Real short chapter, I know. I decided to put the paintball night in the next chapter. I'm also working on a new story and trying to pick The Program back up. I'll give you a little preview of my new story.

"You don't understand," he says. He runs his hands through his hair in aggravation. "This isn't some game. We deal with murderers… serial killers. You get in their heads— or they get in yours."

PM me if you're interested.

Sorry againfor the short chapter. Please forgive me. I have some good ideas for the next chapterthough.

Chapter 35

Tobias POV

I feel something soft slap into my face. "Ugh," I grunt louder than I wanted. The world becomes clearer as I see Tris sitting next to me with her legs under her. I also notice the pillow in her hand which is what I assume she smacked me with.

I grunt again and close my eyes, but am soon stuck with another pillow to the face. "Holy shit, Tobias!" I hear Tris say. "You snore so loud!"

"Lemme sleep…" I mumble.

Another blow to the face. "Get up, I need breakfast!"

This time I'm ready when the pillow comes and I catch it in my hands, pulling her swiftly on top of me and burying my face in her neck. "Please!" I say into her neck, making her giggle. Tris flips her leg over my midsection and fiddles with the hem of my shirt, pulling it up and over my head.

She stares at me for a second running her hands over my stomach, tickling my abs. I place my hands on her hips to steady her.

"Tris?" I ask. She's doing that cute thing where she bites her bottom lip and won't look me in the eyes. "Is this scaring you?"

She shakes her head 'no'. "I'm only afraid… of what I want…"

"Me?" I ask pointing to myself. Tris nods and leans down to kiss me. I twirl the hem of her shirt in my fingers wondering what she wants. My questions are soon answered when Tris crosses her arms in front of her and lifting the shirt up and over her head, tossing it... who cares where? Because my eyes are glued to hers.

Tris looks down and I see her face flush red. I would find it completely adorable if she didn't feel the need to be self conscious around me. Although, judging by the way I can practically hear my heartbeat in my ears… she makes me nervous too. She crosses her arms over her chest, still not making eye contact with me.

I gently grab one of Tris' hands and lace it with mine, pulling it away from her chest. Then I carefully do the same with the other. She still won't look at me and she's biting the hell out of her lip.

"You're beautiful," I say, because it's true and I don't think she knows it. "Please stop hiding from me."

She squeezes my hands that are laced at our sides and then releases them. I prop myself up on my elbows to see what's wrong. She turns her head so I can see her perfect blue eyes and she smiles at me. She actually smiles! Tris moves her arms around my neck and I push myself up so I'm sitting and place my hands on her hips.

"I love you," I tell her.

"I love you," she says back.

"Baby steps?"

"Baby steps."

Tris POV

The roll of thunder can be heard from the training room as we set up the punching bags. We've done sparring, but haven't done the real matches. It's a relief not having to see people get knocked out. Tobias and I decided to wait till Realm is better so he's not behind.

A hand wraps around my torso making me get butterflies in my stomach. I lean back into the chest of Tobias.

"Remember this?" He asks kissing my neck. I laugh a little and I feel his smile on my neck.

"Go Number Boy!" A voice says from across the room. Tobias clears his throat and walks away from me putting his hands in his pockets.

"What do you want, Peter?" I ask putting my hands on my hips. God, I wish I could punch his face.

"I'm here to supervise," he says leaning back against the wall and crossing his arms. Supervise?

"For what reason?" I ask out of curiosity.

"Just checking up on my brother," he says. I almost forgot Marlon is Peter's brother. Probably because Marlon is nice and helpful, while Peter is rude and useless.

"Right."

"So, Four." Peter starts. "You're going to be joining us in leadership?"

Tobias gives a nod. The door swings open, and the initiates walk in. Realm has heavy bags under his eyes, and is obviously hungover. "Today your fights will go toward your rank," Tobias says in his 'Four' voice. "So, I suggest you take it seriously."

"You fight until one of you is unable to continue or one of you concedes," I say.

"Nobody concedes," Peter interjects. "We want the best."

"You want ruthless," I say to Peter.

"I outrank you, remember?" Peter says to close for comfort.

"These are my initiates."

"You're weak, you can't handle the fights."

"I sure was able to handle you," I say in his face. Peter scoffs and breaks eye contact. What happens next is as expected. Peter clenches his fist and swings for my face. I move out the way in time and swing my legs under his, knocking him on his ass.

Peter bolts up and charges towards me but Tobias pushes him back. "I think you should leave," he says in a darker voice than Four, that makes even my hair stand up.

Peter brushes himself off and walks out, pushing way to hard on the doors to open them.

"Realm, Dean— you're up first," I shout back.

"I'm not fighting my— him!" Realm shouts. I'm so sick of my initiates trying to over rule me.

"Did I give you a choice?" I say coldly. "Here's one. Fight or be factionless."

I see their jaws loosen. "What does hurting or friends have to do with any of this?" Marlon asks.

"You are far less likely to soil your pants and cry for your mom's if you are prepared to defend yourselves." Tobias says.

The get in the ring and I feel bad for them, but I don't call it off until Realm in on the ground. Dean starts panicking and I tell him to take him to the infirmary.

I circle (Dean) on the chalkboard. The next fights are kind of boring.

Marlon vs (J.J)

(Mel) vs Chloee

The last one— Sloane vs Mel was very interesting. Mel actually lost. Sloane looked like she was mentally plumbing her. Swift movements. Really well done. It was a very entertaining fight.

Does that make me a sadistic? No, I'm nothing like Peter.

I dismiss them and head back to the apartment to get ready for tonight.