Chapter 17

Tobias

"Tris? We have to jump now."

She mumbles something I can't hear and slowly stands up. I take her hand and we jump together. We land on our feet, stumble a few steps before we regain balance. We walk with the others to the compound. Uriah, Lynn and Marlene are talking and laughing really loudly. Zeke and Shauna are behind us whispering and ahead of us Will and Christina are walking hand in hand. Tris and I are quiet. I'm not sure if I convinced her about Alice. I don't know what Alice will do, leave me alone or try something else. I just know I'll have to make myself perfectly clear with her. Before we all go to our apartments, Zeke invites us to another game of truth or dare tomorrow, probably planning his revenge on me for making him drink the peace serum. After I walk Tris back to her apartment I decide to go to the control room, since I'm not really tired at this time. I like it there at night, when only a few people there.

Tris

I try to sleep for what seems like hours. I look at the time. 45 minutes since I went to bed. After twisting a long time under the covers, trying to find a comfortable position, I give up and put on my shoes and jacket. I decide to go and see if Tobias is still awake. I always sleep better with his arms around me. When I reach his apartment the door is slightly open. Strange. I push it open with my foot. The apartment is dark and still. Nothing seem out of place, still something feels different. I hear something behind me and I turn around. "Tris? What are you doing here so late?" Tobias turns on the light.

"I couldn't sleep."

He smiles. "Come here."

Together we crawl under the covers. He wraps his arms around me and it doesn't take long until we fall asleep.

Tobias

Today we have the day off. No job, no practice. Next week everyone will start work again. The week when the new members of dauntless join everyone is off work. Initiation instructor is seasonal work so Tris has to choose another job. On Sunday she'll go to Max's office and see what's available, but we still have four days of only free time and practice.I watch Tris sleep. She looks peaceful, resting her head against my chest. She's mine and it will always be that way. As if she just read my mind, she opens her eyes. She catches me staring and buries her face in my shoulder, laughing a little. "Are you watching me sleep?"

"Maybe."

"I was thinking," she says. Her voice is soft. "I wanted to go and visit my parents today. I haven't seen my mom since visiting day, and my dad since the choosing ceremony. I really miss them. Can I do that? I mean, is it… allowed?

"Yeah. A quick visit now and then is not against the rules."

"Would you go with me? My mom only met you that one time on visiting day, as my instructor. None of them have really met you."

They've met me, but only as the boy living in Abnegation. I'm Marcus Eaton's son. Tris' dad works with my father so they know each other. I doubt they would recognize me though. I look nothing like the boy they knew.

I smile. "Yeah, of course I'll go with you."

She smiles back and kisses me. It's a quick one, so when she pulls away I pull her back.

"We don't have to leave yet now do we?" I say.

"I guess not." She kisses me again, longer this time. Every time I kiss her, I always want more. Like it's never enough.

"Tobias. We have to eat breakfast before we leave."

"Mm."

"I'm serious. C'mon." She pushes me away and gets up, pulling me with her.

When we get there, only Will and Christina are sitting at the table. We get our breakfast and sit down next to them. "So, ready for some daring tonight Four?" Christina asks me.

"Yeah, I have a few in mind."

"Like what?"

"Can't tell you that."

Christina does a pouty face, but doesn't say anything else.

"Are you going somewhere?" Will asks, looking at Tris' bag.

"Yeah, going to see my parents."

"Really? They let you do that here?" Christina says frowning.

"Yeah, a few visits now and then are okay," I say.

"Interesting," Will says and takes Christina's hand. She smiles at him.

I pull myself into the car, with Tris right behind me. We sit down by the doorway and look out over our city flashing by.

"I'm glad you came," she says.

Saying yes was not much more than me showing my support. I wouldn't normally go myself considering my past. I don't know what will be waiting in Abnegation. I haven't been there much since I left. Being back will be strange, but hopefully with Tris there it will somehow be easier. "Yeah, of course." I put my arms around her shoulder.

"I'm nervous," she says after a while.

I laugh a little. "So am I. But don't worry, we'll get through it."

She smiles. "My parents will like you. I know it."

I force a smile, but thinking about seeing Andrew and Natalie again after more than two years makes me anxious. Tris not knowing makes it even worse.

See ya'll soon. Be brave! -s