A/N: Just wanted to thank Damn You Kylie for always helping me sound things out and being my unofficial editor!

Disclaimer: I own naught but my own plot.

Chapter 7 - Big decisions and deceptions

I wake to noises in the dorm. Someone was shuffling around and slammed out of the dorm. Awake but not really wanting to be, I closed my eyes and willed myself to rest a little more. It wasn't sleep but more just a state of being relaxed and tuning out.

The next time I am woken is to something brushed against my nose, tickling it. I can hear snickering and giggles that alert me to who it is. I remember them telling me about a prank Lynn and Uri often pulled on each other. One where they would wait until the person was asleep or drunk, put shaving or whipped cream in their hand and then tickled their nose. Then to stop the tickle or itch, the person would slap the cream filled hand on their face.

I guess they thought because of my medication I would be a good target. Too bad for them I had already woken once and was aware of everything they had done. I raised my hand as expected but instead of slapping my hand against my own face I slapped against the face of the person closest to me. When I cracked open my eyes it was to Lynn laughing and rolling on the floor beside my bed while Uriah was scowling through a face covered with white cream.

"Told you it was going to backfire." Four said with a sleepy chuckle from his bed beside me.

"Yeah, well….had to be done. A dare is a dare." Uri sighed as he stood and started to shuffle out of the dorm.

Lynn finally stopped laughing, got up and sat on the bed as I sat up as well. I looked around and saw most beds were empty but a few of them had more than one person in it. Eric's bed was empty and I felt a stab of pain at what that most likely meant.

I looked at Lynn who had been watching me and I smiled sleepily at her. "So I guess you guys played Candor or Dauntless last night?"

She shook her head with a smile. "It was just daring. Everyone was pretty much too drunk to do much else. It was like shooting fish in a barrel for us sober people. Then it just got sad. You really didn't miss much last night. Be prepared for tonight though."

"What's tonight?"

That was my question but it didn't come from me. It came from a sweaty and shirtless Eric as he made his way to his bed with a towel slung over his shoulder carelessly. I swallowed and shrugged casually when he looked at me then turned his attention to Lynn.

"What happened to you?" She asked with a smirk at the bruising and blood on his upper body and face.

"Couldn't sleep so I went to work out. Amar was there and he sparred with me." He shrugged as if it should have been obvious as he rifled through his clothes and shower stuff.

I started shifting nervously and decided I was going to pull on some clothes then go grab some food and juice.

"What is tonight?" He asked again and sounded more annoyed that he had to repeat himself.

Lynn rolled her eyes and sighed. "Remember Zeke told us that some guys he knows are all throwing a party on the roof. We are all going."

Eric grunted but didn't confirm that while I was still slipping a bra on under my shirt and getting dressed. Four had decided to rouse himself as well and had grunted as well when Lynn answered.

"Great. A bunch of drunk Dauntless on a roof. Like that isn't a bunch of fall risks."

"Everything's a fall risk here." My voice joined Lynn and Eric's at this.

Lynn and I looked at each other and started laughing while Eric's lips twitched before he stalked off to the shower area. Before he got there he stopped and turned around. I was already yanking on shoes quickly so I could leave but was stopped by his voice calling to Four and me.

"Amar told me to tell you two that all three of us are being requested to have lunch with Max and his wife. He's going to come and find us when it is time to go but he said just to wait in the Pit with the others."

I frowned and was going to ask him why we are being asked for lunch but he was already setting his shower up and I wasn't sticking around for that. I spun around and headed toward the door.

Four, Lynn and I went to the mess hall and grabbed some food from the line. I grabbed toast, butter and a jam they had that reminded me of what my mom always got for us. Lynn plopped a cheese omelet on my plate when she saw I was just getting that.

When we were all seated Lynn answered the question of why a leader would be having three initiates to his home for lunch. Apparently, it isn't unheard of for leaders or a leader to take interest in top-ranked initiates or those that are doing well and they have their eye on for something.

It probably helps that none of us are expecting to have a visitor today. Since both my parents and Four's mom are leaders and we know that they oversee not only the Abnegation visiting day but are generally on hand at the Hub for any people that prefer to have a neutral area to visit with friends or family. I am not sure what Eric's deal is but he said something about he didn't expect anyone to be able to visit him either.

Four and Eric are top initiates so I can understand that they would be requested but I am not sure why I would be. Maybe I am being asked because Max is friends with my parents? I said as much to Lynn and she just shrugged and said to enjoy it but don't stress. She has been trying to get me to get out of my head all the time or borrow trouble as she says.

"Think it's safe enough for you to go back to your dorm now?" Lynn leans close to me and asks this when Four is up getting himself another cup of coffee.

I turn red and glare at her. "I don't know what you are talking about."

"Don't give me that. I see the looks you two are always giving each other."

My eyes widen in surprise. "He does not give me looks."

She smirks at the fact that I don't bother to deny I send him looks occasionally. Then she tilts her head. "Well okay, you can't really tell what his looks are about but I can say he is always watching you."

I feel my heart sink just a little in disappointment and I wave her words away with a sigh. "Oh that. He does that all the time. It's just him trying to intimidate or unsettle someone and it isn't just me."

"Yeah, he does do that too but this is different. I can't explain it and you are dead set against believing me but he does."

I shush her when Four comes back. Shauna comes in soon after and drags me back to the dorm to get ready for the day. She has gotten her beauty tools together from her mom's place and sets to work. First up is managing my curls so that I leave my hair down with the sides pulled back and pinned. When I got it trimmed they took off three inches but it had been nearly waist-long at that point. Now my hair in back reached to just below my shoulder blades.

Makeup was next and she took over with the eyeliner when I wasn't able to handle it without poking my eye and making it water. The top of my eyelid she lined in a thicker black that had a slight wing at the sides. The bottom was thinner black and the overall effect really made my sky blue eyes stand out. After that, I added some blush and lipstick all in a rose hue that didn't make my pale complexion look too red in the cheeks.

Shauna looked me over and nodded with a smile of approval.

The outfit I chose was pretty simple and not flashy but I liked it. The pants were a dark jean material that in true Dauntless style was tight. The legs of the pants were tight around the ankle, allowing me to pull by boots over them. I refused to wear the ridiculous heeled shoes that are impractical and bordering on suicidal to wear around the compound.

My top is actually two things. One is a thin strapped cami tank top with a bit of black lace at the neckline. Over that, I put on a button up black shirt that is a little silky and shiny. It is long sleeved and I am letting the shirt remain untucked so that it drapes over and provides some type of modesty from how much everything else clings to me.

Shauna wrinkles her nose when she sees I have the buttons of the shirt all buttoned up and the sleeves left down.

"What?" I ask and give a shrug of confusion.

"At least….no just let me." Then she comes over to me, unbuttons the first five buttons from the top of the shirt so that it is showing the neckline of the tank underneath. Then she takes the sleeves and rolls them up until they are at my elbow.

I wrinkle my nose at that part. I am ok with the tank showing but the sleeves rolled up like that leaves wrinkles and looks….

"Dauntless." Shauna interrupts the thoughts I was speaking out loud. "Not so much a stiff."

She's right and I know it. Four smirks at me and I scowl at him. It is easy for him. He just threw on a black t-shirt, jeans and his boots. Pretty much what he wears any other day of the week here when we aren't busting our butts in the training room.

The previous day we were all given a speech by Amar on what was expected of us when we saw our families. Anyone that seemed too clingy or distraught, it might seem like they were regretting their decision to go with Dauntless. That wasn't a good thing. There was more openness between the factions now but your faction is your home and family. It wouldn't look good if you didn't seem happy with either of those. It was also why we weren't allowed to email or call during training. They wanted the new members to have time to really focus on getting to know and fitting in with their new faction. Once training is over we can make contact again and even leave to go visit them.

I walk out of the dorm with Shauna, Zeke, and Four to the Pit. Shauna immediately pulls me over to meet her mom who has Lynn and Hector with her. Introductions are made and I excuse myself to go join Four again. He is standing beside Eric and they are talking while we wait to be taken to Max and the lunch.

More people from outside of the faction start arriving in the Pit and I had to wait for a group of Candor to pass by to reach them. When I stepped out of the group they noticed me. For a second, to fast to even know if it was real, Eric's eyes moved over me and I swear I felt something raw radiating from behind them. It was gone so fast it left me spinning and he gave me a small smile before he turned back to whatever he was saying to Four.

Four had already told me I looked nice after Shauna had stepped away to do her own makeup. I think he felt bad that I had been pouting he was able to just throw something on and be ready while I was being poked and prodded for what felt like hours. At least I have also dressed for tonight already. I wouldn't have to go through all that again.

I hoped.

It wasn't long before Amar and George both found us in the Pit. They had been invited to the lunch as well so the five of us started out. When we were making our way up to where Max lives, Amar is pointing out the apartments that the different higher positions have available. He is careful to point out the leader's apartments that are open. They aren't on the top level that Max's is but they are large from the description that the two older Dauntless compete to give us.

I look to Four and even Eric and I can see they are picking up that something is being sold here. Amar knocks on the door once we have climbed a set of stairs that led to a hallway with only one door in it. Being Senior Leader came with one hell of a housing accommodation apparently if this entire floor belonged to him.

Nichelle, Max's wife, opened the door for us with a wide smile. "Right on time. The others are already here."

She stepped back and let us come in. The guys hung back after Eric stepped to the side and indicated I should go in first. George had chuckled and said something about Nose tendencies. Nichelle wrapped one of my arms in hers and led me through the entryway that had a long hallway. It opened up onto a large and amazing living room that had floor to ceiling windows along one of the walls. I could see that the wall of windows wrapped around into where she was leading us, the dining room.

Once there, anything in the apartment faded away as I saw familiar and unexpected faces smiling back at me.

"There you are Saphira." The familiar and comforting voice of my Uncle Michael greeted me along with his wide smile. His calling me by his nickname, and what has become an unofficial middle name for me, had me blushing.

It didn't stop me from going to his outstretched arms and letting him wrap me up in a hug. "I can't believe you are here, Uncle Michael." He pulled back to look me over still smiling widely.

"And miss out seeing my niece in her new home and on the first visiting day? Was never going to happen."

I almost feel like my face is going to split wide open in happiness. Michael is a leader of Erudite in his own right so I just expected he would be as busy as my parents. I said as much and he shook his head and said that he had made plans months ago to have this covered. He would have come even if my parents had been able to as well but he for sure wasn't going to miss when they couldn't. He would be leaving here to go give my parents a full report afterward.

"This is your niece?" Eric's rasped voice comes from behind me so I turned slightly to see him looking between the two of us in confusion. "But her name is Avery. You said your niece's name is Saphira."

I looked back to see my uncle smiling fondly at Eric and I frown. "You two know each other?"

My uncle gives me a squeeze before he steps back with a smile and goes to shake Eric's hand. "Hello Eric, you are looking well." Eric gives him a small nod back.

"I am. Training is going well enough." He still looked confused and even uncomfortable but he didn't say anything else. Mainly because I had turned to greet and be greeted by the other guests.

The surprises didn't stop with Michael because right beside him and smiling widely was Natalie and Tris Prior. After she saw the opening, Natalie came over and gave me a gentle hug and told me I looked beautiful.

"I would have thought you would be busy along with my parents," I said with a smile into her embrace.

She pulled back and looked to me and Four. "We all knew it would be busy but the faction all stepped forward to allow for those in the higher positions to be able to visit the dependents who followed a different path. Your parents, of course, wanted to be here but that wasn't possible. Beatrice wanted to come badly so I went ahead with the plan to come to see you both."

Tris had looked hesitant at first but when she saw her mom didn't shy away from it, she hugged me as well. "I can believe how much you have changed already or maybe it is just different seeing you in black," Tris said in a hushed whisper to me then looked over towards Four and blushed. "Even Tobias looks so different."

"He goes by Four here. You can choose to change your name, make one for yourself or just pick one that suits your new faction better."

Her face scrunches up in thought and I smile, patting her arm. "Something to think about?"

She laughs and looks at me with a nod. "Definitely."

We were trying not to interrupt the introductions and other greetings that were going. They hadn't been the only people from Abnegation that had shown up. Evelyn Eaton had come as well.

Maybe it was just because I was seeing her differently with what I knew now, but she looked aloof in her greeting of her son. Like the smile she had and affection she was showing was a show or forced. It was clear Four hadn't been expecting her and only because I knew him, did I see he was pleased but wary.

As the hostess, Nichelle had us take seats. I ended up with my uncle on one side of me and Tris on the other. Eric was to the other side of Michael. To Tris' other side was Four. Nichelle had directed Evelyn and Natalie to sit near her and the three ladies started off the meal with small talk. Max, Amar, and George were all seated together and talking together as well. The roundtable provided a clear view of everyone else so it didn't really seem like anyone was being left out.

I listened in to the people around me and I got my answer to how Michael and Eric know each other. Erudite has a mentor program, one that was originally established for Erudite dependents that are from single-parent families or ones that have very time-consuming jobs. It was later extended to all dependents that expressed interest in being mentored. Eric was one of the original types and Michael has been his mentor for a long time. I wanted to know more about that. How he grew up and what exactly caused him to enter into the program. It wouldn't be polite to ask and the part that was trying to avoid knowing him any better, wouldn't let me anyways.

Beside me, I can hear Tris talking to Four and Max about Dauntless. There is an eagerness to her questions that I recognize, having had it myself.

I can't help but join in. "Have you met with Stella yet?"

Stella is the main Dauntless counselor at the school. She is in charge of coordinating classes and the curriculum for the non-Dauntless students. At sixteen each dependent can pick classes that they feel most drawn to. In other words at sixteen the school starts to help kids prepare for the faction they will go to without ever even realizing it. It is a pressure-free and honest way for the school to get a measure of where each student excels or has the strongest leaning towards.

Beatrice nods shyly with a smile. "I talked to her about the ones available and am going to start out with the basic fitness classes."

Max and Natalie share a look and she smiles softly at her daughter. It is Max that responds though. "That is certainly a great start. If you are already feeling like you might be leaning towards Dauntless, I am sure Avery here could give you pointers on what classes would be good for you. She has done really well in training and a lot better than some of the transfers from Amity or Erudite."

I blush and go to object but a surprising voice chimes in and it has me gripping the table slightly in anger at her words.

"I don't know that I would encourage that. Beatrice is much smaller than Avery and always has been…"

"Strength isn't all about someone's physical ability and even that can be deceiving. Take Avery in her fight against me and several of the other larger guys.." Eric interrupted Evelyn with a tone I recognized. It was dead almost and calm but his eyes always held a veiled threat he wouldn't let come through in his expression or speech. He looked over to me for a second and then back at Evelyn. "If you just judged us standing side by side you would have thought that there would be no contest. My size and strength would be clear indicators of the fact I would win."

He says that last part with a smirk and a taunt in his tone and it has a flash of anger coursing through me. My eyes narrow and my chin lifts, causing his lips to twitch a little before it wipes away again. During this I see Tris eyeing Eric and then looking at me with wide eyes. I know what is running through her mind when he mentioned I had to fight him.

I see through her eyes exactly what Eric looks like. He was already fit before training began but it wasn't anywhere to where he is now.

Where all the guys are now that we have been going at nothing but physical fitness for hours on end over the last few weeks. Bulk was being added to an already large frame and muscles were almost bursting out of the short sleeved t-shirts he wore. Even with the tight long sleeved shirt he chose to wear today, it didn't mask those. The dark blonde hair that had been artfully tousled that first day had been slowly transforming to something more Dauntless. Less pretty boy and more like he expected trouble at any minute. Shaved sides and growing out the top. He had that slicked back right now. The tattoos he had gotten on his forearms were covered, thank goodness, but if she saw them it would only add to how intimidating he can be and is. The bruising from his bouts with Amar this morning along with the stubble from the morning shave he didn't bother with all lend to him being very much a man sitting there.

I swallowed and for what seemed like the millionth time since that kiss, fought back the need to squeeze my thighs together and wince with the throb of need in me.

Eric continues on oblivious to my distress because I refuse to look at him. I am looking around the table at the moment. Evelyn is looking between Tobias and me for some reason.

"You would think that but you would be wrong to assume me winning was just a given. During our fight, it was made clear that she knew my strengths and fully planned on using her own."

He shrugged and reached to take a drink from his glass, looking out the side of his eyes in my direction.

"Did you win?" Tris asked in a hushed whisper. Reminding me of one of the kids from the center during story time when we got to a cliffhanger on a book and they were almost afraid to know what happened next.

I snorted and shook my head. "No. I didn't."

"But you knew you wouldn't and didn't let it stop you." Amar decided to join in the conversation.

I titled my head in thought and had a flashback to my fight with Eric. I had mixed feelings about that day. This was Eric and I was still so full of anger, frustration and many other emotions regarding him that it almost felt like it would be good to get a release of some kind. Then again I didn't know if I could handle hitting and hurting him. In the end, he had given me a simple taunt with a just his eyebrow lifted and any hesitation went out the window.

"I didn't go into it thinking I was going to lose but I knew realistically the chances of me winning were low. I knew that I needed to last as long as I could and show as much as I could. Show that I might not win but I was going to leave him hurting at least."

I had left him hurting but he hadn't taken it easy on me either. I got in some good hits and one that left him sporting a bruise on his cheekbone for a few days. In the end, I had to tap out and concede after a hit had knocked me silly.

I look to Eric and that raw look is back in his eyes. He even licks his lips a little as I am telling the story. I remember what he said in the hallway that day about him finding me sexy when I am all fired up and I realize that I am right now. I am showing what I was feeling that day. The determination I had that I wasn't going down without a fight and I was going to leave my mark on Eric Coulter.

The moment passes when Amar starts telling Tris more about that fight and the others. I turn my attention to her and see the fear and doubt that had crept up on her at Evelyn's words, start to go away.

I look at my uncle and realize he has been quietly watching everything. His lips are thinned a little and when he sees me watching him now he smiles then clears his throat at he looks to Beatrice.

"I think that what Avery suggested is good planning. It would be remiss of me, I think, not to add that it is always good to round out your explorations at school. If you find that there isn't the kind of classes you are interested in though, I extend the same offer I made for my niece to help her along the way. To make sure she was aware of her options, if you will."

I start to frown at him but he places his hand over mine and squeezes firmly. He is watching Evelyn's face light up at this prospect. A prospect that sounds like a way to guide Beatrice away from Dauntless. Only he and I know that once we all knew where my heart really lay he did everything in his power to see me prepared. So in reality he would be doing the same thing for her.

Beatrice looked over at her mother who was watching me quietly until she nodded with a smile. "This decision has to be made by you, Beatrice." She pauses and glances at Michael to see his subtle nod "But I think it would be a good thing for you. I know that your father always regretted that you and Caleb never got to have a close relationship with your own uncle. With his passing, he never got the opportunity for that. Thank you Michael for your generous offer."

I tensed at the reminder of Caleb and frowned. Beatrice already got so much resentment from Caleb. If she started going to Erudite and he was left behind…

I am not sure if my uncle sensed this or the soft part of him that he really only has or shows to me is triggered by the mention of the Prior kids not being able to have what he and I have; either way, he smiled at Natalie and Beatrice.

"Then allow me to be a surrogate uncle for the both of them. If Caleb would like he is more than welcome to attend as well. I am sure we could find something that would interest him."

I smile widely at him and grasp his hand a little tighter. Natalie gives a wide smile and Beatrice stumbles out a sincere and breathless thank you. The tension eases and I can see that everyone seems to be happy with what transpired.

We were barely on the first course because apparently, Nichelle is nothing but a wonderful hostess. I find out that she was also a Erudite transfer. Which explains the fact that the lunch is actually more of a dinner and has a salad, entree and dessert course. While the fact that it is three courses is Erudite, the contents of the meal itself is all Dauntless. She even has someone serving which Max told me with a smirk was one of the Junior leaders.

That lead to discussions of jobs as we ate our entree of a sliced and seasoned steak that has some kind of asian flair to it. There is a side of braised asparagus and potatoes that are rich and decadent things called parmesan scalloped potatoes.

No wonder I never see Max in the mess hall for meals. I would never go if I could eat like this. I guess I was caught up in wondering how everything was made and if I could get the recipes for the potatoes because I completely missed that I was somehow a topic of conversation. Until my elbow is being nudged by Beatrice and I see everyone looking at me. Four is snickering behind his hand but coughs to cover it up. I shoot him a glare and want to flip that finger I have become so fond of lately but remember who I am with.

"I was just telling Michael that you have taken an interest in the compound from the operational standpoint. I also mentioned that you have a great many ideas for improvement or optimization." Max indicates with a smile.

I swallow my bite and blush as I nod and look to Michael. "I can admit it interested me from the first. As soon as I saw the Chasm I was intrigued and well, you know me." I say with a shrug, while smiling.

He gives a small laugh and nods. "Indeed I do. I had wondered what would be the thing you settled on. I have to say I was hoping you would think more about going into leadership or even being an ambassador."

I frown and shake my head. "I don't think leadership would have ever been what I wanted for myself. Ambassador…" I pause in thought. "That is definitely something I could see but it is all a moot point right now. Rankings determine jobs so I am putting all my focus onto that."

I can see most of the table nodding in approval. Even if my uncle is reluctant about it he understands my need to not bring my parents or him to try and influence my place here.

"Well, I think that either of those things would be a wonderful path for you." Michael says with a smile. "It just so happens that Erudite has been pushing for Dauntless to create an opening that would deal with the operational needs of the faction."

"Until now there hasn't really been anyone that showed the ability or interest in something like that." Max supplies in return. "Like Avery has mentioned though, it is a little early in training. Rankings will be what determine the job offerings. That and suitability for the positions. This faction is built on being able to prove oneself and the higher positions are always going to go on those alone, not outside influence."

His tone was jovial and good natured but I saw him cutting eyes at both Evelyn and Michael. My uncle accepted this graciously as he looked over to Eric briefly. I saw Eric's lips twitch but he looked pleased at this. I am not sure what any of that was about because as always it was so hard to read Eric. If he was mentored by Michael that makes sense, he learned from a master.

The meal resumed and it was only dessert left. That was cake, of course, but there were fresh berries included along with some kind of creme. I took a few berries to add to the cake but otherwise left it as it was.

After dinner, we all milled around talking and catching up. Beatrice and I spoke first because Michael and Eric were off to the side with their heads together. Evelyn had pulled Four away as soon as she was able. Natalie was in the center of the rest of the Dauntless and seemed to be laughing and enjoying herself.

Beatrice told me that she thought I looked beautiful and that Dauntless suited me. While I talked more about what had occurred so far with training. The friends I had made with the other initiates but that I seemed to get along better with the Dauntless born. I tried to encourage her to see my uncle and hinted at the kinds of things I did while under his mentoring. I might have mentioned that Erudite has a spectacular gym and even a great pool. I had been a frequent visitor of both but the pool had helped me to build strength quickly.

Whatever Evelyn said had Four even broodier than usual. I was glad to see though that he seemed to go out of his way to talk to Beatrice. I saw her blushing a few times about whatever he was saying. I will admit I eavesdropped a little and heard him talking about her coming to Dauntless. He said he looked forward to her joining us and there was a hint in his words that I wondered if my younger Abnegation friend was able to pick up on. I know I might not have if I were her before coming here.

I eventually saw that Michael was done with the private conversation with Eric and he waved me over to the both of them. Eric remained quiet but I could tell he was listening intently. We talked mainly of small things. What I was looking forward to after training. Why I hadn't gotten a tattoo yet. I told him of the ideas I had and that I was hoping to be able to draw them up together at some point but was waiting until I could go to Erudite again or have access to the network.

He told me of what was new with him and Erudite. Then he once again urged me to consider some kind of ambassador position, preferably one that would interact with Erudite. I promised to consider it. I also agreed that if I was offered a position that incorporated my new interest in the running and maintenance of Dauntless then I would love to take it. I couldn't deny my strong desire for that. I just didn't want to be given special treatment or consideration to get a place in it.

I was sad when I had to say goodbye but not as badly as I thought I would be. I knew that I was where I belonged. He took a picture on his phone of me for himself and my parents. Then he had me take one with both Eric and Four, just me and Four, me and Eric, me and both Prior's and finally he had someone take one of him and I together.

After the little photo session and the goodbyes, we left to join our friends. Eric had gone off on his own so it was Four and I at first.

I found out what was going on with Evelyn and it made my dislike of her intensify. Not only was she pressuring Four to take leadership if he was offered it, it seems she also had another thing she wanted. Evelyn wanted Four and I to spend more time together, in a romantic and relationship sense. I am not sure of why she wanted this but from what he told me it was all based out of concern. She said that because we had always been so close and that we are both from Abnegation it would only make sense. We complemented each other and I would be good to help him along in his goals.

It sounded like it was to help her along in whatever goals she had and nothing to do with what Four would want or need.

"You know I care for you, right?" He asked as we sat on one of the levels of the Pit to wait for the others.

I frown and sip on my soda as I nod. "Of course and the feeling is mutual."

"Is it…." He stopped and rubbed the back of his head while turning red. He won't look at me right now. "Do you think we would be good together?"

I sigh and fiddle with the straw in my drink. "I think we would but I don't think it would be good in what relationships are supposed to be like. I see it with my parents." My ears turned red and I bit my lip. "I mean...the walls aren't all that thick in our homes either."

"Oh god. I don't need to hear that." He groans and buries his head in his hands.

I laugh and my blush feels like it is covering every part of my body. "Neither did I, trust me." I take a drink and he looks at me again. "It helped me to know what things should be like. They weren't just supportive of each other in work or home life. There was real affection between them. Passion even. I care for you and I know we understand each other. We can trust each other but is that all you want? Wouldn't you want more from someone you are with?"

He sighs again and nods. "You're right. I want more. I even think I might…." I grin knowingly at him and he stops, eyes narrowing and groans. "Is it that obvious?"

"Not at all, at least I don't think it is. I just know the two of you. When she is around something softens in you and when you are near she lights up."

Now he is blushing. "What about you?"

My smile slowly disappears and I shake my head. "I don't know if that is going to happen. Not for a while."

"Why not? I mean is it just because of how new this all is?"

"I told you I got two new fears right?" He nods but doesn't say anything. "The fears are something that might keep me from being with someone. Amar said it isn't unheard of especially from Abnegation but I have a fear of intimacy."

I don't tell him about the other one or that both fears star Eric in them. I don't want anyone to know and if I told Four this I don't know how he would react.

His forehead is marred in lines of worry making deep wrinkles. There is something intense in his eyes and he is almost scowling. "When did these fears appear again?"

I shrug casually. "That first sim session we had after we were initially tested."

He let out a slow breath that looked more like he was calming himself and nodded with a tight smile. "I don't think you will let it hold you back. You said that you were able to get rid of two fears before you even came to Dauntless. I'm sure now that you are here you will do it again." He chuckles and reaches across to pat my shoulder. "Hey, you might even get rid of all of them and then you can be the one people whisper about."

I laugh and shake my head back and forth with wide horrified eyes. "No thanks. I don't want or need any of that kind of attention." Then I smirk at him. "Shauna was saying that all the girls are looking forward to getting you in a party setting and even drunk. Apparently, it would be a big deal for someone to land the already legendary Four."

Now it was his turn to look horrified but he wasn't laughing. He got quiet and as lost in thought as I can get. Even when the others noisily joined us. We were both quiet at dinner as usual but he would look at me from time to time with something brewing behind his dark blue eyes.

I didn't spare the time to think about any of what that might be because I was going through the turmoil of my own. I had become used to how it seemed that at meals in the mess hall I am always sandwiched between Four and Eric. Though he was sitting right beside me for three meals a day for the entire time we have been here, there was this distance between us. I had found it was possible to avoid someone with them just inches away from you. He had been more than happy to do the same. He didn't talk directly to me, held himself stiffly and still so as little of his body came into contact with mine.

Something had changed for him and I don't know what or why but it had my stomach doing this dance where I couldn't tell if it was trying to float away or I wanted to throw up. Goosebumps were a constant because his entire side was flush against mine. He was eating with one hand while the other was laying on his lap and across his thigh under the table. Every once in awhile I could feel a finger tracing a pattern on my upper leg. The first time I almost jerked right out of my seat. The next few times I shivered and couldn't help it no matter that I was desperately trying to. I saw this look in his eyes and a tilting up of the side of his lips, a small smirk.

He even talked to me a few times. Now that he knew I was related to his mentor he asked me a few questions about Erudite. Innocent things and I am assuming because we were eating, mainly centered around food.

By the end of the meal, I was left wondering what the hell was going on and who exactly Eric Coulter is. I felt like he was purposely showing something of himself to me and only me. The way he would turn to talk to me and the low tenor of his voice that made sure I was able to hear but no one else. Once he leaned closer and I felt his breath tickling my ear.

After dinner, I escaped willingly and gratefully to the dorm when Shauna announced that our makeup and hair needed to be touched up. She tried to get me to change tops at least but I didn't see a need for it. I left sooner than she did because she was taking far too long and had even started to do mini makeovers for a few of the other girls. I found Four standing away from the others and it looked like he had been waiting for me.

"Can we talk?" He asked me lowly and his expression serious.

I nodded in reply and he guided me off to a quiet corner. "I was thinking about what you said, about your issues but then…" he rubs the back of his neck "...I mean I don't have intimacy issues but I would rather not be hounded for the rest of our training."

I smile at him and nod in understanding. "Yeah, the girls here can be pushy."

He nods and lets out a sigh. "You don't even know the half of it. I mean, I have noticed that when you are out wandering around and I am left alone they seem to come out of nowhere, and that is without drinking. So that's why I was thinking that maybe we could help each other out?"

I nod in thought. "Okay but how? It's not like either of us want to be around each other twenty four - seven. Even if we do get along well."

"Maybe we could give the impression that we are….well maybe we could just let people think we are together?"

"Tobias, is this because of your mom?" I ask quietly and put my hand on his arm.

He sighs heavily and nods a little. "I won't lie to you and say it doesn't have something to do with that. In a way, I just want to appease her and get her off my back. Then there is how she was being to Bea at the lunch. You saw that right?"

I nodded and my lips thinned. "Yeah, I saw it."

"So I was thinking about all of that but mainly about now. I don't want someone to mess with you and make you feel uncomfortable or assume you would be open to things. I don't want that for me either. Us being 'together' might help with that. We could try it out tonight at the party. See if we are comfortable with it."

"What do you mean try it out?"

"We have to give the impression somehow and Dauntless isn't known for subtlety. So we could...I don't know, I could hold your hand? Maybe just stay close to each other and even…" he closes his eyes and gives a pained sigh "...dance together."

I bite my lip, torn at his proposal. So many things running through my head. What it would mean as far as help for my friends, Beatrice and Four. What it would mean for me.

It would mean freeing them, at least for a little while, of the scrutiny and meddling of Evelyn. I would of course insist I let Beatrice know what it was really about so that there is no chance she is hurt by this.

For me, it was a mix. I wouldn't have to worry about random guys trying to seduce me. I had seen that at times they could be aggressive. Then there was the other initiates. If I were being honest with myself, I was hesitant because I didn't know what I felt about Eric. All I knew was that something had changed today and I didn't know that it was for the better. I didn't understand what had happened in that hallway the day we kissed. What his motives were for kissing me or what they were for what happened after. I didn't understand what happened today or what he hoped to gain from the fact that I am Michael's niece.

I was a coward for what I was about to do but I just couldn't risk it.

"Okay." I answer him. It is barely a whisper at first. I look up at him and see he didn't hear me so I nod. "Okay."

"Yeah?" He asks slowly. "So, you'll be my girlfriend?"

I snort and nod. "Yeah, I will be your pretend girlfriend. I have a condition though. I am going to tell Beatrice as soon as I am able to what this is about. I won't do this if it risks hurting her."

He nods "Yeah good idea." Then he smiles and holds out his hand. "Shall we?"

I sigh and look over to where our friends are waiting for us. Eric hanging back and looking around, scanning the crowds. I feel a shiver as I look at him standing there and even from so far away the attraction and apprehension is strong.

I look back to Four as I put my hand in his. "Let's do it."