Eric hasn't stopped with the questions.
He's curious, way curious than anything I've seen him curious before. The dogs are all he wants to know. It's the first thing he asks when we meet for our runs, it's the first thing he asks before he briefs me on work, and it's the last thing he asks before kissing me goodnight.
He has a system to it. Every session is a different topic, and every topic is at least five questions. There's this non-existent checklist he has to go through. So far, the topics he's covered are genetics, meal breakdown, puppy phase, adolescent phase, previous Amity schedule, menial skills, useful skills, training history, favorites, individual hobbies, individual strengths, and weird quirks.
I didn't mind. I enjoy it. It's the first time anyone is drilling me on something I'm passionate about. Four wasn't like this. He only took in whatever I say, rarely prying for anything beyond what is needed.
Eric's sessions always start the same way, and my response is the same.
"Question."
"No."
He continues anyway, as he always does.
"Have the dogs attacked anyone outside training?"
Today's topic is training.
"No." Not yet.
"Do you train them every day?"
"Yes."
"Is that what you do every evening?"
"Yes."
"Can I train them too?"
"No."
"I'll wear the ugly suit."
"Fine."
I believe he finds amusement in my curt replies, always smirking and on the brink of chuckling. "Did anyone tell you that you suck at pretending to be all macho and brooding?"
I scowl. I do a wonderful job of pretending to be upset at everything. Many people find me unapproachable. Skylar even pointed out the other day I'm basically a female version of Eric, only less threatening. "No."
"Well then, I'll be the first."
"Thanks."
"This is your first time training dogs this way?" he asks.
The answer yes is on the tip of my tongue but I pause. The way the question is phrased gives me the impression he knows I've trained dogs before, just not in this field. Only people in Amity know this. Eric notices my quizzical look. "Johanna told me you helped train other dogs too, specifically when they're puppies."
Huh.
"I used to help out during my early teens, just basic obedience so the puppies don't grow up with too many behavioral issues." Amity had a horrible way of dealing with problematic pets. Since they banned the killing of problematic dogs and cats – which I fully support - they used to douse their food in peace serum and let it live out its life in a fenced compound. Back then, there wasn't an animal expert lying around to help rehabilitate the animal. This issue was common during the first round of pets. The babies had no mother to teach them the way of life, and whatever's socially acceptable. This is why foster mothers are a now requirement if any pet is to be lab-grown.
Now our pet sector is developing steadily. New jobs are being created to cater to the growing need for training and pet education. Due to this, the Amity initiate count has also been on the rise. Many transfers love the idea of working and owning animals larger than a school bag.
"I had a dog before them, a german shepherd as well. I tried training her a few basics in combat, but the results weren't very good." I was inexperienced back then, as well as awfully impatient. Puberty sucks.
My inspiration had sprouted a few years back. A farmer had successfully trained his horse to keep cows away as he checked the vitals of new-born calves. The horse would kick out every time the cow tried to get near, right up until the farmer climbs back up on the saddle. I liked the idea of animal and man working as a team.
"What happened to her?"
"Suspected snake bite. She had left the house at night for a toilet break and didn't return." I didn't learn about Maple's death until I came home from school the next day. By then, her body had been buried. My parents decided against me seeing her, as I was also going through an identity crisis. "She was three when she passed."
He offers me a sad smile. "I'm sorry." It's new. Never have I seen Eric like this - sympathetic.
I prefer him ruffling my feathers.
I wave it off. "It's fine. In some ways, I'm glad she had passed. She was one of the pilot dogs, and it was a… challenge for my family to raise her. Maple's the reason for the success of the current three."
She's the reason I'm now feeding raw food. She's the reason for the dogs' mixed genetics. She's the reason there are three, and not one. She's the reason for a training program.
Her passing freed time for me to delve into research. I stayed in the school's library late, reading up on past training techniques and problems people faced; as well as crafting the best meal plan out there. Dad helped too, whenever he could. "She was a good dog, flaws aside. My only regret is not giving her a better life." She suffered from severe separation anxiety, which we belatedly realized after she started escaping and acting up.
"Any more questions?" I don't like thinking of Maple, for I am only reminded of all the mistakes I've made.
He shakes his head. "Nope."
"Are you sure?" I ask warily. Eric always has something to ask.
He rolls his eyes. "Yes."
"Is this the last session?"
His expression turns confused. "What session?" I don't think he realizes how much time we've spent discussing the dogs.
I clear my throat. "I mean. Do you have any more questions for the future and stuff?"
He shrugs. "If I can think of any. I'm good now. Why?"
"No reason." I fold my hands on my lap. Gunner sitting before the door, watching as trees and buildings whizz by. "What do you think?"
"Of?"
"Everything I told you." Eric hasn't commented on any information he's learned. Most - technically all - of his reactions consists of either non-verbal expressions such as shock, amazement, or amusement. Occasionally there'll be a huh here or there, but rarely does he remark on anything.
He leans back on the seat, thinking. His arm is draped on my seat, hand idly fiddling with my untied hair - he had sneakily left a mark again last night. He's taken an interest in my hair recently. Since the first time he's properly felt it, he has been invested. Whenever we're together and alone, he would be playing with it. "I think you're amazing," he finally concludes. I smile and rest my head against his shoulder. "And most certainly divergent."
I grimace. Not quite what I expected.
"I mean, I did suspect it from what Johanna had sparsely shared, but this just confirms it. Which is fine," he quickly reassures. "I like it."
"But you were handing over divergents like nobody's business," I say pointedly.
His arm tenses fleetingly. "Jeanine's orders," he says disparagingly. "I stopped lately under the guise of work and learning recently that I'm one too. The city needs more people like us."
I blink, dumbstruck. In some ways, I suppose it makes sense… a bit. Eric is equally brave as he is equally smart. Maybe he has a bit of Candor too, considering his ability to catch every lie I utter. "People who don't fit in one faction?"
"People who are different," he corrects. "The whole faction disloyalty she preaches is bullshit. No average Amity or Dauntless could've pulled off what you did in short a such period. And you were only a teen."
I smile at the compliment, even though he probably didn't mean it to be. "What are you planning to do now? With everything that's going on with Jeanine."
"Well, I was bringing it up to Jack, until you wanted to be involved," he states disapprovingly.
"Is that why we're heading to Candor now?"
Now it's his turn for curt replies. "Yes."
"Is that why we went to Candor last month?"
"Partially, yes."
I expose my palms defensively despite not seeing him. "I'm sorry! I was trying to infiltrate her plans, and I thought you were with her!"
He's still unimpressed. "I was, but not up till recently. Why do you think I didn't want you meeting her?" The classic flat tone is back.
I shrug exaggeratedly. "How am I supposed to know? I thought you didn't want me to see bad things or something."
He pauses and lifts a finger. "Well yes, but no." I smirk, and I know he's scowling. "And what if I was still with her? What would you have done?"
I scratch the back of my neck and turn to my dog. Gunner's no longer looking out the door, taking an interest in our conversation. He's tilting his head almost mockingly, like he wants to know the answer as well. He's backing Eric up, being his little sidekick.
Dick.
I glare at the unfaithful animal. He, with all the boldness in the world, merely tilts his head further.
Someone will be receiving a lecture later.
"I don't know. I was thinking of breaking up with you. There's not much planned after that, I didn't want to turn you in," I reply nervously. I tried calling Four on the night I came from Amity. There was every intention to scrap the whole plan, and I figured I better inform him verbally. I had planned to detach myself from anything regarding Erudite and Eric, seeing there was no viable solution. I had planned to quit.
Four didn't pick up.
Eric only catches the first part. "Break up? With me?" He's horrified, understandably so. A hand flies to his chest dramatically and a glance shows him tilting his head back until the wall prevents him further. I smile; he's fine. "What more do you need woman?" I laugh. "I feed you, look after the dogs, teach you how to use the computer, give you medication, provide alcohol, defend your honor, and, and…"
Fisting his jacket, I yank him down to my level. His pupils dilate instantly, slate blues thinning as black overlays them. He's breathtakingly handsome.
"Ice cream. I need ice cream."
My lips gently press against his and my eyes close.
He responds immediately, cupping my face with his warm hands. My arms hook around his neck and I straighten my spine. His tongue traces my entrance, and I part my lips in compliance. He presses forward firmly, grinning. One hands travel down my back, preventing me from toppling back or hitting my head as he continues to push.
Delicate.
His tongue incredibly gentle, entirely different from the way he holds himself. It swipes against the tip of mine slowly but not hesitantly. Every motion precise and sensual, heightened by the lack of anything else happening.
I like it.
The grip around my back is tight, as if he fears I'll vanish before him. The force he applies is marginally lesser than the night he was drunk and squeezing me like a toy. I can feel the warmth radiating from his arms and chest, and it leaves me in a fuzzy mess. Everything about him is deliciously overpowering, overwhelming all my senses till I've forgotten everything except now.
The hum of approval is low and deep, sending tingles straight to my nether regions. He breaks away, tilting my face up. I'm breathless but he isn't. His mouth trances my jawline, the hand on the opposite side guiding my head for easier excess. The trail he leaves is wet and warm, sparking a murmur of his name.
His only response is the tightening of his arm. The trail stops at the middle of my neck. He's sucking again.
It takes me a while to realize what he's doing, mainly because I'm enjoying it so much.
"Eric!"
The retraction is instant, like he saw it coming miles away. He wears an unapologetic smirk. I scowl, covering the warming area of my neck with a hand.
The train is no longer moving, and Gunner's holding his leash between his jaws. The dog sits before us quietly and patiently, as if unabashedly watching us make out is his new favorite pastime. The train door is closed. Gunner must've slammed the door button close when the brakes were applied. I feel a twinge of guilt for getting carried away and not helping him with the earmuffs.
Then the train starts moving.
Our expressions simultaneously drop to horror. Eric snatches the files and I jerk out of my seat to get the door opening again. The contraption takes it's own sweet time, mocking us for losing track. Gunner jumps out before us, his leash still neatly tucked in his teeth. Eric and I follow shortly after.
"It'll pass off as a shadow."
"It will not," I grit out. My phone is held in front of me, the black glass screen doubling as an emergency mirror. Eric had conveniently placed the mark where it was almost impossible for hair to cover. He might as well have done it at the center of my throat. I readjust my hair and move my phone in various angles, ensuring everything's covered.
"Couldn't you just do it on the same spot? Or the very least, the same side?" I growl. My hair is now equally distributed on both sides, covering both hickeys. They come messy at the ends, flailing out like an extravagant waterfall.
"I did think about it… but ultimately decided against it." He's still smirky, proud he managed to get away long enough to leave a mark. His hand lifts my head to him. For a moment, I thought he was adjusting my hair because I missed a spot. Instead, he flips a part of my hair to the other side, messing up my middle parting. Then he gingerly pats it down. Once he's satisfied, he steps away. "There. Now you look good."
I stare at my reflection on the phone. The white line running down the middle of my head is gone, replaced by a less noticeable one on the side. The section of hair he had pushed to the side raises slightly, giving a puffier and rugged look. I suppose I do look better. "What happened to not attracting other men?"
I finally pick up Gunner's leash and we start towards Candor's headquarters. A few people are staring our way, no doubt having observed our entire exchange. Eric isn't bothered one bit, barely acknowledging them as we walk past. He walks close to me, our shoulders occasionally bumping.
"I know," he says rather casually - a tone used to discuss the weather, "but I like flaunting what others can never have."
"That's a very serious accusation. Are you sure?"
His eyes flicker between the two of us, willing us to say otherwise.
The door has been bolted shut. We're in a large soundproof room. This was the only place where we could discuss things privately, where there were no prying eyes or cameras.
Giggles break the silence.
Amy squeals as Gunner licks her on the face. She exclaims in gibberish, holding his neck and nudging him away. Next to her, Judge yowls in protest. He hops on the spot, trying to regain his lady's attention back.
It was Jack's idea to have her come with us. I didn't object, for I wanted to keep an eye on my boy. He said something along the lines of us looking less suspicious when there's a child involved.
"I have some evidence." Eric extends the documents he dutifully brought to the leader of justice. "They are lab reports on the human serum tests, as well as the divergent experiments she's carried out."
Jack outstretched hand pauses midway at the mention of divergent. "Divergents? You mean the people who have an aptitude for more than one faction?" He's confused, and rightfully so. Divergents are rarely an issue brought up, for their presence does not impact the factions in any way to be significant. "Jeanine's been experimenting on them?"
"Yes. She views them as a threat to the system, and she's been… testing their limits." Eric is hesitant with his words, and I tense at the implications of it.
Jack finally accepts the file. "And where does she acquire them? From her faction?" It's a thick black folder with the Dauntless symbol embedded in a faint grey. Overlaying the symbol are thick silver words of Candor Food Inventory. He places the file on the glass table between us and starts flicking through the papers. The papers are stapled in small stacks. Each set has the same cover page. It's a table with the date, time, and various standard information of the testing. After the cover page are paragraphs upon paragraphs of what I assume are observations and conclusions.
"I delivered them," Eric says grimly. His expression is unreadable. "I was tasked to identify and deliver them to her."
Hearing him admit it aloud is painful. Even with all the precautions I took during my aptitude test, he still had suspected I was divergent during my initiation. Had he known of the work I've placed in my dogs sooner, I won't be standing here today.
Jack's lips are set to a thin line. His muscles are tense, straining faintly against his suit jacket. "Were you aware they were to be used for testing?" His façade is calm and inexpressive, everything the city's chief justice needs to be.
Eric hesitates for only a second. "Yes."
Jack is prepared for his reply. "What happens to them after the… experiments?"
"They are terminated." My heart picks up. The exchange is making me sick to the stomach. Eric isn't revealing the full extent of what Jeanine has done, and he doesn't need to. I feel it all the same.
"By?"
"Serums."
Jack holds Eric's stare, his jaws clench at the information shared. I swallow thickly despite not being involved in this area in any way. It's one thing to hear from my mom and Four of his actions, but it's entirely different to hear Eric admit it himself. My breathing turns shallow as my head spins.
I need Hawk here. Right now.
"Sorry, can I take a seat?" I ask almost shakily. Jack breaks eye contact to glance towards me. He nods, not really paying attention to me.
Gunner has his paws between my legs the moment I slump onto the chair. I didn't notice when he had come over. He nudges his nose to my face, his actions gentle and careful. My hands grip my forehead and my eyes close. I focus on drawing deep breaths, tuning out everything around me.
Some more words are being exchanged but all I hear is the pounding of my heart. Gunner's movements grow frantic. He pushes his snout into me until his head is tucked snugly between my shoulder and neck. My arm circles my boy's back. His thick luscious coat is covered by the rough material of his vest, and it scrapes against my skin. I don't like it.
I need Hawk here. He is experienced in this. He'll know what to do.
My head heats in irritation of his absence. Hatred builds for Skylar had taken my partner from me. If only he remained a messenger, then he would be here now. My fingers pinch the skin on my forehead as I seethe. How dare she take something she doesn't understand. He is mine, and only mine. I hand raised him the second he was born.
Something lands on my shoulder.
I snap out of it immediately. The two men are watching worriedly, their earlier conversation gone. Amy is tugging her father's pants. He bends down as she whispers something to his ear. A furtive glance to me confirms I'm the topic of conversation.
"Anna?" Gunner is stiff beneath me. My sudden jerk had winded him up. Eric is standing a foot away. His expression is hesitant, almost guilty.
Inhaling deeply, I count to three. Everything is fine. It's all in the past. I rise from my seat and reassuringly pet Gunner. He silently sticks to my side; warm body against my leg. "Sorry," I speak loud enough for all to hear, "I was feeling nauseous." I nudge Gunner away and point to Amy. She's back at her makeshift playpen, fiddling with her hands. "Place," I say to him quietly. My dog reluctantly leaves to pad over to her. Her expression brightens when she notices him approaching.
Eric doesn't believe me but doesn't push. I'm grateful.
"I have voice recordings, though they aren't with me now," I attempt to contribute, wanting the attention off my reaction as soon as possible. "It's my interactions with Jeanine. She's asked me to join her." If Eric's surprised by the information, he sure doesn't show it.
Jack rests his palm on the opened file. "I believe this and Eric's hearing is enough. However, any extra evidence is appreciated."
"Hearing?" I ask in restrained alarm. "In front of the entire faction?" I'm not stupid. Every trial will be performed before the entire Candor population. It's one of the few things we learned about the faction. A scare tactic, used to prevent us from doing anything stupid in school.
"Yes, but this will be a private trial as we don't want news to be leaked. It will cause panic among the factions. Eric has agreed to it under the influence of truth serum."
I do not recall much about the serum, other than it is exclusively used in Candor. Regardless, anything with the word 'trial' is still not good news.
I am distraught, voice rising an octave. "And what will happen to him after that? Will you arrest him? Will he be sentenced to death for murder?" My heart is racing again. Candor is the faction of justice. And justice will be served.
I can't lose him; not now, not ever.
"That will be up to the discretion of the court," Jack replies calmly.
Something snaps. "Discretion of the court?" I shriek. Gunner shifts from his spot. I hold out a hand to stop him. "The only just consequence of murder is death! You're going to kill him after he's exposed Jeanine?!" I'm on the brink of lunging at Candor's leader and threatening him at knifepoint. How dare he harm the person who's potentially saving an entire faction?
This is ridiculous.
Absurd.
Unfair.
Eric grips my shoulders and flips me to him. "Anna, it's fine. I'm not dying," his voice is firm and reassuring, but his eyes give way to a sliver of doubt.
My words harshly slice through his. "You don't know that!"
Jack intervenes right before I spew out a string of curses. "Take heart, Anna. Eric is also saving hundreds of lives by doing this. Death will certainly not be an option to such a heroic act," he points out gently. The trepidation is still not quenched. It requires great effort to not glower at the chief judge. He has the last say; he holds the situation in his hands.
"At most, Eric will be stripped from leadership." Jack offers, despite not needing to.
My eyes squeeze shut, picturing the possibility. Perhaps it would do him some good, Eric has been way too busy for a man his age. I'll remain as a leader trainee, so at least one of us is still in the loop of important decisions. "Okay." I speak as if I have a say in this matter, and I'd like to pretend I do. "Okay. Sorry for lashing out." Jack assures me that it's fine, as he would've reacted the same if his wife were in Eric's place.
I don't reply, registering his implications.
"How long till the trial?" Eric asks. His arms have fallen away and he's returned to facing the leader. He's way more objective and professional than me, considering this literal life is on the line.
"I'll have to speak with my subordinates, but most likely next week."
"So two weeks till Jeanine's taken down, give or take," Eric concludes.
"Yes. Will you be able to find enough manpower for this? Since Max and the other trainee are on her side."
"I plan to catch her when she's out of the faction - she going to start frequenting to Dauntless soon. The machines are almost ready to be sent over. There shouldn't be much resistance when it happens." It occurs to me Eric has been planning this for a while now. He seems to have everything laid out already. All he needed was to execute.
Guess who got in his way.
"Very well. I'll update you soon."
"Send me an email under the guise of factionless sightings and I'll physically come over, do not include the details. Emails, messages, and calls are rigged by the Erudite."
Jack is surprised, and I am too. That explains why Eric's digitally curt on anything regarding work. Here I thought he just hated being away from me. I'm not sure if I like this revelation or not.
Jack clasps his hands in finality, and I mentally sigh that the meeting is over. "That settles it then. Thank you for coming to me." He shuts the file and picks it up, tucking it securing in his arm. "Is there anything else you want to say or need?"
Eric speaks up seconds later.
"There is." Jack pauses halfway to Amy. His features are no longer hard, returning to his warm, somewhat welcoming, exterior. Once he's gotten the full attention of the leader, he continues. "Can we get ice-cream?"
Jack blinks, not believe his ears. I blink too, for neither can I. Both of us stare at the full-grown man incredulously, unable to fathom such a request after an intense meeting.
Eric mimics our expressions mockingly; an unsophisticated ape. "What?"
A/N
My laptop charger broke. (I check the fuse already. Thanks high school physics) Currently using my tablet's one. Worried it would overheat combust and set my room on fire.
Thanks for all the lovely reviews! :)
