"Hathaway, wake up!" said a voice politely, but merely above a whisper, "Hathaway, up."

Opening my eyes, I found Belikov standing beside my, 'no... his bed.. , fully dressed for his probable workout .

As always his face betrayed no emotion, but his eyes, held seriousness. Sitting up on the bed, I waited for an explanation, but simply received a, "get ready" in reply.

Almost stumbling out of the tangled covers I headed towards the washroom with my bag of belongings,which had been dropped by the room, a courtesy from Lissa, the other day.

I had still not been told of what impression the other initiates were under, for my disappearance from the training, while I only hoped that it wouldn't come to bite me back.

A few minutes later I was being lead through passages only to realize that we were headed towards the clinic or a hospital like environment, for the distinct smell prevailed in the area near it.

Miss Sonya, after a few examinations and questions, to my great relief, stated that I could resume the training from the very day itself.

The news added to my joy, because yesterday had been completely awkward. Belikov behaved in a weird way, spoke no more than a word at a time and listening to Lissa recounting the events of the day was becoming increasingly tiringly.

It was surprising when Belikov didn't leave my side after returning from the clinic, he simply signaled me to follow him, as we headed towards the gym we had been to, the last day.

Switching on the lights, we walked in.

Yet again I allowed myself a moment to take in my surroundings, the smell of leather and sweat though faint was present and made me feel like home. I had unknowingly warmed up to this aspect of a Daunteless' life. Without answering any of my 'who's ', 'whats' or 'why's', Belikov went on to begin with his workout.

It was rude, given the way he behaved after the gas bomb incident, being all polite, comforting and welcoming. It appeared as if this was a completely different man, a new persona,a stranger.

'A stranger', the term stung.

Thinking about him that way felt wrong, he didn't feel like a stranger.

It wasn't like I knew anything about him beyond his name and that of his girlfriend, but he was familiar.

Deciding that it was a fair opportunity to get back to my routine, I started with a light workout - stretches, jogs, exercises and moved on to some weights.

What stopped me in my tracks was the sight of an unknown woman dressed in black, standing at the entrance of the gym.

Only then did I realize that Belikov had stopped in his routine sometime and stood in attention, in the background.

I guess I got a bit too carried away, thinking that training would give me something to occupy my mind with.

DPOV

Two minutes..

She didn't stop. She didn't see Alberta come in. Her senses weren't on. Alert.

Four minutes...

Rose look up. Look at me atleast.

Six minutes...

Oh Rose! Please look up!

Seven minutes...

If you don't look up now, I'll intervene. For goodness' sake look up...

It was as if she had woken up from a trance, the way she looked up all of a sudden, as if my words had directly echoed in her mind.

Her eyes immediately landed on Alberta, who stood, leaning against the doorframe, appearing amused at situation.

Seeing that she had all the attention, the lady walked in.

"Morning Leader Belikov."

"Morning Miss Petrov." I greeted.

This was a thing about her, she was one of the major Dauntless leaders, but didn't like the use of her title while in the Dauntless compounds, when outside she never forgot to remind people to use the designated term.

She never stayed at the compound too long, just visited frequently.

"Morning novice." She greeted Rose.

"Morning Miss Petrov." Replied Rose repeating my exact words and I was glad that she had been observant.

Alberta wasn't someone to be messed with. She dealt with various issues and had multiple sources some known some unknown, one, Dauntless or not, knew she had an authority, which she never backed down from using when called for.

"Madam, this is initiate Rose." I said, gesturing towards her.

"Rose, this is Leader Petrova .One of the highest ranking Dauntless officials." I added addressing her.

"I haven't seen you anywhere on the compound before." Rose said almost suspicious.

She was observant.

"That is because I wasn't around, young lady." Answered Alberta, laughing. "I'll give you credit for noticing that, though."

This earned Alberta a nasty glance from Rose.

"She is feisty, isn't she?" Alberta jested.

Rose replied with a characteristic 'humph'.

'Dear lord! What is even going on here?' I couldn't help but wonder.

Only hoping that Alberta wouldn't be offended by Rose's behavior because however hard I tried to get her to look at me, she pointedly avoided it.

"Is this location secure?" She enquired.

It was earlier this morning that I had been shortly notified of her arrival and that she demanded a meeting with me regarding Rose .

She was the head of this operation, taking orders directly from Hans. She had been notified of the situation with Rose and it was really intriguing to see her act this soon, going as far as to visit the compound.

There were a very few matters that were the center of her undivided attention. She usually was very discreet in her job. Unlike now, where she openly laughed and jested with others.

I respected her and her work,sometimes doubted her ways but nonetheless they were effective thus meritorious. She had her own set of morals that I had yet to understand but the ones I did were, not far from mine.

I wasn't someone here, who could judge others. Just hoping to make something meaningful out of the situation that I had landed myself in.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Hi, this was almost a filler chapter. Quite a few things just might happen in the next chapter.

Don't forget to tell me how you feel about the chapter and if you have a chance, drop by my new compilation called 'Unseen moments :a compilation of VA AU one shots!

Have a great day until then!!

-Katnipsc :)