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Tris could have stayed in bed with Tobias all day. The morning of her birthday she woke up feeling new. She couldn't help smiling at herself in the mirror as she brushed her teeth. Tobias had done so much to make sure that her first time was special and memorable. He even had a bottle of aspirin out for her in case she was sore in the morning. She's still smiling in the mirror, looking at her scar as she often did with her robe open when she sees Tobias slide in behind her through the mirror, and then his arms wrap around her.

"I think I should have planned this differently so we could have stayed in bed together all day"

Tris smiles at his admission and leans back into his chest.

"I would have liked that too but I'm not going to lie, I'm so excited to go to New York, I can't stand it"

Tobias laughs and kisses her neck, causing her to squirm and giggle. Everything felt light a free that morning, and she isn't sure if she had ever felt like this before. The closest feeling she had was when she was singing on stage but even that didn't really compare.

"Well, we do have at least three hours before we have to leave for the airport…." Tobias suggests as he quickly picks Tris up underneath her knees. She squeals with surprise and throws her arms around her neck as he carries them back to the bed.

Two hours later they are dressed and ready to go. Tris can barely contain her excitement when she and Tobias set into the airport terminal. Tobias had upgraded their seats to first-class with his miles. Nervous energy flows through Tris as she looks out the window while the plane taxis down the runway. Tobias didn't love flying but he had grown to tolerate it. Watching Tris and the pure excitement in her eyes as the plane took off and climbed into the sky made him forget his discomfort. He would give everything that he had to see her like this, full of life and experiencing things for the first time.

During the short flight, Tris pulls out the Things to Do in NYC guide that she had received the night before and points out a few things that she wants to do. The Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty and ride on the subway since it was underground and not like the "L" in Chicago. The Uber driver that picks them up from LaGuardia points out a few sights for Tris who can't stop looking at Tobias and smiling.

"Tobias, this is too much" Tris breathes out as they step into their hotel suite in the middle of Times Square.

"I got a deal, I promise" he grins as he opens the curtains to the room that gives them a full video the all the bright lights.

That night they end up walking a few blocks from the hotel to a pizzeria. Tris is adamant that she prefers Chicago deep-dish while Tobias admits spending the first part of his life in Atlanta, Chicago pizza never really grew on him. On Monday morning they make the trip to the Statue of Liberty and wander around the Modern Museum of Art. Tris tells Tobias all about how she started painting at 14 when she got sick and couldn't go to school anymore.

"Did you ever take any type of art classes?" he asks as he intertwines their fingers.

"No, I looked a few online classes while I was working on my business classes online, but then I got really sick and couldn't even sit up to do the lectures"

"I'm sorry babe, I wish you would have gotten the full high school and college experience"

"Yeah, Christina would come home from school and tell me all about the happenings while I did home school"

"I want to take you to Morehouse homecoming next fall. You will love it. I can show you all my favorite places in Atlanta too"

"I can't wait" she smiles as she squeezes his hand.

"I know you have your bucket list of things with your cousins but maybe we could have our own bucket list"

"And what kind of things would go on our list?" She asks as they round a corner and stop in a quiet corner.

"Hmmm, how about all the different states I can make love to you?" He whispers in her ear before kissing right below it. Tris shivers and fights back a moan.

"Well, you know Rose is graduating in December from Xavier and the entire family is taking a road trip. We could add Louisiana to the list"

"I like the way you think Miss. Prior" he teases and kisses her again.

Tobias made reservations that evening for an Italian restaurant named Bistango for their second night in New York. The lasagna bolognese was the best Tris had ever tasted. The low lighting created another romantic atmosphere and Tris enjoyed her meal but she couldn't wait to get back to their room. She had no idea how she was going to make it through every day now because she and Tobias could barely keep their hands off each other. After three days in New York, Tris and Tobias were content with going home. They had spent a good bit of time sightseeing and eating but an equal amount of time in their room between the sheets.

The last night he and Tris were cuddled in bed after dinner at Guantanamera, a great Cuban restaurant in Midtown and equally great sex. There was a live band in the small restaurant. Tobias took home a hand-rolled cigar that was made right in the front of the restaurant before they ate dinner. Tris loved the Arroz con Pollo and several of the other dishes that had a similar feel to the Caribbean dishes she grew up with. Even though they enjoyed dinner and the band, Tris and Tobias were anxious to get back to their hotel suite. It took no time at all once they made their way back to the room for their clothes to be thrown across the room. Tris found herself quickly becoming addicted to lying naked with Tobias after thier lovemaking. The feeling of his fingers gently stroking her exposed skin while she laid on his chest and intertwined their legs was not just magical but soothing. Tris is perfectly content while Tobias flips through the channels on the flat screen in their suite.

"Ooohhh Sixteen Candles!" Tris exclaims sitting up and pulling the sheet up across her chest.

"I don't think I have ever seen this movie all the way through" Tobias comments setting down the remote.

"You have got to be kidding me! This is a classic. And it's just starting"

"Good"

About halfway through Tobias looks down at Tris who is smiling as she watches the screen laying across the bottom of the bed.

"Is this your favorite movie?" he asks causing her to roll over.

"One of them, it got bumped up this past year"

"Why"

"Because.. You're my Jake Ryan" she replies shyly looking down at the sheet wrapped around her.

"Come here" he instructs and Tris crawls up and allows him to pull her into his lap.

"You, Tris Prior are absolutely amazing and beautiful and I'm very lucky I found you"

Tris smiles and bites her lip "I love you"

"I love you too" He leans in and gives her a soft kiss.

"This has been the best birthday I've ever had. Thank you for making everything so special for me. I never thought anyone would do something like the stuff I see in movies for me"

"I hope I can spoil you for a very long time, Now I think we are just going to have to try Sixteen Candles again because I'm about to make love to my beautiful girlfriend again"

Tris grins as he leans her back on the bed and pulls the sheet off and the drama of Jake Ryan and Samatha Baker is quickly forgotten.


Two weeks after their trip to New York, Tris and Tobias turn their attention to the fundraiser to support the renovations for the Abnegation Community Center. Tris was nervous about meeting Tobias and Marlene's parents since they would be attending the event. Even though they both try to assure her that everything will be fine she's still worried about making a good impression.

The band pulled together several new songs for the fundraiser and Tris is pleased with the selections that go with the vibe that the fundraising committee wanted of upbeat and fun but was a draw for those who just loved live music. Tobias's chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha had done a great job of organizing the benefit concert for the Abnegation community center. The venue had tables candles with black and gold table cloths. There were boards around the ballroom with pictures and stories from the Abnegation Community Center. Tris and her family were featured in one showing how 3 generations of their family had all gone to the community center. The Pit catered the event and Andrew, Harrison, Hana, and Max received compliments from everyone on the food selection. Bobby and Mike worked on a version of Purple Rain that had the entire crowd holding up their cell phones as Mike went into Prince's famous guitar solo. Tris picks out couldn't stop smiling when she sings The One by Tamar Braxton.

You know very well who you are

You're the only one

You've got my heart

And you had a few

Boy, one too many

But I'm the only one to wake you up

(It was all a dream)

I reminisce the way we kissed, it looked so personal

You took the chance to get my love and now you know

(It was all a dream)

That I don't even know one, baby

Without you I'm incomplete

My love is just like the bar

Put it all on me

I don't want nobody else

Baby, all I need is you (you, you)

You are the one I want

And I don't want nobody else

Baby, all I need is you (you, you)

You are the one I want

Tobias wears a matching smile as he stands in the corner sipping his drink. His sister's voice pulls him out of his thoughts.

"You two are just too cute"

"What are you talking about?" Tobias asks, still smiling.

"Neither one of you can stop smiling. I think it's adorable" she teases.

"I could say the same thing about you and my best friend"

Now Marlene can't stop smiling. The past month with Will had been really good. They hadn't made anything official but she feels like they are in a good place. They spent a good deal of time talking about what went wrong in their relationship the first time. Will was being more open with her regarding his feelings which she appreciated and she was making a real effort to be understanding.

"So have Mom and Dad met Tris yet?"

Tobias sighs as he takes another sip of his drink looking in the direction of his parents who were at a table across the room chatting away with a group of their friends that made the rounds with them to all the fundraising events they attended.

"I take that as a no"

"Mom is up to something, I have a feeling she's going to you know"

Marlene scoffs in response. She knew her mother could be difficult, especially about appearances. Will had been one of the few people she had dated that her mother approved of. Evelyn was a successful businesswoman who was the owner of a very successful art auction house that specializes in African American and African-inspired collections she had started in Atlanta. When the family moved to Chicago she had taken the opportunity to open a second office in Chicago that was now flourishing. She was well respected in the art world with her degree in art history from Hampton University and being one of the few women and minority-owned art brokers in the country. In Atlanta, she taught an African Art class at Spelman College which was wildly popular. Now she is invited to a variety of universities to speak several times a year. Marlene and Tobias loved their parents but both had felt they were too consumed with their image.

"Tris is so sweet and bubbly there's no way Mom will be anything but nice this evening."

"Yeah maybe you're right"

Their conversation is interrupted when Zeke and Shauna come up to say hello and Shauna steals Marlene for some girl talk.

When the band takes their break Tris takes a drink of water fidget in with her dress. She's about to go to the bathroom to make sure everything is in place when she feels Tobias slide his arms around her waist.

"I just need a minute, I want to go fix my hair," She says trying to run to the bathroom.

"Baby, you look perfect, I promise" he reassures her, turning her around in his arms. Tris sighs trying to ease her nerves.

Tobias puts her hand in his and leads them to his parent's table.

"Mom, Dad, I would like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Tris"

"It's very nice to meet you, Mr. and Ms. Eaton. Tobias and Marlene have told me so much about you"

"Very nice to meet you as well Tris, You are very talented, we've enjoyed your singing all night" Marcus muses shaking her hand. Tris could tell he was very charismatic.

"Tris, that is a different name," Evelyn says with a smile that seemed very rehearsed.

"Mother…" Tobias warns

"It's a nickname, it's short for Beatrice" Tris confirms trying to put on a genuine smile. Tobias had let her know that he and Marlene had not told their parents about her transplant as it was her story to tell when she felt comfortable. Will was in the know since he was spending more and more time hanging out with Tobias and Zeke.

"So Tris, tell me where did you go to college?" Evelyn asks. Tobias cringes, of course, his mother would pull out the stops right now. He pinches his nose with his fingers and breathes deep.

"Umm I didn't go to college, I've taken some classes and I hope to be able to finish one day, it just hasn't been a priority"

"Oh, well that's encouraging," Evelyn says still wearing her smile that Tris is now sure that it's fake. "Do you sing full-time then?"

"Oh no ma'am, I work at my family's restaurant, they actually provided the catering for the event tonight"

"And it was absolutely delicious, We were just saying how we need to come for dinner one evening" Marcus interjects seeing how nervous Tris was and knowing his wife wasn't making it easy for her.

"Please do, I'll make sure you have a great table," Tris says.

"Hey Tris, 5 minutes!" Bobby calls out to her from the stage and she nods her head in response.

"I hope to be able to see you again soon" she gives a soft wave and runs off to the bathroom before the second set starts.

"Good grief Mom" Marlene says with an eye roll as she sits next to her father and sits a plate in front of him. Marcus was on his third helping of shellfish over grits for the evening.

"What? I didn't do anything?" she says leaning back in her chair.

"Let me go make sure I still have a girlfriend after that," Tobias says dramatically before heading off towards the bathrooms to check on Tris.

Tobias grabs her as she's coming out and it looks like she has tears in her eyes.

"Hey, Baby, Don't cry" he soothes.

"I'm sorry, I know you told me your mother could be difficult, I just"

"You have no reason to be sorry baby, I love you, I hope she didn't scare you off" he smiles giving her a quick kiss. "I promise I'll make it up to you later," he adds suggestively.

She giggles and leans in for a kiss "Deal, I gotta go"

Tris goes back to the stage. Tobias is pleased as he helps the rest of his chapter brothers breakdown and clean up. They think that between the sponsorships and the ticket sales that they exceeded their fundraising goal for the expansion. He was finally going to be able to fulfill his promise to Lauren.


Marlene and Tobias are surprised when their parents invite them over for brunch the next weekend after the fundraiser. Tobias is a bit annoyed, he had gotten accustomed to going to church with Tris's family and then going back to the Pit for brunch. Will and Marlene had joined them the week before and the siblings tried not to show that they were not into hanging with their parents for the afternoon. Tris and Tobias weren't officially living together but she had only spent a handful of nights at her father's place since their trip to New York. Tobias is contemplating asking her to officially move in with him.

"So why have we been summoned today?" Marlene asks as she sits down with a plate of fruit and a mimosa.

"Can't we just want to spend time with our children?" Marcus says passing by and kissing his daughter on the top of her head. Tobias chuckles. His sister had always been a daddy's girl.

"Ummm hmmm, we know something's up" Tobias comments before taking a bite of his waffle. Evelyn went all out making all their favorites which was a clear indicator there was something big going on.

Evelyn takes a sip of her mimosa before speaking. "The Real Housewives franchise is expanding to Chicago and I am on the shortlist of potential cast members"

Tobias chokes on his waffle and Marlene almost spits out her drink at the news.

"What?" Marlene and Tobias collectively choke out.

"Your father and I have been on several interviews with the network, that's why we flew to LA last month. They have been impressed and want to incorporate more about our kids"

"Daddy you are okay with this? Seriously?" Marlene asks turning to her father.

"The money would be a nice way for an early retirement I'm not going to be doing surgery forever, I've been thinking about taking a position teaching residents in the medical school. It doesn't seem half bad what they are offering"

"Have you ever seen Real Housewives of Atlanta or any of the other places?" Tobias asks with his eyebrows raised. Lauren had loved all the drama the entire series and watched it faithfully.

"I think it would be good to get in on the first season, it will really put the auction house out there, we could even possibly open a west coast location if there is enough buzz" Evelyn explains.

"And you aren't worried about backlash from all the drama that happens on these reality shows? All of the locations, Beverly Hills, Atlanta, D.C. New Jersey, they are filled with women fighting and arguing, I don't get it" Marlene offers leaning back in her chair.

"We can control much of what is out there, and they love how accomplished you are. They were very intrigued by Tobias and his story..."

"Oh my God, here we go" Tobias rolls his eyes as he sets his fork down. "I don't have a story, I'm not going to let these people exploit me over my wife dying"

"It's not just that, you are a business owner and doing great work in the community. Marlene, there is a real interest in showcasing your relationship with Lynn" Evelyn replies trying to convenience her children.

"Mother, Lynn, and I aren't together anymore..." Marlene says while rolling her eyes as Evelyn frowns.

"Oh what a shame," Evelyn remarks nonchalantly before turning to her son. "Tobias, The girl you're seeing seems very sweet but..."

"First off her name is Tris and I'm not just seeing her, she's my girlfriend, we've been together for a while now." Tobias corrects his agitation growing. He could sense his mother was becoming agitated with him for not being excited about this opportunity.

"Tris is just a waitress with no college degree, I think you need to set your sights a little higher. It could be nice for you to date around a bit. I've been wanting to introduce you to Dr. Palmer's daughter Lisa, she's a lawyer..."

"Mom, we aren't having this conversation. You don't get to decide who I date and what's appropriate for your image. You wonder why Lene never brought anyone she was seeing around, it was this right here. Tris is the most amazing person, she's smart, funny, caring, and extremely talented. You would think after everything that I've been through that you would be more concerned about me being happy. And she's not JUST a waitress" Before Tobias knew what was happening his blood was boiling. He knew he shouldn't raise his voice to his mother but he wasn't going to let anyone disrespect Tris like this, not even his parents.

"I don't care if you don't like what your mother is saying Tobias, you are going to lower your voice in my house and fall back." Marcus booms. Tobias lowers his eyes and breaths deep. He didn't blame his father for chastising him about his tone but he wasn't going to stand for this.

"That's not what I mean dear, with the amount of scrutiny we are about to undergo as a family, I just think that…'' Evelyn tries to clarify.

"Tobias, I think what your mother is trying to say…" Marcus starts to defend his wife and clean up her words.

"Oh I know exactly what she was trying to say and I'm done with this" Tobias aggressively pushes his chair back from the table knocking it over as he stands up and heads to the front door.

"Tobias, come back here" Marcus calls after him but Tobias rolls his eyes and continues out the door.

Tobias stands on the porch breathing deeply through his nostrils trying to calm himself. His mother was a piece of work and he couldn't believe his father was going along with this. He knew they both loved the spotlight but this was something he would have never predicted.

About 10 minutes later he hears the door open and his father approaches him.

"Marlene just told us about Tris and her heart transplant," Marcus says quietly.

"Ugh, just great," Tobias says rubbing his and over the back of his neck. He knew Tris was going to be upset, she was still very uneasy about broadcasting that she had a heart transplant.

"I promised your sister that we will not discuss that with anyone. I understand that is Tris's personal story and you are very protective of her. Your mother feels bad now if you want to let her apologize"

Tobias sighs as Marcus pats him on the shoulder. He was not looking forward to this reality TV show venture by his mother and he suspected this was the first of many arguments because of it.


Tobias and Marlene keep the information about their mother and her upcoming deal quiet until they know more. Neither one of them wanted their lives broadcasted but Evelyn wasn't letting up that easy. She made them at least promise to listen when the contracts came down which was still a ways away.

Caleb comes home from rehab on Thanksgiving day. The family had gathered for their meal at the restaurant. Normally friends dropped by but they kept everything low key to no overwhelm Caleb. Rose made sure she was home to see him even though she had to go back to New Orleans before graduation that was just three weeks away.

"Rose I told you not to come," Caleb whines when giving her a hug.

"Like I was going to listen and it's Thanksgiving anyway" she scoffs. "You look good Caleb"

Tris smiled when Caleb hugged her, she could tell he was different, he had gained some weight and he wore it well. He didn't have the dark circles around his eyes he had before he left. She could tell his mood was better.

"I'm glad you're doing better Caleb," she said quietly as she gives him a hug.

"Thanks, Sis, I feel better than I have in a long time," he admits.

Tris smiles as she sees Justin talking Tobias's ear off about getting him an official construction helmet. The kid was anything if persuasive and she grinned as she could see Tobias listening intently as Justin tried to explain that he has now decided to build buildings like Tobias when he grows up and he wants to take his helmet to show and tell.

Tris bounces Jada on her hip as she looks down and smiles as Jada plays with the buttons on her shirt as she walks over to sit next to Tobias.

"Okay, I'll see what I can do but you have to promise no bad reports from school if I get you your construction hat"

"I promise! Thanks, Uncle Tobias" Justin says excitedly as he runs off towards Christina.

"I see you have officially been upgraded to Uncle and been suckered in buying him a gift all in one day" Tris teases as she sits down next to Tobias shifting Jada to her lap.

"He's very persuasive" Tobias comments with a chuckle.

"Remind me to tell you about the time he suckered Zeke into buying him a basketball goal just for Zeke and Shauna's house."

Tobias laughs again. Justin and Jalen really were great kids. Jada suddenly decides that she isn't interested in Tris anymore and reaches her tiny arms out to Tobias who looks at her with surprise.

"Slow down little girl, where do you think you are going? Tobias doesn't want you drooling on him" She was approaching her first birthday in January and was just getting the hang of walking.

"It's okay," Tobias says as he reaches over and takes Jada who nestles herself into his arms and lays her head on his shoulder. Tobias is surprised, he hadn't been around very many kids but it seems as though he naturally knew how to hold her. He smiles as he rubs her back.

"I guess I have competition now" Tris chides "You're good with her, she is clearly taken with you for her to want to snuggle up with you"

Just then Jalen and Justin come running up together again.

"Uncle Tobias, can you and Auntie Tris babysit us? Jalen said you have a dog AND a PS 5!"

Tris throws her head back in laughter then looks over at Tobias who is clearly amused again as he cradles Jada who is now playing with his face and gabbing away in baby talk that he doesn't understand. He nods at Tris, he really was starting to get attached to her family since they had been dating.

"Let's go ask your Mom and Dad" Tris replies, getting up as Justin and Jalen each pull her by one hand toward Christina and Uriah.

"You're not so bad are you?" He says quietly as Jada smiles at him bouncing on her legs as he holds her up.

He laughs as she babbles her conversation with him and he chuckles when Uriah snaps a picture of him from across the room. He feels his heartstrings pull when she lays her little head on his shoulder again and he pats her on the back. Zeke sits down next to him as Jada is now fast asleep on his shoulder drawing him out of his thoughts. Tobias and Zeke had become pretty comfortable around each other since Tris and he had started dating. They had just clicked like they had been friends forever and had hung out more and more without their significant others the past few months.

"You look pretty comfortable, you better watch out, Tris will have baby fever"

"Ha," Tobias grunts out.

"I'm serious, Chris and Shauna are already planning your wedding, they can easily add in a baby shower so watch out"

Tobias chuckles in response, he had no doubt what Tris was getting from her family. He smiles back at her as she looks over to him from across the room where Justin is standing next to where she is sitting and giving her a pleading look with his hands clasped.

"You and Shauna going to have any of your own?" Tobias asks looking at Zeke.

"I don't think so, it was never something both of us wanted to do and we are okay with that. We figure Chris and Uri aren't done yet so we can live vicariously through them"

Tobias nods in response as Christina comes to take Jada out of his arms so she could take her upstairs to lay her down. Lauren had never wanted kids, she much preferred to raise money to help causes for children. Tobias had been okay with that, he hadn't felt strongly about kids and he would have followed along with whatever Lauren wanted. Tris was the complete opposite. He loved the motherly caring nature she had. He felt mesmerized anytime he saw her with Chris and Uriah's kids. He swallows as the feeling washes over him and he smiles at the thought. He could see himself and Tris with a little one similar to Jada with the same green eyes that Uriah and Zeke had inherited from Hana that Tris told him were the same as her mother's. Could she even have kids with her heart transplant? Maybe they could adopt, that might be better. Tobias stops and looks across the room at Tris who now has Justin in her lap and was tickling him as she kissed his cheeks while he giggled. Tobias smiles at his train of thought. There in this moment, Tobias knows he wants this for the rest of his life. Was it too soon? It took him all of high school and most of college to settle down with Lauren, could he really be ready to settle down with Tris this soon?


Bistango and Guantamara are some of my foodie recommendations in NYC!

I forgot to mention last chapter I mentioned Besider which is also a real resource that I work with in the real world if you need information about sexual health!