Thanks for all the support on the last chapter. It means a lot. If I don't get to responding to you, I'm truly sorry, but if you have a specific question or statement then I try my best to answer. I'm super busy these days, I just wanted to express my gratitude for all the love. Back to Tris's POV on this chapter!
The first part of this chapter is rated M.
Disclaimer: I don't own Divergent
July 2nd
"What the hell?!" I hear an angry Christina screech.
I crack open an eye, trying to remember where I am and what's happening. I feel the enjoyable presence of Tobias's naked body pressed against mine. Last night we had another "date". A picnic on the beach. We ate sandwiches and chocolate covered strawberries and drank cheap wine out of plastic cups while we watched the sun set.
We were closer to my house than his condo, so we booked it inside and took advantage of Christina's absence. After making love in my room, we fell asleep in each other's arms. It's the best I've slept in a while, despite the fact that the two of us are crammed up together on the tiny bed.
While we did agree to go slow at first, and trust me, during our escapade to the museum this past weekend (I still can't believe he did that for me) it was hard. But after 2 more dates that week, and us being incredibly sexually frustrated, we decided it was time. What were we waiting for, anyways? Some magical sign? We were getting to know each other again, and with that comes sex. We are two responsible adults, even if we can act like teenagers sometimes.
I feel Tobias stir next to me and grumble some things to himself as well, and I sit up to look at Christina better, holding the sheet to my bare chest, "Is there a problem?"
"I'd like a little notice next time, so I don't walk in on you and Eaton naked every morning now!"
"Sorry, Chris… it just happened," I shrug.
"It just happened?! Trust me Tris, I am happy you're getting some, but what if I had come in while you guys were doing the deed?!"
"Why… is she yelling?" Tobias groans out softly from next to me.
"Well…" I pick at the bedsheet, "I guess you would have gotten a good show then."
This earns a laugh out of her, "Okay. Well, we need a better system."
"Maybe you should just learn how to knock. That's what I always do."
"Mmm… no," she eyes our things scattered across the room and picks up my fuchsia coffee mug that she gifted to me last Christmas. "Whenever either of us have guests in this room, we set this thing on the half moon table in the hallway, okay?"
I laugh at the stupidity of it all, "Yeah. Okay. Deal." As I speak to Christina I've also started to run my fingers through Tobias's hair. He's still lying down completely, so he's obstructed from Christina's line of sight. He grabs my free wrist gently, letting me know that he enjoys my scalp massage. One thing hasn't changed; Tobias is not a morning person whatsoever. I wasn't either, until this summer when I got used to starting my days peacefully at 5:30. Still, I've never been as cranky as he is.
"Well, I just came in here to grab my swimsuit. I have a beach date!" She sings proudly, as she digs through her suitcase and pulls out a stringy yellow bikini.
"Knock em dead, Chris," I call out to her as she's leaving.
"You know I will!" She answers, breezing out of the room and shutting the door behind her.
"Is she gone?" Tobias mutters, a few seconds later.
"Yes. She's gone," I answer with an eye roll.
"Oh, thank God. I thought she'd never stop squawking."
I nudge him gently, "You didn't think to say hello, or good morning, or goodbye?"
"Nah."
"You're not nice," I grin, leaning over him and giving him a proper good morning kiss.
"Mmm," he tugs the sheet down, and eyes my bare chest appreciatively before jerking me further down to his level and taking one of my nipples in his mouth. As he sucks on the tender skin I let out a breathy moan, my fingers weaving through the hair on the nape of his neck, wondering why the hell he's so interested in me when he could have any woman he wants.
I was wildly insecure when I was as a teenager, to the point where I would leave my bra on most times we had sex, and when I didn't I barely let him glance at my chest. Now that I've grown up and grown more experienced, I feel more capable in my abilities and physique, but still, this is Tobias Eaton. I can't deny the fact that I still get self conscious.
"Beautiful," he murmurs, settling me fully on top of him and then placing kisses everywhere. Across the tops of my breasts, my collarbone, and the most sensitive parts of my neck.
I press my hand to his forehead, gently stopping him, and push him fully back down onto the bed as I align my dripping wet center with his cock. His eyes have dilated 5 times their size, and he stares at me with such lust, such wanting, that I nearly forget my task.
He's… gorgeous. His brown hair is tousled up from all of my playing with it, his dark blue eyes are glazed over and sated, and the deep tan skin around his jaw jumps out as he flexes it in anticipation.
As soon as I slide him into me, we both let out large groans, and shit, I already forgot about the whole coffee mug thing Christina was talking about earlier. He moves up to be closer to me and assist me, but I halt this, pushing him back down. He usually takes dominance in most of our bedroom activities, but I want that to be different today.
I roll my hips over his until I feel him hitting that spot inside me perfectly. He's deep grunts only spur me on, and I pick up the pace.
"Fuck, baby, you're so tight. Don't… fucking… stop."
He places his hands gently on my hips, and I'm torn between wanting to maintain eye contact with him and throwing my head back so I can ride him in full. The second one wins out and I continue thrusting him right into that spot, not even wanting to know what noises are escaping my mouth. "Tobias," I gasp, gripping his shoulders.
He moves his thumb onto my clit and begins rubbing it in the most perfect way, and that becomes my undoing. My orgasm wracks through my core, faster than I expected, and he helps me ride it out, groaning deeply as his own hits.
I fall onto his chest, feeling like I'll never get used to how he makes me feel- which is so much better than any other man I've been with.
We're both sweaty and panting heavily when he slides out of me, and turns so he can look at me, "You're so fucking… Wow. I just… can't believe it," he breathes, cupping the back of my head.
I smile lazily and place kisses along his jaw, "I thought I'd take control today."
"Well… thank God you did. That was… amazing."
"Perfect start to our day."
"Yeah, babe… I think I could become a morning person if it meant waking up like that."
I laugh, "That can definitely be arranged."
Windward Plaza is beautiful. The palm trees stand tall, and there is a bustling of people milling about, some strolling, some jogging, some on skateboards or rollerblades. I enjoy the feeling of the afternoon sun hitting my face as I carry some of my painting supplies over to a free spot on the grass.
On my way there, vendors call out to me, wanting to sell their food and trinkets, and the sweet stench of deep fried food and other unhealthy products from the nearby markets hits me square in the face. I find something so lovely about all of this, and take a clearing moment to appreciate the fact that I get to be here. Nothing about this summer went as expected, but I wouldn't change it for the world.
Tobias and I were supposed to head over here together but he told me that there was something he had to do and he would just meet me here. He didn't make eye contact with me while he was saying it, and I knew that he was hiding something. I try not to let it bother me. Things are going good between us, and he'll tell me when he's ready. I need to trust him. Still, I can't fight off the worry churning in my gut.
So, Tobias left my house shortly after our time in bed together this morning, but not before I made him some eggs first. He kissed me goodbye and I took a painfully lonesome shower before getting dressed and walking up here to Windward Plaza. It was a long walk, but I appreciated the clarity.
I get my canvas and paints set up and begin working, enjoying the peaceful breeze and the chatter surrounding me. I find it all rather stimulating. I began this painting the evening after Tobias and I went to the museum, feeling very inspired.
It also happens to be a gift for him. And I'm just so excited to see the look on his face when he receives it. It's a painting of his deep blue eyes, they're gorgeous, and my secret is that I found myself painting him all throughout high school as well. Sometimes just his eyes, sometimes his face, sometimes his entire body… he was my inspiration. I was far too shy to show any of those paintings to him then, and after we broke up I regrettably tossed all of them away. God damn it, I wish I had them still.
But at least I get to work on this new one and give it to him. I hope that no matter what happens, he keeps it as a memory of our summer together. I shouldn't think that far into the future, but I have to. We'll have to go back to school eventually… What are we gonna do?
The painting isn't abstract, per say, but on the outside his two deep blue eyes, I plan to paint a swirling hue of all types of blues, a storm. I don't have a clear vision in my head yet, I usually allow my work to take its shape as I go. And besides, this is nice. Since I'm going for a career in graphic design, I haven't gotten to physically paint in a while.
I'm admiring the perfect blend of paints that I've mixed to portray Tobias's olive skin, when a voice pulls me from my trance.
"Tris?"
I swallow and look up. Standing a few feet away from me is Robert, and when we make eye contact he smiles and jogs over. He looks handsome, dressed up in a blue collared shirt and white board shorts with boat shoes. He's no Tobias, who could make a trash bag look hot, but still, I can't deny that he's attractive.
Heat blazes through my cheeks as I recall our drunken one night stand, and the disappointed look on his face when I sent him away the next morning.
"I wasn't expecting to see you here!" He exclaims, pulling me into a hug.
I'm mildly surprised, but I wrap my arms around him for a split second before pulling back, "Um… hi," I say, biting my lip.
"You look… great," he says, gesturing to my painting clothes which consist of a white t-shirt and denim shorts. I raise an eyebrow in disbelief.
"Um, thank you. What brings you here?" I ask, trying to make polite conversation.
"Ah, well my Grandma wanted me to pick up some fresh fruit from the market nearby. It's her favorite," he explains good naturedly, "Oh, and what's this?" He gestures to my painting before I can turn it away.
Embarrassment floods through me as he examines the work, "Wow… this is amazing. These eyes… look otherworldly. So… intense," he muses.
Pride surges through me at his kind words. "That means a lot," I mumble.
"So, have you been reading anyth-"
"Hi," a flat voice speaks up, as Tobias magically appears behind Robert. Oh God.
"Oh, um, hello," Robert says, glancing at me to see if I know this mysterious stranger.
"Hi, Tobias," I say, shooting him a quick smile. God, he looks amazing. He wears a dark blue t-shirt, pulled tight against his chest, and black athletic shorts. He folds his brawny arms over his chest as he glances at Robert with a look of contempt.
Robert was unconscious the day that Tobias barged into our room, but Tobias clearly remembers him. I have no idea what to do to diffuse this situation, so I just stand there like a fool.
Robert has a pondering expression as he glances to my painting and back to Tobias. Realization seems to dawn on his face. I quickly remove the painting from my easel and face it towards myself so that I don't ruin the surprise for Tobias.
"Can I help you?" Tobias asks Robert quite rudely. I glare at him. He could try not to be a dick. Robert didn't do anything wrong in this situation.
Robert looks from Tobias, back to me, then to Tobias, and back to me again. He seems to have gotten what's going on. "No, I was just saying hi to Tris. I'll be on my way now," he says politely, before bidding me goodbye and heading off. Tobias stares after him with a glare that could kill.
Once Robert is out of eyeshot I kick him in the shin. Hard.
"Hey!" He exclaims.
"What the hell was that?"
"What was he doing here?"
"We just ran into each other and he stopped to say hi! What's your problem?" I ask, scowling.
"My problem is that he was obviously over here flirting with you, oh, and you guys slept together like 2 weeks ago."
I press my lips together, ignoring the shame that runs through me at the reminder. "I thought we've been over this, is this going to be a problem now?"
Tobias laughs mirthlessly, "If I have to run into your past conquests on the beach? Yeah. It is."
Wha- "Oh, and how do you think I felt, seeing you and Nita all the time?"
"That was different and you know it!" He responds hotly.
"Yeah, well, this is different too. We were just talking, not playing tonsil tennis in front of you."
His beautiful mouth is hardened into a firm line as he shakes his head. "I just don't like it," he mutters quietly.
"What?" I ask, feeling perplexed.
"The thought of you with anyone else, Tris."
"You think that I like it either? Thinking about what you did while we were broken up?"
His gaze softens, and he shrugs a little bit. I shake my head, because he can be so, so stupid sometimes.
"Tobias, neither of us can change the past. We've both been with other people. End of the story. But I know now, that you're the only person I want to be with. So either we can both move on, or we're stuck here."
He lets out a large breath and shakes his head to himself, "Yeah. I'm… sorry for being a dick," he gets out. Damn, that looked like it hurt. "I'm just possessive."
I roll my eyes, smiling now, "This is the 21st century. I'm not something you own."
"I knowwww," he mumbles, dragging a hand over his face.
"You do trust me, right?" I ask him, feeling worried now.
"Of course I do."
"You're the only guy I'm even thinking about in that way," I tell him.
A sexy smile takes over his face, and he steps closer to me to envelop me in a hug, but I step back, shielding the painting from his view.
He frowns, "What? What don't you want me to see?"
"Uhhh, well…" I mumble nervously, "It's something I'm making for you. But it's a surprise. And it's not done yet. So you'll have to wait."
The smile returns, "Okay. Fair enough, Prior. I'm excited now."
"You should be," I sing, my confidence in the painting increasing after Robert complimented it. "Carry my easel and paints for me, would you?" I ask.
He nods, moving to pick up my stuff before we both head off together.
As we stroll through the plaza, I begin speaking, "I'm glad we didn't get into a fight just now."
"Me too," he admits, "We're really growing up."
"I know, I'm proud of us." The fact that we are maturing and putting things aside for each other, acknowledging our past mistakes and wanting to move forward together… It shows me that we're ready for a relationship. I hope he feels the same way.
I admire the vivacity of Windward Plaza while we make small talk. Once we reach the end of the plaza, I turn towards the direction that would lead us to home, but he stops me.
"There's this place I wanna take you," he tells me.
"Uh… okay?"
"It's about a ten minute walk."
"Alright."
I allow Tobias to lead me to this mystery place, and as we walk I grab his free hand with my own. There's something so beautiful and simple about hand holding. I like it more than I probably should.
He's telling me some college story about Zeke and a frat party, and once he's finished another silence overtakes us, and I decide to ask the question I've been curious about all day, "What did you have to do this morning?"
"Oh… ummm…" he detaches his hand from mine to scratch the back of his neck, "I was sorting things out. Job wise."
It feels like a stab to the heart when I realize what he's saying. "And?" I ask, trying to keep my voice as neutral as possible. This isn't about me. This is about Tobias, who needs to earn a living for himself.
"I've got a few interviews set up." His tone doesn't reveal anything.
"For when?"
"Next week."
My stomach plummets down, and down. Next week. No, that's too soon. This past week, our reconciliation, our dates, getting to know each other again… it all feels so futile now. I told myself I wasn't going to get attached, that I was just going to see where it goes and enjoy myself, but I will always get attached when it comes to Tobias Eaton.
Now, he's leaving. What's gonna happen, I'm not sure.
"Say something," he whispers gently.
"So you'll have to leave, next week?" I ask.
"I booked my ticket for this Saturday."
I don't have anything in me to say, so I just continue walking and staring ahead, trying to ignore the cracking of my heart and hoping that my facial expression isn't betraying me.
"Let's wait till we get to our destination, then we can talk more about this, okay?"
I nod, thankful that I have sometime to gather my thoughts. As we continue our walk, I think about what I want for a future with Tobias. Was his whole plan today to end things with me? No, he was just talking about how he doesn't like the thought of me with anyone else… what does he want then? Deep down, I know what I want.
I want us to be together, no matter what. It's just one year left of undergraduate school, then we can figure out what to do together. We at least have to try. They say that people who do long distance in college are fooling themselves, but we didn't even try to make long distance work at first and it still feels like we fooled ourselves. We can visit each other every few weeks, spend holidays together, facetime… yeah, we can make it work. We can. I ignore the fear swirling in my gut.
After a couple more minutes of walking, I take sight of a sign; "Linnie Canal Park". It has a quaint playground with a few little kids running around, and is right in the middle of a gorgeous neighborhood whose residents I am envious of.
"It's beautiful here," I whisper.
"I know… Adan showed it to me."
We pass the playground and walk up onto the canal bridge itself. Once we're there I take sight of the breathtaking view, the picturesque palm trees and the several canoes milling about in the water. God, everywhere I go in Venice is gorgeous.
I set my painting down, and lean forward with my elbows crossed over the railing. I figure I should let Tobias speak first, and he does, after a few seconds.
"I don't wanna be without you, Tris."
I turn to look at him, and see him watching me with such heavy emotion. He continues, "I just got you back, and I'm not looking to lose you again. I hope you know that."
I nod slowly, relief pooling through my chest, but also fear. Are we going to be able to make this work, then? A part of me feels like it would be easier, and it would hurt less to just cut ties now. Hell, maybe we'd meet again in 3 years and the timing will actually be right. But still, I'm not looking for the easy way out. I'm gonna face this, and erase the mistakes that I made during our breakup. Maybe… we weren't ready then. But we're ready now.
"You feel the same way?" He asks.
"Yes, Tobias… I feel the same way."
An uncertain smile stretches across his face, "I don't wanna live in a world where we aren't together. I told you I was gonna fight for you, and that's true. That's why I want you to come to Virginia with me… and stay with me for the rest of the summer while we figure all of our shit out."
I feel momentarily stunned. Abandon Venice… to go to Virginia with Tobias? Well, I said I wanted to try this time, and this would be trying. Besides, it won't feel right, being here without Tobias to share it with. We'd be leaving… this weekend. Am I ready to say goodbye, and leave all the memories I made here?
Then it dawns on me. "I don't have enough money for a ticket," I tell him, misery filling my heart. The change fee would be too much for my original flight back to Chicago.
"I have enough miles saved up. I can get you a free one."
"Tobias I couldn't-"
He holds a hand up, "Tris? Do you want to go with me, or not? Answer that first."
"I want to," I tell him honestly.
Happiness shines through his beautiful eyes, "Then it's settled. We're leaving for Virginia. This weekend. Together."
A smile works its way onto my face, and I nod, "Okay." Yes, I feel scared, but I also feel more sure of this decision than anything else in my entire life. It feels like this is a new start of sorts for us, and I could not be more excited. We're really doing it.
He takes a step towards me, placing his hands on my shoulders. We kiss one another in the glow of the California sun, standing on that beautiful canal bridge, in the city where we rekindled our love. I know I'm making the right decision, I know it in my gut.
Here's to new beginnings.
I hope you enjoyed! There's only 4 more chapters left of this story, so I'm hoping to finish it out before 2020 comes to a close. I have a few stories started already that I'm excited to publish in the new year.
It would mean so much if you reviewed your thoughts, hopefully I can have chapter 10 up soon. I also have some people wondering about the whereabouts of Will… while he doesn't play a huge role in this story, I can tell you that he'll make his appearance eventually.
Have a great day.
-Kiki