Hello! I know this chapter is a bit overdue. Truth be told I've just been feeling a lack of motivation and I've been very overwhelmed with school. I have all the chapters for my fics mapped out, but it didn't really make writing this one any easier. Thank you for the patience, though. I hope this doesn't disappoint.

Streamed Apple Music's "Essential Christmas" playlist while writing this chapter as it's about the holiday season… and even though it's September I'm already getting festive. Though I'm torn between being excited for Halloween or Christmas… I guess both! I can't wait for the fall weather to really start. I used to be a Summer person, but now I really feel like October, November, and December are the 3 best months of the year.

This chapter we go back to Tris's POV! Hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I don't own Divergent.

Tris pushes another barret into her hair and sighs at her reflection in the mirror. Today is the day of the Feeding America Event. They've been working on making it happen for a few weeks now, Tris working even more than the other volunteers. She received Marcus Eaton's letter of recommendation a couple days ago… though she doesn't think she'll be using it now that she knows what an awful human he is.

Nervousness bubbles up in her at the prospect of being interviewed today… but at least she'll have Tobias by her side. They prepped for interview questions last week, and Tobias reassured Tris that she's a natural.

Growing up in high society did have its benefits then, though Tris could not feel like she belongs in a place less than her mother's world. Still, with the interviews looming, she slips into her 'Life is a game' mindset, something that she hasn't done in a while, as life has been treating her quite well lately. But still, she'll need to put on an air of confidence that she doesn't usually have for these interviews. She'll need to be like her mother…

Christmas is just a few days away, and the house is decorated very elegantly with garland and nutcrackers and a gigantic Christmas tree. Tris smiles at the sight of everything and the smell of pine as she makes her way down the stairs. She knows it's all for show, but it still makes her feel festive.

"Caleb, are you ready?" She calls out, shrugging her coat on.

"Yes, one moment!" Caleb responds. A couple seconds later he emerges from the kitchen, grinning at something on his phone.

"What's up?" Tris asks her brother. Their relationship has begun to repair itself… Tris could recognize that she was being insolent and Caleb could recognize that he was being a dick, so they've stopped with their pointless bickering.

"Susan's just been sending me some photos from Mexico…" He shakes his head, the same idiotic smile on his face.

"Can I see?" Tris asks him.

He holds the phone up to her face, and Tris smiles too. It's a selfie Susan took in front of the ocean, the sun is setting behind her and she looks positively ecstatic, beaming like Tris has never seen her before. "She looks beautiful," Tris tells her brother.

"I know, right," he responds while typing something in his phone.

"Are you sure you didn't want to go with them to Mexico?"

"I'm sure," he looks up at Tris sincerely. "The holidays are about family, and I want to spend them here with you and mom and Maria."

Tris smiles, patting her brother's shoulder. Their relationship is definitely dysfunctional, as any brother-sister relationship is, but they undoubtedly love one another. After that, they make their way down the elevator and out of the building, talking about school and what presents they think they're gonna get and how excited they are to graduate. Tris still hasn't told him about Columbia, and she doesn't regret it. There are just some things that he doesn't need to know, especially now that their relationship is getting better.

On the car ride over Caleb asks her if she's nervous about getting interviewed. Tris decided to get into her confident character right then and respond with, "I'm Natalie Prior's daughter, right? I don't get nervous about anything." Caleb seemed to like this response because he grinned at her proudly.

According to today's agenda, the mobile food pantries are already being set up around various locations in Chicago. Caleb's job is to help handout food, so he'll need to find his van and get going. The first thing Tris needs to do is find Tobias, and talk about their game plan.

When they arrive at the hotel, Tris and Caleb bid each other farewell and Tris seeks out Tobias. She finds him and Christina leaning against a table set up in the lobby while sipping their coffee and chatting. When Tris sees him her heart begins to flutter a little bit as she remembers their evening at Tobias's potential art gallery. Oh, how she wanted him to kiss her. It had been an amazing day, she got him to makeup with Zeke and Shauna and then they had a fun time ice skating… to top it all off he showed her something personal about himself and they connected more. How much more intimate could it get? He had looked at her like nothing else mattered, and that's what scared her. Did he know what he was in for? Did he really like her or did he just want someone to warm his bed? Even if he did like her he would be scared off eventually… she didn't want to be temporary. She had thought her father loved her more than anything in the world and then he left her… it would be no different with Tobias.

And then there's Tobias himself… there's still so much more to know about him, and that Nita woman… how was Tris to know if he was still seeing her or not? No, she couldn't let herself get too attached to Tobias even though she already is. She knows that they're more than friends at this point but she doesn't want to let it get into anything deeper… she's too afraid.

She hasn't seen him since their almost kiss a few days ago, they've texted a few times about the event but that's it… she's been enjoying her own company, watching Christmas movies and drinking eggnog, secretly wishing that he was there beside her. She clears her throat and Tobias and Christina look up at her.

Christina beams at her and says some form of hello, but Tris's gaze remains on Tobias. His face breaks out into a small smile and his eyes brighten a fraction as they meet hers. Tris feels like melting to the earth, completely forgetting her plan to be a new, confident Tris today… God, she hates her insecurities… if she didn't have them she could be wrapped up in Tobias's embrace right now, inhaling his gentle scent… he smells like detergent and soft vanilla combined.

"Hey," Tobias says softly. Tris eyes him up and down. He sports his usual thick designer coat, with a cashmere sweater and blue jeans underneath it. Though Tris is certain he could be wearing a sack and he would still look amazing.

Tris fidgets with her own designer coat, that is grey in color, and feels self conscious about the way her awkward and skinny body probably looks in her white collared shirt and thick black jeans. She adjusts her pink scarf around her neck and murmurs a hello back to him, avoiding his eye contact all of a sudden.

"Okay, we need to get a move on so you guys should stop eye fucking each other," Christina says bluntly.

Tris and Tobias's heads snap up toward her, though Tris doesn't dare look at him. Her face is no doubt burning a red shade, she feels like she's been caught in something she wasn't supposed to be doing.

"Christina," Tobias chastises.

Christina raises her hand in mock defense, laughing a little, "What? Don't hate me for pointing out the obvious… anyways, let's go. The first location is by Millennium Park."

Christina leads the way out, Tris and Tobias following behind her side by side. Tris tucks her hands into her pockets and looks down as they walk. "Sorry about…" Tobias starts awkwardly, but Tris waves him off.

"It's fine… let's just focus on doing well today."

He nods, and they all slide into Christina's car. Tris sits in the passenger seat, leaving Tobias awkwardly in the back. They would have been travelling with the actual food vans, but their changing of locations doesn't match up with the van schedule.

Traffic is somewhat heavy this morning, which they planned for, but Tris's nerves grow as time goes on. Something about the roads moving slower makes her more anxious as well. She doesn't want to let her instability show as she and Tobias continue speaking, but he begins to catch on. "Tris, it's all going to be okay… I promise."

"Yeah," she nods quickly. Today isn't even about her… she recognizes how immensely privileged she is in society, she should be able to do this one thing without collapsing in on herself. Think like Natalie, think like Natalie…

"Okay… I have something that might help ease your nerves," Tobias says slowly.

Tris looks back at him in the car, and sees him pull out something that looks like a pen from his coat pocket. It takes her a few seconds to register what it is.

"No," Christina says instantly, looking at him through her rear view mirror.

"Relax, Chris, it's CBD not THC… it's not like we'll be high off our asses it's just something to chill us out. And look at Tris, she needs this."

Tris swallows, she's never done any sort of drug before… but she'd be lying if she said she didn't see the appeal right now. Is this irresponsible of her?

"It's up to you, but no one will even know. I do a couple hits off of it before big meetings sometimes… it helps…" Tobias admits.

"Okay… you first, though," Tris tells him. She watches intently as he holds the pen up to his mouth, pressing on the button. He inhales once, twice, three times, and the car is filled with smoke and an odd scent that Tris has never smelled before. She can't say that it's unpleasant.

Tobias closes his eyes and smiles a little, handing the pen over to Tris. She feels warm at the thought of putting her mouth on something that Tobias's mouth was just on a few seconds ago… so dumb.

"Just sort of… suck," Tobias tells her, smirking.

Tris shakes her head at him as she raises the pen to her lips, pressing down on the same button she saw Tobias use. She inhales once, and has to repress coughs at the substance that fills her lungs. It's not terrible, she's just not used to it. She blows it out gently, her mouth in an O, and looks to Tobias, whose eyes have flitted down to her lips. Oh. She decides to take another hit, this one feels more natural. By the time she's finished, her head has begun to clear, and she can feel relaxation in her limbs. Tobias was right, this does help.

To Tris's surprise, Christina holds her hand out to her, her eyes remaining on the road. At Tris's smirk Christina insists, "I have a really bad headache, okay?"

Tris just shrugs and hands the pen over to Christina who does five hits before tossing it back to Tobias who is smiling proudly. "See, I knew this would help."

Well, the first interview came and went. It was for the Chicago Tribune, so luckily there were no cameras on their faces. The reporter was polite, and Tobias took the reign on most of the questions, allowing Tris to get a feel for the whole experience.

The next location is off of Lake Shore Drive near Randolph street, and CBS Chicago is coming to interview them and get some footage of the whole event. The next two interviews they're doing are on video, though the CBS one is going to be on television, which nerves Tris. Still, the… substances Tobias shared with her and the confident aura she's been trying to exude have helped.

They have some time before they have to head off, so they remain at the first location, helping the team hand out hot meals. Tris and Christina stand side by side, giving out warm bowls of black bean casserole that look delicious to any takers. They've garnered quite a crowd here, and Tris wishes happy holidays to two elderly people who had just approached. Something in her chest swells at how much of an impact this seems to be having, there are really things that she takes for granted in life, and a hot meal is one of them. She makes a mental note to start counting her blessings and to do whatever she can with her wealth to give back.

Her eyes skirt the crowd of people for Tobias, and she spots him chatting up the reporter. Tris feels as if a stone has dropped into her stomach when she sees their easy smiles and the way she's giggling at him. Count your blessings, Tris… count your blessings.

"Oh, she's totally giving him the eyes," Christina says, apparently noticing the same thing that Tris did. Tris doesn't respond, she just pulls out a new tray full of meals from the back of the van.

"Oh, don't be like that, Tris. Anyone in the world can see that he only has eyes for you. He's just being friendly. Look, she's way more into him than he's into her," Christina nods her head over to the pair. The reporter has stepped a bit closer to Tobias, her hand resting flirtily on his shoulder. Tobias, however, steps back and says something to her while nodding his head cordially.

Tris suppresses a smile. She should be insisting to Christina that it wouldn't matter to her whether he is or isn't into this woman… but instead she asks, "Christina, do you know… anyone named Nita?"

Christina furrows her eyebrows and thinks about it for a moment. A couple more people come up to grab food and Tris wishes them well, waiting for Christina's response. "There's a Juanita… and I think she goes by Nita. Her father is a business partner of Marcus Eaton's so she's been at events a few times… I've never had the pleasure, but I get like glamorous model vibes… why?" Christina asks, but then trails off as she looks at Tobias and realization dawns on her face. "He didn't," she says as if she's immensely disappointed in him.

Tris kicks at the ground in response, not looking at Christina.

"Oh, honey, I'm sorry… men will stick it in the easiest spot sometimes, I swear."

"No… well, I know they had some moments before I met Tobias… but I'm not sure where they stand now or if he's seen her since we started… what am I saying? We're not even together," Tris lets out a short laugh, feeling agitated. She wishes she could take another hit off of Tobias's pen right now.

"Look, whatever you and Tobias are… it's not really my business I know, I just like to tease because you both get embarrassed so easily… but still, whatever you guys are, you deserve some honesty from him about her. And, you guys are really good together… it's quite obvious he likes you, Tris, take it from me who is an expert at reading people."

Tris bites her lip, and looks back to Tobias. By now, the reporter is nowhere in sight, and she finds Tobias already staring at her. When they make eye contact he waves, with a small smile. She waves back bashfully, aware that Christina is watching this whole encounter.

"See?" Christina says, "Adorable. You two may even give me and Will a run for our money."

Tris laughs, nudging Christina playfully. She knew deep down what Christina just affirmed; there is something more going on with her and Tobias… for whatever reason he feels just as drawn to her as she does to him. That in itself is terrifying, combined with everything else, all her insecurities and doubts, and she doesn't know whether she wants to break out into a happy dance or run away and hide forever.

"So, I'm here with Tobias Eaton, Marcus Eaton's son, who also happens to be the event coordinator, and Beatrice Prior… who signed onto this project as a volunteer, but has since then became more and more involved," the middle aged reporter introduces them. They arrived to this location, and there were even more people gathered here than at Millennium Park.

The cameras were already set up, doing pans around the event. Tris and Tobias were given minimal time to prepare before being told where to stand. At the introduction statement they both smile and nod politely, and the reporter continues, "So Beatrice, I guess I just want to ask you… what really drew you to become more involved with this project?"

Tris thinks for a quick moment, and decides to give her honest answer. "I really liked the work Tobias was doing… I could tell the instant I started working with him that he was really passionate and driven about helping people. And you can see for yourself," she gestures around, "I knew it was something I wanted to get in on."

She looks at Tobias and they share a small smile as the reporter keeps speaking. "This is a phenomenal thing Mr. Eaton pulled off, I agree… and Miss Prior, you are the daughter of the infamous Natalie Prior," Tris shifts uncomfortably at this, "And you seem to be following in your mother's footsteps with your charitable habits and passion for helping people… I imagine your mother is quite proud. What does she have to say about this?"

"Um…" Tris feels her face flare up with indignation and embarrassment. Why does everything go back to her mother? "You're correct, she is really proud… I'm just excited to follow in her footsteps. She's a huge role model for me," Tris lies through her teeth, but the reporter eats it all up, as if this was the exact answer she wanted.

The rest of the interview goes well, they're asked questions about the logistics of the event, and where around Chicago the food pantries are being set up, as well as how anyone who's watching can sign up for future volunteer events.

"Okay, and I just have one last question for you two," the woman says cordially, and Tris and Tobias nod. "It's no secret, watching you both up here that you guys work very well together. We understand, Tobias, that your father Marcus, and Tris's father, Andrew Prior, were once business partners a long time ago, starting Andrew's multimillion dollar vitamin company together before it was sold. What is it like… sort of following in their footsteps and becoming a partnership of your own… and can we expect to see any more collaborations between the two of you?"

Tris and Tobias both blink dumbly at the reporter. Neither of them want to follow in their father's footsteps, and this lady is seriously exaggerating the extent of their abilities. For more views, no doubt. Tris composes herself first, and tries to come up with a quick response. "I think that that's sort of a definite question that even we don't know the answer to," she lets out her best, airy, Natalie laugh, "We can't predict the future or where we're headed. What our fathers did together is… admirable, and I of course would love the opportunity to work with Tobias again someday. Who knows, though? We're both young and have a lot on our plates."

The reporter seems less than satisfied with this answer, but she nods, and then gives her closing remarks to the camera. After they've said their goodbyes to the news team, Tris and Tobias find Christina and head over to her car. "Thanks for taking the reins on that one," Tobias tells Tris gratefully, "I honestly didn't know how to answer that."

"It was kind of a ridiculous question… but I really do hope we can collaborate in the future," Tris nudges him, and he lets out a low laugh. Yep, I really do.

"And Mr. Eaton, I just have a quick question for you now," the young man says. Their final location is on Lawrence Avenue and they're being interviewed by the Chicago Sun Times. This interview is being taped as well, but thankfully not broadcasted on television this time. It went fairly smooth, the same types of questions asked as the past two and this reporter isn't a flirt like the first young woman, or nosey like the second lady.

Tobias nods and the young man continues, "We've all gotten to sit back and be witness to your success with Eaton Enterprises these past couple of years… it is no secret that your work is admirable especially at such a young age. What are your future plans with the company? Can we see you stepping into a larger role like your father sometime soon and introducing more philanthropic causes to the company?"

Tris presses her lips together at this, she knows very well that Tobias does not want any future plans with the company, but still, she expects him to give some bullshit answer like she did when asked about her mother. What she does not expect, though, is for Tobias to say, "Well, I'm still quite interested in giving back to the community and helping those in need but I don't need to be a part of Eaton Enterprises to do that. This project can continue and flourish very well without my supervision. As for my future, a lot of things are unclear but I am interested in branching out into the art industry."

Tris blinks in surprise. Tobias just… defied his father publicly. If he is concerned at all about this, he doesn't show it, he maintains his easy smile. "And when you say the art industry, what do you mean exactly?"

"A dealer… or a gallerist. I'm still weighing my options, but it's a passion of mine that I've been wanting to pursue for sometime. I'm very grateful for everything that I've learned with Eaton Enterprises, but sometimes it's time to start a new chapter."

The reporter smiles, nodding along. He makes his closing remarks and shakes Tris and Tobias's hand, thanking them for their time. Once he is gone, Tris turns to Tobias with her eyebrows raised. "Wow… I wasn't expecting you to-"

"Say that? Well… I just felt like it was time that I was honest. With everyone, with myself. You know… how I've been trying to not be so closed up anymore?" Tris nods. "I've changed a lot in the past couple of months… and I just know that pursuing this new career is the next step that I'm meant to take. I need to stop being such a coward, and announcing that publicly is a part of it. It also gets my name out there, in case there are people interested in doing business with me. Who knows? Maybe my father will… be supportive…" He shakes his head and laughs at this, as if it amuses him, but then he looks serious again, and takes a step closer to Tris, "I just want to say thank you… all of this… wouldn't have been possible without you. You've helped me see what's important."

Tris shakes her head modestly, "I didn't do anything. You're coming into your own… and you should be really proud of yourself. No matter what your dad or anybody else says."

Tobias smiles down at her, kicking her foot gently with his. "Who knew that the flustered girl I met at the tattoo parlor was so wise?"

Tris laughs at this, opening her mouth for a witty rebuttal, when they both hear their names being called. They look up to see Zeke and Shauna standing a few feet away, waving Christmas bells and wearing the Feeding America shirts that most volunteers handing out food have on.

"You didn't tell me you invited them," Tris says to Tobias.

"They were interested in finding out what I do and getting involved… I asked them if they wanted to see for themselves. Come on, we got food to hand out."

They handed out food for the next 4 hours, wishing everyone happy holidays and ringing the cheerful bells that Zeke and Shauna brought. The pair of them got to meet Christina officially, on better terms than the first time they ran into her, and the group got along pretty well. Though there were a few times that Christina complained about "fifth wheeling". Eventually, the sun came down and the group made their way back to the hotel to get all the materials put away.

Upon arrival, Zeke and Shauna were shocked. "Your dad owns this place?" Shauna demanded.

Tobias nodded, looking down and scratching the back of his head. "Hey, Shauna, I think that Tobias has proved by far that he's not a rich prick. I mean, look at the amazing work he did… seriously, that whole event was so well put together. Good job, man," Zeke clapped Tobias on the shoulder and Tobias smiled gratefully at him.

"Thanks, man… but don't get me wrong, I'm still a rich prick. I'm getting better, though," he gave Tris a smile at these words. She was immensely proud of how Tobias pulled everything off, and proud of all of the volunteers for the work they put in.

She truly feels the Christmas spirit right now, the hotel lobby is decorated appropriately, and some music plays softly. She recognizes it as "A Holly Jolly Christmas" and she begins humming along softly, bobbing her head.

"Hey, how about we go to The Pit? Uri is there because Marlene's working, and I heard that they have really good holiday shakes."

Tobias and Tris agree to this, Tris shooting Caleb a quick text about her plans before exiting the hotel. On their way out, they ran into Christina. They all wished her happy holidays and told her to have a good and safe Christmas.

Before Tris could leave, though, Christina pulls her aside, "My Christmas wish for you is that you and Tobias get caught under some mistletoe."

Tris rolls her eyes, shaking her head. "Happy holidays, Christina," she says once more, walking back to her group.

They walk to The Pit in relative silence. It's really chilly now, but Tris doesn't mind it. She continues humming "Holly Jolly Christmas" even though they're not in the hotel anymore. To her surprise, Tobias begins humming along with her. He has a low, bass voice, and Tris absolutely adores it.

Christmas lights have been put up on the street, and Tris inhales everything in. This is the most festive she's felt in a while and she wants to remember it. Her happiness grows as they enter The Pit. The warmth relieves her, and she takes her hands out of her pockets and rubs them together. The diner is decorated very appropriately, with a large Christmas tree in the back corner. All of the servers wear santa hats, which makes Tris smile.

They find Uriah sitting in the same booth they sat at last time, and Tris slides in next to him, hugging him hello. Tobias slides in next to her, and Zeke and Shauna sit on the other side. A server, who isn't Marlene, comes by to take their order and they all order the holiday shake which apparently has vanilla, candy cane, and peppermint bark. Yum.

Tris and Tobias decide to share a slice of apple pie, and it reminds Tris of the first time they were here and they shared chocolate cake. Compared to now, they were strangers back then. It's crazy how someone can become so important to you so fast.

"Baby It's Cold Outside" is playing softly throughout the restaurant, and Uriah sings along softly. He has a good singing voice, confident and clear, and Tris can't resist joining in with him. Their food gets there, they eat, they laugh, they discuss Christmas plans -Tobias is oddly quiet when this comes up- and they sing along to the familiar Christmas songs that come on. Uriah and Zeke know every word of "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer", much to Tris's amusement. Apparently it was a tradition when the brothers were growing up to give a performance of it with their father. Eventually Marlene gets off her shift and joins them, Tris scoots over so she can sit next to Uriah, and Tobias goes to the other side of the booth so that the groups are even, much to her dismay.

They're just about getting ready to leave, when Tobias's phone rings. As soon as he sees who's calling, his expression darkens and he excuses himself before standing up and heading outside. As he walks away, Tris sees the name "Marcus" on his phone and she swallows nervously. Whatever this is, it can't be good.

She has a perfect view of him through the window, and she watches as he paces back and forth, running his hands through his hair as he speaks with his father on the phone. Tris feels a feeling of ugly hatred rise in her for Marcus, unlike anything she's ever felt before. She understands emotionally absent fathers… but what kind of coward hits their son… makes them feel worthless about themselves? There are so many things that Tris doesn't know about the situation, but she's seen how strong Tobias is despite everything he's been through. She knows he deserves a hell of a lot better than Marcus. She can make out that he's shouting by the way his lips are parted and his face is scrunched up.

The rest of the group is still exchanging playful banter by the time Tobias walks in. "I have to go," he says darkly, not making eye contact with anyone. "I'll see you guys at home," he addresses Zeke and Shauna, and then spins on his heel before anyone has a chance to say anything, not bothering to say goodbye to Tris.

Everyone at the table exchanges worried glances, and Shauna turns to Tris, "Go after him. See if he's okay."

Tris nods, that already being her plan, and she shoots up from her seat, darting out of the restaurant. She sees him waiting at the crosswalk a block down and she jogs to catch up to him. By the time she's by his side she's breathless. "Tobias," She says gently.

The crosswalk gives the signal to go and he continues walking without giving her so much as a glance. Tris feels something in her heart crack, but still, she follows after him.

"What do you want, Tris?" He snaps. This is the cold Tobias… the one she encountered at the tattoo parlor, at the beginning of her birthday party, the one with his guard up.

"Hey, I'm your friend. And I wanted to see if you're alright. Don't fucking talk to me like that."

He closes his eyes and Tris sees a remorseful look take over his face. "I'm… fine. My father just had some opinions on what I said today about my future career." He takes a turn down another corner, and it's only then that Tris realizes where they're headed. The same bar that they went to Zeke and Shauna with weeks ago.

"Tobias, you're not going to get drunk right now."

"So what if I am?"

"What was that speech you gave me about changing a lot, being more honest… this just seems like a step backwards to me."

"Yeah, well that was before I realized that change isn't even possible with my father looming over my head. Nothing is ever possible," he says bitterly, shaking his head.

"What even-"

"I don't want to talk about it, Tris," Tobias says firmly. Not harshly, as he did before, but in a serious manner that lets Tris know she shouldn't press it. Not now. No matter how concerned she is for him, this can wait.

"Okay… well, we don't have to. You're not going in there, though."

"Who's gonna stop me?"

"If you go in there I'll just follow you… and stay by your side the entire night. You don't want to go in there anyways, Tobias. You've been doing so much better… I know I don't exactly understand the extent of everything… and I hope one day you trust me enough to share it. But please, alcohol is never the solution."

Tobias stops on the edge of the sidewalk, and Tris stops next to him. He shoves his hands in his pockets and looks down thoughtfully for what feels like an eternity before he begins speaking again, "You're right… Tris… I'm sorry… for being so shitty just now. You're being a good friend, which I really need… why don't I walk you home and then I'm gonna head to bed early."

Tris shakes her head, "Hey, I said you're not going in there but there's still somewhere else we could go. I want to show you a place… if you're up for it."

Tobias's face brightens a little and he nods, "Okay."

"It's not too far from here."

Tris leads the way, a couple turns and a few blocks East. They arrive at her desired destination and Tobias reads the name aloud, "Erudite coffee and book shop."

"My brother and I used to come here a lot as children, sort of our safe haven. We would read for hours. I know, it's not the place you would expect to find Natalie Prior's children, but it has a lot of sentimental value."

The inside is cozy and warm, with rows of bookshelves and some sitting chairs. On the far left side, there's a cafe with sitting tables and Tris drags Tobias over there. "Hey Tris," Fernando greets. "What can I get you? Your usual?" He asks, eyeing Tobias.

"Actually no… two hot chocolates please… extra marshmallows," Fernando nods, and Tris opens her wallet to pay but he stops her. "It's on us. A Christmas present since you're basically the person who keeps us in business all year."

Tris waves her hand, "It's no trouble. I love this place."

"Still, it's on us… and also a welcome gift for your friend…" he shoots another look at Tobias. "I don't think Tris has ever brought anyone here before," he tells him, and Tris feels her face heat up.

Tobias smiles at this and introduces himself to Fernando. They shake hands and Fernando lets them know that their drinks will be out shortly. Tris likes Fernando, he's a bright guy who works at Erudite to pay his way through university. Tris often enjoys discussing her favorite literature with him, he's a comforting presence.

"So, you're here a lot then?" Tobias asks.

"Pretty much."

"I can see why. It's really nice. Maybe I'll pick up one of those snobby books you keep recommending," he teases, which elicits an eye roll from Tris.

"Thank you for doing this, Tris," he says, his tone switching to a sincere one. "I've… never had a friend like you. It means a lot."

Tris waves him off, looking at the table. Though what she really wants to tell him is that she's never had a friend like him, either. That she's never known anyone like him, period. That she's starting to become afraid of how much she cares for him… but she wants to keep the mood light. "So… what is your favorite book then, if my literature is too "snobby" for you?"

Tobias launches into a 5 minute rant over why he believes "Life of Pi" to be one of the greatest novels ever written, and Tris listens with endearment, enjoying the way his eyes light up and his hands move as he gets so stuck on a point.

Eventually, Fernando comes by with their drinks and he and Tris wish each other happy holidays. Tris and Tobias sip on their hot cocoas, talking about anything and everything. Their most embarrassing school moment (Tobias's are rather eccentric since he was homeschooled), their go-to karaoke song, who is one person (living or dead, fictional or real) who they would choose to have lunch with, odd stories about their parents' rich business partners, they debate Julie Andrews' performance in "Sound of Music" vs. "Mary Poppins" for a good 10 minutes, Tris learns that Tobias loves knife throwing and waterfalls and that he's not one to fall for material objects in this world but he can't resist a nice watch. Tobias learns that Tris loves Ferris wheels (which opens discussion about Tobias's fear of heights), birds, and the one thing that she can't resist in their decadent world is a nice manicure.

They chat like this until closing, and Tobias walks her home, hugging her goodbye and thanking her for the nice evening. As Tris giddily makes her way up to her apartment, she realizes something new; she and Tobias are not their pasts. Sure, their scars represent defining moments in their life, but they're still both ordinary people, with regular interests, fears, and passions. They really don't have to be held down by the weight of the bad things… she can only hope that Tobias has come to the same realization. Count your blessings, Tris.

AHH! That was so fun to write. I'm really, really in the holiday spirit right now. Hope you liked it! Leave a review, they mean so much to me.

-Kiki