Chapter 10
AN- Let me know what you think :)
After they decided to go out for dinner , Tris and Four hurried back to their apartments. Tris needed to leave her dog, Bailey, at home, while Four had to grab a coat. When the fire alarm unexpectedly forced the building's evacuation, Four hadn't thought about needing a coat, but he soon realized that his long-sleeved shirt wasn't suitable for the chilly Chicago night. To Tris's surprise, he came out wearing not just a coat but also a black hat and sunglasses. Tris playfully remarked, "Are you afraid the moonlight will hurt your eyes?" Four smirked and replied, "Something like that." With a smile, they headed for the elevator, both curious about their upcoming dinner.
Tris and Four found themselves in a cozy Italian restaurant, lit by soft, warm lighting. The atmosphere was intimate and inviting, with soft lighting that created a romantic mood without being overly fancy. Tris had made a reservation earlier, and, luckily, a couple had just cancelled their reservation, allowing them to get a table. It wasn't too big, and they were seated in a cozy corner booth.
Tris couldn't help but notice that Four had only taken off his sunglasses when they sat at their table. This made her ask, "Why do you wear sunglasses indoors? Do you have a problem with bright lights? If so I'm sorry about joking about it earlier." She was worried about unintentionally making fun of a medical condition.
Four reassured her with a warm smile, "No, don't worry. It's not about being sensitive to light. I wear them because of my job. I sometimes get recognized in public, and I'd rather not be noticed. So, in public places, I try to be inconspicuous."
Tris was curious and asked, "Because you're a songwriter?" She knew that famous people often had to deal with fans, but she hadn't expected it to include songwriters.
Four simply made a sound in response, which prompted Tris to sympathize, "That's horrible. Some people don't respect personal boundaries."
The waiter arrived with their drinks, and Four raised his glass, proposing a toast, "Let's raise our glasses to us, from you stealing my dinner to us having dinner together."
Tris laughed and said in a joking manner, "You took my dinner first! I just took it back."
Four smiled warmly and agreed, "Sure, whatever you say."
As they continued to enjoy their meal, Tris couldn't help but admire the restaurant's lovely ambiance and decorations, one wall of the restaurant was covered with plants and some roses. Amid the beautiful setting, she suddenly remembered the flowers Four had given her, which she had completely forgotten about in the midst of her date. Tris turned to Four with a warm smile, a hint of apology in her voice. "You know, Four, I feel terrible for forgetting about the flowers in all the commotion. But I did get your beautiful bouquet, and it was such a sweet gesture, you really didn't have to."
Four, his gaze meeting Tris's, responded with a genuine, warm smile. "No need to apologize, Tris. I'm glad you liked them. And to be honest, it's the least I could do after you let me eat your food, spend the night, and watch Ella for me, when I had been nothing but an asshole to you."
Tris appreciated his understanding and kindness. "Well, a real asshole wouldn't have gotten me flowers, so you're not as bad as you think you are. It was such a pleasant surprise, and I can't thank you enough for them." She smiled sincerely at him, and he couldn't help but reach out to her hand and lay his on top of it. Their fingers interlaced naturally, and it felt like a silent understanding had formed between them.
Later, as they enjoyed dessert, Tris couldn't resist sharing her frustration with her friend Christina's attempts to set her up with dates, saying, "Honestly, I want to scream at Christina for arranging that date. I can't believe she did this to me."
Four chuckled softly, clearly finding Tris's candidness endearing, and remarked, "Well, she probably thought it would go differently."
Tris sighed, still affected by the memory of her embarrassment, her honesty heightened by a couple of glasses of wine, and admitted an embarrassing thought, "I can't help but think that my date saw me and left because he didn't like how I looked."
Four was genuinely surprised by Tris's self-doubt and reached out to gently touch her hand, offering reassurance, "I don't believe that for a second and if he did then he is blind "four said sincerely "Tris, you're beautiful. Don't ever doubt that. Any guy would be lucky to be on a date with you."
Tris felt her cheeks turn red at his words and the warmth of his touch, and she was sure he was just being polite. She replied, "Thanks. Who would have thought you had a sweet side?"
Four smiled warmly and appreciated the sentiment. "You know, blind dates are always horrible. I remember once my friend Zeke set me up on a blind date, and I really didn't want to go. I thought it was a terrible idea, but he insisted, bro code you know."
Tris leaned in, intrigued. "What happened?"
Four's eyes sparkled with amusement as he recalled the memory. "Well, let's just say that the girl threw her milkshake all over me and my brand new shirt and screamed at me in the middle of a crowd. It was a disaster, but looking back, it was quiet funny.
Tris was fully engrossed in Four's storytelling, leaning in as they continued to enjoy their dinner. She couldn't help but wear a bright smile as she listened to his amusing anecdote about the milkshake incident. "So, what in the world did you say to make her throw a milkshake at you?"
Four chuckled, shaking his head in bemusement. "Honestly, I have no idea. It seems she must have misinterpreted something I said, and suddenly, there was a milkshake headed my way. This has happened multiple times after that, and my friend Zeke never attempted to set me up again. He's a lot like your friend Christina, always pushing me into these wild situations."
Tris found the comparison amusing and laughed, "Well, at least our night didn't involve any milkshake-throwing drama."
Four winked playfully and added, "The night is still young."
Their laughter lingered in the air as the evening progressed. Conversation flowed effortlessly and Tris and Four discovered they shared an appreciation for classic movies, delving into discussions about their favorite films and memorable scenes. It felt as though time had come to a standstill, and neither of them wished for the night to end.
Their evening took an unexpected turn as Four and Tris decided to head to an arcade bar, one of Tris's favorite places. The neon lights and nostalgic games created a vibrant atmosphere that added to the magic of their night.
Inside the arcade, they embraced their inner kids, challenging each other to games of air hockey, pinball, and even a dance-off on the retro dance machine. Laughter filled the air as they competed, their competitive spirits adding a playful edge to their connection.
As they enjoyed themselves, they also indulged in a few beers, which added a warm and relaxed glow to their evening. Tris couldn't remember the last time she had felt so carefree and alive.
Their laughter echoed through the arcade, and they shared stories of their most embarrassing moments, with Tris admitting to a particularly memorable mishap during a courtroom presentation. Four's laughter was infectious, and Tris couldn't help but be drawn to his easygoing nature.
Tris and Four found themselves immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of the arcade bar. The eclectic mix of patrons, the flashing neon lights, and the constant hum of games created a lively and energetic ambiance. Laughter, cheers, and the clinking of glasses filled the air as people enjoyed a night of fun and competition.
As Tris and Four ventured further into the bar, they discovered a section filled with classic arcade games. It was a nostalgic paradise for anyone who had grown up with a love for these old-school entertainments. The variety was astounding - from vintage pinball machines to air hockey tables, and even a dartboard section.
Tris's eyes lit up as she spotted the ice hockey table. It was one of her favorite games, and she had a competitive streak that was hard to resist. She turned to Four with a mischievous grin.
"How about a game of air hockey?" she suggested.
Four, never one to turn down a challenge, nodded enthusiastically. "You're on!"
They found an available table and, after inserting a few coins, the game began. The puck glided smoothly on the slick surface, and the two of them engaged in an intense match. Tris's skills were impressive, and she scored the first point, earning a triumphant cheer.
"Nice one!" Four exclaimed, clearly impressed by her talent. "But don't get too comfortable; I'm just getting warmed up."
The game continued with fierce back-and-forth action. Cheers from other patrons mixed with their own laughter and competitive banter. The puck ricocheted off the walls, and both Tris and Four displayed their agility and quick reflexes. It was anyone's game, and they were determined to prove themselves.
In the end, Tris narrowly secured the victory, winning by just one point. She couldn't help but savor the sweet taste of success by doing a victory dance as Four graciously admitted defeat.
"You got me this time, and nice dance moves," Four admitted with a good-natured smile. "But I'm not giving up just yet. Now what do you say about billiards?"
Tris glanced around, her eyes landing on the rows of billiard tables. "Billiards?" she asked hesitantly?
Four raised an eyebrow playfully. "Yeah, do you know how to play? I'll take it easy on you, I promise?"
Tris shrugged, pretending to be nonchalant. "Well, I think I can hold my own. But I don't need you to take it easy on me."
Four chuckled. "You've got quite the competitive spirit, Tris. All right, let's play some billiards."
They found an empty billiard table and picked out a set of cues. Tris carefully chalked her cue, her fingers moving deftly over the cube of blue chalk. Four watched her with a raised eyebrow.
"You seem to know what you're doing," he noted.
Tris smiled, deciding to keep her billiards prowess a secret for now. "I've played a few times. But it's all about having fun, right?"
They set up the balls, and the game began. Tris took the first shot, and it was immediately clear that she was no amateur. Her precision, strategy, and calculated moves left Four impressed and slightly bewildered.
As they continued to play, Four began to notice that Tris was not an opponent to be underestimated. She potted balls with finesse, and her strategic thinking was impressive. Four had to focus and strategize to keep up with her.
After a particularly skilful shot from Tris, Four shook his head in mock disbelief. "I should have known you're a ringer at this, too. Who are you, really?"
Tris grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'm just full of surprises, I guess."
The game reached its climax as they both aimed for the eight ball to determine the winner. Tris was in a favourable position, and her next shot was crucial. With a steady hand, she sunk the eight ball into the corner pocket, sealing her victory.
Tris couldn't hide her triumphant smile. "Looks like I win this round."
Four, while clearly competitive, took his defeat with grace. "You're something else, Tris. I have to hand it to you."
The game continued with fierce back-and-forth action on the billiard table. Laughter and competitive banter filled the air as Tris and Four displayed their agility and quick reflexes. They had played a few games already, and the score was tied. It seemed the more they played, the more evenly matched they became on the billiards table.
As the clock on the wall ticked away, they both realized that the bar would be closing in half an hour. Time had flown by, and neither of them had noticed. Determined to break the tie, they decided to up the stakes for the final game.
Four grinned mischievously. "How about a little wager for the last game? Loser needs to bake the other one a cake? "
Tris leaned in and spoke with a playful glint in her eye. "How about this: the loser has to do the other person's laundry for a week. Considering our water problem on our floor, I'd say it's quite the hassle. And I know you just want more of that cake but I'm not going to lose"
Four hesitated for a moment, contemplating the wager. Then he grinned. "You're on, Tris. Ready to lose?"
They shook on it, sealing their agreement with some playful teasing. The prospect of winning the bet added an extra layer of excitement to their games.
As Tris and Four engaged in their friendly bet over a game of billiards, they both knew that the stakes were not just about doing each other's laundry for a week. The underlying issue in their building added a unique twist to the wager.
The water problem had plagued their floor for weeks. It was a recurring issue that left the residents frustrated and inconvenienced. Leaky pipes, low water pressure, and frequent interruptions in the water supply had become the norm. Residents had to resort to lugging their laundry baskets all the way down to the basement to use the laundry facilities, a cumbersome and time-consuming task.
Tris, being someone who had experienced the water problem firsthand, knew just how much of a hassle it could be. The idea of sparing herself from the ordeal for a week was a tempting proposition.
With the water problems persisting in their building, the bet between Tris and Four took on a new dimension. It was not only a test of skill and luck but also a way to avoid the dreaded trips to the basement for laundry. The prospect of not having to deal with the ongoing water issues for a week added an extra layer of motivation for both of them.
Their game at the arcade bar continued, and the bet remained at the forefront of their minds. Tris was determined to maintain her winning streak and avoid a week of laundry duty, while Four aimed to reclaim the lead and shift the burden onto Tris.
The final moments approached, and the tension in the air was palpable. Tris and Four were neck and neck, each making strategic moves to outsmart the other. The bar's closing time loomed closer, intensifying the competition.
In a surprising turn of events, as Tris lined up her shot for victory, Four intentionally bumped into her, causing her to miss the shot. The ball went astray, and Four seized the opportunity to secure his win.
Tris looked at him in disbelief, realizing the intentional interference. "You did that on purpose!"
Four chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "All's fair in love and billiards, Tris. Looks like you'll be doing my laundry for a week."
As they left the arcade, the teasing banter continued, and Tris couldn't help but wonder if Four's sly move was just the beginning of more surprises to come.
She had never expected that four had a playful side and she enjoyed it a lot. As the night went on, Tris felt herself getting closer to him, just at ease with his company. Normally a bit on the shy side, tonight was different. She was letting loose, doing some goofy victory dances, and, surprise, surprise, Four joined in, busting some moves when he scored a win. Amid the laughter and exchanged smiles, it was like a new level of connection was unfolding.
As the night went on, Four suggested they take a casual stroll to a nearby spot he wanted to show Tris. They left the arcade, leisurely walking through the streets of Chicago until they reached Navy Pier, a place filled with special memories for Four.
Leading Tris to a restricted area of the pier, he noticed her raised eyebrow and couldn't help but grin. "You know, Tris, even though I haven't lived in Chicago for years, I bet you don't know about this hidden spot. Let me introduce you to something cool."
With a practiced hand, Four unlocked a gate, granting them access to the restricted area. He guided Tris through and led her to a breathtaking spot on the pier, bathed in the mesmerizing glow of lights.
Tris was completely captivated by the view and couldn't contain her excitement. "Wow, Four, this is incredible! How on earth did you discover this hidden gem?"
Four chuckled and adopted a more relaxed tone. "Well, Tris, my childhood wasn't exactly a picnic, and I rarely spent time at home. The owner of the shooting range noticed my tendency to avoid home and showed me these secret spots on the pier. This one's a bit off the beaten path, away from the typical tourist crowds."
They stood there, taking in the beauty of the illuminated pier and the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan. Tris felt a sense of wonder and gratitude for the unexpected adventure. The conversation flowed naturally, and she realized that there was much more to Four than met the eye, which made her even more intrigued by him.
As they enjoyed the beautiful view, Four told Tris stories from when he worked on the pier. He shared about the challenges he faced and the friends he made. It gave Tris a peek into his past, making her see there's more to him than his cool exterior.
As they enjoyed the view, Four shared stories of his time working on the pier, reminiscing about the challenges and the friendships he had formed. It was a glimpse into his past that made Tris appreciate the layers of complexity beneath his cool exterior.
As they sat on a bench, enveloped in the soothing sounds of the gently lapping waves, the soft sounds of waves served as a soothing backdrop to their easy conversation. In the midst of this tranquility, Tris found her curiosity piqued about Ella's mother. Though aware it was a sensitive topic, her natural curiosity took over. Tris took a deep breath. Tris had been hesitant, fearing Four's potential reaction. However, after a night where Four had opened up, creating an atmosphere of trust, she felt it was finally safe to broach the delicate subject
With a hesitancy in her voice, Tris said, "I don't want to intrude, but I've been curious about Ella's mother. You don't have to share if it's too personal, but I'd like to understand your story better."
Four took a deep breath, gazing out at the glittering waters of Lake Michigan for a moment before turning his attention to Tris. His voice was calm but carried the weight of his past as he began to speak.
"You know, Tris, I never thought I'd want kids. My own childhood was... well, it was tough. Let's just say that I didn't have the best parents growing up and that left deep emotional scars. I was convinced that I'd never want to bring a child into that kind of world and that I would turn out to be like my parents."
Tris listened attentively, sensing the gravity of Four's words. She knew he was opening up in a way he hadn't before.
"But life has a way of surprising you," Four continued, his eyes distant as he recalled that pivotal moment. "When I found out I was going to be a father after that one-night stand in college, everything changed. The girl wanted to get an abortion but I couldn't bear the thought of ending my child's life. As soon as I heard that I was going to be a father, a switch flipped in me and I just knew that I had to be everything to my child that my parents weren't for me."
Tris nodded, understanding the change that must have taken place within him.
"I supported the mother throughout her pregnancy, both emotionally and financially," Four said. "And as soon as Ella was born, I knew I had to be her father in every sense. I legally secured my role as her guardian, and the mother, well, she realized early on that parenthood wasn't something she was prepared for or was interested in. We reached an agreement, and she chose to go her own way."
Tris could see the depth of his commitment to Ella and the sacrifices he had made for her sake. She reached out to briefly touch his hand in a silent gesture of understanding and empathy.
"a year later," Four continued, his voice softer now, "I heard that Ella's mother had passed away due to an overdose. I wasn't really sad about her passing, but the worst part of it is that Ella can now never get to know her mother, maybe it's for the best as I'm not sure that she would have been a great mother."
Tris remained silent, absorbing the weight of his story. She felt a newfound connection with Four, understanding the complexity of his journey and the depth of his love for Ella.
Tris thanked Four for sharing his deeply personal story, her voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Thank you for opening up to me, Four. You're a wonderful father, and it's clear how much you care for Ella, and I think you are doing a wonderful job raising Ella."
Four smiled, his eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and relief. "thanks , Tris. It means a lot."
As they continued to sit by the pier, they engaged in small talk, their conversation flowing effortlessly. The evening breeze grew cooler, and Tris shivered slightly.
Four noticed her discomfort and immediately offered his jacket. "You look cold,. Here, take my jacket."
Tris accepted the jacket with a grateful smile, wrapping it around herself. "Thank you, You've been such a gentleman tonight."
Four casually shrugged, "Don't tell anyone, but everyone always assumes I'm an asshole. I have my moments." He chuckled, his laughter echoing in the night. Then, his gaze softened as he looked at Tris.
"But seriously, Tris, I'm honestly happy your blind date didn't happen, because I had a great time with you."
Tris, touched by his words, felt a warmth creeping up her cheeks. Her initial impression of him as a complete asshole had evolved into an understanding of the genuine person he was. "Me too," she admitted, her attraction to Four growing by the minute. "Maybe you're not such a bad neighbor as you were in the beginning."
Four smiled, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "And neither are you. You'll be an even better neighbor now that you have to do my laundry for a week!" he teased.
They shared a moment, their smiles lingering, and it seemed like Four was about to say something more when Christina's persistent call interrupted the quiet exchange.
Tris's phone buzzed loudly, and she reluctantly retrieved it, her face falling as she saw Christina's name on the screen. She also noticed the numerous missed calls and texts. Tris had promised Christina an update on the date, but in the whirlwind of the night, she had forgotten. It was already 2 AM, and time had flown by. She answered, "Hey, Christina, what's up?"
Christina's voice burst through the phone with excitement. "Tris! I assume since you're only answering now that you had a great time!? How was it? Tell me everything. See, I told you it would be great." Christina rambled on about how amazing her matchmaking skills were, but Tris felt the anger and embarrassment from earlier rising up again.
"actually, it was horrible. He never showed and didn't even give a text or a call to let me know. " tris snapped.
Christina sounded confused. "What? Are you serious? Were you at the correct place?"
Angrily, Tris yelled, "Yes, of course, I was at the correct place. Come on, Christina."
She felt Four gently holding her arm, trying to calm her down. It helped, sending warmth through her body, and she smiled gratefully at him.
Christina seemed undeterred by Tris's frustration. "It's probably a mix-up. I'll give him a call and let you know, okay, Tris?"
Tris couldn't believe Christina. Was she not listening to what Tris was saying? "Christina, this is not okay. You set me up on a blind date, and he didn't even bother to show up. I don't want to see him now or ever. And please never set me up again. This was a failure."
"Tri—" Christina tried to speak, but Tris had already hung up, not wanting to deal with Christina anymore.
Without waiting for a response, Tris ended the call and turned to Four, her irritation still evident. "I'm sorry about that. It's just... Christina can really get on my nerves sometimes"
Four nodded understandingly. "No problem, Tris. Friends can be... well, a little overbearing at times."
As they exchanged a small smile, the tension from the interrupted moment began to fade away. Tris felt a wave of relief washing over her, realizing that Christina's meddling hadn't entirely spoiled her evening. She looked up into Four's striking blue eyes, feeling the warmth of his jacket around her, and his gentle touch on her arm. In that moment, she found herself unexpectedly grateful that the blind date had stood her up, though admitting it to Christina was definitely not on the agenda.
