Trapped - Gally x Reader - TMR

4. A Runner?

Minho made a choking sound, trying to hold back laughter. Ben smirked and Chuck continued to eat.

Newt just sighed, rubbing his temple. "Right, because what we're really missing is a bit of decorating."

"Exactly," I said, grinning. "Maybe I can talk the Grievers into a remodel."

That made Minho laugh turning to Newt. "She's got jokes."

"No, now let's be serious," I said, looking at Minho. "What if I am supposed to be a runner? I'm fast."

He gave me a skeptical look. "How's your stamina?"

I hesitated. "...Not great."

Newt snorted. "Brilliant."

"But that's not the point," I insisted. "Maybe I can do something no one else can. Maybe I think differently. You have been there for three years, maybe you are constantly missing something? Why would they send a single girl up here? There has to be more to it."

Ben smirked. "Well, maybe there is another reas-."
I slammed my knife into the table with full force, the blade sticking deep into the wood. My eyes locked onto Ben as I leaned forward.

"If you open your damn mouth one more time, I swear I'll make sure you won't be able to use it for a week."

They all watched me with wides eyes. No one said a word until I pulled the knife out.

Minho sighed, rubbing his chin before looking at Newt.

"No." Newt just said and for the first time he didn't smile. "Over my dead body."

Minho shrugged. "She's got guts. Let's see what Alby says."

"Im the second in command so I have to agree as well. And you." He pointed at me. "You are planting carrots with me tomorrow."

"Nope. No planting carrots for you tomorrow."

I turned to see Gally standing there, arms crossed, looking just as grumpy as usual.

Newt raised an eyebrow. "And why's that?"

Gally pointed at his chest. "Well, unless you figured out a way to make her hut build itself, I need her help as well. Can't do much with this."

I glanced at his injury, then tilted my head. "I mean... you could try using your other arm. You got two of them for a reason."

Gally shot me a look. "Oh, hilarious. That's real helpful."

Newt sighed, rubbing his temples again like dealing with us was physically painful. "Fine. Whatever."

"Also, Alby wanted to see you." Gally added and sat next to his builder friends.

~~~

I found Alby near his hut, deep in conversation with another Glader. When he spotted me, he gave the guy a nod, and they walked off, leaving us alone.

"You wanted to see me?" I asked, crossing my arms.

Alby studied me for a second before nodding. "Yeah. Just wanted to tell you, I talked to the other Gladers, I want you to feel safe here. Told them to be on their best behavior. But yet, till your hut is finished, I want you to stay with the Keepers."

I nodded. "Yeah, Gally already told me."

Alby blinked. "Gally told you?"

"Yep."

Alby let out a short laugh, shaking his head.

"What? Surprised he actually speaks in full sentences?"

"Something like that." He smiled. "Look, I chose them for a reason. You can trust them."

I nodded, and Alby hesitated for a second before continuing. "So... you got someone in mind.."

"Newt," I said immediately.

Alby raised an eyebrow. "That was fast."

I shrugged. "He's the only one who's actually explained things to me."

Alby smirked. "No, I get it. Just let him sleep enough."

~~~

The Keeper's huts were all close together, but I barely paid attention to the others as I stepped into Newt's. It was small, nothing fancy, just the basics: a bed, a small table, and whatever personal stuff he'd collected.

Newt was lighting the lantern. The glow flickered against the walls, casting long shadows. He turned to me, nodding toward the corner.

"There," he said. "That box came up with you. Figured it's yours."

I frowned, stepping closer. WICKED was written on it. The same guys that put us here were responsible for the supplies. Finally, something useful. Inside, there were a few changes of clothes - tank tops, shorts, cargo pants. Nothing fancy, but way better than sweating through the same outfit every day. More importantly, there was a small bag with some basic hygiene stuff - soap, a comb, even suncream.

I picked up the bottle, holding it up. "Didn't know WICKED cared about skin care."

Newt smirked. "Maybe they just didn't want you turning into a tomato."

I rolled my eyes, shoving the stuff back into the box for later. By the time I looked up, Newt had grabbed his bedroll and set it down on the ground. He sat on it, stretching his legs out like he was settling in for the night.

I blinked. "What are you doing?"

He gave me a seriously? look. "Getting ready to sleep."

I pointed at his actual bed. "And what, you're just gonna pretend that doesn't exist?"

Newt shrugged. "You take the bed. I'll be fine here."

I scoffed. "No way. I'm sleeping on the ground. I'm the guest."

Newt leaned back on his elbows, looking up at me with that calm expression. "No, you're not."

"Yes, I am."

"No, you're not."

I huffed. "Newt—"

"Look, love, I said you're taking the bed." His voice was firm, but not unkind. "So take it."

I crossed my arms. "And what if I don't?"

Newt smirked up at me. "Well, if you don't wanna be on the bed, you're always welcome down here with me."

I blinked. Then scoffed. "Yeah, right."

He chuckled, clearly enjoying himself. "Your loss."

Rolling my eyes, I flopped onto his bed while he turned of the lantern.

As the quiet settled in, I stared at the ceiling, my thoughts refusing to slow down. After a moment, I turned my head slightly.

"Hey, Newt?"

"Mm?" He sounded half-asleep already.

"Do you... ever remember anything? Like, dreams or flashes of something?"

Newt was silent for a second, then sighed. "No. Nothing."

Silence.

"What about you?"
I pressed my lips together thinking about the Gall incident.

"No. Nothing."