Tobias left Beatrice's house hastily. While his heart was pounding and sweat began to bead on his forehead, he tried to maintain a semblance of composure so he wouldn't arouse any suspicion. He needed to get home. Now. He needed to cook and clean, giving himself an hour earlier was already pushing it. There wasn't any possible way for him to get around to all of it tonight, but if he focused on that he would get nothing done out of panic. Focus. Do. Worry later.

After scanning the streets, he sprinted to his house in hopes of making it back in time. He dropped his school bag in his room and headed for the kitchen to start making dinner. Chicken, peas, bread. The same tasteless food as always. There was still some bread made from last night, which he toasted while everything cooked. Tobias' breathing began to even out as it looked like he might have made it back in time. It would only be a few more minutes before he could set up the table and start clean-

Click

Marcus was home.

"Why isn't dinner ready yet?" Marcus asked, his voice drawled out as he walked into the kitchen. He still held his briefcase from work, his suit impeccably ironed. Tobias vaguely remembered a deep crease in it that was nearly impossible to iron out. Sweat beaded on the back of Tobias' neck as he scrambled for an answer and finished plating their dinner.

"Uh, I, er -"

"Hurry up. I hate stumbling." Something sharp appeared in his eyes. Mean.

"Uh, yes sir. I was just-er, the person in charge of the computers at the school held me up today. I got home late afterward. I'm sorry, it won't happen again-" Marcus slammed his fist onto the table. Silverware clattered and tension hung thick in the air like fog. Tobias flinched and made sure to keep his eyes cast downwards.

"Don't lie to me." Marcus's voice was deathly quiet. Tobias wasn't sure if his attempt at lying was worth it or not. Regardless, he was about to suffer the consequences. He might as well push forward with his story.

"I'm not lying." His voice was barely a whisper. It took everything in him to keep speaking, but he knew if he didn't respond Marcus would get angrier.

"You know, I hate liars." His voice turned into a growl, causing shivers to run up Tobias's spine. He shrunk into his chair, trying to become smaller. As if he didn't take up any space. "You got off early today. The person in charge had emergency family issues. So tell me. What were you doing Tobias?" He gulped but realized his mouth was as dry as sandpaper. Telling the truth would put both him and Beatrice in danger, which wasn't an option. He couldn't jeopardize his only friend like that. So far Beatrice had given him no reason to, and he had to admit. He was curious about her. She was a welcome distraction from the monotonous pain of home.

"I- I walked around, in Abnegation and lost track of the time." The half-truth was enough for Marcus to believe him since it was something he wasn't allowed to do. Whether Marcus believed him or not, it was enough reason for him to indulge in what he wanted to do that night regardless.

"And are you supposed to walk around Abnegation?" Marcus asked calmly. Tobias hated that calm voice. He knew it masked barely contained complete and utter fury. He shook his head.

"No, sir."

"Good. Now serve dinner and go to your room. I'll deal with you later." Tobias nodded, setting his plate as well as Marcus's on the table. There was no hope of him eating that night, or for the next couple from the looks of it. Maybe the extra food would put Marcus in a better mood. It was a pointless hope, but one he clung to nevertheless. Marcus grunted and waved Tobias away once the food was placed, leaving Tobias to walk towards his room and wait in utter silence.

Tobias paced back and forth in his room, waiting for his father to arrive. The clock on his wall ticked in time with his footsteps. It was a familiar routine. Wait in his room for an hour, waiting for Marcus while he takes his time eating his dinner. He knows that every minute is another minute of Tobias' panic. Which apparently, he enjoyed in that sick mind of his.

After what felt like forever, the doorknob turns. All the blood drained from Tobias' face as he turned.

God, no. Why did mother have to die and leave me with this monster? Why couldn't I just have a normal Abnegation life?

"Tobias, you have to start behaving." His name sounded like a curse on Marcus's tongue, one that he couldn't stand saying. Just like he couldn't stand his son. "Shirt. Off. Now."

Everything began to blur as Tobias lifted his shirt off his back. It began to feel as if he wasn't there, but rather, a shell of himself was in his place. Marcus' voice sounded distant as he said the words Tobias dreaded most. "This is for your own good."

With shaking hands, Tobias braced himself against his desk. His teeth clenched, eyes squeezed. The desk acted as a lifeline as the first hit whipped against his back. The familiar pain ran up his spine, causing him to tense up and for his head to roll back. Blood fills his mouth, Tobias realizes it's from biting his cheek so hard. Tears well in his eyes, but he refuses to let them fall. Marcus shouldn't get that satisfaction.

Familiar grey eyes seemed to stare at him. The image of Beatrice filled his brain, numbing the pain all so slightly. He focused on her laugh, her seeming lightheartedness. There was something more to her, something he wanted to learn more about. He wanted her to trust him. He wanted to trust her.

Back numb with pain, Tobias lost track of how many lashes Marcus had given him. He wondered if his arm hurt if this caused him any pain at all. Or if the pleasure outweighed it.

"That will teach you not to go wandering around without permission anymore, huh boy?"

Tobias managed a nod, biting his lip to keep himself from making any noise. Marcus kicks his back, making him collapse on the floor. With a scoff, Marcus leaves. Slamming the door without a look back. After a moment, Tobias let out a sob. Tears began to stream down his face. He picked himself up, moving slowly to the bed. Laying on his stomach was the safest option, but this night it was almost as painful as if he were to sleep on his back.

At least he wasn't in the closet.

Footsteps walked closer to his door. Fear set into Tobias' chest as he scrambled to wipe his face and find a shirt. Marcus opened the door harshly.

"You think you can get away without cleaning?" Tobias swallowed thickly. His back stung and his entire body felt weak with exhaustion and pain. Exhaustion was beginning to settle in, which made everything take extra energy to do.

"No sir."

"You better start now. I don't want to be woken up by you cleaning this damn house when it should've been cleaned fucking hours ago."

"I'm sorry sir." Tobias got up, slipping his shirt on. "I'll start right now."

Marcus huffed, slamming the door behind him. Taking a deep breath, Tobias ran his hands over his face. Breathe in. Breathe out. Just a little while longer and he could rest.

An hour later and he was done cleaning. Normally, it took him just under half an hour, but because of his constant need to take breaks, it took nearly twice as long. Plus, Marcus would scrutinize much more in the morning so it all had to be perfect.

Sweat beaded on his skin, causing his back to sting even more. His muscles ached as he climbed the stairs back to his room. He took a washcloth and wet it in the sink, using it to wipe off most of his upper body. It would have to do since it was too late for him to shower, as tempting as it was to rinse off the night and the pain. He promised himself that he would in the morning when it was safe.

He settled into his bed, laying on his stomach once more. His stomach growled, reminding him further of his father's hatred towards him. He searched for something else to think about that wasn't how awful his body felt at that moment. Anything distracting enough to help lure him to sleep.

Perhaps he would see the grey-eyed mystery tomorrow. With her blond hair and sparkling eyes that she tried so hard not to stare with. He could talk to her as if they were normal kids in Abnegation as if his back wasn't covered in scars and her soul didn't have a suffocating spark. As if they both wanted to stay in this grey-clad city.

(Past A/N)

Hey guys! I am so glad you are liking this story so far. I am enjoying writing it. I have read a good number of Met in Abnegation stories, but if you know any good ones, please recommend them! I've been sick for half of winter break, which took away all the motivation I had. BUT, I did get the Divergent and Insurgent movies for Christmas, so YAY. As always, please review with your thoughts/suggestions. I really appreciate them :D This will probably be the last 2015 update, so HAPPY NEW YEARS guys!

DFTBA,

thebooktrooper