Hey everyone! I'm gonna try and update as much as I can over these next two weeks because after that I won't be able to update for about two weeks. So naturally I don't want to go a month without updating at all. I see there's a couple new people following my story. Thanks and please review as well. It'll be much appreciated.

Tobias POV

Tomorrow I'm going back to see Marcus. Although Marcus no longer has anything to his name I don't know if he still has a will or anything or if simply his word is enough for me to go forward with funeral or cremation arrangements. So I decide to call the lawyer who represented me when Marcus was arrested. He helped a lot when everything happened and even gave me some legal counsel before I left to boot camp. He is a prominent lawyer here in Chicago, Jack Kang is his name. I haven't seen him in years but he became another friend and fatherly figure just as Amar has been for me. I called in and made an appointment so now I'm here with Tris, waiting in his office.

I also spoke with Evelyn again and she told me she did end up going to see Marcus. They both got the closure they needed from each other. I'm glad she decided to take my advice. Now all that's left is for her and I hopefully resolve the issue between us. The hardest part for me will be admitting that I miss her and need her.

After about 10 minutes of waiting the door to his office opens. I stand up and Tris follows suit. Jack stands in the doorway and smiles when he sees me.

"Do my eyes deceive me or is this Tobias Eaton standing in front of me?"

I smile back. "Hello, Jack. It's me."

"Come on in."

He leads us into his office, not before shaking my hand and giving me a firm but friendly pat on the back.

"Take a seat, you two. It's great to see you again, Tobias."

"You too, Jack."

"And who is this lovely young lady you've brought with you?"

"This is my girlfriend Tris."

"Pleasure to meet you, Tris."

"The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Kang."

"Please call me Jack."

Tris smiles and nods.

"So, how have you been Tobias? I'm happy to see you are back home in Chicago, safe and sound."

"I've been well. These past ten years have been crazy, but I've been home for about a year and a half now. Working at Caesar's now and saving up to go back to school. Since Marcus didn't give me that opportunity, I'm making it for myself now."

"I'm glad to hear that, Tobias. How was it out there?"

"It's indescribable. I saw so many things I hope to never see again but I'm okay. The physical injuries obviously eventually healed. I ended up with a broken leg and other minor injuries. Being home at all has helped me from falling apart and this one right here has been my saving grace. She's been my rock and has kept me grounded." I say, gesturing to Tris who has a gentle hold on my hand.

"I'm happy to see you happy. You deserve it after everything you've been through."

"Thank you. I am very happy."

"So what brings you in to see me today? This is obviously more than just a social visit, I assume."

"Yes, there is something I need your help with. I'll always be grateful for what you did for me ten years ago so I knew I couldn't call anyone else. I don't think it's fair just to drop by if it wasn't something important. I don't wanna get you in trouble or anything."

He chuckles. "Don't worry about that. You are a special client. I will help you with anything you need and to the best of my ability."

"Well, it's about him. He's on his death bed right now at that prison and being that I'm his only next of kin I have no choice but to handle the situation. I need to know if even though he has nothing to his name, if legal documentation is needed to fulfill his wishes on either funeral or cremation arrangements and any other details."

"Have you asked him about it?"

"No. I am going to see him tomorrow though and was planning on asking him then but I wanted to check with you first. I didn't wanna ask him without having some sort of legal document just in case. I know verbal agreements aren't always the best way to go even if he's going to eventually die and even if his funeral in particular won't be some spectacle. I'm sure only a few people will be in attendance besides myself and Tris. I've been in contact with my mother and she may attend."

"I see. I am guessing that you are trying to navigate that relationship as well?"

I nod. "Yes. Both situations are difficult in their own ways. I think it might be harder facing my mother."

"Understandable. You'd think mothers are supposed to be less cruel and more selfless."

"Exactly. That's what made her abandonment worse than the sting of a belt. I couldn't hold back my anger when I saw her again."

"Everyone needs a mother, even boys, so it doesn't make you less of a man to admit that. You had and have every right to be angry."

I smile slightly at his words.

"So, is there an estimated time as to when Marcus may pass away?"

"No. His doctor didn't really give me an estimated timetable on his deterioration. So obviously I want to get all this done before it's too late. At the moment he still seems competent enough to make his own decisions. The question of treatment has been ruled out so whether he would've accepted or refused it is irrelevant now."

"Well, I'll draw up the paperwork just to be prepared and if you don't mind I'll accompany you tomorrow to the prison. I think a verbal agreement would be okay given the situation but if he wants to sign then we'll go ahead and do that."

"That sounds like a good idea. Thank you, Jack."

"Despite the situation, yet again you seem to have a good head on your shoulders, Tobias. You have a resilience that is to be admired. Just because your parents aren't the greatest people in the world doesn't mean you are destined to follow the same path. You can have horrible parents but still be a good person. Most people probably wouldn't be as kind as you in a similar situation. Even regarding your mother, you seem open to being civil with her."

"I agree." Tris says.

"Thank you. I don't know how I'll ever repay you, Jack."

"By knowing that I am not just your lawyer but also your friend and confidant. You are the son I wish I had. Anything you need, I am there to help you without question."

"Between you and my boss I feel like I have the father I've always wanted. I'm grateful for the both of you."

"You are a good person and still have people who care about you. You are not your father. I know you expressed this fear to me before you left but I will tell you again today, you shouldn't be afraid. Clearly Tris, in particular, cares deeply about you otherwise she wouldn't be by your side right now. It's obvious that she wouldn't want to be anywhere else right now. And I can tell that you would do anything for her and she for you."

I smile and look at Tris who's smiling right back at me.

"Jack is right, Tobias. There's nowhere I'd rather be. This is where I'm meant to be."

I lean over and kiss her forehead.

"It looks like you've found your place, Tobias. With this beautiful young woman."

"I think I have."

"So tell me, how did you two meet?"

"We met at Caesar's. I waited on her one night about a year ago. She was eating alone and captivated me from the moment I laid eyes on her. Later that evening, without planning it, we both somehow ended up at Tori's Café and got to talking. We exchanged numbers and I asked her out. It didn't take me too long to ask her to be my girlfriend, which she happily accepted."

"I certainly did." Tris says. "I was just as intrigued by Tobias as he was by me. I knew I wanted to get to know him. The real him, I mean. I knew that Four was the armor he was wearing to protect himself. It was Tobias whom I fell in love with."

I can't help but smile at her words. She's never told me that before.

"Tris broke down my walls and helped me learn to love myself. I've never opened up to anyone like I have with her. Besides you and my boss, she is only person I trust completely. She's given me the strength to face my father and also my mother, when the time comes."

"You aren't alone, Tobias. Always remember that. This will all be over soon. I know you well enough to know that you would never wish ill on anyone, even your father."

"I don't know if I can ever forgive him, but you're right, if life ever blesses me with children of my own I want to set a good example for them."

"Exactly. You will be an amazing father one day. I'm sure of it."

"Thank you, Jack. We should let you get back to work, but we'll see you tomorrow morning."

"Sounds like a plan. It was a pleasure meeting you, Tris."

"You too, Jack."

We say our goodbyes and head out. I'm a little nervous about tomorrow but I know that with Tris by my side I can face anything.