Newt and I had been through a lot together. Surviving the Maze, being stuck in the Scorch, nearly losing each other on multiple occasions. It was all very traumatic and it wasn't until we finally made it to the Safe Haven that we had a moment to ourselves. The warm ocean breeze tousled our hair as we sat together on a secluded stretch of beach, the sound of the waves crashing against the shore offering a soothing background. I turned to look at him, the fading sunlight catching his face and making his eyes gleam in a way that made my heart flutter. Newt's eyes met mine. "You know, there was a moment back there when I thought I was gone. When I found out that I was bit, that I wasn't immune, I thought that was it.” I took his hand in mine, my grip firm and reassuring. I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly tight with emotion. "I don’t know how I would've made it through if I had lost you," I admitted quietly. "I realized something, in that moment. Something that I had been too afraid to admit to myself before.” Newt's eyebrows pinched together, his expression curious. "What did you realize?" he asked, his voice a gentle murmur. I took a deep breath, feeling my heart race in my chest. I looked down at our intertwined fingers, taking comfort in the connection between us. "I realized that I...I have feelings for you. Stronger than just friendship. And the thought of losing you, of never being able to tell you how I feel, it was more terrifying than telling you.” Newt's gaze softened as he took in my words, his expression shifting from confusion to understanding. He lifted his free hand and gently touched my face, his thumb tracing the line of my cheekbone with a tenderness that made my heart skip a beat. "I had a similar realization," he said quietly, his voice soft with emotion. "When I thought that I was about to turn, when I thought I was going to lose control...all I could think about was you. The regret of never getting to tell you how I felt, never getting to tell you how important you are to me."