"Next."

I sheepishly move to the counter. I should've been the first in line, since the order of choosing apartments and jobs goes by rankings. But I've been in some sort of daze since last night, unaware of my surroundings and what others were doing. It's like I've been drunk, except that there wasn't a drop of alcohol in me.

Cutting the line of my numbered cohort and waiting while Skylar finishes up on her arrangements, I had time to mull over my extremely rare tardiness. I can only pray now that the best and largest apartments weren't already taken and that the leadership spot haven't been chosen – a futile attempt, really.

Though I don't normally expect things of people – for expectations often lead to disappointment – I send a silent prayer that the large apartments haven't been taken up.

Not that it matters if you move in with Eric. A voice in the back of my head says.

I squash that thought immediately.

The middle age lady looks up to me expectantly, bordering impatient by how she has to deal with this all morning. "Name."

I can't help but stare at her dumbly for a second, my response flying out of the window. "Hi, urm… I'm Anna-"

Recognition fills her features and she cuts me off. "Ah yes." Oddly enough, she smiles. "I've heard great things about you, Anna." In spite of herself, her smile falters when she glances to the clock on her left.

I rub the back of my neck and chuckle nervously. "Sorry." There's no excuse for me to give, and even if I did, it shouldn't excuse my tardiness.

"No worries dear." Her smile is back on. "Max has informed me to send you to his office right away. Just take the lift to the fourth floor. There should be a receptionist there to guide you."

The head of Dauntless wants to see me?

Once again, I'm back to staring at her dumbly. Once a fraction of my brain seems to work again, I voice my concern. "But er… the apart-"

She sweetly cuts me off again. "Don't worry about it. Just go meet him."

I blink. Though I should stay back and argue that apartment allocation means a lot to me, I'm acutely aware of how late I already am. Hence, I begrudgingly give her a thanks and stumble to the lifts, my mind detached from my body.

My fist hovers millimeters away from Max's office door, stomach in knots as I have no idea why he wants to meet me. Did he see something unusual during the fear landscape? Or did he overhear the conversation I had with Four? Is the reason why I'm not getting a choice in picking my apartment and job because he plans to kick me out?

The lady earlier said that she heard 'great things' about me, but I won't be surprised if Max lied to eliminate suspicion.

The muffled voices that are coming through the door are the main reason for my hesitation. I can't make out the individual voices or their words but I do know that there is a definitely a female inside.

Right when I've gathered enough courage, the door swings open.

Standing between the room and me is Cole. The grin he had immediately fell flat when he saw me, twisting into a disgusting sneer that he hadn't quite mastered from Eric. "Banjo strummer." Is what he deems suffice as a greeting as he forcefully pushes past me before I even have the chance to move away.

"Anna!" Max's voice calls gleefully from the room. "Just in time."

I plaster on my best attempt of a smile and ignore Cole's actions, walking into the room. "Hi."

I was right, there is a female in the room. Perched like a peacock on his desk is Jeanine, puckered smile and all. As much as I don't even want to know why she's here, I'm afraid I'm going to find out anyways.

"Take a seat." He gestures at the chair in front of him. I smile at the woman just out of courtesy before doing as told. The chair beneath me is hard and uncomfortable. Though Max doesn't seem to have ill intentions now, I can't help but think otherwise with such a piece of furniture like this.

His office is relatively messy. Papers are sticking out from all angles on the cabinets and files are stacked disorderly on top of each other, practically on the verge of tipping over. The only thing that's neat is his desk, which I suspect is only because he has guests over – not that it actually makes much of a difference. The computer running next to him seems relatively new, the technology outcompeting what Johanna has by years.

"This is Anna Laker. Top of this year's initiate class, but I bet you knew that already." He boasts, straightening his spine like he personally helped me achieve the rank. Then he turns to me, "Anna, this is Jeanine Matthews. She's the leader of Erudite."

I squelch the awkwardness of my actions and extend a hand. "Nice to meet you." All I can do is pray that I sound genuine.

She smiles back and clasps my hand in hers, giving a light – almost bordering half-hearted – shake. "John's daughter, is it? It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm glad you're adapting well here in Dauntless, in fact, more than well." There's this sly undertone to her words that I don't quite like.

I fish out one of the most rehearsed responses I have. "My mom helped me with that. I kinda told her I was planning to transfer here; hence, she gave me a headstart in training." Forcefully relaxing my shoulders, I shrug to feign nonchalance.

"Ah, but having a headstart in physical training only means you'll do well in stage one. Yet, you've gone against all odds and managed to do well in the rest of the stages as well." As each word falls from her mouth, my fingers start turning numb. She couldn't be implying what I think she's implying. Surely I've covered all my tracks of any possibility of being divergent… right?

"I suppose you could've gotten your gifts from your father, he's quite a remarkable one. But we're not here to discuss your results – of which we are immensely proud of. IT is only natural for me to doubt that she was pleased to hear that I've beaten Cole and have possibly ruin her plans. I don't think she was 'immensely' proud at all. "Instead," she lightly clasps her hands together, "we would like to discuss something else." Her eyes flit over to Max who's already bubbling with excitement despite his sobered demeanor.

He weaves his fingers together and rests his elbows onto his desk, leaning forward. "We are hoping… that you would consider Dauntless Leadership." He says slowly, letting the words sink in one by one.

I blink.

Not quite what I expected.

"Of course, you won't be one immediately, but you'll be in training for six months. During that period, you'll learn the ropes of running Dauntless and understand what we as leaders do."

When I don't immediately reply, he continues on. "You've shown great ability in problem solving and critical thinking. We need someone who can quickly access situations and make split second decisions," The rats. "do their best to protect the faction and loved ones," Shooting myself. "and has unwavering loyalty." Choosing Eric. "All of which, you fit perfectly."

Just like that, my gaze grows hard and I pull my gaze down to my hands. It worked in my favor, didn't it? I think wryly.

"So, would you like to take it up?" He finally asks.

Can't say no, because this is what I've been working for. "Sure." My head lifts and a smile meets his gaze, all irritation shoved deep inside.

He claps his hands together while Jeanine smiles wide in possibly artificial, pleasure. "Wonderful. You and Cole will both be in training. He has decided to shadow Jessica, who'll be stepping down at the end of this six months." An Erudite move. Shadowing the leader who's leaving is the perfect way to replace her and her job.

"The person you shadow will be the main person who will show you the ropes. This includes visitations, physical training and paperwork. At the end of the six months, we will have to only pick one of you. But worry not, we'll give you your preferred job if you aren't chosen.

Now, Eric has volunteered to oversee you, but the decision is still up to you. Would you prefer Veronica perhaps? I know Eric can be… pretty intense at times."

Another speechless moment.

Eric has volunteered to train me? It doesn't take a genius to know that leaders don't often – if at all – volunteer to carry an extra burden on top of their work. An obvious choice would be to shadow Veronica instead, she does seem a tad bit friendlier and might have more patience in helping me than Eric. I'm no fool to think that Eric's tolerance for me will last a lifetime, especially if things between us go downhill.

Yet, I know that if I want in on their plans, I would have to choose either Max or Eric. Judging from my brief time in Eric's apartment, I can only hope his office is nothing like the man-cave that is Max's. I don't think I can stand being in this office and its gunk every day for six months.

So I say, "Eric's fine."

Both of their responses are comical, though fleeting. Their eyebrows fly to their forehead in shock before Jeanine schools her features back into a practiced smile while Max tilts his head like he didn't hear right.

"Eric?" He splutters, blinking rapidly like I just willingly signed up to die.

I purse my lips together and nod. Perhaps he's a horrible co-worker and I've just made the worst choice in my life. Jeanine shoots Max a warning look and he immediately collects himself, fingers flying over his keyboard. He clears his throat. "Very well. You'll start next week. Everyone's been given a week off to celebrate and settle into their new lives, so your training will only start next Monday." A week off? My insides bubble with excitement as I think about all the things I can do during that time; mainly, chase tag.

"I'll be heading out now." Jeanine says, gathering her little belongings in front of her. "It's been a pleasure to meet you, Anna. I look forward to working with you." She has that knowing tone in her voice, one that send shudders despite supposedly now being on the same side as her.

I can only manage a smile and a pathetic 'it's a pleasure to meet you too' before she clicks her way out of the door.

Once the reassuring tick of the door vibrates around the room, Max begins to fill the silence. "Your apartment number is…" He starts distractedly, his attention focused on the screen in front of him. I wring my hands together, unsure if I should voice out my concerns about my living space. I'm afraid that he's looking through the list of remaining apartments now, and judging by how long it's been since ten, I doubt there's any good ones left. But there's honestly no reason to worry. "108… Yes," his eyes returns to me, "108. Just go back down to Jane for the key code. She'll tell you where it's located." Jane should be the lady downstairs. "You may go now, I look forward to you working with us."

I smile in appreciation and rise. "Thanks." Yet right when I've straightened my back, a thought dances in my head and I freeze. Now would be the perfect time. "Actually…"

Max tilts his head up and looks at me expectantly. My breathing quickens as I realize how stupid but necessary my request is. There's no going back now. "I was wondering… if I could… ask you something."

"Are we really here to celebrate?" I ask the man in front of me warily. If Four turned out to have an alter ego of a drunk party junkie, I might have to rethink my friendship with him.

We stand in the train station alone with only two small lights illuminating the space. As much as I didn't want to come, preferring to spend more time getting my apartment in order, I couldn't exactly cancel on him. I did say yes after all. Whether or not its half-hearted is besides the point. Plus, there's no ways for me to communicate to cancel.

The train is due to arrive any time now.

He squints at me, hurt, before turning back to the now vibrating tracks. "Later." I suppress my irritation and glare at the upcoming train. "So… what job did you pick?"

"I didn't quite get a choice in leadership. I was called in by Max." The mention of Jeanine being present was omitted, mainly because of how I'm constantly reminded of the cameras being everywhere. "But I was planning to pick that anyways." I shrug.

Only when we land onto the train does he continue. "Were there other candidates there as well?" He asks, taking a seat across me. "Did he give you a general form to fill in?"

My eyebrows knit together; why does the process matter? "No…? I mean, Cole went before me. But there wasn't like a gathering or any sort of form. He kinda just flat out asked me and who I would like to shadow during the six months of probationary." I wave my hands to make a point. "Why does it matter?"

Now it's his turn to knit his brows. The creases that form only makes him look years older. "Huh." He looks to the ground, deep in thought. "They didn't do that during my time. Are you and Cole the only ones picked? Was there an interview of sorts?"

The irritation from earlier reignites in me. I don't quite appreciate his vagueness in topics that obviously involve me. That being said, I do appreciate that he's already sniffing out something fishy. However, it would be an enormous help if he explained his suspicions. "As far as I know of, it's just me and Cole. And no, there was no interview." Deep breaths. "Why does it matter?" I ask calmly. Don't need to snap at someone when you've no means of getting help if things escalate.

He ignores my question once again. "Interesting." Four scratches his chin, completely oblivious of the twitching of my eye nor the clenching of fists. "During my time-" By now, my patience is wearing thin. I don't want to know your 'during my time' grandfather stories. "-Max would interview each candidate and ask them of their vision for Dauntless. Then he would – supposedly –" his tone turns sour, "picked the best suited one as the new 'leader-in-training."

So… times have changed and now they hand pick their candidates, what's so sketchy about that? Shouldn't Four be happy that they considered me despite already having Cole? But now that I'm listening to his faraway droning, I'm suddenly wondering why did they even bother to pick me.

Was it all for a show? To show that they aren't being biased towards Cole by having me give it a shot too? Would they have done the same if Cole came first instead? Something inside tells me that the answer is no. Does that mean that in whatever I do during these six months wouldn't matter at all? After all, the decision has already been made.

I suck in a breath at this revelation. "Then why?"

Four's eyes snap to mine as if he was thinking the exact same thing. "Perhaps to portray an image of equality." He states. Even though he didn't mean it, the words were still a cut to my hopes. There's a hand around my heart, clenching and squeezing out all my glee and celebration. Maybe I should just go to Max and tell him I rather have another job. Ambassador maybe.

"But…" Just like that, light reenters my mind. Four rises onto his feet, pacing down the pathway completely unfazed by the fact that we are on a moving train. He's deep in thought, trying to dissect the reasoning behind what's happened – or figuring out how best to phrase a soul-crushing blow.

"…I think that another reason why they picked you is because-" He pauses, shaking his head before going back to pacing. With absolutely nothing to do, I twiddle my thumbs like a child. My mind is completely void of anything. Perhaps I should pry. Yet should I do so, I may lose that glimmer of hope that I've desperately latched onto.

A part of me wants to go home to my new apartment, the one I've spent the entire afternoon sweeping, mopping and scrubbing just to make it clean enough to meet my high standards. Though I would like to suggest for apartments to be thoroughly cleaned before the new members move in, I can also foresee the leaders rolling their eyes at the waste of manpower.

I want to forget the possibly true intentions of my apprenticeship and pretend that I have an equal chance of snagging the leadership spot as Cole. I want to forget about this train ride, where all my underlying doubts have been fished out and expanded. I really don't need this right now.

Amidst of thinking about my new bed and clean floors, I suddenly realize something. "You seem to know a lot about the leadership process. Did you apply?"

Four stops in his tracks, his back towards me. Instead of a simple yes or no, he answers, "I was invited."

"But Eric took your spot? Because of the strings Jeanine pulled?" At this, his shoulders slump in perceived… happiness? Relief? I can't help but wonder if there's more to this than what I just mentioned.

"Yeah. So I landed a job at the control room. Speaking of which, here's the real reason why I asked to meet up…" He turns around and strides back to me. I wouldn't be at all surprised if he whipped out a bottle of alcohol from God knows where, and dully exclaim 'congratulations'.

Four slides back down across me and folds his legs together. "I've gotten some intel from an extremely reliable source." He states almost smugly – so smug that contends with Max's – giving me the impression that this 'reliable' source could most possibly be himself.

Of course Four only talks to me about work.

"Who is this, 'reliable' source?" I question.

All I get in reply is, 'the less you know, the better. Trust me.'

I have half the mind to whack him in the face. We are working together, are we not?

"And I've found out what Jeanine is up to," he folds his hands together and leans forward, "the project is still under development, the last time I checked. This gives us plenty of time to figure out what to do. Maybe even half if we're in luck."

My hand flies to cover my twitching eye. Why does he always beat around the bush like that?

"Simulations." He says. I almost roll my eyes. Erudite is known for their simulation serums. The temptation to mock him is strong, especially with how irritating he is today. "A serum that could control people."

Now that catches my attention.

"What do you mean?"

"Imagine the fear landscape," there's this glimmer in his eye, "but instead of experiencing your fears, you experience what-"

"They want you to see." We finish together.

A light flickers in my head and a gasp falls from my lips. "They can create a brainless army."

"Yes."

It's all starting to make sense now. "An army for what though?"

He doesn't miss a beat. "Abnegation. They want a new government."

I can't help but doubt him. "But Abnegation only do what's right for the city. Why change that?"

"What's right in some eyes, might not be right in others. Abnegation does do what's right for the city. But it definitely isn't always the best. I can assume that Erudite have very different views on this matter." Suddenly I'm recalling the reports Erudite have been making on Abnegation, how dad himself couldn't understand the logic behind them. "And since they don't get a say in this at all, it makes sense why they want to eradicate the current government."

The way he said 'eradicate' made me see death and pain. My heart drops. They wouldn't… would they? "You don't think both Dauntless and Erudite would… slaughter them… would you?"

His eyes grow hard. "If you had the brains, the technology and the power of the city, who would go against you if you did?"

I almost said 'Candor would', but the faction of justice is only as powerful as the Dauntless who reinforce the laws, otherwise they are just a dog with all bark and no bite.

"Are there plans made then?" I ask, already dreading the answer.

"Tentatively, no. They are currently focusing on the serum development and finding flaws in the government to publish. What they are currently doing isn't obvious, but it's there." What he shared it isn't much, but it's still a relief.

"Progress is slow but improving. Programming scenes that will adapt according to each individual manuallyis difficult at the moment. They are also testing the serums on animals, but it's only a matter of time before they move onto human subjects."

"So, what should we do now?" I ask.

He sighs heavily and slumps onto the wall. "Right now, I'm not sure. I do have a plan, but I haven't put much thought into it."

"And what would that be…?" We could plan this out right now.

"Sneaking into Erudite and hacking the program." He states simply. This is obviously easier said than done. However, with my newfound job, the idea might not be too far-fetched… "It's workable, if you can develop a program that would ensure it can't be detected." If that's possible to begin with.

At my reassurance, he straightens up. "It'll take time for sure." There's this glimmer in his eyes again. It's clear that this is his passion. "I mean, I have something similar, but if I could develop it a bit more… yes… it is workable…"

"Could it be something… seamless? Something that doesn't involve… uh… manual… setup?" I cringe at my choice of words, cursing for myself sleeping in most of my computer classes in school. I would probably need them now more than ever with my new job.

Four frowns for a moment before he successfully deciphers my child's language. "Wireless? Well, I haven't quite done anything like it. But how are we going to get in Erudite in the first place?"

I think I've just exposed myself. "I'm shadowing a leader during the six-month period, I'm sure I'll visit Erudite eventually." Is my vague answer.

"Oh, yes. That works for sure. Especially if you could get Jeanine to trust you, then-" he suddenly pauses, the implication of my words sinking in. Then he narrows his eyes accusingly. "Who are you shadowing exactly? Because not all the leaders make their rounds around the factions. In fact, I can only name two off the top of my head…"

Silence.

Maybe I should've lied and said Max, but it's a tad bit too late now.

He sighs heavily as slowly runs a palm down his face. "You're shadowing him." Contempt laces his voice as his spits the word.

'He volunteered to do it!' Is the childish excuse I most blurted. Instead, I defend, "I didn't pick him because of selfish reasons." Well, at least, in that moment in time. Now is a different story.

His blue eyes only flit to his forehead disbelievingly. Heat starts rising in me. "Max would've been a better choice. He's a reasonable guy. Pray tell why didn't you go under him instead. You must have a awfully good reason to pick Eric. I'm sure Max would teach you far more than Eric ever could. Perhaps all but the physical training aspect really, since both of you-"

Something snaps. "There's nothing wrong with Eric!" Moments like these are when I can fully understand why Eric would like to punch his pretty face. Give him a good whack on his temple and maybe a knee to his groin. His nerve, fucking hell… "What do you think he is? A-A rapist? That all he sees in me is sex? What? That just because he's wormed his way into leadership means he still a spoon-fed child?" My head is starting to pound and my feet itch to stand.

His eyes grow hard at my outburst. "And you think he won't do that? Take advantage because he's your superior and has responsibility over you? You think you know-"

I can't take another word that's coming out of his mouth. "I don't 'think', I know him far better than you! Knowing him since 'initiation'," I air quote him mockingly, "doesn't mean shit. You don't even know how he is inside, so how dare you accuse him of this!"

"And how do you know that what you see is true? I'll say it once, and I'll say it again: People would do anything, anything, to make the ones they want, stay." He growls.

Sarcasm laces my voice. "Oh, and who made you a love guru? Last I heard, you couldn't even keep a girl after one date. Who's you to advise me on this?" Maybe I shouldn't have given him such a low blow, but in this moment, caring about his feelings after what he's just said is furthest from my mind.

His next words border solemn, almost throwing me off completely. "Sometimes, you learn it through others."

The way he said it… there's definitely more to it.

Yet at this moment, I can't find a speck in me to calm down and sympathize. I am fuming and still want to punch him. However, I recognize the familiar sound of the screeching of the brakes and the white lights. "We're here."

I hop off the train without hesitation, never looking back. So much for seeing the city lights.

That nerve of a man. He has no right to speak about Eric like that. Is Eric a rapist? No. Is he a useless leader? No. So, who the hell does he think he is to say such things. If Four has such an issue with Eric, he should keep it to himself. He knows that shadowing Eric is essential. Eric practically works with Jeanine. Heck, doesn't he go to Erudite once a week?

As the lift opens to my apartment's floor, some of my anger washes away as my newly cleaned flat draws closer. It isn't a ridiculously huge one like Eric's, but it's definitely big enough to, hopefully, house three large dogs. I could see it already, Hawk and Sabre sleeping on the new sofas while Gunner and I take the queen-sized bed. Everything would be so convenient now that everything is on the same floor, the food, toys, water bowls, baths; everything would be so, so easy.

A smug smile passes over my lips as the remaining of my anger diminishes. Mark was complaining about his apartment over dinner. Something about not even having a proper bedroom and everything being in 'one-place'. Skylar's room was far better, mainly because she and Zack decided to move in together. They were allocated an apartment much similar to mine, if not slightly bigger. Riley moved in with Jace, for reasons so obvious I had to clamp my mouth down the moment Jace announced their arrangement.

The rectangle machine beeps in acceptance before me and a buzzing occurs to unlock the door. I kick off my shoes once inside, placing them on the newly purchased shoe rack. Ah yes, a place to call home.

Tonight, will be the first night – minus the day I woke in Eric's bed – where I would be sleeping in something other than that pathetic excuse of a bed in the dorms. And tonight, will also be the first night where I won't be woken up by the nightmares of others. Just me, my bed, and all the time in the world.

Yet of course, there's always something that would ruin my plans.

There's a ding from above and a knock on my door.

At first, I thought it was Four coming to continue to argument, or better yet: apologize. Then I realize that I never did tell Four where my apartment is, so it couldn't actually be him. The analog clock at the kitchen reads 10:23pm, a bit late if Skylar had something up her sleeve. A horribly planned surprise party?

"Anna?"

The voice is muffled through the door but I can recognize it anywhere.

I hastily push the handle down and pull the door open. "Eric?" My heart flutters; he's here.

"Hey."

"Hi." Even after a month, the sight of him still takes my breath away. He's dressed in a simple black tee and matching sweatpants, standing almost awkwardly in the hallway. There's a white paper bag in his hand.

A gift?

His eyes are trailing down my form, starting painstakingly slow with my face. "What are you doing here?" I'm not quite sure what's there to see, mainly because I'm not anything like the drop-dead gorgeous women Dauntless doesn't seem to lack. In fact, I'm not sure what he sees in me at all.

"Hmm?" His gaze never strays from me, taking in my maroon jacket, tank top and leggings. A warm feeling starts blossoming in my chest, but waves embarrassment overrides it.

I clear my throat, shifting to pull the door wider. "Eric."

He knocks out of his daze immediately, slate blue snapping to mine. "Yes?"

"What are you doing here?"

He confusingly blinks twice before tilting his head. "I err…" Then he sees the paper bag and recognition fills his face. "Can I come in?"

The unexpectant feeling of self-consciousness grips me. Regret of not refurnishing my room earlier today mockingly tugs at me. "Urm..."

"Or we could go to mine's-"

"Oh! No, no, it's fine. You're here already, it's fine." I blabber out.

Eric squints down at me. "You sure? I mean, it's just right here." He points to the door behind him.

What…?

The fact that I never had the problem of locating my room did not faze me at all today. Now, I understand why. It's because I've been here before.

I must have been stupidly standing there longer than normal, for the next thing I knew, Eric's holding his own door open and has this amused look on his face. "You forgot, didn't you?"

My face scrunches and I wave a hand loosely in the air. "What? Of course not. I knew that your room was across mine. 105 right? See?"

Antarctica.

Antarctica is the coldest, driest, windiest, and iciest continent on Earth. It is the only continent with no permanent residents. Few living things can survive the cold, dry climate of Antarctica's interior. Those mainly being a few lichens, mosses, and insects.

Unfortunately, I am obviously not among those who can survive.

How the heck did Eric manage to cramp Antarctica in here?

I am exaggerating, of course. There are no lichens, mosses, insects, penguins or seals that have taken residence in Eric's apartment. Neither is there falling snow or strong winds blowing around. However, it sure the hell feels like it.

Traumatic memories of waking up freezing on my first morning in Dauntless flashes through me. I begrudgingly pull off my shoes and wrap my arms around my torso, suddenly feeling hostile towards the man walk in front of me.

The million-dollar question tumbles out of me. "Why is your apartment so cold? It's not even autumn yet."

"Is it?" He pauses mid step, turning around to head to the temperature controls. I almost wanted to mention it's still summer, but the involuntary clatter of my teeth responds for me. "Right." He presses some buttons on the control mounted on the wall before heading to the bedroom. "Wait here."

By the time he returns, my arms are around my legs and I'm blankly staring at the black television screen. It is extremely vital to purchase warmer clothes – preferably anything that isn't leggings.

"Here." He holds out a navy fleece jacket. "How did you survive in Amity?"

I pluck it from his hands and place it over my torso. "Well." I begin and pause, speechless. "Well." Now I'm loosely cocooned in the large jacket. "There was heating in the house, I wore many layers of clothing and I had my dogs."

Eric moves to take a seat adjacent to me. "Ah yes. Speaking of which, the leaders have agreed to let your dogs take residence in Dauntless."

I jolt upright in shock. "Really?" I didn't think they would've come to a decision this soon. I'm giddy with excitement. The dogs, they can come over. It's practically a dream come true; and I can't wait. I could kiss Eric right now, he has no idea what this means for me. But I must suppress the excitement, mainly because I don't want to get my hopes to high in case of extra conditions.

"Yes. As long as they don't cause a 'ruckus'," he air-quotes weirdly. "Jessica is worried that the dogs might scare some of the members, Dauntless-born mostly, since all other factions except Abnegation have dogs as pets." Of course having a dog is considered selfish. "Also, though I know that you would really want them here, Dauntless isn't really considered safe for these dogs. I'm referring to the lack of barriers at the stairs."

"It should be fine." As long as anyone isn't out to purposely injure them. "I'll have them on short leashes on the first few days, until their curiosity dies down and they lose the incline to tip over the ledge." Goodness, I sound like a child telling her parents that I promise to take care of a new pet.

"Max did say that you had everything well thought out," Well, most things; not that I'll correct it. "It's not often to see him so impressed." Convincing Max took a while, I had to rake my brain for all the skills my dogs had – minus the violence – and show him how they would do more harm than good.

"I'm glad he was. When can I move them over?" Now that I have the green light, there's so much arrangements to make. John does roughly know when initiation ends for me, but I did not contact him on a specific date on when I'll come over.

Eric shrugs. "Whenever you like. Just inform Veronica, or me, if you can't find her. She's in charge of transport and shipments in the faction, so she'll assign a vehicle to pick up the dogs."

For once, something is finally falling smoothly in place. Just in a matter of days, my three fur babies will be here with me.

"And this," he reaches down to lift the paper bag onto the coffee table, "is your new means of communication." In his hand is a while rectangular box.

A phone.

He got me a phone.

"Anyone who's in leadership has a slightly different phone from the members, mainly because these ones allow inter-faction communication." Okay, so maybe he didn't exactly buy me a phone as a gift. The rectangular white box is settled in my hand. How did he even get ahold of one that's maroon specifically?

I can't do anything except stare in shock. The box is smooth and luxurious, probably the most expensive thing I currently own.

"The contacts of the key people are already in your phone, including Johanna's and your mom's. You could try calling them tomorrow to make the arrangements for the dogs."

"Wow." Everything is becoming too much, in a good way. "Thank you." I open the box and gently pry the phone out. It's an extremely sleek design, one so thin that I'm certain I could snap it in two.

"I figured you'll need a way to contact them, so I tried to hand it over to you by tonight." My heart practically melts with his words. This man; he's amazing.

"You really didn't have to."

He huffs. "I did. No reason to prolong the arrival of the dogs."

It's remarkable that he still wants the dogs to be here. After all, his first and only encounter with them was when they were seconds away from biting his head off.

"Why?" I ask.

"Why what?"

I twist the phone in my hands, fidgeting slightly as I figure out how to phrase my question. "I mean, why are you so supportive of bringing them here?" Not quite what I wanted to ask.

"Well," he stretches and slumps lazily onto the couch. "You obviously need them. And they obviously need you. I think it would be good to speed up the process, would it not?" He quirks an eyebrow.

I'm not sure if there's a hidden reason for his actions. Such reasoning makes his effort seem rather… troublesome. "I guess…"

We slip into a comfortable silence. There are a million questions running through my mind; so many things I want to know. Why didhe insist to mentor me? Surely there must be something else other than possessiveness? Did he have a hand in my room allocation? Why isn't he bringing up the day I caught him on the fence? Why isn't he bringing up the dog's behavior towards him? The way they cornered him should've definitely made him suspicious.

Eric. He's an intriguing man, especially when it comes to me.

At this point of time I can't seem to figure him out. Yet apparently, I'm possibly the only one who has.

A/N

6.5k+ words. Wowsie. Definitely took me a while to write this.

What do you guys think? Do you guys agree with Four in terms of Eric bending his character around Anna?