Disclaimer: I don't own Divergent.

Tobias's eyes are still heavy with sleep when he wakes up the next morning. He blinks them a few times, and his senses are instantly filled with a whole load of Tris. She's lying next to him, her chest rising and falling with her sleeping breaths, her golden hair spread around her head like a halo. Her lemony scent is everywhere, and he knows now that he will never have the willpower to wash his sheets after this.

She stirs a little, groaning a little as she shifts in the bed. Tobias takes it as a sign that she's close to waking up, so he presses a gentle kiss to her temple. After their intimate moment yesterday, talking about Tris's impending future, and then Tobias showing her his tattoos… they had pizza with Zeke and Shauna and watched some TV.

Before they both knew it, it was late. Tobias didn't offer Tris a ride home, because he didn't want her to leave, and Tris didn't say anything either. Instead, she followed him back to his room and they both lied down in bed together, talking about nothing for however long, until they both drifted off. It was honestly the perfect way to fall asleep.

To be honest, Tobias is amazed that she's still here. After everything that happened between them on New Years, and then how vulnerable he's been with her, he's expected her to run off by now. He wouldn't be surprised if she does soon, honestly. A part of him knows he needs to get over this insecurity about being unlovable, about being damaged, because Tris has made it more than clear that she doesn't see him that way. Obviously it's going to be hard to rid his brain of those thoughts, but he's trying.

Tris moves a little more in his arms, so he decides to be daring and press another kiss to her cheek. He notices her lips shift into a small smile as her eyes slowly blink open, her grey blue orbs meeting his midnight ones.

They stare at each other for a few moments before she whispers, "Hi."

"Hi," he returns.

Without warning, she crashes her lips to his. He sits there in momentary shock at her forwardness, before his brain catches up to himself and he reciprocates the kiss. God, it really is heaven. She pulls her body as close as humanly possible to his, her arms wrapping around the back of his neck. The kiss is full of passion and want, as her tongue slithers into his mouth and strokes his own.

Tobias could do this forever. He brushes a lock of hair behind her ear, and shivers slightly as her hands snake up his back from underneath his shirt. She removes her lips from his and begins kissing down his neck, sucking slightly, and definitely leaving a mark. He moans slightly, and then his face heats up in embarrassment as he realizes what he just did. Hopefully she didn't hear that… God, she's amazing at this.

What got into Tris, he has no idea. He really can't complain, though, especially as she climbs slightly on top of him, grinning down at him now. She's breathless as she pants lightly and cups his face with her right hand.

"You're uh… really good at that," Tobias tells her with a nervous laugh. He prays she does not notice his obvious erection, even though it's pretty much pressed flush against her. His thin sleep pants don't do much to hide it.

Tris giggles, a rosy blush tinting her cheeks. "So are you."

Then a thought occurs to Tobias. He's not sure if he should voice it out loud… but what the hell? They've always been pretty honest with one another, he should just… say it.

"How-many-other-guys-have-you-been-with?" He breathes out.

Tris's eyebrows knit together, "Sorry?"

Tobias sighs, closing his eyes and willing the heat to disappear from his cheeks. He truly is a hopeless cause. Why does this girl have him acting like a 14 year old boy again?

He tries to annunciate his words more carefully, "How many other guys have you been with?"

Tris's eyebrows disappear into her hairline. "Oh…"

"Shit, um… sorry. It's fine… if you don't want to answer that. Sorry. Way too personal. I know." You're a god damned fool, Tobias.

"No… it's okay." Tris rolls off of him. "Um… are you like asking… if I'm a virgin…? Or…?"

"Well, sure…" Tobias, why oh why did you start this conversation?

"Okay, um, I am. A virgin." Tris's cheeks are burning a bright red. Great, now she's embarrassed. Tobias wants to tell her that there's no reason to feel embarrassed over that, but all he is capable of doing is nodding like an idiot.

"As for um… other… things. I haven't really done much. Sorry. You um… probably want someone more experienced than me," she chuckles mirthlessly, shaking her head slightly.

"No! That's not true at all," Tobias tells her, trying to sound as honest as he can. God, he really made her think that. "I just… was curious, you know. We are clearly headed down a more serious path, and I wanted to know if there was anyone I should know about, and your sexual history and… whatnot."

"Well, my sexual history is pretty nonexistent," Tris states, not looking at him and instead picking at the sheets. "I was, um, involved with someone though. You might know him actually."

"Oh?" Whoever he is, he's dead- whoa, where the hell did that come from? Calm down, Tobias.

"Senator Hayes' son, Peter."

Tobias feels a sour taste infiltrate his mouth. He is well aware of Senator Hayes and his family. He's even met them on several occasions. Eaton Enterprises is no stranger to the political world, and Marcus is proud to be a friend of the Hayes'. Tobias, however, feels differently. He doesn't care for Senator Mitchell Hayes whatsoever, finds him arrogant and self serving, as most politicians pretty much are.

And then honestly pities his wife. Mary Hayes is exactly what one would expect of a senator's wife. Frail, blonde, and basically spineless. Through all of Tobias's encounters with her, he has never seen her have an original thought. She's always been the doting wife, ready to stand behind her husband at any given moment.

And their son, Peter, is a demon. Peter is an example of the worst person that growing up in this world could turn someone into. Tobias doesn't think he has an empathetic bone in his body, or any basic respect for anyone besides the few select people he deems worthy. Of all the parties and galas, both in Springfield and Chicago that Tobias has encountered Peter at, he's always been obnoxious, abhorrent, and truly, truly arrogant. He's made racially insensitive jokes, disgusting comments about women, and is overall not a very good person. Tobias has been waiting for the day when evidence or a video of his behavior leaks online. All hell would break loose for the Hayes' family.

So all of this honestly begs the question, what did Tris see in him?

"Um, yeah, I definitely know him," Tobias states, trying to sound neutral. "And how do you?"

"Um, our parents introduced us. We went out a few times. It was alright. Things never went very… um… far between us, though. No matter how much he asked and pressured me."

"He's an asshole," Tobias says plainly.

"I'm well aware of that fact," Tris responds, her eyes trained on the ceiling now. "That's why I ended it pretty quickly."

"Good for you," Tobias murmurs, reaching over tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. "You could do far better."

Tris turns her head towards him, "Oh yeah? Like who?"

Tobias's answer is all said in him pressing his lips to hers. He wants to apologize in case he made Tris uncomfortable with his questions. He didn't mean to bring up the past, or to make her feel bad, but he's honestly glad he knows about Peter now. What an asshole, Tobias should be surprised that he tried to pressure Tris into sex, but he's not. He's often overheard Peter bragging about his sexual conquests. He no doubt wanted to add Tris onto that list.

Tobias would be lying if he said he wasn't glad that Tris never had sex with Peter, though. Not because he has some weird possession over her, or wants her to be pure and untouched or something… but because Peter is an asshole, and Tris's first time should be with someone who really cares about her, and wants to make her feel safe and… loved. Someone like Tobias. He's probably arrogant for thinking that, but it's something he can sort of look forward to in the future… maybe. He wants to show her true affection.

A part of him wishes he had saved himself for a girl like Tris, too, instead of the meaningless hookups that he's engaged in, but now there's no point in dwelling on the past. It's over and done with, and it's time for him to move forward with Tris.

He smiles against her mouth as he pushes his hand underneath her shirt, roaming her back. She's not wearing a bra and he can even tell by the feeling of her erect nipples pressing against his chest.

His hands migrate slowly to the front of her, and he pulls back, looking her straight in the eyes. "Is this okay?" He murmurs.

She nods, "More than okay."

He grins, taking one of her breasts in each hand and squeezing each one gently, his thumbs grazing over the peaks.

"Tobias," she sighs. Her saying his name in that way is probably his favorite thing ever.

He fits his mouth to hers once again, vowing to never take advantage of this girl, and to do his best in making her feel truly appreciated and adored.

"We're never gonna live that down," Tris mutters as she shuts the door of Tobias's apartment behind them. Tobias chuckles when he notices the deep blush tinting Tris's cheeks.

They had been in the middle of a heated moment when Zeke had barged in, looking mildly surprised to see Tris. Tobias yelled at him to get the fuck out, before he and Tris got redressed to have some breakfast. As soon as they emerged in the kitchen, Zeke and Shauna were wearing very smug looks and began teasing them relentlessly. Tobias wasn't too bothered by the whole thing, more mildly irritated, but Tris seems to actually be embarrassed. Great, he hopes she's not too uncomfortable to come over to his place anymore.

"It's okay, Tris," he wraps an arm around her as they step into the elevator together. "That's just what Zeke and Shauna do," he tries to reassure her, "You have no reason to be embarrassed."

Tris looks a little hesitant, but nods. "Okay."

Tobias smiles gently at her as he tucks a lock of hair behind her ear and presses a soft kiss to her forehead. Tris sighs and rests her hands gently on his waist. Tobias tries to focus on the feeling of being here with her, he breathes in and out slowly, inhaling her scent, rather than paying any attention to the tight space of the elevator. He wills the anxiety to lose its hold on him.

Before he knows it, the elevator dings open, and Tris laces her hand through his as they step out and make their way into the chilly outdoors. They never break apart from one another, even when they have to weave through crowds, or make their way around a poorly placed lamppost. Tobias loves it.

"You wanna stop for a quick bite to eat before we head over to the gallery?" Tris asks him.

"Uh, yeah, that'd be great. That cereal at home wasn't super filling."

The Pit is on their way to Tobias's new gallery space, so in a few minutes they find themselves sitting in a booth tucked in the back corner. By the looks of it, Marlene does not seem to be working today, which Tris seems slightly disappointed about.

They order and make small talk. Tobias talks a little bit more about his work with her, and what he's looking forward to. He got in contact with Richard's sister in law, and she gave him lots of good tips and references, and said she would be happy to attend his opening. Tobias was surprised at that, but he agreed, telling her that it would be a pleasure to have her there. After thinking about it for a little more he also extended the invite to Evelyn and Richard themselves, who both accepted.

It's been… unconventional with Evelyn since Christmas. They've called a few times since then, but it's mostly been awkward small talk. Evelyn hasn't been back to Chicago yet, which Tobias can understand, given that Marcus and his spies are everywhere. Richard recently bought an apartment in Chicago that he, Evelyn, and the girls will eventually start staying at over various weekends and breaks that they can find. He would be lying if he said he wasn't excited for that. Everything with Evelyn is… complicated. Forgiving a mother for something like that is going to take a hell of a lot more than just one meal at an IHOP and some somber words exchanged, but at least she's trying now. Something she's never really done before.

Tris sits across from him, looking so radiant in her checked sweater -"It's Stella McCartney" she had told him when he complimented it this morning- and pearl earrings. Her Patek Philippe watch glistens on her wrist as she runs her hand through her blonde hair, a nervous habit of hers that Tobias has picked up on.

He's about to tell her how beautiful she looks when he's interrupted by a voice he prayed he'd never hear again for the rest of his life.

"Tobias Eaton." Nita is now standing right next to their booth, smirking down at him while he gapes like a fish at her. Why the fuck does she keep showing up everywhere? Hasn't she gotten the damned hint that no one wants her around? "What a surprise."

Tobias opens his mouth to say something, anything, but all potential thoughts are cut off by the disgusting memory of Nita pinning him back on his own bed, her tongue worming its way into his mouth while his drunken mind tries to come up with ways to fight her off. And the fact that Tris had to see that… God, he really hates Nita.

"Get the fuck out." He looks up in surprise at Tris, who said the cold words to Nita. He's never heard her speak like that before.

Nita whirls towards Tris, "Excuse me?" She sneers.

Tris stands up from her seat, her tiny hands balled into fists at her side, like she's trying to hold back from punching Nita. "You heard me. Get out. Leave Tobias alone. You've already done enough damage."

Nita crosses her arms haughtily, "Damage? You have no idea what you're talking about. Clearly Tobias hasn't been completely honest with you about what there is between us."

"Yes… taking advantage of someone while they're drunk, coming onto them, pinning them down, ignoring their protests… that's something amazing to have with someone, isn't it?"

Tobias swallows and looks up at Tris in wonder. He doesn't think he's ever seen her so angry. Her cheeks are inflamed, and her chest is heaving up and down. Was she really this upset by what happened? Tobias never meant to make her feel bad when he told her what happened with Nita, but seeing how willing she is to come to defense makes something in his chest swell. He is quite certain that no one has ever cared for him this much.

Nita's eyes widen for a fraction of a second, before she makes her face neutral again. "Oh, honey, you really bought whatever story he told you about New Year's? He was practically begging for me to come onto him…" She gives Tris a patronizing look of pity, that makes Tobias see red.

"That's a lie, Nita."

Tris, thankfully, doesn't look swayed by Nita's statement. She just sighs, "Leave please, Nita."

"I'll do what I want to, thank you."

"Fine," Tris folds her arms and sits back down, turning to Tobias with a sweet smile. "So, how was your day, Tobias?"

Tobias is a little confused as to what she's doing, as Nita is still standing right there, listening in on their conversation, but it doesn't take him long to realize. He represses a smile. "Well, it started off pretty good, since I woke up next to the girl of my dreams this morning. We had a pretty good morning if I do say so myself."

"Is that so? Do tell."

"Well-"

Tobias hears an angry huff, and turns his head to see Nita marching away from the table. Instantly, he and Tris break down into laughter. "Did you see her?" Tris asks through her giggles, "She was just standing there!"

Tobias lets his laughter die down before he looks at Tris sincerely, "Thank you. For that." He hopes the look he gives her conveys how much he appreciates what she did, because he's not incredibly good with his words, and seems to be at a loss for them right now.

Tris's pink lips stretch out into a small smile, her eyes twinkling. "Anytime."

Hopefully, Tobias prays, that is the last they ever see of Nita.

"So what do you think?" Tobias turns back to Tris, his arm extended as he shows off the updates made on the gallery since the last time she's been here.

"It's uh, amazing," Tris tells him, shooting him a genuine smile. Tobias feels relieved that she seems to like the interior design that he's set up so far. There's still no art yet, though he has been in contact with some artists and come this week he's going to be incredibly busy in getting the place looking full. After he gets all the artwork up, he's going to have a photographer come by and take pictures so that he can set up a website for the gallery. He's even going to try to open up the gallery as a renting space for events to make revenue, and he's reaching out to other galleries and people in the business to create more network connections. He's trying to do all of this before opening night, which means that this is probably one of his last free days if he wants to pull it all off. And he does.

It took him this long to admit it to himself, but this is his dream. Doing this has given him more purpose than his entire time at Eaton Enterprises has. He's also looking into philanthropic causes he can get involved in with the gallery. It's all a lot, and he definitely needs more help. Hopefully Tris doesn't mind him being so busy this week, her school does restart too so she will probably be occupied as well. He's sad about both of them having to leave their short period of bliss together, but he knows that things need to get done.

Over their meal at The Pit, Tobias asked her when she's planning on telling Natalie about her college plans. Tris merely shrugged and changed the subject very quickly, which makes Tobias a little worried. Well, who is he to talk? He still hasn't told his father about the gallery, and he intends to keep it under wraps for a while. He supposes both of them are running out the clock, but soon they'll have to take what's coming to them.

"So do you have an opening date in mind?" Tris asks him, sitting down in one of the arm chairs he set up.

"Uh, sometime in spring is what we're thinking."

"This is all wonderful Tobias, I'm so proud of you." Tris tells him, reaching up to squeeze his hand.

Tobias looks down at the object of his affections, marveled by the support and care she seems to have for him. The future is well approaching now, and he doesn't know what to do about how much that thought terrifies him.

I know it's literally been two months, and I am very sorry. But I am back! To be clear I have no intentions of abandoning this story, even if my updates are slower, it's just the ups and downs of life that are preventing me from being punctual. I know this was kind of a filler chapter but trust me big things are coming soon! If you're looking for an estimate on the length of this story it will be about 25 chapters including the epilogue so we still have a ways to go, which is great, because I'm not ready to leave this behind yet.

Let me know your thoughts!

-Kiki