Fandom: The Maze Runner
Pairing: Newt x OC
Prompt: "I loved you more than I loved myself."
Warnings: self-harm, near death experience, angst
Word count: 936

FLORENCE was the only girl in her maze. With around 50 boys, being the only girl came with it's fair share of difficulties. From fights about or over her to inappropriate behaviour, Florence would've been close to tearing her hair out from her scalp.

But there was one particular Glader that made her life a lot easier.

Newt. He was one of the few boys that fully respected and admired Florence - not only for her looks, but for her strength, her knowledge and her determination. She was perfect, in his eyes. Florence made his day every bit brighter.

However, recently, she had fallen ill - severely - and, by order by Alby, she would stay in her private room until she back to normal health. Which would take a while.

The day was duller - everyone could see that - without the familiar sweet smile that donned Florence's face all day, everyone's moods were deflated.

Especially Newt's.

The two had started a secret relationship a few months prior to her illness, and not being able to see her throughout the day was getting to him.

As a runner, he wouldn't get to see the female gardener a lot but she would wake up early to wave him off and stay up at night and would share a few spare pieces of food from dinner - just for him.

But after 5 days of none of this was straining for him. Alby wouldn't let him see her, not knowing of their relationship. Only Alby would to deliver her water and food.

Before Newt was about to go out into the maze, he asked Alby about Florence's condition. "I don't know, Newt. She's in a bad way. I don't think she'll make it through the night. It'll be a miracle if she lasts the week."

That alone was heartbreaking to hear.

Minho noticed his friend's sour mood as soon as he approached the walls. "You alright, Newt?" He asked to tired looking sandy-haired boy.

Newt merely hummed, looking dead-head at the growing concrete walls as they slowly croaked open.

Minho narrowed his eyes. "Alright, mate. Whatever you say."

Then they were off, running semi-aimlessly through the ever-changing maze. Newt was miserable and losing hope. He and Minho has split up to explore the maze yet Newt had over ideas.

He climbed high on the ivy-covered walls. He looked behind his shoulder at the long drop below him.

Florence was ill, she could be dying. What's the point?

Those were his last thoughts before he closed his eyes and let his hands slip from the ivy vines and plummet down the the concrete floor.

That was two days ago.

Minho wasn't far away and heard the creak and thud that his body made on the floor. The second her heard it, he rushed towards it to see Newt's unconscious body on the ground, one of his legs twisted at an uncomfortable angle.

Florence wasn't well just yet. But when Alby told her what happened to Newt, she rushed out of her chambers for the first time in a week and sprinted to the Med-Jack hut.

What she saw broke her heart.

Newt's leg was bandaged up, along with his head. Florence calloused at the side of his bed and took his hand in hers, pressing a kiss to his knuckles.

Newt grinned weakly, his finger squeezing hers in acknowledgment.

"What happened, Newtie?" Florence asked, quietly.

Newt's eyes teared up and he swallowed the lump in his throat. "I'm sorry."

Florence knitted her brows in confusion. "What do you mean?" Newt remained quiet yet a few tears ran down his cheeks. Florence understood. "What did you do, Newt?"

No nickname. No pet name. No faith or hope behind her words as she spoke to the broken boy.

"I'm sorry," Newt repeated, gripping Florence's hand as if letting it go would mean he would lose her forever.

Florence shook her head as her eyes watered. "Why?" Her voice cracked as a sob threatened to slip from her mouth.

Newt shook his head, not exactly knowing the answer himself. "I-I don't... know, Flo. I couldn't stand not seeing you. It was getting to my head," his voice was weak and it broke her heart.

Florence furrowed her brows. "Why would do something so silly for me."

"I loved you more than I loved myself," Newt rasped out. "I still do, Flo. Alby said you were weren't gonna last the week. I couldn't live without you, love."

Florence sadly smiled, reaching her hand up to stroke his cheek. "Next time, don't listen to Alby," she joked, causing a chuckled to ripple through Newt's throat. "I'm here and I always will be. You've got more to live for than just me, Newtie."

Newt nuzzled his face into her palm. "I refuse to believe that," he smirked.

"Always a flirt. Even with a broken leg!" Florence laughed. "But I'm serious. I don't want to wake up to find you dead. I love you too much."

Newt grinned. "I love you too, love. I'm sorry again."

Florence shook her head. "Don't be sorry. But it looks like your career as a runner has ended," she gestured down to his leg. "I'll put in a good word with Alby so you can join me in the gardens. That way you know I'll always be with you."

Newt chuckled with a nod. "I'd like that a lot."

THE END