Chapter Four

Tris POV

Eric stares at me intently before slowly leaning in and... hesitates? I look briefly to Tobias but he just shrugs and I think 'to hell with it' and receive his kiss squarely on my lips. Yum, he tastes so good. I have to find out how he manages to always taste minty fresh. No, don't pull away yet!

To my utter disappointment Eric stands up and gently pushes me back down on my desk chair. Then he takes a step back and actually says goodbye to Tobias before leaving my office.

What just happened here?

Tobias moves to sit on the corner of my desk and just looks at me until I can't take it any longer. "I am not sure what just happened!"

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Do I? "Why did you leave?"

Tobias looks at me like that was the dumbest thing to ever leave my mouth. He must realize I really want an answer as he sighs and starts. "Tris, you needed to talk to Eric and I gave the two of you the chance to do it without prying eyes."

"But why now?" I hear the whine in my voice but at the moment I couldn't care less how I sound.

"Because when you were gone Eric and I cleared the air, so to speak, and I knew he was ready and willing to talk. And to be honest, that moaning and groaning coming out of your mouth when you started on your cake was a bit uncomfortable."

I blush. Food porn indeed.

"It seems to have worked. You looked quite satisfied when I came back and now you are kissing Eric in front of me and going over to his place for dinner. He is in love with you, Tris. I am pretty sure you are in love with him too. You are having a baby together. It's time to remove the security blanket that was our relationship and put it all out in the open."

"How can I be in love with him yet? We just broke up, Tobias. Lust, definitely, but love?"

I trail off, hoping Tobias will fill in some blanks and he does not disappoint.

"You know Eric since you hit the roof on Choosing Day. He was the supervising leader during your initiation. I know he was an ass to everyone, and I have never seen eye to eye with him in the past, but that still gives you two history. When you chose leadership, Eric was the one tasked to train you, to be your mentor. Every moment you did not spend with me you spent with him. Even if you did not mean to, you two created a relationship. It might not have started out with attraction, but you got to know each other well and found a way that works for both of you. Do you trust him to have your back in a fight?"

Oh, I see where he is going. "Yes!"

"Do you think Eric has your best interest in mind when he corrects your fighting technique?"

"Yes!"

"Do you think he means to belittle you when he pushes you to do better?"

"Of course not, he would never intentionally hurt me!"

And cue the smug grin.

"Now, the bonus round... Do you love me?"

"Yes, you are my best friend."

"And if you came home tonight and found me making out with some girl on the couch?"

"I would try to leave without interrupting you."

"And if you walked in on Eric with another girl tonight?"

"I would fucking kill him and his bitch!"

"Woah!" Tobias steps back a bit like I might hurt him from just mentioning such a scenario.

The fuck? Where did that sudden need to hurt Eric as he hurt me come from? I can't be jealous of a hypothetical cheater, can I? But my heart constricts and hurts like a bitch just thinking about Eric kissing someone else in front of me. Oh my god, Tobias is right. I do love Eric. I am actually in love with Mr big, bad and moody, Eric Coulter. What am I going to do now?

As if sensing my thought process Tobias jumps in once more. "So, we make it official that we broke up?"

"Yes."

"You need to talk to him tonight and let him know we need to do this the right way or the faction will end up thinking that you cheated on me with Eric."

"But what about the baby? I have to limit my physical activity and that will make it quite obvious, don't you think?"

"Tris, you carrying your medical cert for all of the faction to see was a dead give away. But if it makes you feel any better, Oscar thinks you only moved the papers around when you came into reception."

"Oscar knows," I wail. "And you talked to him about it? Tobias, he is one of the worst gossips I know!"

"And he is loyal to a fault. He loves you like a little sister. I am pretty sure he knows everything that is going on. When I left you with Eric in the office after your little moan fest over the cake he did not question me once as to why I left and Eric stayed. Plus, if he really looked at your papers, there was the note how far along you are in your pregnancy and your due date. Once you do the math there is not much to dissuade him from being certain Eric had a part in this baby's creation."

I am rendered speechless. There is so much I did not think about, yet Tobias seems to be omniscient.

"So, what now?"

Oh god, that grin can't mean anything good.

"Now we will go for a little walk to the control room, a certain popular clothing store and then to see some tattoo artists?"

I groan, but there is no reason to postpone.

"Fine, but we will announce your new job at the same time, deal?"

"Deal!"

I turn to shut the computer off and grab my jacket. I walk over to Max's office and knock. He bids me to enter and I poke my head in to see him and Veronica glued to his screen. "Do you have a minute?"

"Sure. Do you want to come in?"

I am hesitating and he sees it. Max gets up and comes over so we can talk quietly without being overhead or seeming too rude for excluding Veronica.

"I am going to see some friends with Four to let them know about his new job and that we are no longer together. I don't think I will be back in the office today. Why was Eric over at my office talking about taking over physical training? I thought you would do that?"

"First of all, great idea to clear the air. Second, take your time and rest as much as you need. Third, because I am too old to get up at four am just to run around after Four. My kids keep me fit enough as it is without wasting my sleep. And you owe me big time, Tris. I rearranged the whole rotation for this year and found plenty for you to do once you are limited to office work."

"Thank you, Max."

"You are more than welcome! Now, Veronica and I do have a big favor to ask."

"Anything for you. Shoot!"

"We want to be there when you tell Eric about your pregnancy!"

Uh, what? I feel all colour leave my face and actually start to feel sick. "Why?"

I did not notice Veronica come over or Tobias enter the office, but I do feel strong arms walk me over to the couch and see Veronica handing me a glass of orange juice that she got from god knows where.

I drink the cold liquid and it helps with the dizziness. I look up to Veronica and whine "You know?!"

She shrugs. "Oscar."

Yeah, that little gossip will be the death of me.

"Eric?" I hide my face in my hands.

"As innocent and unknowing as the day he was born."

Thank you, god, for small favors. At least he did not make up with me because he knew I was pregnant. Clarissa was right. Make up first and clear the air, then add the baby into the mix a little bit later.

Veronica sits down next to me and puts and arm around my shoulders. "Sooo, you and Eric?"

A loaded question. I dare not look up into her face but nod my head.

"Thank you! Maybe now his moody ass will lighten up a bit. Do you have any idea how gruesome it was working with him these past eighteen months?"

I look up, not sure I heard her correctly. "Sorry, what?"

"Oh Tris, from the day you chose Dauntless Eric changed his behavior. Not for the better, mind you, but we could all tell something was bothering him. He was more invested in initiation than any other leader before him. Usually we just pop in randomly and mainly meet with the instructors. Eric was in the training room every single day, even if it was just for a few minutes. Unprecedented! You challenged him by filling in for other initiates during their punishments, went rogue and visited Erudite and released yourself from the infirmary to participate in capture the flag. Eric let you get away with all of this instead of making you factionless. The day you unintentionally made your relationship with Four known through your fear landscape we had to drag Eric out of the bar, but not before he put ten members in the infirmary. Then you chose leadership and Eric knew he would be the one training you. He walked around with what you could call a smile on his face until he learned that you would be moving into the leadership wing together with Four. Do you remember the splintered door on your first day?"

"Are you telling me Eric did that?"

"Apparently he did not take you moving in together well. Eric rarely shows emotions but for the past eighteen months all those we got to see were negative reactions resulting from something concerning you."

"So, I am a negative influence?"

"No, Tris, you misunderstand. Ever since that Erudite bitch got her claws in him Eric had an impenetrable wall built around his emotions. He was the poster boy for a cruel and heartless leader. You are the only one getting past that wall without even trying. Eric did not know what to do with his feelings and that resulted in all the crap we were subjected to. We are all hoping that a relationship with you will bring the walls down and we will have another human being in our middle that can be a fair and compassionate leader."

"If all this bothers you, why did you give him the position in the first place?" I can't help sounding annoyed on Eric's behalf.

"Because we saw his potential but did not realize in time all Jeanine had done to oppress Eric."

Ok. I nod that I understand and my mental list of things to find out or talk to Eric about is getting longer by the minute.

"So, you are letting us be around when you tell Eric you are pregnant?"

"No!"

"Tris!" All three whine and I give Tobias a dirty look. "Et tu, Brute?"

He raises his hands. "Mea culpa! But I agree that this is something I really want to see!"

"For your amusement! Do you really think I will allow Eric to be subjected to that? This is a private moment and none of your business!"

They do not look contrite enough. "Max?"

"Yes, Tris?"

"How did your wife tell you she was pregnant?"

Max blushes. "Well, the first one she screamed in my face after being told she couldn't drink any alcohol until after she had the baby and it was weaned."

Right! "And the second?"

Oh, this has to be good, I did not know Max could turn this colour.

"I mentioned her increased bitchiness... and she told me in no uncertain terms that if I did not like her mood I should keep it in my pants instead of knocking her up!"

This is priceless. Veronica and Tobias are laughing so hard they have tears rolling down their cheeks.

"And your last one? How did you find out?"

"I outright asked her if she was pregnant again as her mood swings were unbelievable."

"How did that turn out for you?"

"He slept in his office for a week," Veronica snorts out.

"And after all this you want me to tell Eric in public? Imagine that would be you!" I cross my arms and wait.

"I want to see his face! I bet he will have a great reaction to your news. I want to celebrate with the both of you and finalize the plans for the office remodel without Eric throwing a hissy fit."

"Uh, it sounded like you wanted to see him miserable or screwing up."

"No, Tris, even the moody bastard that he is, we love him enough to wish him all the happiness in the world. He deserves a happy home life and we want to be there to celebrate. I just want to see the look on his face when he realizes everything he ever dreamed of is coming true."

Fucking hell, now I am sniffing. I was ready to go to war and now I need to apologize.

"Sorry, I should have known better. I still think this is something personal and hence private. I will be happy to celebrate with you later. Now, explain to me the office remodel that will cause Eric's meltdown."

Veronica grins. "I can do you one better!"

With that she leads me over to the computer where they apparently already started watching the security camera feed from her office. Shit! I hope nobody will check mine or they will get more than they bargained for. I watch in awe as Max and Veronica skilfully maneuver around my pregnancy and Eric's reactions. My, that is one sexy growl. I have to try and get one out of him later...

...

After a few more minutes of watching the video and chatting with Veronica and Max, Tobias and I leave to make the rounds with our friends.

That goes as expected and they first think we are joking and then reluctantly agree that we are right. They don't have to take sides, there is no bad blood and we basically can keep going as we were. There are hugs and well wishes and offers of support. We do have great friends and are assured the news that we broke up weeks ago will circulate accurately.

Now I have to hurry back to make it just in time. I don't want to cause Eric anxiety by making him wait. Knowing him he will come up with the weirdest thoughts as to why I am standing him up.

First, though, I need to stop by my apartment and after the quickest shower I can manage I put on some comfy clothes and head over to Eric's apartment which is two doors down from mine. I don't know why I am feeling nervous, but I need to knock twice after the first try was more a shaking hand vibrating on wood. The door is opened within seconds and Eric stares at me like he doesn't know what to do.

"Can I come inside?"

Oh my, he can blush. "Of course!" And he moves aside quickly and closes the door after me.

We are both standing there a bit awkward, neither of us sure what to do now.

"What's that amazing smell?"

"How was your day?"

Silence. "Good. What is that amazing smell," I answer and repeat my own question.

"I thought I would cook for us tonight instead of getting food from the cafeteria. I hope you like spaghetti bolognese?"

"I don't remember eating something with that name before. It does smell really good though," I compliment and the worry slowly leaves Eric's face. It seems neither one of us is sure about what to do next so I take Eric's hand and pull him with me towards where I know the kitchen is. There is a pot on the stove, and I look at Eric inquiringly. "May I?"

He nods. "Go ahead." And I lift the lid. The aroma coming out is unbelievable and I look at the deep red sauce with amazement. Eric's arms wind around me and he grabs a spoon from the side, dips it into the sauce and offers me a taste. I grab his wrist and bring it close to my lips, gently blowing before opening my mouth and accepting the spoon. I moan in pleasure and Eric quickly discards the spoon and spins me around, pushing me gently against the counter and finding my lips with his. His tongue meets mine and we both moan in pleasure.

"The sauce tastes even better coming from you," he groans and comes back for seconds and thirds.

No objections here. I know we need to start talking and stop making out, but I am not ready to give this up and Eric seems to agree.

A couple of minutes later the edge of the stove digging in my back becomes unpleasant and I gently push Eric away. Rubbing my back to ease the pain I carefully watch Eric's face. It seems we really are in the same boat, confused and dazed, horny and hungry. I wonder what hunger is more prevalent. No, bad Tris, time to sit down and talk over dinner. "Can I help with anything?"

"No, I only need to boil the pasta and that takes three minutes tops. Make yourself comfortable. We can eat in the kitchen or living room. You choose."

And he gets busy with his pots and ingredients while I have a quick look around. Eric's couch looks really comfy but the table in front is not ideal to eat from. He does not have a table in the kitchen but a part of the counter sticking out and high stools in front. There is no backrest so for me they look more like torture devices, but I would assume eating in the kitchen will be less messy and hopefully we can move on to the sofa once the plates are cleared.

"Let's eat here and move to the living room after. Want me to get the plates out?"

"No, thanks. Everything is ready to go. I just wanted to know what you prefer."

Eric nods towards the sideboard where I see a tray ready to go with cutlery, napkins, glasses and drinks. I bring the tray over and set it up so we are right next to each other, placing the salt, pepper and cheese in between us before pouring water into the glasses.

Eric brings the plates over and I watch him curiously as he prepares his own by adding more seasoning and cheese. He then grabs the fork and twirls some food over the spoon, creating a tight bundle, almost like a role of yarn. I observe with bated breath as he brings the fork to his mouth and ends up sucking a loose end in between puckered lips.

I am brought out of my trance by Eric telling me to try with just a bit of cheese first. Carefully I sprinkle some and prepare my bite just like Eric. Wow, that is really good and definitely something I would like to learn how to prepare myself.

Without a second though I go for Eric's plate and grab a forkful. Yum. This is even better and I add more seasoning to my own dish.

"Look at you, leaving the bland Abnegation food behind and getting adventurous," Eric teases and I stick out my tongue in reply.

We don't say much for the next five minutes. I am ravenous and my plate is empty in no time.

"Would you like some more?"

"No, thanks, that as plenty and absolutely divine. Can you teach me how to cook this sometime?"

"Sure! Anytime you want. Let me clear the plates and you can head over to the living room."

Oh Eric, there is so much for you to learn. I get up and stretch, these chairs are awful. When we move in together they will be the first to go.

I grab the dish towel and start drying what Eric is done washing and we are finished in no time. Eric gently takes the dish towel out of my hand and pulls me with him to his couch. Now that's what I call comfortable.

We end up sitting on opposite sides with my feet up in Eric's lap.

"So..." I trail off.

"Yes?" Eric looks at me eagerly.

"We need to talk."

"I know. Why do you think I am sitting all the way over here instead of dragging you into my bedroom?"

My face burns and I swallow twice before I feel like I can get some words out.

"Eric!"

"Yes?" He knows exactly what he did to me. Damn it. One of us has to be the grown up in this room and apparently that's me.

"You know Four and I broke up weeks before the attack?"

Eric only nods.

"We both decided that we were better suited as friends than lovers. We are very alike and that was great in the beginning. We understood the other but what we thought was a base for a relationship was not. We were not miserable, and we could have made a good life with the other, but it would not have been enough in the long run to make us happy. So we decided to quit while we were on top."

Eric keeps nodding for me to go on.

"We did not tell our friends because we did not want the interference. There was no need to take sides and we wanted them to see that nothing had to change just because we were no longer a couple. Four also did not want to have all those girls swarming him that had propositioned him even while we were dating. So he moved into the guest room and that was it. We had no timeline for how we would progress. And then Evelyn and her Factionless attacked..."

"And I made an ass out of myself," Eric concludes.

"No, we were in the moment and did not talk. You rightfully assumed I was still with Four and that I was going to get married. It stung, but I understood that it was a misunderstanding I could have avoided by talking to you earlier. We had... breaks... in our... activities that I could have used to tell you. I don't know. We both just assumed and never talked and then I was so embarrassed that I avoided you until today. Would you have talked to me about it eventually?"

"I would like to think so. I am glad Four told me and thank you for explaining things now."

"Can I ask you something else?"

"Anything."

"Since when are you in love with me?"

There is groaning and grunting and suddenly Eric does not want to meet my eye.

"Eric?"

"This is embarrassing!"

"What happened to my tough instructor? The bad ass leader who doesn't take shit from anyone? Just talk to me and I will listen without interrupting you."

"He jumped into the chasm hearing you ask that question. I am a tough guy, Tris, the members fear me! I am going to be the laughingstock of the faction, just like Four's whipped ass was, when they realize that I am pining for you since your arrival here."

I am speechless. Veronica was right. Fuck me!

"I was captivated before you even decided to jump first. Seeing another Abnegation, a scrawny little girl no less, arrive on the roof gave me pause. I really looked at you and I saw the similarities to Four." I gasp and Eric looks at me contrite. "Do you really think that I would ever forget that Four was originally Tobias Eaton, Abnegation leader Marcus Eaton's only child, when he was in my year?"

I guess it was stupid to assume, once again. Eric was in his year and lost first place to him. Of course he will not forget, he is a former Erudite for god's sake.

Eric goes on. "The same determination to not only be here but to succeed. I knew you were going to be special. Then you jumped first. You defied my taunts and you jumped without making a sound. I knew then I was in trouble. I was a leader falling for an initiate and to make matters worse, my mouth ran away with me and yet I did not get a rise out of you. I know I was cruel to you, I highlighted your shortcomings and pushed you whenever I got the chance. You gave me plenty and I was so proud when you came out on top every single time. I put you up against Peter and he put you in the infirmary. I was worried during the fight and then overdid it in my attempt to not show you favoritisms. I am sorry, Tris, I should have stopped that fight sooner. But yet again you showed your strength. You let yourself out of the infirmary to participate in capture the flag. I think that was the moment I realized I was in love with you. I could not have been prouder and shot myself in the foot when I thought I had time to pick you for my team. Four was smart enough to throw caution in the wind and choose you first. That's when I knew I had lost to him again and it stung even more as I would have given up my leadership position had it meant I got to be with you. Shit, it probably would have meant my life had Jeanie gotten wind of my attraction and hope for a future with you."

I know I promised not to interrupt him, but this is just getting too complicated. "Sorry, what do you mean giving up your life and what has Jeanine got to do with it?"

Eric looks at me wide eyed and I can't take it anymore. I move over and sit in his lap, pulling his arms around me. "Talk!" I command and he follows through. I can feel his chest expand as he takes a deep breath. I hold mine awaiting his next words.

"Jeanine had her thumb on me for years. She had certain expectations of what I could accomplish for her as a leader of Dauntless. I am certain you know what Divergents are?"

I just nod.

"Jeanine was very keen on making acquisitions to further a project of hers."

Oh my god! Please don't be saying what I think you are. I can't help the sadness and resignation creeping into my voice. "So you helped her!"

"No, Tris! I would never. I did everything I could to stop her. Amar, our trainer back when I was an initiate, had to fake his death to escape her and there have been multiple disappearances since. I know Four thinks I was catching Divergents to deliver to Jeanine but each one of them was on her radar and I made arrangements for them to be saved. Jeanine actually believed them to have committed suicide trying to escape her."

"Oh!" I turn around and kiss Eric with all the love I feel for him. "I am sorry I doubted you even for a second!"

"It's okay," he mumbles into my hair. "I should have phrased it better to avoid any misconceptions. You were on her watch list and if she would have known about my feelings for you nothing I said or did would have saved you. I could not let that happen. I was so relieved once you passed initiation and I knew you would be able to fly under the radar. Seeing you in a relationship with Four was the best and worst thing that could have happened. I knew I lost you but at least you were safe. When you picked leadership I was ecstatic but it also brought you into renewed contact with Jeanine. Her death by the hand of the Factionless was a blessing. I would have written them a commendation had they not tried to kill us the same time. God, I owe them for the chance at a relationship with you. As you might remember, the day of the attack you kissed me to get your bag back … had I known you would do something like that I would have tried it earlier. Then I got to kiss you again to keep you from getting us killed by exposing us. I was desperate to keep you safe with me in that little snow bubble you built."

I grin, but also notice we are getting a bit off track here. "Let's get back to 'Jeanine might have killed you'. What did she have on you that made you do her bidding?"

Mumbling.

I position myself differently and tell Eric I did not catch that.

More mumbling.

"Spit it out, Eric!"

"Fine! I am divergent and she let me get away from Erudite with the threat of my family being in the spotlight as my divergence must have come from somewhere."

I am baffled. "How did she find out you are divergent. The test results are confidential, and you were tested by someone from Abnegation. They would have never told a soul!"

Eric holds me tighter to him. "Jeanine was testing new equipment on Erudite students and it seems it was a ruse to catch anomalies. So she ran more tests and came to the conclusion that I was indeed divergent. There was another girl and let's just say I saw first-hand what Jeanine was capable of. It was actually your mum who did my test and helped me with the other Divergents that had to disappear from Jeanine's radar. Things just happened after I confessed to her I already knew I was divergent when she wanted to explain it to me. One thing lead to another and a mutually beneficial agreement was formed to thwart Jeanine. Believe me, I did not realize who you were when I met you and fell for you. Liking your mum is just a benefit I enjoy and it means we both get to see her around a bit more..." Eric trails off again which I learned is a sign he is unsure about himself and us.

My turn to confess.

"Eric, after you left my office I talked to Four. He helped me see us more clearly. The relationship we formed while you taught me how to become a leader and how this changed things for us. Four asked me some very simple questions and I realized that I was talking bullshit when I told you I needed time. I don't need time to develop deeper feelings for you because they are already there. Eric, I love you!"

And I am enveloped by Eric, immersed in his scent and taste. I can barely breathe but I don't care. I need to show my man that I am his and I can take a bruise or two if he needs to hold me tight. It feels so good to have things out in the open. We are getting to the point that there are no secrets left and I plan to have none in future. I will bare myself to Eric and hope for the best.

"Four and I made the rounds after you left and we talked to all of our friends that are at the compound. They know we broke up weeks ago and they will make sure word spreads correctly about our split and his new job. We did not tell anyone about you to avoid them thinking you caused the breakup. That is simply not true and I do not want rumors to circulate indicating otherwise."

Another round of kisses and I am getting really used to Eric's exuberance. Tobias was and still is more reserved. Now I just have to break the news about my pregnancy to him.

"Eric?"

"Yes?"

"Do you love me?"

"Of course I do!"

"Do you trust me?"

"With my life!" He looks at me curiously but plays along.

"Do you believe I will tell you the truth?"

"Always!"

"Do you remember our time at the fisherman's cabin?"

"A good bit of it, but yes, most of the important things I do remember." And he wags his eyebrows - so not enticing.

"Well, I was using a good bit of Amity's stock when we were there to save our own."

"That's wise."

"Can you please let me talk without interrupting? I am struggling for the right words already."

A nod is all I get. It will have to suffice.

"Well, it turns out I packed some stuff that was not ours and went to return it to the infirmary. Clarissa was working and when I handed her the vials of painkillers she mentioned something peculiar: she would have to send them back to Amity."

"Tris, I..."

"Please let me get it all out as I know you think you know where this is going but you are wrong."

A nod and a hug. Good.

"So... a little birdie told me that you are allergic to certain painkillers and how to spot said reaction. I am not saying they were responsible for your behaviour and advances, trust me, I have been in your company since and I seem to have that effect on you without any side effects from something you take."

Eric does not interrupt me but silently proves my point by re-adjusting me on his lap so his erection is in direct contact with my lady parts. I wiggle a little to let him know I got it and he moans into my ear.

I take a deep breath. I have to get this right. It will define our future and I do not want to screw it up or leave Eric in doubt about my feelings being genuine.

I know from the video that Eric knows Violet screwed up again and why Candor will get involved.

"So, after that titbit I talked to Clarissa a bit more about allergies, testing of initiates and some other interesting facts. Do you remember the fight I lost to Peter during stage one?"

"Of course I do. I wish I had stopped him earlier. You were my little warrior, but you ended up unconscious and in the infirmary."

"Yes, exactly. Turns out my own allergy test results were told to me when I was high on painkillers after just gaining consciousness and I never realized or remembered. Clarissa printed the report out for me. Turns out I am allergic to a component in peace serum as well. Now, don't you go running away with that mind of yours. I did everything on my own free will and I love you without the serum, please believe me!"

Eric turns my head so he can look me in the eye. "Just as I love you!" And he gives me a gentle kiss.

I turn my head back to face away from Eric but snuggle a bit more into his chest.

"It seems I do get erotic dreams..."

And he interrupts me with a coughing fit. I turn to pat him on the back, but it won't cease so I go to get him a glass of water. By the time I return he is doing a bit better but still drains the whole glass and pushes it against his cheek as if to cool down. Huh?!

He looks at me through watery eyes. "Uh, what do you think happened in your erotic dreams?"

My turn to blush, but I swore I will try to be honest and truthful. "I had the weirdest dreams about when Four and I explored each other at the beginning of our relationship."

"Uh huh, and can you give me some examples?"

"Is that really necessary? Why do you want to torture yourself?"

"Indulge me, Tris. Please?"

As if I could say no to that. "Fine, the first time I dreamed about licking and kissing his abs and mouth. The second one was about when I was first allowed to explore and touch his dick however I wanted. You know, learning how to give a blowjob..." I trail off again and wait for the verdict.

Eric clears his throat and I glance up at him. I know my expression is somewhere between 'I told you so' and 'can we please move to another topic' but Eric is unconcerned, and I am wondering what he is up to.

"Tris..."

"Yes?"

"I don't know how to say it any better so I am shooting straight here... that was not a dream you had. I remember those parts clearly and I was a willing participant for re-enacting those scenes you described."

Shit, shit, shit! "I licked your abs?"

"Yes"

"I gave you a blowjob?"

"Yes"

"And it did not occur to you to mention those earlier?"

"I thought I was dreaming most of it. Wishful thinking, if you like. I was sick and could not even see properly but yeah, I felt you baby and it felt good!"

"Eric!"

"What? I am only telling you the truth. I loved every second of it and I really thought it was a dream until you told me the details. I was a bit out of it at the time."

"Oh god, I took advantage of you in your vulnerable state!"

"Shut up, Tris. Listen to yourself. Do you really believe the crap you just sprouted? You thought you were dreaming and I was hoping I wasn't."

"Fine," I growl.

"That's sexy, do it again!"

"No, we have more to talk about and we won't get there if we start this now."

"Not fair! I want you! Do you feel like re-enacting those dreams again, this time for real?"

"You are not playing fair. Please, Eric, let's just get all the talking done. If you still want me to when all is said and done, I will stay the night!"

"There is nothing you could tell me that would make me ask you to leave, so go on, I am getting horny again."

And that's what got us in trouble... I am mumbling and grumbling and Eric puts his hand over my mouth. "Talk properly!"

I mock salute. "Yes, Sir!"

The fucker is laughing. You just wait.

"Ok, trying to get back on track. I asked about my results and I am allergic to a component of peace serum. I was told to stay away from strawberries also. And I was told my body reacts differently to progestin."

The last one I almost whisper, but I am certain Eric heard me as he does not question what I said. I know his brilliant mind is working very hard and I can physically feel the change in him when he reaches his conclusion. His whole body stiffens and I think he stopped breathing. It feels like an eternity but in reality it probably took only a few seconds. I can hear Eric take a deep breath and then I feel his hands move down my arms and rest just below my navel where they start to gently rub around. I relax against him and can't help the sigh.

"Violet?"

"Yes..."

"You are pregnant?"

"Yes..."

I almost miss the next question; he is so unusually soft spoken. "Is it mine?"

"Yes..."

"Okay!"

"Okay?"

"I love you, Tris! You love me! It is a bit earlier than I imagined but who cares?"

I am stunned. What happened to Eric? Where is the cunning and ruthless leader that throws hissy fits when things don't go the way he wants? I am kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop but he does not say anything else, just continues to rub gentle circles on my belly where our baby lies hidden from the outside world.

I feel myself relax even more and I am close to falling asleep when Eric finally speaks again.

"Max knows?"

"He knows I am pregnant and that it is not Four's as we split weeks before this baby was conceived. I had to hand in a medical form so he can prepare all that's necessary. I also had to tell him why we needed to get Candor involved with Violet."

"That explains all the weird crap he sprouted at the meeting with Veronica and why he wants to push paperwork on you. Fuck, he knows! He was telling me I had to empty the storage room that I use for all the files in between our offices. And Veronica knows as well. She was arguing with Max that she wants to decorate it for you and that she does not want to fight with Emma over it."

"I might have walked into the office holding my paperwork the wrong way around. Oscar saw and could not keep his mouth shut."

Eric groans. "You know what this means?"

"No."

"The whole faction will know come morning!"

"I doubt that. Oscar might be a gossip but he is loyal enough to keep it within leadership. Trust me, there are things he does not want out in the open and he knows I will make him my bitch if he crosses me."

That gets me a chuckle. Good. I turn and kiss Eric softly. "Thank you for taking this so well. I was a bit worried how you would feel and if you would believe me that I chose you, baby or no baby."

"Hey, I might be Dauntless now, but I still have a lot of Erudite in me. I can think rationally!"

I skip the answer and keep kissing him. Soon we are a tangled mess on the couch and Eric lifts me up and carries me to his bedroom. I am too busy pulling off his shirt to look around and only know he put me on the bed when I feel the soft sheets underneath my bare back. Eric is sucking on my breasts like a starving man and his hands are fumbling with the button on my pants. I am not much better as I try blindly to get the buttons of his fly open and his pants down. I am more successful and help Eric by taking my own clothes off.

Once naked I take a moment to appreciate the view. Eric is tall and broad shouldered, and all the muscles enhance his physique. He is due a haircut and I love the way his hair is all messed up from my roaming fingers.

Meanwhile Eric is back to caressing his new favorite - my not yet visible bump. It's amazing to see such a strong and confident man raining kisses onto the place our child lies. I am fighting tears, and something must have clued Eric in as he looks at me and kisses his way up to meet my eager mouth.

Entwining our hands, he slowly enters me and proceeds to show me his love until we are a moaning, groaning mess of limbs and the urgency returns. Eric pushes in more forcefully and I lift my hips to welcome his hard and oh so deep thrusts.

I gently nip at his earlobe and tell him exactly what I want. "Keep fucking me like this and I am going to come all over your amazing cock. I want to feel you come inside me, then I will squeeze every last drop out of you. Remind me how good we are together!"

And Eric pushes in even harder before pulling out all the way. What the fuck? I start complaining but he just grabs me, turns me around and positions me on all fours before pushing right back inside. The slapping sounds are getting louder every time he enters me and Eric's hand sneaks around me to stroke my clit. Oh, yeah, that's it.

I moan loudly and push back hard, my walls clamping down on Eric's cock lice a vice. I can feel Eric swell up and tremble inside of me as we are both enjoying our orgasms together.

There is the feeling of soft kisses on my shoulder and I turn my head to meet Eric's waiting lips. He slowly pulls out and grabs his shirt to clean both of us up before throwing it towards the laundry hamper. We both lie down, and Eric pulls me close before covering us with his duvet. I am asleep before any thoughts cross my mind.