Golden Flames Outtakes

by howaboutno922

Alternative scenes/Outtakes of Golden Flames in other character's POV. M for language.

21. Chapter 21

Have some Eric and Declan fluff along with some beautiful moments with his squad! :)

Eric's POV

Eric rubbed at his temples as Max and Harrison pulled together the remaining loose ends of their meeting. The cameras had been completely turned off to stop what was discussed from spreading throughout their faction. They all had been sat in the conference room for hours now, the three Leaders with their personal assistances. Eric didn't really think the word could fully cover his fellow squad mates… However, it suited Harrison's and Max's tag along, who both sat and took notes of what was said in the meeting to then later type up the report.

Though Eric was joined his five commanders in his squad for this meeting. As his squad was larger than the usual amount for Harrison's from having thirty members overall, they were often split into units of five with each having a commander. These four commanders (with Eric being the fifth) were first few people he had asked to join his squad, Squadron 001, once he had been promoted to Leader and took over his mentor's department over. The five commanders led five other members, all of which were selected based on their skills but also how well they fit a certain commanders' unit.

Gabriel, his second, had been one of the first people Eric had asked to join his squad. He would have asked Declan, but Eric knew his brother was happy in his career choice. Eric had grown up with Gabriel, they were friends due to their parents being childhood friends, transferring to Dauntless the same year as Eric. Like Eric, Gabriel was quiet, he preferred to observe the crowd in front of him. But unlike Eric, Gabriel could often go unnoticed by the rest of Dauntless, blending into the shadows. Whenever Eric was handed any cases about needing information or uncover work, it was Gabriel and his unit that Eric sent.

Brandon, his third, was another from Eric's initiation year but a Dauntless-born instead. Eric doesn't really know how they became friends… One moment they weren't even aware of each other's existence and the next they were friends… Declan says they kinda bonded over a drunken rant about something silly… Though Eric is glad they're friends because Brandon's one scary fucker. He's built taller and wider than Eric and has handed Eric his arse on more than one occasion in the sparring rings of The Nest. He kinda actually reminds Eric of Bulldozer except instead of having a truck, Brandon charges at anything with a war cry on his lips and knuckle dusters on his hands. Often though, Brandon will swap the knuckle dusters for a set of fierce daggers he got his friends in the Weapons Specialist dep to make for him. Each blade arced round like a crescent with knuckle dusters on the hilt… He was fond of knuckle dusters. Whenever cases that came across Eric's desk that needed a hella lot of brute force, it was Brandon and his unit that Eric sent, although sometimes Eric had considered just sending Brandon alone...

Finnick, his fourth, was added to his squad a few months after Eric's promotion. Finnick's talents were being wasted in the job that he had as a waiter in on of the popular bars in the Pit. It wasn't until Eric saw him win a sparring match in The Nest one night against a guy nearly twice Finnick's own height, did Eric realise how much he was being wasted away. They got talking one night and the Leader saw how skilled he was with the technical devices of Dauntless. A day later Eric sent a non-negotiable notice to Max and the owner of the bar and pulled Finnick out of that work place and placed him in Eric's squad instead. It wasn't long before Finnick began to flourish in his new role. He quickly took charge of the equipment and weapons that the squad uses, ordering and fixing and cleaning them in Squadron 001's personal armoury. If someone needs a scope for their rifle or need their armour adjusting, then Finnick's the guy for the job.

Rex, his fifth, was one of the oldest members on Eric's squad and Vex's brother. Rex had been a part of Eric's mentor's squad and had helped Eric learn the ropes of the department. When Ryker – Eric's mentor – had stepped down for Eric to take over his department, most of the squad members that marched under had dispersed, falling into other careers within Dauntless. Similarly to how each squad name and badge is unique to the captains, the members of each squad of this department was wholly unique to the Leader. Though, Eric had asked Rex to join his squad on the purposes that Eric knew Rex wasn't ready to give the job up. Eric trusted Rex to know what was best for the faction, so when it was necessary, Rex and his unit stayed at Dauntless while the rest of the squad took on missions outside of the compound.

Two sat each side of Eric at this meeting, all of whom had a say about what would happen to stop the amount of raids from the Factionless from increasing. Their only reasonable suggestion was to sent squadrons to the barracks within each of the other factions.

"– But the attacks haven't stretched to the other Factions yet! Amity is still getting the brunt of it all!" Rex argued, leaning forward with his arms braced against the table as Harrison shook his head.

Harrison didn't agree. "There's still time! It could move to the other factions quicker than you'd expect and I'd rather have squadrons protecting the factions then leaving them unguarded!"

"And what if those squadrons that you send are just being wasted there for weeks on end?" Rex countered. Eric nodded his head slightly in agreement, as did Max. He did have a point… "What if the attacks never happen on the other factions? While you cut down the patrols just to send the squads to the other factions, the Factionless could be gathering their strength in the areas that are no longer patrolled!" Harrison shook his head in disagreement again and Eric's fifth looked ready to launch himself towards Harrison… Finnick, who sat to Eric's left, looked ready to slam his head against the table.

"Alright!" Max shouted. "While both of your arguments hold good reasoning, they both have their flaws… What I suggest is that Eric, your squad go down to the barracks at Amity until an attack happens on another faction. Then you will all come home and Harrison's squads will then be sent out to the other barracks while Eric's squad covers the areas that wouldn't have any patrols." Max looks around the room. Harrison doesn't quite meet the older Leader's gaze but nods, having no other choice. Eric looks to each of his commanders first. Gabriel just shrugs, he really isn't bothered as there's no one important that ties him down to staying at the compound. Brandon simply raises an eyebrow as if his answer is obvious. Finnick stared at Eric, his sea eyes begging to agree just so that he could leave the damned room. Rex didn't look at Eric. His jaw was clenched as he glared at Harrison.

Eric sighed. "When do we leave?"

xXx

"Well, you all look fucking awful." Eric looked up just as he left the conference room to see Declan leaning against the wall opposite. Max and Harrison had both decided to stay behind to talk about something else while the rest of them where dismissed. Dec grinned at them as they staggered out of the room, numb from being sat for too long. "Eventful?"

"Nope." Finnick groaned, stretching out his arms. "Well… Kinda."

Gabriel stretched lazily. "My bags already packed and waiting, just give the order boss man." So was Eric's. He always needed to be ready at a moments notice and so he always kept a bag ready in his office.

Finnick paused his stretching before looking to Eric. "When do we need a bag ready for?"

Eric had been lost his own thoughts for a while since the suggestions had started. He still had paid attention to the meeting but now his mind was somewhere else… "Be ready by tonight. We leave tomorrow morning." He ignored how his brother's eyebrows rose as the commanders nodded. "Tell the others and Rex, get your unit sorted and clear with what they have to do while we're away."

"Captain!" His commanders saluted him before they walked off in their own directions.

Declan watched him for a while after they left until they were the only ones remaining in the corridors. "You wanna go back to my place for a drink?" He said, his eyes flickering to the cameras.

"Sure."

During the walk up to Dec's apartment was quiet. Thankfully they didn't pass any one they knew, or any one who would question why their faces looked so grim. Dec opened his door and allowed Eric to enter first. The young Leader went straight to the cabinet and pulled out an opened bottle of whiskey, he didn't look at the label as he poured a good helping into two large tumblers.

"That bad huh?" The door shuts soon after.

Eric simply shrugged and picked up the two glasses. Declan was already sat on the sofa and Eric placed one of the glasses in front of him before Eric settled himself into the chair with his glass resting on his lap. Silence filled the room and Eric could feel Declan watching him but Eric was trying to untangle his thoughts before he said anything. he didn't like the idea of leaving home, his family for however long, but it was his job. He had to set the example for the rest of the members. His face scrunched up into a frown as the weight of the faction seemed to settle on his shoulders.

"We're being sent to the barracks at Amity..." He said finally, his eyes downcast as Declan inhaled sharply. "We don't know for how long but we leave tomorrow." When he finally looks up, he catches Declan's eyes. His golden hair appears dull in the darkness of the room, they hadn't switched any of the lights on as they walked in. Eric can't handle the saddened look on his brother's face, so he looks away.

"Is this because of the attacks?" His voice is so quiet, barely a whisper.

Eric nods, letting their eyes meet and Dec swallows heavily in response. Eric can hear and even see the words that Declan wants to say but won't say out loud. Neither of them want to jinx their future and so they say nothing. Their glasses sit untouched, the silence becomes so thick that it would feel like a crime to disturb it. Though he and Declan don't need words to communicate. Long ago they learnt how to read the other's eyes until it became just as easy as breathing. Their eyes say everything they want to say without uttering a single word. Eric sees the fear in Declan's eyes. The fear that Eric may not come back... The young Leader sees the fear just as easy as Declan sees the fear in his. But that's the risk, isn't it? The risk of being Dauntless. Though now Eric has more to fight for now. His family was growing. He was gaining more brothers and sisters in the last year or so than he had ever. And all of it was due to one family. The Vince Family. One of the main culprits of that change to his life was in front of him now, his dark blue eyes still staring into Eric's silver ones.

Although they'd never say it out loud, they were honestly scared to lose each other. Whereas Declan had grown up with a handful of siblings, Eric hadn't grown up with anyone... His parents tried their best but more often than not, they were at work rather than at home. Kids like Dec were lucky to have parents that managed to untangle themselves from their work so that they can spend time with their families. In Erudite, there was always Professor Douglas, who took in the kids that were put aside while their parents dealt with their thirst for knowledge. Sometimes Eric would go to Douglas just to sit in the corner and observe, sometimes he didn't. Eric was somewhat of a lonely child growing up... Sure, on the rare occasions that his parents were home, they'd invite their friends and Gabriel round for dinner, but other than that, he didn't see much of Gabriel until they transferred out. The voices in his head kept him company for years on end, during those years when he didn't think he needed anyone and was fine being alone...

Declan's lips twitched up into a small smile. "You're not alone anymore." He probably saw the memories resurface in his eyes.

Eric smiled back as he took a sip of his drink. He definitely wasn't alone anymore. A thought surfaced in his mind and he shifted in the chair. "Hey Dec? Can you do me a favour?" Eric's own voice was quiet with a hint of nervousness. A word that wasn't used when talking about himself unless it was just him and Declan. The word definitely didn't apply to him in the vocabulary of the other members of Dauntless.

"What's up?"

"Can you go to my apartment and get one of my Leaders jackets and a hoodie from my wardrobe please? just put them both in one of the bags I keep in my cupboard and bring it back here please?" One of Dec's eyebrows rose questioningly. Eric sighed, his shoulders slumping. "It shouldn't take a genius to work out why."

"Why don't you just give her a key?" It was Eric's turn to raise an eyebrow in response. "Yeah... Fair point. She wouldn't use it." Declan huffed as he stood up and downed the glass as he went. "I'll go get that stuff now then. See you in a bit."

xXx

Eric was standing in the kitchen finishing cooking a meal for both of them when the door slammed closed. Eric turned to see Declan leaning against the against the door with his eyes closed. When he reopened them, he wore a pained expression.

"Issy knows somethings up." Eric took a step towards him, the food forgotten. "She was kneeled outside her apartment, I'm not quite sure why... But she started asking questions."

"'Course she did."

"I came up with the first thing I thought of but she didn't believe me and then she asked about you –" Eric looked up then. "– and she just stopped asking questions like she knew something I didn't."

"I'm gonna tell her tonight." Eric offered.

Declan nodded in response, dropping the bag by the door before walking forward to grab a plate. he grumbled a thanks and dug in before he even sat down.

A blanket of silence covered them again but instead of being awkward, it was comfortable. They were both happy to sit in silence with each other knowing that words didn't need to be used with each other. So Eric grabbed his own plate and settled down to spend the last few hours with his brother, both of them hoping it wouldn't be the last.

xXx

It was nearly ten o'clock when Dec had finally gone to bed. It was obvious to Eric that he tried to stay up as long as he could... Eric wore a soft smile every time his eyes closed slowly, his head drooping, until his head snapped up and his eyes wide. Dec said each time he wasn't tired until he fell asleep for a small moment and only woke himself up when he snored too loudly.

The young Leader looked back towards the hallway Dec had disappeared down as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. He quickly sent a message out to Issy. It was later than he'd like and he only prayed that she will reply. Eric grinned as he watched the response appear.

Yeah, see you down there soon.

He typed and sent off a response back. Picking up the bag, he quietly left the apartment made his way down to the alcove. The halls of Dauntless were quiet. Most of the members would either be in bed, working or having the time of their lives in the Pit. The paths he took though took him around the edges of the Pit and towards the Chasm. As Eric got closer to the Chasm, the sound of water droplets got louder and he gripped the bag tighter. He didn't know what he'd say when he finally saw Issy. He didn't know what her reaction would be and he wasn't sure if this would be their last moment together.

It hits him then.

What if it was their last moment together? All that time they could have spent together…

Eric shakes his head. It won't be the last time; just like it won't be the last time he sees Declan. He refuses.

She's already there when he gets to the alcove. Issy stands deep within it, probably lost in thought as her hand ghosts the uneven walls. She's dressed in comfortable clothing. Eric's message probably reached her before she went to bed. He stands in the entrance, watching her for a moment. It's been months since he's properly seen her. Most of the time its in passing in the garage as he and his squad or even her and her squad are coming or going from the compound. Issy seems different, he can't put his finger on exactly what, but her whole aura feels different.

"Issy." He says quietly, breaking the silence. She spins around, her eyes focusing on him, gradually glowing brightly. She smiles and his heart flutters. He will come home. Eric thinks to himself as he smiles back. For that smile, he'll come home. Eric walks further into the alcove, remembering her squad went back to work today. "So," He clears his throat, glancing away slightly when he realises he's staring. "First day back on the job. How's it going?"

She sighs, a slight shiver going down her body while she rolls her eyes. "It's colder than I remember."

"That's kinda what happens when it changes to winter." He laughs, leaning against the wall and Issy smirks at him. Dec's the same, always complaining about winter. His expression hardens as Declan's words from before replay in his head. "Declan says you've been asking questions." Her golden eyes widen, panic flittering across her face and Eric cuts her off before she can say anything. "It's okay!" He tries to reassure her. "I'm going to tell you anyway but Issy, this must stay between us. Dec knows, as does the rest of Leadership, but we're keeping this quiet so that people don't start to panic okay?" Eric is thankful for the noise of the Chasm. It means that no one, not even the cameras will hear them.

She nods her head slowly, making her look somewhat timid. A look that makes Eric want to hold her and never let go. "Okay."

He exhales. His steely eyes met her golden ones, making sure she's looking directly at him. "I know you've noticed how busy my squad has been these past few weeks and there's a reason for that." She holds his gaze but her body tenses as if she doesn't want to know. "Someone has been supplying the Factionless with weapons. Since the ambush you and your squad was in there have been several other ambushed Dauntless patrols. As we have begun to get those under control, there have been other ambushes along the Amity border. Some Factionless have started fires, others have stolen food as it is delivered to the other factions." Eric frowns. If the Factionless take a hold of the food supplies then it'll have the factions on their knees. "We believe they've started learning the Dauntless patrol rotation, to when to strike and when to lay low. It has been decided that Harrison's more skilled squadrons will start looking for any evidence the Factionless are trying to start a war. That means any weapon safe houses, any gatherings that seemed far too planned, anything." Eric sighs, the next set of words taste bitter on the tip of his tongue before he's even said them. "Because of this it has also been decided that my squad and I will be sent to Amity's border and patrol it… We'll be leaving soon." Eric breaks eye contact as her eyes widen and looks down.

"For how long?" Issy says after a long pause. Her voice cracks and Eric nearly flinches.

His head feels heavy as he lifts it to meet her gaze. He sees fear in her eyes. Issy slowly starts shaking her head with tears welling in her eyes. Subconsciously, she knows what he's about to say. "Until further notice." A gasp escapes her lips as she steps away from him. Eric closes the gap between them before he even thinks about it. She's hurt and he'll go to any length to stop it but his heart aches because he knows that he can't stop this. His hand raises to cup her cheek as he gently brushes the tear away with his thumb. Eric drops the bag, tucking the longer strap into her hoodie pocket as he focuses on the woman in front of him. His other hand comes up and pushes a few loose strands of her dark hair behind her ear. "Issy." He exhales her name and then his lips find hers as his eyes close. He moves his mouth against hers hesitantly, half expecting her to push him away. Joy elates within him when he feels her hands grip at his shoulder and instead of pushing him away, he's rewarded with Issy pulling him closer. He smiles against her mouth and confidence flows through him. Eric winds his fingers into her hair to draw her closer until they are pressed against each other. Time passes, how long it is until he breaks away, Eric isn't sure. He leans his forehead against hers, their chests heavily from the lack of air. His thumb brushes against her lower lip. "Just in case." Her eyes close, a frown gracing those lips, as the unspoken words hang between them. Just in case he doesn't come back. He kisses those lips once more, hoping to take away the frown that lies on them before he breaks away a final time. Eric closes his eyes as he presses his lips against her forehead and breathes her in. when Eric reopens them, he untangles his fingers from her hair and he knows that if he doesn't leave now, he won't ever. He steps out of her embrace and finds that her eyes are closed. Good, he thinks. Eric definitely wouldn't leave if he saw those broken golden eyes staring up at him. The young broken Leader begins to walk backwards towards the entrance of the alcove, and he watches a tear fall down her cheek before another one falls too. "I'll see you soon." He whispers a promise he tends to keep. His voice breaks and has to get out of there quickly.

Soon, Eric finds himself sprinting down the hallways. His jaw clenches to keep it all in, to not break in the middle of the compound. Any member that come across him immediately get out of his way when they notice the determined look on his face. But of course, to them he's still Eric, fierce and scary Leader of Dauntless. They don't know that on the inside, Eric's breaking from the conflicting emotions. He's almost tempted to go find Max or Harrison and tell them where to shove it, to tell them he's not going to Amity. But Eric's got a job to do, a department to run, a city to look out for. He has to set an example to the soldiers of his faction. If he could disobey a direct order from Max and Harrison… Why can't they?

He slams open the side door out of the compound open as his chest heaves. Thankfully, its one of the few doors that isn't guarded constantly so no one can watch him break down. He drops to his knees and breathes heavily. The cold wind bites at his exposed skin. He slumps back onto his heels, allowing himself to let it all out. A tear slips from his eye and more soon follow, his cheeks becoming red with the cold wind and his tears. Eric stares out into the darkness, wishing his life was somewhat different.

xXx

The next morning, Eric gets into the garage a few minutes late. All of his squad was already there and waiting, busying themselves with packing the trucks and loading their guns. A quick glance at the Leader and it was clear that something was wrong.

Eric had stayed outside that side door for hours before he finally came back into the compound and to his office to find the key to the barracks and information packs for the squad on his desk. His heart hadn't stopped hurting and even now, it takes all of him and the reminder of the façade that he upholds to keep himself from gripping his jacket right above his heart.

Max stands to the side with Harrison and his commanders. Rex and his unit would once again be staying at the compound while the others join Eric at Amity. Eric grimaces as he walks over to them. They stop talking as Eric nears, all of them watching him with cautious eyes.

"Is everything ready?" Eric glances to where Rex stands.

"Yes Captain." Finnick says while the others nod. "We're ready to leave when you are."

Eric nods once. "Commanders get to your trucks. Brandon you lead; be ready to set off at my signal. I'll follow up at the rear." Three of his commanders' nod before walking towards the trucks that are assigned to each of them. Eric then looks to Rex. "Your unit will work under Harrison and on the routes he puts you on."

"Yes Captain." Rex salutes him. "Have a safe journey Captain." And with that, Rex walks from the garage. Harrison claps him on the shoulder, wishing him luck on his mission before also leaving, probably having patrol routes to plan.

Max watches Eric, smiling sadly. He knows something and Eric can't quite tell what. "It's never easy Eric, leaving family with no idea if you'll come home. But you've done this before –"

"– This is different."

Max places a hand on Eric's shoulder. "I know son. I know." Max stares deeply in Eric's eyes as his other hand comes up and rests on his other shoulder. "I saw you outside last night Eric." Eric breaks eye contact, his jaw clenching as his eyes sting. "I know it hurts but its something to fight for… Good luck son."

Eric slightly smiles before his façade takes over, causing Max to smile. "Thank you. I wish you luck here too." He turns on his heel, walking towards his own truck. Most of his unit are already sitting in the back of the truck with Axel, a man with short cropped hair and dog-tags hanging from his neck, sitting behind the drivers' seat with a cigarette hanging from his lips.

"Ready boss man?" He said with a puff of smoke in Eric's direction.

Eric flipped him off as he waved the smoke away from his face, the latter chuckling as the Leader sent him a glare. Eric, still glaring at Axel, brought the radio closer to his mouth. "Lead the way Brandon!"

The first of four trucks started to pull out of the garage. It was as Eric's truck started to roll forward when the radio connecting the trucks to the command centre crackled to life.

"Good luck lads," Max's voice said and Eric leaned to see the Head Leader in the wingmirror of the truck. Max was still standing where Eric had left him with a radio to his mouth. Though, Declan was standing beside the other Leader. Eric tore his gaze away, ignoring the glance from Axel. "Be brave." The radio died out when Eric's truck began to drive out of the garage. He glanced back to the wingmirror then to see Max patting Declan on the shoulder as the older Leader left. Declan however, stayed. He stayed and Eric kept staring at his reflection until the garage doors blocked each other from view.

xXx

The barracks that his squad would be living in until further notice was built by Amity centuries ago, when the factions were new and at peace with each other. It had been built with Dauntless in mind and mainly kept to the Dauntless colours. Though, there was also a little bit of Amity thrown in there too. Eric had been to this barracks only once before, when he was still training to be a Leader.

Ryker had brought his squad and Eric to this barracks for a week or two so that the young leader-in-training could learn what he'd have to do if his squad was ever sent to any of the barracks in the other factions. Amity was chosen due to it being the furthest from the compound, because unlike the other barracks, if shit went down there Eric would have to relay on his squad and his leading abilities without having to fall back on the back-up from the compound like the other barracks could.

They got to the barracks in decent time. In the distance, they could see the few Amity buildings that were this side of the fence and in front of them was the multi-storey building that would be their home until they were called back.

Trees surrounded the barracks which kept people – apart from many Amities – from realising it was there. As the trucks parked up under the shelter and began unloading the truck. Although, many of his squaddies just stood and stared, taking it all in. Eric got out of the truck and walked round to the back where many of his unit were jumping out of.

"That's one big ass cabin." Jax said, staring up at the building primarily made from dark oak and walnut. His blue hair seemed brighter in the light and he heaved his own bag and riffle out of the truck. His cousin, Jace from Gabriel's unit, jogged over and handed Jax something that had them both smirking. Jace had silver-ish hair, which like his cousin's, shone in the light.

"Well, get used to it," Eric started, pulling his own bag and riffle from the truck, throwing both straps onto each shoulder before looking up at the building. "Fuck knows how long we'll be here for." The young Leader walked forward towards the door and unlocked it with the key that Max had given him the day before.

Inside, that barracks hadn't changed much. Eric stared up at the dark wooden beams that made up the structure of the cabin ran across the walls and the ceiling as he walked into the living room and dining area. He dumped his bag on the floor by the fireplace and waited for the rest of his squad to join him. The rest of the squad joined him in small groupings at a time. As Ezra came into the large room, Eric squinted at him, not quite believing his eyes.

"Really Ezra?" Eric questioned, staring at the guitar case in the guy's hand. "Is it really necessary?"

Ezra shrugged as the guys around him laughed. "Sorry Chief." His expression however, said anything but sorry. "Plus you like my guitar so don't complain."

Eric rolled his eyes with a smirk on his face, neither agreeing nor denying the comment. Though everyone around him knew that Eric enjoyed strumming a few notes on the guitar. One of many best kept secrets between the squad, another thing that set him apart from the façade that he's known by.

His squad crowded around the low coffee table on the numerous leather sofas and chairs. Eric took one of the information packs from the pile and passes it to the person next to him. Remmy happened to be that person. The lad didn't get a hold of the pile properly as Eric let go and so the papers all fell to the floor. The squad laughed merrily at the lad's expense. Remmy blushed nervously, laughing slightly along with them as he picked them up.

"S'okay kid." Eric smiled kindly down at the youngest of the squad. The lad was only two years older than the current initiation class, one of the many classes that Eric joined Four instructing. Remmy was never scared of either Four or Eric or Max or even anyone who was labelled as scary to the rest of the faction. Nobody could call the kid arrogant because he was just oblivious to how façades worked. Remmy saw people for who they are, even if they hid it like Eric did. The word simple came to mind when describing Remmy. He was the kind of person who looked really young and innocent despite actually being nearly twenty-one. He's laid back but won't allow people to walk all over him even if his soft tones and easy-going attitude suggest otherwise. He was often the brunt of the jokes made within the squad but anyone on Eric's squad, including the Leader himself, would protect that boy no matter the cost. They all seemed to have a soft spot for the boy and none of them really knew why. Remmy brought a sense of innocence to the squad too. Eric ruffled Remmy's dark curly hair. "I let go of it too soon, I wasn't paying that much attention." Eric winked at Remmy who beamed back. The kid took his own pack and passed it on.

Once everyone had a pack of their own, Eric went through the patrol routes they'd do and the rules they had to keep to. When that was finished with, Eric let them go, allowing them to explore the cabin and choose their rooms for a few hours before the first patrols started.

xXx

It was a few months into the mission at the barracks when Eric's radio started crackling. There were a few groups already on patrol and Eric wasn't due for another patrol until later that night. He had decided that morning to do a few laps around the track in the back garden. Although a few laps had quickly turned into a race with a few of his other squaddies with only Eric and Brandon remaining with half a lap between the former and the latter. Still running, Eric pulled his radio from his belt and answered it.

"Yeah?" Eric panted, refusing to stop and give Brandon the win.

"The radio in your truck is alive." Eric frowned as Gabriel's bored voice remained monotone. "Someone wants to talk to you." With that, Gabriel cut off his radio, leaving Eric to wonder what was going on.

The young Leader slowed to a stop, ignoring Brandon as he yelled in victory, both middle fingers pointed towards Eric. "Oh shut up dickhead, I have shit to deal with." Eric snapped half heartedly and Brandon laughed. Eric made his way through the cabin, picking a bottle of water from the fridge as he went. When he neared his truck, Eric could hear a faint voice. Though when he got nearer, he couldn't believe his ears.

"Eric!" Declan's voice. "Come in Eric!"

Eric quickly jumped into the driver's seat and picked up the radio. "Declan?"

There was an exhale of breath of the other end. "Oh thank god. I've been sat here in your office for ages. You aren't busy, are you?"

"Nah mate," Eric grinned, relieved to hear his brother's voice. "I was just having a race with Brandon. What's up?"

"…I'm bored." Dec said after a pause. "I didn't realise how dependant I am on you until you left…"

"Me too brother, me too." There was a pause between them. "So what's been happening at home?"

Eric could hear the grin in Dec's voice as he launched into a recap for Eric. "Well, we've been playing Rooftop Tag a lot recently with more or less everyone… Helps keep the mind of things, ya know? Everybody's been busy with work mostly but we all manage to see each other after work and stuff. Oh! I don't know if you heard from Max but there was this weird foam stuff that swamped most of Dauntless. It was disgustingly awesome but no one knew where it came from and it took hours to clean up!" Eric laughed as Dec chuckled.

"I wonder who did that…" Eric trailed off, smirking to himself.

"The twins said they had nothing to do with it and Four couldn't find anything on the cameras to pin it to them."

"Crafty shits." Eric muttered. "What's happening with instructing the new set of initiates this year?"

"Well, Four, Lauren and Lynn were beginning to train Flare up for it before you left but now I think Flare will be training the new set for definite. I think she's shitting it honestly…"

"I was when it was my first-year instructing."

"Really? You never told me that…"

"Yeahhh, well, I was still training to be a Leader at that point but a lot of pressure was on me as I was completing the course quicker than anyone else had before me. There were many people that still thought someone had bought my way into Leadership –" Declan grumbled something that Eric couldn't make out. "– So there was pressure to prove myself. But then there's the pressure of training a good set of initiates too. If they end up bad then that reflects on your teachings, if they end up good, very much like the twins' set then people treat you better for supplying the faction with excellent soldiers." Eric paused for breath. He hadn't told anyone else about that… the only indication that Dec was still there was the crackle of the radio and his breathing. "Flare should be thankful she's not a Leader-in-training too."

Declan was silent for a time before he broached a topic neither of them ever talked about. "That's when your façade started?"

"No, that's when it cemented in."

There was a ruffle of fabric on the other end and Dec sighed. "Shit. I gotta go. I'll radio in next week around about twelve. Is that okay?"

The young Leader started off with a frown on his face before it stretched into a grin. "Yeah, that's fine.

"Talk to you next week!"

Eric grinned to himself as the radio went dead. Maybe this mission wouldn't be so bad after all…

xXx

Months had passed and the patrols were working out fine. There seemed to be less Factionless attacks in Amity now but that didn't mean any of his squad relaxed. They had all settled in quite nicely into the barracks and no one really had a problem with being so far out but they all missed home.

Just as promised, each week around twelve on Fridays, Dec radioed in and they both caught up with any news. Flare was working with her initiates well and Lilah was soon to be finishing her Leadership course. Declan had joked then that Eric would no longer be able to be referred to as the youngest Leader of Dauntless. It was true enough; Eric had grumbled back but Eric will still hold the bragging rights of being the quickest to get through the training course.

Declan, after continuously bugging and prodding Max, had managed to get permission for Eric to come home for Capture The Flag. At first Eric was unsure, he didn't want to leave his squad just in case anything went wrong but somehow Dec managed to inform Brandon about it and then there was no choice in the matter. His whole squad ganged up on him, refusing to let him miss out and Eric conceded; another secret that stayed between this squad. Once he got official permission from Max himself, Eric allowed himself to become excited about it. Max allowed him the night off but he had to be on his way back to Amity immediately after the game had finished. But it was something to look forward to at least.

Eric was driving the truck with two of his squad members in the back towards the barracks. They had just been out patrolling the border when Brandon and two others took over for them as their shift ended.

"Hey Eric!" Nox called from the back, anxiousness flooding his voice. "When do you reckon we'll go home?" Nox was in Gabriel's unit but with these new patrol times, Eric had decided to split the units up. Unlike Gabriel though, Nox had a family depending on his return. From what Eric knew, Nox's wife was heavily pregnant and was due at any moment. It made him feel bad for being able to return to the compound when there were guys like Nox on his squad that couldn't.

"Sorry mate," Eric glanced at the dark eyes reflecting in his mirror. "I don't."

Nox slumped back onto his seat. "S'okay Captain, I'm just worried."

Eric frowned as he concentrated on the road in front of him and pulled into the road leading up to the barracks. when he pulled up into the shelter and turned the engine off, he sat there deep in thought. A knock on his window pulled him out of it and he turned to see Nox and Beau, a soldier from Eric's unit standing with the riffles. Beau lifted Eric's riffle in the air and motioned to the barracks with a nod of his head. Eric nodded back, a smile coming onto his face as they took the stuff to the armoury in the basement. After a moment's thought, Eric picked up the radio and waited.

"Receiving." Max's voice answered the other side.

"Hey Max."

"Ah! Eric! Its good to hear from you personally. Declan's being keeping…" Max paused. "…most people updated on you." Eric was willing to bet Issy wasn't in the loop but he pushed the thought back. "What's up son?"

"Everything is good on this end. There's been a decrease in Factionless attacks on the border and the supply trucks."

"Good, good. What's really the matter Eric? You wouldn't just radio me for a status update, I get those through Rex. You know that."

Eric sighed. "Do you know that day I'm coming home for Capture?" Max hummed. "Well would it be possible if Nox could visit his wife for that day?"

"She's due soon, isn't she?" Max asked, slightly avoiding the question.

"Yes. But it would just be for the day." The younger Leader said quickly as Max said something. "It puts the patrol in danger if Nox isn't concentrating on the job in front of him but rather his wife and child in the compound. Surely if they have one day together then Nox will be able to concentrate on his job better and –"

"ERIC!" The older Leader shouted and Eric stopped. "I already said yes if you were listening to me." He mumbled an apology as Max sighed deeply. "I know you care deeply for your soldiers Eric, and yes, as you said its dangerous for someone to have their mind elsewhere. But only you and Nox can come back for the day. That's it."

"Yes sir, thank you sir."

"And none of this 'sir' business." Max huffed and Eric laughed quietly. "It makes me feel old."

"Thank you Max. Truly."

"See you soon Eric." The radio cut off and Eric slumped into his chair, feeling successful with the turn of events.

Eric got out of the truck and strode to the barracks. Most of his squad were already inside, except a handful that were out patrolling. Eric clapped Beau's shoulder in thanks as he passed him, receiving a smile in return. The Leader located Nox in the kitchen making himself a sandwich. He leaned with his back against the counter as he watched Nox make his masterpiece. Nox glanced at him a few times and Eric waited with a lazy grin on his face.

"What is it?" Nox asked, not turning away from his sandwich.

Eric shrugged. "Max gave me permission for you to join me when I go back to the compound." The Leader said nonchalantly and Nox nodded along, the words not registering yet. "I just reckoned you could see Helen so your mind could be at ease…" Eric trailed off when Nox stiffened, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"You're joking." Eric lifted a shoulder, smirking in response. "You're not joking." Nox looked around in amazement. "Thank you, Oh Scary Leader." Eric rolled his eyes as Nox beamed up at him. "Ya know, you really are a softy underneath all that armour –" Eric pulled Nox into a tight headlock, the latter not at all bothered as he laughed. Eric had damn too many secrets with his squad.

"Take it back." Eric hissed half-heartedly.

"Never! Dauntless don't concede!" He shouted back, still laughing.

When Eric glanced around the room to see they were drawing a crowd. Many of them were grinning at the pair. Eric grinned back, his arm tightening as he shouted: "Someone eat his sandwich!"

Nox stopped laughing then. A look of horror came over him as he tried yanking his head out of Eric's hold as soon as someone walked towards the kitchen. "NO! DON'T YOU DARE LLOYDS!" Lloyds, one of Finnick's soldiers laughed, jumping out of the way as Nox tried kicking him. "GRAYSON I SEE YOU! BACK THE FUCK UP!" Grayson, one of Brandon's bulky soldiers tried sneaking around Eric as Nox focused on Lloyds. "ERIC! LET ME GO!"

Instead Eric look towards the others. "What do you do when there's no chance of winning?" Eric asked them loudly.

"CONCEDE!" They shouted back.

Nox struggled some more. "FINE! FINE! I CONCEDE!" Eric let him go and he stumbled a bit before racing back to his sandwich and taking a triumphant bite. "FUCK YOU ALL!"

xXx

"It's back again!" Finnick shouted. Eric lifted his head, his eyes tearing from the page. He was sat in one of the chairs on the first floor by a large window. His curiosity was piqued instantly.

"Oh, for the love of – Someone get Eric!"

"ERIC!"

He sighed, rubbing his temple. He had a perfect image in his head of Finnick throwing his head back and yelling rather then coming in search of him. Eric bookmarked his page before placing the book onto the small table.

It wasn't long before Eric was striding towards where Finnick, Remmy, Beau and Jace was standing around the large floor to ceiling window looking onto the back yard.

"What is it now?" Eric question.

"Its Remmy's fault." Jace started, looking back to him.

"It was not!" Remmy squawked as his face turned red.

Eric pushed his way through the group only to stop in his tracks. "What the fuck?" Pacing slowly on the other side of the window was a small white, black and tan kitten. He could hear it yowling through the glass and he turned to the most caring person there. Remmy looked away immediately. "What happened?"

"Well, I, uh, um…" Remmy started stuttering and refused to meet Eric's stare. Eric placed a hand on his shoulder, causing Remmy to look up at Eric. The kid's green eyes were wide, his naïveness becoming clearer as his eyes softened when he looked at the kitten. "I just… I couldn't leave her… I found her while I was on patrol a few weeks ago and she was injured and so I brought her here and patched her up…"

"Wait," Beau stated, holding a finger up. "Is that when you supposedly had a really long piss?"

Remmy nodded slowly. "I fed her the first few nights until she got her strength up because I thought she'd be able to look after herself… And then she came back a few nights later and wouldn't stop crying so I fed her again until she started coming back every night."

"Remmy…" Eric sighed deeply as he closed his eyes momentarily.

"I'm sorry Eric, I just couldn't leave her."

Eric opened his eyes and stared down at him. The boy looked close to tears but Eric didn't have the heart to command him to leave the kitten alone. Finnick was glancing back and forth from the kitten to Eric and to Remmy. Eric sighed again, moving forward to open the back door and the kitten came running inside. "Your job comes first okay?" Eric said sternly, pointing to the boy. "If I hear complaints that that cat has pissed or shat on someone's stuff or started clawing on some of the furniture, its out. Yes?" Remmy nodded his head quickly before picking up the small ball of fluff and jogged towards the kitchen. Once Remmy was out of the room, Eric groaned and covered his face with his hands. "What the fuck have I just done?" His words came out muffled by his hands.

"Get the kid a pet apparently." Beau chuckled.

xXx

It was one of the rare occasions when the whole squad was at the barracks and they were all in the sitting room, staring at the kitten. Two small dishes had been placed by the side of the fireplace by Remmy and the kitten was currently tearing apart some chicken. Eric had his jaw slightly clenched as Finnick and Beau explain why there was a kitten in the barracks. Remmy was on and off blushing as some others looked at him in confusion. Eric didn't look at anyone when they glanced towards him when it was mentioned that the kitten. Once they finished explaining, all eyes fell back to the kitten.

"What do you reckon we should name her?" Remmy asked after the silence stretched on for a while.

"Artemis." Eric said and all eyes turned to him in question. "Goddess of the wilderness, the hunt and wild animals." Eric stood up and looked around the room. "C'mon Cooper, Jaiden. You're on Patrol with me today."

xXx

On the morning of Capture, Eric had doubled and tripled made sure that the guys knew what they had to do in his absence for the day. He'd even written them a list even though his squad had been doing these jobs for weeks on end now and they were all trained for a raid. Still, it didn't mean he couldn't make sure they knew what to do just in case anything happened. It appeared his squad were getting annoyed with Eric's constant orders as he slowly made his way out of the barracks. Many of them were nodding along, not actually paying any attention to what their Captain was saying. Nox was already waiting in the truck practically vibrating in his seat as he glared at Eric.

"– If you guys have any problems, just radio it in and I'll be straight back okay?"

Gabriel sighed, looking bored as ever. "Stop clucking mother hen and get outta here!"

Eric glared something ferocious at him. "Are you sure –"

"ERIC!" Brandon shouted, cutting him off. "We'll be fine. We are big boys you know."

Eric hesitated, before Nox started shouting. "C'MON ERIC! LET'S GO!"

Eric's shoulders slumped in defeat. He waved at them before climbing into the truck, starting the engine. Glancing back to the barracks as he reversed the truck, he saw his commanders standing in on the porch shoulder to shoulder. He flicked his hand at them in a small wave. They waved back as he pulled on to the driveway and set off back to the compound.

They pulled into the garage around eleven and Eric wished the journey had been shorter. Nox hadn't stopped jumping in his seat, though as much as it annoyed him, Eric couldn't blame Nox's excitement. Before the truck had even stopped moving Nox was out of the cab and off. Eric stared after him before something caught his eye. The young Leader smiled widely, jumping out of the cab and locking the truck, before striding forward.

Josh met him halfway and threw his arms around his shoulders. Both of them were laughing as they clutched each other tightly. A small part of him was glad that the garage was mostly deserted so no one could see him acting so out of character. But the larger part was focused on Josh.

"It's so good to see you Eric!" Josh laughed as he pulled back. "Dec's just in a meeting that he can't get out of, but we said we'd meet up with you instead."

"We?"

Josh smirked just as Eric got tackled from behind. The force sent him, or them, to the ground and Eric started laughing loudly. Currently squishing him into the ground, chattering enthusiastically about fuck knows what was Hugo, Jason and Zeke.

"Guys! Come on!" Josh called. "Get off of him, I'm sure he has people to see before Capture starts tonight."

The trio was still quietly rambling excitedly as the stood up, pulling Eric up with them.

"Has Issy been told?" Hugo asked and Eric opened his mouth to answer but a new voice cut him off.

"Nah, we're keeping it a surprise." Eric spun around in, grinning widely as he spotted Declan mirroring his own grin. "Hey brother." Silence filled the space between the guys as Eric and Dec started at each other, looking for any injuries or any changes since they last saw one another. Declan had a haircut since then, his golden hair shorter than last time. Eric knew Declan was staring at the slight stubble dusting the Leader's cheeks and jaw. There was a moment before they started walking and soon they were full on running towards each other before they collided, laughing. "I've missed you."

"Missed you too." Eric whispered back and Dec's grip tightened.

xXx

They had moved their little celebration to Zeke's apartment, knowing that not many of the new members came round to Zeke's compared to Uriah's. They took the less used tunnels through the compound, most of them were secret only to the Leaders, so that his arrival was kept under-wraps. It's not that Max was bothered about how many people knew that Eric was back in Dauntless, its just that they knew how quickly the gossip spreads in Dauntless.

For hours, they all caught up everything and anything. Eric laughed along as Zeke described the prank war he, Josh and Uriah had started. Alec had joined in, with a few of his fellow initiation class, until a prank went out of hand and they accidentally bombed Max with buckets of paint. Somehow, the trading stories turned into a competition of who could make Eric laugh louder by telling the ridiculous stories. Jason followed Zeke's lead and started giggling as he told them all a time when he and Luke had to go to Candor for work but was held up waiting for Jack so they started running around the Candor Compound shouting boogies. Dec and Hugo began telling him about the time that they had placed a clown doll in the air vent of Alec's office, causing their little brother to scream until he passed out.

Declan had left nearer to one in the afternoon to meet with Four to talk about what would be happening with Capture. They had mostly calmed down by then and decided to watch a film while they waited from Dec to get back. The original plan was to see if Dec could find Issy while he was out meeting Four and then bring her back to Zeke's to catch up. But then Eric received a message from Declan and he read it out to the others.

There might be a change of plans… Issy's just joined myself and Four and is now joining CTF. Shall I still go find her or wait for Capture?

Eric stared at the message, chewing his lip as he thought.

"Surely by the time CTF starts, that's a lot of wasted time?" Jason said behind him.

"But they're still going to see each other at Capture anyway, and by what Issy had said to Bree about their last moment together, the less amount of time would be better…" Josh sighed, and quickly lifted his hands in the air when Eric sharply turned to him. "Hey! I don't know what actually happened… She was just talking to Bree as they waited for Noah as he got a tattoo. But she did seem very sad and broken about it."

Eric turned around again, not wanting to face Josh after hearing that. He was probably just as sad and broken for having to leave her like that in the first place. "I'll just wait for Capture then…" Eric mumbled as he typed a reply back to Dec.

xXx

Whispers had followed them as they walked through the compound to the tracks. There was no hiding now. Eric's shoulders were back and his head held high as a few members pointed to him, quickly turning to their friends and talking about him. Though there was something different he noticed when Eric stared them all in the eyes. They still all looked away immediately but the fear that normally filled their eyes was, not quite replaced, outnumbered by respect. It bugged him by not knowing what he's done for such a thing to happen…

Will had joined them more or less the same time Jason and Hugo had left. When the younger member saw Eric, a laugh burst from him, and Will clasped the Leader's forearm, squeezing tightly. Declan led the small crowd of members to the tracks, where there was already a few members that stood around to send the group off, along with Four who was already waiting as he chatted with Kim. The two Leaders nodded at each other before going back to their conversations.

Zeke wished them a good game before he and Will joined Four and the others walked further ahead. Eric stood between Josh and Declan as they waited for the rest to join them.

"You going to be Captain again this year?" Declan asked Eric as the class of initiates followed Lynn and Lauren to the trains. Neither of them appeared surprised at the young Leader's appearance as they both nodded their acknowledgement.

"Not this year. I'll leave it to Flare." In response, Declan gasped mockingly and Eric jabbed him in the side.

Eric watched the entrance as Flare walked outside and stood away from the initiates. The young instructor glanced around the group that had gathered and Eric smirked as she did a double take when her eyes slipped over him. He smiled at her before his gaze settled back on the entrance and waited.

As the minutes began to tick by, Eric had begun to rock back and forth on his heels anxiously, still staring at the entrance. He watched as Kim left as the time for their departure drew near. Eric didn't notice his friends share a look with each other after glancing at him. The members started to leave soon after Kim and Eric fell back onto his feet and stopped rocking. Issy had began to make her way through the crowd. He watched her as she walked over to Flare, studying the initiates as she went. Flare gives her a side hug and smiles before the instructor face comes back. A smirk comes onto Eric's face and a snicker comes from his sides when the initiates duck their heads when his golden-eyed woman stares them down. A rush of pride flows through him. He watches as she looks around, her eyes landing on where Zeke and Will are stood chatting to Four. An elbow meets his side and Eric turns to Josh.

"Ya know, sometimes she's fucking scary with those eyes." Josh whispers and Eric only smirks in response. His gaze settles back to Issy to see her glaring at Four, who stares back with a large smug grin. "See?" Josh says as Four tilts his head in their direction, causing Issy's eyes to flicker over to them.

Steely blue meet gold as Eric grins at her. Even in the dark light, he sees a blush darken her cheeks and she looks away, mumbling something to a smirking Flare.

Josh, Dec and Eric step away from the tracks as the train horn sounds. Three of the instructors take off, leading the initiates onto the train as it rushes by. His brothers and friends start running after the initiates and Eric finds himself running closely behind Issy. As the door nears, Issy grabs the handle and Eric places a hand on her hip, boosting her up into the train cart, before following after her. Issy watches him and he smiles in return as he takes her in. He grins as he notices his jacket and gives her a shove to where the members are collecting at the back of the cart.

Eric nods to Four as he joins the other instructors at the front of the cart and his façade falls into place. Whispers follow him once again as the Dauntless borns recognise who he is while the Transfers look confused. He watches the group in front of him with an unimpressed look. The class sizes were decreasing slowly. "Alright! Shut up!" He shouts and they do at record time. "For those that don't know me, I'm Eric, one of the seven Leaders here at Dauntless." He stares each initiate down, watching as shock and surprise flicker across their faces. "Tonight we will be playing Capture The Flag. Now us Dauntless take this very seriously and I expect you to do the same. It's not just game, it's something that will live with you forever, just like the titles of First Jumper or First Ranker," His eyes subconsciously find Issy before looking away. "Will stay with you forever. Four and Flare are Captains." Eric steps away to the side of the cart and Flare pauses in surprise before starting to explain the guns that they will be using after a nod from Eric.

Four and Flare begin splitting the initiates between them before the members join their chosen allocated team. Zeke, Will, Lynn and Lauren join Four and Issy, Josh and Declan walk over to Flare and Eric. Issy walks past Eric and to Flare instead. A sigh escapes his lips, watching her glance at him but makes no move to join him where he stands with her brother and Josh. One of his brother's patted his shoulder.

As the train drove towards the area of Capture, Issy continues to glance at him with a pained expression and Eric winked at her, knowing the feeling, and each time her jaw clenched looking away before the cycle began again. When the area of Capture, Four walked forward but Flare made it to the door first, blocking his exit. Eric walked forward, eager to see number boy be put in his place by the younger instructor.

"You got off first last time." Flare glared at him. "It's our turn this year." Eric grins, flipping Four off after Flare motioned for her team to start jumping off. Eric jumps out, followed by Declan. They jogged to a stop and watched as the Dauntless borns and the transfers stumbled out of the train. When no one followed after them, Eric and Dec exchanged a look and a shot of horror made goose bumps rise on his skin when they saw a body mid-jump be pulled back into the cart. Further down the tracks, the remaining members of their team jumped out. Flare walks over to them calmly and Eric frowns as Josh and Issy stagger a way behind her, their laughter loud as they hold each other up.

"The hell is wrong with you two?" Dec asks as he shares a look with Eric.

The crazy pair begin to calm down when Issy answers.

"Oh my God! You guys missed it! Flare verbally handed Number Boy his arse!"

"Ahh," Josh sighs happily as he rubs his face. "It was brilliant! Made my day!"

Flare rolls her eyes, a smirk on her face, before she shoots them a look to be quiet. Like every year the initiates wait for the instructor to start to plan. Flare cocks her hip out to the side as she watches the initiates. "So what's the plan?"

"What?" A slim boy blurts out.

"After knowing about this game for all your life, you still don't know that it's the initiates that make the plan up Felix?" Flare shakes her head. "To those who don't know, the instructors and the members are just here to keep you alive if shit goes dreadfully wrong. What's the plan?"

The initiates shuffle on their feet not saying anything until a tall girl from the back shoots her hand up and starts talking. "A few blocks away is the old fairground. We should hide the flag in the hall of mirrors. I know my way to the centre and I could protect it there with a few others." Eric nods slowly as he considers the plan. Four had won a game by using the hall of mirrors.

"Nose." Someone hisses and Eric's head snaps up at the insult, searching the group to see who it came from. Though Issy gets there first. She glares at two boys, causing one wincing as their friend elbows them sharply in the ribs.

"We should send a few scouts to find Four's flag and then have a large group charge forward as a smaller group comes up behind." The boy that elbowed his friend spoke up.

Flare nods her head. "And who do you think should lead the charge Zed?"

Zed pauses for a moment before a wicked grin comes onto the boy's face. "Beta." Eyes shift to the person in question and Issy wears a feral look as she rubs her hands together mischievously.

Flare shook her head with a slight smile. "Alright! Split up into teams and let's go!"

The initiates took a while to sort themselves into three groups. They often grabbed the arm of their friends as the group was formed. The majority of the team would be staying with Flare and Declan to protect their flag, Josh joined the two female initiates that had volunteered to get the flag as Issy and the remaining initiates distracted Four's team. Eric joined Issy's team, which consisted of two Dauntless borns, Zed and Louis, and one transfer called Adam.

Whereas the initiates stared him in awe and respect, Issy seemed to make it her mission not to look at him. Just by that simple action on Issy's part made Eric hurt and strive for her attention, even if it was just a nod in his direction, he just wanted something that would tell him that he wasn't the cause of her sour mood. Though with each clench of her jaw as she looked away from him and the more he though on Josh's words from early didn't give Eric any hope…

As Flare and Dec made camp with the first group around the hall of mirrors, Eric, Josh and Issy led the remaining groups towards Number boy's favourite place: The Ferris wheel. Eric was quickly getting annoyed with the Dauntless borns not even bothering to be quiet as they chatted amongst themselves. At least the transfers had the decency to be quiet.

"I think two people should scout the area to see how Four has set up his team?" Josh said as they all came to a stop with the Ferris wheel in view. The Leader nodded and after a while he turned to see the initiates looking around uneasily.

"Well?" Eric asked. The Dauntless borns were quiet then, avoiding Eric's eyes completely before the only two transfers of the whole group volunteered. They both sunk low on their heels and vanished into the bushes. At least someone was taking it seriously, Eric thought as the Dauntless borns immediately started chatting again. The members stood in a loose triangle with their fingers on the trigger of their guns, watching their surroundings since the Dauntless born didn't care to. Josh was part way to his left, appearing rather laid back even though his body was tense and his eyes flickered the dark area in front of him. Josh smirked at Issy and Eric found that she was stood on patrol, sending Eric's thoughts back to all those months ago when he joined her patrol squad for a shift. Lost in his memories, Eric almost didn't hear the branch snapping but Issy did. Her whole body snapped in the direction of the sound, her gun raised and ready to take someone out. Eric eyed her perfect stance as the scouts returned and Josh laughed quietly. She lowered her gun and turned back to the group, halting slightly as the Dauntless borns stood staring at her in wonder. Josh was still laughing as the scouts looked between the other initiates, Issy and Josh in confusion.

"You can take a soldier outta patrol but you can't take a patrol outta a soldier." Eric smirked before turning to the scouts. "So?" He raised an eyebrow.

"We got as close as we could but there's one of the members stood on a platform halfway up the ladder with Lauren and three other initiates protecting the bottom of it." Adam says.

One of the Dauntless borns on Eric's team, Louis probably, slouches, a lazily grin on his face. "Only five protecting the flag? This is gonna be easy!"

The other scout, Robyn, scrunched up her nose, obviously annoyed by his arrogance as Eric was. "I don't think that's where they've hid the flag though... Four and another initiate are standing not too far from the others around some trees."

"Maybe they just did a perimeter run." Louis eyed her out.

Robyn's eyes narrowed at him, lifting her chin in silent challenge and Issy creeped closer to them. "I watched them for fifteen minutes and they didn't move from that area. They weren't doing a perimeter run, they are guarding it." She turned and stared straight at Issy, not even flinching at her golden eyes. "It has to be where the flag is."

Louis scoffs quietly but Issy and Robyn stand still staring at each other. Eric watches as they almost communicate quietly without moving. Crafty females, Eric thinks as he's instantly reminded of Issy and Bree. The initiate wears the same look as Bree when she's up to something… The initiate stands firmly, not backing down and Issy smiles at her, nodding once, and she smiles back.

"I say she's right." Issy says and all eyes turn to her. She shrugs. "After last year Four wasn't there to protect his flag and look what happened." She meets each gaze with her own, her gaze quickly fleeting over Eric and his jaw clenches in irritation. "He wouldn't want to make the same mistake again so why would he leave others to protect the flag?"

Josh nods his head, his expression calculating. "With him being such a smart bastard he is, he'd expect us to think that an area with the most guards is where the flag is 'cause why would you leave something so important with less protection?" With each word that Josh said, the initiates became almost inspired. They bounced on the spot as the thought of some action flowed through them.

"Exactly!" Issy snaps the safety off, looking around at their team and her eyes finally settling on Eric. Neither of them could deny the fact that they worked best when they were together. Together, they ferocious and ruthless and brutal. Side by side, they burned brighter than either of them could alone. "Let's go hunting!" Issy grinned wolfishly and Eric grinned something feral back.

xXx

Eric and Issy stayed near each other throughout the whole game. They seemed to subconsciously gravitate around each other as they made as much commotion as they could. One of the transfers took out Will from where he sat as lookout, taking out as many people as he could from the high ground. Having lost that advantage, Four's team seemed to waver as Flare's fought on with brute force. During this commotion, no one but those on Flare's team seemed to notice Josh with Robyn and another initiate break away from the fight.

It was a while before Robyn came running back, punching the air with Four's flag in her fist. Flare's team roared – Eric and Issy along with them – the victory lighting their eyes and fuelling their spirit as Four's slumped in defeat.

Josh followed after her, grinning widely as he stopped by Issy and Eric. "God, you should have seen it! She took Four out without even hesitating!"

Eric and Issy shared another grin before he pulled out his radio and called Flare.

"What is it?" Flare asked immediately while Eric watched as Four tried and failed to barge into Issy. "Who won?"

"We did Flare!" There was an intake of breath on the other side. "Congratulations Flare! You won Capture in your first year as instructor, not many others can say the same."

She started laughing then. "Thanks Eric!" The radio cut off then.

"Alright!" Issy called out. "Initiates! Follow Four to the train!"

Some stopped their celebrating as members and initiates alike followed after Four back to the tracks. Honestly, Eric waited until Issy turned to him, grinning at their victory but she never did. As soon as the last initiate walked past her, Issy followed after them. Confusion flowed through him as he jogged to catch her up and grabbed her shoulder to turn her around to face him. And then she did one thing he didn't expect.

She punched him hard in the chest.

And he staggers back, almost tripping over his feet in shock. Eric looked up to her face to see Issy glaring fiercely at him, bright golden-eyes meeting grey.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming back for Capture?!" She shouted at him. "Why did no one say anything to me?"

Eric looks down and he now wishes he had met up with her earlier rather than waiting for the game… "I wanted to surprise you." He says quietly.

"Dammit Eric!" he's ready for this next punch and when she does punch him, he hardly moves. "Why didn't you tell me about the jackets either? What the hell was that about huh?" Her glare sharpens, stabbing into him before she starts to pace back and forth in front of him as he stares at her. From what Josh had said earlier that day, Eric knew there was a possibility that she'd be mad at him, but this took it to the extreme. "I wouldn't have minded if you just had corrected me at the start and say: Actually Issy, that's my jacket you're wearing, you don't mind do you? I wouldn't have minded in the fucking slightest." His heart soars. "Instead you and Dec and everyone else who knew exactly who's jacket it was and didn't tell me. I might as well of had IDIOT written on my forehead." His heart plummets from second-hand pain and sadness. He reaches out to hold her and comfort her but her hand quickly slaps his away. "Don't touch me." Eric flinches as she hisses. Eric watches a single tear run down her face and she punches him again. The soft tap against his chest makes him realise that he fucked up. So bad. And he's so stupid. His mischievous golden-eyed woman is literally nearly breaking down in in front of him and it's his fault. As she opens her mouth again with those pained blue eyes staring at him, Eric knows what she's going to say… "'Just in case'? Who the fuck would even do that to a person?! 'Just in case'? Fuck you!"

Eric stands there as she storms back to the tracks and a tear slips down his own face. He rubs it away before following after her, feeling defeated. Two things he knows for definite though is that next time when he's leaving the compound for a long amount of time, he won't fuck up so bad just for selfish reasons, and secondly, when this damned mission is over, Eric's going to make it up to Issy. As soon as his truck parks in the garage when he comes home from Amity, he's going to find Issy and make it up to her. Hell, Eric's willing to beg on his knees if he has to…

xXx

Eric and Nox had been back at the Amity barracks for a few weeks now. The latter seem more attentive to his job now knowing that his wife and their unborn child are perfectly healthy. The former however, seemed to have switched places with Nox. Eric had let his stubble start to grow out, not having the energy to keep on shaving it every few days to keep it at bay. Often he'd forget where he was from being so deep in thought and once, as Eric and two others were coming back from a shift on the border, had nearly tipped the truck into a ditch. One of the boys in his squad, Jaiden, had quickly realised what was happening and had grabbed the steering wheel and made sure that they were in the middle of the road before he made Eric get out of the driver's seat.

Now Eric was sat towards the back of the garden, away from the tracks and somewhat out of view from the widows of the barracks. he'd been sat on the log with his back slumped down and his elbows resting against his knees for fuck knows how long before their resident ball of fluff squeezed her way on his lap. No matter how many times Eric had lifted Artemis off his lap, she still climbed her way back on and Eric allowed himself to admit that her soft fur was quite calming.

It wasn't long until Eric was joined by another person and Eric glanced to see Axel. His squaddie peeked over and huffed out a laugh.

"So that's where Artemis has gotten to."

"What do you want Axel?"

There was silence for a moment before Axel knocked his shoulder into Eric's. "Don't worry Captain, we'll get through this mission, we always do."

Eric brought his head up to look at him. "How can you even say that?" He hissed, his anger for his own actions lashing out.

Axel merely smiled. "I can say it because I believe in the skill of this squad. I can say it because we all have people worth fighting for so that we can see them again… Except maybe Gabriel… I can say it because I don't want anyone else to die. I can say it because I don't want to add another dog tag to this chain." Axel exhaled before he frown at Eric. "So I suggest you buck up your ideas Captain. You might have fucked up but it won't help if you keep throwing yourself a pity party about it and constantly risk the lives of this squad. You're on shift tonight with me and Brandon, so I suggest you get your act into gear, work through this mission so that you can suck up to the person you need to apologise to okay?"

Eric was left on the log absolutely gobsmacked as Axel walked off, and as Artemis yowled lowly from his lap, Eric realised that Axel was right.

xXx

For the soldiers that were off shift at the barracks, they found it was too hot outside to do anything and so they claimed every cool surface that was available to them.

Eric had taken his jacket and top off due to the heat but other than that, he was perfectly comfy layed out on the sofa with an arm behind his head and a book in his hands. Artemis had wormed her way into his heart somewhat forcefully for such a little thing and was currently curled up on his chest. The pair could often be found like this, much to the amusement of the squad, and no matter how hard Eric's glare was, it didn't stop them from laughing at him. Though, Eric got his revenge whenever Artemis attacked any of the other soldiers. Eric's lips would curl into a smile when he heard his squaddies curse the little kitten into hell.

There was only one moment when Eric had managed to catch it happening with his very eyes. The Leader had just come into the cabin after he had finished his shift. Brandon had been layed out on the sofa that Eric had unofficially claimed as his. Eric's attention had been caught by the squaddies sitting in chairs around where Brandon was, except they were all staring towards the ceiling. Eric had looked up too and had nearly laughed aloud when he spotted Artemis walking along the wooden beam high above their heads. She stopped right above Brandon, her tail wiggling in the air as she crouched down. And then she pounced. To say that Brandon was not amused when the kitten partially winded him from a large height would be an understatement. Now whenever Brandon sits down anywhere, he'll check the beams just in case he gets attacked again.

The day was rather quiet from them. Peaceful. At first the quietness of their surroundings set them all on edge. It was a complete opposite to the rowdiness of Dauntless. It took them all a few weeks to get used to it but now it was calming, relaxing even.

And that's why the sound of gunshots far off in the distance had them on their feet in seconds.

Artemis yowled in annoyance when Eric stood up so quickly that she dropped to the floor ungracefully. But the kitten was far from being Eric's priority right now. All the squaddies stood with baited breathes, their ears straining to hear anymore commotion but whatever was happening, it was too far off for them to tell. Some of his colleagues had started to move when Eric shushed them and everyone paused again.

Footsteps. Eric could hear footsteps of someone running. Getting closer and getting louder. The door of the barracks slammed open and guns were immediately out of their holsters and pointed in that direction.

"Help!" They were all surprised to see a young Amity girl coming to a stop in front of them. "Help! Please!"

Eric's eyes narrowed at her. She looked vaguely familiar with her dark hair, light eyes and pale skin. He's seen her before; Eric swore he had. "What is it?" Eric asked, his voice cold but not unfriendly.

"There's been an attack on the Fence! My brother's there but there's too many Factionless! Please, you have to help!"

The thought of it being a trap crosses Eric's mind. But the again, if it wasn't Eric would have the blood of innocent lives on his hands. Eric stared at her and she didn't back down, her desperate eyes staring into his. In the back of his mind, he knew that each second they wasted could equivalate into a life he could have saved.

"Finnick, choose a handful of soldiers from each unit to stay at the barracks in case there's another attack. The rest of you, suit up, we leave in five." The squaddies around him quickly vanished and the girl nodded to Eric in thanks. "Is there a safe place that you can go?" He asked her.

"Yes, thank you." She turned on her heel then and disappeared out the door.

xXx

Everybody was ready to leave within a couple of minutes. When Eric had added to the squad, he had put them all threw rigorous training to make sure they could get their heavy amour on and down to the garage suited and booted in record time. It was one of the things that made Eric's squad the most efficient at what they did. Eight members, two from each unit, of the squad would be staying at the barracks just in case it was a diversion and the Factionless attacked the Amity inside the fence. Eric and Finnick's units piled into one truck and Gabriel and Brandon's units piled into another before they quickly drove off in the direction of the Fence.

When they neared the fence towards the main gates leading to the greater part of Amity, they found out the little Amity girl's words to be true. There was a large group of Factionless gaining ground around the Fence, all carrying deadly guns and in a loose formation. Eric couldn't see where they were coming from but as they fell, more seemed to arrive.

Eric gave the order and they were out of the truck, quickly standing in the formation that they had practised time and time again. Brandon's unit was at the front, followed by Eric's then Finnick's and lastly Gabriel's.

In the chaos, Eric sees a familiar dark head of hair running about in his fence uniform. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he registers the similar features between him and the girl that warned them. Though his mind is set purely on getting Lottie's soldiers out of this mess caused by the Factionless.

As the injured fence soldiers get into the trucks to get back to the compound, Eric notices that Kayden isn't moving towards the trucks, but advancing of the Factionless focused on the higher ups on the fence.

The young Leader growls something under his breath before glancing at his squaddie to his right. "Axel!" The squaddie turned to him. "Keep the Factionless away from the trucks!" Eric quickly moves away from the trucks, shouting orders at his commanders as he goes. "Gabriel! Get your unit to the gates! Make sure we hold our own there!" A quick nod of the head is his response before his second orders his unit away from the main fight. "Finnick! Help as many of the Fencers to the trucks!" Eric jogs towards where most of the higher ups were getting cornered but was thankful to see Brandon and his unit charging towards them, battle cries on their lips. The Leader tries to locate the mop of dark hair in the chaos again and when he finally spots him, Kayden had fallen to one knee before he got back up and continued his warpath. Eric ran forward, closing the distance between him and the young lad rapidly, and gripped Kayden by the shoulder of his jacket, shoving him towards the trucks. The Leader should have known better really... Grabbing onto someone who's mindset is completely in the battle before them... Kayden punched him straight in the face with no hesitation. If the situation was different, Eric would be impressed by the force behind the punch. He blinked away the pain, watching as realisation and a hint of worry cover the younger lad's face. Eric ignored it and shoved him again. "Kayden! Get it together soldier! Move!"

Kayden started running and Eric followed him to the trucks, knowing the young lad was more focused on getting to the truck than on his surroundings. The Factionless around them were running, though still shooting randomly as they went. Brandon roared, as he and his unit chased the remaining Factionless away. When they got to the trucks, Eric gripped the back of his jacket and practically heaved Kayden into the truck. He quickly then left, joining the fray of soldiers and Factionless.

xXx

The Factionless was gone. The remaining soldiers at the fence were frowning as they carefully picked up the few dead that they had. Thankfully the death count was low and with such a spontaneous attack, it could have been a hell of lot larger.

Eric was sat on the first few steps leading to the top of the fence. His head was in his hands as his arms were leaning on his knees. It could have gone worse... It could have also gone better but if it wasn't for that little Amity lass, it could have gone a hell of a lot worse.

"Why did you focus on that boy?" Eric lifted his head to see Gabriel's hard stare pinned on him. "There was a battle going on around you and you ran straight to that boy. Why?"

Eric shrugged once hoping his friend would drop it. The stare hardened and Eric sighed. "He means a lot to someone who means a lot to me."

"Declan?"

"Yeah." At least by extension...

Gabriel huffed, looking away. Sometimes, Eric felt sorry for the soldier in front of him. Gabriel didn't allow anyone close to him, no one tied him down and gave him a reason to evaluate every decision he makes. Sure, it meant that he was able to walk into dangerous situations without a second thought but it also meant that Gabriel didn't understand what its like to look out for family, how Eric's mind had been taken over by rage fuelled by emotion in the midst of the fight today.

Gabriel didn't understand the lengths that Eric would go to so that his family wouldn't get hurt. But one day, Eric hoped that Gabriel would find someone worth his time so that he finally understands.

xXx

Finally, after months on end, Eric finally got the radio call from Max, calling them home. Apparently there was a raid on one of Erudite's storehouses. Harrison's squads will then be sent to the other barracks around the city as Eric and his squad came home.

"– So I'll expect you all back to the compound early tomorrow." Max said. "The squads will be told their new routes later today and the squads that have been selected to go to Amity will be leaving around five in the morning so be back before then." Eric was smiling so wide that his cheeks had begun to hurt. He couldn't wait to tell his squad! "And before you ask," Max started again. "I don't know which squads Harrison has chosen to go to each of the barracks or which squads will be staying at the compound."

"Okay. That's fine. I was planning to radio Dec after this anyway."

"Okay. See you soon son."

"Wait!" Eric shouted, a thought popping up. "What about the cat?"

Eric heard the older Leader sigh. Eric had told Max about Artemis a few weeks ago. "For now, leave her there. There's gonna be another squad there in the morning and when it's time for them to leave, we'll sort it out then okay?"

"Okay. Later Max."

Eric slumped back into the car seat with a wide grin on his face. He sat there for a minute, thinking of everything that he'd do once he got back to the compound. One of the first things he'd do is find Issy. The thought of her made him brush a knuckle down the thick beard that now covered the lower part of his face. Maybe he'll shave it all off in his apartment before finding her…

He pressed a few buttons and lifted the radio to his face again and waited for Declan to pick up.

"Eric?" Declan's voice sounded strange. "Eric, are you okay?"

The young Leader frowned. "Yeah. What's up? What happened?

"Kayden told us that you were there during the Factionless attack on the fence. I was worried. We didn't get any word whether you made it out okay or not."

"It's okay Dec, I'm fine, the squad are all alive and I have a proposal and news." While the grin came back onto Eric's face, it was a struggle to keep it out of his voice.

"What?"

"We're coming home."

There was a pause; a long one, and Eric had started to think the connection had cut out before Declan started screaming. "OH MY GOD! ERIC!" The Leader pulled the radio away from his face. Happiness filled his brother's voice and no doubly his face too. "You're joking? When?"

"Tomorrow morning." On the other side Dec screeched happily. "But can you tell Issy for me please? I don't want her to punch me again."

"Yeah! Sure! Hey, look, I've gotta go. Max has been on my ass about my paperwork so I guess I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"

"Yeah. Later Dec."

The radio cuts off without another word. Eric smiles to himself as he puts the radio back before climbing out of the truck and headed to the barracks. Again, it was one of those rare moments when everybody was still at the barracks and no one was out patrolling the border. His whole posture seemed different as he walked through the cabin to where all of his squad likes to spend their time. While Eric wouldn't say there's a spring to his step, it was kinda close.

Eric stood in the door of the large sitting room where all of his squad was indeed waiting. Once again, it was another battle to keep the large smile that was threatening to take over his face locked away. Instead, the young Leader stood in the doorway with his body tense, his eyes cold and a frown on his face. He waited for a few moments until he held the attention of everyone in the room and then waited some more, watching as his soldiers began to show their nervousness until one of them cracked.

"What is it?" Brandon asked, surprisingly. "Was Max not happy with our efficiency during the Factionless attack?" Eric simply stayed silent, his face emotionless as he stared at them, but on the inside he was grinning. "ERIC!" He shouted, standing up on his feet. "What is it?!"

Eric slouched against the doorway, trying to look angry as he could. "I was on the radio to Max this morning," There was several intakes of breath. "We've got a new route to do, a longer one."

"We're staying at the barracks for longer." One of the younger boys sighed.

"When we go home, we'll have a few days to look over the new route before we start it." Eric waited in to doorway as some of them sighed, not really registering his words. It was a few moments of grumbling and complaining until, hilariously, they all froze simultaneously, staring at Eric with wide eyes. He grins then, watching as several emotions flicker across his soldiers' faces.

Brandon, who was still standing, stared at him in shock before he pointed towards Eric. "FUCK YOU AND YOUR FAÇADE!" And proceeded to storm out of the room, leaving the rest of them to babble happily about home.

xXx

It was one o'clock in the morning but none of them seemed to give a shit. They were going home. The night before had been chaotic, many of the soldiers had been running around the barracks trying to find their belongings while other had been forced to ask others to pack for them as they went on their night shifts not long after Eric's announcement.

Eric had managed to quickly pack all his things and throw his bag into his truck. While the havoc continued to flow around him, the young Leader was stuck in the office with all the information packs in front of him. On each one, Eric wrote the same small paragraphs and by the last pack, his hand was cramping up. Remmy wasn't the slightest bit happy with having to leave Artemis, but after Eric reassured him that Max would probably let him come back to pick the kitten up after Harrison's squadrons had been here, the lad seemed to lighten up.

Now, with all their bags in their unit's truck, they all did one final sweep before leaving. Eric had planned with his commanders that it would be better if they left with a few hours between them and so, the last truck should arrive at the compound when the Harrison's squadrons are leaving for Amity. Finnick's unit left the barracks around 01:30, driving quickly to keep to the schedule that they were currently behind with… Finnick radioed them when they were nearing the garage and then Brandon left with his unit. An hour went before Gabriel set of home, leaving Eric and his unit at Amity. That last hour of waiting seemed to take forever. They were all ready in the truck waiting. The key was in the ignition and Axel's hand was hovering over the keys. Everyone in the truck seemed to watch to minutes go by and as soon as the clock struck four a.m., Axel started the engine and they were off.

xXx

It was just ten to five when they rolled into the garage. The other trucks belonging to his squad were already parked up and the soldiers gone home. Home. Eric had missed it so much. The first thing he'd done depending on how quickly they packed everything away was to shave his beard off. If they took too long, Eric was pretty sure, he'll just say fuck it and find Issy anyway. He climbed out of the truck and slammed the door shut. He breathed in the familiar smells of the garage and sighed, looking around him and taking it all in.

Until Eric froze.

He couldn't breathe.

His heart was hammering in his chest.

He could see her eyes, those beautiful golden eyes shining out of her helmet as she stared at him. The trucks in front of her began to roll out of the garage and that's when realisation struck him.

Her squad was leaving the compound. They were going to a barracks for however long. Issy was leaving him before he even had a chance to make it up to her.

Eric said her name, distress filling his entire being.

Her bike began to follow the trucks in front of her.

Eric said her name again; it came out as a whimper.

She left the garage in pursuit of the trucks that left minutes before her.

A tear slipped down his face before more followed the first.

He took a step forward;

And fell to his knees.