So I think this will be a short Eris story. And I know, even though Four plays a big part in all this, my priority is Eric.
Oh, I am back by the way. Hopefully more stories will surface from this little inspiration.
"I just wanted to congratulate you for tonight," Four says, tilting the neck of his bottle towards Tris, "You were brave."
Most initiates flooded the Pit, adding the noise of youth to the already pumped up atmosphere. Parties never stop here at Dauntless, especially in the Pit. For the short period of time Tris has spent here, she had managed to memorize the entire club music CD they seem to play way too often.
"Yeah," she agrees, unable to contain her smile. Modesty was a big thing to maintain in Abnegation. Not here.
Four furrows his eyebrows, as if contemplating if he should continue the conversation. His cloudy eyes hold two pints of alcohol, clouding his judgement. As much as Tris wants to stay and chat, involuntarily her body starts giving off signs like shuffling feet, swaying hips, glancing over her shoulder... she has things to do. Plus, after 'capture the flag' she is too tired for socializing anyway.
"I should probably let you get back to your friends," he slurs, nodding towards the dancing Christina. She smiles slightly at her friend. Celebrations are in order tonight. Their team won the game after all.
Tris nods, turns on her heel and walks away from Four, her hair swishing from side to side in her high ponytail. Too much has happened. Well, too much happens every day here. And there is never enough time to reflect upon it. She has learned that a couple of days ago, and since then has been living in the moment. Dauntless was rubbing off on her more than she thought possible.
Before she has a chance to wonder about where to go, her legs instantly take over. She finds herself heading towards the nearest exit. A door. Anywhere. Somewhere away from the music and the people and the constant thudding and buzzing and pumping against the walls.
She bumps into a fellow initiate, a sting spreading through her shoulder, "Sorry," she is quick to say. Everybody is so damn tall. It's hard to see where you're going.
Then she sees it: the door. Red lights outline the words 'FIRE EXIT'. Just behind a few more people. She just has to get passed.
Suddenly, a total eclipse. The lights in front of her disappear. A dark shadow looms over her body and she is just about to look up at its face when-
"Oh, shit!" Eric's voice speaks mockingly, a dangerous grin slithering across his face. Then she feels it. The cold, wet liquid all over her front. In a split second, her shirt sticks to her skin and the ruthless leader doesn't look too concerned at all. In fact, he looks almost satisfied.
"Err, it's okay," Tris sighs, peeling the fabric off her skin, attempting to squeeze what smells like beer out of it, "I was on my way to bed anyway."
"No, you have to stay," he soothes suspiciously, placing his beer can on the floor near his feet, "Especially to celebrate your team's victory." There is clear bitterness in his voice as he admits his failure.
Tris bites her bottom lip, awkwardly averting her eyes back to her soaking shirt. There is no way this was an accident. He doesn't even look sorry. Or pissed off in his case. Or even bothered.
"Maybe you needed a good cool down," his eyebrows raise and his smile widens, showing a row of perfect white teeth, "You're slipping away from authority, initiate."
His eyes are suddenly cold. He steps closer, digging further into her soul. Tris automatically steps back. She knew he would be pissed about losing... but apparently there is also an underlying problem here.
"You disobey me again," Eric starts, closing the gap between them and grabbing hold of the wet patch on her shirt, "I will show you what pain feels like, you hear me?"
Tris glues her eyes to the floor, desperately trying to control her shaky breath. It is twice as hard when Eric's alcohol fumed mouth is so close to her face. She knows exactly what he is talking about. He has had her cut from initiation and she crawled back without any hesitation. She wants to say something. To stand up for herself. But a regular Eric would probably kill her for doing so. And a drunk Eric... he would make death seem too easy for her.
She forces herself to nod, "Yes."
"Yes, what?" he leans down so that she has no choice but to look into his eyes.
"Yes... I understand," her voice is barely a whisper, but he hears her.
A long moment of silence passes before he finally steps away, "I'll let it slide this time. Only because you have potential to become like me. A leader."
Tris glances up at him to see a small smirk on his face. But his eyes are far away. They are focused on something else. Someone else.
She follows his gaze and finds Four. Jaw clenched. Knuckles turning white.
Let's see how many reviews this can get in time for my Birthday tomorrow ;)