Don't get mad, get Eric

by Michaela18

"I could if you wanted me to. Four would most certainly blow a gasket if he knew." "I am not vindictive, I just want out," I admit. "Doesn't mean you can't rub a healthy dose of salt into the wound," Eric smirks. "Don't get mad, get even," I ask, feeling a grin stretch my lips. "Something like that," Eric agrees.

I know I could have broken it up into two chapters but I obviously didn't, so here is one really long OS.

---

Tris POV

"Norman, why do I have an appointment scheduled with my own children?"

Our office manager looks up from his computer screen and grins at me.

"Because they want to talk to you?"

"Yes, I get that much, but why are you the one to slot them in," I ask, feeling a bit miffed.

"No idea," Norman shrugs. "But look, here they are."

Turning around I can see all four of them walk in the door.

Alex, who must have heard my short conversation with Norman, looks a tad sheepish, and when I narrow my eyes he grins.

"Hey, mom," Chris, my second eldest greets me.

"Hi guys," I reply. "Will we talk in my office?"

There are nods all around and I lead the way.

"What's going on," I ask the moment the door closes behind Belle.

"Can't we stop by and say 'hi' to our mother," Ben challenges.

"Not if you make an official appointment. Cut the crap, you know I can sense your bullshit from a mile away," I growl.

"Fine, take a seat. There is something we need to show you," Alex concedes and pulls out a disk.

With growing trepidation I take a seat behind my desk and insert the disk he hands me.

Every single one of my kids is avoiding eye contact and I just know this is going to be a doozy.

…

"He loves you," I state when the video is over.

"Look, it's not that we don't know that he cares about us but we always were more yours than his. Yes, he is our father and yes, he didn't mistreat us but you were the one who showed us all your love, gave us your last name and took us places despite having a demanding job. You stayed with him for us but we are grown-ups now. It's time to be selfish, mom!"

"So you are telling me you are petitioning me to leave your father," I ask, swallowing hard. Fuck, did it really come down to this?

"He hasn't respected you or your position. I sometimes doubt he cares for us any more than he does for you."

"Jesus," I groan.

"Isabelle," my youngest corrects me.

"She is right, mom, we all know it and deep down you know it too."

"Et tu, Brute?"

"Benjamin," he grins at me, and I cringe. The names were concessions I made, I wanted more Dauntless names, Tobias more conservative ones. Isabelle was only called that by Tobias, she was Belle to everyone else. The same with Benjamin, he is known around the faction as Ben. Alexander is Alex and Christopher is Chris.

"It's time to find someone who will keep you happy, someone less selfish, someone who is happy to be by your side, maybe someone who will share his name with you?"

"So not only are you saying I should divorce your father but find a new husband?"

"You can have a boyfriend, or partner, a companion. All we are saying is 'don't stay for our sake, don't look the other way because you don't want to rock our boat'."

"Do you really want to stay after seeing all this?" Belle waves her hand towards the monitor.

"I would lose all self respect if I stayed," I admit.

"We are there for you," Ben assures before giving me a hug.

"We love you and we will guard your apartment," Alex swears.

"We could…"

"I get it, Chris, I do," I promise.

"Do you want us to get aunt Ronnie," Belle asks.

"Would you mind? Dinner at my place tonight?"

"I am working," Alex groans.

"Me too," Ben sighs.

"I'll take care of it. It's not like I make a habit of it," I state and they nod.

Belle slips out to get Ronnie but the boys look at each other, silently communicating.

"Spill it," I order and they groan.

"Here," Alex produces a folder, from where, I have no idea. "We tracked down all the girls we saw and talked to them. He pretends to be single and more than available. His name is not really linked to yours, they only learn the truth after the fact and feel like they needed to hide from the possible wrath of a leader."

"Fuck," I groan once more. "Anything else?"

"He even hid the fact he had children," Ben growls.

"There are more women in the folder than were on the tapes. He has been doing it for years."

"How long?"

"We found one from around the time of my birth," Alex whispers, and I feel myself freeze. "You know what that means, mom?"

"Yes," I nod my head. "I love you all and that will never ever change," I promise.

"Ditto," my boys croon at me just as Belle returns with Ronnie.

"What's going on," Veronica demands to know the moment she sets foot into my office.

"Issues," a deep voice asks from the still open door and I mentally groan about the poor timing.

"No, everything is fine," I assure.

"Mom," Alex shouts loudly.

"It's personal," I amend, and Eric nods but lingers.

"Ask him to come in," Ben urges.

"What," I whisper shout.

"He hates dad, he'll help," Chris agrees while Alex nods. Belle looks like she is mulling something over and Ronnie just looks like she is dying to know what is going on.

"Do it, mom." Belle joins her brothers and looks at me before turning to smile at Eric.

"Come in, one more opinion doesn't hurt," I concede.

Eric is slow to enter my crowded office but finally closes the door behind himself and leans against it.

"Will you fucking tell me what this is all about?"

Seems Veronica is fresh out of patience.

"It seems my husband has been cheating on me for decades," I start, and I can see surprise on Veronica's face but Eric looks like he already knew. "Eric, did you know," I dare ask and his eyes widen almost comically.

"No." He shakes his head for emphasis. "It's just that it doesn't surprise me, given all the facts."

"Given all the facts," Ronnie asks, as flabbergasted as everyone else.

"Yes, he started flirting during Tris' initiation, not forbidden but most certainly not encouraged or advised. He kept his pseudonym, didn't marry her under his real name, all the kids are Priors. Tris is the one who brought the kids around, who took time off work for any and every emergency or occasion. Tris seemed, to an unsuspecting onlooker, to be a single mom while he didn't appear to have any attachments whatsoever," Eric finishes and all my children nod their heads.

"So you all found out and told your mom," Ronnie asks.

"We gathered evidence first," Alex admits.

"Did it take long," Eric asks.

"No," Chris shakes his head. "And he didn't hide it well either, it felt like he didn't care at all who saw him."

While he doesn't show it, I can see the hurt in his eyes. His father's betrayal is a betrayal of them too.

"We want mom to dump him and find someone who treats her right and isn't afraid to show the whole city that she belongs to him," Belle explains, and both Ronnie and Eric nod.

"Is the evidence compromising," Eric asks, looking at me directly.

"Yes," I sigh and motion to my desk. "It's still queued up, go and have a look."

Both Eric and Veronica move behind my desk and watch the compilation while Belle and Ben hold my hands. Chris and Alex are talking quietly in one corner, but I can see them look at Ronnie and Eric from time to time.

"Do you want me to spend the night," Belle asks.

"No, sweetheart. You go home to Zach," I encourage.

"But he's going to come home tonight, mom!" Belle looks like she is tearing up.

"Just like he did every other evening. I can sleep in one of the spare rooms and give him time to pack. He needs to have a new place before he can move out," I remind her.

"I can fast track him," Veronica calls out, and I just realise that they finished watching the clip. "In fact, if you want me to, I can pop down and check if they have anything available for right away," she offers and I don't have to think long about my answer.

"Do it. I want this taken care of before he even has a chance to try and talk me out of it."

"Mom," come four outraged voices from all sides.

"I am not saying I will forgive him and let things slide but I would like to make it abundantly clear to him that it is over," I clarify.

"Want me to come over?"

I look at Eric's earnest face and shake my head. Unfortunately my children seem to disagree.

"Come for dinner, we'll all be there," Alex invites.

"He is not going to start a fight if you are there," Chris wagers.

"He most certainly will if he sees Eric," I argue.

"I'll come too, and so will Max. He might be old but he is still in charge," Veronica assures. "He will not stand for any more disrespect. Divorces get messy all too often and he likes to lend some credibility to the threat of becoming Factionless if things turn ugly. Four fucking his just finished charges and new subordinates is an abuse of power and he is deceitful, just to name the most obvious beside committing adultery. He'll most likely face some charges but that will be determined at a later date."

"Dinner is at seven," I state and everyone except Eric leaves my office.

"Don't you have work to do," I ask when he lingers.

"I think this is a little bit more of a priority, Tris. Take your time to really let it sink in, I'll grab my tablet and work on my reports from your couch."

Eric doesn't wait for me to agree to his plan but walks out and returns not even a minute later with his tablet, a notepad and a folder.

My mind is in upheaval, trying very hard to come to terms with what I learned today. While I was aware our relationship had fizzled out after four children, I did not expect to find out he had been cheating on me since…

Suddenly, clarity sets in and I realise exactly what went down.

"Fucking son of a bitch!"

Eric just glances at me when I almost run behind my desk and open the folder.

There it is, in black and white, the reason my husband went and found himself someone else.

"I gave birth, you fucking asshole," I screech, and then I look for the next date. "I broke my leg!" With every page I recollect yet another important part of my life coinciding with Four looking for a quickie or fuck buddy.

When I am halfway through, I just toss the folder across the desk and open my email program.

"What are you doing, Tris?" Eric sounds concerned but I pay him no mind. "Seriously, Tris, scream and rant but don't work on your computer with that look on your face. Don't get yourself in trouble for that asshole," Eric begs and I finally look at him.

"I am asking Jack for help in getting out of this marriage as fast as possible and I am using his own fucking actions to prove he has been an unfit husband from the very beginning," I hiss.

"Talk to me first," Eric demands and grabs my shoulders, turning me to face him.

"Every single time, at least the first few years, he went and hooked up with someone when I couldn't have sex with him." I move to grab the folder but it is out of my reach and it is Eric that slides it back in front of me. "This one, the oldest the kids found, that was when I gave birth to Alex. This one," I turn the page. "You remember that I broke my leg in a training exercise?" Eric nods. "Seemed taking care of his sick wife and kid was too much work, he went and found himself a mistress. Then this one," I point to the next page, "was me giving birth to Chris. He had reflux and I stayed up most of the nights to keep him healthy and safe. I can name occasions reflecting the timeframe for most of the girls for the first ten years, then it was apparently non-stop," I screech.

"Okay, so you send all this to Jack," Eric agrees. "You write your email and send the video while I scan the documents," he offers.

"Why are you helping me," I finally ask.

"Because we are colleagues and nobody deserves to be treated like that. The fact that I am helping you get rid of Four is just the icing on the cake. I would have taken the cake, no matter what," Eric declares and I can't suppress the smirk.

"You want to eat my cake?"

Eric looks baffled for a moment but then he grins.

"I could if you wanted me to. Four would most certainly blow a gasket if he knew."

"I am not vindictive, I just want out," I admit.

"Doesn't mean you can't rub a healthy dose of salt into the wound," Eric smirks.

"Don't get mad, get even," I ask, feeling a grin stretch my lips.

"Something like that," Eric agrees.

"Four told me I am turning into an older person," I admit quietly.

"Huh?"

"Yeah, I needed elaborating too." I take a deep breath. "I am slowly entering menopause. Yes, it's early but apparently it can take seven to twelve years to be complete and despite only being forty four I found the symptoms increasing and my periods becoming more sporadic." To give Eric credit, he doesn't cringe at anything I say. "So, for my lovely husband this signals me entering the next stage in life. He didn't like the reminder that we are getting older," I huff. "He thinks he is better at keeping young than I am."

This time Eric laughs outright.

"You know that's absolute bullshit, Tris. You have always been involved in your kids' lives, you took them to do all the fun stuff we do around Dauntless. You even took them with you on work related trips. We all saw you not live life through them but enjoy life alongside them. He was the one rarely showing up and now we know why. Okay, that's beside the point. You are not senile, you have many good years ahead of you. So what if your body tells you it is done having kids. I started finding grey hair by the time I turned thirty. They blend in with my blonde but I honestly don't give a shit because I am still physically fit, work as well as I ever did and am active in the faction. Does that make me an older person?"

"You have grey hair," I gasp, stepping closer to take a look.

"See, nobody notices and if they do they don't comment," Eric boasts while bending down so I can actually see his hair.

I run my fingers through the strands and look closely. There are a few grey hairs here and there but they blend in and nobody would ever see them unless they are looking for them. Eric's hair is really soft and I keep running my fingers through it despite being done with my inspection.

"That feels nice," Eric states quietly and I pause. "Keep going if you want to, Tris."

"I don't have much physical contact these days," I admit.

"Me neither," Eric sighs.

"You never settled down," I muse quietly.

"Never found someone I felt comfortable enough with. Not everyone marries their first partner," Eric wagers.

"And look where that got me," I counter.

"That wasn't on you, Tris. He is the one that sounds like he should have kept looking. Deceiving you into thinking he was the one and keeping up his duplicity for so long. That's all on him," Eric states heatedly. "He could have set you free a long time ago but he strung you along and made you feel like there are no more options now."

"You offered yourself up as a practical joke," I remind him.

"It wasn't a practical joke I offered. You know, company would be nice, especially if it's from someone who understands me and the life I live. Leadership is demanding and I am more or less married to my job."

"You do have partners though," I remind him.

"Tell me the last time you saw me with someone," Eric challenges and I try very hard to come up with a more recent occurrence. "See, things can be deceiving. While I had the occasional sexual encounter, I haven't had a girlfriend in a long time. Things get lonely and I go look for someone, but to events it's either going solo or bringing a friend or two."

"I can't remember the last time I didn't have a self induced orgasm," I whisper.

"But you still masturbate, there is a difference in having to do it yourself versus not feeling the urge at all."

"You are right," I agree wholeheartedly. "Shit, why did I not realise that myself?"

"Blinders," Eric asks.

"Habit," I snort and he shakes his head.

"Wanna rub some salt into someone's wound and maybe not have to do all the work yourself?"

"Premeditated sex," I ask, feeling weird asking such a thing.

"Hook ups can be just like that. You know, friends with benefits. See when you both have time, meet up and have sex," Eric explains, and I nod in understanding.

"It still feels weird thinking about it with you," I admit.

"It is just a thought, Tris, but now that it is out there I am not going to say I would mind. The idea was more of a companion, someone to spend my sparse free time with. If sex is included in the offer, I sure as hell won't mind, but it is honestly not a deal breaker anymore. If we just use each other to scratch a prolonged itch, fine. I can't say that we will make it a regular thing but wouldn't you want to just lie back and be pleasured for once?"

"What's in it for you if we do that," I challenge.

"Well, I am hoping you will return the favour. Why don't we have dinner and see how things could be…"

I decide to not think about it, I want to feel and I want to live. Digging my fingers into his hair, I move Eric's head until I can press my lips against his. He looks utterly stunned for a moment but then I can feel his lips stretch with a big grin or smirk, and he meets me halfway.

Kissing is like everything else with muscle memory. Slowly but surely my body takes over for my brain and I simply enjoy the sensations until a throat clears loudly.

"You may want to wait with the rebound until you have you husband sorted out. Don't go down to his level," Veronica lectures and both Eric and I jump apart.

"We were just negotiating," Eric argues.

"She is right, first I need to get that email to Jack on the way and inform Four about our changed relationship," I admit. 'I am not lowering myself to his level. If your offer still stands when all is said and done, I am willing to explore some ways we can pour salt over the wounds I am hopefully inflicting."

"I liked the preview and am available for salt pouring and other activities. Now hand over that folder," Eric urges, holding out his hand.

"Why don't you go and see Jack in person. I have a suitable apartment Four can have. It's partially furnished but has all the necessities," Veronica suggests while staring at Eric.

"He is most likely busy…"

"I already called him and he is expecting you," Ronnie interrupts me and I gape at her. "I know you, Tris. Over twenty years of working with you makes me a rather good judge of how you react and act, and this was a no-brainer. Take your videos and whatever else the kids gave you and go. Don't worry about dinner, I will bring food," she promises and waits for me to grab what I need.

…

Eric POV

"What the fuck were you thinking," Ronnie hisses at me the moment the door closes behind Tris. "She just found out her husband has been cheating on her for basically their whole time together. I leave her alone for five seconds and come back to you two kissing!"

"She asked me if I wanted to eat her cake," I smirk.

Veronica splutters for a bit before she narrows her eyes.

"Don't play games with her! Tris is in a rather vulnerable position right now," Ronnie hisses before slapping my chest.

"She told me how he has been messing with her mind. He told her she was turning into an older person just because she is entering menopause early," I growl and Veronica's eyes widen before they narrow.

"What did you tell her?!"

"That I got my first grey hairs when I was barely thirty?"

"You have grey hair?! Stop distracting me, it doesn't matter, well, it might, but we are talking about Tris."

"I told her it doesn't matter, she stayed young by living life alongside her children. Just because her body says she is done having babies doesn't mean she is less of a woman or too old to enjoy life. I gave her a view options and she seems willing to consider them," I explain, leaving a few things out.

Veronica levels me with a scrutinising look.

"There is more to the story. Spill it, Eric!"

"It's personal," I argue.

"More personal than Tris finding out her husband is cheating on her with half the faction by her own children handing her all the proof she needs?"

"We talked about companionship, orgasms and sex," I finally admit.

"And doing something to piss off Four," Veronica asks sweetly.

"Well, all the above would do that," I hedge.

"You are offering yourself up as a rebound?"

"Tris has to make up her mind about what is on the table," I wager.

"Don't play dumb, Eric, it is unbecoming. What do you hope to get out of this," Veronica challenges.

"Best case scenario?"

Ronnie nods slowly.

"A companion." I can see her mull this over.

"And worst case?"

"Make believe make out sessions with Tris to piss off the quadruple asshole."

"What is a middle ground, Eric. How much will you take and how much will you give?"

"As much as she is willing to," I admit.

"You can see yourself spending the rest of your life with Tris?" There is a clear edge to Veronica's voice.

"Having someone who understands the work I am doing and willing to spend time in my company sounds nice."

"What about marriage and the kids?"

"I might be agreeable to an iron clad commitment and I like her kids. She raised them to be great Dauntless and they are no nuisance," I admit.

"You like them, I have seen you with them," Ronnie reminds me. "What if Tris doesn't want sex?"

I splutter for a moment but regain my bearings.

"I can live with masturbating when I feel the urge, the companionship is what I am missing more," I admit.

"Okay, I am not going to stand in your way if you leave it up to Tris. She needs time to get her head straight and work through what her husband did. While a rebound might sound nice, you don't want just that. Tell her what you really want and wait her out."

"I tried to tell her exactly that and she kissed me!"

"Oh, that's how it happened?" Veronica takes a deep breath. "You hurt her and I will help her kids bury you so far out in Amity, nobody will ever find your body."

"No problem with that," I agree. "Now, what else can we do to help her?"

"I will have someone clean the apartment and get dinner sorted. You go track down empty boxes," Ronnie orders.

…

Tris POV

I walk out of Candor in a stupor. Jack was waiting for me when I arrived with two of his lawyers ready to help. They looked through all that I brought and listened to the conclusions I came to. With access to my medial files, a lot of my statements were easy to prove and in the end they all agreed that my case warranted to a dissolution of my marriage without Four's input or agreement. Our children are all of age, no need for sorting out custody, alimony or visitation. The apartment is tied to my job, so it is mine to keep and all we need to do is split our furniture and the few possessions we share. We never joined accounts so there is no splitting of finances either.

When all was said and done I was given three copies of the ruling and well wishes for my future.

For the duration of the train ride home I am thinking about different ways to deliver the news with the least amount of confrontation but nothing really seems ideal. In the end I decide to just wait until he shows his face. In hindsight, he has been gone more and more but I am only connecting all the dots now.

To my surprise I find Max still in his office.

"Ronnie told me," he says instead of a greeting, and I nod.

"I have some papers for you to file as well but I haven't told him yet."

"You can still file them with me and inform him afterwards. Is he at work?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, I can't rely on what I thought were facts anymore," I sigh.

"Do you still want us to come over tonight?"

"Absolutely. While it might be uncomfortable if he shows up, I think I do need the support," I admit.

"It's okay to ask for help and lean on us, Tris. This is something you did not expect and I think it is safe to say none of us saw this coming."

"Eric did," I growl.

"Really?! That's not what I heard," Max challenges.

"He said he was unsurprised given the fact that my husband kept his family ties and life out of the public eye. Eric referred to me as appearing more like a single mom, which is fucking true," I sigh.

"We all understood why he didn't want to reclaim his family name but you are right, in hindsight he played family man when it suited him and enjoyed his fake single life otherwise. I will look into the claims that he might have abused his role as trainer and supervisor but I want the shit storm to brew over first before I do that. Unfortunately initiation is approaching fast and he will most likely still be a trainer by that time."

"I can supervise," I offer. "With Eric," I add quickly, which only gets me a raised eyebrow. "I mean, I can keep an eye on things while Eric deals with Four," I clarify.

"Is that wise?"

"No idea but what else should we do? He might not try anything if his ex-wife is looking around," I wager.

"There is still time, why do we wait and see," Max hedges and I nod slowly. "Now, we are all coming for dinner so maybe get home and relax a little bit. Ronnie has an apartment ready and is making dinner. Eric was in charge of finding some boxes."

"Oh, I forgot about that part," I admit.

"Do you want me to get one of the kids to help you start packing?"

"No, I am moving into one of the spare bedroom until Four is gone. First, I have to break the news to him."

"It shouldn't come as a surprise. All he needs is to become aware of your knowledge and he will know which way the wind blows. Go home, Tris. I'll see you in a little bit."

Eric happens to be dropping some folded boxes by my door when I reach our floor.

"Hey, how did it go?"

"Surprisingly smooth," I admit, still in awe of what Jack and his lawyers did. "I am officially single." I wave the folder with the two remaining copies around. "Max already got his so I just need to inform my ex."

"I can stay with you tonight," Eric offers.

"Thank you, but I don't know if and when he comes home."

"More reason to not be alone."

"You might trigger him," I warn.

"He wouldn't dare, not anymore," Eric wagers.

"Come in," I agree and unlock my door. "I am going to bring a few things into Belle's old room but you can drop those boxes on the bed."

Eric follows me into my bedroom and looks around.

"I know it is spartan, we never needed much growing up and somehow neither of us became very materialistic after transferring."

"No need to explain yourself, I actually like that it is not cluttered. No large make up table with blinding lights, no drawers full of dust catchers. It looks comfortable," Eric admits and I take a look around my room, trying to see it with his eyes.

I pull open my drawer and Eric gently pushes me aside, removing the whole thing and walking out the door.

"Where to," he calls out from the hallway and I hurry to show him Belle's room.

Eric sets the drawer onto the bed and leaves me alone to put everything into Belle's old wardrobe.

We do this a few more times and he doesn't even comment on the content of my underwear drawer.

The kids and Ronnie arrive before I am done and the boys corner Eric to talk about an idea they had while Ronnie and Belle help me.

Max arrives ten minutes later and we all work together to get dinner on the table.

Four arrives when we are just about done and he does a double take when he finds the apartment filled with people.

"I didn't know we had a party tonight," he starts as I get up.

"We didn't plan one, it was a last minute decision. Let's talk the bedroom," I suggest, but I can see his mulish expression just as Alex protests loudly. "Or we can talk here," I concede and watch as he tries to posture in front of me.

Belle gets up and runs past me into my old bedroom. She returns with the folders and hands them to me.

"Mom, may I," Alex asks, coming to stand beside me.

I look around and see everyone is focused on us. This is not how I wanted it to go down but it seems this is it.

"You want to start this off," I ask my eldest.

"It's only fair, mom."

"Alright." I take a small step back and see Four is finally realising that whatever is going on, they all know.

"We know what you have been up to and we told mom," Alex comes out swinging. He hands his father the folder they compiled and Four only needs to look at the first two pages to realise what it is. "We also showed her surveillance. Thanks for letting me test out my new facial recognition program." Wow, I knew Alex could be smug but I never saw him like this.

"I see. So this whole group is here to do what exactly? Intervene, threaten me to stay on the straight and narrow?!"

"No, they are here to make sure I am okay, and I am surprisingly fine. Maybe deep down I already knew," I wager. "Here, this is yours," I state and hand him the folder with our divorce papers.

"You can't be serious," Four gasps, staring down at the documents.

"Does this look like I am joking? We are done, I had lawyers look over what I have and they unanimously decided to grant me a divorce without further delay. The apartment is a perk of my job, Ronnie found you a new one. It is partially furnished and we will split what we have. Take whatever you want but don't touch my personal belongings. There are boxes in the bedroom but you are welcome to stay the night. It is rather late and I didn't know if you would show at all."

"On what grounds did they decide I didn't need to be present for negotiations?"

I notice there is no begging to reconsider, no words of remorse. Nothing.

"Your dalliances were quite good in remembering the time frame they were with you. My medical records and some of the kids' show the correlating incidents that hindered me from giving you one hundred percent of my attention. Every single time you found a new girl to satisfy you while I was left fending for myself. The sheer number of indiscretions would have been enough but then there is the fact that you fucked your just out of initiation charges as well as new trainees to the control room. We are done," I state and he nods.

"Can't remember the last time you put out anyway. You are an old, frigid bitch that will spend the rest of her life alone…"

While everyone advances it is Alex that beats them due to his closeness. One uppercut and Four falls unconscious. Thankfully Alex is also kind enough to catch his father.

"Bedroom," I order, walking ahead to open the door while he drags Four in and onto the bed.

"Maybe we should take all your keepsakes out, mom," Belle suggests and grabs what she knows I deem valuable, handing items off to her brothers to bring into her old room.

With a deep sigh I look around one last time, making sure we didn't miss a thing, before closing the door.

"I am staying," Eric states and his proclamation is echoed by everyone.

"We don't have enough rooms," I argue.

"I'll bunk with you, mom," Belle says, copying my no nonsense voice perfectly.

"You can have my room, Eric, I can sleep on the couch," Ben offers.

"Ah shit, you converted my bedroom," Alex remembers.

"I still have that king bed here. We can share," Chris offers.

"I wanted to keep the door open," Alex admits.

"Had the very same idea," Chris states and they all share a look.

"Desert anyone? Nightcap," I offer.

"What kind," Ben asks, perking up.

"Cake and you all know where I keep alcohol. Help yourself but don't get drunk," I warn.

"Nah, cake is more than enough. Wanna keep my wits," Alex grumbles.

…

There was no need for all my protectors to stay the night. Come morning Four has packed all his boxes and the boys help him move into his brand new apartment.

Eric is my personal escort to work and he doesn't bring up our conversation at all.

After three days of having a shadow I finally confront him when he is bringing me home.

"You know that Four is gone, he hasn't contacted me in any shape or form and he even avoided the kids."

"I feel better making sure you are okay, Tris. The way he was when he found out you knew…"

"He became an asshole and nothing else. I am fine, Eric, you don't need to hover so much. I am not going to break, I am not going to be attacked by an unhinged ex. I am…"

"Hello, Tris."

I swirl around when I hear Tobias' voice behind me.

"Did you forget something," I ask coldly.

"No, I was wondering if we could talk." He rubs his neck and looks at me pleadingly.

"About what?"

"Your birthday."

Okay, I didn't see that one coming.

"What about it?"

"People are asking me left and right what we are doing and I don't know what to say."

"How about that you cheated and I divorced you " I suggest.

"But then…"

"Everyone will find out you were married with kids while playing single? Destroy your chances of seducing any unsuspecting women? Ruining the chance of a new relationship believing you when you say you had to stay longer at work? Not my problem," I point out.

"Listen, you don't have to be such a fucking bitch about it. So what if I went and got my rocks off elsewhere. It is not like you ever initiated sex at all. Abnegation and fucking vanilla all the way…"

"We are done here. Go home and don't approach me with this shit again. I am a leader and I have better things to do with my time," I hiss.

"Want me to stay," Eric offers with a side eye to Tobias.

"Stay away from my wife!"

"Ex-wife, and I am all hers if she wants me," Eric goads, and fuck me if Tobias doesn't fall right into the trap Eric laid.

He swings at Eric, who, of course, dodges him.

"Stop," I roar but predictably the asshole doesn't listen to a word I say.

"She doesn't want you. Who would ever want a sociopath like you? The frigid bitch only wants her babies and gives a shit about her husband's wants and needs. Good luck getting even close to her pants."

Eric keeps dodging his weak attacks while he spews his shit. Max's loud whistle stops him and he cringes when he realises he is caught once more.

"Get lost, Four, before I throw you into a cell for attacking a leader."

Tobias scrambles and both Max and Eric offer to stay with me. I decline both but Eric wishes me a good night and throws an 'I'll pick you up in the morning' my way before rushing into his own apartment and closing the door.

…

That night Veronica knocks on my door.

"We are working a half day tomorrow and there is a party in the Pit. The kids will pick you up for breakfast and this is for you to wear. Don't open it yet," Ronnie orders before turning on her heel.

"Thank you, I love you too," I call after her and she stops to blow me a kiss.

The next morning I get up just a little bit earlier than usual to put on some light make up and do my hair. I am just opening the gift Ronnie gave me when I hear the front door open.

"Just a moment, I need to get dressed," I call out, hoping they will read between the lines and don't barge in here.

"Mom, can I come in," Belle calls out from outside my door.

"I am naked," I warn and there is some groaning going on in the living room while Belle slips in.

"Happy birthday, mom! Nice underwear," she compliments and I look down to check what I am wearing. "No really, it's nice," Belle assures.

"It's one of my nicer sets," I admit.

"Make yourself feel sexy, mom," Belle encourages before nodding towards the gift. "Come on, let me see how it turned out."

"Jesus," I groan when I finally see the t-shirt. "You can't fix stupid but you can divorce it," I ask.

"Oh yes, Max and Eric told us all about dad and we decided to make sure everyone knows what's going on. Here." Belle poses for me and I realise she, too, is wearing a black shirt with writing on it.

"My birth was your excuse to cheat? Belle, you can't wear that," I gasp.

"Is it a lie," my daughter challenges.

"No," I admit.

"I am on your side and he needs to know that. Honestly, mom, what he did is not okay and you need to own the narrative before he can come up with some bullshit. It happens and the way he is now I wouldn't trust him to be civil," Belle warns and I slowly nod.

Belle fusses a bit more with my hair before she deems me ready to go and face the boys.

"Good grief, you too?"

The boys just smirk at me while proudly displaying their shirts.

"Happy Birthday, mom!"

"Thank you. You know this is going to cause trouble," I warn.

"Just wait until you see the other ones," Alex laughs, and I groan.

"How many more are there,' I dare ask.

"Your friends are stating their loyalty and support," Chris explains.

"Ben?"

"Veronica was in charge, I honestly don't know," Ben admits.

Another knock on my door saves them from having to answer more questions.

"You didn't," I gasp when I see Eric standing in front of my door, clad in a black t-shirt of his own. "This sociopath likes the frigid bitch," I read out loud and he turns around. "Four reasons why you can fuck off… He is going to go ballistic," I warn.

"He needs to work out a bit more, yesterday's display made me doubt his ability to teach our initiates," Eric teases and all the kids howl with laughter. "Happy birthday, Tris," Eric states, smiling at me brightly.

"Thanks. Uh, they are taking me to breakfast so I don't need an escort," I whisper.

"We are all taking you to breakfast," Eric corrects and offers me his arm.

We are just down the corridor when Ronnie calls out to me.

"Wait up birthday girl, don't leave us behind."

I stop and try to turn around, a little difficult with my arm being attached to Eric.

"Happy birthday, girl," Ronnie shouts and hugs me. "You look gorgeous."

"Thanks," I stammer when I see her shirt.

'The frigid bitch won't ever be alone, she has me for a best friend'

"Happy birthday, Tris!" Max finally catches up and his own shirt reads 'Adore your wife but fucking respect your leader'.

"Thank you, Max. Is this everyone or are we waiting for other people to join us," I ask with a groan.

"Josh is holding up the fort but he wants you to know that he will be wearing a special shirt as well and to enjoy your day," Veronica relays.

"Cool," I deadpan and we are finally able to head down to the cafeteria.

Some people are giving us odd looks when they notice the shirts but every single one wishes me a 'Happy Birthday'.

"Happy Birthday, Tris!"

Christina, Will, Marlene, Lynn, Uriah, Shauna and Zeke are all waiting for us by an empty table filled with food. There are muffins and even a slice of cake with an unlit candle on top.

"Thank you, guys," I call out before I move to hug them. Each and every one of them is wearing a printed t-shirt. There are new phrases to be found and I am honestly getting worried that this is taking it too far.

'I love vanilla, why couldn't you?'

'Borrowed her pants more than once. Is that close enough for you?'

'You SHOULD fear the cheater'

'How to reduce your fears? Divorce the cheater.'

"You know he'll be pissed," I whisper into Zeke's ear when I hug him in thanks.

"He can be pissed all he wants but it doesn't take away the fact he did you dirty," Zeke explains.

"He'll accuse me of riling everyone up against him, stealing his friends," I warn.

"He made his bed and now he has to lie in it. Shit happens but you've got to own it. Until he does then he can fuck off," Zeke growls and gives me one more hug before handing me over to Shauna.

All throughout the day there is an endless stream of well wishers. Some trying to get some gossip but most respect my silence and move on.

As promised, after only half a day I am dragged down to the Pit and we are having a good time. Glasses are never empty and I am spending more time on the dance floor than sitting down.

I am just dancing with Eric when it happens.

"You fucking bitch!"

It feels like even the DJ turns the music down in order for everyone to listen in.

"It is nobody's fucking business what I do in my free time and now everyone avoids being seen with me. Those girls," Tobias waves somewhere behind himself, "told me to fuck off," he screams and there is dead silence.

"Go home," I advice as calmly as I can.

"I don't have a fucking home anymore. You took my home and you stole my kids. They don't even talk to me anymore," Tobias continues to air his grievances in public.

"You have a new home where you can bring all your girlfriends and mistresses as many times as you please. Our children are adults, I don't speak for them and I don't put words in their mouths. They are smart and capable to make up their own minds, and I do respect their right to make their own choices. Talk to them and not to me about that," I advise.

"They will do whatever they think will make you happy," Tobias accuses.

"That's bullshit and you know it. Anyone who knows your kids knows it," Eric injects and I groan. This is going to turn uglier any second now.

"This sociopath likes the frigid bitch," Tobias reads out loud and I cringe. "You are downgrading to that?! He fucked his fair share of sluts while enjoying the freedom of not tying himself to the first girl he had sex with. You think he is going to play house with you now? A tiger can't change his stripes and the moment he realises your menopause makes you run the other way when you see a dick he is going to…"

Tobias' mad tirade is drowned out by my blood rushing through my body when Eric bends down and kisses me. While the first one started off tentative, this one is pure fire and I move closer and closer until the cheers break through the haze of lust.

"You go, mom!"

"Get a room!"

"Someone's gonna get LAID!"

"Looks like Tris is scoring tonight, Four!"

That last one works like a cold shower and I freeze. Eric's lips nudge mine until he realises that there won't be any more.

"Tris?"

I look at him slightly panicked.

"My kids," I croak but he just shakes his head.

"They are fine, Tris," Eric assures and turns me around so I can see them all smiling at me.

My face heats up and I turn back around to bury my face in Eric's chest, causing more cheers and comments.

"Wanna say goodnight," Eric whisper in my ear, and I blush even more. It doesn't stop me from hugging everyone and thanking them for a great birthday. Every single one of my kids tells me they love me and they want me to be happy.

Eric is waiting for me at the end of the line and we walk side by side back to the leadership floor.

"Eric, I…"

"Don't tell me you didn't want to because I know that's a lie," Eric warns.

"No, I'd be lying to myself if I did. If I ask you to come in… I don't know how far we can take it," I warn.

"Do you want to find out?"

I look at him and nod.

"Yes. Fuck yes, I do."

Eric moves in and kisses me again, pushing us through my opened door and kicking it shut.

Clothes are shedded as we slowly move down the hallway and into my bedroom.

"You are so wet," Eric groans when he probes between my legs.

"I am getting a real dick," I moan, "of course I am excited."

"I might be fast," Eric warns when I rub his dick.

"Long time," I ask in between kisses.

"Uh huh. You?"

I moan when he pushes not one but two fingers into me.

"Since before I even uttered the word 'menopause'. It feels like years," I complain.

"Oh fuck, Tris, stop,' Eric warns and I still. "Shit, that was close. It feels so good to have someone else's hand, but as much as I want to come, I have a long refractory time."

"You can make it up to me," I assure and sink down on my knees.

Eric moans when I take him in my mouth and, just like he said, he comes the moment he hits the back of my throat. I want to make it as good as possible for him and swallow repeatedly until he is done.

"My turn," Eric wheezes and pulls me up. "Just give me a second to catch my breath!"

He helps me lie down on my bed and crawls in between my parted thighs.

"I am going to explore," he announces before his lips attach themselves to the underside of my knee.

"Eric, I want you to bring me to orgasm now! Play later, I am begging you," I cry and he thankfully moves back up. His fingers probe my entrance once more and he slowly slides two fingers back in while attaching his lips to my clit.

"Yes," I hiss when he pushes deeper and deeper. His fingers are so much longer than mine and his reach is fucking awesome. Eric curls his fingers and sucks hard on my clit and I scream his name when I come.

"You are beautiful," Eric whispers into my ear while I am valiantly trying to catch my breath. "So responsive, so eager, and all mine!"

His lips meet mine again and I am getting lost in the sensations until I can feel Eric's fresh erection poke my thigh. I am not sure if he actually realises he is hard again but I readjust to bring him right where I need him.

Eric shouts in surprise when I tilt my hips and his tip parts my flesh.

"Fuck," he groans and stares me down until I nod.

"Go ahead," I encourage and he doesn't need any more than that.

"I'll make it last this time," Eric promises but I am already too caught up in feeling stuffed. He is bigger than Tobias, that's for sure, or maybe I shrunk a bit from using only my fingers?

Doesn't fucking matter, I decide when Eric works himself deeper and deeper.

"You are so tight," he groans when he finally bottoms out.

"Don't make it sound like a bad thing," I groan.

"It's fucking awesome," Eric announces and slowly pulls out.

"No," I whine but he is surging back in with a little more force and I can feel my body bend to get the most out of this experience.

"You are like kryptonite, Tris. I can't… shit, I am…" Eric's hand moves to my chest and he kneads my breast for a moment before moving further down to my clit.

My breathing is becoming ragged while Eric goes silent. His nostrils flare and there are two very prominent veins bulging on his forehead.

"Are you close?"

"Can you fuck me harder," I ask instead if answering him.

Eric rises up and grabs first my left and then my right leg, pushing them up towards his shoulders. The angle change makes him hit me so much deeper and I can feel the edge. It is right there.

"Shit," Eric moans and I can feel him swell. It brings me yet another inch closer but I am still not coming. "I am sorry," Eric grunts and his body freezes, his ass beneath my fingers turning rock solid and then he empties himself inside of me.

Thankfully that was the last push I needed and I let my body take over while I sit back and enjoy my orgasm.

"Did you come," Eric asks anxiously the moment he catches his breath.

"Uh huh," I moan, still trying to get my own breathing under control.

"Thank fuck, I thought that was a no go," Eric groans.

"Is it just me or is it hot in here," I complain.

"We worked up some sweat," Eric concedes.

"I am sorry but I need to cool down," I moan and Eric slowly moves off of me. "Tissues," I hiss when he slips out.

"What?"

"Grab some tissues from the nightstand before I leak all over the bed," I demand and Eric looks stunned. I move my hand down to cup myself and Eric finally computes what is going on. He rips a handful of tissues from the box and shoves the whole wad into my free hand.

"Thanks."

I push the tissues in between my thighs and hold them in place while I get up.

"I'll be right back," I promise and waddle into my en-suite.

I try to be quick when I clean up and then I gingerly peek my head back out to check what Eric is doing.

He is lounging in my bed, naked and utterly glorious.

"Hey, you okay," he asks when he spots me.

"Yes," I answer before quickly sliding down beside him.

Eric lifts his arm and I snuggle in. This feels nice. The air is cooling me down and his body is just right for me to get comfortable against.

I can feel my eyes close and promise myself just a few minutes before I'll get up again. The last thing I know is the feeling of Eric pulling the blanket over us.

I wake up to the sound of a truck's roaring engine and look around, utterly confused until I realise I am in my own bed and it is Eric's snoring that woke me.

Deciding to use the opportunity and head into the bathroom, I take a moment to take stock. While my body is sore, I also feel alive. Gosh, I sound ridiculous but it is true. I feel empowered, I feel vindicated and I feel relaxed. The soreness lets me know that it has been a while but I can still enjoy sex, and that is a big relief.

One last look in the mirror to confirm I wiped off all make up and I head back to bed.

Eric is still snoring at an unbelievable volume and I gently shake his shoulder. While he turns to me, he doesn't stop snoring.

"Eric," I whisper but nothing happens.

"Eric," I try again, a little louder. Still nothing.

Fine.

"Eric," I call out and shake his shoulder once more.

He blinks at me sleepily.

"Tris?"

"You were snoring," I admonish.

"You too," Eric mumbles and closes his eyes again.

"What," I gasp. "No!"

"You do, it's cute. Come on, it's not morning yet," Eric grumbles and pulls me down to lie half on top of him. "Sleep, Tris. We'll talk later…"

Thankfully he doesn't resume his snoring but I am not sure if I can sleep now. Nevertheless I get comfortable and close my eyes, focusing on my breathing and thankfully I am drifting off to sleep.

The blaring alarm is what wakes me next and Eric slaps his hand down before I even manage to lift my arm.

"Too early," he whines and buries his face in my neck.

"It's a work day," I remind him. "We need to get ready."

"Five more minutes," Eric begs and I get up with a sigh. "No, stay!"

"I am going to start coffee and grab a shower. You can stay your five minutes but I actually need this time."

"I don't want to be alone," he huffs and rolls over.

I can't help myself, I am staring at his dick. There is no morning wood but he is not flaccid either. A nice plump cock nestled in some dark curls sprinkled with visible silver.

"I am wrecked, Tris. We can try again tonight but for now I need to recharge," Eric groans and I feel my face heat up.

"I wasn't, I mean, I didn't… shit," I groan and Eric pads over to hug me.

"It's okay, we need to work things out but don't feel awkward while we do that, Tris. Last night as great but please don't expect that every night."

"So you didn't just help me scratch an itch," I ask, trying to choose my words carefully.

"Can we talk over coffee? Where are my boxers?"

I look around and spot them in the open doorway.

"Here," I say, holding them up.

"Thanks."

Eric putting on his underwear reminds me of the fact that I am still stark naked and I quickly grab a fresh t-shirt and panties.

"You mentioned coffee," Eric reminds me when I keep staring at him.

"Yes, come on."

I quickly walk past him and into the kitchen. When the pot brews I get two mugs down and the milk out.

"You take that first coffee black as well," I call out over my shoulder.

"Yes," Eric whispers and runs his nose down the side of my neck.

I shiver and tilt my head to give him better access.

Eric's arm moves around me and grabs the pot, filling both mugs and adding just the right amount of milk to mine.

"Where do you want to sit?"

"Kitchen table," I state and Eric nudges me to go ahead.

He sits down opposite me and I am wondering whether I like him this far away or if I should appreciate the distance.

"You look like you have a lot of things on your mind," Eric starts and I nod in agreement.

"What are we doing here?"

"Testing out if we are compatible," Eric answers calmly.

"Compatible for what," I double down.

"Why did you kiss me. In your office, the day you got divorced," Eric clarifies.

"You propositioned me and I wanted so see if I could do it with you," I admit, immediately understanding what he is getting at. "It works for me but will it work for you?"

"If you can live with a longer recovery time when you feel like sex and accept an 'I am too worn out' when I don't feel up to it then I think we can become companions."

"That word is something I am not sure I can get used to," I warn.

"We don't have to call it that but if we go for a relationship that is not based on sex I think the term is quite accurate. I don't want to be alone all the time, I would like someone to be there when I feel like talking about my day, when I just want some human contact. I also want someone who lives their own life and is not dependent on me," Eric explains his thoughts and I find myself nodding.

"It is a monogamous relationship, right?"

"Of course, Tris, do you honestly think I will turn around and do what the fucker did?" Eric sounds appalled but I needed to double check and I am not sorry.

"Once burned…"

"Don't come with bullshit excuses. You have every right to state what you expect and I agree with you. This is exclusive and if one of us wants out we talk like adults."

"Okay, then I think we are companions." I still cringe at hearing myself use that word but Eric simply nods.

"We have sleepovers?"

"I don't think moving in with each other is an option right now," I wager.

"But I can stay the night or you will stay the night even if we just sleep," Eric double checks.

"Sure, I can do that. The snoring might be an issue but we'll get to that when it becomes a problem."

"You know that you snore as well, right," Eric asks.

"I don't," I protest. Tobias never said a thing but then he wasn't around as much as he should have been.

"I hate to be the one to tell you but you most certainly do. It's not a loud chainsaw sound but it's definitely a, uh, delicate version of it," Eric insists, looking at me carefully.

"Fine," I sigh. "It's getting late, we should get going," I warn and he sighs.

"Dinner?"

"Yes." I smile at him for good measure and offer my lips for a kiss when he gets up before me.

"I am going to grab a shower at home and pick you up in ten?"

"Five, two, eight, seven. Let yourself in," I offer and he smiles at me.

"Ten minutes, Tris." He bends down and steals one more kiss before leaving the kitchen.

I clean the cups and am just leaving the kitchen when Eric calls his goodbyes.

I don't know what I expected the day in the office to be like but Eric doesn't act any differently. Veronica is the one to corner me and push for details that I am reluctant to give.

"I mean, we are just seeing how things go, I can't tell you much more than that," I argue.

"But you did it, right? That kiss looked like foreplay and while I love Max, I have to tell you that I am hoping to live vicariously through you."

"Ronnie, I am forty five now, Eric is forty eight. We are not fucking every second of the day," I shout and she smirks at me.

"But there was some involved, right?"

"There was but I can tell you right now that it won't be a daily occurrence."

"That doesn't really matter. Was it any good?"

"It was but I haven't had a real man in a while…"

"Doesn't matter, either you click or you don't. If you are compatible the first time it won't change by the hundredth time you have sex."

"We are going to be companions," I try to explain.

"That's such an old fashioned word," Ronnie groans.

"I don't like it much either but it is better than calling us boyfriend and girlfriend. We are not teenagers anymore. We are in our forties, what label do you give people who want to be together for company sake and not necessarily for sex," I challenge.

"An old married couple," Ronnie quips, and even I chuckle.

"Okay, the questionable word aside. We are going to have days where we share meals, days where we sleep over and probably days where we just pass each other in the office."

"Doesn't sound much different than my life. Honestly, Tris, I think you are putting too much empathise on labels. Just enjoy having the option for company and live your life to the fullest."

…

Eric walks me home again but doesn't ask if he can come in.

"Are we still sharing dinner," I call after him.

"Sure, your place or mine?"

Oh, he didn't expect me to cook…

"Tris?" Eric is walking back, looking at me strangely. "What is going on in that pretty head of yours?"

"I was just surprised you didn't expect me to cook," I blurt out and he sighs.

"Dinner at my place, comfortable clothes and bring a bag if you want to stay the night. Are you hungry?"

I mull this over for a moment.

"I could eat but I am not starving. Usually I eat dinner a bit later to give others a chance to join," I admit.

"Why don't you come over whenever you feel like it. The code is five three three nine." Eric gives me a quick peck and leaves me standing in front of my door.

He is already in his apartment when I shake off my stupor and walk into my own.

Fuck! Am I already screwing things up with my assumptions? No, Eric knows what he is dealing with, he knows me. I can change but sometimes I take a little longer to shed habits.

I grab a shower and then I stand in front of my underwear drawer, completely at a loss as to what I should put on. He said comfortable but did he mean it?

Well, there is only one way to find out and that is putting on what I want to put on.

Skipping the lace, I go for trusted and comfortable. They still look nice but it is obvious they are well used and not brand new. Regular washing cycle, no delicates here.

I snort at myself and grab some soft pants and a t-shirt.

A quick look in the closet has me filling my gym bag with a few toiletries, my pj and work clothes.

Standing in front of Eric's door, I knock softly before putting in the code.

"Eric," I call out when I enter his living room.

"Kitchen!"

I drop my bag by the door and walk into a cloud of heavenly smells on my trek to the kitchen.

"Something smells good," I compliment.

"Thanks but it is actually just warmed up sauce I made the other day and pasta."

"It doesn't matter if you cooked today or two months ago. It smells great and I don't have to cook myself or head to the cafeteria to eat the same food over and over."

Eric bends down to peck my lips when I lift the lid to check the pot.

"Sit down, it is just about done." He waves his hands to the already set table.

"You spoil me."

"Just as much as I am spoiling myself," Eric assures and moves on to plate the food.

We chat about a few things we missed at the office but we also talk about what we prefer to do in our free time these days. We have a surprisingly high amount in common. We both like to watch movies, read books or just go and meet friends.

"So you like to sleep in on your day off," I change topics when we move to the couch.

"That wholly depends on what my plans are. I can get up at dawn or I can sleep in and just read a book in bed until noon. I am quite flexible," Eric admits. "You?"

"I am working on staying in bed simply for the sake of it but after so many years of being woken at the crack of dawn by kids I am used to getting up when I open my eyes," I admit.

"Hmmm, so if I bring the right incentive you'll stay in bed?"

"Most likely," I hedge.

"Sounds like a worthwhile challenge."

"Am I a challenge to you now," I mock growl.

"Fuck no, the challenge is to help you achieve what you want to achieve."

I can't help myself, I move over and kiss him, hard. Eric's arms come up and he pulls me closer, deepening the kiss.

"Thank you," I whisper when we finally come up for air.

"Any time you feel like that, just go for it," Eric grins and I laugh.

"You are bad," I chastise playfully.

"You seem to like it," Eric counters.

"I do. Thank you for propositioning me," I state honestly.

"It seems to be my pleasure." Eric cringes upon hearing himself. "Fuck, please stop me from sounding this cheesy again."

"All jokes aside. Thank you, Eric. I didn't think it was the right option but I am more than happy to find myself proven so utterly wrong. My companion," I croon and this time Eric cringes.

"Shit, we really need to find a better word," he groans and I laugh, remembering Ronnie's words. "Oooh, I sense a story."

"Not really a story but Veronica pried a bit and I mentioned that I am not the keenest on the word 'companion' but that the terms boyfriend and girlfriend feel like teenagers or early twenties. We are not teenagers anymore. We are in our forties, so I asked her what label do you give people who want to be together for company sake and not necessarily for sex."

"And what did she say," Eric asks when I pause.

"An old married couple,"I reply and Eric freezes.

"Would you want to get married again?"

I take the time to really think about it. While I certainly wondered over the last days, I did not check my feelings.

"Maybe. I have no problem with the institution but in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, 'till death do us part needs to mean something to both parties involved. While it is certainly beneficial to love each other, I think a marriage just means committing to be true to that one person. Four and I, we haven't been in love for a long time. Now that I had the time to think about it, it feels like we slowly drifted apart and then we never worked on becoming closer again. I stayed married to him despite not loving him anymore because I was committed. Unfortunately he wasn't and that was what ended our marriage. The out of love part just helped getting it done quickly and efficiently," I muse. "Does that make any sense to you?"

It is Eric's turn to mull this over and I snuggle into his side while he does. His arm moves around my shoulders and he holds me close.

"I never loved any of the women I was with and that was my excuse to not commit. Thus said, hearing you explain things from your perspective, I have to admit that I see things differently now. If we feel like we work out and want to put a better label than companions to it, I am open to making you my wife."

"Wow," I gasp.

"Yes, I didn't expect that turn of events either," Eric admits. "You thinking about running away?"

"No, the opposite. I'd like to stay the night."

"Did you bring a bag?"

"By the door." I wave my hand to where it sits.

"Are you tired?"

"Uh, no. You?"

"No, I am just checking. I don't sleep early but I prefer to watch movies or read in bed these days."

"Oh… you want to do that now?"

"I think there might be some more we should talk about," Eric wagers.

"Like what?!" I honestly can't think about a topic now.

"Hypothetical things but they could be deal breakers."

"I am all ears because I am pretty sure my one and only deal breaker is cheating."

"Will we move in together?"

"If we get married it would be expected," I hedge.

"Fuck what people expect, Tris. How would we decide where to live, what furniture to use, whose duplicates get thrown out?"

"Are you serious,' I ask, but one look at his face tells me this is no joke. "Eric, I couldn't care less. Yes, I raised my kids in that apartment but even if I move out and lose all my pictures and mementos, I still have my children and my memories. I am not attached enough to my furniture to fight anyone over it. Had Four wanted it all, I would have given it to him and simply asked for a contribution for the replacements. If we move in together, would you expect me to move in here?"

"I made a mountain out of a mole hill, didn't I?

"Something like it," I grin.

"Fresh start in a brand new apartment?"

"I wouldn't mind."

"Me neither," Eric agrees. "But maybe we wait a week or two. No, a week if we want to get it sorted before initiation," he groans.

"There is no deadline," I remind him.

"Any bit of salt in his wound is music to my ears. The way he keeps badmouthing you in front of everyone, I feel absolutely no remorse, sorry, Tris."

"Don't be, I am right there with you but I want to do these things because we want them to happen and not because we agree that my ex would be livid."

"Maybe you will want to move in and marry me by that time," Eric hedges.

"Is that a proposal, Mr Coulter?"

"Would you become Mrs Coulter, Tris?"

Uh, is he proposing right now or is he asking hypothetically?

"If we can sleep in the same bed and not kill each other over the next week," I muse.

Eric stares at me for a moment.

"Deal! Now, movie in bed?"

"What kind do your have in mind."

"I like action but also spy movies, crime, mystery."

"We talked about that already. What are you hoping to watch?"

"I am hoping to watch you pick a movie and lie with me in my bed."

"Eric!"

"Mystery, okay? Geez, Tris."

"See, that wasn't so hard. We can take turns choosing something like a movie. It's not one pushing their wishes onto the other," I lecture but Eric growls and picks me up.

I screech when he walks with me into his bedroom and gently drops me on the bed. He leaves me scrambling up to the headboard and comes back with my bag.

"I am getting ready for bed. Movies are in the drawer right beneath the tv," Eric declares and grabs some clothes from beneath the pillow on the left.

"Which side of the bed," I call after his retreating form.

"Left! You?"

"Right!"

"Good, I expect a movie to be out when I get back."

I take a moment to change into my pj before I dig through his drawer. Plenty of movies to choose from but I stick with mystery.

The movie is already queued up when Eric comes back and I grab my toiletries and head into the bathroom, telling him I won't be long.

"You have glasses," I gasps when I come back out.

"A recent addition," Eric groans while pushing the blanket back so I can crawl in.

"It suits you," I admit. "Kind of…" I bite my tongue but then decide 'fuck it'. "Like a very fit Erudite."

Eric groans.

"Honestly, it makes you look smart and with all your muscles you do look really good. This picture alone would have gotten me interested,' I assure.

"It's a reminder that I am getting older," Eric argues.

"It shows me you take care of your health," I counter.

"Why wouldn't I? I am leading a busy life with a demanding job that requires me to stay fit. I'd be stupid to neglect attending my regular check-ups."

"Yeah, now that I have all the facts I think Four avoided them more because of his sexual history," I muse and Eric pulls me closer.

"Let's not talk about the asshole. While I don't want him to become the elephant in the room, I was hoping for some more personal time for us while we watch the movie. I mean, I don't want you to stop airing your grievances and not talk to me about things that bother you but I feel like we should focus on us right this moment. Shit, I sound like a selfish prick. Why aren't you saying anything," Eric whines and I laugh.

"What do you want me to say," I challenge.

"Anything but silence. You keep quiet and I think I really stuck my foot up my mouth, Tris."

"I will mention things like that when they come to my mind, Eric. I won't be lying in bed next to you and talk your ear off about the cheating husband I had and what happened to my life," I promise. "I think we need to not dance around topics and also not take anything personal. Would you agree?"

"I think my only deal breaker would be you using his name while we are intimate," Eric blurts out and I just gape at him.

"Uh, may I ask how we got to that?"

"My mind is going over all possible scenarios and this was the one that stuck out."

"Okay." I reach up and pull his head down to mine and kiss him. "Movie time!"

Eric starts the movie and we move around each other until I am lying on my side, nestled under his arm. For some reason I keep sniffing him.

"Do I smell?"

"You smell good, Eric," I assure. "I get you and not the detergent, and I really like it," I admit and inhale a bit more.

Eric kisses the crown of my head and returns to watching the movie while I focus more on familiarising myself with him.

"Tris, the movie is over and I would like to use the bathroom," Eric whispers into my ear.

"Then go," I groan.

"You need to let go off me first," he chuckles.

I roll around to face the other way, feeling immediately how cold the sheets are. They are also lacking the smell of Eric and I pout.

I can feel the mattress move when he gets up and hear him pad to the bathroom.

Rolling back, I bury my face in the pillow he was leaning against, but lying on my stomach puts pressure on my bladder.

With a quiet curse I get up to use his guest bath. By the time I am coming back I feel more awake, and when I see Eric grabbing a case for his glasses I protest.

"Leave them on," I beg.

"I can't sleep with the glasses on," Eric deadpans.

"But you can kiss me with them on first and then set them onto the nightstand," I negotiate.

"Aren't you tired, Tris?"

"Not anymore," I groan.

Eric puts his glasses back on and settles into bed.

"May I," I ask, indicating I want to sit on his lap.

Eric scoots up, moving the pillows to cushion his back in this more upright position and grabs my hips, pulling me closer. I crawl up and settle down on him while pressing my lips against his.

"Just for a little bit," I assure. "I am not going to keep you awake much longer," I promise.

"Who needs sleep," Eric teases and pushes his tongue into my mouth.

The more we kiss, the more I am getting turned on. I can feel Eric's erection press against my crotch and his hands have strayed beneath my shirt a long time ago.

"Fuck it," I mumble against his lips and lean back to pull my shirt up.

Eric barely waits before his lips attach themselves to my breast. It's his hands moving up to massage them while I throw my head back and enjoy the attention.

The harder he sucks, the harder I grind against him.

"Fuck, I want you," Eric groans, and I can feel the grin stretch my lips.

"You want me how," I tease.

"I want to strip us bare and have you ride me!"

"Then what are you waiting for," I ask, and Eric makes short work of stripping both of us.

"You are beautiful, Tris. I don't think I have said it often enough last night. Just look at you," he moans, his heated gaze running up and down my body.

"Look at me," I grunt while trying to rise up and settle over his tip. One of Eric's hands moves down to hold himself steady. "Look at yourself. You still have a six pack while I have stretch marks all over."

"Marks of honour, showing the world you bore children. You are fucking toned, Tris," Eric groans, moving his hands up to span my waist and caress the admittedly tight middle while I slowly sink down on him. "Fuck, you are so tight, Tris!"

"No, you just fill me so well. Shit, that sounded corny," I groan while slowly rocking back and forth with Eric supporting my hips.

Slowly but surely I sink down his length and I can feel the slight burn and stretch.

In this position Eric feels bigger and seemingly reaches deeper. It is almost painful but I am relishing the feeling, it makes me feel alive and not left for dead.

"No, it's the fucking truth. Your pussy feels amazing and I love how your walls grip me like they want to hold onto me forever. Now look who sounds corny," Eric grunts when I slide all the way down and we are glued together.

Eric immediately bucks up into me and I fall forward, catching myself on his chest.

I slide down and rub my breasts against the smattering of coarse hair on his chest. Eric cranes his neck and kisses me again.

I can't remember the last time I had sex like this, Four turned into a selfish prick rather fast. He got his rocks off and left me hanging.

Eric moves his hips up and down while I grind against him and it hits all the right spots.

"Just like that," I moan. "Oh god, I am going to come without you even touching my clit," I gasp when the tightness in my pelvis increases. My muscles firm up and my body gets ready for the big O.

"Jesus, I can feel you, Tris. God, baby, I am getting close. Are you almost there?!"

Eric moves his hips with increasing speed and I don't know if it helps or hinders but, just like last time, the pressure of his cock swelling within me presses on more nerve ends, or maybe all the right nerves, and I fall over the edge.

Eric is not there yet and keeps pumping into me, his hands now pushing me down forcefully and I try to help as much as I can while basking in the afterglow.

The veins on Eric's face swell again and the skin turns redder and redder. His lips tighten, his nostrils flare and he looks extremely strained. I can feel his body lock his muscles in place and then Eric starts grunting.

"Yes, fuck, yes!"

His hips stutter and still while his dick jerks inside me.

His ejaculating dick is massaging my walls and I feel my body perk up. He is done before I can really get into it again though and it might be for the best.

"There is a workout I have been neglecting," I groan when I lift up and move beside him. "Jesus, it feels like I won't be able to push my thighs together any time soon."

"Speak for yourself," Eric huffs, rubbing his hip.

"No, honestly, I need to add something to help me not feel like this when I sit on top of you again. It feels like my hips won't allow my legs to move into a straight position," I whine while pushing my thighs together with my hands. "Do you have tissues here?"

"No."

"Okay," I groan and gingerly roll out of bed on my side. I waddle into the bathroom and clean up as best as I can before returning with some toilet paper for Eric.

"What's that for?"

"Just wipe some semen off yourself so you don't have to change the sheets come morning."

"I don't mind washing them," Eric grins. "I don't mind doing laundry," he adds with a cheeky grin.

"You never lived with kids," I huff and he snorts.

"Pubescent boys?"

"Six person household. Clothes, towels, sheets," I list and I don't think Eric gets it. "The washing machine never stopped," I try and I see realisation slip in.

"Good thing it's just the two of us now. Not much laundry," he promises.

"They could move back home," I tease.

"Only in an emergency," Eric concedes.

"You wouldn't mind," I ask in surprise.

"Why would I? Those are your kids, Tris. Just because I am not their father doesn't mean they are not welcome or you are forbidden to do what any parents would."

"Which is?"

"Take care of them when needed."

I kiss Eric again but by now I can feel fatigue set in.

"It's getting late," I hedge.

"No shit," Eric groans with a look at the clock.

"Your glasses," I remind him when he looks ready to fall asleep.

"Fuck…"

I snuggle back into my earlier spot, inhaling Eric's scent while he, too, buries his nose in my hair.

…

"Do you want to go for a run tonight," Eric asks me over breakfast.

"I am meeting Veronica," I state quietly, looking at him with slight trepidation.

"Cool, that means Max has no excuse to not go. Breakfast?"

What? No tantrum about me spending time with other people? No demand I should go and run with him?

"It's Saturday and I always have the kids over," I admit.

"Well, I am heading over to Erudite around noon. Are you free for dinner?"

Okay, so it really is no big deal that I am spending time away from him.

"Girls night out until something comes up that shrinks the group too much."

Eric seems to mull this over.

"Anything on the agenda for Sunday?"

I blush, I can feel it.

"I, uh, have a walk in Abnegation," I hedge.

"You don't have to talk around the proverbial bush, Tris. You are checking in on your parents?"

"Yes," I admit quietly, looking at him from beneath my eyelashes.

"I am having lunch with my mom tomorrow. Started that when my dad died two years ago."

"Oh. Is she okay," I dare ask.

"She is keeping herself busy. She is seventy five," Eric states. "I know I was preaching faction before blood when I was a cocky teenager with too much power but I have grown up since. They are still family, no matter what faction we life in."

"I used to bring the kids," I admit and Eric gapes at me.

"What did Four think about that?"

"He was against it but as he wasn't around I did it anyway. The kids somehow understood, fuck, they had to understand so much from early age on. Like they had mommy's last name while daddy didn't have one at all. Seeing my parents, the only grandparents they knew about, was just one of many things they simply accepted."

"They are a lot like you," Eric reminds me.

"I did not accept the limitations put on me by Abnegation," I remind him.

"You were brave enough to leave but some of their values stuck with you. There is nothing bad about accepting what you can't change. It's a good lesson to have learned, that some things are meant to be questioned but most are just facts of life. Your kids are well balanced in a lot of things, the reason why they all strife. Did you know Josh wants to retire but told Max outright he doesn't want some sixteen year old to take over but he would like Alex to be considered?"

"No," I gasp.

"He wants someone who will do well for Dauntless but is also mature enough to know the responsibility the job brings. Sacrifices need to be made and Alex grew up with you finding the balance."

"Okay, that is a lot to take in," I admit. "And we are also running a bit late."

"Do you want to meet my mom?"

I stop in my tracks and turn around to face Eric.

"That's big step," I warn.

"We are taking big steps, what's one more? If you feel it is too much, I do understand, but I wanted you to know that I want this to work."

Eric looks so serious, I feel like crying.

"Hey, what's wrong?" Eric jumps up and comes to hug me close.

"I never expected you to become so… so… perfect for me," I cry.

"I am absolutely not perfect, Tris. Just look at my track record," he sighs. "Never fell in love, never had a woman live with me, never before considered marriage. I am pushing fifty and find myself in uncharted territory. It could almost be considered embarrassing."

"Bullshit!"

"With you I can be me and I never had that before. No pressure to do what I don't want to do. No requirement to add your social calendar to mine. You don't expect me to be at your beck and call in my free time. This is a first for me, Tris, and I am sorry if I am scaring you with moving too fast."

"You are not," I assure immediately. "I just felt overwhelmed but in a good way. It got me wondering how much I just accepted during my marriage. Hearing you say all these things I realised I expected to hear the opposite, and I was dreading your reaction to me making my own plans and possibly not seeing you until Monday."

"Shh, it's okay, I get it now. Too much, too soon," Eric croons and kisses the crown of my head again.

"No," I shout and jerk my head to look at him. "I am coming with you tomorrow if I can make it in time. Maybe you'd like to see my dad outside of his position on the council," I offer.

"I'd like that. Now come on, I don't want them to accuse us of slacking. We are late!"

…

I spend that evening doing Tai Chi with Ronnie while Eric takes Max on a run.

When they return all sweaty, I am just sitting and gossiping with Veronica, but soon after I am dragging Eric home with me to the teasing and laughter from both Max and Veronica.

Eric loves the attention, and when I sink down on my knees after pushing him into my shower he just throws his head back and enjoys being a man. He reciprocates afterwards when we cuddle on my bed, after I ran over to his place and got him some clothes.

We have a small argument about getting dressed for the night, but when Belle barges into my bedroom when she comes over a bit too early, he realises his error in thinking.

Belle's experience provides a nice warning for her brothers that, contrary to before, they might want to proceed with caution when they come for an unannounced visit and let themselves in.

Eric is easily accepted by them all as the new man in my life and they all tell him so. His mom is a little bit stiff at first but she warms up to me the longer we talk.

My parents are in for a shock when I come with a man that is not my husband. I have always been rather honest with them and explaining what happened is no exception. They take it rather well, blaming some of it on Marcus' bad blood but I assure them that was all on Four. My father and Eric are a little bit tentative around each other but by the time we say our goodbyes they found a common ground that hints at a good relationship in the future.

While I enjoyed my girls' night out, I slipped into Eric's apartment in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. He just rolled over and fell asleep, holding me tight.

We keep this up for a whole week and then I tell Eric that I accept his proposal if it is still valid.

I shouldn't have worried, he was planning on wooing me, even asked the kids for their blessing.

Another trip to Candor, this time with four children in tow, and I walk out a once more married woman. There is a difference though, not only am I now a Coulter, but so are the kids. Their reasoning was that they didn't want to be Priors when I wasn't, but the fact that they all cut ties with their father also played a significant role. Not only did Tobias go around badmouthing me but he said some nasty shit to them. They refused to go into details but they apparently asked Eric about taking his name as well when he came to talk about marrying me. So Eric walked out of Candor not only a married man but officially father to four grown up children.

We kept it quiet while we merged households. Eric stated that my apartment felt homier and so we went through all our furniture and found a way to blend them together. Just like everything else with Eric these days, it was surprisingly easy.

Eric, true gem that he really is, saved the big reveal for initiation. In front of the whole faction he corrected Four and introduced me as his wife. Let's just say that it didn't go down so well and someone, who shall not be named, spent some quality time in jail.

The rest of the faction was surprisingly easy going and didn't seem to think too much of the change. Apparently only Four held on to the belief that Eric was the menace of the faction and everyone else noticed how he changed over the years, became more level headed and a better leader with every year that passed.

…

Life is good until Eric told me to get a checkup because I kept telling him to stop touching my breasts and complained about them on other occasions. With the reminder that breast cancer was still a thing, he personally booked me in for an appointment but let me go on my own.

"Hey, Tris," Marlene greets me when I approach the reception.

"Hey, how are you? Sorry I missed girls' night but they all got sick the same time," I start making my excuses again.

Marlene just waves me off.

"I got stuck working in the end too, not many missed this year's flu."

"Tell me about it," I groan, remembering how suddenly everyone moved back home. Eric fell next and I remained the only one standing.

"You are with me first, Kat is still busy."

I follow Marlene down the corridor and into a room.

"You know the drill, pee, blood pressure, bloods and weight," Marlene states and hands me a cup.

I grumble but dutifully walk into the small bathroom, getting her sample. She sets it aside and gestures for me to step onto the scale before taking my blood pressure.

"All good. Bloods next."

Kat is walking in when Marlene fills the last vial.

"Hey, Tris, how are you? Eric seemed worried when he booked you in," she states, looking up from her folder to smile at me. "How is married life treating you?"

"Good, different experience than before."

"Not so much different," Marlene snorts and comes over to show Kat something.

"Okay," Kat drawls, looking at me with a smirk. "I don't think we need to worry but I am going to check your breasts real quick and then we'll talk."

"Shit," I curse, feeling tears pool in my eyes.

"No, Tris, nothing like that. I don't think it is cancer. Calm down! Marlene, would you mind calling Eric?"

"But you just said…"

"You BOTH need to hear this. Easy, tiger. Come on, put on that lovely gown," Kat grins.

"I hate that gown," I grumble.

"We all do when we are asked to wear it ourselves but lucky me it is just you,"

"Why are you in such a fucking good mood," I hiss.

"Because I am having a good day."

I go behind the screen and change. Why do I have to change if she opens it up anyway and exposes me. Would have been easier just to take my shirt off and be done with it.

Kat is thorough when she checks me and I hiss and wince while she pokes and prods me.

"You said you were entering menopause, Tris?"

"Yes, my period is basically gone and I am hot and then cold. It's most of the textbook descriptions," I state.

"Uh huh, and when was the last time you had a period?"

I try to think about it but I come up with a big question mark.

"I think a bit before my birthday."

"So August," Kat concludes and I nod. "And you and Four stopped having sex when?"

"Two, three years ago," I huff. "Way longer than he could blame my menopause for."

"And you and Eric got together when?"

"My birthday," I groan. "Isn't that common knowledge by now?"

"Just doing my due diligence here. Ah, Eric," Kat greets when the door flies open and Eric rushes in with sheer panic visible on his face.

"Hey," I greet when he rushes me.

"Eric, would you mind letting Tris go for a second? She is fine and I am doubtful she has cancer," Kat assures.

"Then why was I told to come here immediately?!"

"Calm down," I hiss, rubbing his arm to soothe him. "And please don't shout so close to my ear again," I add.

"Why am I here," Eric demands to know.

"Let's sit down for a second and I will explain what I found," Kat states calmly.

I drag Eric with me and push him down onto the chair before sitting on his lap. Kat raises an eyebrow in question.

"The chair is cold and you have me wearing nothing under this gown."

Eric's hands promptly slide beneath the fabric to check for himself.

"You are pregnant."

Eric freezes and so do I.

"Menopause…"

"Takes a while to finish. You are still fertile, your body is getting rid of the last remaining eggs and it does that even when you do not experience a period. Your urine indicates you are pregnant and I am sure your blood is going to say the same once we get the results back. I can prove it to you easier though. Come on," Kat orders, standing up, but Eric and I are still frozen in place. "We can do an ultrasound," Kat offers and I finally regain my senses.

"Eric," I ask gently.

"I didn't expect this," he groans, looking at me with wide, pleading eyes. "I mean, you said you couldn't have any more babies and I just… shit, I should have done some research and protected you. Is it dangerous," he addresses Kat.

"There are some risks to any pregnancy but Tris had four easy ones before and if none of you noticed anything apart from her obviously growing breasts then I don't think there is reason to worry. Tris gained little weight, her blood pressure is great and she is fit as a fiddle. Come on, let's take a look and let it really sink in," Kat urges and Eric ignores her in order to kiss me.

It is not a peck on the lips but one of those kisses that lead to us fucking where we are. Like that time he picked me up and fucked me against the front door. Or that time I bent over the kitchen counter and he did me just before the kids were due for breakfast.

"Yeah, no question as to how that happened," Kat quips and Eric reluctantly pulls back.

"I love you!"

I tear up again but he gently pushes me towards the paper covered examination table.

"Hop on and let's take a look," Kat cheers and rolls the ultrasound machine over. It whirs to life, and with the ever so cold gel she presses down the wand and goes on the search for the holy grail.

"Oh, wow," she gasps and I turn to look at the screen. Eric is already squinting his eyes.

"Did you bring your glasses?"

"No."

"Okay," I drawl when I hear this tone.

"I can change the saturation," Kat promises and fiddles with some button.

"Oh fuck," Eric exclaims when he finally sees what Kat and I already spotted. "That's more than one, right?"

"Congratulations, daddy," Kat cheers and I glare at her.

"Tone it down," I hiss.

"Where is the fun in that? Just look at him, Tris, he is utterly fascinated. Just watch him." She pushes yet another button and the sound of rapidly beating hearts fills the room.

"Are you okay,' I ask Eric when he doesn't turn away from the screen.

"Uh huh," he chokes and looks at me with teary eyes. "Those are my babies, Tris!"

I am just relieved he is taking this so well. We never talked about more than my grown up children, now ours. The option of having our own was not clear at all to either of us, and while I am dreading sleepless nights and dirty diapers for a few more years yet again, I am also excited to share this experience with him.

"Come here," I order and open my arms. "I love you," I whisper in his ear when he is close enough.

His kiss shows me once more how happy he is and only Kat asking if we want to find out the gender do we stop.

"Okay, baby A is… a boy!"

"Yes," Eric cheers.

"And baby B is… come on… Ah, here. Baby B is a girl!"

After that it's just surreal. We are handed a handful of print outs and a sheet with all of my appointments. A bottle of antenatal vitamins and we are waved out the door.

Neither Eric nor I talk on our way home and it isn't until I sit heavily down on the couch, staring at the ultrasound pictures spread out on the coffee table that I speak up again.

"Are you really okay with this,' I ask quietly.

Eric groans long and loud while crouching in front of me.

"Tris," he sighs. "I am more than okay with this, alright. Just because I never stopped to think about having children due to lack of a woman I wanted to settle down with doesn't mean I don't want them. Being with you, seeing your children, becoming their father. I actually felt bad for entering their lives when they were already adults. While I saw them growing up, we never had the connection we share now. This is my chance to experience it all from the very beginning. Sleepless nights full of dirty nappies, hungry babies and whatever comes with them? I may be getting older but I am up for it. I didn't know we had the option, and maybe it is good I didn't know because I would have worried and fretted way too much. This way was perfect, we didn't expect them but they are on their way and I want them. Do you, are you regretting not being more careful?"

"No, god, no," I shout and Eric smiles.

"Then everything will sort itself out and we should just sit back and enjoy what little time we have to ourselves. I want to have a few more nights of sleeping naked before I have to buy more pyjamas and maybe a bathrobe."

"You have one," I remind him with a big grin on my face.

"That was a gag gift and I am not wearing a bathrobe covered with naked breasts in front of my children. Can you imagine how they will turn out?"

"Just as well rounded as the other four," I wager.

"Here's to hoping exactly that will happen," Eric states sagely. "I really hope I can be half as good a dad as you are as a mom."

"Will you stop making me cry," I sob. "You will do great, we will do great. Now, I don't know about you but I would like to take a sick day and get a little head start on, uh, us."

Eric stares at me for a moment before comprehension sets in.

"The way I ran out we might have to tell the others first that you are not on your deathbed." While he tries to look chagrined, I can see the barely held back smirk.

"Why don't you take care of that while I go and feed your children," I suggest and get up before he can hold me back.

"You are mean," Eric calls after me.

"Fair is fair, I am looking after three people!"

…

Veronica and Max stop by and check on me the moment they can leave the office. Eric greeting them in his bathrobe takes some of the anxiety away but when Ronnie spots the ultrasound pictures I forgot to take off the coffee table, all hell breaks lose.

Max congratulates us minutes before Ronnie is able to string a coherent sentence.

They stay for a while, talking logistics and changes we need to implement before they finally head home for dinner.

Over ours Eric and I talk about how we can breach the news to the kids.

We decide to hold our tongues until we can get everyone together for our traditional Saturday morning breakfast.

We do celebrate the news in style afterwards and Eric gets his first lesson in all things pregnancy. Don't try to withhold sex because you are afraid to poke or otherwise hurt the babies. Lesson number two follows shortly after. While it is cute to watch your man talk to his children in utero, when you tell him you need to pee he better not be telling you he needs another minute.

The three days until Saturday are more than hard for Eric. He seems to want to wrap me in cotton wool and only the fact that we will tell everyone after we tell our kids stops him from creating scenes.

We have another lovely chat about his memory of my previous pregnancies but Eric swears it is his baser instincts that make him go into overprotective mode. His rational side knows I am right but he acknowledges that he can't help himself right now.

Finally Saturday dawns and Eric gets up at the crack of dawn in order to mentally prepare himself.

He shouldn't have worried but he needed to see proof first.

"I am pregnant," I state while passing the bread.

"Huh," Ben grunts from beside me, blinking at me with owlish eyes.

"Eric, pass Ben a cup of coffee, please," I ask my frightened looking husband. "I said that I was pregnant, Ben," I repeat myself.

"For real," Alex asks.

"Yes."

"But didn't you say that you…"

"Yes, Chris, your mom was not diligent and aware of all the facts," I explain preemptively.

"So you can still have babies while in menopause," Belle marvels.

"Apparently the body is getting rid of all the left over eggs and doesn't need a period to indicate your fertility cycles," I tell her and the boys groan.

"Too many details, mom."

"You will want to know those things and maybe remember them later," I growl.

"Yes, ma'am," they chorus.

"Good job, Eric," Alex states sarcastically.

"Excuse me, Alexander, would you like to take a moment and explain that to me," I ask sweetly and his siblings cringe while Alex doubles down.

"Even if you were unaware, Eric should have wrapped it up to protect you from catching anything. I mean, you were the one to teach us about safe sex and then this happens?"

"While I see your point, you need to understand that this was both of us making decisions. Eric and I, we are equally responsible," I remind him.

"Isn't it dangerous to have a baby at your age," Alex asks, finally getting down to the crux of the matter.

"There is always a risk involved in having a baby but I am healthy and I am honestly not that old. Women have been known to give birth beyond the age of fifty. We have great medical care and I will get even better care than when I had you," I assure.

"So there is no additional risk," Alex asks, not giving up.

"Minimal," I promise.

"So we'll be a family of seven," Belle asks, successfully changing the topic.

"Family of eight," I correct and there is a moment of silence.

"Twins," Alex double checks, looking ready to faint.

"Yep," I grin.

"I am not changing dirty nappies again," he sighs and I smirk.

"Don't worry, Eric is about to catch up to us."

"I have no problem with that, I told you I am looking forward to experience all that I missed with you guys. Sleepless nights, midnight feeds, dirty nappies and whatever else comes our way."

"Spit milk, stinky smells that don't dissipate, chewed on toys, drool everywhere," Alex lists up and even his siblings laugh at him.

"So you can finally use Dauntless names. You know, like Spike or Clash," Ben asks.

"No, Hunter and Sniper," Alex demands.

"We were more thinking about Liv, short for Olivia, and Theo," Eric cautions.

"Oh," Ben deflates while Belle perks up.

"Another girl?!"

"Unless someone made a mistake, yes, a boy and a girl," I state.

"Thank you!" Belle throws her arms around Eric, who looks utterly stunned, while her brothers snicker. "Oh shut up, you would have reacted the same way had it been you against three girls all your life!"

"But lucky us it was only you,"Alex teases.

While he may never say it out loud, I think he was ecstatic when baby number four turned out not be a boy. While Chris and Ben adored their older brother, Belle was different. Yes, she was as rambunctious as her brothers and a true Dauntless child, but there was always something about her that had her look up to Alex especially while they all became her unneeded protectors.

"You know, if one of us has a kid now then their uncle and aunt will be their play mate," Ben muses.

"Fuck no, I am not ready for that kind of commitment. I may follow your example and wait until I am middle aged,' Chris shouts, looking at Eric for approval.

Eric looks stricken, I think he is not sure whether or not he should take this as a compliment.

"I think you shouldn't put a timeline to things like that. When you find the right person, the next steps will become clearer," Eric wagers.

"So if mom would have divorced Four earlier…" I mentally cringe, still not used to hearing him call their father by his chosen name. "You would still have gotten together," Chris double checks.

"I would like to think so, yes," Eric nods. "But we can't change the past, we only have choices for our future."

"Which means two more Coulters added to the fold," Alex deadpans. "There will only be two, right?"

"I am pregnant with twins," I confirm.

"No, I mean, you clearly are able to still have children and you both seem to be happy about it. Are you trying to have more?"

"We haven't talked about that at all," Eric admits straight away. "I already told your mom that I am kind of happy we didn't know this was even an option because I know for sure I would have fretted over the decision. You know, pros and cons, are we ready, is it risky, what would you guys say…"

Alex looks surprised but then he turns to Eric and hugs him.

"We want you both happy, dad."

While I can see some moisture pool in Eric's eyes when he hugs Alex back fiercely, I am the one who has a few tears run down her cheeks.

"Mom," Belle cries and both Eric and Alex turn to look at me.

"I am fine, just… blame it on the twins, okay, I am more emotional these days."

I grab a paper napkin and wipe my face before blowing my nose.

"We don't want to upset you but we all talked about it and wanted to tell you today," Alex says quietly.

"About what," I dare ask.

"About calling Eric 'dad', it kind of slipped out," Alex admits, looking remorseful.

"Those are happy tears," I assure.

"So you are not upset that we are calling Eric 'dad' instead of Four," Belle double checks once more.

I grab Eric's hand and he squeezes it hard.

"I'd be honoured." Eric himself is getting too emotional to continue but the kids get it. They come around, hugging both of us in turn and I am quite glad I decided on mostly cold breakfast items. It takes a long time before we resume our meal.

The kids make their excuses afterwards, opting not to come with us to see Eric's mom, like they have done a couple of times now. We'll be making the rounds once more, it would seem. Erudite, Abnegation, and then our friends in Dauntless before we'll just let the rest of them gossip.

"You okay," I ask Eric when the door closes behind Belle.

"They almost made me cry in front of them," he whispers, and I move in to hug him.

"You are allowed to, they won't judge. In fact, it would have been a great reminder that men are absolutely allowed to show emotions. We are family, we don't hide from each other how we feel."

Eric's lips crash onto mine and I eagerly respond.

"I never knew it would feel like this…"

"What," I ask quietly.

"Love… the love I have for you and the kids. To be loved by all of you. I loathe Four for throwing it back into your faces, but I am fucking ecstatic it opened the door wide for me. One man's loss is another one's gain."

I crush Eric to me, unable to express all the emotions running rampant.

"I love you, Eric. We all love you," I enhance before kissing his lips.

"Think my mom is going to be upset if we are late?"

"Absolutely. Come on, we both need to shower, so why not save some water and time. We can multitask, right?"

I squeal when Eric picks me up and walks in the direction of the bathroom.

"I promise we'll make the train," Eric whispers into my ear before setting me down on the bath mat and stripping our clothes.

"Go ahead," I encourage.

"Oh, I will. I am having the whole damn cake and I am letting the world know. I can be quick," he promises.

"All in good time," I tease.

"No time like the present," he retorts.

"Time is wasting," I add.

"No, it's well spent. I love you, Tris, you gave me more than I ever imagined, more than I ever knew I wanted, needed, missed. Thank you!"

With that said he finally starts the shower and the rest is history.

THE END

---

Yes, I could have written more, elaborated, etc etc. I was sitting on this story for a few months now. Thought it was fully written and just needed editing. Yeah, when I finally sat down to do just that I figured out the hard way it cut off abruptly after Belle heard it was a girl. Oops.

…

If you guys are wondering what on earth possessed me to write a 'menopause story', look no further than my fucking stupid brother-in-law. And yes, I mean every single word of that.

The little shit caused me to sit my husband down and talk to him about all things menopause mere weeks after turning forty. It started off harmless, my husband groaning when his phone rang. I cautiously asked 'work' and he replied something to the effect of 'no, my brother wants to complain about his girlfriend again'.

Of course I asked what the issue was. Apparently my brother-in-law has been complaining to my husband about his partner turning into an 'older person'. Oblivious as I was to the actual grievance, I asked whether he meant that she started going to the café in the mornings, remembering my mother-in-laws' habits. They are Portuguese, just so you know. No, what he meant was that she was happy to not fuck his brains out every time he was thinking about sex. He called her an 'older person' because she was okay to be his companion with all that it entails. To share your life and not just your body. Her decreasing interest in sex had him ask my husband for a second opinion as to whether he should dump her or not.

Well, he dumped her before my husband could even answer his next call, a reformed man after I set him straight. Honestly, if hubby can survive me being pregnant and giving birth to our children three times as well as all that life with newborns entails, he will do just fine during the next stage in our lives, whenever it may come. After all, I accepted his midlife crisis purchase despite hating to see him spend more time with the motorbike than me. The packets and boxes arriving in the mail? No treats for me but for 'her'. ️