Lying Underneath

by CinnaAndFinnickLiveInMyHeart

Brenda's feelings she hid for so long. From the point where she was introduced in The Scorch Trials, to the peak of The Death Cure.

It was just an excuse.

Now, of course, Brenda never intended to be dragged off course by far-Gone Cranks. Them, insisting to make Thomas and her drink a fire-burning liquid dragging themselves into delirium. But what a better opportunity to kiss Thomas? He was far more loopy at that time than she was, or so Brenda thought.

Why wouldn't he? Just because Brenda "isn't her" doesn't make Teresa so special. She'd seen her, before Jorge and Brenda were dropped off in the Scorch, through WICKED's eyes. No, not evil, Brenda knew. But what was so amazing? Brenda never found out. Lying underneath Thomas, she could sense his uneasiness. It wasn't that hard.

When they were taken away by WICKED out of the Scorch, Brenda didn't see Thomas for so long. She lost track of days, it might have even been a couple of months. The next time she caught his sight, Brenda bolted up and hugged the breath out of him. While releasing her grip slightly, she whispered to him not to trust WICKED. But it was only a cover up. Thomas knew by heart not to trust them, Brenda was sure of it. It would have been awkward though, just to run up to him for a hug. He would have been weary about what lies underneath her.

The countless times Brenda planned on admitting to Thomas what lies underneath, she always was interrupted by his voice or a deathly situation. To tell him what lies underneath.

Inside Brenda, underneath all her hiding, is something Thomas never noticed. Her love for him. The need for him to be by her side, them always looking after one another. His kind words and understanding. For all Brenda has been through, he was there. To laugh, to mourn, to be utterly lost in life. He was there.

And here Brenda takes a seat next to him, steady as she goes. His face full of loss, the edges of his soul seem to be chipping off. HIs family, who they both will never understand. Chuck, the first act. Newt, having to take the life of his best friend in tears. Teresa, the unexplainable breaking point.

But as she nudges herself up to him, a smile creases the corners of his lips. She kisses them for the first time, careful not to go too far. Thomas hugs her back though, and Brenda's heart shines so bright, it could have blocked out the dipping sunset. What lies underneath came out at that moment, with Thomas and her in their arms.