While Issy feels positively ecstatic at the notion, she can't help her shoulders slumping at Eric's defeated tone. She couldn't stay practically wrapped in bubble wrap in his apartment forever… "Yeah." She said gently. "I'll be careful though, and Red or Bulldozer won't let me do a lot as it is."

"Half five start?"

Issy shook her head. "I'll be starting at half eight, I'm missing out on the run."

Even though she couldn't see his expression, she could hear the pleased smile as he said one single word. "Okay."

This time, Issy and Eric actually wake up at half five because of her alarms. Eric reaches over and places the snooze on until seven and shifts back down to lay with Issy. Last night, Issy had once again used Eric's tablet to message her squaddies to let them know what was happening. They – mostly her protective dads, Red and Bulldozer – were fully supporting the idea of Issy missing out on the run, but also made it very clear that she wouldn't be doing any sparring at all and they had already got Milo to agree not to listen to Issy if she pushed them in that direction.

"Stop thinking." Eric mumbled against her, staring at her blearily. "I can hear the clogs turning."

Issy shuffled closer, draping her arm across his chest and burrowed into his warmth. "Fine."

Eric sighed, smiling softly as his eyes closed again.

They both drifted to and from sleep for a while and Eric had shifted so that he could hold her without caging her to his chest. When the alarm finally goes off at seven, Eric groans as he lets Issy get up. Issy takes a quick shower without getting her hair wet before changing into comfy clothes that don't restrict her injuries. Dressed in thermal leggings and a long-sleeved top, Issy reappeared and found that Eric had already made her a coffee. Eric grunted at her, going back into his bedroom for a while as Issy drank her coffee. When Eric returned, he was dressed in his Leadership jacket and trousers, and he threw a hoodie that would have been too small on him to Issy.

"Wear this. Winter is coming into the compound and I'd like you to be warm."

Issy ignored the smug, sleepy grin on his face as she pulled it on. "Going back to work today too?"

"More like moving work from the comfort of my flat to my office." Eric glances to the door with a grim smile. "Do you want to eat in the cafeteria or here?"

"Here, I think…" Issy rubs her arm. "I don't really want to be crowded by the family so early."

He walks closer until Issy can feel his warmth and yet he doesn't move to touch her. "Okay."

xXx

At ten past eight, Eric and Issy part ways with a brief hug – one that leaves Issy frowning as Eric's arms only kind of hovered around her, like keeping her at arm's length. With a quick kiss to her forehead and a tight-lipped smile, Eric left her at the door to the garage.

Issy swipes her keycard and walks in. Towards where the corridors leading to the squadrons' common rooms is a blackboard and Issy writes down what the timetable 226 decided on late last night. When she's finished, there's sounds of heavy footsteps behind her, so loud that its purposeful, and Issy turns around to see her squadron leading in her trainees. Someone gasps and Issy knows that their eyes are lingering on the bruising that fades into her hairline by her temple and on the handprints wrapped around her wrists. Rainbow flies towards her and hugs her tightly and Issy is surprised by the gesture, having been so used to Eric's cautious movements around her. It's a moment before Issy is wrapping her arms around Rainbow just as tight and the older woman strokes Issy's hair.

"Oh my god Issy, we were so worried." Rainbow whispers, pulling away and looks over her shoulder. Issy looks over too and sees her squaddies giving them distance but with their eyes on Issy.

"Heard you were stirring crazy all cooped up." Red walks closer a tiny bit before stopping.

The guys share looks, obviously not wanting to step any closer without Issy's okay. One by one, they get closer and make a circle around Issy and Rainbow. They do something that Issy's only seen happen to the Leaders of Dauntless and the gesture nearly has her crying. They closed in tighter and placed their hands on Issy, conveying their love for her, giving her their strength and showing their support.

When they give the women some space but don't move their hands away, Issy turns to her trainees. They stand looking awkward away from the group. Lani stares at her with a silent question and when Issy nods her head, Lani does the same gesture, sharing an intense look with her brother, Milo. He walks forward and places his hand on Issy's shoulder and soon all of the trainees are walking towards them and placing their hands on Issy.

Then she started crying…

After everyone, mainly Issy, calmed down a bit they got down to business.

"So," Issy cleared her throat. "This behind me is the schedule for the next few days. Morning runs will be set as usual, as will the time for breakfast. From eight thirty, pairings will go off separately to train until lunch at eleven thirty. You still have an hour for lunch and after it, you'll all be together for more work on what sectors there are, or group work we will set you. These will alternate each day and last until five."

Bulldozer clapped a hand onto Lani's shoulder. Issy gives the lass credit for buckling under the force. "Let's go kiddo."

"Milo, you're with me today." As the other pairing broke off to do what they had each planned out, Milo stayed behind and waited for Issy to start their day off. "What did you do yesterday with Geek?"

"We went through learning how to read your opponent."

"Smart. C'mon then soldier." Issy led him through Dauntless to the O.R. and went from door to door, trying to remember what room it was. "AH! Here it is." The room that she brought Milo to looked like an absolute mess. There were things all over the floor, ones that crinkled or rustled when stepped on. Six-foot boxes with bells were bunched together like buildings creating alleyways and clusters of metal objects hung from the ceiling. When Issy turned back to Milo, she nearly started laughing at how his eye twitched as he looked over the room. "Today we, well mostly you, are going to learn how to tread quietly. Towards the end of the room is where I'll be and if you make a single noise that I heard, you'll start again. You'll have a tracking device in your radio so when I heard you, I'll get you to stop and I can see how close you are to me before I send you to that start again. Making sense?"

"Try to be as quiet as possible, to get as close as possible without alerting you?"

"Yeah, and if you manage to get to me quickly, your reward is getting let off to lunch earlier."

"Can't wait!" Milo jokes.

xXx

While the exercise may have been entertaining for Issy, Milo didn't agree. The first couple of attempts went horribly wrong very quickly. Milo didn't even get past the first ring of blocks before Issy sent him back to the start while cackling as Milo swore at her. Slowly, Milo began to catch on. He began thinking about his movements, thinking about his next three moves rather than one by one. It took him an hour before he came up with a plan she didn't expect…

Issy frowned, cocking her head to the side when she didn't hear anything from him for a long period. Milo appeared beside her and she shouted loudly.

"FUCK!" Issy's heart nearly burst out of her chest and Milo started laughing loudly. "Where the fuck did you come from?!"

"From the top of the boxes." Milo pointed up to them with a grin. "It took me a couple of tries to find a way up but after that, it was just jumping across the gaps."

Issy stares at him. Her mouth is open as she processes his idea. "That – that works I guess…" She checks her watch and sees its nearly eleven o'clock. "Well, I guess you can go to lunch. Hey Milo, good job today." Milo nods, smiling brightly.

They walked together to the cafeteria, laughing and talking about the training so far. It was nice to talk to someone who didn't hold the recent events above her head and coddle her. There was a protective spark in his eyes that flared every time she winced or lightly held her side as she walked. Issy forgets that Milo went through the same thing with Lani years ago. Milo stops her just inside of the cafeteria with a hand on her arm.

"I know it's hard," He started. "But don't shut yourself down – for your family and your friends – it will hurt them just as it hurts you. Believe me," Milo shakes his head with a chuckle. "I know."

"Lani –"

"– Didn't want anyone's help and wanted to get better on her own. She disappeared from us, moving to a different side of the compound, got a different job, different friends. Heck, I hadn't heard or seen anything from her for months on end and then I got the shock of my life when I saw her at basic training. Don't lose yourself in trying to make others believe you're okay." And with that Milo stepped away with a smile, leaving her at the entrance.

Issy stays there for a moment before turning around and finding Eric already staring at her through narrowed eyes. She frowns as she walks closer, sitting down next to him. Eric shifts slightly away from her when Issy sits close enough for his body to knock into hers every time he moves. Issy tries to ignore that stab of hurt that flares through her body.

"Why were you laughing? What was he saying to you?"

Issy's head snapped to him in surprise. "Milo? We were talking about training."

"Is that all?"

"What's the matter Eric? What are you trying to get at?" Issy snapped at him, tears welling in her eyes. "If you're implying what I think you're implying, then you can fuck off. I am trying to get my life back on track and you think you're helping but you're not and it –" She covers her face trying to stay calm and not break in the middle of the cafeteria. Eric reaches for her, his hand ghosting over her thigh. Though when Issy tenses, a dark look flickers across his face and he pulls back. His hand slams down on the table and Issy flinches, causing Eric to moves away from her again. Issy chews the inside of her cheek, shaking her head as she stands with tears almost slipping from her whitish golds. "I'll maybe see you later?" Issy whispers, hurt lingering in her voice. Eric clenches his jaw, nodding sharply once and turns his head away. "Okay." Issy walks towards the kitchens, thankful that she doesn't spot any of her family and knocks on the door. She was greeted with Maggie, the head chef, and asked for a small portion of food. With her little doggy bag, she scurries from the room and tries to hold in her emotions until she enters 226's common room.

xXx

The rest of the day, Issy kept on spacing out. Her squadron, being the wonderful being that they are, picked up straight after Issy stopped talking without missing a beat. Many times while Hector and Geek led the lecture on what sectors there are for with each Faction, Rainbow told Issy that no one would think less of her if she went home early but Issy simply shook her head and stayed.

What would she do if she did go home? Ignoring the fact that she'd most likely wander around aimlessly and stew over the fact that it seemed like Eric didn't want to touch her at all…

An hour or so before they finished for the day, everyone's devices went off simultaneously with the same notification.

From: A.D.S – Automatic Declaration System

Every faction member currently in the compound will be required to be present for a compulsory announcement at five thirty in the Pit. Members on patrol/on the fence/on guard/in the infirmary will be exempt from this and will receive the announcement through radio or broadcasted on the screens in each on the patrol trucks.

Anybody found not attending when they have no reason not to be, will report to Max and Eric after and they will decide the consequences.

Issy swallows as she reads the message. She knows what this will be about, so does everyone in the room as they try not to stare at her.

The rest of the hours tick by and Issy tries to pretend like there's nothing wrong. Her squad are glancing at her with worry. Milo frowns at her and Lani simply smiles. When the day ends, there's literally no point in going their separate ways and so 226 lead the trainees to the Pit in silence. When they get to the Pit, there's already a crowd of people and one by one, the group gets separated.

Issy stands by herself in the crowds, surrounded by people that she doesn't know, and they pay no mind to her. She wraps Eric's hoodie around her body tighter, ignoring the slight tremor in her limbs and tries to stay calm. Someone knocks into her lightly as the floor below the balcony fills with more people and when she turns to ask them to back off, she's pleasantly surprised to see Eric standing close to her. Issy smiles tightly, brushing her hand against his as she moves closer. Eric smiles down at her, moving to stand behind her and after hesitating, Eric wraps his arm loosely around her waist and rests his chin on her shoulder. Issy sighs as she leans into him

"Are you okay?" His breath sends goose bumps down her neck.

Issy sighs. "I'm a little on edge. I haven't seen my brothers yet."

"That's not all though, is it?" Issy tenses but doesn't answer. Eric sighs but for once pulls her closer. "I am not going to get arrested..."

"You could have lost your job!" Issy blurts out. "I know you worked hard for that shit and I don't want to be the reason why you lose it." She huffs.

"It would be worth it though –"

Issy turns on him, staring up at him in disbelief while his face remains blank. "You'd be okay losing your title and rank – the reason for those marks on your neck and you would be happy?" Issy scoffs lightly. "I don't believe that Eric. Sure, you'd be fine at first. More time off, less demands, less paperwork but then you'll grow bored, you'll want to go out with your squadron, but you wouldn't be able to, because it would no longer be your squadron or your department. It will belong to someone else." Issy shakes her head and Eric clenches his jaw. "It wouldn't be worth it in the long run and I don't want to be the reason you lose something that means everything to you."

"I nearly lost someone that means everything to me because you didn't listen." Eric hisses but before Issy can open her mouth, Max walks onto the balcony and a hush settles across the room.

The Head Leader looks grim as he looks over the room and Issy grips Eric's arm. "I stand before you all today ashamed of a coward that pretended to be Dauntless." Max sighs. "Emmett Henley initiated into this Faction three years ago, ranking ninth overall. While his victims will remain unnamed, there were many cases against his name for abuse, rape and sexual assault during and after his initiation. While none of these cases had solid proof, the decision was made for Henley was sent to the fence on lock down. After showing remorse for his actions, Harrison and I made the final decision to rehabilitate him with hopes he had changed his ways..." Max looks down, his fists clenching before looking back up. "I am sorry and disappointed in myself for believing him to be a changed man. After being put back in his place, the little shit assaulted and attempted to rape his commanding officer. –" The faction roars in rage, snarling while Eric hugged Issy tighter to him. "– The consequences were immediate death, for cowards do not belong in this Faction. We do not believe that learning to master violence encourages unnecessary violence. Such acts of cowardice will not go ignored. If this happens again, there will not be a place you can hide, there will be no mercy and there will be hell to pay." The members all stomped their boots to the ground before reaching out to the people around them, whether they knew each other or not. While Issy was mostly hidden by Eric's large frame, hands were placed on Eric and he reached out with his free hand to the person in front of them. Soon enough, everyone in the Pit was connected somehow and Issy started crying silently at the show of sharing strength with each other. When Max spoke again, it was clear that he was upset with the events and took it all to heart. "To those who suffered from Henley's actions in the past, I am sorry for only giving you justice now. We believe that cowardice is to blame for the world's injustices. We believe that justice is more important than peace. We believe in ordinary acts of bravery, in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another. We are Dauntless."

When the Faction disperses, Eric lets go of her. Issy turns to face him, only to see him frowning down at her.

"I meant what I said Issy. If it came down to it, I would rather have lost my Leadership rank and have you beside me over being a Leader and you no longer alive." With that, Eric presses a quick kiss on her forehead before striding off.

"ISSY!" Someone shouts and Issy turns to see Bree running at her. Her sister chokes and pulls Issy into a tight hug. "Oh my god Issy!"

She glances over Bree's shoulder to see her family jumping down the steps in haste to get to her and Issy closes her eyes, clinging on tighter to Bree. When Bree lets go, Issy catches sight of Four and he freezes. Four stares at her sadly, his mouth stays open and his jaw works like he wants to say something, but he quickly walks away.

"Four's really sorry Issy." Zeke says as he reaches her, watching his best friend walk off. "I know it's not really an excuse but Four was watching three different monitors on a low staffed shift and Four didn't really know what was happening until after Eric got there. He blames himself a lot."

"Thanks Zeke." Issy whispers, smiling at him.

Zeke scratches the back of his neck. "Well, I better get back to work… Stay strong Issy." He smiles at her before running after Four.

Someone places a hand on Issy's shoulder unexpectedly and she flinches away, curling into Bree.

"Issy…" Declan sounds pained as he tears his hand away from her.

Hugo keeps his distance, gripping onto Alec's wrist to stop him from moving closer. "Dec, give her some space." He says quietly, eyes fixed on his sister.

"I'm fine." Issy says firmly, standing straighter but Hugo shakes his head. "He just caught me by surprise, is all."

"Issy…"

"I'm fine."

Bree places a hand on Issy's arm and steps forward. "How about we go to one of pubs in the Pit? That announcement ran through dinner and by now there's probably only the scraps left…" Bree stares at Issy, who nods her head and waits for her brothers to answer. One by one, they nod their heads, agreeing to the plan before turning to the rest to see who's up for it.

In the end, its Noah, Flare, Kayden, Cody, Josh, Uriah, Marlene and Hector that join Issy, Bree and her brothers to the Pit. the rest of their family take a few moments to smile at Issy tentatively, others standing to the side unsure of what to do. Will and Christina smile at Issy as Tris lightly hugs her… Well, Will smiles at her and Christina sort of grimaces at her. Shauna and Lynn come closer smiling and giving Issy a brief hug before backing away. Blake nods at her from where he stands with Jason, Sam and Luke, who look unsure of what to do.

While Issy is surrounded by people, all of them murmuring how they'll be there if Issy needs them, hugging her and trying to reassure her that everything will be okay, she tries to keep a smile on her face – one that gets tighter and tighter as time goes by. She catches Alec's eye and he frowns at her, titling his head to the side. You want to escape? His eyes ask and Issy bits her lip, nodding slowly. Her twin steps towards her, slowly as if she's gonna bolt. When she doesn't, Alec steps beside her and she takes a deep breath. As he stands closer to her it's now that she realises how much Alec has grown in Dauntless. He's put on more bulk since initiation, making him seem larger but not so much as Noah, or even Eric. Alec slips his arm around her shoulders and the twins tried to ignore how a dark flash of hurt went across Declan's face and how Hugo's lips pressed together tightly. Once Issy relaxed into her brother, Alec immediately pulled her tighter to him, smiling at the other surrounding them and guided Issy towards the stairs to the first level of the Pit.

All the while Alec leads her up to the first level, his stays firmly pressed against her, reassuring her that he's there and ready to protect her. Issy frowns, wishing that Eric would read her as well as Alec does. Space is great and all, but having comfort and support is better. Alec has no problems comforting her, but it makes Issy wonder what problems Eric has with her, if he has any problems with her as it is… Alec squeezes her shoulder when he notices the frown on her face and smiles. Issy smiles back even as a small titbit of doubt picks at her thoughts.