A/N: My darling Symbiotic, I hope that this finds you well and that your holiday season remains bright and joyous! Now, on to the totally-happy-and-not-at-all-angsty-and-stress-filled-fic-your-prompts-demanded.

To my readers, mind the tags. What would the holidays be without fecky writing, well, this?

Prompts given: Battle Couple & Bad-Ass Rescuer

MILITARY READINESS

"Why are you going?" Four's question was laced with indignation and a brashness that didn't suit a conversation between exes.

Well, there was nothing new.

I started lacing my boots, crossing over and around my ankles in now-rote motions. Making him wait for his reply was a bit petty but hey what else did I have for entertainment around here? "It's a chance to go beyond the wall? I'm branching out past my expected duties? I want to go? Pick whichever reason you like," I answered flatly.

Four wedged himself into my field of view, his arms crossed stubbornly. "I'm worried about you. Is that allowed?" he shot back.

"You don't have to worry about me. I'm fine, really." We were on week nine or ten of the breakup. I wanted to throttle him every time he butted into my life to 'see how I was doing.' The decision had been mutual at the time as we wanted completely different things out of Dauntless life.

"It's a trade venture," I added when Four still looked unconvinced. "I talked to Tori about it. She's been on half of the trips that went to Sterling since she passed initiation. Never had any major problems."

He turned his head, huffing. "Things change out there very quickly. All I know is that it's a hell of a lot safer here behind the wall than it is out beyond it."

I gathered up my backpack, stuffed with fresh clothes and my personal supplies, and slung it onto my shoulders. I would be taking it off shortly once I got to my assigned truck, so I didn't bother with the buckles and straps. "Look, Four, I don't know what to tell you. I want to go. I'm going," I said.

He reached for me, going for a hug by his body language. I stepped back and held up a hand. "Don't do that," I ordered. "We're not dating and I've told you I don't feel comfortable when you try to hug me."

"Tris, please," Four whispered. "Don't do this to me."

I dropped my hand. He stepped closer and wrapped his arms around my shoulders. I didn't budge, holding my breath until Four finally let go. "Come back safe," he murmured.

"Stop worrying about me," I echoed once again. Maybe this time he would listen.