Hey everybody! This isn't a chapter, but it's a little scene after my 13th chapter that I wasn't going to put in the story originally. I'm uploading it in celebration of my 100th review! Thank you all SOOOOOO much for your support! I can't believe this story is being enjoyed by so many incredible people! Anyway, be sure to let me know what you think, and DFTBA! Love you all :) - Loopy
Tobias decided to stay over that night. It didn't take much convincing, especially since he didn't have to go in until ten the next morning, and he also didn't want to leave Tris. Her words were still buzzing through his mind, still slowly processing themselves into his heart as his arms gripped her back to his chest. The room was dark, even with the moonlight beams casting shadows across the floor, and the peacefulness was letting him take in the full effect of their conversation.
When he'd first heard the words leave her mouth, his first instinct had been to say them back. But he couldn't. He'd told himself it was because of the lump in his throat, the exhaustion and shock of what he'd explained to her, but he knew that wasn't the only thing. He didn't feel like he was good enough to love her. And he didn't know how to be in a meaningful relationship, didn't know how to love her. He hadn't had much practice with love ever since his mother died, thinking life would be easier without it, but with Tris… He wanted to love her. But he didn't know how.
Tris swallowed heavily, closing her eyes tighter. She was trying not to be upset about the fact that he hadn't responded. Of course, she wasn't really disappointed that he hadn't said he loved her, too. But she hadn't been expecting him to not say anything at all. What could he possibly have been thinking about her? Was he having second thoughts? Regretting letting her in?
She was sure that being pushed away now would kill her, and she gripped the sheets tightly in her fist to try to ignore that harsh reality. Perhaps she could just disappear…
Tobias felt her stiffen in his arms, and his brow furrowed as he realized how much of an asshole he was being. He wasn't sure Tris was too annoyed, but she'd just confessed her love for him, and he hadn't said anything at all. Hadn't even smiled at her words.
Her insecurities resurfaced in his mind, and he hated himself for what he was probably making her feel right now. In that instant, he knew that his knowledge didn't matter. He was too selfish to let Tris go. He didn't need to know how to love her; he just knew that he did. And that was what was important.
"I love you, too, you know," he choked out, his breath fanning across her neck. What the hell was that, Tobias? He cleared his throat and tried again, gently pulling her hip to get her to face him. Her eyes were blue. "I have for a while, I just… didn't want to scare you away."
Tris grinned, a tired, relieved smile. He always had a way of making her happier than she ever thought she could be. "Then you should know me better," she teased, knowing he thought she was fearless. But that was far from true; she was scared of her own shadow. Hell, she was scared of having Tobias here with her in bed, even though the logical part of her knew he wouldn't push her.
Tobias smiled, too, leaning down and kissing her. Only their lips touched, but it sent sparks through his body. "I know," he whispered, his mouth brushing hers and his breath hot on her lips. He felt her shiver. "I love you."
