Tris POV

I wake up when Eric and Tobias switch places and Eric moves into the free spot as my buffer to where Peter sleeps on the other end. I would have fallen asleep immediately, but Eric feels cold to the touch and he is still not wearing his pullover. I roll over, find a spot against his chest that works for me and put my arms around him to help spread my body heat. He pulls both emergency blankets around us and then holds me tight. I am slowly starting to feel his body warming against mine and fall asleep when the temperature reaches a cozy degree.

I sleep like a baby and when when I wake up I am surprised to find I am still in the same position. My head on Eric's chest and my arms wrapped around him, our legs entwined. The only thing disturbing my comfort is something pressing against my bladder. I move carefully as to not wake Eric, but the pressure doesn't seem to go away. Slowly I drag my hand down to see what it is. Before I reach it though, Eric's hand grabs my wrist and I stare at him in surprise. There is no smirk or satirical grin on his face. He looks at me through sleepy eyes and I have never seen him this vulnerable before. Tandem snores from behind Eric disturb the silence and I realize that both Tobias and Peter are still asleep. Why is Peter sleeping on his watch, I wonder briefly, but my mind wanders back to Eric and our hands.
I stare into his eyes, neither of us blinking, and slowly drag my hand further down, taking his along. Eric's grip tightens for a moment and them, to my surprise, he lets go. My fingers twitch and something twitches right back from under the very tips of my fingers.
I am on a mission now and my hand moves downwards. My eyes widen in surprise when I suddenly have a hand full of Eric. Literally. My hand is right on top of his erect penis. Oh no, what have I done? I look back up and into his eyes. They are still sleepy and a bit unfocused.
While I am contemplating what to do or say, my hand has a mind of its own and keeps touching him... there. Eric doesn't protest or push me away. His eyes clear, but he does nothing to stop me. Does he want me to touch him? He did offer to help me overcome my intimacy issues...
With that last thought I try to clear my mind and work on instinct alone. Eric's eyes widen when he sees my determination and then just relaxes.
I am outlining his penis through his underpants, a gentle up and down movement with my whole hand. What I did not realize beforehand is that Eric's boxers have a front opening, one that doesn't come with buttons. So, after a few rounds, my fingers accidentally slip inside and I am touching bare skin. Eric bites his lip to suppress any sound and I am stuck holding him. Skin on skin. He feels so soft, yet hard. It is like someone took a steel rod and covered it is the softest, smoothest material available. The contrast is mesmerizing, but before I can do much more than put my fingers all the way around him I hear a loud snort and I can see Peter suddenly sitting upright, looking around a bit panicked as he realizes he fell asleep while on duty. His eyes meet mine, but thankfully Eric's body is blocking the sight of everything but my head from the nose up.
Peter nods in greeting and I nod back, both of us keeping it quiet in order to not wake the others. I slowly retrieve my hand when Peter stands up and walks over to the window where I can see dawn approaching fast.
Eric's hand finds mine and he entwines our fingers, squeezing gently. I take that as a sign that all is good between us.
Slowly I rise from the mattress and crawl to the foot end of the bed, unceremoniously dropping to the floor when my foot gets caught.
Still trying to be quiet I grab my outer clothes and head to the bathroom. On the way back I stop by the truck and track down more provisions.
Peter catches my attention and nods first to the fire and then to the door. I nod my head and walk over to add another log to the fire and check on the clothes. The sleeping bags are dry and I take them down. The clothes we wore yesterday are good to go also, which leaves plenty of space for things we need to wash before we continue our journey.
Suddenly strong arms encircle me and I am pulled back against a hard chest. From the tattoos I know it is Eric and I relax into his embrace. "Maybe next time you want to try and finish what you started," he whispers in my ear and I blush.
"Eric, I..." I start, but he stops me with a light nip to my earlobe. "It's okay, if you want to experiment and explore I am more than willing to be your test subject."
My breath hitches. Is that what I want? What I need? Maybe it is worth a try.
Eric lets go and grabs his pants, but when he pulls them up I can see that the effect I have on him has not worn off yet. Still he manages to pull the zipper closed and hide the bulge I know is there.
Peter returns and Eric leaves, Tobias finally wakes up from the noise and so we begin our day.

I am staying inside, washing and cleaning everything that we brought inside with us and the men go outside and sort through the debris. It is still raining and I just know we will be stuck here for at least another two days.
Mid-morning Tobias asks me to extinguish the fire so he can have a look at the chimney once it's cooled down enough.
It turns out to be doing its job safely and I am relieved to hear we can all sleep through the night if we wish to.
It is late afternoon when Eric comes back in to tell me that the tents have been damaged and need to be repaired while the truck itself has survived with some dents.
We will be staying another full day tomorrow and work towards leaving the day after.
This announcement is followed by more dirty equipment being dragged in and I clean while the guys dry and bring the items back out to stay in the truck.
Dinner time is filled with creating to do lists and assigning tasks for each of us.
We do agree that we will have an early night and then the real challenge begins - who gets to sleep on the bed and who is staying on the pads we used in the tents and sleep on the floor.
"Tris was the one who made the bed useable so she should get a spot on it. I am pulling rank, so you two," Eric looks between Tobias and Peter, "can get cozy on the floor." Peter tries to protest but Eric shuts him up real quick. Eric never asked if I wanted to share the bed with him, but given recent developments he might have assumed it was an obvious choice.
I am first in bed and, while I get comfy with my sleeping bag, the others are still taking turns with the bathroom. I did not realize I fell asleep until I wake from the mattress dipping with Eric's weight. He looks a bit annoyed, I think to myself in my half awake state and I feel proven right when he rolls me to the far side. Before I know what Is going on Eric removed my sleeping bag, has it unzipped and spread out smack bang in the middle of the bed. Wordlessly he takes me in his arms and positions us on top of it, then he is using his so much larger one as a blanket. I feel dwarfed by its sheer size and Eric's large frame pulling me in close just enhances it.
"Is this okay," Eric whispers in my ear. Wow, he actually asked? I am impressed. I nod my head "Yes, thank you!"
"Don't thank me yet, Tris, there might be more out here for you than you bargained for." Eric tries to keep us both grounded.
"What are you doing?" Tobias voice can be heard loud and clear and I look up to see him standing in front of the bed with his arms crossed and his instructor face on.
"Sharing body warmth, do you mind," Eric asks and Tobias turns his eyes from me to Eric.
"Eric, Tris is not one of your random hook ups," Tobias growls and I can sense his protectiveness of me is getting into overdrive.
"Come here," I request and point to the free spot between myself and the wall.
Slowly but surely he makes his way over until he is sprawled alongside me. I am trying to move closer, but Eric still has his arms tightly wrapped around me and he seems unwilling to let go. "Eric," I question softly and he finally moves ... with me and we are now both facing Tobias, my back snug against Eric's chest.
Tobias chuckles and I glare at him. He only raises an eyebrow in silent question and I sigh. "Eric and I have a mutually beneficial agreement," I whisper as to not be overheard by Peter should he come back from the outhouse.
Tobias' eyes widen and he chokes while Eric's chest vibrates with suppressed laughter.
"Oh my god, not like this," I whisper shout and smack Tobias on the chest. "Well, not exactly," I admit. "Eric needs help with his people skills, you can't deny that, and I need someone to help me through the minefield of sexual innuendos and other things people who are not born in Abnegation grow up knowing. You have to admit that I would be the laughing stock of Dauntless if I were a leader who blushes every five seconds. Nobody would take me serious," I explain further and I can see understanding dawn in Tobias' eyes. "So we agreed - together - that I have to get used to people touching me regularly or having to touch others. You know how awkward handshakes are already and as a leader I have more obligations that involve body contact." Tobias nods in acceptance yet there is one lingering suspicion.
"And what are you getting out of all of this," Tobias asks Eric directly.
"Tris and I agreed that our upbringing is playing a big role in how we act and behave in our new faction and I am hoping that her selfless tendencies will help me be a bit more compassionate where it's needed. Tris' intimacy issues are an obstacle she has to overcome in order to finish her training successfully and become a leader. You could consider it selfish that I want to tackle it now so we can progress through the program and not have to worry about it failing her in the end," Eric admits and I shudder slightly at the thought of not becoming a leader because of this. "No, Tris, I could still sign off on you having finished your training, but it would reflect badly on both of us if you were to flinch away or blush all the time." Eric rubs soothingly over my arms and the goosebumps stay for a totally different reason now.
Tobias looks at both of us with wide eyes. "If that works the whole faction will benefit," he stutters out, "but Tris, think hard about what you are about to do. You are curious by nature and you put your whole heart into what you aim for. Are you willing to become emotionally attached to Eric? Are both of you ready to become more if this works the way you think? Because the way I see this, you two will end up in a relationship that was built to last when all is said and done."
What?!
Behind me I can hear Eric inhale deeply before he answers. "That is up to Tris."
"What?!" This time I can't keep my voice down and both Eric and Tobias shush me.
"Four is right, Tris, if you are able to change me and become a less selfish and more compassionate leader, and if I am able to help you with your issues, then we have worked through all the obstacles couples usually face that either make or break them. I am not opposed to that idea - having someone to rely on, someone who knows me in and out and would never betray me."
We are all silent and thinking things through, but Peter comes back and Tobias moves off the bed with a meaningful look at both of us. Shit, what do I want? Eric?! There is curiosity in me about all things sexual. I was more than willing to explore his body once my brain shut off and I let my body take over. But Eric?! True, he has been a good teacher and insightful to boot. He is willing to improve and leave behind the know-it-all Erudite who puts science and logic above compassion and showing kindness. No, that's not true either, he showed enough compassion for my situation and insight in where his skills are lacking. If me helping Eric will prevent another initiate hanging off the railing over the Chasm or being stabbed in the eye then it is worth it. Tobias does not have to be right in his assumption I will be permanently tied to Eric. Why am I trying to fool myself? Am I willing to give this a good try? Yes, what do I have to lose? My heart? Doubtful and if so who says I can't win something worthy in the end?
With that, I have made up my mind.
I turn around so I am facing Eric and thankfully he is letting me. I look him in the eye, nod my head once and then snuggle into the warmth of his chest as his arms envelope me tightly. I am lulled back to sleep by the rhythm of his heartbeat.

…

The next morning I wake up to the sensation of Eric running his fingers up and down my back, right along the spine and it feels really good. I wriggle a bit to get comfortable and feel the same pressure against me as yesterday, but this time I know what it is. Looking up, I see Eric is wide awake and he gives me a lazy smile. He looks so different when his face is relaxed, it makes him look his actual age. While Eric continues with his motions I slowly drag my hand down his chest until I reach the waistband of the sweatpants he is wearing to bed.
Eric's movements stop for a second before they resume when I slip my fingers inside. I am not asking for permission, I know he would have stopped me if he wanted to.
My fingers reach the top of his erection as soon as I pull the elastic from his boxers forward. It is just as smooth and soft as I remember and I slide my hand further down his pants. Eric's breath hitches and he carefully turns his head to check on Tobias and Peter. Both are sound asleep and it is not light outside yet so it must be really early.
My fingertips trace the veins I can feel along the length of his shaft and it feels really nice. It's almost as if I am hypnotizing myself and I forget about where I am, with who and the amount of time I spend with my hand touching Eric's erect penis. I find wetness on the tip and rub my thumb through it, spreading it around and around as more liquid appears. Wow, those sensations are something else.
I never noticed that Eric stopped his ministrations on my back or that his breathing has gotten harsher. What brings me back to reality is Eric's hand grabbing my wrist and gently pulling it out of his pants.
I look up at him, startled by his sudden action, realizing what I just did, I blush furiously and Eric grimaces. Leaning closer to my ear he whispers "I know I asked you to finish what you've started the next time, but not like this. Tris," he takes a deep breath as if he needs to calm himself "we should take a few steps back and do everything the right way. I doubt you know what you are doing..." Eric puts his finger to my lips and shakes his head 'no'. "There is so much you need to learn, especially cause and effect, but we can't do that with Peter and Four right next to us. I will let you explore, but I need to be able to guide you properly or you will learn only half of what you need. YOU need to get used to being touched, this should be our priority, okay?" Eric seems to wait for something and I am not sure I know what it is. When I stay silent he speaks up again. "May I touch you?" It sounds so innocent, yet it's probably anything but. Still I nod my head before whispering "If you think this is a better choice with Peter and Four next to us..." I trail off as the last I needed to say it out.
"I am not going to do anything inappropriate, Tris. I promise," Eric looks sincere and I nod once more.
Eric lifts his hand and runs his fingers over my arm. It is just a harmless way to touch me and I realize what he meant before. Even the smallest contact is strange and unfamiliar to me. Eric is right, step by step and not just jumping to the front of the queue without waiting in line.
I am forcing myself to relax and just enjoy his closeness. And I do until the others wake up. Eric stops his movements, but doesn't let go immediately which I appreciate. It makes it feel less like we are doing something forbidden. Are we? Is his position as my trainer an obstacle to our agreement? No, or Eric would not have suggested it. If anyone is going by the textbook it should be Eric. It's his reputation that will suffer the most and he would never stand for that. With my mind once more at peace with my actions I get up and join the men to get our busy day started.

…

During the day we manage to fix the tents and the pile of dirty equipment and clothes is dwindling. By evening we have just the last of our freshly washed clothes drying on the line over the fire and I am glad to note that the rain finally stopped.
Eric and Tobias agree that this is not necessarily a good thing as we should already have gotten some snow by now. They are glad it's not here yet, but the rain was not any better. The temperature has dropped significantly and we are all taking turns to go inside and warm up by the fireplace.
God, I hope we will get through the rest of our trip unscathed. Eric estimates that we could get everything done in twenty days if we are lucky or we will be stuck until the new year.
I kind of lost track of time but Eric reminded me that we are on day twelve and only covered one hundred and ninety miles.
Our plan for the next day is to pack up, and Tobias and Peter will drop us off by the wall. Eric and I will hike through the forest, taking camping gear with us, and Tobias and Peter will drive around. When they locate the other side of the forest they will hike towards us, marking the wall as they go.
We are splitting up and this leaves me with mixed feelings. I am afraid to leave Tobias with Peter, not because he could come to harm, no, it's more what he will do to Peter if provoked the right way. On the other hand I am looking forward to spending time alone with Eric. He has kept his promise and touched me more and more frequently and even Peter noticed but has yet to comment.
I am first in bed again and Eric gets undressed while Four is gone. I can't help but eye him when he takes more layers off.
"Look at you, Stiff," Peter drawls and I look his way to ask what we he is talking about. "Being stuck with three men certainly took some of your inhibitions away, huh. I am happy to show you more skin than Eric if you are interested." Oh my god, he even wiggles his eyebrows at me suggestively. Shit!

"Thanks, Peter, but I'll pass. I like to look at real men not sixteen year old boys."
Eric winks at me and Peter gets extremely red in the face. His eyes are shooting daggers and he takes a step closer to where I lie. "Gonna fuck your way up the ranks? Never thought a Stiff like you had it in her." Peter never saw Eric coming and I have to say my heartbeat accelerates when I watch the scene unfold.
Eric is towering over Peter, his height and broad shoulders make it easy. "Never ever talk to your superiors like this or you will find yourself stuck on fence duty for the rest of your life." I can hear Eric's words and I am pleased that he did not use violence or the threat of such.
"She is not my superior!" Peter doesn't shut up when he has the chance.
"Tris is a leader in training, a training I am supervising, and I guarantee you she will be a full fledged leader soon. Be that may, even now her position is one of authority and if she asks you to do something, you follow her orders or face the consequences of insubordination. Do you understand me?" Eric narrows his eyes at Peter, who swallows hard. "Do you understand me, Peter," Eric asks once more, his voice just like it was during initiation when it gave me goosebumps of dread. Now it has the opposite effect. My stomach burns and I can feel some moisture in my panties at his show of dominance. The alpha claimed his rightful place, I think when Peter confirms he understood. "Now go take a walk and gather your thoughts," Eric commands and I get up and hand Peter his coat before moving to stand right next to Eric.
"Sorry Tris," Peter mumbles and leaves through the door. As soon as it closes after him I throw myself at Eric.
"You did great! You managed to assert your dominance without causing bodily harm or threatening such. See, I knew you could do it," I gush and jump up to kiss his cheek. Lowering myself back on my feet I inhale deeply. The air is saturated with the smell of Eric, but there is something else there. It's a heavier mix than what I smelled the last two nights and rather intoxicating. My nose is now touching Eric's chest and I once more rise up until I am close to his collarbone.
"Tris," is all I hear before I am pulled up and pushed against a wall with Eric's lips on mine. I open my mouth in surprise and Eric just pushes his tongue in. 'Tobias never did that' is the last rational thought I have before instinct once more takes over and my tongue meets Eric's in a weirdly erotic dance. My previously damp panties are feeling really moist now and I wriggle against him to alleviate some of the sensations before they overwhelm me.
Eric moans when I rub over the bulge denting his pants and I follow suit because THIS is what I needed. Eric moves his hands under my bottom and lifts me up against him, my legs trapping him to me.
Oh yes, he is pushing his pelvis forward hard and I can't stop my hips from swiveling and moving in agonizing circles.
There is a goal I am aiming for without knowing what it is. I just know it will bring me relief. Eric pushes harder and his moans come more frequently, as do mine, and I finally feel the orgasm rip through me. Oh, this is what I needed and I realize it was so different than when I tried it myself. I am panting and moaning at the same time, and even with my own release achieved I just know, all of a sudden, what I need to do for Eric. I push my hands up on his shoulders and with the added stability begin to rise up and down, putting pressure in his erection with every inch I am moving. My mouth moves away from his and I whisper in his ear "Come on, Eric, let's finish what we have started. It felt sooo good to orgasm. Trust me," I nip his earlobe and he pushes me harshly into the wall and moves my mouth back to his. It is the weirdest sensation ever to be able to feel him pulse against me and his grunts and groans are the loudest I have heard.
Eric's body stills and his lips on mine soften the kiss from brutal conquering to a more romantic thank you.
Slowly he lets me slide down his body, never losing eye contact. "Tris, this is not what was meant to happen..."
I shush him. "I know. Thank you for defending me against Peter." I lean up to kiss him again, but before it can take a life of its own a throat clears loudly behind us.
Eric whips around, keeping me protectively behind him.
"Four," he growls, "how long have you been back?"
Oops. I can feel the fire licking on my face and chest but still I push Eric slightly forward so I can step out from behind him. He grabs my hand and squeezes tightly.
Tobias looks really uncomfortable. He is leaning against the front door and he is wearing his sleep clothes from the night before.
"A while," he states and we all grimace. "Look," Tobias rubs his hands over his face, "this is clearly something we all want to forget, so why don't we just pretend it never happened and we are all good?"
"Why didn't you just leave?" Eric asks and I am wondering the same thing.
"Because I did not want to give Peter a chance to find you two like this. I turned my back on you, got changed and then went to lean against the door so he wouldn't be able to open it." Tobias explains and I smile at him in thanks.
"Shit," Eric exclaims and punches the wall.
My hand stops him from repeating the whole scenario.
"Cut it out, Eric, we are two consenting members of Dauntless and we did nothing wrong. You did not force me and I was a willing participant, just like you," I poke him with each of the final words and he slaps my hand away. "Tris," he growls and I just stand up on my tippy toes and kiss him, which luckily shuts him up.
"Fine," the growl is not gone but not directed at me so I will let it slide. "I am going to get changed and then we will talk about this. In detail!"

He is not threatening me anymore and I just smile at him and walk over to the bed, lying down and turning to the wall.

"Go ahead," I shout and hear Tobias snort. Eric is quiet but I do hear the rustling of clothes and then the water running in the sink.
"Goodnight, Tris," Tobias bends down and gives me a kiss on the cheek. This way I am the only one to see him wink and smile. I am glad we are good and he is taking this all better than I would have expected.
The bed dips once more when Eric joins me. He doesn't look at me but his arms pull me back into his chest before he kisses the crown of my head and I snuggle into my comfort spot before falling asleep. I don't even hear Peter return.