Hey everyone! Divergent is probably my favourite book of all time and after recently re-reading the trilogy and watching the movie, I had the urge to write something about it. Although the ending to Allegiant left me close to tears (I probably would have cried, if someone hadn't spoiled it for me on the internet beforehand!), I respected the way Veronica rounded off the books. But, that doesn't mean that I can't dream of a happier alternative! So, this story has got a simple plot; basically, it's what might have happened if Beatrice had met Tobias before his transfer to Dauntless (when they both lived in Abnegation). The story is set when Beatrice is 14, and Tobias is 16, with only a week or so before his choosing ceremony. So, enjoy…
Forbidden Factions
Beatrice's POV
All my life, I've lived in a world thriving by a system known as the 'Factions'. Our leaders devised a solution to the devastation in our lives by dividing our community, based on characteristics and basic instincts. Those who blamed ignorance belonged to Erudite, the knowledgeable. Those who blamed selfishness belonged to Abnegation, the selfless. Those who blamed lies and deceit belonged to Candor, the honest. Those who blamed cowardice belonged to Dauntless, the brave. And those who blamed violence belonged to Amity, the kind. These five factions helped to prevent the collision of disagreeable characters, and henceforth, delivered peace to our world.
I was raised in Abnegation, enforced upon a strict routine of selfless acts and a lack of self indulgence. My family followed the rules to a tee, not stepping a foot out of line. My brother, Caleb was able to inherit their good nature with ease, whereas I found their customs difficult to bear; I could never understand why I, out of everyone around me, should feel responsible for helping an elderly woman back to her feet more than most. Or why I, out of everyone around me, should immediately offer my seat to someone who would quite happily refer to me as a 'Stiff' behind my back. I tried more than most to fit in with what seemed so natural to my family and friends, but the fact that I even had to think about it always indicated that I wasn't truly selfless through and through.
Soon, our teachers are going to have the "talk" with our year. They'll explain the importance of the faction system, and assure us that their respect for us will never falter, regardless of our choice. We've got another two years before our own choosing ceremony will commence, but it is now, at the age of 14, that our real preparation begins. Although no one can fully prepare someone for the aptitude test, as it could affect our results, our studies on the individual factions and the consequences of our choices will begin.
"I don't see why we need to learn so much about the factions," I say to my brother at the breakfast table "The test will show us what the most suitable option is, won't it?"
He straightens, spreading a thin layer of butter over his toast "I don't know about you, but I'd like to know what I'm getting myself into. Especially since our choices are going to define the rest of lives…"
I shrug "Yeah, but-"
At that, my father walks in. His rough hands skim the back of Caleb's chair, and he offers us both a warm smile "Good morning. Discussing the factions, I take it?"
I've never been scared of my parents; they're gentle, loving people. But I've always been wary of conversation. The Abnegation deems it inappropriate for those under the age of 16 to talk openly with their elders, unless confronted beforehand.
Caleb catches my eye, and nods approvingly. I smile, thankful that he can read my thoughts so easily, but also ashamed that he realizes my difficultly in understanding our family's system "Yes. Me and Caleb were just talking about our studies in school."
"Ah, yes… It's about that time for you, isn't it?"
The question is rhetorical, but I nod curtly regardless.
He takes his own place at the table and spreads his fingers "Take note of what your teachers are saying, Beatrice. I want you and your brother to be fully aware of all there is to offer."
I tuck a loose strand of hair behind my ear and smile; my father acts like the choice is ours, but I really know that if either of us were to transfer, it would hit him harder than he lets on.
Caleb clears his throat "Father?" Of course, we can't open a new subject without permission.
"Yes, son"
"Beatrice was curious-" He stops himself; the Abnegation are not curious people "Beatrice was unsure of the practicality of our studies. I was finding it difficult to explain the importance to her…"
I bite the inside of my cheek. How can he put is so appropriately? If I were to ask my father about the "practicality of our studies", it would come out as brash or ignorant.
He considers the question and turns to face me "Your choosing ceremony is not for another two years, is that so?"
I glance at Caleb for support, but his eyes are glued on my father's unfaltering expression. "Yes, that's correct."
"It seems like a long time away, doesn't it?" He smiles.
I feel like I've spoken too much already, so I simply nod in response.
"Trust me, Beatrice. It will come quicker than you think." He takes a slow spoonful of porridge; grey and unappealing as always "These studies will help build your confidence and knowledge of the faction system. Without them, they'd be throwing you blindly into the world, expecting you to be primed for the struggles of adulthood without the right preparation. Do you understand?"
Of course I understand, I just don't want to study the same thing repeatedly for the short remainder of my school life. When we're discussing other factions, I feel lost, like they're talking a foreign language. And when they're discussing the Abnegation, I realize how far off I am from the selfless image they plant in our minds.
"Besides, I'm sure your school work will involve other subjects still. You'll have a lesson focussed on the faction system about twice a week, no more than that, I'm sure."
I was so engrossed in my own thoughts that I'd failed to notice my mother's presence beside me "Just think of those who are taking the test in a week so," She brushes a hand over my hair soothingly; that's about as close to affection as we're allowed in Abnegation "They'll be more nervous than anything at the moment. It's a scary thing; choosing your faction."
I take a small sip of water and wipe my palms on the grey denim tickling my legs.
"May I be excused?" Caleb chips in, ready to push his chair away from the table.
My father goes to nod, but decides against it and raises a hand "Just sit down a minute, son."
Just like that, he's back in his chair in an instant. It's funny how natural obedience and selflessness is to my brother, perhaps he stole my end of the share.
"You know Marcus Eaton, don't you?" He seems to be speaking to both of us, so I stop rubbing the crumbs between my fingers and sit up straight "He's a dear friend of mine, and a very important man as well. I'm sure you've heard me talk of him before…"
I have. Marcus Eaton is the leader of Abnegation, and as Abnegation is the governing faction as well, he's basically in charge of the entire population of our community.
"Well, his son, Tobias is choosing his faction soon. I think it would be good of you to stop by their house and wish him luck."
The choosing ceremony isn't for another 10 days, but my father says it's best not to discuss it when the date is too close, or it could alter someone's view on the system. So, I understand why he's asking us so early on; they'll be taking their aptitude next week, after all.
Caleb glances at me with what seems like a brief uncertainty, but shakes it off in a second and smiles "When should we go?"
"How about this afternoon?" My mother stands up to clear the empty plates scattered amongst the table, placing a hand on Caleb's shoulder shortly before turning to the sink.
I get up to leave with my brother "Thank you for breakfast." I mutter as the door closes behind us.
Wait, did they even make breakfast? No, Caleb had prepared toast for himself, and my father porridge, but I hadn't eaten a thing. It just goes to show how little I was focussing. Is that a selfish act?
"Tobias Eaton… He gives me the creeps." Caleb groans.
I scrunch my nose "Why? What's he ever done to you?"
As far as I know, Tobias Eaton is a disciplined, well mannered member of Abnegation. But then again, I haven't spoken a word to him since the day I first saw him at his mother's funeral. He was just a sunken little boy riddled with grief back then; I wonder what became of him.
"Nothing, he just-" He stops himself, runs a hand over his face and sighs "He just seems so sad, is all."
I shrug absentmindedly "Everyone has the right to be sad."
The silence hangs in the air for a moment, thick and unnerving.
"Well," Caleb coughs onto the back of his hand "I'll meet you in the hallway at 6?"
He doesn't wait for my response, just walks away without another word.
The sky's brilliant blue has been diluted to a murky, purplish slate, but it's still light enough to go outside. I debate over whether or not I should take a jacket, and end up tying a grey Abnegation cardigan around my waist before heading downstairs.
Of course, Caleb is already waiting patiently "Ready?" His dark eye brows shoot upwards at the question.
I nod.
The Eaton household is opposite the road, a few houses to the left. And although the Abnegation are strong believers of equality, I can't help but think that the building seems slightly grander than the ones nearby, with a grey brick chimney ascending from the centre of the roof, as opposed to the thin, metal tube rising meekly from our own, and a carefully laid out fence surrounding the house.
"Now, remember Beatrice…" Caleb sighs "Mr Eaton is a very important man; I'd hate for you to-"
I laugh lightly "I'm not going to cramp your style, Caleb! I'll be on my best behaviour."
The creases in his forehead ease, but the anxiousness in his wavering eyes remains. He shifts his gaze slowly to the door and knocks gently, a steady, rhythmic noise that sounds like he's practised it all day long in order to perform it perfectly. I don't understand why he's so nervous though; we've spoken to Marcus before.
After a moment, the door creaks open hesitantly, after the shifting of several locks. I raise my eyebrows at Caleb; he sure is wary with security.
"Hello?" A boy, or more like a young man appears in the doorway, his dark hair buzzed in the traditional Abnegation style, and his narrow eyes a deep blue. His body is hunched over, but I believe that if he stood up straight, he'd be fairly tall.
I'm sure that Caleb is relieved that Marcus didn't open the door, but perhaps a little deflated still. Even so, he smiles "Uh, good evening."
The boy clears his throat "If you're looking for my father, I'm afraid he's in his study-"
I speak up "Actually, we're looking for you. Well, that is if you're Tobias..."
He turns to face me. His heavy eyebrows pinch together like it's the first time he's seen my face, though I'm sure we've passed one another in the corridors before. Besides, I swear our eyes met briefly at his mother's funeral.
I feel my face turn hot "I-It's Beatrice… Beatrice Prior." I offer my hand.
He takes it and replies gruffly "I know."
Our hands stay touching for just a second too long, and Caleb coughs, causing us to spring apart "We've come to wish you good luck in your choice tomorrow."
I'm staring at my feet, but I can still feel his gaze on me, boring into my skull. I risk a glance, and he's back facing Caleb. I'm not sure if I should be relieved, or disappointed.
"Oh, well. Thank you for stopping by." His eyes settle on mine once again "See you around, Beatrice."
For some reason, I blush and say the first thing that pops into my mind "I'd like that."
His lips twitch into a slight smile, and I realize just how attractive he is. Perhaps my bashfulness boosted his confidence, because he's now standing straighter.
Caleb's hand finds my elbow, and pulls me gently away, breaking our gaze "Goodnight, Tobias." He says pleasantly, in that sickly sweet Abnegation tone of his.
We turn away, and I exhale a shaky breath, not quite aware that I'd been holding it in.
"Don't even think about it, Beatrice." For once, my brother voice is hard and cold.
"What?"
He turns around sharply "He's sixteen; you're still just a child. Leave it at that."
I can feel the heat creeping up around my neck "What are you-"
"I mean it, Beatrice!" His fingers wraps around my wrist, but not in a threatening way, more like a pleading manner "I'm your brother, and I'm asking you to see sense."
Once we reach our house, I pull away and slip through the door, my cheeks burning. What was he suggesting? That I like Tobias Eaton? We hardly exchanged two words! But even so, I feel a bubble in my stomach at the memory of our hands touching. No… That's no way for the Abnegation to think. I dismiss the inappropriate thoughts riddling my mind and go to bed.
Tobias' POV
I watch them leave down the steps and around the corner from the safety of my bedroom window, taking care not to draw attention to the flicker of the curtains. My hands tremble slightly as I draw them closed once again.
"Beatrice Prior…" I try the words out softly "Hmm."
She was nothing special; her chest was flat, her hair a dull shade of blonde, pulled into a tight Abnegation bun behind her head. Her hips, not quite developed yet, hardly protruded from below her waist, and her figure seemed to carry down from her neck to her feet in practically a straight line. No, I could have brushed past her in the street, or shared seats with her on the bus, and never remember her face the next day.
But, there was something… She had a certain air about her, a slight defiance in the way she stood, arms folded firmly over her chest and her head somewhat bowed. Stray hairs clung to the subtle curve of her jaw line, and her cheeks flushed when our eyes met. Where have I seen those large, inquisitive eyes before? There was a brief moment of recognition, as if I could remember that face for just an instance. But it was gone before I could make sense of the thoughts racing through my mind. Her hand had touched mine, for only a second, but I could feel the nervous energy radiating from the warmth of her skin, clammy with perspiration.
I can feel a small smile playing on my lips at the memory of her crimson embarrassment. What had I said to make her blush like that? Wait. That's a selfish thought; to assume that I was the cause of her sudden bashfulness… But still, it's a reasonable assumption. Have I ever made a girl blush before? I know I shouldn't be worried about that sort of thing, but deep in the back of mind, the thought makes me giddy. It's not like she was even particularly pretty! No, it was more than that. She didn't need a tight waist or full lips to get my attention. I liked the curve of her long nose, and the attentiveness of her pale eyes. She got into my head immediately, and I'm afraid it will take a while to get her out.
Well, I hope you enjoyed that! I'd like to continue this, but I don't really see the need if no one is interested… So, if you want to see more, please review! I'll start writing new chapters if anyone takes the time to share their opinion. Thank you for reading!
P.S I know that I've wrote "smut" before, but considering their ages, there won't be any sexual scenes, at least not for a while.