Eric POV
Twenty one days I have been holding back and biding my time. Well, time is up, it's now or never!
"My turn," I declare, and while Four looks at me with surprise, he takes a step back and gives Tris the choice. "May I," I ask, holding out my hand.
Tris looks from my hand to Four's face and back to my hand.
"I don't bite," I assure and she snorts.
"Could have fooled me."
"My bark is worse than my bite,' I try and this time I get a twitch of her lips.
"If I end up at the bottom of the chasm you know who did it," she tells Four seconds before taking my hand.
"You know we do that every year," I whisper in her ear when I get to pull her close.
"No," she gasps.
"Oh yeah, Lauren was the one in our group having the honour. Last year it was someone who didn't make it but usually whoever ends up hanging works hard enough to make it," I explain quietly.
"Why are you telling me all that?"
"Because I don't want you to be scared of me," I admit.
"I wasn't scared, just wary of your seemingly never ending bad mood and unpredictable actions,' she says right before gasping when I pull her closer to my body.
"Still not scared," I ask.
"Should I be?" The raised eyebrow and mutinous glare make me chuckle and I quickly hide my face in her hair. "I will take that as a 'no'."
"Good, because I was hoping to really get to know you before we are bound by the rules of your chosen profession," I admit quietly.
Tris pulls back and I let her. My cards are on the table, she can either pick them up or turn her back and leave.
"You know I won't turn down the leadership position?"
I shrug. "You are not Tobias Eaton."
Tris bites her lip and nods.
"You'll be my trainer?"
"Yes, that's the way we work here."
"Why tonight? Why not wait instead of rushing into things?"
"Because once you tell Max of your choice, I can't do any of the things I want to," I admit and wait once more with bated breath for her reaction.
Of course she surprises me when she mulls my words over silently.
"Okay," she states and steps back into my arms.
"Just like that?!"
"Are you trying to talk me out of it," she laughs.
"No, but I just didn't think it would happen," I admit.
"You had me intrigued and wondering about your every motive. If this is my one chance to find out about the man behind the mask then I'll take it."
And just like that she has me wrapped around her little finger.
"One dance, one drink, and then we go someplace quiet," I suggest and she nods without making eye contact. "To talk, Tris. You want to get to know me, then you will have the opportunity to do so. It won't happen in a loud and crowded bar."
"It wasn't bad so far," she quips and, to my surprise, snuggles into me.
My arms envelope her on their own accord and I pull her as close as I dare.
While a fast song plays we move as slow as we want to, enjoying each other's feel and smell. While I have my nose buried in her hair, hers is getting as closely acquainted as possible with my neck.
We stay like this for two songs before I gently manoeuvre her to the bar.
"What would you like to drink, Tris?"
"I am not used to it," she mumbles.
"You can have a beer or try something mixed with juice," I offer.
While I take a beer, Tris gets a cranberry juice with a little bit of Jameson.
We don't get to talk much, too many people left and right giving us enquiring looks.
Without making a mutual decision we both down our drinks and I look at her expectantly.
"Lead the way!"
I don't take her hand but I gently push her ahead of me towards the tunnel leading to the elevator that will bring us closer to my apartment.
"Where are we going?"
"Uh, my place?"
"Are you asking or telling me, Eric?"
I like bold Tris.
"Are you okay to go back to my apartment," I ask.
"Can we walk around the Pit a bit more? While it wasn't much alcohol by Dauntless standards, I am not used to drinking any," she admits, looking sheepish.
"Are you drunk?"
"No, just feeling a bit tipsy," she admits. "I need to walk around to clear my head before we do this."
I don't question her but take her hand in mine and turn us around. While I can feel her fingers flex, she doesn't pull her hand out of mine and I take that as a good sign.
"Can we walk past the Chasm? I feel like the spray might be nice…"
"Only if you hold my hand. Alcohol and Chasm are not the best combination," I warn.
"Tobias told me already… shoot, Four! See, I don't do alcohol, I would have never said his name out loud otherwise. Good thing you already knew, huh?"
Tris stumbles slightly and I catch her.
"God, I shouldn't have encouraged you to drink," I groan when she rubs her hands all over my chest while staring into my eyes.
"I need to learn," Tris mumbles and then her face becomes determined just as her hands move up to my neck.
She is not gentle when she pulls my head down to hers nor when she smashes her lips against mine. Tris is a fast learner though, and an eager student.
"Are you aroused?" Her hands slide down to my crotch and rub all over my bulge. "You are," she squeals in delight.
"Tris, we have to sober you up," I groan.
"No, I am fine, I just lost all inhibitions," she assures happily.
"That's what we need to fix. I want you to be yourself and not blame it on the alcohol…"
"I want to learn all about sex!"
I close my eyes in defeat and groan when she rubs me just right.
"Tris, your fear…"
"Knowledge is power, Eric. We fear the unknown!"
Huh, okay, she does make sense even in her drunken state.
"But…"
"Shh," she interrupts me again. "I am still in charge, just able to do something I wanted to do for a while." She moves back and looks at me sternly. "Shut up, Eric!" She moves forward and bites my lip a bit too hard but then soothes the sting with her tongue before I grant her entrance.
Only when the cold metal of the railing digs too painfully into my back do I finally admit defeat. I have been kissing her for hours and I want more if she is willing.
"Do you want to see where things go, Tris?"
Her eyes are clear when she nods.
"I need you to say it out loud, Tris."
Please say it!
"I want you to take me home with you, Eric!"
"No regrets come tomorrow? If we can't work together platonically afterwards then I'd rather wait until you are finished."
"I can work with you," Tris promises. "I just can't see what will happen when I become a full leader."
"We don't have to figure that out now," I urge.
"But…"
"Tonight and only tonight you are like any regular member. Come tomorrow, we go back to being leader and his trainee," I state.
"A one night stand?" Tris sounds appalled.
"Only if you want it to be,' I tell her honestly.
"Show me your apartment!"
I don't ask again if she is sure, I seize the moment and drag her with me through the tunnels until we reach the elevator bank. They are all busy so I decide to spend the time wisely by pushing her against the wall and kissing her senseless.
"Tris?!"
The horrified gasp of none other than Tobias Eaton brings both of us back to our senses.
"Oh hi, heading home already," Tris asks as if being found kissing me is an every day occurrence. God, I love that idea!
"You left with Eric over two hours ago. What were you doing?" Four looks at her sternly.
"Kissing by the chasm after we talked about the future," Tris tells him once more with such a calm, I feel like pinching myself.
"You talked about the… what the fuck, Beatrice!"
"Hey," she growls before I can do it for her. "That's rather rude. Eric told me that, come tomorrow, he can only be my trainer. I am seizing the moment. Life is too short to not grab the bull by its horns. You were the one who told me so repeatedly," she reminds him.
"That's not what I had in mind when I said that," he argues. "I meant get another tattoo, get drunk, find a boyfriend…"
"I found myself one, I just have to wait until I finish my training to see if he wants me too! Now, I believe this is the elevator we waited for. Which floor, Eric?"
Four stares at her, absolutely speechless, while Tris marches into the waiting elevator just before the doors close again. "Eric?!"
"Coming," I call out and rush over to her while Four just groans in defeat.
"Be safe!"
"I don't have condoms," Tris calls out just before the doors close but the look on his face was priceless.
"I do," I whisper in her ear.
"That's good. I got the shot but who knows where you have been," Tris quips, once more surprising me.
"Were you really Abnegation," I ask, dumbfounded.
"Born and raised, but then I was thrown in with Candors and Erudite. I am a fast learner," she assures.
"Never doubted it," I admit. "And I have a clean bill of health."
"Doesn't mean you don't sleep around. You seem to be picking up random girls at parties…"
"I planned on making a move tonight, Tris," I interrupt.
"And I was the first one to agree…"
"You were the only one I planned to take home with me," interrupt once more. "Come on, this is our floor!" I take her hand and drag her after me. "This is where you'll be moving tomorrow." I point to the first door. "New leader is always at the front, first door to pass and be disturbed at night."
"Then why aren't you living there?"
"I moved out the day before initiation. Roger retired and moved. Max claimed his apartment as it was the largest. Alex pulled rank on Veronica and snagged Max's. Veronica checked out Alex' apartment and declared the bathrooms better than her apartment's and I simply didn't want to be the first in line anymore."
"So all leaders trade apartments around when one retires," she asks, sounding like she can't believe a word she just heard.
"As far as I know it has more to do with what suits a leader's personal needs. Max still has young children and while Alex is older than him, Max's position as chief allowed him to assign himself the larger apartment without contest. Honestly, the kids alone would have gotten him in but he doesn't want to broadcast the size of his brood."
"How many children does he have," Tris asks, looking at me strangely.
"Two from his wife's first marriage that don't live at home anymore and then they have another five." For some reason I whisper the answer into her ear and she shivers.
"That's a lot of children," Tris muses.
"This is me,' I announce when we reach my door. "Ready?"
"Not for children," Tris blurts out and I stop in my tracks. "Oh my god, did I say that out loud?! Yes, show me your apartment and you better have those condoms!"
Tris cringes but doesn't take her words back as I quickly open my door.
"Huh, this is nice," she compliments when I close the front door.
Turning around I see her stare at the entrance hall.
"This is just the entrance, Tris," I caution.
"It's big, Eric!"
God I hope she will say that again later…
"It's supposed to form a barrier between work and personal life. We can let people in to talk about what's the matter but they don't have to enter the privacy of the actual home. This is the closet," I point out. "A guest bath," I point to another door. "And this is the door to the home office." I walk the three steps to throw the door open. "The systems are connected to the publicly accessible office and if we wanted to, we could work from home. There is a safe for sensitive documents and files we might take home as well as a larger one for weapons. Come on!"
I close the door and kick my boots off, Tris follows my lead and leaves hers pushed up against the wall beside the door.
"This is my living room," I announce, throwing the door wide open.
Tris walks in and looks around. I do the same, trying to see what she sees. There is the open door to the kitchen on the left, the wall in the back hides two bedrooms and a full bath. The door to the right is the master bedroom with an en-suite.
Close to the kitchen is a dining table I inherited from Veronica. Six chairs are placed around it. I kept my sofa and it is the focal point of this room as it is rather large. In the corner, next to my bedroom, is a reading area and the rest of the walls are covered in bookshelves.
"I don't know what I expected from your apartment but not this," Tris admits and I feel my face fall. "Four's is sparse, there is only a bed and a chest of drawers, the rest is empty space. This," Tris waves her arms in a wide circle. "This feels like a home I would love to have one day."
I can feel the smile creep on my face and I must be grinning widely for when Tris looks at me, she stares and her mouth drops open.
She doesn't say another word but when she steps closer and closer, still looking at my face, I suddenly feel anxious.
"I want to see that look on your face whenever I am around you," Tris whispers and rises up on her toes to kiss me. I bend down to meet her.
Somehow we move from the living room into my bedroom with a trail of clothes following us.
"God, you are so beautiful," I whisper when Tris is lying on my bed only clad in her panties. They are black and have a lacy top that I never expected to find on her.
"No, you are the beautiful one," Tris corrects and noses my neck before sliding down and running her lips over my new ink, the Dauntless flames over my left pectoral.
Her lips keep grazing my nipple and I am getting goosebumps from the sensations. Then she gets even bolder and sucks on one.
"Fuck," I hiss when I twitch in my boxers. I didn't even know I was that sensitive there.
"Uh huh," Tris mumbles. "Soon," she promises and I swallow hard.
"Are you sure," I ask, pulling her chin up so our eyes can meet.
"I might have never done this before but I want it to be you," Tris whispers, not once looking away.
"It can still be me in a year when you feel more ready," I promise.
"What if I don't want to wait that long? A lot can happen in a year. What if you find someone else? Someone who is not your trainee, a person you can be together with right away?"
"I don't want anyone else," I swear.
"A year is a long time, Eric. People change and while I never had sex before, I know that people want to do it all the time…"
"Don't," I warn and she glares. "Seriously, Tris. I can live with my hand for a while," I chuckle. "Don't lose faith before we even start," I beg and she finally nods.
"I won't hold you to your promise, Eric. Come tomorrow morning you are just my trainer. I am setting you free until I am your equal!"
"I will prove myself to you," I swear and Tris nods twice before her eyes focus back on my tattoo. She licks her lips and bends down to attach them once more to my nipple.
This time I can't hold back the moan and my hands grab her waist, pulling her so we are aligning just where I need her.
Tris moans in pleasure as do I.
"I never imagined it would feel this way," she says dreamily.
"The euphoria and the orgasm are the same but being with someone that we care about adds another element," I admit.
"So you won't know the difference," Tris concludes.
"The opposite, Tris. I will forever remember how it is supposed to be like!" I cant my hips and move hers.
"Oh," she gasps and throws her head back.
"Fuck," I groan when I see her exposed neck and ecstatic face.
Tris changes her position and straddles my hips while her hands are firmly planted on my chest. I let her have free reign, forcing myself to think about all that will help me starve off my orgasm while I watch her seek hers.
I almost come when Tris does, it's just sheer will that stops me from joining her.
Tris' body goes limp and she slumps forward, cuddling into me and I hold her close, kissing her forehead.
"Good," I ask when I feel her breathing evens out.
"Uh huh," she mumbles before looking at me. "What about you?"
"I'm good," I promise but her eyes narrow. "I'll come when I get to be inside you," I correct myself.
"Because I won't?"
"What! No, Tris. I just wanted you to have your way with me. Learn your way around your body. This was about you, not me," I correct hastily. "The next step is about US."
Tris smiles at that and goes back to kissing my pec.
"I love this tattoo. It's just… it seems to come to life when I touch it," she whispers and I nod.
"You make me feel alive."
"You don't have to become cheesy, I am already here," Tris admonishes gently.
"I stand by my words," I state and she looks at me, suddenly wide eyed.
"Okay…"
Then she goes back to surprising me by scooting down my body. While she seems to like exploring my abs, her goal is definitely lower, and when she reaches the waistband of my boxers she doesn't ask before pulling them down.
I can't get a read on her when she sees my dick, her face is turned away from me, but when she proceeds to pull the boxers off my feet I know we will keep going.
Tris bites her lip and then slides her own underwear down her legs.
I can't get a good look before she is back on the bed and rubbing her bare lips against me.
It is my turn to close my eyes, throw my head back and moan.
My little virgin turned into a vixen and I am loving it.
"Tris," I warn when I feel her testing the waters.
"Just for a moment," she assures and keeps rubbing my leaking tip against her lower lips. "This feels sooo nice, Eric. Does it feel nice for you as well?"
I wouldn't call it nice, more like fuck awesome but I am not doing more than nodding my head.
Tris repositions herself and when she stares at my lips for the third time I lean in.
Our lips mould against each other, her tongue starts dancing with mine and I feel like I am going to embarrass myself any second.
Then Tris whimpers and her whole body freezes just as I feel my climax is about to overwhelm me.
"Fuck," I groan when I realise she pushed herself down on my dick. "Get up," I whimper but it's too late. My body rejoices at being stuck in her hot, moist, and absolutely tight passage. Tris stares at me while I writher beneath her.
"Oh god, Tris! Ungh," I moan as I empty myself in her. "Fuck, Tris," I groan. "Why?"
Tris looks hurt and I am not sure why. "The next time will be better," I promise quickly. "Condoms help," I add but she still looks like she is about to cry. "I can get you painkillers… I am clean, I swear!" The look on her face doesn't change and I don't know what else to do, so I pull her in and kiss her once more.
Tris' body starts shaking and when I feel moisture drip onto my cheeks I rear back, pushing Tris off me.
"What's wrong," I demand to know, checking her over and wincing at the blood on my dick. "You need painkillers and a bath, sweetheart. Come on," I order and hold out my hand. Tris keeps staring at me with tear streaked cheeks. "Tris? Tell me what you need. I can't help if you don't talk to me," I urge and bend down to kiss her once more. "What's wrong, baby?"
Tris still doesn't tell me but she throws her arms around my neck and closes the gap between our lips.
I pick her up an sit down with her on my lap until she finally calms down.
"I am sorry, " she whispers. "I misunderstood and thought you didn't want what we did."
"What?! Never," I swear.
"I know. I know! Just me and my head coming up with two and two, making it three," she chuckles lowly. "Can I have that bath now?"
"Of course. Are you sure you are okay?"
"Yes," she nods her head. "Can I also have the painkillers?"
"Before or during the bath," I ask.
"Before?"
"Go and start the bath, Tris. There is Epsom salt under the counter. Use it generously," I order and Tris nods despite looking confused. "It's for sore muscles," I explain and I see the understanding dawn in her eyes.
Tris heads into the bathroom while I make a quick stop in the other one before heading into my office. There are a few vials of the good stuff, the proper healing serum, and I am intent on giving one to Tris, even if she should protest and insist to leave it for someone who really needs it. I am about to leave when another thing comes to my mind and I turn on my heels and start up my computer.
By the time I return, Tris is neck deep in hot water. Her eyes were closed but pop open when the door squeaks lightly.
"Here." I hold the vial to her lips and tilt it before she can see what it is. I am hoping she doesn't know the difference.
Tris swallows and doesn't even look at what I have in my hand, her whole focus is on my face.
"Was I wrong to keep going," she asks me quietly.
Is that what had her so upset?
"You think I am upset for you taking charge in bed?" God, could I sound any more incredulous.
"You seemed to not have wanted the orgasm…"
I shut her up with a kiss.
"I was worried about you. Pain and no protection," I explain when I feel her relax.
"I am on the shot and you said you were clean. I thought men did not want to use condoms. Christina said they all make a big fuss…"
"Tris, making sure you are safe is my priority. If it means putting on a condom until I can show you that I really am clean, then that's what I want to do. I want to show you something," I say and lean back to grab the papers I set on the floor behind me. "This," I hold up the first print out. "Is from the physical I had seven months ago." I point my finger to the lines she needs to see before I exchange it for another one. "This is from my physical four months ago." Once more I show her what she needs to look at. "One months prior," I say when I show her the last page but she doesn't even look anymore. Her eyes are soft and her smile wide.
"What," I ask cautiously.
"You are aware that the next one will look slightly different," she teases.
"Are you telling me the number of children will change,' I tease but she gasps in horror. "Too much, too soon?"
"Maybe," Tris hedges. "I just had sex for the first time. Can we please not talk about having children just yet? I always thought I'd be at least eighteen before that happens."
"I never thought about having children," I admit. "I never thought I'd think about settling down at the age of eighteen either but Tris… with you I want it all!"
"You don't even know me," she protests.
"We have a year of platonic friendship to get to know one another. By the time you are a full leader you will know if you want me back," I promise.
"What if you don't like what you find out?"
"We have time to work things out. Rome wasn't built in a day…" I can see I lost her. "I'll bring you up to speed," I promise and she nods cautiously.
"So you never had unprotected sex," Tris double checks.
"I have no reason to lie to a doctor!"
"I didn't mean it like that, Eric, I am merely referring to our different backgrounds and you being older," Tris reasons.
"Are you saying I am old," I tease.
"Do you feel old," she counters.
"Sometimes I do," I whisper in her ear. "But I still have a great recovery time. How is the pain?"
"Gone," Tris gasps after a moment. "Well, I can't say how sore I am until we do it again but I feel good."
"Would you like to do it again," I dare ask.
"Oh yes, but this time I am putting you in charge. You know what you are doing," she teases.
"You didn't do anything wrong,' I assure.
"How can you have sex wrong. Penis in vagina, move in and out, climax."
"That's it," I growl.
Tris squeaks when I pull her out of the tub and don't waste any time drying her. In fact, I only snatch the towel to throw on the bed right before Tris.
"Wow," Tris grins while staring at my groin. "What a big boy you are, Mr Coulter."
I groan lowly. Somehow hearing her say this makes me think of naughty things that will be stuck in my mind for the next months.
Pouncing on her, I have the mind to at lest probe her pussy before sliding home. She is wet and not in pain. Tris moans when we reconnect and, while I want to take my time, I just can't help myself. There is something about being with someone that you have feelings for. Couple that with going bareback for the first time in my life, okay, second time now, and I am a goner.
Tris meets me thrust for thrust and when I rub her clit she doesn't question my actions. When she comes, I follow, and this time we just snuggle in bed, not caring about the world outside these walls.
…
"Tris chose leadership. Ask her to meet with you and create a schedule. She'll be moving into your old apartment, so maybe go and look for her there?"
Max looks at me expectantly so I nod.
"What did I miss?!"
To my dismay Max walks all the way into my office, closing the door before taking a seat.
"Nothing," I state and he narrows his eyes.
"You are not upset. You expected it," he concludes but keeps staring at me. "No, there has to be more…"
I stare him down, trying really hard to make it a glower but just thinking about Tris has me giddy.
"You slept with her?! What the fuck, Eric!"
"Fucking hell, Max. How do you figure that?"
"You didn't deny it," he counters.
"That's none of your business. Tris is my trainee now and nothing will happen until she is a leader…"
"Oh my god, you like her," Max screeches and I scowl. "No, Eric, you look too fucking happy and relaxed for that to look menacing. When?"
I stay quiet but Max is not stupid. He does know me rather well.
"It must have been last night. That's the only time she was legally available to you. What were you thinking?!"
"That I wanted her to know what she can have in a year," I sigh.
"Huh, that's actually smart thinking," Max admits after a moment of silence. "She must have somehow taken a liking to you. I don't think Tris is the type to sleep her way up the ranks, especially if she will be the highest ranked soon enough herself. But her fear…"
"Tris thinks knowledge is power. Knowing what sex is all about will take the fear away," I state quietly.
"She is smart, just like her mother. You won't recognise her in a a few months."
"I don't think she is the kind of person that will let the power of leadership go to her head," I argue.
"I didn't mean it that way, Eric. Tris is growing in leaps and bounds. She is finding her way and that's only the beginning. She'll thrive and that means a lot of changes," Max warns.
"But I will be there with her through it all," I hedge.
"Yes, that will work in your favour," Max admits. "Don't screw this up, Eric. You have to keep things platonic or else people will always question her rise to the top."
"I would never let anything spoil her success," I swear.
"Good, but Eric, it's not going to be easy for either of you. This newfound intimacy, it will be hard to not give in," Max warns and I nod.
"I know, but this is the only way."
"Yes, but how much fun would life be if we always took the easy way? You both know your options, only time will tell now," Max states ominously before getting up. "It's time to show me what you are really made of, Eric."
The bastard leaves amidst hearty chuckles.
…
Tris and I learned to hate each other. There was no other way to put it.
In order for her to reach the top, I needed to take her down to the very pieces and build her back better.
We were at each other's throats constantly the first two months. There were times when I was sure she hated me, and times where she yelled that very phase in my face.
After a while, though, we found a balance and managed to start the friendship we promised ourselves. Life was sure complicated enough without the added strain but if there was one thing I was certain of, it was that we were both too fucking stubborn to concede.
…
"You simply telling me you are not ready to release her from your care is not flying with me," Max shouts.
"She needs to experience an initiation," I start but Max clearly reached the end of his rope. In all honesty, I should have seen that coming.
"She was a fucking initiate herself not even a year ago! One valid reason, Eric!"
"I have none," I finally admit defeat.
"Yeah, that's what I thought," Max grumbles. "Now, for once, the truth, Eric."
"I am not ready to let her go," I admit out loud for the first time ever.
Max keeps staring at me but doesn't say one word.
"You are a fucking idiot," he finally bellows before he continues to laugh so hard, tears are rolling down his cheeks.
"Come on, Eric, you can't be that stupid," Max goads when he is finally able to speak without giggling.
I stare him down and cross my arms in front of my chest for good measure. Members quake in their boots when I do that!
"It seems you drank away some brain cells," Max teases once more before fucking finally telling me what's on his mind. "The moment Tris becomes a leader you are officially allowed to pursue her. Shit, the way you kept her from legally becoming your equal doesn't even allow for a smidgen of doubt that she earned it fair and square. You want Tris? Admit she is ready to receive her bars and you can make your move as early as tonight," Max smirks.
Fuck!
"Nothing to say?"
God, I hate it when Max is able to gloat but I have nothing to offer.
"Cat got your tongue?"
"Just shut up," I growl, but Max is intent on continuing his victory lap.
"Ooh, Eric is in looooove. He wants to kiss Tris… No, he wants to marry Tris and make a ton of baaaaabiiiiieeees," Max croons and I kick his chair so hard, he falls over. "Just for that I am going to tell her," he threatens when he pulls himself up.
"Would you like me to tell your wife about what really happened to her birthday present?"
"Fuck you," Max growls and glares at me as if he was wishing I'd keel over dead. Well, he probably does.
"Tris never mentioned our agreement again," I finally admit. "What if she wants to keep me in the friend zone?"
"Huh?" Max gets up slowly and rightens his chair.
"Not once did Tris say she wants me," I complain.
"Did you tell her?"
"Of course not! We agreed to be friends at the most and that was stretching our professional relationship already. Nobody believed this was platonic until Tris pulled back and made it more casual," I continue.
"If love makes you this stupid, I fear for our faction!"
"Asshole," I growl.
"You are acting like you are stupid, Eric. Did you even listen to yourself? Tris pulled back to spare you the scrutiny. You are not known to make that many friends. You have become friendlier and embracing Tris' friends sure helped you two blend in more. But, fuck, Eric! Just go and take Tris to get her tattoo. I'll make the announcement over lunch after emailing the other factions. We'll officially celebrate tonight and by then nobody will question what you two are doing in private. As long as you don't fuck in the middle of the Pit, all is well as far as I am concerned."
I stare at Max and shake my head.
"Now?" Fuck, my voice is squeaky.
"Yes, here," Max picks up a folder from the floor. "This is her contract, let's go together and then she is all yours!"
I lead the way into Veronica's office. She asked me if she could borrow Tris for a project she was working on. Knocking once, I am too impatient to wait for Veronica to call out and barge in.
"What the fuck," I ask when I see them sitting at a table full of flimsy material.
Veronica glares at me while Tris blushes.
"What do you want? We are busy, as you can see." Veronica gestures to the full table.
"With what? Choosing your new underwear," I ask and Tris' eyes widen while Max coughs behind me.
"This is what Dauntless women think should be donated to the Factionless and we are sorting out the useful pieces," Veronica explains icily. "Want some?"
She doesn't wait for a reply but grabs a handful, balls it up and throws it right at my face.
"I need Tris back," I say without blinking an eye when some of the lace gets stuck on my shoulder.
"She is mine," Veronica starts but Max has pity on me.
"Tris, I have your new contract here and once that is signed Eric will take you down to the tattoo parlour."
Veronica squeals loudly while Tris' eyes seek mine. I give her a tentative smile and nod.
"Why didn't you say something earlier. I didn't need the help but I thought it would be more fun to have company," Veronica chastises. "Come on, Tris. Let's go make you a leader! Give me that contract!"
Max just hands the folder over to Veronica who sweeps an even larger amount of lace aside.
"Here, this is a standard contract which doubles your pay, gives you more working hours and less free time. Sign down there and then we can go," Veronica orders Tris.
"Eric will take her, I need you to finish this," Max motions to her table, "and then come see me in my office."
Veronica glares but doesn't say anything while Tris signs all the papers.
"Ready," I ask, holding out my hand.
"I've been waiting for almost a year." Her hand slides into mine and I squeeze gently.
"Well, all good will come to those who wait," I say quietly and she looks at me.
"Go before I change my mind and supervise you for the rest of the day," Veronica threatens and Max chuckles. "What, Max, you know they'll be gone as soon as we let them to finally extinguish the burning embers we all watched come alive and smoke up the fucking office time and time again. I felt exhausted just watching that dance."
And with that I pull Tris out of the office as fast as I can.
"My jumper," Tris calls out and I make a detour to my office before I notice she has it wrapped around her hips.
It's too late though, the door closes and Tris is jumping me. Her lips meet mine and finally, for the first time in so long, I feel at peace.
Turning us, I hold onto her ass and push her against the door.
"Too long," I groan when I grind myself against her.
"Uh huh, wasn't the same without you," Tris agrees but I pause. "Masturbating," Tris adds and I kiss her again.
"I missed you," I groan.
"You better not be fucking in there," Max shouts loudly and I sigh while Tris answers.
"I forgot my jumper, that's all."
"Uh huh, and I am asking Jeanine for a date," Max deadpans.
"Your poor wife," Tris counters. "Don't worry, we'll look after her. Maybe I'll tell Patrick to check on her while you entertain Jeanine."
Max growls loudly while Tris just grins widely.
I set her down and within seconds she has the door wide open and is in Max's face.
"You wouldn't." Max looks upset. Patrick has had a thing for his wife for years and as the two work closely together, Max sometimes wonders out loud if he should shut down that much access.
"Only if you keep your thoughts about our sex life to yourself. Did it sound like we were fucking?" Tris pushes her hands on her hips and stares Max down.
"Of course it did or else I wouldn't have said anything… But I can clearly see I am wrong so I will just get going," Max adds quickly and rushes into his office, slamming the door.
"Shall we?" I offer Tris my arms and she takes my hand instead.
"Lead the way!"
…
Tori and Bud end up fighting over who gets to tattoo Tris. They compromise that each gets to do one side. Fucking weirdos but thanks to Tris' love for both I got to know them and their quirks rather well. If they didn't love her so much, they wouldn't give a shit about who got to push a needle into her skin.
Before we are done Marlene shows up with a special delivery, compliments of Max.
"Congratulations, Tris. Bottoms up," she says cheerily and hands Tris a vial of healing serum.
Tris doesn't hesitate and, while Marlene has to head back to the infirmary, we stay and chat for a little while with Tori and Bud.
Tris is leaning against my chest and when she shifts for the fifth time I pull her into me and hold her firmly against my front.
"So you two gonna make it official now," Bud asks conversationally.
"Bud," Tori gasps but the look she is giving us clearly begs for an answer.
"Tris is a leader now," I say and Bud nods, knowing exactly what I am not saying.
"Yes, we just tattooed her." Tori sounds confused. "Oh, alright. Sorry, I am not that awake," she grouses. "Why didn't you force another cup of coffee down my throat this morning?" Tori turns to glare at Bud who simply raises his hands.
"I am not your keeper, woman."
"No, you just like to keep me awake into the early hours of morning and in bed later than I should stay," Tori admonished and Bud just shakes his head, giving up.
"We are going to see you later," Tris interrupts their stare down and takes my hand.
"Ooh, look at that," Tori gushes and Tris blushes.
"Bye," Tris calls and drags me out of the tattoo parlour.
"Where are you going," I ask when she drags me down a few tunnels towards the elevator banks.
"Home," Tris growls when I slow us down.
"Uh, I hate to tell you but it's almost lunchtime and Max is doing his announcement," I remind her.
"Fuck," Tris groans. "Why?"
"Because you are a leader," I answer cautiously.
"Fine, but the first chance we get we find a fucking bed," she demands and I nod before pushing her gently against the wall.
"This is just the beginning, Tris. We don't have to pretend there is nothing in between us anymore. We survived a year, we can endure a few more hours."
"Just… kiss me at least once more?"
Who am I to deny her?
Way too soon it is Tris who ends the kiss.
"Come on, Eric. Let Max have his time in the spotlight."
This time we simply walk side by side, all the way to the cafeteria. Max is already up on the catwalk and Alex is standing at the bottom, holding the gate to the stairs open for us.
"Where is Veronica," Tris asks.
"I am right here," she announces from behind me and then another pair of panties lands on my shoulder.
"Asshole," I grumble.
"You look cute covered in black lace, Eric, but I was actually trying to throw it at Tris," Veronica admits.
"You have lousy aim," Alex laughs.
"He moved," Veronica accuses when, in reality, I did no such thing.
"Why did you want to throw panties at me," Tris asks when Veronica checks out her tattoo.
"Oh, they are brand new. It was a gift…"
I snatch the panties off my shoulder and stuff them in my pocket.
"…for you and Eric." Veronica stares me down but I glare right back, patting my pocket for emphasis.
"Can you stop playing around and come up here," Max calls out.
Tris is the first one up and Max pulls her with him to the front while we line up around them.
As always, the damned microphone squeals, doing a great job in garnering everyone's attention.
"Shut up, Uriah," Max says loudly into the microphone and the sound reverberates through the room.
"Sorry, Dad!" Max cringes when Uriah yells while Tris smirks.
"Now that I have EVERYONE's attention, I'd like to introduce you to our latest leader. Congratulations, Tris!"
Just as expected the applause is deafening. Hollers, shouts, clapping, whistles, stomping feet – pandemonium Dauntless style.
Tris bows dramatically and then we leave Max to soak up his moment of glory.
People are coming at Tris from everywhere, offering congratulations and trying to suck up, because it will work now when it hasn't over the past year. Idiots but I taught Tris well and each and everyone will end up on her 'watch out' list.
"That's enough," Veronica shouts loudly and people make a wide berth for her. "It's lunchtime and we all need to eat before we need to get back to our jobs. So, go," Veronica orders,
The crowd disperses and Veronica grabs Tris' hand, pulling her over to the table we reserve during special occasions.
Food is waiting for us and I don't wait for any of them before I dig in. I will need my energy later.
"What has you grinning like a Cheshire Cat," Alex asks and both Max and Veronica start laughing like hyaenas.
"Tris is a leader and Eric has big plans for as soon as he can drag her out of here," Veronica giggles while wiping some fake tears off her cheeks.
"You gave us brand new black lace panties to play with, what did you expect," Tris asks Veronica, looking all serious.
"Nothing less," Veronica giggles, still on her high while Max calms down.
"Was that supposed to be news to me," Alex demands to know.
"No, they just like to get a rise out of me. Tris, eat," I order and she squeezes my thigh while putting a spoon full of stew in her mouth. Mine threatens to come out and I quickly shut up.
Max, Veronica and Alex keep bantering for us while we eat and it is Tris that makes our excuses.
"Your place," she demands, and who am I to deny her.
"We have to go back to the office," I groan when we wait for the elevator.
"But not right now. Let's go," she orders when the doors open to an empty car. Wasting no time, Tris presses herself against me and pulls my head down so we can kiss again.
"Oh for fuck's sake," someone groans and Tris looks past my ribs to see who it is.
"Take the next one. Party in the Pit tonight," she calls out and I look over my shoulder just as the doors close in front of Four's annoyed looking face.
"Did he not know," I ask Tris with some trepidation.
"Of course he knows. Who do you think was my sounding board all this time?!"
"Candor," I ask and Tris scoffs. "Please, it took her months to get over her hate for you. No, Four knows almost all there is to know and while he is happy for me, he doesn't want to see it constantly."
"It's only the second time," I remind her.
"Two out of two is constantly in common vernacular."
"Are you using big words to distract me," I dare ask.
"Is it working?"
"No and good thing, too. We are here,' I announce and pluck Tris off the ground. She squeals when I carry her over to my door and inside. "Where?"
One simple question yet so many possibilities.
"Bedroom," Tris demands and I bend down to kiss her real quick before almost running into my room.
I didn't expect her to come here today but man, am I glad that I took the time to make my bed and pick up yesterday's clothes despite oversleeping.
Looking around quickly, I just manage to kick a magazine under the bed while grabbing a brand new box of condoms out of my nightstand drawer.
"Someone came prepared," Tris teases. Turning around. I see she is leaning against the door jamb in nothing but her underwear and shirt.
"I wanted to be ready," I admit.
"There is no reason from my side as to why we would need them. Anything I should know?"
Tris raises her eyebrow in challenge and I grin widely.
"Nope. No changes at all since we last talked about it."
"Hmm, and here I thought we'd be honest, doesn't your last check up reflect the last time you had unprotected sex during the last twelve months?"
"But that was you," I argue and she smiles brightly.
"I know, I just thought teasing you might get some of that tension taken care off. Maybe there is another way," she muses and I can feel the smirk creep onto my face.
"Whatever you have in mind, I am game."
"Brave last words!" And then Tris pounces. Not literally but she stalks me like a predator its prey, and still I feel excited.
Her hands sneak around my neck and our lips meet, while, at the same time, our bodies crash onto my mattress.
"Oh god, I don't know how long I will last," I moan when she moves down and attaches her lips to my aching dick. Fuck, I should have rubbed one out. God, this is going to be embarrassing!
Tris seems to have pity on me and flips us over so I can hover over her. Clothes have been shed a while ago and all that is left is free access to the treasure trove between her thighs.
"I waited almost a year for this, Eric. Fuck me already," Tris demands.
"Don't you want to be…"
"Fuck now, make love later! Come on," Tris demands and I don't have the strength to hold back anymore.
I nudge her and when I feel how wet she is I slide in gently. We both moan and then I pull out.
"Eric," Tris warns and I grin right before slamming in.
"Ungh," Tris grunts. "Yes, just like that. Keep going!"
It really is fucking and I barely manage to get Tris off before I am done for. It was a close call, that much I am sure of.
"Am I a bad leader already if I don't want to go back to the office?"
Tris sounds so earnest, I swallow my sarcastic reply and just shake my head.
"I feel the same but we deserve a few minutes to ourselves. We won't be that late," I assure and pull her closer.
Fuck I don't want to leave just yet!
"Heavy is the crown," Tris quips and I groan for real. "Call of duty?"
"You are not getting out of my reach tonight," I swear.
"Tonight, tomorrow, the night after. I am yours, Eric. We still have to show up for my party but I promise you we'll have fun."
Fun turns out to be copious amounts of alcohol and almost getting caught fucking on the way to the elevator, but we make it back to Tris' place and into bed in one piece.
The night is way too short and Max's rude awakening does nothing to cheer me up. I would have loved nothing more than to spend the morning, fuck, the whole day in bed with Tris. While we still need to talk, it feels more like semantics at this point. I can wait…
Eric was kind enough to catch us up while he is out of it. We will start the next chapter with him waking up to exactly the above still fresh in his mind.