#48. Water
Tobias dabs the washcloth over the cuts on Tris' feet. He gently lathers them, mindful of the angry red marks on her skin.
"I'll be your family now."
Tris lathers her own hands before reaching for his. She smears the white foam over his fingers and palms, cleaning the hands that are so protective of her. She avoids his gaze as she feels the stinging sensation in her eyes.
"I love you."
They hold onto one another in the quiet room, and let the cool water cleanse their wounds and heartaches.
"I love you too."
They will mend each other.
Chapter 36 of Insurgent. Definitely one of my favourite scenes. The initiation ceremony in Abnegation includes an older member washing an initiate's feet. I love that it symbolizes acceptance and seeing each other as equals (and I guess, also how it's about becoming selfless and washing away oneself). I always felt that if there was a ritual for marriage in Abnegation, it would also be this. Which is why I love that this is the point when they say they love each other for the first time, and that they'll be each other's family.
I don't have high hopes for the movie—the second half of Divergent was so rushed, I hated it—but if there is one thing I want them to get right in Insurgent, it would be this scene.
Don't you love it when my author's notes are longer than my drabbles? (: