AN-

Let me know if you guys like this story and if should continue. It has been in my head for months and just want to know what you guys think.

Chapter four.

Waking up before the first light of dawn was a ritual Tris had cultivated over years. There was a certain serenity in starting her day with a jog, the sun painting the horizon with its warm hues as she pounded the pavement alongside the glistening water. It felt like rising with the sun, a fresh beginning each day.

On most mornings, the streets were deserted except for her. So, the sight of a familiar face stepping into the elevator at 6 am, decked out in workout attire complete with his trademark black beanie and oversized sunglasses, was quite the surprise. She nodded to him, offering a polite "Good morning." Despite his infuriating behavior, he was still her neighbor, and a nod or a simple word was a mark of civility.

To her astonishment, he managed a tight smile and replied, "Good morning." His eyes remained fixed on the descending floor numbers, his hands clenched, and his jaw visibly tensed. He seemed uncomfortable, even pained, and when the elevator finally reached the ground floor, he practically bolted out, as though escaping a confined space he couldn't tolerate.

"Are tight spaces not your thing?" Tris inquired, reading his unease. She didn't push for more conversation, understanding that not everyone liked small elevators.

His response came after a few moments of fumbling, his fingers scratching the back of his neck. "Yeah, ever since I was little." His voice held a mix of vulnerability and determination, like he was sharing a secret he wasn't entirely sure he should. When the elevator came to a stop and they saw that the sun was not even up yet he stored his sunglasses in his hoodie. Tris looked at him with a puzzled look, as who would wear sunglasses inside and not outside, but she left the question unsaid.

Then came the moment, the tentative question that hung between them. "Uh, do you know any good running routes around here?" he stammered. "Or maybe I could join you?" His smile was timid, a glimpse of an unfamiliar side of him.

Tris returned the smile. "Sure," she said, her tone friendly. "If you can keep up with me."

Without waiting, she dashed out of the building, her feet hitting the pavement in a rhythmic pattern. "Hey!" his voice called from behind, and Tris could sense the determination in his stride. It wasn't long before he caught up. His long legs effortlessly closed the gap her shorter ones couldn't cover.

"Maybe try racing someone your own size, shorty," he teased, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

As they ran, they settled into a comfortable rhythm, stealing glances at each other and the silence between them more companionable than awkward. Tris's Bernese mountain dog, Bailey, trotted alongside them, her tail wagging in a constant state of happiness.

After a while, Four finally spoke up, his voice carrying curiosity. "Is that a Bernese mountain dog?"

Tris grinned, a hint of pride in her expression. "Yep, that's Bailey. He's my running buddy."

He observed the dog for a moment before his attention shifted back to Tris. "You both seem to enjoy it."

Tris nodded. "We both need our daily dose of exercise."

Their pace remained steady, the conversation light as they continued their run. Tris found herself gradually letting her guard down, intrigued by this side of her enigmatic neighbor that she hadn't seen before.

As they neared the end of their run, Four finally broke the silence. "So, are you new to the city?"

His response was casual yet guarded. "Not entirely. I used to live in Chicago until I was about 18."

"Oh, really? So, you're back after all these years?"

"Yeah," he replied, his tone a mix of nostalgia and something else she couldn't quite place.

Tris felt the urge to reciprocate. "I'm a lawyer," she shared. "Mostly pro bono cases, though."

He nodded, his expression neutral. "Sounds interesting."

As their run neared its end, Tris came to a realization. "You know, we've been running alongside each other for half an hour and live next to each other , but we haven't introduced ourselves." She extended her hand. "I'm Tris."

He hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on her, before accepting her hand. "Four."

She gave him a small, understanding smile. "Interesting name."

He smirked, a glint of something more in his eyes. "You could say that."

She decided to probe a bit further. "And how's your experience of living in Chicago again?"

His reply was thoughtful but elusive. "It's been... different."

Tris sensed there was more to his story, but she respected his boundaries. The rest of their run continued in comfortable silence, punctuated only by the sound of their footsteps and Bailey's panting.

As they eventually slowed to a stop, Four gave a small nod. "Thanks for the run."

Tris smiled, genuinely glad for the unexpected company. "Anytime. We're neighbors, after all. We'll probably bump into each other again."

With their names finally exchanged, they parted ways, their shared run marking the beginning of a new connection between neighbors.

After their morning run, Tris returned to her apartment, her skin still glowing from the exercise and the touch of early morning sun. Her loyal companion, Bailey, trailed behind her, his wagging tail a testament to the shared satisfaction of their workout. As she refreshed herself and changed into her professional attire, the encounter with her neighbor replayed in her mind. She was surprised that he even asked to join her, but she appreciated the effort that at least he tried to be civil with his neighbour as well.

As Tris freshened up and prepared herself for the day ahead, her thoughts drifted back to the run. The encounter with her neighbor had been unexpected, to say the least. She pondered over his cryptic responses, wondering what made him so guarded. The question of his name still lingered at the back of her mind, an itch she couldn't quite scratch.

Tris's career as a lawyer held a special place in her life. She worked at a law firm that had initially been driven by the noble cause of pro bono cases. The office itself was a quaint space within a historic building downtown, a space that spoke of the legacy of justice and the passion that the firm's team shared.

The colleagues at the firm were not just coworkers, but an extended family. Tori, in particular, was a partner in all senses of the word. They had walked the journey from law school to becoming accomplished lawyers side by side. Tori's desk was conveniently placed near Tris's, a testament to their seamless collaboration. The two of them had weathered legal battles, celebrated victories, and navigated the labyrinth of the legal world together.

And then there was Peter, a figure that added an interesting layer of complexity to the office dynamics. A brilliant legal mind, there was no denying his prowess in the courtroom. Yet, his arrogance often overshadowed his skills, leaving a trail of mixed feelings among his colleagues. Fortunately for Tris, her interaction with Peter was minimal – a fact she was more than content with.

As Tris settled into her office, she looked around at the familiar surroundings. The shelves were lined with legal volumes, a testament to the depth of knowledge required in their field. Large windows allowed the sunlight to stream in, creating an atmosphere that was both inviting and inspiring.

Tori's entrance was as assertive as ever, her strides exuding confidence and determination. A stack of files in her arms was a clear indicator of the busy day ahead. "Morning, Tris," she greeted, her eyes focused on the tasks at hand. "Ready to make some legal waves?"

A grin tugged at Tris's lips. "Let's do it."

As Tori settled into her seat, the files spread out before her, the conversation took a turn to the pressing matter that was occupying their thoughts. "So, brace yourself for this news," Tori began, a mixture of frustration and determination evident in her voice.

Tris leaned in, intrigued. "What now?"

Tori's gaze was resolute. "Corporate cases. They want us to take on more of them, shift the focus away from pro bono work."

Tris's expression soured at the mention of it. "But that's not why we're here."

Tori's nod conveyed her complete agreement. "I know. And I'm not the only one who feels that way."

Tris's eyes scanned the office, settling on the colleagues around them who shared their commitment to justice.

Their conversation meandered into more personal territory as Tori shared the exciting news of her brother and his husband moving back to Chicago. "It's a long time coming," Tori admitted, a touch of sentimentality in her voice.

Tris couldn't help but beam. "I'm genuinely happy for you, Tori."

Tori's eyes glinted with a mixture of gratitude and excitement. "Thanks, Tris. I am happy to have them close again."

As their conversation flowed seamlessly between work and personal matters, Tris found herself opening up about her new neighbor. "Would you believe this guy stole my groceries out of my hands and the next day blocked our entire elevator with his moving boxes, even though there is a specific elevator for moving?"

Tori burst into laughter. "Well, he's certainly making a statement."

Tris shook her head in disbelief. "You have no idea. And get this – he's randomly decided to go for a morning walk today."

Tori arched an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Oh, is that so?"

Tris nodded, her voice tinged with bemusement. "Yes. Can you believe it? He's switching things up."

Tori leaned back, her laughter subsiding. "Well, maybe he's realizing that stealing someone's groceries is not the the best way to start the day."

Tris tilted her head thoughtfully. "You might be onto something, Tori."

Tori glanced around the office, her eyes landing on a colleague who was engrossed in a pile of legal documents. "Anyway, enough about your asshole neighbor. Let's focus on work. We've got that pro bono case coming up with that woman fighting against the state for her house."

Tris nodded, her professional demeanor kicking in. "Right, we need to make sure she gets justice."

Tori smiled appreciatively. "That's the spirit, Tris. Let's make sure those in need have a voice."

As the workday unfolded, Tris found herself engrossed in the case, pouring over documents, researching precedents, and strategizing with Tori. The determination to make a difference fueled her, especially in a firm that had been slowly drifting toward corporate cases. Their commitment to pro bono work was a beacon of hope. She hoped that head office would see it as well.

Later, as Tris headed home, her thoughts drifted back to her four. She couldn't help but be astonished that he had the audacity to snatch the chicken out of her hands at the supermarket. Yet, she was equally surprised that he had acted somewhat civil during their morning run.

Walking through her apartment door, Bailey's excited tail wagging, Tris let out a sigh. It had been quite the day, filled with challenges, camaraderie, and unexpected encounters. As she settled into the evening, her thoughts flitted between the legal battles she fought in the courtroom and the enigmatic man who seemed to be thawing, albeit slowly.

And somewhere in the midst of it all, Tris admitted to herself that he was the most attractive man she had ever met.