The rest of the week continued as such. The other candidates were improving on their running and it seemed that Zoe was perfect with knives. It occurred to Teddy that the sisters ran with a large social group, playing everything off like a popularity contest. While the youngest candidate could see the determination between the sisters to be the next leaders, Teddy silently wondered if they'd be better suited for communications or management, with them being so good with people.
Andre was quiet and tactful, he'd be good with planning and make decisions for the faction while Mathias was good at reading between the lines and was doing surprisingly well with the tech programming.
"You know, I was surprised that my aptitude test was Dauntless." Mathias' mouth was full of food during dinner. "And then, I was just…better than everyone." Andre laughed. "Then I was surprised at being good at my job. And now I'm just as shocked as you all that I'm in this program." He took another bite of cake. "I think I surprised my instructors more than myself, though."
"You shouldn't underestimate yourself." Teddy told him. "You pick up on things quickly and apply them well. You're a good candidate. You'd have to be to be considered." There was a brief pause.
"I-did you just compliment me?"
"Never mind that," Andre stated. "She just strung together more than two sentences." Teddy rolled her eyes. Sure, it was widely known that she didn't talk much. In fact, she was certain she'd spoken more with Eric in this past week than with anyone during her entire initiation period. But that didn't mean she cared to be teased for it.
"Whatever." She mumbled, stabbing at her fruit. "I'm just saying, don't underestimate yourself, because no one else is going to."
"Oh! I think that was a threat, man!" Andre exclaimed. "Damn, Teddy, getting a bit feisty!"
"Hey, I just wanted to thank you for what you said earlier." Mathias had seen Teddy and Eric part ways after their time in the gym and had easily caught up to her with his long legs. "I mean, I know it wasn't a compliment or anything, but it kinda…woke me up."
"Uh…that's fine." Suffice it to say, Teddy was more than just a tad bit socially awkward.
"It's just that…my friends and family always joked that I'd never make it in another faction because I was so mouthy. I still am, I mean, here I am chatting your ear off." He gave her a genuine chuckle and something warm flooded Teddy's chest. "And I was absolutely terrified when my aptitude test told me that I was made for Dauntless. I'd never considered myself brave." They were standing inside an alcove over the Pit now. "And I don't think I even made the conscious decision to be brave even during initiation, I just kind of…did it. And I went through my fears like everyone else and…it was all good. I passed at number one, which, like I said, surprised everyone," there was another laugh. "And I got to work in the infirmary because I had first choice. And now here I am, hand-picked by Jonathon for the leadership training. I just…you were kind of wrong in that people don't underestimate me." Teddy cocked a brow. "They do. That's why I ranked first during initiation. But even after all that, I'm still underestimating myself and you-you saying that you wouldn't has made me realize for the first time that I have what it takes. So, thank you." His movement was quick, but before Teddy could react, Mathias' long arms were around her shoulders. Slowly, she reached up and patted the young man's shoulder before looking around awkwardly. Finally, he released her with a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow, bright and early. Goodnight, Teddy."
Sorry, no Eric in this chapter. But let me know what you think! What are your thoughts on Teddy?