MASSIVE THANKS TO EVERYONE! As the first fic I ever write, it's been a fun and challenging exercise. I hope you all enjoy this chapter because it has a little bit of everything.
An arm encloses me, secured against a warm body… His nose nuzzles the back of my neck… Our legs tangle loosely… I smile softly, lost in the rare moment with him…
I awake alone, the hazy sun rays illuminating the room. I stretch groggily, studying the unfamiliar bed sheets. Too much gray is in this room. Images of last night invade my mind, adding to the nervousness of seeing Eric again. Although I had spent time in his apartment, this was a first and it petrified me.
His scent –musty and masculine– lingers on my clothes. Another type of intoxication waiting to happen. The soreness from having slept on the couch beckons for me to stay on the comfort of the bed, but I don't. I wander into the bathroom, washing away the sleepiness. The frizzy curls hanging loosely are captured in a bun. No headache in sight from drinking either.
As I pass door, the smell of coffee and eggs lure me easily. "Look who decided to grace us with her presence." Eric says with an amused smirk. "I take it you slept well."
I scowl, trying to suppress the stupid smile from his sight. "Don't tempt me because I might consider taking your bed for myself."
"All you have to do is ask, sweetheart." He purrs, glancing over his shoulder.
My ear tips redden. "Question: how did you succeed in not waking me up?"
He carries two plates as he strolls to the table. The aroma of a delicious omelet fills the air. "Maybe you aren't a light sleeper after all." His tone is guileless as he sits in front of me, his knees brushing me for a mere second. "Consider this common courtesy, trainee."
"How gallant," I smirk and take a bite of the omelet, sighing out of content. He used different ingredients like tomato, peppers, and spinach. "Did you put spice in this?" I ask and continue to devouring the tasty meal.
He nods and takes a sip water. "All spice and a pinch of cardamom."
"Exquisite," I beam, not hiding the enjoyment that runs through me. "Who knew you can cook…" Teasing Eric has officially become a habit.
"There's a lot of things you don't know about me."
I sigh and half laugh. "Oh, that I know."
After we finish, I decide to wash the dishes. It's the least I can do after last night events. As I place the last dish on the drainer, Eric leans against the counter. His stare is calm and collected.
I dry hands with a towel. "You move a lot in your sleep."
"Really?" His sarcastic tone takes over as he cocks his head to the side.
"One minute, you're at the opposite end. And the next, I'm on the brink of falling off."
"That's just the effect I have on people."
A knock interrupts the playful atmosphere between us. Eric curses under his breath and rushes away. His demeanor changes to its icy nature as if an instantaneous switch existed. "Four, what a surprise." His tone does not offer an ounce of affability.
"Eric," Four says curtly, narrowing his eyes. "Harrison wants you to pass by his office whenever you have a chance. It has to do with the upcoming preparations for initiation."
Four looks past Eric briefly, but it's enough time for him to see me. "Cora –I wasn't expecting to find you here. Eric never has company."
I snicker. "There's always a first time for everything."
"Oh, Darc and I are heading to the training room in the afternoon." Four ignores Eric's glowering gaze. "Join us if you'd like."
I nod, flashing him a smile. "I'll keep it in mind, thanks."
"Alright messenger boy, go plan elsewhere." Eric barks out and closes the door.
"Thought you tolerated Number boy?"
He stands before me, gazing down. "I do. It's too early for that though." He is the definition of not cutting corners on anything. "So, you train with them? Soon, you won't even have time for that."
"What do you mean?"
"The leadership program has its own advance training component. Oh –Harrison forgot to tell you?" He smiles, teeth fully visible. "After this summit affair gets settle, we'll start. Enjoy your fun with the others while you still can."
He strolls behind me, leaving me dumbfounded.
"You said we?"
"Who do you think is gonna train you?"
7 months ago…
Visiting Day is today and I am anxious. I trust that my father will show, but on the slight edge, there might be a chance he doesn't. Faction before blood after all, right? After breakfast, I take a calming shower –we did not have training until the afternoon. I shrug on a simple long-sleeve shirt and cargo pants. The compound is not as cold as prior days, but I still put on my jacket.
"For those who families come, I advise you not to get attached." Eric says absently as if he were bored while we all stand before the designated room for the event. "It's best for you and your family."
"Remember –Faction before blood." Four adds in and then waves us away. I enter the room, my eyes sweeping the room for my father. I see Tris meeting with her mother I suppose and I don't want to interrupt the moment. I settle on the wall, keeping a collected expression.
I see Eric observe everyone from a higher platform like a predator waiting to strike. I swallow hard, mild frustration seeping through my head.
"Cora?"
I can help the smile that surfaces as I turn to a man dressed in black and white clothing. His greying hair is neatly combed back, curls threatening to let loose. He has a pair of glasses. We embrace tightly. "I didn't think you'd come."
He grabs both of my hands gingerly. "You can get rid of me so easily. Look at you," he marvels, his gaze scrutinizing. "You look fit and stronger than ever. Have they been pushing you hard?"
I laugh once. "Definitely. This initiation has been a challenge, but I've learned so much especially about myself. I do miss you though."
He smiles, nodding. "I'm proud of you. Always remember that."
I inhale sharply, a pang of sadness engulfing me. He hugs me tightly again and whispers, "Is there a more private place around here?"
"What's wrong, Pa?" I say once we are in the outskirts of the designated spot –alone. "Did something happen at Candor?"
"No, that's the least of the worries."
He pulls out a large, worn-out journal with paper ruffles sticking out. "This is yours to keep. Inside are notes of my study and information that will be important for you specifically too."
"What do you mean?"
He shoves the journal into my jacket. "The political animosity has scaled and the faction relations have suffered because of it. Stay weary of those around you because it seems like war is upon us."
I gape, unsure of what to respond. His hand caresses my cheek briefly. "You haven't seen any of the news articles published by Erudite?"
I shake my head. "You think the system is failing somehow? Pa, come on. This is not a grave problem –there has always been friction between the factions."
"Not like this."
"What does this have to do with me?"
"Cora –I need you to be careful with everything you say or do. Especially with your actions."
"I know about the test results," he adds in a whisper.
Present
"What's up with all the smiling?" I say as Darcy takes a bite of the chocolate cake he saved in his apartment. I sit on the rugged floor, crossed legged as the sweat from training cools my body.
"I don't know what you mean." His voice muffles from shoving another piece into his mouth. His eyes glint with mischief.
"Ok, you're acting way too cheery." I observe. His comments have been too sly, but mainly it's just his face like he knows something that I don't. "Spit it out, Darc."
"Why don't you first?" he challenges, giggling at my annoyed expression. "How was your morning?"
My eyes widen slightly, scoffing. "No –"
"You forgot I work the morning shifts now, did you?"
"That's it! I'm telling Harrison to promote you to the fence." I slap his leg once it's in close range. "You're in everyone's business."
He snickers like a child. "Come on, I find this amusing. Not even in a million years, I thought about you and Eric –"
"Nothing happened," I hissed.
"Yet," he adds and continues to eat his cake. "My guess is to give it about two weeks max. He'll make a move or who knows? Maybe you will."
I get up from the floor, lingering on the cake. "Hand over the rest –it's the least you can do."
The following day I'm at The Hub. Aside from the choosing ceremony, the place is vacant, only a handful of faction workers shuffle around the premises. I clung the jacket tightly as goosebumps form on my skin. Harrison and Eric look calm, but intimidating. The Dauntless mindset is intact, strolling with heavy and assured steps. As we reach the final floor of the building, my eyes sweep the room while Faction leaders and ambassadors adjoin in conversation. The new Erudite leader, Padma Pao, speaks with Johanna –the Amity leader surprisingly while Candor and Abnegation stand on the opposite side of the room.
Padma Pao does not look overly strict –relax in her mannerism. She smiles occasionally.
I can't help but marvel at the window ceiling before turning back to the objective attitude. "Ms. Algar, what a fortunate surprise." Jack Kang says with the same directness he spoke with everyone. "I was not aware that you were a Dauntless leader."
"Trainee," I corrected. "It is good to see you too."
"Ah," he nods once. "Dauntless can surely use a new direction. Glad to see a former Candor in line."
"Thank you." I say unsure of the conversation. Mr. Kang was not someone I held to a high regard for his bluntness and strategic ways of conducting business, but he was truthful above all. "Dauntless will be taking measures to ensure a just environment."
"I hope you are right, Ms. Algar. Mendacity is not a welcomed attribute in the world of politics."
He bids me farewell and I walk to the refreshment area for water. Sweat forms on my palms as I think about the proposal. How will the factions react? Will they be willing to hear it in the first place? Harrison converse with each faction expertly; he's such a people person.
I sigh and head to the doorway. The need to breath becomes more prevalent as I inch closer until I bump into a firm chest. "The summit is this way." Eric says absently.
I push pass him, the empty corridors greeting me. I know he's following me, I feel it. "I came all drenched to my first conference." His hands found my shoulders, soothing the tension beneath. My heart skips a beat at the contact. "There was a sudden rainfall and I had just left the train. By the time, I arrived here, the meeting had started and of course, I was mortified."
His voice was low and intimate at my ear, articulating each word with poise. "But I forgot all about that when I entered the room."
I turn to face him, expecting to see a smirk twisting his features. Yet, he's serious –his eyes directly lock on me. "We both know I'm not as scary as you are."
The subtlest smile presses on his face. It strikes me that he told me a personal story, a rare gesture at its finest. He always appears untouchable. "Perhaps you might –some can learn the art of intimidation."
"Thank you," I say sheepishly as a row of approaching footsteps near. His eyes speak more than his words. They change at every surge of emotion or thought that passes through his mind. And they also are his tool to make other shudder at their very sight. Slowly, his facial features are also playing into the mix and I'm anxious to see more.
"Cora?" A surprised voice interjects through us.
Standing a few feet away is a curly, dark-haired man dressed in an elevated Candor attire. A goofy smile forms as he takes in my appearance. "It is you."
"Abel," his name feels so foreign like it was a dream, "I didn't recognize you with the long hair. How are you?"
"Marvelous as you can see." He responds and then nods curtly towards Eric who studies the entire exchange with dark hooded eyes. "Dauntless leadership, eh? Wait until the folks at Candor hear about this."
"I can say the same for you." I respond cautiously, aware that Eric eyes him as if he were an insect. "Ambassador now –I guess your wishes just keep on coming true."
He smiles, nodding. "We should catch up sometime. I'd love to hear more from you."
As the meeting begins, I take a seat in the assigned chair beside Harrison. Everyone is either facing a person as the immense table is circular. No more hiding –
The report rests in front of each person as they scroll through its pages. "Today we gather to discuss the future for upcoming generations. However, we are discoursing on recent events that have affected our factions to different degrees." Marcus Eaton announces nonchalantly. "Without further ado, I will let Harrison take the floor."
Harrison nods politely, his eyes scanning each face slowly. "I am sure you all aware that there is a proposal for consideration. The resolution is to ensure that all faction have a space to dispute and bring forth concerns that will be dealt with an equal and unbiased manner."
Curious is the best way to describe most people, but Padma Pao frowns slightly as she scrolls the report. Mr. Kang has a dubious expression, but his thoughts are contained.
"A world court, well in this case a faction court?" An Amity ambassador utters. "Is that the best way to ensure peace?"
"Peace –I believe that is for each one of us to decide." Harrison says shortly.
"Although the idea appeals in the concept of fairness, how will appointees remain impartial?" Mr. Kang offers. "The system has fallen heavily to disloyalties among the factions. It is ironic how a treacherous faction is proposing a system of lawfulness."
Harrison doesn't let the last comment irritate him. His face quirks into a small smile when he glances at me, beckoning.
"The answer to that question is in the last page of the report." My voice starts off sheepish. "It –it is where there's a brief explanation on the use of Divergents."
Padma's eyes shoot across the room like I had insulted her. "How absurd –we do not encourage this. Information on Divergents is minimal to this day. We do not know if they can be incorporated to the faction system just yet."
I swallow hard at the questioning faces. Even Abel's eyes are judging from afar, but that's not going to stop me. "I respectfully disagree with your mindset, Ms. Pao. That attitude is one of cowardice. The issue is here to stay, not vanish like Jeanine had planned."
She flinches at the words "cowardice" like it brings terrible memories.
Silence fills the room and so, I continue. "Let me remind you of Faction history. The founders created this system because humans lost sight of core values during the age of war." I take a paper and draw the four factions on each corner. "This is what we have lived by for years, correct?" I draw a circle in the middle of the paper and hold it up. "Divergents are the middle. They carry more than one value than the average person. They are not a superior race that threatens to overthrow the way of life, but rather improve it to its full potential."
"How certain are you that divergence is the key to thrive?" Mr. Kang asks, amenable if the answer given can satisfy. "Why now?"
"And if I may, how will this alter the faction system?" Marcus Eaton added.
"To answer your question, Marcus: It won't because we are speaking of a specific and separate branch, not integrating this to Choosing Ceremony. Government will remain the same." Harrison says gradually to let the words sink in.
My eyes land on Mr. Kang, his eyes burning like he's ready to lie. "I can't tell you that problems will never arise with this implementation. I can't ensure that divergence is the entire solution." The words leave my mouth freely. "What I can promise is an idea to prevent unnecessary losses and provide a service that will benefit the factions in the end."
Harrison eyes me reassuringly as I sit back down. From afar, Abel stares with esteem. My heart thunders inside, a wave of heat spreading through my body.
The Faction leaders continue with their disputes pertaining to sovereignty of each. I can tell that they are trying to move on from the treacheries that were committed a year ago, but it's a deliberate process.
The meeting adjourns for a pause. The Faction leaders will resume alone and decide on the future action. An Erudite ambassador approached me. Her brunette hair was pulled perfectly into a bun, an impeccable appearance.
"I thought your speech was moving and I do think Divergents aren't the monsters they are rumored to be." Her voice is soft and even. "Ms. Pao is malleable compared to others. She tries to do what is best for the factions, but our progress is slower if you were to characterize it."
I nod gingerly. "You take into consideration the facts and logistics, I understand."
"I must admit that Erudite's involvement did more harm than good. A lot of potential was wasted." She says apologetically. "However, new direction can provide the necessary frameworks to a wider path."
I smile. "For an Erudite, you are very perceptive, maybe a little too much."
She laughs. "I have been researching diverse topics and I also work alongside Tris –do you know her?"
I made the first Erudite contact and her name is Luna Reeves.
Note: I'm experimenting with concept of Divergents in the way that they are the steps to rebuilding the world that was once destroyed. Later on, the Factionless will also be added into the mix perhaps. I hope Eric/Cora's relationship is developing evenly and the other characters have more depth to them. Let me know what you think -Desna
