Author's Note: My dear friends, how I have missed you. You have no idea the emotional cost that not being able to write has brought me. I have been conjuring up several more chapters in my head, but not being able to copy them down has been horrifying. But I AM BACK! Mwahahahaha! I hope I haven't caused you much distress, but rest assured I do not plan to be gone for a month again. Thank you for being so loyal.

-Elise (Daisydot227)

DISCLAIMER: Ok, I think we get it. I DON'T own Divergent or ANY of the characters. Now to the story!

Chapter 10: Facing Fears

Four's POV:

Tris and I held hands as we walked through the woods, the sky a deep purple.

"Where should we go?" I inquired, trying to study her face in the dark.

"Um, well I guess we can't go anywhere except for my house," she offered.

"That's perfect," I said, squeezing her hand gently.

We wove through the trees but instead of taking the main road, Tris led me behind the rows of houses until we came to a stop at the back door of her house.

"Stay here," Tris commanded, her voice a low whisper. "I'll go in the front and unlock the back door from inside."

I nodded, and Tris slunk back towards the front. I stood out in the dark, and I could see my breath in the cold air. It had been five minutes, and I began to worry Tris had ditched me here and gone back to her "date."

After what seemed like forever, I heard the sound of a lock clicking and Tris opened the back door.

"Sorry," she said, pulling me inside the warm house. "My neighbor decided to stop me for a chat."

Tris's POV:

I led Four to the living room where he collapsed on the couch.

"It's freezing outside," he said at last. I laughed and sat down next to him, and he grabbed my hand again.

"I've missed you," he said, tracing small circles on my palm.

"Me too," I agreed, and then, "I hate this."

"Hate what?" he asked, worry lines forming around his eyes.

"Hiding. Sneaking around. I've barely seen you since we first met. This is the first time we've actually spent time together," I spat, but quickly covered my mouth with my hands.

"No. No. Four I didn't mean-"

"No, I get it," he said bitterly. "Why wouldn't you prefer a guy who could provide for you, and actually BE SEEN IN PUBLIC with you? Why would you settle for me?"

"Four that's not what I meant. You know that."

"No. No, I realize. I guess I'm tired of it too. I like you, Tris. A lot." He sighed, and I turned him around so he was facing me on the couch.

"I like you too," I confessed. He leaned in close, and I could smell his shampoo and his sweat and I wanted to run my fingers through his hair so bad.

Then he kissed me, and my eyes widened in surprise, but I closed them quickly. His hands were on my waist, and I had placed my hand on his neck and on the small of his back.

He ran his hands back and forth along the waistline of my pants, and I traced circles on his back through his shirt.

Four ran his hands along my arms and I the hairs stood up along my arms, goosebumps forming with every touch.

Four's fingers played with the edge of my shirt, and I drew back in shock when his tongue slipped inside my mouth.

"What's wrong?" he asked, seizing my hand once more.

"Yeah, it's uh… It's nothing," I stammered, withdrawing from his grasp.

He looked at me and I sighed.

"It's just… well I've never really been in a relationship before. It's all new to me, and I'm not sure what it is you want, but if you want… it… I guess I want to warn you that I'm not that person." I spoke quickly and all in one breath.

He stared at me. "That's ridiculous."

"No, it's not. You're constantly surrounded by pretty girls and you know, you're you, and I'm just wondering why you want me."

"Tris, we've talked about this. I like you for you. Not for sex, or whatever insane idea you've conjured up in your head. And to be honest, I've never done this before either."

Now it was my turn to stare, and I did feel ridiculous. "Oh."

He threw his head back and laughed at the ceiling.

"Not funny," I complained, but I wasn't really angry. "Not funny!"

He kept laughing and I grabbed a pillow and hit him with it.

"Stop laughing!" I protested again, but I began laughing as well.

After a while, we calmed down, and Four stood up.

"I would like to stay, I really would, but I have to go," he said.

"But you've barely stayed," I protested, standing up as well.

"I realize that. I do. But I have to go. There's a Dauntless holiday tomorrow and I have to get rest." Four walked towards the back door, pausing to look at me.

"I love you," he said. "I really do."

Four exited my house, bringing in a cold breeze from the outside. I knew he meant well, at least, that's what I so desperately wanted to believe, but I couldn't bring myself to trust that this situation would turn out all right. I needed to tell someone, but I didn't know who.

Susan's face popped in to my head first, but I shook away the thought. Susan was nice and kind, but she wouldn't understand and to be honest, I wasn't quite sure if I could trust her. And even if I could, I wouldn't want to involve her in my act of rebellion. Then I got an idea.

Caleb. I loved my brother, and I trusted him more than anyone. Not to mention he was able to come up with a plan in any situation.

I grabbed my jacket, and pulled on gloves, a hat, and a scarf. I was headed to Erudite, and I was going to find my solution.

Now, I know most people dislike Caleb, but I truthfully don't dislike him as much as I should. I also must apologize for the short chapter. I have a new computer, but school has kept me away from being able to write. Oh well, I hope to have the new chapter up soon!

-Elise (Daisydot227)