Hey, guys!
DISCLAIMER: ALL CHARACTERS AND PLOTS ARE VERONICA ROTH'S.
Just so you know, I also post this fanfic on Wattpad. So if anyone finds it there, it's probably just me posting. I don't think anyone would repost this as theirs... I mean, plenty of people can do better.
Also, this is a note for you about the songs. I make videos for Youtube, with the songs and its lyrics. Maybe you don't know a song or two, I decided to give you a little push to listen to them.
Here they are:
- Chapter One: "Falling" by Jamestown Story feat. Corey Wagar ( watch?v=LSiEq0Xta2M)
- Chapter Two: "I Dream About You" by Simple Plan ( watch?v=ErqexVGe7u8)
- Chapter Three: "Terrible Things" by Mayday Parade ( watch?v=v3o_SURwZPs)
- Chapter Four: "Last Night" by The Vamps ( watch?v=UFja5rb2XDc)
- Chapter Five: "The Reckless And The Brave" by All Time Low ( watch?v=ZVKEm-r1UYg)
I obviously wouldn't leave you with only an author's note. There's another chapter too! Hope you like it.
Song: "Cheater" by The Vamps (youtubedotcomslash + watch?v=tCbrBo8QZ-E)
FOUR' POV
I'm on my way to the dining hall when I see Tris.
The blue dim lights in the Dauntless compound make it hard to see things, if not used to tit. But I am used to it. And I would recognize Tris anywhere.
Her piercing blue-greyed eyes are marked with simple dark make-up. Her soft lips are painted in a dark red tone. Her black clothes hug her small frame. Her long blond hair is tied in a messy ponytail on the top of her head, falling in wavy curls in her back.
Simply breath-taking.
"Tris!" I call while jogging to her.
She stops when she hears me.
"Four," she says when I get close to her.
Can we talk about your boyfriend?
"I need to talk to you."
"I actu-" she starts, but I cut her off. I need to tell her what I saw.
"It's important," I explain.
He's a dead end ha
She looks at me, maybe trying to figure out if I'm lying. She and Christina are friends after all.
"Okay." She nods. I motion for her to follow me and start walking. We go side by side to a desert hallway. I want to hold her hand, but I can't. If Eric caught us together like that, he would freak. I would actually like that, if I knew he'd come after me only. I don't care if he comes after me.
But I care if he goes after Tris. She's completely Dauntless now, but I want her safe.
We may not be together, but I care so much about her.
"It's about Eric," I start.
And if I gotta tell you why, it's only gonna make you cry
"Four, again? I really like Eric. Can't you just leave us be?" she crossed her arms and leans against the wall. She looks so Dauntless. I have to suppress a sigh of pleasure.
"You're not gonna like it." I say. She doesn't say anything, so I keep going. "I saw him with Lauren. In her room."
Let's talk about your boyfriend for a minute
"What?" she asks, confused. Her arms drop to her sides. "When?"
"Yesterday afternoon. I had a free shift, so I was at home. Zeke was there too, he can confirm it, if you want."
He's got a secret and he's telling you lies, oh what a lovely guy
"Eric said he had a meeting yesterday. With Max. He wasn't at Lauren's," Tris shakes her head. "No. Four, stop. I don't believe you." She crosses her arms again and starts walking away.
I hold her wrist. An electric shock goes from my hand to the rest of my body.
The things this woman can do to me.
But before I can enjoy her touch, Tris spins around and frees her hand from my grip. She punches my jaw.
I remember when she came to Dauntless. She fell from the top of that building and all I registered was a grey blur. I pulled her to the ground by her small, but warm, hand.
She was a short, thin, plain Stiff; unremarkable in all ways. Except that she had jumped first. The Stiff had jumped first.
I chuckle. Tris doesn't need me to protect her anymore. In fact, I don't think she ever needed.
I should have asked her out during her initiation. I'm such a pansycake. I waited too long and Eric asked her out. I should have talked to her more. I should have showed her who I really am. I should have kissed her.
I should have done something.
I just thought you should know what he is capable of
"You've gotten better since your initiation," I observe, holding my jaw with my hand. She is stronger; more confident, more sure of herself and of me. It reminds that there is no one like her.
Oh God, I should have asked her out.
Let me tell you 'bout your boyfriend, yeah he's got another girlfriend
"I just thought you should know what your beloved boyfriend is capable of. For example lying to you about where he was, what he was doing, who he was with," I tell her, my voice feels like poison. I'm talking rudely to her, so she will be angry, and not sad.
"There must be something wrong, Four. Eric wouldn't do that," Tris tries to argue, but she knows Eric would do something like that.
Baby, I just gotta let you know, you really gotta let him go
"Tris, you know Eric would do that," I say softly and she sighs. "Just leave him. You deserve someone better than him, and you know that."
"Someone like you?" she arches an eyebrow.
Don't be a jerk, Tobias.
Let me tell you 'bout your boyfriend, yeah he's got another girlfriend
"Someone who doesn't have two relationships at the same time, at least."
"And how do you know it was Eric? It could have been anyone with lots of tattoos and piercings. This is Dauntless, you know?" Tris tries to argue. Again.
And I can hear 'em through the bedroom wall
"Lauren is my neighbor, our apartments are side by side," I explain. "I saw them getting in when Zeke and I were getting to my apartment. Tris, I could heard them doing it through the bedroom wall." I see her cheeks blush.
Maybe she's not completely Dauntless. She is Divergent, after all.
You know she ain't no friend at all
"I know you think Lauren is your friend, but as you said, this is Dauntless, not Abnegation," I say softly. The point was to get her angry, I got that. But the last thing I need is her angry with me too. I want to help her.
'Cause everybody knows it and everybody knew before
"That doesn't prove anything. You and Zeke could have seen someone who looks like Eric, or something," Tris leans against the wall and slides to the floor.
But no one ever told you, girl, well, baby, that's what I'm here for
His dirty little secrets are banging on his bedroom floor
I sigh and sit by her side. "I asked Lauren this morning," I say quietly. "She said this has been going for a while now. Zeke said he saw Eric going to her apartment last week too. But as he saw on the security cameras, he wasn't sure. That's why he didn't tell you."
Oh he's a fricking cheater yeah, I dunno what you do it for
I just thought you should know what he is capable of
"Eric is a cheater, Tris. He doesn't deserve someone like you," I say looking into her grey eyes. She hasn't cried and I doubt she will. She's too strong to cry over people who don't deserve her.
Let me tell you 'bout your boyfriend, yeah he's got another girlfriend
Baby, I just gotta let you know, you really gotta let him go
"I need to get this clear."
And with that Tris stands and walks rapidly to the Pit. Where is she going?
I follow her. She may not be thinking clearly right now and if she needs help, I'll help.
She continues to the dining hall, stopping briefly at the door. Her eyes are searching. And when they find what Tris wanted, she takes off toward Zeke. When he notices Tris, he waves and smiles, letting the world see the chewed cake inside his mouth.
Hum, cake. I could really use some of that right now.
Focus, Tobias.
Tris grabs Zeke's hand and pulls him to an empty corridor.
When I reach them, Tris looks pissed and Zeke is confused, still holding the cake. He doesn't have a plate. He probably reached for the cake right before Tris pulled him too far from it.
"Good. Now that you're here," she looks from me to my friend, "Zeke, would you care to explain what you saw outside Four's apartment last night?"
Last night? I am certain I told her it was the afternoon and I know she wouldn't mistake that. Unless, this isn't an error. I told Tris Zeke would confirm the story. She's making him tell her and correct the little details.
I smile. This girl is awesome.
Let me tell you 'bout your boyfriend, yeah he's got another girlfriend
And I can hear 'em through the bedroom wall, you know she ain't no friend at all
"Okay then," Zeke eats the last piece of cake, rubs his hands and clears his throat. "Yesterday afternoon," he got the catch she set for him, "Four and I got out of work early. Gus, our boss, said he didn't need so many people and let us go. We decided to go to his apartment. When we were almost there, I saw Lauren and another guy coming towards us, from the opposite direction. I didn't think much of it, because you know Lauren, she's always with a new boyfriend," he wiggles his eyebrows. "But then I noticed how many piercings and tattoos thee guy had and I took a better look. It was Eric, Tris. I even looked at Four to confirm, and when he looked at me with a shocked face, I had my answer," he explains softly. Zeke likes to tell the stories very detailed. "I think Eric saw us when he turned to close Lauren's door, almost as if he was intimate of her. And let me tell you, girl, Lauren screams loudly, if you know what I mean," Zeke wiggles his eyebrows. What a terrible time to joke. But I think the contrary when I see Tris' smile. "Four here wanted to fight Eric, because of you, you know?" he points at me.
I glare at him. He knows I how I feel about Tris, couldn't he keep his mouth shut?
"Also, last week… I was working the night shift in the Control Room and I saw Eric sneaking around the compound really late at night. I followed him with the cameras and figured to where he went. Tris, Eric went to Lauren's apartment. I didn't tell you because I wasn't seeing properly after two shifts. I should have told you, though. I'm sorry, Tris."
Tris stands there, frozen. She doesn't move, her breathing is automatic and her expression is blank.
"Thank you. The two of you. I really appreciate the fact that you told me," her voice is quiet.
I hate Eric. I knew this relationship was actually a relationshit. Tris is a special girl. She deserves more than a cheater. She deserves someone who treats her well, someone who values her.
"I'm sorry, Tris." Zeke places his hand on her shoulder, looking at her sympathetically. She quickly raises her head and looks at him.
"Ezekiel Pedrad, don't you dare pity me," she smiles. "You're a great friend, but I will never forgive you if do that."
Zeke removes his arm and she smiles at us. A small smile, but a genuine one. I know she's not faking. We both smile back at her.
"Eric is a jerk and I will end this relationship, but please don't treat me like I need help, like I'm not able to defend myself," she says softly.
That's the Tris I like. The brave, confident Tris. She knows who she is and what she can do, and I love that.
"I can take care of myself. But thank you for caring. Really. You're both great friends." Friends? My smile faded. "I gotta go." she hugs Zeke and me, and leaves. I wanted to keep my arms around her petite figure, but I couldn't; not when she sees me as a friend. I thought we were more than that.
Zeke looks at me, "By what I can tell, you need cake." My eyes are still glued on the path Tris went.
He waves in front of me, taking me out of my trance.
"Cake?"
"Cake."
We re-enter the dining hall, get our plates with cake and sit down at our usual table.
"So, you told her," he says. I nod. Isn't it obvious? "I thought you wouldn't. I thought you were going to kill Eric and then tell her," he laughs and I chuckle. "Someone didn't let me do it," I tease. "I thought that maybe she would like to kill him."
"I just thought of her, Four. If you fought Eric, that's okay. You won once. I was worried about Tris, she's like a sister to me and you know that. If Eric came after her because we told her about him and Lauren, I would kill him myself," Zeke narrows his eyes and points at the door that leads to the Dauntless leader's offices with his fork. Zeke protects his friends like they're his siblings, and he would do anything for his sibling.
The cake is as perfect as always, but I'm not in the mood.
"Four, what the hell is wrong with you? You're barely eating the cake."
"I don't know, Zeke," I stick my fork in the cake and take it out. Then again. And again. This goes on until Zeke grabs he plate and the fork and starts eating it himself.
"You were fine yesterday and this morning," he says, his mouth full of cake.
I extend my arms and grab my plate back. I may not be in the mood, but doesn't mean I won't eat it. "Don't touch the cake," I hiss. My precious Dauntless cake.
"Now that's the Four I know," he smiles and gets up from his seat.
Zeke comes with three more plates of cake. He pushes one toward me and starts eating the other two, at the same time.
"You seemed fine while talking to Tris. I'm guessing it was something she said. Like, oh, I don't know," he fakes a dumb, innocent face, "Calling you a friend?!" he screams.
"Yes. Yes, you're right. I didn't like that, okay?"
"Fine. I'm just worried about you, man," He pauses. "I thought you guys were more than friends, Four. You told me you kissed her. More than once. What happened?"
I sigh. I wish I knew.
"You know that I've liked her since the paintball game that happened during her initiation, and that, by the end of initiation, I had totally fallen for her. But I never told her. I never asked her out. I always acted like her instructor."
This time, Zeke sighs. "I know, you told me all that. What I don't understand is then why did she call you a friend?"
"I not certain, but I have a theory. This is complicated, so pay attention, okay?" I say, seriously.
"And you think I'm dumb?" he asks while putting more cake into his mouth. He glares at me when I don't answer him. I laugh.
"The thing is: sometimes, Tris and I get together. You know that, right?" he nods and I continue: "Tris and Eric started dating a few weeks after initiation. I stopped acting like her instructor the day she was ranked first, because I was planning on asking her out. I found Tris that day in the training room. We talked and, when she was leaving, I kissed her. Tris froze, told me about Eric and walked away. A week later you dragged me to Uriah's party. Tris was there too, without Eric. She told me he had a meeting and he wasn't coming. That time, she kissed me. After that, we met other times. But she never broke up with Eric. I never understood why she stared dating Eric," I sigh. I need to stop doing that. It's not like me – like Four – to sigh over problems.
"Wow."
"Yeah."
"I thought Tris would go running to you when she heard about Eric," Zeke comments. "I thought you two would finally stop with that non-sense and start properly dating."
"I thought the same, until she called me a friend," I eat the cake.
"Welcome to the Friendzone, buddy," he laughs loudly.
I look into his eyes.
"I hate you, Zeke." My voice sounds quiet, slow.
"I love you too, Four."
"God, you two sound like an old married couple."
I know this voice. I would recognize it anywhere.
Tris.
Zeke and I greet her at the same time.
"Hey."
"Hi."
"Hello," she smiles and looks at me. "Four, can I talk to you?"
Zeke winks at me as I stand and we begin walking towards the Pit.
"Don't worry, Four! I got our cake!" Zeke screams, smiling and with shinning eyes, while pulling the two other plates toward him and using both forks take cake to his mouth.
Tris and I laugh and then continue our way.
I observe her facial expression all the way. Her eyes aren't puffy nor red. They are stern, insistent. Beautiful.
Her cheeks are their natural red, nothing more. Her breathing is normal. She hasn't been crying.
I would be surprised if she cried over Eric cheating on her.
Her hands are shaking though. From what, I wonder. When I take a closer look, I notice her split knuckles. That wasn't there before. I taught her to black-tape her hands to train with the punching bag, so she wouldn't get hurt. She punched me today, but it wasn't strong enough to hurt her knuckles.
We walk half of the Pit and enter the same empty hallway we talked before. Once again, we sit on the ground.
"I'm sorry for hitting you earlier," she finally says.
I give her a small smile and say, "Don't worry about it. You were emotionally overloaded and this is Dauntless."
She laughs and I can't take my eyes off her. This is a beautiful sound. She blushes when she sees me staring. I clear my throat and focus on the wall in front of us.
"I talked to him," she sighs.
I look at her, waiting.
"He confirmed it all. Smiling. And I punched him. A lot. Max had to hold me down because I was about to kill him," she chuckles. I laugh.
"Congratulation, Tris. Eric deserved it."
"Yeah," she shrugs. She leans toward me. "So no more Eric."
I lean closer. "No more Eric."
I want to capture those soft lips with mine. I want to hold her as close to me as possible. I want her kissing me back with the same intensity and need I kiss her. And I want it to be official, not just a make out session. I want to be hers and her to be mine.
"I'm sorry I told you that way. I could have eased things up or something," I say quietly. My eyes memorize characteristics.
"You told me, that's what matters," her voice a whisper. But as close as we are, I hear her clearly. "And you know why?"
"Because that proves I'm a trust-worthy friend?" I whisper. That word will never feel the same to me.
She shakes her head, smirks and says, "Because now we can be more than friends."
I sigh and lean back, putting some safe space between us. "I thought we were, but I think I misunderstood that."
She leans back.
"Do you want to be more than friends?" she asks with innocent eyes.
I can tell she's faking, but my heart beats faster anyways. Ugh, the things that woman can make me feel.
"Tris, I thought it was obvious," I keep my voice steady. I don't need her to know I'm nervous to talk about this subject, that I'm nervous to be alone with her.
Maybe this ain't gonna be as bad as you thought
"You know, maybe this whole thing with Eric wasn't as bad as you thought," I grin.
"How so?" she asks, her curiosity making me wonder once again if she has aptitude for Erudite. She's Divergent, I know, but I don't know for which factions.
Maybe we don't have to sneak around anymore, no
Maybe when you leave, you'll end up with me after all
"Now we don't have to sneak around anymore."
Unless of course she wants me to be her friend. I suppress a sigh.
I can be your boyfriend and you can be my world
"I can be your boyfriend," I say in a sudden moment of courage.
Let me tell you 'bout your boyfriend, yeah he's got another girlfriend
Baby, I just gotta let you know, you really gotta let him go
"Oh?"
"Now that you and Eric are done, I mean."
Let me tell you 'bout your boyfriend, yeah he's got another girlfriend
And I can hear 'em through the bedroom wall, you know she ain't no friend at all
"Now that I confirmed Eric's a cheater and Lauren's a bitch, thanks to you," she leans her head on my shoulder. She never did that.
Maybe this ain't gonna be as bad as you thought
Maybe we don't have to sneak around anymore no
"Maybe I'll end up with you, after all. Maybe this was actually a good thing," her voice is barely a whisper. She raises her head, her lips are curled in a small smile, and leans closer to me.
Maybe when you leave, you'll end up with me after all
Oh yeah and I can be your boyfriend
"Then maybe I can be your boyfriend."
"And I can be your girlfriend."
And I close the space between us. Her hands go to my chest, while one of mine goes to her waist and one entangles in the tied hair in her neck. Her lips are soft and her skin is smooth.
It hasn't been more than five days since I kissed her, but I still missed her touch.
When we depart, I ask:
"Are you busy tonight?"
Yes? No?
