A/N: Sorry for the delay. Couldn't access the server until now.
3
Tris' POV
I look at him and see his beautiful dark blue eyes sparkling. I can't help but feel excited about the prospect of going on a date with this gorgeous man.
"Yes" I say and he smiles.
"Alright. How about tonight?" he asks.
"Really? So soon?" I ask a little amused by his enthusiasm.
"Yeah. Why not?" he asks leaning back.
"Okay. Where are we going?" I ask. He thinks for a moment and then an idea must have come to him. He looks my way expectantly.
"There is a "Star Wars" marathon that starts at three p.m. What do you say? And afterwards we can have dinner somewhere" he suggests.
"Really? Six movies?" I ask skeptically.
"Actually it's just episodes four to six" he explains.
"Alright. Let's do that" I say."But how about we meet for lunch to actually get to know each other a little bit before we start this adventure in a galaxy far, far away" I say and he laughs.
"That's even better. How about I pick you up at one p.m., we get something to eat near the movie theater and then we can watch the movies?" he says excited.
"Deal."
We go back to the gym where everyone seems to have only one thing to discuss – me and Four. I try to avoid them but it's really hard when they move in packs and don't let you pass. They all ask questions at once, neither caring which one of the two of us answers.
"Shut up!" Four yells loudly making them stop badgering us. "Tris and I talked. Everything is fine now. I explained it was all a misunderstanding and she forgave me" he explains.
"Wasn't really much to forgive" I say.
"But are you going on a date now?" Christina asks. Geez, I almost forgot how nosy she is. Four looks my way and gives me a crocked smile.
"Yeah. We have a lunch date later" I say.
"What? Lunch?" Christina asks and makes a disgusted face.
"What's wrong with lunch?" I ask confused.
"Dude, seriously?" Shauna asks looking at him.
"What?" he asks just as confused.
"Lunch is for good friends or acquaintances, not a date with your girlfriend" Uriah says and I feel a blush creep into my cheek.
"She is not his girlfriend" Caleb says forcefully.
"Dude, I get she is your sister, but you need to let the little birdy fly" Zeke says, making me blush some more.
"Guys, stop it. You are making her uncomfortable" Marlene says.
"Can we please change the subject?" I ask, but they ignore me.
"You need a ride home?" Four asks me.
"I don't want to cause you trouble."
"No trouble. It'll be my pleasure. Besides this can be a preview of our conversation later at lunch" he says smiling.
"Okay, but just to get out of here."
While everyone seems to discuss if Four and I should or shouldn't do anything I grab my stuff and rush out where Four waits by his car. I get in and we drive off. I text Caleb so that he knows that I'm already on my way home and doesn't worry. The ride back is quiet. None of us says anything. When we finally get to my parents' house he parks the car in front of it and turns to look my way.
"I guess I see you in a bit" he says almost shyly.
"Yeah. One p.m." I say and he nods.
"Can't wait" he says and gives me a brilliant smile. I smile back, say goodbye and get out of the car. I walk to the front door expecting him to drive off, but he doesn't. I turn around and see him look at me. I smile embarrassed and wave awkwardly. He smiles and waves back. After that he starts the engine but doesn't drive off until I enter and close the door behind me. I hurry upstairs to my bedroom to get rid of my dirty workout clothes and take a long thorough shower. When I'm done I get out and walk to my room, when I see Caleb.
"So, you and Four" he says smirking.
"Stop that" I say.
"What?" he asks innocently.
"Stop teasing me" I say and walk passed him and into my room.
I'm standing now for over ten minutes in front of my wardrobe and can't decide what to wear. A knock on my door makes me sigh loudly and go to answer it. To my surprise it's mom.
"Hey, mom" I say and let her in.
"Hey, sweetie. So, your brother tells me you have a date with that cute boy from yesterday" she says and I almost choke. "No need to blush, sweetheart" she says. "So, what are you going to wear for your first date?" she asks and looks over my clothes. Thankfully I put everything in it yesterday after the welcoming party. Most of it is clean and whatever was dirty is already in the laundry.
"We're having lunch and then go to a movie theater to watch a "Star Wars" marathon" I say when mom picks up a floral summer dress.
"A movie marathon?" my mom asks skeptically. "That's unusual" she says looking at me with a raised eyebrow.
"Probably because we are unusual people" I say dismissively. I grab a pair of skinny blue jeans and a dark green tank top. I hold them up for mom to see and she nods approvingly. She allows me to finish getting ready and walks downstairs. I decide to put on a black lace thong and black lace bra; we might not end up in bed, but I do feel sexier wearing sexy lingerie. I finish up in my room and go to the bathroom where I style my hair in a side fishtail braid and apply a minimal amount of make-up – dark eyeliner, mascara and a rose colored lipstick. I hear the doorbell ring and hurry to my room to put on my flats and get my purse. I hurry downstairs where I find my dad practically interrogating Four about where he will take me, all the while mom and Caleb stand behind him smirking.
"We're going for lunch and then to a "Star Wars" marathon" Four explains. He hasn't noticed me yet, but the moment I take a few more steps he looks my way and his eyes widen. He looks so handsome, with his dark colored jeans and his dark gray skin tight tee shirt that reveals every one of his muscles. He smiles at me and I smile back.
"I'm ready to go" I say and walk passed my dad.
"Bumblebee, be back by ten p.m." he says.
"Not gonna happen" I say getting my cardigan from the living room, where I left it yesterday.
"Eleven?" my dad asks.
"Maybe" I say.
"No later than midnight" dad says and mom chuckles.
"How about Four and I spend the night at a cheesy motel doing grown-up stuff, like the naked people in the dirty movies?" I ask as I pass them and walk to the front door, dragging Four with me.
"Bumblebee don't say that. You are my little princess" dad whines.
"Honey, she is a grown woman. You need to accept that" mom says as I close the door behind us.
"But Natie" dad protests while Caleb starts laughing.
"Cheesy motel?" Four asks when we get in his car.
"Yeah, sorry about that. In my dad's mind I'm five years old, a virgin and have no fucking clue how to use a toaster let alone have wild passionate sex" I say emphasizing the last words. I watch Four closely as he swallows hard. "Relax, stud. I'm not gonna jump your bones. I just made fun of dad. He always pulls the same crap. But I apologize if any of us, me included, made you feel uncomfortable" I say realizing he might feel awkward.
"It's okay" he says as we drive away. "It was just a little unexpected" he says with a chuckle.
"Yeah, dad isn't the only one who sees me like a fragile little flower. Unfortunately so does Caleb, my cousins, my best friend and practically everyone I ever met. They think just because I'm short and a girl I can't give a beating or fight my own battles no matter the situation. They think I need protection 24/7 or else I might get kidnapped by the evil dragon and locked up in a tall tower" I say and he laughs.
"If what you did today at the gym is any indication I would be more afraid of what happens to whoever comes close to you" he says.
"Yeah, I usually hold back, but that dude really got on my nerves" I say and look out the window.
"What did he say to you?" he asks after a while.
"Nothing important. Just some macho crap" I say. I turn to look at him and he senses me staring. "You're not like that, are you?" I ask.
"Like what? Like Eric?" he asks a little offended.
"Macho, thinking that a woman can't take care of herself?" I ask.
"No. I believe that women can and should take care of themselves. But I also think that if I care for someone, be it family or friends or even a girlfriend, that that person would allow me to protect her and fight for her if necessary. Just because someone can fight his or her own battles doesn't mean he or she should do it alone" he says. We soon park the car and get out. None of us says anything after that. We get into a restaurant near the movie theater and order some lasagna and a chocolate cake for dessert.
"Tell me something about you. I feel like you know more about me than I know about you" I say as we wait for our food to arrive.
"There's not much to say" he says.
"Come on. Okay. How about this? I ask you a question and I also answer my own question. Afterwards you ask me, but answer your own too. Deal?" I ask smiling.
"Deal. You go first."
"Alright. Do you have siblings? I have Caleb, but you knew that."
"Yes, a half-sister, Rose. She's eight years old."
"That's nice."
"What's your all time favorite movie?" he asks. "Mine is Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark."
"Wow, that's a tough one. I like all kinds of movies. It really depends on my mood. Let me think. I guess Armageddon" I say and take a sip from my lemonade. "Favorite band or musician. Mine is Imagine Dragons."
"Get out. Mine too" he says excited.
"Really?" I ask laughing.
"Yeah, they are just great. Listen, there is a concert in about two months from now. We could go together" he says.
"Isn't this a bit early to make such long term commitments, Mr. erh. What's your last name?" I ask, embarrassed I don't know it or possibly have forgotten it.
"Eaton" he says.
"Mr. Four Eaton. Yeah, about that. I have to ask."
"Four is just a nickname. I played baseball in middle school and that was my number. My coach, Amar, started calling me that and it stuck."
"Oh" I say. "I think it was your turn to ask."
"Okay. Favorite food. Mine is steak."
"Cheese pizza. Favorite dessert. Mine is chocolate cake."
"Get out again. Mine too."
"Well, that's no surprise. Most people like chocolate cake" I say.
"True, but most people aren't us. Favorite drink."
"Alcoholic or not?" I ask.
"Both. I like beer and Mountain Dew."
"Well, I like rum and Mountain Dew. Fifty per cent in sync, I'd say." He chuckles and nods.
We continue these questions until the food arrives. Even during our meal we talk, mostly about trivial stuff, but by the time we finish our slices of chocolate cake, which by the way is just to die for, we get into serious stuff.
"My dad, Marcus, he was abusive with both me and my mom. She left him when I was twelve and took me with her, but the bastard convinced a judge that she couldn't provide for me. Mom tried everything to get me back, but the more she tried the more rights he got. I tried to keep it together, mainly for her. Fortunately, Marcus had a bit of a drinking problem and got easily angry. He used to beat me up, but always made sure not to leave marks. He usually used his belt on my back. But that one time he lost it and beat me up really bad. The neighbors heard us and called the cops. I don't remember much, I was unconscious when they got there. But after that my mom got full custody and my dad got locked up. I haven't seen him since" he tells me, but looks out the window. I let the tears that have gathered in my eyes fall freely. He turns to look my way, his eyes sad, but when he sees me crying he gets up and sits on the chair next to me, wiping my tears away. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you cry with my fucked up story" he says a little angry at himself.
"Don't be sorry. Thank you for telling me this. I know this must be hard for you" I say and place my hand on his arm, rubbing it lightly.
"It is. Not many people know the story. The only ones who do are Zeke and Uriah, but I can trust them not to say anything" he says.
"Can I ask why you told me? I mean this is very personal and you don't know me yet" I say.
"I know, but somehow I feel close to you and I know that I can trust you. I know it defies logic, but this is how I feel."
"You wanna do something else today, instead of movies?" I ask.
"Why do you ask? You don't want to watch them anymore? Or have you changed your mind about the date?" he asks a little insecure.
"No, that's not what I meant. I was thinking, I mean, if you want we could go to the park and talk or take a walk. Whatever you want is fine with me. I mean I already saw the movies, it's not like I'm missing out on something. But I feel like spending time with you. Really spend time with you, not just sit next to you for six hours watching a huge screen" I say. He smiles softly and it warms my heart.
"We can do whatever you want. We could go to the park. There is a lake and we could rent a boat, if you like" he says, his eyes sparkling again.
"I'd love that" I say. He calls the waiter over and when I try to pay for my part of the bill he insists that he invited me on this date and it wouldn't make him look good. I chuckle at that and nod. We soon leave the restaurant and drive off to the park. On our way there we stop at a 7/11 to buy some snacks and a few drinks.
Almost an hour later we sit in a boat in the middle of the lake talking about our childhoods, our time in school, about our friends, about our exes. At some point he tells me about Clark, his mom's second husband who more or less adopted him. It's not legal, but Four cares a lot for the man and even calls him dad.
"It took me a few years, but Clark is the complete opposite of Marcus. If it weren't for him I wouldn't know what a dad is supposed to look like. I hope that one day, if I have kids I am half as good a dad to my children as he is to me, despite me being only his adopted son" he says with a small smile.
"I'm sure you will. You went through hell, but managed to become this wonderful man. I don't doubt for a second that you would make a great dad someday" I say truthfully. "May I ask you something? You can choose not to answer. I promise I won't get upset" I say.
"Go ahead" he says smiling.
"What's your tattoo?" I ask and he starts laughing. "What's so funny?" I ask confused.
"I thought you would ask me about my name" he says still laughing.
"Well, I didn't want to make you say it just because I asked. I guess you don't use it, because you don't want to" I say.
"Actually, almost everyone knows my name, but most of them call me Four."
"Okay. What is it then?" I ask curious.
"Tobias. My name is Tobias James Eaton" he says.
"Nice to meet you, Tobias James Eaton."
"Nice to meet you too, Beatrice Elisabeth Prior" he says and we shake hands.
"That was kinda dumb" I say.
"Just a little. So, you still wanna know about the tattoo?" he asks.
"Yeah."
"You wanna see it?" he asks smiling.
"Well, duh" I say and roll my eyes and he chuckles. He turns around and pulls his shirt over his head. He reveals a massive tattoo on his back that covers most of his skin.
"Wow, that's impressive. And ow, that must have hurt" I say with a chuckle.
"It was okay" he says. "It was the only way to cover up the scars from the belt" he confesses and I feel new tears gather in my eyes.
"Tobias, I'm so sorry" I say and he turns around.
"Please, don't cry. I don't want you to cry because of me."
"How can I not? That monster hurt you, his own child. The sole thought of it fills me with rage and anger and sadness. I wish I could do something" I say and look away.
"Tris, that's in the past. The child that feared his father no longer exists. I'm stronger now and I will never allow anyone to hurt me ever again" he says and I look into his eyes, an expression of determination reflecting in them. Before I know it Four, no, Tobias leans in and connects our lips in a sweet kiss. Too soon we part and I look into his eyes. "Sorry for doing that without asking you first, but I couldn't help it" he says smiling softly.
"No complaints here" I say and he chuckles.
"You mind if I do that again? I feel like it wasn't enough" he says and I nod. We soon kiss again and Tobias gently lays me down on the bottom of the boat hovering over me. We make out for a long while, forgetting everything around us. We get interrupted when his phone buzzes and even though he ignores it at first, it keeps buzzing. He groans and sits up pulling out the phone from his pants. He looks at the caller ID and mutters something.
"Everything alright" I ask tentatively.
"No. Nita, my ex, keeps calling me. She wants to get back. She actually had the nerve to say that she is willing to give it another try. Like I was the one cheating. You know what? I'll turn the phone off. My friends know I'm with you on a date and if my parents wanna talk to me and can't get a hold of me they usually call Zeke. Besides, I'm not a freaking teenager anymore" he says a little angry. He turns off his phone and I can't help but stare at his tattoo. He turns around and catches me checking him out. He smirks and kisses me quickly. "Like what you see?" he asks cocky.
"Uhum" I say and nod. "C'mere" I say and wrap my right arm around his neck pulling him back down and resuming our make out session. We only stop every now and then to draw in much needed air and every time we do so we smile at each other goofily. "Tobias" I say out of breath while he kisses my neck.
"Hm."
"What does your tattoo mean?" I ask and he pushes himself up so that he can look into my eyes.
"The flames represent obviously fire. The fire that burns in all of us, a fire that makes us strong and weak at the same time. Each symbol reflects a personality trait – the flame on top of my spine means bravery, the joined hands selflessness, the eye means intelligence, the uneven scale honesty and the tree means kindness. I want to be all of them, not just one. I don't want to be defined by just one thing in life, although I have to admit I struggle with the last one" he says chuckling.
"Kindness? Why?"
"I'm not always kind to people."
"You are guarded with strangers, but you are kind to your friends. And you were kind to me. A lot actually" I say grinning.
"You, Ms. Prior, will be my death" he says before resuming his onslaught on my lips. They are tingling from all the kissing but I don't mind. I don't mind at all.
When his stomach grumbles we laugh and sit up again. He puts his shirt on and we eat the potato chips and chocolate chip cookies we bought.
The remainder of our date we spend talking and kissing and just getting to know each other better. To my father's delight we arrive at my house just a little after ten p.m. and decide to go on another date the next day. We kiss goodbye, but unlike the fiery kisses we shared on the boat this one is sweet, short and chaste. We say goodnight and I watch him drive off.