A/N: Okay, SECOND post for tonight :) Enjoy! More coming soon :)

Chapter of Divergent (the actual book): 22

Disclaimer: I don't own the Divergent trilogy or any of the characters

I wash the blood off of my knuckles in the infirmary sink, ignoring the pain in the crook of my lip. I refuse to leave the room, reluctant to be this far away from Tris. My neck still tingled from where her cheek brushed against it.

"Your hands," I hear her croak.

"My hands are none of your concern," I reply, surprised to see her conscious. I rest my knee on the mattress, slipping the ice pack under her head and leaning over her. I feel a jolt flow through my face, and I realize that Tris's hand is touching my lip. I fail to breathe.

"Tris," I whisper against her fingers. She lets them drop. "I'm all right."

"Why were you there?" she asks.

"I was coming back from the control room. I heard a scream," I lie. No I was standing in the hallway where you held my hand, unable to move.

"What did you do to them?"

I sigh. "I deposited Drew at the infirmary a half hour ago. Peter and Al ran. Drew claimed they were just ay."

"He's in bad shape?" Tris asks. How can you possibly care?

trying to scare you. At least, I think that's what he was trying to s

"He'll live." My voice goes bitter. "In what condition, I can't say."

"Good," Tris says. Suddenly, she starts to cry.

I crouch by her bed, attempting not to show sympathy.

"I could report this," I say softly.

"No," she replies. "I don't want them to think I'm weak."

Suddenly, and without thought, my hand travels to her cheekbone. My thumb moves absently back and forth, and a small smile coats my face. "I figured you would say that."

"You think it would be a bad idea if I sat up?" she asks me.

"I'll help you," I say, my voice growing stronger.

I grip her shoulder, electricity zapping, and hold her head steady while she pulls herself up.

"You can let yourself be in pain, it's just me here." She bites down on her lip. "I suggest you rely on your transfer friends to protect you from now on," I say, my voice thinning out again.

"I thought I was. But Al…"

As much as I hate Al, I can't help but comfort Tris as she sobs. "He wanted you to be the small, quiet girl from Abnegation," I say softly. "He hurt you because your strength made him feel weak. No other reason. The others won't be as jealous if you show some vulnerability. Even if it isn't real."

"You think I have to pretend to be vulnerable?" she asks, raising her eyebrows. I smile.

"Yes, I do." I stand up, and I see Tris eye the hem of my shirt. I can't help but smile. "You're going to want to march into breakfast tomorrow and show your attackers they had no effect on you, but you should let that bruise on your cheek show, and keep your head down."

Her eyes lift to mine and they look hollow.

"I don't think I can do that."

I let my voice go soft. "You have to."

"I don't think you get it." Her face goes red. "They touched me."

There is nothing soft about me now. Every muscle in my body goes stiff. In one instant, everything goes from bad to so much worse. My hand clenches around the ice pack, causing the beads inside it to burst. Touched her? TOUCHED her? I feel as though I'm about to explode with rage. My body feels like it's heating up and freezing over all at the same time TOUCHED HER! I feel all life leave my body, while at the same time I feel a whole new energy.

"Touched you," I repeat, my voice feeling icy cold.

"Not… in the way you're thinking," I feel the tension physically leave my body. But the tension nearly returns at her next comment, leaving me with a lingering chill. "But almost."

I look away from Tris, out the window. I stand still for so long until her voice interrupts my violent chain of thought.

"What is it?"

"I don't want to say this," I say quietly, "but I feel like I have to. It is more important for you to be safe than right, for the time being. Understand?" Tris nods, and I let out a breath. "But please, when you see an opportunity…" I press my hand to her cheek and I tilt up her head. "Ruin them."

Tris shakily laughs. "You're a little scary, Four." I sigh, feeling more somber.

"Do me a favor, and don't call me that." I just want to hear my real name.

"What should I call you, then?"

"Nothing," I remove my hand from her face, disappointed that she doesn't remember me. "Yet."