We end up spending most of the night at the Ferris wheel, just chatting about old times and stories. When we get to the cafeteria for some Dauntless cake, my parents get mobbed by paparazzi. It's not like we didn't see it coming, though, the press would've been breathing down their necks anyway. I've tried to ignore Al as much as I could; it seems like all he sees me as is a Candor.
While I walk my parents to their apartment, Al appears behind us in the hallway. I can hear his footsteps, but I don't turn around. He isn't worth it. I can hear him clear his throat, which causes my whole family to turn around, including me. "What do you want?" I hiss. He seems a bit taken aback by my angered tone.
"I think we need to talk," he says calmly. I bite my tongue to prevent breaking down in front of my parents. The last thing I want is to be portrayed as an ignorant Candor girl.
"Okay" is my response. I hug my parents and turn back to face Al while they leave. "Well?"
"I wanted to apologise." He says it slowly, choosing every word carefully. "I don't think of you as a Candor, I really don't." Somehow this makes me angrier.
"So now Candor is an insult, yeah?" My eyes shoot poison into his, my words bitter and cold. He looks at me sadly, begging for forgiveness. Those eyes…
"Please." His one word decides it.
"Fine!" I burst. "But if one more time, you insult me or my old faction, I will not be happy." Not the most terrifying threat, but it will have to do. Immediately, his face lights up.
"Oh, thank you, Willow!" His comment is followed by the most out-of-place hug I have ever experienced; and not to mention awkward. He must find it weird, too, because he immediately pulls away. "I didn't mean… to… uh…" he scratches the back of his neck and looks down. The sudden change of emotion is cute, like a kitten jumping in and out of a box. I can't help but laugh.
"Hey, don't laugh at me!" He scolds, playfully punching my arm. "It's not my fault I'm extremely socially awkward at times."
"But also cute." Wait, what did I just say? Oh god, my Candor insticts suck. I try to cover up by saying, "I just meant, like…" but it overlaps with him saying "you too." The hallway is silent. Al smirks, obviously finding pleasure in this weird conversation.
"How about I walk you home, Willow?" He offers. I smile gratefully.
"Sure."