pull away. But Owen didn't. Instead, she melted into it, her hands resting on his shoulders as the kiss deepened.

The world outside the hut seemed to vanish as they lost themselves in each other. Newt's hands gently cupped her face, while Owen's fingers threaded through his blond hair. The kiss grew more passionate, their emotions spilling over in a way neither of them had expected.

When they finally pulled apart, both breathless, Newt rested his forehead against hers, a smile tugging at his lips. "I've wanted to do that since the moment you punched me in the face."

Owen laughed, her cheeks flushed. "Well, I'm glad you did."

Their laughter faded into silence as they gazed at each other, the unspoken connection between them stronger than ever.

As the first light of dawn filtered through the cracks in the hut's walls, Owen awoke to find her head resting on Newt's chest, his arm draped protectively around her. She smiled softly, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.