Even though Leo set his alarm for an ungodly hour of the morning, there's already a crowd waiting by the time he gets to the job postings. The number of job openings in different fields is of interest to everyone, even those who are clearly fighting hangovers from the night before.
As the other new members try to figure their odds of getting a desirable job, Leo's mind is elsewhere. The ranking system works the same in Erudite as in Dauntless, and he knows that Jemma will be the top of her class. But what job will she pick? More importantly, what job can he pick where he might get to see her once in a while?
He's given up on the hope of a leadership position. It would give him plenty of opportunities to interact with the top-ranked members of the other factions, but his scores from initiation won't put him high enough to have his pick of the jobs, and leadership positions go fast.
All the conversation is on hypotheticals of the job openings. He overhears some people discussing the benefits and drawbacks of guarding the fence versus working in the Dauntless compound itself, whether the fresh Amity food shared with the guards is worth the long commute and getting soaked whenever it rains. There's a rumor about a high-ranked initiate planning to take a menial job, with plenty of conjecture about who and what and why.
Finally, May calls the meeting to order, and after some introductory remarks, the list of job openings is posted. There are only two positions open in Dauntless leadership, and more openings than expected for jobs in the compound: giving tattoos or patching up wounds or fighting for the entertainment of others. Leo decides that these jobs will be his first choice. There are plenty, so he's almost guaranteed to get one, and staying amid the Dauntless makes it easier to forget his old family than being out under the open sky, seeing other factions every day. Forgetting is what he needs to do, now that he's fully a member of Dauntless. Faction before blood.
As expected, the two top initiates take the two leadership positions. Bobbi and Ward will work in conjunction with the other factions, negotiating for Dauntless interests in front of the council. Beside him, Skye tenses as Ward stands to accept his new position.
As May continues down the ranked list, Leo notices that there's a highly desirable job no one has taken yet: a city guard position in the Erudite sector. He knows that he shouldn't get his hopes up—there are still plenty of people left to choose before him. He had decided on a job in the medical center, where he could help people. But the conflict rages in him: if the guard post's still open, should I take it? Or should I make a clean break?
Skye picks a job working in the tech office—a respectable job, if difficult. But she has skill with computers, and the challenge will suit her. Now there's only three people left.
Work in the compound. Stay loyal. Faction before blood.
Another member takes a job in the tattoo parlor.
She's my sister. I have to see her again, even if it's just in passing.
Another position as a sport fighter is gone. Only one more person before Leo, and the Erudite guard post is still open. Visions of his future life pass before his eyes: marrying a Dauntless girl, having children who will grow up in this cave of danger and wonder. They won't even know their Auntie Jemma.
I have to take the job. I have to see her.
Faction before blood.
Jemma.
The next person, a transfer from Candor, takes the last remaining guard post in the Candor sector. A deafening whisper ripples through the crowd, and Leo hears the words "faction traitor" repeated more than once.
If I take the job, they'll see me as a faction traitor. I'll be hated. They'll say I'm not a real Dauntless.
What would I rather be: a bad Dauntless or a bad brother?
If I were really brave, I wouldn't be scared of living without her.
If I were really brave, I wouldn't be scared of what people say about me.
Faction before blood.
Jemma.
"Leo Fitz?" May calls.
Leo Fitzsimmons, his mind wants to scream.
"Make your choice."
No matter your choice, you'll have to live with it. For better, for worse, as long as you shall live.
No matter the choice, it's yours to make.
No matter what you do with your life, it's yours.
He stands. He says the words, watches his name written down on the list. He sits. A moment ago, his mind was racing, but now it's oddly still, filled with just one thought.
My life is mine.