Ever since Thomas arrived in the Glade he knew he had a crush. More of an obsession, he thought to himself.
Even in the panic of being thrust into a new reality after being delivered in a metal box, Thomas knew he was under Newt's spell. His tangled flaxen locks were the first thing the boy saw, and there was no going back after that. However, he never could gather the courage to confess his attraction.
Newt was one of the few welcoming people in the Glade. After being called a "greenie" for the upteenth time, Thomas was immensly relieved to finally have someone who would provide answers to his unending questions. Newt had sharp features, an angular jaw, and wild eyes. He stood at about the same height as Thomas. This feeling wasn't foreign to Thomas, he could remember feelings of attraction to other people, but no faces or details stood out.
"So, will you be there or not, Tommy?", asked Newt, bringing him back to reality. "We're throwing this for you, you should be honored."
Thomas sighed. He loved being called Tommy even if it was meant in a teasing manner. Everyone else in the Glade called him by his full name, but Newt was the sole exception. He even corrected Chuck when he tried to use it.
It was decided by all of the Keepers that they would hold a bonfire in honor of his arrival. Apparently this was a rare occasion and something told Thomas that Newt had something to do with it. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate the gesture, but he still wasn't completely comfortable celebrating amongst strangers. He felt defeated, obviously Newt didn't return his feelings
"I'm not sure…" Thomas replied, his words trailing off at the end. He tilted his head upward to face forward and found himself staring into Newt's eyes.
Oh God.
The blonde was looking right at him, a crooked smirk on his lips.
"Well, that's too bloody bad, because you don't have much choice in the matter."
"What do you mean I have no choice?"
"You're going. Even if I have to tie you up and drag you there myself!" Newt replied confidently.
Thomas fought the urge to admit that he wouldn't mind being tied up if Newt was involved.
"Fine.", Thomas exhaled.
Night fell and Thomas could hear the rowdy voices of the Gladers begin to increase in volume. A fire pit was dug near the Homestead and was surrounded by logs of varying size, serving as chairs.
Thomas searched for a place to sit when a familiar voice called out.
"Hey Tommy! Sit over here!"
It was Newt, dressed in a red buttoned shirt and dark jeans; his usually messy hair was combed and untangled. The soft radiance of the nearby fire cast shadows on his face and emphasized golden color of his hair and the amber of his eyes.
Wow.
"What are you waiting for slinthead? Take a seat!" Newt said with laughter.
Thomas complied, hoping Newt couldn't tell how flustered he was.
"Thanks for letting me walk here, Newt. I'm not partial to being held captive." Thomas tried to break the awkward silence.
"You're lucky you came when you did, I was just about to send Minho to get the rope." Newt said smugly.
Both boys laughed.
"Here, this is some of Frypan's brew. Consider this an initiation of sorts, Tommy."
Newt handed Thomas a glass jar filled with a clear dark fluid, it had a bitter, potent smell of oranges and wheat. Thomas regarded it with hesitance, breathing from his mouth to evade its scent.
"Go on, Tommy.", Newt teased.
He bit his lip. Shuck! Does he know what that does to me when he says it like that!
Thomas wanted to impress Newt. He held the glass to his lips, the strong sickly smell was unavoidable now. Thomas exhaled and took a large swig of the strange drink. He felt a burning sensation as he swallowed it. He downed it but began to cough furiously, causing all around him to laugh.
"To the greenie!", declared Newt as he raised his own glass with a grin.
"To the greenie!", responded the crowd, applauding the newbie's bravery.
"Now for some fun!" Minho called out. "Truth Or Dare!" he shouted, enunciating every syllable.
The crowd murmured with excitement.
"Gally! My first victim, Truth or Dare?"
"Truth.", Gally replied, staring daggers at Minho
"Is it true that you don't wear any clothes when you sleep?"
Laughter erupted from the crowd briefly before returning to dead silence in anticipation of the response.
"Yes.", Gally replied with a sigh.
The laughter returned at full volume. Responses flew from the crowd, "I knew it!", "Are you serious?".
"Okay, my next victim will be…Newt!"
Newt gave a uneasy grin at Minho before replying "Dare."
Minho made an evil giggle. "I dare you to kiss the greenie."
A unanimous gasp arose from the group.
Thomas's face blushed a bright red and his eyes involuntarily turned to Newt. His heart pounded in his chest. A mix of shock, embarrassment, and desire flooded him. He tried his best to read Newt's facial expressions, he seemed to be keeping cool and calm. The fire's glow cast a brilliant amber color in his eyes.
"For how long?" asked Newt coyly, trying to remain calm.
"Thirty seconds." replied Minho cockily, holding up his wristwatch that showed he was a runner.
Newt turned to face Thomas and hesitated slightly before responding.
"Get over here, Tommy."