Hi there. It's been a while, I hope you still remember me. If not, you now have 54 chapters to (re)read, and by the time you finish hopefully some more... though I was rereading some of it myself the other day and I will definitely be updating some chapter this comming summer. Teenage-me and now-me clearly disagree. I'm actually quite sorry for you guys from time to time.

This chapter is pretty mild (I hope not too much tho), but the next will be more adventurous.
Oh, and for those of you who were wondering, some of the answers to her past will be clearing up soon as well.

Anyway, hold tight and enjoy.

As always, thank you for your time and patience. You guys are the best.

Love.

KPOV

Since losing her job, Keena had been spending most of her days searching for vacancies, putting little note time. So, it wasn't until Eric came home from work –with an amused Zeke in tow– (finding her hunched over a dozen of Dauntless newspapers spread out all over his apartment floor) Keena finally remembered the existence of such a banal thing as time.

"Oh, shit." She breathed, jumping up and racing off towards the bedroom to change into her dress of tonight. "How late is it?"

"Late-to-your-own-party late." Eric confirmed emotionlessly, glancing at his watch. "By at least ten minutes, I'd say. Fifteen before you'll get there and–" He cut himself off when she reappeared into the doorway; his eyes matching the darkness of her dress. He didn't even seem to notice she was still trying to put on her shoes and earring at the same time– and no, it wasn't working out for her.

Zeke gave her an appreciative glance as well but was smart enough not to comment on a thing. Eric, on the other hand… Eric just stared.

Typical.

"Worthy of a birthday girl?" She teased, walking up to him; ignoring Zeke's baiting mutterings that sounded an awful lot like "Worthy of his wife."

Eric didn't reply, though his gaze hardened at Zeke's comment. Clearly unamused.

Keena was undeterred by his foul mood. She wanted to kiss him –either on the mouth or cheek, she wasn't picky– but with Zeke's presence in the room as well, she didn't know what would and wouldn't be allowed. So instead, she just stared up at him and held his gaze for just a moment, but then brushed passed him towards the booze.

He was behind her in a flash; slamming the doors of his liquor cabinet back shut, but he was too late. She already managed to snatch some bottles into her arms.

"What do you think you're doing?" His voice was a warning growl, but with his chest brushing up against her back, and his lips teasing her ear, Keena doubted the sudden tingling sensations in her stomach had anything to do with fear.

Good gods, now she was horny.
This was great. Just great.

Typical too.

She quickly pushed the thought aside.

"Eric, please. I'm late." She turned to him; her green and hopeful eyes imploring him to relent. How hard could it be to let her borrow a few bottles of liquor? God knew he had enough of them.

When he didn't reply, she made to brush past him again, but he kept her from doing so by placing a firm hand on her upper arm; large fingers wrapping around it possessively as he pushed her back into the cabinet.

Harsh. Aggressive.

"Don't even think about it, Keena." His voice was low and reprimanding. Treacherous. Like the leader-voice he'd put on back when he'd still been overseeing initiation and was about to introduce some terribly dangerous exercise to the group. It confounded her. He hadn't used that tone with her in forever.

"Please, I'm already late." She pleaded again, though this time more insecure. If she had to make a detour to the shops, her friends would be waiting outside her apartment for over half an hour. "I'll pay you back, Eric, I promise. I'm just so late already."

It wasn't free liquor she was after; she just needed some in her possession quickly, and not let her guests wait any longer than she already had. If she showed up fifteen minutes late with bottles in hand, her friends would just assume there'd been a line and forget about it. Letting them wait for thirty was just sloppy, careless, mean.

"With what money, hu?" Eric retorted, hinting at her employment status –or rather lack thereof.

Behind him Zeke could be heard chuckling, and Keena might've gotten offended had Eric not seemed so irked by it himself.

His body was strong and ridged as he moved forward; stepping closer and closer as he locked her into place. She held the bottles with tensed arms, his chest pressing against them as he leaned over; tall and imposing until she couldn't see anything beyond his broad chest.

No door.
No Zeke.
No anything– except him.

"I mean it, Keena. Put them back" He rumbled in another warning. But with how close he was standing that was an impossibility for sure. She could hardly even turn around, let along open the cabinets. Surely he knew that. What was he playing at?

"I- I..." She trailed off. Still not understanding what he was playing at.

"You, you what?" He sounded genuinely irked, and just like that she felt ashamed.

It was his liquor, after all. If he needed them himself, who was she to take them with her? Time was of the utmost importance for a man like Eric. He planned everything so notoriously. One brief but unplanned trip to the shops could surely send him completely off whatever schedule he had made for the day.

Certainly, he was more busy then she was.
Certainly, he shouldn't have to suffer because she had lost track of time… again.

With an embarrassed blush, she ducked her head; accepting her defeat.

And that's when she felt it.

The featherlike touch of his fingers dancing on her hip.
Soft stroking moving the fabric of her silky dress.
The warmth of him slowly seeping through.

"I mean it." He told her just as sternly as before, the sound of it such a contrast to his touch. "I'm having friends over too tonight. You're not the only one planning on getting drunk."

She looked up at him bewildered, but at finding what she found –a tender, loving gaze– a piece of the puzzle clicked into place.

None of this was for her benefit.
It was a show- for Zeke alone.

And that realization struck a chord deep inside of her- because why hadn't she recognized it before? It was so clear now. So uncomplicated. But Keena sometimes forgot how the rest of the world saw him. How she'd once viewed him too –in a faraway past– because it was the way he portrayed himself to be: Harsh and uncaring. Unrelenting and selfish. Exactly how he wanted to be seen... by most, anyway.

But the Eric she knew today was completely different from that cold and distant Eric.
The Eric she knew today was a far cry from the Eric she'd met back on that rooftop all those months back.

Except he wasn't; he was the same.
She just viewed him in a different light.

Because he had allowed her to do so.
Just like she had provided him with more pieces of herself too.

It was easy to forget how shielded and closed off he'd once been. Yes, her Eric still struggled with emotions, but at least she got to see them now. If not the emotions, at least the struggle. It was an improvement –a connection– not perfect but ultimately theirs.

Their own attempts to connect with each other.
In their own failed and miserable ways.

But they tried. Everyday they tried to connect. And every day, he showed her more. But just because he opened up to her, didn't mean others were somehow granted the same curtsy. This Eric in front of her –the mighty leader version of him– all rigid and strong in his stance… that Eric was indestructible. A mystery. Invincible. Not because others couldn't figure out how to hurt him, but because he didn't even let them close enough so realize there was a puzzle to solve at all. The thousand walls he put up between them shielded him from their prying eyes… Even those belonging to close friends, it appeared.

Zeke was still shut out; not allowed to see in. Not even as his closest friend. Yes, he may be privy to a little more than others did. Got some real laughter, real struggles and perhaps even real pain, but not this. Never this. Not the message he was trying to get across through his eyes alone.

The message that spoke of love, affection and tenderness.
The message that spoke of a protective, compassionate side.

Sincerity, uncertainty and gratitude.
Regard, humility and care.

But he was blocking it; hiding it.
Shielding it from his friend– both in sound and view.

Because this was their exchange– and no one else's.
His message to her– no one else allowed to know.

No one but her, was allowed to see him. Only she, was granted to all parts. All pieces of the puzzle that made him him, even the parts too dark to like, or to fragile too touch. The parts that made him angry or disgusted with himself, the parts that frustrated him to no ends. But also the parts that made him feel vulnerable or insecure, and of course, the parts that made up his very core.

He wasn't weak for having them– only human.
If anything, he was strong– for sharing them at all.

And from all people he could've shared them with, he'd chosen to share them with her. He trusted her. As much as she did him. And no, she would never let him down.

Keena tried to convey that she got it. Nodded her head, hoping he understood. She wondered how often it had been there in public; right in his eyes for her to see. How often had she not got it? How often had she'd been too occupied to look?

But tonight. he'd just needed her to see the truth.
Needed her to see inside.

So he'd gotten in her face with some stupid ruse; createding a farce of an argument over some lousy bottles of booze neither of them cared about. Why? Because it was the only way he knew how to get her attention. The only way he knew how get close to her. At least, the only way whenever other people were around.

Like she said, they weren't perfect.
They had their own fucked up little ways.

But he had tried to connect, and succeeded.
Tried to connect, and make her see.

His obscured way of saying hello.
His obscured way of saying goodbye.

I've missed you today.
Have fun tonight.
I promise, I'll be there.

She saw it now– and he saw she saw; their eyes captured in each other's heat.

She was a prisoner to his gaze now.
The ice blue oceans the gatekeepers to her soul.

I love you, she mouthed soundlessly– and then watched his dark gaze fall to her lips.

Fuck. She craved to touch him so bad. Longed for nothing more than to shatter these five bottles and reach out to him... and kiss that stupid face. But she couldn't. Because this was theirs, and they still weren't alone.

With tenderness and sex both off the table, Keena settled on keeping things light and airy instead. He may feel like he couldn't just let her run off with his booze with Zeke to witness it, but she also sure wasn't about to get ascribed a meek and compliant role either in front of his friends. Because her submission too, was for their eyes alone.

Fun and spicy it was then.

And so, with her eyes firmly locked onto Eric's blue ones (though her voice loud enough for Zeke to hear) she answered him at last.

"Drunk you say? Hu, how peculiar." She quipped, watching a wicked grin appear on his face. "I hate to be the bringer of bad news but your cabinet's looking rather empty, I'm afraid. You might want to pop by the store before your friends come over."

She smiled up at him prettily as she sidestepped him; throwing a wink in Zeke's direction as she headed for the door. She was already out in the hallway when Eric caught up with her; neither caring for the bottles she was carrying, nor the people able to stumble upon them as he pushed her roughly into the nearest wall. Dominating, domineering. Set on taking back control.

Lips of hunger– that devoured her.
His tongue ascendant– in every way.

Vaguely, Keena registered Zeke's whistling howls in the background –the door still open because Eric's lusty quest for dominance was something he was allowed to see. But then Eric tilted her head and claimed more of her, and all noise faded into the background. The pounding of their beating hearts all she cared for. Well, that and the hungry noises that he made.

It could've been seconds, minutes or hours –okay, logically maybe not the last– but when Eric eventually pulled away from her, her gaze was hazy, and her mind a mushy mess.

"Tonight…" He was panting heavily as she chased his lips for more. "I'm going to hunt, you, down, little one. I will not lay off. Just some food for thought."

And then he stepped back with a satisfied grin– though it quickly changed into something more smug as he took her in. She must look as dazed as she felt, and he seemed exceptionally pleased with it. Smug bastard.

"Come come, off you go, now." He smirked wickedly, pulling her away from the wall to stand on her own two quivering legs. "Before you break any more of my expensive brandy."

Her eyes snapped to the floor to find it littered with booze and glass.

Oh.

She hadn't even heard it break.

And then, still on much too wobbly legs, he pushed her into the right direction– his warm touch scorching her shoulders long after his fingers had left. Zeke's mocking whine about 'Eric letting his girlfriend steal all the booze' the last thing she heard before the door was shut behind him.

The beating drum had her blood humming even from her position near the door.

After finding out Inferno was nothing short of a haunted fetish house, perhaps the sanest thing for her to do would've been to cancel it, or at the very least alter their destination, but she hadn't– and now she was about to pay the price for that foolishness; find out exactly how much of that initial excitement had been blatant naiveté.

She loved it, honestly. Loved the rush of it; the nerves, the jitters, the thrill. It had been a while she'd felt so careless and alive, and she wasn't even inside yet; hadn't even registered or consented about what was to come. Apparently, the theme was different every other week; the club opening its doors from Thursday to Thursday before closing its doors for a week to change into the next theme.

Mira had made it very clear though, there was one thing that always remained the same.

The art of the mating game.

In contrast to the Basement where people primarily came to quickly blow off some steam –let it be through fighting or sex– the approach of Inferno was a tat more detaining than that. In here you wouldn't find people having sex on the dancefloor or in the shady corners of the room (or well, at least not on the first tier), but rather in here it would all be about that delicious push-and-pull and dragging it out as long as you could… Something about the longer you postponed your orgasms, the better they would be when you eventually gave in.

It was about lust over fill, and thrill over kill.
Berserk, pining and thirsting for more.

It was about seizing, covet and taking control
It was about hunting –or hunted– and praying upon.

When Mira had first explained it to her it had sounded rather plain for the Dauntless, but that was before she knew the peril; the price there was to pay. Inside Inferno saying no was not an option. You could try ridding yourself of someone by losing them in the crowd, but the mere words 'no' or 'go away' held no meaning inside the club. Rather, in here, they were seen as part of the game. An obstacle to overcome– or simply ignore the existence off.

Yes, this place was all about the thrill of the hunt, the art of seduction, and the more coy or aloof one acted the greater the victory for the hunter when he (or she) did eventually manage to snatch their catch. It was a matter of to seduce or be seduced; to hunt or be hunted– like cats and mice, foxes and bunnies, and lions and gazelles… all themes of the past apparently.

But that same playful coyness also went together with a rapey vibe.

It was– daunting, to say the least.
Worthy– for a Dauntless club.

It was a gamble, a bet, a game chances– because you could never tell in advance what kind of night it would turn out to be. One of a flirty game with a partner you liked, or one spend in fear and hiding from the attentions of one you did not.

So yes, this was dauntless. But gods, was she happy Eric would be there as well. Surely, he would look out for her and keep her from being seriously accosted by anyone but himself… his words of earlier still fresh in mind.

Tonight, I'm going to hunt you down, little one. I will not lay off. Just some food for thought.

The thought made her oddly giddy.

She just hoped she wouldn't get accosted by a lot of other people before he could find her… though, on the other hand, she also didn't plan on making it too easy for him to find her of course. After all, tonight was all about the hunt.

She just hoped she wasn't severely underestimating the situation. It didn't help Lara ended up agreeing with Mira on how risky Eric's presence was tonight.

Flashback

"You were right, Lar. She invited him." Mira all but yelled as soon as they entered the shop. Luckily, it was almost deserted, and the two girls in the far back didn't seem to mind. Though, they left soon afterwards. Woops.

Lara stepped away from the register– wearing one of the fabulous outfits they sold in the store. Keena wondered, not for the first time, how fair it was for her to rank first only to end up with a job that had her watch people getting tortured, while Lara got to wear all sorts of fancy outfits that she could've never afford otherwise.

Don't get her wrong. She was happy for her friend. She truly, really was. She wished her all the best. But that didn't mean her unemployed mind wasn't a little envious too. Maybe she should look for a shop-job. Though she didn't exactly have the model-like figure as Lara had. It was like catwalk-advertisement when she was strolling around the shop. People could pay money just to be allowed inside.

"Haha, told ya!" Lara beamed, sticking out her hand. Keena watched in bewilderment as Mira provided her with the chocolate bar she'd bought mere minutes ago in the last shop they entered.

These sneaky–

"So, I've stashed some dresses away in the back for you both. Just let me–"

"Oh, we're not here to shop." Keena shook her head, sitting down sweetly on one of the plush poufs near the shoe racks. "Just dropping by to see you for a moment. Look at how working life is treating you and all."

Lara glanced at Mira.
Mira rubbed her neck.

Right.

So apparently, they were definitely here to shop.

Keena just hadn't been aware of it until now.
It seemed to be a running theme these days.

Fine. Great. Just peachy.
Spending money she didn't have; what a fabulous idea.

Or well, she did actually still have quite some money left (living with Eric certainly cut back on the living expenses with groceries and stuff, because he strictly forbode her to pay… yes, forbode. She had tried actually. Multiple times. He just was a stubborn arse, set in his rigid Erudite ways), but the point was, as long as she didn't have a job she didn't want to pay for a new dress when she still had plenty of them laying around at home.

It wasn't as if she'd never shopped before.

"I'm not buying a new dress, girls. I mean it."

"Not even this one?" Mira wiggled her eyebrows, holding up a ghastly dress.

Lara shook her head with a roll of her eyes. "Just wait here for a sec. I've saved something perfect for both of you, but if you don't like it, you don't have to buy it obviously."

"How about this one?" Mira asked again when Lara disappeared from sight. She was actually holding up something decent this time.

"For you or for me?"

"You, obviously. I don't have the tits for that."

"In that case no."

"This one then?"

The answer was instant. "No."

"How about this one?"

"No thank you." Keena didn't even bother to look.

"Come on, K. You have to at least look at them before saying no."

"Mir." She reprimanded, still not looking. "I told you. I'm not buying a dress."

"Fine, but just look at it. Please? For me?"

Keena sighed but turned around to look at it. It was beautiful. It really was, and she told her friend as much.

Still, she didn't relent.

"I still have that silky one we bought somewhere around two months ago, and it's been just laying at home ever since– never been worn. I'm wearing that one tomorrow."

Mira looked up in contemplation, clearly trying to recall. "Wait, the black one?" Keena nodded. "You bought that one? But I liked it. I actually liked that one too!"

"Right, because the rest of my dresses offend you so." Keena deadpanned, and Mira smirked.

"They tend to be a bit conservative." Mira shrugged, and Keena just sighed. They'd had this conversation plenty of times before.

What could she say? She was naked plenty of times a week inside Eric's appartement. Then when she ventured out, she actually preferred to be covered up.

Funny that.

"I mean remember that time you didn't buy that green–"

"That wasn't a dress. That was underwear."

A groan came from her left. "Please tell me you aren't arguing about that slip dress again."

"See." Mira emphasized, gesturing her outstretched palm towards Lara. "Dress."

"See." Keena copied the gesture. "Slip."

"Oh god, please stop." Lara was rubbing her face with both hands. "You two are impossible."

"Two? What did I do?" Mira whined.

"Apart from trying to get your friend to wear underwear in public, that is?"

Mira shot her a playful glare. "I don't care what you say, miss prude. That dress was gorgeous, and we both know it. I would've bought it myself if I had the figure, but I don't– sadly. Honestly, we should switch because yours is definitely waisted on you. It just isn't fair."

A troubling thought seem to come to her; a wrinkle appearing between her brows.

"Though admittedly, now I actually know who you were already seeing at the time it's probably best you didn't buy it. He would've gone apeshit if he'd seen someone try and get handsy with you… And tempting as it is, I really can't afford to endanger the entire compound just because I want my friend to look hot."

Another thought came to her, this time more mischievous.

"Lara, I need you to pull out the most conservative prissy dress you have. She needs to be a non by tomorrow evening. Eric's coming is a recipe for disaster, and I, for one, intend to improve the odds of survival."

"Why are you against him coming?" Lara asked quizzically, before turning to Keena with a smile. "I am really excited for you. I always think it's a big step to admit you're dating anyone, but especially a leader."

"Yeah, she's not doing that." Mira piped, pretending to get some dirt from underneath her nails. "She intends to keep it a secret still."

"You what?" Lara piped. "But I thought you invited him?"

"My words exactly, my friend. My words exactly."

Keena rolled her eyes. "You two are being ridiculous. I don't see what could go wrong. We've pretended for months not to be dating each other, and we saw each other every day. It'll be fine."

"Hmm." Lara seemed thoughtful. "That wasn't in the evening though, was it? At night. In a club. Drunk. Between other drunks."

"Well actually we did that too."

"Right, right. Like that time he hit Alijah, you mean." Lara sked innocently, and Mira snorted, since she had brought up that very same argument not half an hour ago.

"Well, yes." Keena squinted her eyes. "But we don't know what happened that night. And I although I haven't spoken to Alijah in a quite some time, I doubt he will be there tomorrow night. And even if he were, that doesn't mean they would fight again." She laughed. "I mean, what are the odds?"

"Alijah is not the problem, Keena." Mira rolled her eyes.

"Right. Because you think Eric is. I think you conveyed that just fine half an hour ago. I really don't feel like getting into that again."

Lara looked confused but didn't comment on it. Instead, she tried again.

"Okay, but what about that time at the Christmas gala, then? When that guy that attacked you? You told us Eric saved you from him, but I imagine he must've been pretty pissed considering you were already seeing him."

"Of course he wasn't." Keena relented. "But attacked is the key-word here. Eric's… very protective. And yes, he could've handled the situation better, I'm not saying he's perfect, but he also isn't some monster lashing out at people without reason. s not some monster. He always has his reasons."

"And therein lies the problem, doesn't it?" Mira retorted. "You don't see what makes him snap."

"And you do?! Because you know him so well?"

Mira smacked her palm into her face, letting it rest there for a while as Lara tried to bud in.

"I think what Mira meant to say, is that you can be a little bit obtuse when it comes to other men." She smiled sweetly. "I mean, you hardly notice when other guys take an interest in you."

"But…" Keena racked her brain. "Other guys haven't been taking an interest in me?"

If the disbelieving grunt escaping from Mira's throat was anything to go by, her answer had been straight up ridiculous.

"It's no use, Lar. She's too blind to it." Mira dismissed. "I tried to tell her, but she doesn't see."

"See what?!" Keena shot her eyes over at the dark-haired girl, extremely fed up with her dismissive air. "What was I supposed to see?"

"Was, are." Mira sing-sang.

"Then who? Tell me who?"

And just when Mira opened her mouth, Lara elbowed her in the stomach.

"It's not our place, Mir." She reprimanded before turning to her smaller friend.

"Look, forget the who. The who doesn't matter. If you go clubbing, there will always be someone taking an interest in you. What Mira and I are concerned about, especially in combination with Eric's anger streak, is that for 85% of the time you just don't see it when people are advancing on you. Maybe it's because you grew up at Amity, or maybe it's because you just don't care to look, but you take their flirtations as kindnesses and their seduction as friendly words. I don't know how to make this any clearer, Keena, but you are not good at reading other people's feelings. Except if it is someone you take a special interest in –like Eric– because then you want to figure him out. But with 99% of humanity, you just don't care to know– and thus you don't see."

Keena stared at her friend for the longest of times– lost in contemplation.

It made sense.

Keena had the drive to find reasons and figure things out – especially complex people like Eric. She wanted to dissect every little thing about him, until she got to the core of things, so she either knew how to remedy, avoid, or fix it.

It was the Erudite in her– dismissive of most humans, but overly interested in those who caught her eye. Then again, she could imagine the Amity in her being so loyal she didn't even care to look at others anymore. She was happy with Eric like she'd been with no one before.

"Okay, so say you're right. How do I fix it?"

"You have to be kidding me." Mira scoffed. "I literally told you the same half an hour ago!"

Keena glared at her and retorted: "Not my fault Lara put it less daft."

Mira breathed out a disbelieving chuckle but put up her hands in defeat.

"I'm not sure if you can fix it, per se. Nor do I think Eric really wants you to." Lara pondered. "If anything I assume he'd be quite pleased you don't even care enough to notice other men flirting with you. It's just tomorrow night that's concerning." She looked at Keena with a frown between her brows. Her entire form so serene somehow.

"Keena, do you really think it a good idea to keep your relationship a secret still? I mean– what's two days if it means you can just enjoy your birthday together? I don't wish to speak badly of him, but he can be rather… possessive, you know?"

"Don't forget hostile, violent, aggressive–" Mira snorted, and Lara's elbow punched her in the ribs.

Good.

Keena was getting entirely too fed up with her total candor today. She understood her friend was hurting from her own breakup, but just because she didn't want to deal with her own problems didn't mean she had to underline the problems off everyone else– over and over and over again.

Keena stared at a faraway spot. "I'm sure everything will be alright. He's a level-headed adult. Unlike what Mira loves to make him out to be, he isn't some raging monster."

"Let's just look at the dresses, shall we?" Lara tried to steer conversation back to clear water. Keena ended up finding two dresses she really, really loved.

She also ended up buying neither– because she meant what she'd said: There were better ways to spend her money than on pretty things she didn't really need. The fact she left with a set of silver cufflinks didn't count.

After all, they weren't for her.

Perhaps the conversation had put her on edge even more than she would've otherwise been. It was one thing she wouldn't be able to shake off other men their advances, but now she knew she was oblivious to most of them anyway… it certainly felt like an even bigger issue.

Like, certainly, the sensuality, tricks, and temptations of the evening ahead of them sounded very tempting, and she wanted to be touched tonight –mind you– but by one man only.

Hers.

She wanted to be able to act with Eric in the same manner Lara and Jasper were currently doing. Just out in public, laughing about. Uncaring about the rest of the world as their drunk and greedy hands kept touching each other or grasping at each other's clothes.

And just like that, she found herself watching them with envy.

She watched how Jasper whispered something into Lara's ear that made her giggle and lean up to press a quick kiss against his lips. She watched how Jasper's fingers softly stroked the patch of bare skin on Lara's hip, much like Eric had hers earlier that night. She watched Lara lean back into his arms, sighing contently as they waited on their turn in line; perfectly at ease, because he was there with her.

She wanted that.

She wanted Eric here too– not because she'd suddenly become incapable of doing anything without him, but because she wanted to share in experiences like this. Let her meet her friends in a setting that didn't make them fear him as much as they did, and hopefully get to meet his someday too.

Maybe the girls had been right.
Maybe Eric had been too.

Maybe it was time to just take the leap, no matter how scary it was. What was two days for a night like this? And Eric would catch her no matter what. Even if he faction's reaction to their dating would be bad, he would back her up. Of that she was certain. It was amazing, really, how much faith she had in him. Because despite all of his flaws –the ones Mira liked to point out– he had qualities too:

Unwavering resolve, reliability, and competence.
Solid strength, tenacity, and skill.

No, he wouldn't let her fall, break, and let her pick up the pieces alone. She could take the leap, and he would be there to manage it all. Besides, in the end it was just them that mattered. Not her friends, and certainly not a bunch of strangers she'd never spoken to before.

But that also didn't make it any less scary.
Which in turn wasn't a reason to put it off.

"Are you okay?" Gale whispered to her left; concerned brown eyes searching her face. "You look a little pale."

Hu, figures.

Her heart was beating wildly in her chest; protesting against the resolve that slowly took form. But the more she thought on it, the righter it felt. Her heart slowly steadying back to a healthy and more at ease pace. She was done hiding; done making up excuses and postponing the inevitable. She was willing to take risks; done with being stuck in limbo. Tonight she would bite the bullet for good.

"Never been better." She smiled up at Gale; the color slowly returning in her cheeks.

Her mind was made up now.
She wouldn't back out.
Tonight she'd be taking the leap.

She would let him hunt her –like he sinfully promised her he would do– and she would put up a fair fight for him to conquer. One she'd be doing her best to win– at least for as long as she possibly could.

She would run and let him chase her.
She would play the game and act aloof.

But once he found her –captured her– and dragged her off to some shady corner... wanting to have his wicked ways with her. That's when she'd surprised him, and reward him for his efforts. Yes, if he managed to claim her tonight, she'd be claiming him right back; kissing him for the world to see. Smiling to herself contently, she ignored Gale as he prattled on; too busy coming up with all the ways she was going to enjoy tonight's hunting games instead.

"Next." The bouncer called out, and this time it was their group's turn.

Thank lord– it was well over 20 minutes later, and her giddy restless bounce had by now somewhat disappeared.

At least visually.

The bouncer eyed them impassively. "Any first-timers?" He asked with a roll of his eyes, only asking because it was mandatory. Their giddy novelty could be smelled from miles away.

"All but three." Gale supplied, confidently stepping forward as their spokesman, and Keena had to fight the smile from slipping on her face.

Gale had definitely grown in the past year– both physically and mentally– and it showed in his confidence. More of a man instead of a boy now, though that ample tranquility surrounding him would prove hard for him to shake. He was tall and imposing for sure. Muscular and strong too. But what he failed to possess was that unremitting quality that would give him that little something more.

Something that made others look up at you in a dumbfounding mix of awe and fear.
Something that made others accept you as their leader, without amusement slipping onto their faces as it had just done on Keena's.

She hadn't meant for it to happen of course. She wasn't laughing at him, or anything like that, but his leadership just felt a little off– and no, not because she thought he wouldn't be good at it (for all she cared he'd be the best) but he just didn't have the air to support that claim. He just didn't attract.

No appraisal, no respect, no natural regard.
No notice or heed about what it was he wanted.

He just was –existed– and his company was pleasant, but nothing in him made you want to hold your breath; nothing in him made her want to succumb to his demands. Or appoint him as your leader. Not like men as Eric did.

Meticulous, rapacious, ferocious, and steely.
Unbendable, unbreakable, unsparing, and unfeeling.

The kinds of men with the kinds of movements that seemed at ease but never were. Like sharks gliding through the water, smooth and effortlessly, but ready to snap and go in for the kill at any given moment. Provoked or just because– because they had full control; were utterly autarchic.

Keena glanced around and found only Jasper somewhat resembling it– or at the very least, he had the potential to develop it eventually. Maybe Boris too if he stopped smirking long enough to look like he had things to say, but he certainly had the attitude when he wanted it. He certainly had had it tonight when Lexi had shown up at her doorstep without an invite to the party; Gaya's eyes profusely apologizing for letting it slip over lunch.

In all honesty, Keena hadn't minded that much. She'd invited all of Lexi's closest friends, so having her tag along seemed reasonably fair. Just because they weren't at the best of terms, didn't mean she couldn't stand the girl to be around completely. But Boris had had more trouble to cope apparently. Huffing and puffing and growling under his breath about the propriety of things… Who knew that under his fun-loving personality shielded a man hung up on social conventionalities?

Now she thought of it, he'd been the only one who hadn't brought liquor as a present too. Instead opting for some fancy plant for in her new apartment… which she should probably move to Eric's come morning, or else it might die. She wasn't at her own apartment all that much as she probably should be. It would be healthy for her to have a place of her own; one she didn't have to share. And yet… she felt good at his place. It felt like home, because he did, and she just wanted to go with what felt good for a change– and trust it. Just this once.

"Alright newbies." The bouncer sighed, pointing at a box full of high-tech looking wristbands. "Grab a wristband and log in with your Dauntless-membership credentials. Depending on your individual ascribed levels and financial status they will give you access to one, two or three of the different Tiers, their VIP areas and/or private rooms."

The bouncer waited patiently until everyone was equipped with and logged into the trackers before continuing.

"To allow the game to take on the kind of risks we're looking to provide, the notion of sexual assault will not exist within these walls. Ladies. May you decide to enter this building, you'll agree to the risks of being inappropriately touched, groped, grabbed, or pined in place against your will. You may try to escape as much as others preserve the right to haunt, stalk or force themselves on you. However. Men. Sex, oral, or any form of penetration is not allowed on the First Tier. That means no pricks, no pinkies, not even the tip of your tongue slipping between someone else's lips. I don't care what kind of shady corner you have found or how willing your partner is. If we find out, you'll get banished for life. We are here to provide a safe place for the hunt. Not to endorse rape. If you can't hold out any longer, you either go up to the Second or Third Tier if your membership allows it, or you go home. Is that understood?"

A muffled noise of consent came from the group.

"Good. Now, as you may know this club is all about the mating game. To encourage that, we've put a little time-clocking contest into your wristbands. The longer you spend your time in First Base, the more credits will be added to your Inferno-account. Every 100 points will buy you a free drink, every 10.000 a night of free drinks, and at 100.000.000 you'll get to spend one night as a VIP with a person of your choosing. And… Last but not least: If you feel truly unsafe at any point and don't see a way out of it yourself, be sure to push the red button on your wristband. It will activate your tracker so we can send security to come and find you. Are there any more questions?"

When no one replied he let them move on, calling out to the couple next in line.

The doors closed behind them and the group shuffled forward in the dark. It was decidedly hard to see.

"Hey." Gale whispered, taking up the spot next to her. There was something about talking in the dark that made you think you had to do it softly. "Are you excited?"

"Hmm." Keena hummed, walking a bit more to the left. But the brushing shoulder followed no matter how often she tried, so eventually she gave up. "Was it so dark in here last time as well?" She asked conversationally, shuffling forward still. It seemed like they were in some never-ending tunnel.

"Not at all." Gale supplied eagerly. "There were neon-lights everywhere back then. One big hall filled with obstacles and hiding spots. The hunters were supposed to cover their preys in neon-paint with their hand, before– well, let's just say it was edible too. Fucking delicious if you ask me. At least my blueberry one was, though I heard the banana was a bit of a bummer."

"Sounds nice." Keena sighed wistfully. At least in neon-lights she'd be able to see Eric's reaction after she decided to kiss him for everyone to see. How was she supposed to do any of that when all she saw was nada?

"He Keena…" He started hesitantly but then trailed of and began again: "You're not afraid, are you?" Even though she couldn't see his teasing grin, she knew it to be there. She rolled her eyes– but of course he couldn't see that either.

"You forget I was ranked ahead of you, Erudite."

He shot back easily. "I'm Dauntless now, Amity."

"Does anyone else smell moss?" Lexi's voice cut from behind, but before anyone could reply, the sound of a gate locking behind them had most of them forgetting all about her question... Not that Keena was entirely sure she could recall what moss smelled like anyway.

To be quite fair, Lexi's presence tonight had in, many ways, broadened her horizon.

Flashback

"Yo, K. How much was this Whiskey?" Boris asked, sniffing at his glass.

"Oh, I- uh. No clue. Don't recall. But it was in sale." Keena answered vaguely, glaring at Mira's grinning face.

"I'm sure it was…" She winked at her, but only Keena seemed to notice.

Boris sighed after taking another sip and picked up the bottle to read the label for what must've been the twelfth time that night. He was probably too drunk to remember.

"Well, it sure is superb."

"Unlike yesterday's chicken curry." Maximus muttered darkly, at which the group cried their agreements.

"Ew, yeah." Gaya shuddered. "What's up with that, anyway? Some days the food tastes like heaven, other days it's complete shit. You can either cook or you can't, but somehow in the Mess Hall it's always a gamble. I don't know why that is."

"No one cooked this." Maximus stated vehemently. "I swear, this was pure vomit. Most disgusting thing I've ever eaten."

"Hu, I don't know." Lexi pondered; on the verge of being tipsy as well. "My brother used to collect worms as a kid. Whenever one died, he'd force-fed me them."

The group went silent, just staring at her.

"Upon my word." Dante drawled as the silence dragged on. "Am I glad I am an only child."

It earned him an indignant "hey!" of Gaya, after which the group laughed and moved on.

Keena's eyes blinked rapidly as unexpected bright lights offended her eyes. Judging by the groans from some of her friends, she clearly wasn't the only one having trouble adjusting to to them.

"Welcome, little lambs and wolves." A woman with turquoise hair stepped forth, eyeing the group carefully as she circled around them twice. In all that time, nobody said a word.

"You, you and you." The woman pointed, beckoning Lara, Maximus and Keena herself forward. And then then the woman's eyes landed on the twins.

"You too, Shirvani." She teased, eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Oh, fuck you, Bianca." Gaya huffed. "I'm a hunter, and you know it."

The woman –Bianca– smirked back, her eyes twinkling alight.

"Shirvani." She called out again, but her finger was beckoning Dante instead.

It was Gaya's time to smirk now, and her brother tentatively stepped around to join the others in the front. "No way, Dante? You're a prey?" She asked more astounded than teasingly, though the latter also wasn't excluded all the way.

Dante merely shrugged.

"Hm. Yeah. Probably ignited by some childhood trauma because I had to deal with your toxic arse for so long growing up." He shot back with a grin. "It breaks a man, Gaya. Remember that."

She smiled at him sweetly, a stark contrast to her countered words: "I'll make sure to be kinder with a man then."

"See? Cold. Issues, sister, issues. You have loads of them and project them onto me."

He smirked as she flipped a finger.

"Alright." Bianca cut in with a glance at her watch, before either of them could say anything else. "You four, come with me. The rest of you, take a look in the closets behind you. You can choose to wear anything you want, but loose it or break it and you'll be fined for it. Once you're done, you can leave through the red doors on your right. Happy hunting, everyone."

Bianca made to turn around, but a voice stopped her in her tracks.

"What about me?" Lexi whined petulantly. "I'm a prey too."

Bianca looked her over once more before raising a heavily pierced eyebrow; clearly unimpressed.

"Sweetie, a wolve in sheep's clothes is the closest you'll ever come to that. Embrace who you are. You'll enjoy it more that way."

And with that, she walked away, leaving Keena, Lara, Maximus, and Dante to trail behind her like confused little ducklings– though excited ones for what was to come.

Lara shot Jasper a sassy wink over her shoulder just before she left the room, but then quietly shuddered at the dark and lusty look he shot her in return. Keena chuckled at the exchange and linked her arm with her friend, who took it gratefully as she recovered. The excitement clear as she spoke.

"You know." Lara's eyes twinkled with mischief. "I have the tingling feeling this is going to be one hell of a night."

Keena couldn't agree more.