Tris POV
Hunter opens the door for me and waves at Lynn and Marlene before closing it behind my back.
The dorms are loud and nobody seems even remotely ready to head to bed. I am feeling exhausted and looking around, the offer I was given is more than tempting.
"What's wrong," Lynn asks the moment I sink down on my bed.
Making a spur of the moment decision, I nod my head towards the exit and Lynn grabs a sweater before following me out the door.
We haven't made it even halfway down the tunnel before Uriah screams at us to wait for them. 'Them' turns out to be him and Marlene and they are catching up fast.
I lead them to the training room and start pacing while they get comfortable on one of the mats.
"I'm pregnant," I finally state when I stop pacing and face them.
To their credit, they only cringe a little bit.
"And," Lynn asks, knowing that this alone won't throw me like things apparently have.
"Hunter thinks I should cheat," I blurt out and there is dead silence.
"Excuse me," Marlene splutters, pushing herself up an her elbows and looking at me incredulously.
"He wants me to move out of the dorms. Better sanitation, easier access to medical facilities, a good mattress and more regulated sleep pattern, access to food I crave or need," I list off.
"I wouldn't call that cheating, Tris," Uri speaks up. "I would kill for that."
"It's preferential treatment and that's not all there is. They can tweak what I need to do with medical reasons. Hunter wants to keep a close eye on me and use the full power of leadership to slide me right into the top spot."
"We all knew going it that it was yours," Lynn states before standing up. "Come on, Tris. That's not at all as bad as you make it sound," she assures before hugging me. "Nobody in their right mind will question you. Is that what you were arguing with Eric about and the reason why Lauren went toe to toe with him about training with you?"
"Eric was just pissed that he did not know I was an Abnegation dependent when he met me. He felt deceived and that's why he said that shit over dinner last night. It seems it only festered and his anger grew but it was not directed at just me, I was just the first one to come across him today. Max found us and had some words with Eric. Seems his injury did not like him shouting and grinding his teeth, amongst other things, so Max sent him home. Max was the one who organised my meeting with Hunter."
I take a deep breath and there is a reassuring hand on my shoulder. Uriah squeezes while Marlene joins our group hug.
"If I were you, I'd take it," Lynn states quietly when we let go of each other and sit down. "I mean, you are entitled to it, right?"
"Kind of, there are legal aspects behind the whole thing but it still doesn't sit right with me. Just because I am pregnant it entitles me to all that … extra," I groan.
"Yeah, why don't we talk about that," Uriah ask, his voice pitching a tad too high for comfort. "Who the fuck managed to sneak past your mom?! I mean, she is like mine and I've never…"
I can't help the smile when he trails off, blushing fiercely while Marlene grabs his hand.
"You don't want to know," I sigh.
"Oh no, we do," Lynn shouts
"Yes," Marlene agrees.
"Is he Abnegation," Uriah asks with a shudder and I shake my head no. "Thank fuck, could you have imagined?"
"Why not," I challenge.
"Uh, because they are pushovers and you are the personification of Dauntless?"
"I hate to tell you but if Tris picked him, he has to have something. He's Dauntless though, right?" Lynn stares me down and I finally nod. "But not an initiate. Nobody hovered, well except Max and Lauren and they are both out."
"When," Marlene asks. "Did you do it at school?"
"No, god no," I exclaim in horror. "God, that thought alone is… yuck."
"Come on, it's not like we won't find out. He is Dauntless and older. He has to be. Does he know," Lynn asks.
"He knows now," I sigh. "He asked me to marry him even before he knew. He actually asked me when I got pregnant. Hunter thinks I should accept and take the rest of the benefits that come with it."
"Wow, this is big,' Marlene muses.
"Did you want to marry him? Before you knew you were pregnant?" Why is Lynn always so on point with things, I wonder while I feel myself already nodding.
"He agrees with Hunter. He wants me to take the easy way out."
"Stop calling it the easy way out, Tris. You still have to finish initiation and then you have to train with Eric for leadership. That's not going to be a walk in the park. He is stubborn, just like you. If you think his behaviour is normal right now, just wait until he is medically cleared. He is a pissy bitch on his best days," Lynn warns and once more I cringe.
"Use your pregancy as a shield if you have to," a solemn voice from behind us speaks up.
"Fuck," I hiss and Tobias laughs heartily.
"You apparently did," the asshole deadpans.
"Are you allowed to mingle with us now," I counter.
"Hunter wanted me to check on you."
"He got you on his side," I groan.
"You'd be stupid to pass on it, Tris. You are not Abnegation, never have been. You don't have to be selfless and those of us who are charged with ranking you know what you are capable of. There are medical reasons, Tris, that should count for something. I don't think this is the time to be stubborn. What if something happens to your baby that could have easily been avoided or rectified?"
"That's a low shot," I growl.
"Maybe," Tobias hedges. "But something has to breach that wall and make you see sense."
"I already did," I admit. "I only asked for one day before I give in."
"Does one day extra really matter? Everyone is going to find out anyway," Tobias muses.
"Do you know who her baby daddy is," Marlene asks excitedly.
"Uh, no," Tobias croaks, looking really uncomfortable. "It doesn't matter either way who it is. Tris has rights and she should just…"
"I get it, okay. Will you drop me off at Max's?"
"Now?"
"Yes, now. I am sure nobody is even in bed right now. Just me dreaming of sleep," I grumble.
"I can take you," Tobias agrees.
"We'll wait for you," Lynn calls out when I follow Tobias out the door.
…
"It's not the end of the world," Tobias assures when we make the trek back to Max's apartment.
"I know that but I never wanted to be treated differently," I whine one last time.
"Then you should have thought twice before spreading your legs."
I suck in some air when I hear his crass words but my fist is already connecting with his arm and it is his turn to hiss.
"That was uncalled for."
"It was," Tobias agrees. "But I am still in shock that you, of all people, are pregnant during your initiation. I mean, it has never been a secret that you wanted kids but this is a tad early, even for you."
"I know that, okay. It wasn't planned, we were just getting started and now we are jumping right into the deep end."
"Is he on board, Tris?"
"Yes, he is pushing for more. Wants me to take all the advantages Hunter throws my way,"
"Smart man," Tobias comments.
"Stupid man who will push for more when he realises how fast I am giving in."
"He seems to care for you," Tobias hedges.
"I know he loves me," I sigh.
"Then don't worry about the rest. Those of us who know you also know this is as it should have been. Forget about everyone else," Tobias urges.
"All the other transfers who seem to eye me as if I am a mix between something disgusting and desirable?"
"They are children who still have to find their footing in this new world they were thrown into. You have known your path for years, you came as prepared as one can come. Want me to stay?"
"No, it's fine," I sigh. "I am sure Max or someone else will bring me back. Thank you," I state with meaning.
"Don't mention it. Just do what is right for you, Tris. Okay?"
"Yes, Sir," I tease and he sticks out his tongue while walking back to the stairwell while I knock.
Tobias is still there when Max opens his door.
"Tris?"
"Can I come in?"
"Sure."
Max opens the door wide and then sticks his head out before waving at Four.
"What happened?"
"Everyone thinks I am being stubborn and making a mountain out of a mole hill. I am here to get the ball rolling," I admit.
"The ball rolling on what exactly,' Max hedges.
"My marriage and moving out of the dorms," I sigh.
"Okay, when do you want to do it?"
"Which one?"
"Uh, either," Max asks and I laugh at the confused look on his face.
"Maybe we need Eric's input, he is the one that has to agree, after all," I hedge.
"Then go and get him, by all means. I only need two witnesses. Sophie and Hunter will do just fine."
"You want to marry me now?!"
"I thought you… just go and get Eric already," Max groans and I leave him alone.
Crossing the hallway, I knock on Eric's door and then I wait.
"Tris?!"
I turn around when a voice from behind me call my name.
"Veronica," I greet with more calm than I currently feel.
"What are you doing here? You should be in the dorms and … oh, hi Eric."
I swirl around and Eric steadies me when I sway slightly.
"Easy, Tris. Were you the one knocking?"
"Yes, Max was wondering if you could…"
"Oh my fucking god," Veronica screeches loudly and then Max's door swings open.
"What the… hello Ronnie," Max greets her.
"Did you know about Tris and Eric," Veronica screams loudly through the hallway.
"What," Max asks, not sure what he should say.
"Tris' file says she is pregnant and Eric put his hand on her stomach the moment he opened his door. That explains why she is here in the middle of the night instead of the dorms. She was using you as a lame excuse in front of me."
"Uh, Tris was getting Eric on my behalf. I needed to talk to both of them and asked her to fetch him," Max admits while giving me an apologetic look.
"I am here," Hunter's cheery voice adds to the mix.
"Jesus, why did I not just stay another night in the dorms," I lament loudly.
"You were going to give in," Eric asks, sounding way too excited for my liking.
"Yes, that's what we needed to talk about," I sigh. "Can we just go into Max's and sit down while we talk fine prints?"
They all nod and move to Max's still open door.
"Ronnie, why are you coming in," Max asks when she passes him.
"Don't play stupid, Max. Do you honestly think I am going to pass on this?!"
"Eric, maybe some pants would be useful," Max groans when we walk past him.
"No need," Eric states while hugging me a little tighter to him and in can feel how excited he is to have me close.
I push him onto the couch as quickly as I can before sitting on top of his lap. His hands move straight back to my stomach while Ronnie smirks at us.
"Not one word," I growl and her smirk widens.
"So, the question is whether you two want to be married right now or tomorrow evening," Max starts the conversation off with a bang.
"I have to get back to the dorms tonight," I state and Eric growls. "But I don't mind getting all the paperwork sorted tonight."
"Really?"
I look around, seems everyone had the same question.
"I talked to a few people, even those asked to talk to me, and they all agree that I should not decline the offers made to make things easier. I listened and believe them when they said that it wouldn't hurt my standing in the faction," I admit.
"Hallelujah," Hunter cheers and I glare at him.
"Got the papers," Eric asks Max who nods.
"This is so cool," Ronnie cheers. "We are writing faction history tonight and I managed to be here for it. Go on," she encourages.
Meanwhile Max went to his office and is now returning with a stack of papers.
"Both Eric and Hunter told me to get them ready but Natalie already did that last week so here they are."
Max hands me a stack and I skim over the pages, Eric looking over my shoulder. Nobody comments on my mom's involvement and for me this is just typical behavior. Easy to shrug off and move on.
"Do you have a pen," I ask Max who pushes one across the table.
"Don't you want to have a ceremony," Eric asks me when I sign the first document.
"What for? This is just a piece of paper, what counts more is that we take our commitment to each other serious. I want you to show me your love and devotion with your actions day in and day out. Saying them once and neglecting them." I shrug my shoulders to show I don't care for that option.
"If I hadn't asked you already, I would have asked you to marry me right now," Eric whispers into my ear before taking the pen out of my hand and signing as well.
Five minutes later and I am a married woman that is going to move in with her husband and accepting her doctor's requests for preferential treatment.
"Tris needs to go to bed," Eric announces when I can't stop yawning.
"The dorms," I insist, 'I promised them I would be back, Eric."
"One last time," Eric agrees. "Can I drop her off?"
"By all means," Max sighs while Ronnie hasn't stopped grinning like a lunatic.
They all wish me a good night and then we are off.
…
"Any regrets," Eric asks me when we are halfway there,
"No," I admit. "But ask me again the day after tomorrow when everyone knows."
"Do you not want them to know?"
"They'll find out eventually but I was more thinking about the gossip as to who did it."
"Knocked you up, you mean?"
"Yeah, but you know what? Fuck it," I declare. "Do you want to make it official when you pick me up from the dorms tomorrow evening?"
"Only if you are sure," Eric hedges.
"I am sure. We finish training at five. You could join us for dinner around six and then come with me to carry my stuff home," I suggest.
"I still can't eat dinner in the cafeteria," Eric admits quietly.
"Shit, I completely forgot. Still Iiquids only or have they moved you on to lumpy food?"
I feel so bad that I made it all about myself when Eric is still recovering and doing more than he should because of me.
"Lumpy is manageable," Eric sighs.
"Want to come anyway or should we eat dinner at home after I move in?"
"I don't know what's best, Tris," Eric sighs. "Do you want to go full sledgehammer or rather destroy them step by step?"
"Oooh, I love the way you phrase it but I don't know. I like both ideas. Ask me again come five o'clock. There are some Candor transfers that think they are the shit while grating on everyone's nerves."
"They giving you trouble," Eric asks, stopping in his tracks and turning me around to face him.
"No, I am always with at least one of my friends. I don't think they are stupid enough to try something for real."
"Never underestimate people by assuming they are not as stupid as you think they are."
"Okay," I sigh. "Come on, I am dying to sleep."
…
The rest of the way does not take as long but I suddenly realise that Eric is just in his shorts.
"Maybe I will go the rest of the way alone?"
"I will see you safely back to the dorms." Eric says, shaking his head.
"But you are a bit underdressed for the occasion and they know I went with Four to see Max. If I show up with you looking ready to crawl into bed..."
I leave the rest unsaid but Eric's deep sigh tells me I won.
"Let me check if they are waiting for me in the training room."
I don't wait for an answer before I poke my head in.
"Tris," my friends exclaim in unison and I feel a warm hand rub my ass before disappearing. The quiet footsteps tell me he is leaving me for now. It makes me feel weird but I step into the training room with a smile on my face nonetheless.
"And?!"
"I am moving out tomorrow evening."
"Good, it I think you made the right choice. I don't like how some of those pricks look at you. There is something wrong with some of them," Lynn states earnestly.
"The Candor brigade," Marlene asks and we both nod. "They give me shivers," she admits.
"Why didn't you tell me," Uriah asks, sounding hurt.
"Because it feels weird saying it out loud," I muse.
"Like you feel paranoid for no reason at all,' Lynn agrees.
"Yeah," Marlene sighs and cuddles into Uri.
"Did you talk to your man," Lynn asks, sounding really excited.
"Yeah, I will be moving in with him," I admit and then I can't stop yawning anymore.
"We will talk more tomorrow," Lynn begs while opening the door for us. "Don't let me find out with everyone else."
"I will tell you but we don't know yet how we will play it. He might join us for dinner or pick me up at the dorms after."
"Ooooh, the plot thickens."
"Stop it, Uriah, can't you see Tris can barely keep her eyes open," Marlene chastises.
I am out the second my head hits the pillow and know no more until Lynn shakes me awake.
It seems we all overslept and now we are rushing around to make it to breakfast on time.
"Grab and go," Lynn hollers while we run down tunnels and there is laughter from those who pass us.
…
"You are late," Four greets us by the door and we mumble our apologies about holding up training but it seems we are not even the last ones to arrive. The clock reads one minute past eight when I turn to look what time actually is.
All the other transfers are still missing and, while we move on to warming up with Lauren, Four keeps watch by the door.
They arrive as one group and don't seem to be in any hurry. I can basically see the steam rising up and just know Four's temper is going to steamroll them if they are not careful.
"You are late," Four greets them.
There are no words of apology, just weird looks like they can't believe he is calling them out on their tardiness. Like they are entitled to it.
I silently shake my head and focus back on my warm up.
"You've got a problem, Stiff?"
I turn to see who spoke and find the leader of the Candor mob, Peter, staring at me with a look of superiority on his face.
Deciding to stay silent, I just keep moving along with everyone else but Peter thinks that's me submitting to him or some shit.
"Thought so."
Before I can correct him the door opens and in walks Veronica. Despite being only five foot two, she exudes authority from every pore.
"Are they not warmed up yet," she asks Four instead of a greeting.
"Half of them were late," Four states loudly.
Ronnie sighs and walks over to join Lauren at the front.
"My name is Veronica and I am one of the leaders to the Dauntless. This morning it is my turn to observe and evaluate you before Eric takes over in the afternoon. While he is the leader charged with supervising initiation, we all play part in your final ranking and possible future with us. I am going to call you alphabetically while the rest keeps working with Four and Lauren."
She doesn't give the option to ask questions and simply pulls out a list and calls the first name.
"Al."
Lynn, Uri and Marlene encircle me, not suspicious at all, and block Peter's access while we finish warming up.
Lynn is my buddy when we pair up and go through all the motions of a mock fight.
Tobias and Lauren partner with whoever is left when Ronnie calls another name and I see the ingenuity in this rotation. Not only does Ronnie get one on one time with each initiate but so do they without making it too obvious.
…
"How are you," Ronnie asks me quietly when it is my turn.
"Good, you?"
"I would be even better if I had more details," Ronnie smirks while we circle each other.
"And you are asking me instead of Eric,' I challenge while attacking her unprotected side.
"Do you honestly think I want everyone blaming me for Eric having a set back when he growls and grinds his teeth instead of giving a straight answer?"
She tries to kick my shoulder but I jump back in time.
"We met and hit it off. He asked me to marry him just before his accident and I told him not until initiation is over."
"That doesn't explain his pissy attitude nor why you haven't been around when he clearly needed something to take his mind off things," Ronnie counters while making a grab for my neck. I slide out of her chokehold before she can trap me and try turning it around on her. She escapes me and then we circle each other again.
"We didn't talk as much as we should have, okay. We'll work on our communication skills and we should be golden," I state before charging again.
"That was great," Ronnie cheers after a few more minutes. "Your mom did a thorough job but you have always been a natural. You don't have to worry about scoring the top spot, Tris. Come on, time to trade with Uriah."
Veronica finishes with us just before lunch and it could not have come earlier. I am starving and my growling stomach gets me a few side eyes but it is Tobias who singles me out in front of everyone.
"Time for your lunch break, I would suggest a full meal for all those who are growling at me. Tris, maybe make it a double portion."
Lauren and Lynn suck in some air but I just turn my back on him and walk out while Lauren chastises him for his insensitivity.
Fun times.
"You haven't forgotten about your promise, right," Lynn asks while grabbing food.
"I haven't had a chance to find out myself but I will tell you before anyone else," I promise and she is satisfied with that, for now.
Lunch passes too quickly and before I know it we are back in the training room and there is a new sequence they want us to learn.
While it is not boring per se, I could do with a bit of a challenge. I get that they want us all on the same page, though, and as we have Dauntless-born and transfers mixed in one big group, some concessions have to be made.
Eric walks in a little later than he was apparently supposed to and we just moved on to the next set of moves.
"Veronica told you what is going to happen, same goes for me," he announces and pulls his own list out of his pocket.
"Aria," he calls, clearly not sticking with the alphabetic order.
One by one he moves through his list as well but I can see that he takes it easy on us. Where Veronica initiated a proper fight, Eric just goes through the sets we already learned and checks posture, speed and accuracy. Then it is mirror imaging of his moves. Those who know what they are doing make it look quite cool, like a dance, and I have to admit that I am intrigued by his assessment method.
Four and Lauren are checking the clock more obviously when five o'clock rolls around. Eric isn't done yet but they are supposed to dismiss us.
"Will," Eric calls and then it is just me that's left.
"I don't mind staying behind,' I tell Lauren quietly and she nods before heading Tobias off. They talk for a moment and then I see Tobias approach Eric.
"If you had your workout with Eric, you may head out for the day. Eight in the morning, don't be late or you will begin to regret your choices," Tobias warns loudly.
Everyone starts trickling out just as Eric finishes with Will.
"Tris,' he calls, not even bothering to pull his paper out of his pocket. He knows I am the only one left. He did that on purpose, I am sure of it.
"You know what to do," he asks when I come to stand in front of him.
"Dance with you," I ask cheekily while already getting into position.
Eric doesn't bother answering and I start going through all the sets we were asked to master.
He doesn't correct my posture nor does he offer suggestions on how I could improve.
"Talk to me," I demand when I am starting the last set.
"You are good," he compliments. "Your mother taught you well and I read Ronnie's report before coming here."
"Oh, that's why you were late." I nod my head in understanding.
"I am never late, I am always arriving at the time I decided to arrive," Eric states haughtily and I outright laugh in his face.
"Is that so," I drawl.
"Yes. Now mirror me, you saw everyone else so I don't have to repeat instructions."
Eric starts out slow, like he did with the others I got to observe, but when I have no trouble keeping up he increases the speed. I can feel myself work up a slight sweat and am enjoying the workout tremendously when Eric slows down his steps.
I feel like pouting but my stomachs rumbles loud enough for me to hear and apparently Eric also.
"Did you skip lunch," he asks me with squinted eyes.
"I wish I had, Four told me to eat a double portion," I counter.
"You are eating for two, Tris," Eric reminds me needlessly.
"I can't work out stuffed to the gills now, can I," I ask, willing to argue my point if I have to.
Of course Eric never does anything as expected. He closes the gap between us and sinks down onto his knees before raising my shirt and kissing my nonexistent bump.
"Be good for mommy," he says and there is a broken squeal somewhere in the room.
Eric jumps to his feet and looks around with a scowl on his face.
"Lynn," I ask when I spot her sitting on a some stacked boxes by the door.
"Oh my fucking god, now I know why you kept things hush hush and complained about them asking you to cheat. Fuck me!"
"Uh, Lynn, I can explain…"
"This is fucking awesome," she screeches and I freeze. "God, I can't wait for the big reveal. Their faces are going to be epic. Am I allowed to run and borrow a camera? This needs to be preserved for all of eternity, shit. I never saw that coming but I should have. This makes so much sense now and you two look fucking awesome together. That dance." Lynn fans herself dramatically while I am fighting to close my mouth and keep the giggles at bay.
Eric finally clears his throat.
"Oh, sorry, did you want to say something," Lynn asks innocently while eyeing him. "You better put a ring on it," she suddenly growls, changing from bubbly and hyperactive to fierce in a second.
"He did, last night," I call out and she nods in approval.
"At least one man has the brains to secure you as quickly as legally possible. Good job," Lynn praises and I gently set a hand in between Eric's shoulder blades.
"I take it you haven't spent much time with Lynn," I ask quietly and Eric shakes his head. I am not sure if he is answering me or trying to clear it. Either way, Lynn continues her ramblings, this time words of praise as I gently rub up and down his shirt.
"She is the best friend anyone could have. You will get used to this side of her," I explain before I step out from behind Eric and into his side.
"Lynn, I am quite hungry, think you can keep it together long enough for us to grab some food?"
To her credit she stops right where she is and nods, turning to the door.
"I am going with her, okay? Do you want to come along or pick me up?"
"They actually made soup tonight, I am coming," Eric announces.
Lynn keeps up a steady flow of questions, listening to our answers. Meanwhile Eric is more than happy to walk along the tunnels holding me close. His hand never leaves my stomach and even Lynn notices.
"You would have never been able to hide this, Tris. There really was just your stubbornness in the way of the great reveal. Gosh, I am fucking giddy to see all their expression when they realise what is going on. Eric could not be any more obvious," she ends just in time for Eric's name is being called.
"I have to see what Jack wants," Eric sighs. "It should not take long."
My stomach growls again and Eric reluctantly lets go.
"Go ahead, I will find you as soon as you are done. Save me a seat?"
"Of course," Lynn exclaims, answering for me.
"Jesus, Lynn, did you eat chocolate while you were waiting? You are fucking hyper," I hiss and I hear Eric's laughter while he veers of to greet the older Dauntless I remember working as maintenance manager.
…
We line up with everyone else walking in the door with us and make quiet small talk, Lynn still trying to get the whole story while I try to keep it to the bare minimum while in public.
The line moves again and I turn back to face the front when I stumble over someone's outstretched leg.
"What the fuck?!"
Lynn grabs me before I can go far and when I look up I see the surprised faces of Christina and Molly. Sadly, they are not surprised because of my near fall but because I did not fall into them. They are right in front of me, two steaming bowls of hot soup in their hands. Their position makes it abundantly clear that they planned for me to land face first either on the floor or in their bowls.
"What now," Molly has the audacity to ask Christina right in front of me.
Christina, on the other hand, glances over my shoulder with a cruel smile on her lips.
Looking that way, I see her little pack leader, Peter, with his leg still outstretched but he straightens his posture slowly when I look at him. His grin telling anyone who bothers to look that he is not sorry and he is proud of what he just did.
He shifts but movement in my peripheral vision has me look back to check where the hot soup is in relation to me.
"Son, I wouldn't do that if I were you. Tris' momma raised no pushover," someone warns and I glance to the side to see Jonathan.
He winks at me and that seems to set them off.
Christina and Molly raise their bowls higher while Peter edges closer.
"They are not brave enough to face me on their own. They need to feel strong by numbers and still they come up short," I state loudly and there are hollers and cheers.
Lynn's gasp is the only warning I get before I feel Peter's foot connect with the back of my knee and then Molly and Christina dump their soups on me while I lurch forward.
Lynn and Jonathan grab me before I can fall but they also move me backwards, out of reach of dumb and dumber.
There is stunned silence for a moment before I shake them off and turn around to face Peter, kicking the side of his head as I do so.
He falls flat on his ass and I am just turning around to take care of Molly and Christina when Lynn does the honours and kicks Christina in the face.
She screams bloody murder when blood starts gushing from her nose while Jonathan makes a grab for Molly, who seems to not have expected that. I don't know if she is blind but she has the audacity to elbow Jonathan's stomach. Hello, leadership bars?! Jonathan makes short work of restraining her by holding her arms behind her back. Every move will hurt and she'll have nobody but herself to blame if there's any damage.
Peter moans and stands back up on wobbly legs, slipping in the soup that landed on the floor and grabbing onto whatever he can reach to keep himself steady. Unfortunately that is me and I end up with his arm slung over my shoulders and his face pressed into the valley of my breasts when there is an enraged roar.
I close my eyes for a second, trying to not burst into laughter. This could not have gone any worse for Peter.
Lynn is no better and when she starts guffawing I am done for too.
"Eric, don't set your recovery back over soon to be factionless initiates," Jonathan calls out.
"I don't give a shit about setbacks. Take your fucking face out of my wife's tits," Eric screams but Peter is oblivious.
Eric yanks his face away but because he didn't remove Peter's arm the little prick just slides down and pushes his face against my stomach.
This time Eric removes Peters arm while yanking him back.
"Nobody, I repeat, nobody touches my wife or child against her will," Eric hisses and in the stunned silence that came over the crowd upon his first declaration, almost half of the crowd hears him loud and clear.
"What did he say?!"
Jesus, Uri, please shut up.
"He told that dumbass that nobody is to touch his wife or child," someone shouts loudly.
The rooms erupts into loud discussion about the two revelations while Eric checks me over and pulls on my sodden clothes.
"Stop that," I hiss when he pulls my shirt up.
To his credit he does stop but only to pull his own shirt over his head. He slings it over his shoulder and I am too distracted by his pecs and abs to realise he is pulling on my shirt once more.
The soiled garment lands on the floor and then Eric pushes his clean shirt over my head.
"Hunter," he bellows and then winces.
We both grab for his jaw but he shouts for Hunter one more time, even louder than before.
"Yes, Eric," Hunter calls out while pushing his way through the crowd.
"That was hot soup and Tris' shirt was clinging to her skin. Check her," Eric demands and for the first time I feel slightly mortified.
"That's not necessary,' I interrupt but Hunter picks up my shirt and touches the wet spot.
"It is still a bit hot, come out into the hallway and we find a spot with good lighting so in can check for redness on your skin."
"Is that really necessary," I groan.
"If it keeps Eric from shouting and grinding his teeth then yes, it is."
"Fine,' I sigh and stomp towards the exit. Eric and Hunter hot in my heels.
Hunter deems my skin marked but not damaged and rattles off a list of things that can be done. Eric soaks it all up while I am wondering what alternative reality I ended up in this evening.
"Come on," Eric urges while grabbing my hand.
"Where are we going? The cafeteria is the other way."
"I am not going back there. We are heading home and I am going to warm up some food for us."
"Eric, we need to show our faces now that everyone knows."
He stops and I can see from his expression he knows that I am right but he doesn't want to take me back either way.
"Fine. I will eat that damned soup while you eat something more filling. We sit, you smile and then we grab your stuff and go home. I want alone time with you," Eric demands.
"You'll get sick of me, that's how much alone time you are going to get," I state with a big smile.
"Come on, let's stick to what is left of our plan and then we can head to bed. I am tired."
Now he is really pouting and I can't help the bright smile gracing my own face.
"Maybe a little relaxing before I fall asleep, I could do with a cuddle."
Eric sighs but this is the end of the discussion.
We do just that, we eat under very watchful eyes. Some people comment, most simply congratulate us and then we grab my stuff with a little helping hand from my friends who want more details.
Then it is just us, in bed, enjoying the freedom we were given.
For those of you wondering what the heck Eric was doing during his assessment. My kids do Capoeira and it kind of stuck to the forefront of my mind when I wrote that scene.
