A/N: Hi there initiates. Melanie and AFourAddict were confused (because I can't find a better word) about the whore thing. I know you and others got the general idea but I'd like to say something. I know that when you guys comment like "What the hell is wrong with Tris/Tobias?" or anything similar you mean the characters specifically and not necessarily criticize my writing. But on the off chance someone doesn't get something I'm always here to clarify.

A lot of people don't realize that while fictional the characters behave just the way we do, real people I mean. Basically, you put ordinary people into extraordinary situations and see what happens. In case I go overboard please tell me. I can only grow as a writer if get the necessary feedback. If you don't want everyone to read your comments feel free to PM me.'

Happy reading!

It has been nearly four weeks since the incident at the net. Stage one has concluded and Tris ranked better than she expected: fifteenth out of twenty. It could have been worse. She barely spoke to Four since that night, but what happened made her realize what an easy target she is. She worked even harder after that and even won a few fights, but others were still better. Stage two started and all initiates were asked to learn about the history of the kingdom, as well about battles and the strategies used to defeat the opponent or what led to the kingdom's defeat.

Tris was fairly good at this part, since she always used to love reading. Whether it was a novel or a history book or even a technical book, Tris loved to read. Her mother even commented that she really thought that her daughter would choose Erudite, as did her brother, Caleb, but in the end she was glad her daughter found her rightful place. Tris smiled at her mother on visiting day, but she was still questioning if her decision was the right one or not. The entire fiasco with Four didn't help matters. In fact, they complicated things to no end. But at least he kept his distance. She knew he was watching her, but he refrained from speaking to her. Whenever she got a glimpse of him and he wasn't aware he seemed sad, even hurt. Did she maybe misjudge his intentions? On the other hand, why on Earth would someone like him want to marry someone like her? She was so insignificant. He ranked first in his class, according to Will who heard it from Uriah, Dauntless-born initiate, who's brother Zeke is best friends with Four. He is well liked and respected by every Dauntless soldier, well with the exception of a few who are jealous, like Eric. He was offered leadership twice, but being humble he refused both times.

Tris wasn't blind. She saw how all the women here looked at him, like he was some sort of prize. She understood them, a little bit at least, but she also despised them for objectifying him. Even if he only sought her companionship for sexual reasons, to which she would never agree, she still didn't like it that people seemed to decide who he should be with.

"Listen up, initiates," Max says as he enters the study hall. "I have an announcement to make," he says and looks around. When everyone seems to pay attention to the leader he continues. "From now on Amar will be your instructor. Four asked to be relieved, for personal reasons and since Amar was available and agreed he will now be your teacher." After the announcement Max just leaves and the initiates start whispering, everyone wondering why their intimidating instructor suddenly resigned. Tris heard all kinds of theories, from he was kicked out to he was send on a secret mission beyond the wall to even got killed. At the mention of him being hurt possibly dead Tris' heart constricts and she excuses herself from class. Amar allows her to leave, since he already knew from his former trainee that he liked the girl. Amar often joked, saying that if he got any more picky he would never find a wife and the kingdom will remain without an heir. When Tobias finally told his old friend that he finally found the girl for him, but she misunderstood his intentions, the older man told him to be patient.

Tobias struggled with the decision of continuing training this year's initiates or not. On the one hand, as their instructor he could see Tris all day long, but while he was still her instructor he couldn't court her. He talked about it with his best friends and they all agreed. If he liked Tris the way he said he did, he needed to show the girl that his intention were honest. It was clear to see that she wasn't a simple peasant girl who was after the prince, otherwise she would have thrown herself at him, like so many before. Zeke commented that maybe she didn't know that he was the heir to the kingdom, which wasn't uncommon. Most people don't really know, especially with the nickname Tobias adopted. But even so, Tris wasn't the type of girl to just give herself to the highest bidder. She was the real thing and Tobias knew that. The more he got to know her, the more mesmerized he got. He wasn't sure if she felt the same, but if the kiss they shared is any indication than the answer is yes. However, that misunderstanding set them both back and he regretted not following her and explaining.

Tobias talked to his parents. He wanted to marry this girl but he needed their blessing. Other than her faction of origin, Tobias knew little about her family. Thankfully, the same day he visited the palace his father met with the city council and among them was none other than Andrew Prior. While talking casually about initiation, Mr. Prior mentioned that his daughter, Beatrice, joined the faction. Tobias couldn't recall anyone by that name, but then Mr. Prior clarified, that during his wife's visit his daughter told her she changed it to a more Dauntless one, he said that with a chuckle. Tris. Tris Prior. The girl Tobias liked was the daughter of a very respected councilman. Before asking Mr. Prior's permission to court his only daughter, Tobias asked for a short moment to speak alone with his father. Marcus was intrigued by his son's behavior and agreed, asking the present gentlemen to excuse him for a little while. Since Tobias respected his mother and father equally he asked one of the servants to call his mother, telling her that her son had an urgent matter to discuss with her. Within minutes his mother, Queen Evelyn, appeared and hugged her son tightly to her chest. Tobias, not being a person to talk needlessly, cut to the chase and explained to his parents how he liked a girl and how this girl made him feel. He told them that he intended to court her, but not before discussing it with them, since he had a duty to his kingdom first. Evelyn, intrigued by her son's confession, asked for the name. Once the name was out both Evelyn and Marcus looked at each other and smiled. Tobias was confused but they soon explained that they too had their eye on the young daughter of their long time friend, Andrew Prior. They never mentioned anything because they didn't want to push their son or make the Prior's think there is a possible marriage in their daughter's future without consulting it first with their only son.

To say the news of his parents acceptance made Tobias happy is an understatement. The next thing the young prince did was arrange a meeting with both Mr. and Mrs. Prior. To not alert anyone, Evelyn asked them both over for lunch the day before Max announced Four's resignation as initiation instructor. Both Mr. and Mrs. Prior were happy to be invited to the palace, since both have been good friends for years with the king and queen. However, they were a little surprised to see their son, especially since Natalie, Mrs. Prior, seemed to recognize the young prince as Tris' instructor. Tobias politely and with the best intensions asked Tris' father for permission to court his daughter. Both parents looked at each other surprised, none of them expecting anything like this, especially not such an honor. Andrew was a little bit reluctant to agree, not because he has something against the prince, but because he can't see his little daughter already married. Marcus chuckled and assured him that if Tris agreed she'll never miss anything. She would be provided with everything she ever wishes, be it dresses, books or any other thing her heart desires. Andrew agreed, albeit still frowning. He truly wished to keep his little girl still untouched for a while longer. He only asked of Tobias to treat her with respect and kindness, for his daughter was his angel. Tobias agreed smiling, almost out of his mind with happiness. Natalie asked that he shall let Tris decide. Just because her father and she agreed to this didn't mean Tris will. Tobias should accept whatever Tris decides, regardless of what was agreed by the parents. He nodded smiling. He would never force her to marry him, even though he wished she would accept.

And so it happened that Tobias decided to spend some time at the net. It was always quiet there and he could read peacefully. He could still do that in his quarters, but he liked the net better. Like many times before he climbed into it and watched the cloudless sky above, when movement catches his attention and he turns his head. To his delight Tris just entered the room with the huge hole in the ceiling, apparently looking for him.

"Why did you resign?" she asks without hesitation.

"To be able to court you," he answers and tries to sit up as best he can in the net.

"Are you serious?" she asks both confused and hesitant.

"Of course I am. I told you before. I like you, Tris, very much actually. I'm not looking for some fun. I respect you too much for that," he says and gets out of the net and takes a few steps toward her. "I mean it, Tris. I won't force you to, I'm just asking for a chance to prove to you that I'm honest about my feelings."

Tris is hesitant. She still can't comprehend why this handsome man would be interested in her, out of all people, her. She would lie if she would say that she isn't attracted to him, but is it enough? On the other hand, what liar would quit his job to prove himself to her? She wants to say yes, but she is afraid. What if he lies somehow?

"I asked your parents for permission to court you," he says when he sees her internal turmoil reflected in her beautiful gray-blue eyes. At this she looks shocked.

"You did?"

"Yes. I told you, I'm honest about this. I want to do this the right way. If you give me the chance I promise you won't regret it. And if you decide I'm not the one for you I will step aside and let you be happy with whomever you choose."

She looks at him in wonder. He went to ask her parents. He did everything right. Why would someone put so much thought into it, if they just want some fun? She wants to give him a chance, she really does. Should she?

A/N: Why don't you help Tris decide?