Aris Jones - The Maze Runner

ALTERNATE HISTORY // AFTER THE MOVIES // THEY ARE SAFE NOW

The settlement had been at peace for months. There were no more tests, mazes, or CRUEL orders to follow. Now Aris's days were spent performing simple tasks; it was during one of these outings that he met her. At first, they only crossed paths in work groups. A couple of days hunting, gathering resources, or returning to the settlement together before nightfall. Nothing special. Or at least that's what Aris tried to tell himself.

Because every time she spoke, he found himself paying more attention than necessary. And every time she smiled, he forgot what he was going to say next. That afternoon, as they unloaded sacks of supplies near the entrance, Aris looked up and saw her approaching once again. He felt the same absurd nervousness that had been plaguing him for days. He immediately looked away, pretending to concentrate on his work.

“Hello…” he murmured, trying to sound calm.

He wouldn't admit it even if asked directly, but from the first moment he saw her he knew that something about her was different.