Beatrice continued to meet Tobias every afternoon for the next month. She learned that he helped out with the computers at school and finished at the same time she left school. They began skipping the bus and instead chose to walk back home together. After a week or two, they started exploring different routes to avoid the main roads other Abnegation took. They discovered their own, keeping them as secrets shared between them as a way to prove their trust in each other. A trust fall, so to speak, as well as an adventure for them both to relish. Beatrice wasn't sure if he found it as exhilarating as she did or if he was just exploring different routes to find a faster one home to his father. Either way, she found his company enjoyable.

Beatrice's shoulders sagged from exhaustion as she walked out of school. With exams coming up in two weeks, her homework was nearly doubled and the teachers were much more intense with work in class. She looked around for Tobias in the crowd of students until she saw him leaning against the school wall.

During Faction History class that day, she had daydreamed about a meadow filled with flowers that her mom had brought her to years ago. It was one of the best memories of her childhood. It was colorful, happy. There was laughter. When she asked her mom if it was selfish for them to visit, her mother reassured her that it wasn't. Her mother taught her that giving and sharing joy isn't selfish.

The meadow wasn't far from school, and both of their fathers would be late because of a meeting that night. Caleb wouldn't care if she was gone when he got home, and her mom was taking a double shift helping the Factionless. She figured it was the perfect chance for them to visit the meadow without anyone noticing.

"What has gotten into you?" Tobias asked once Beatrice walked up to him. There was a bounce in her step, and he smirked once he saw a big smile on her face. His smirk only grew when he noticed how her cheeks were flushed red. Much to her displeasure, it was incredibly easy for her to blush.

"In class today I remembered a great place that I love to go to. And since both of our families are out, I thought we could spend some time there." She looked up at him hopefully. She just had a feeling he needed something happy in his life. Something that wasn't grey, suffocating Abnegation. Tobias thought for a moment and then slowly nodded his head.

"Sure. But I have to get back by," he checked his watch, "five-thirty."

Beatrice smiled. Something fluttered in her stomach. "Follow me then. It isn't too far."

While walking to the meadow, she glanced back at Tobias. He was glancing around at the trees and occasionally behind them. His shoulders seemed tense. The walk was a quiet one. Neither of them spoke very much, both enjoying the cold air and each other's company. She appreciated how they could enjoy each other's presence without taking the entire time. It was easy to be around Tobias. She hoped he felt the same about her.

About ten minutes later, they reached the meadow. It was on the top of a hill and overlooked the surrounding forestry.

"I used to sneak here a lot when I was younger. My mom brought me the first time, and whenever I come here I just feel at peace. It's really special to me, and reminds me of when I was a kid and was free from service projects and so much school work." Beatrice looked down. "I wanted to share it with you. So you can have a special place too."

Tobias looked around, a small smile growing on his face. "Thank you."

"Thank you for being my friend." Beatrice tensed up and her face filled with heat. "Sorry I-I didn't mean that. You don't have to be my friend. I didn't ask. That was selfish I'm sorry-"

"It's ok." Tobias placed his hand on her shoulder, smiling reassuringly. "I've never really had a friend before. But if anyone were to be my friend, it would be you."

Abnegation didn't touch each other. Besides the occasional brush of the hand when giving someone something, or a hug from a family member, touching was reserved for parents and in specific ways. Tobias's hand on her shoulder felt warm. Unusual. Part of her was tempted to shrug it off. It was wrong, they shouldn't be this close together let alone sharing gentle touches. The other part of her, though, wanted to lean into the touch.

"That is really kind of you." Beatrice managed to say, her voice soft. Her heart was full. What had she done to meet such a kind person? And for them to offer her attention?

"It's nothing." Tobias shook his head. He sat on the grass and patted the spot next to him until Beatrice followed. He shifted his body so that he was facing her. "So you said your mom took you here when you were younger?" His shoulders tensed and his mouth immediately grimaced. "I'm sorry-I shouldn't be asking questions. That's selfish of me, never mind."

It seemed as if he expected her to scold him, but Beatrice just shook her head. "I don't mind you asking questions at all. It's nice, actually. As long as you don't mind me asking any."

His smile returned, and along with it, his shoulders relaxed a bit. "Deal."

"To answer your question, yes." Beatrice took a breath and looked around. She forgot how free she felt in the meadow and how her chest felt lighter. "My mom took me on a celebratory picnic after I won a contest at school when I was six. After that, I snuck here after school whenever I needed a break from...it all. I had to stop once I started joining more service projects. It's my first time visiting in over four years, I honestly had forgotten about this place." Tobias nodded as he looked at her with interest. "I'm sorry, that was a lot about me-"

"Please. Don't apologize about talking about yourself." Tobias interrupted her. "I enjoy learning about you. You're so interesting and have so many stories and...you make me feel like life has meaning again. It's like you bring the color back into Abnegation. Please, don't apologize."

Beatrice looked at him in awe and nodded hesitantly. They both seemed to be walking on eggshells around each other, cautious of saying too much or too little. They, or at least she, wanted to trust the other person. For a while, they sat there in silence while listening to the wind brush by the trees. Birds called out to each other, flying through the grey winter sky. Free.

"When you pick, are you going to transfer?" He asked suddenly, causing Beatrice to jump. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Was she going to transfer? He knew as much as she did. Did she want to? Yes.

"No, no you're ok! I'm easily startled. I don't know yet. I mean, there are pros and cons. Leaving my family would be really hard, and I don't know if I could live in any of the other factions." His look darkened as soon as family was brought up, which intrigued her. She figured it wasn't something to bring up now, though. "If I had to choose another faction, it would be Dauntless. I always… I always admired them and looked up to them. But I could never be as strong or brave as them." I say looking down. "How about you?"

"I want to transfer." He looked at her hesitantly, as if afraid she would tell on him or get upset with his plan. When she nodded in understanding, he continued. "Abnegation is stifling and I can't stand it. I think I'd want to transfer to Dauntless, though I would probably fail initiation anyways. As you said, I'm not strong."

"I said that I'm not strong. I didn't even mention you."

"I think it applies to both of us." He glanced around and bit his lip. Should she speak? Or was he debating whether or not to say something? "I think I want to start training. For Dauntless. You could join me if you want."

"Train?" She asked, not comprehending what she was hearing. Tobias wanted to transfer. Tobias Eaton, the perfect council member's son, wanted to transfer into Dauntless. Into the same faction she did.

And he was inviting her to train with him.

Tobias started to look uncomfortable and he scratched the back of his neck, turning away from Beatrice. "Yeah, train. You know, to build up our endurance and stuff. We don't have any equipment, but we could run and climb. We would have to do it at night, but it could work."

"We?" She needed to make sure he really was inviting her to do this with him. He trusted her.

"I mean...you mentioned you would be interested in joining Dauntless. And I am too, so training together could make sense. That way when we join we might both have a chance at passing." He paused, "only if you want to of course. If you think it's stupid, I understand. Just please don't tell my father." He looked hopeful, almost excited for this plan.

Was it risky? Yes. They could get in a lot of trouble. But they were smart, they hadn't gotten caught yet. They could actually do this.

"I'm not going to tell your father anything, Tobias." He smiled slightly, and she smiled back "I'm all in."

"Great, now we just need a time and place."

"How about we meet here?" It was out of the way, but still, close by.

"That could work, but I don't know the way."

"Right." She thought for a moment. "How about I just meet you in front of my house? Then we can walk to the meadow and train here. The ground is hard most of the time, and no one would be able to hear or see us." Tobias slowly nodded his head.

"That could work. What time though? Everyone needs to be asleep." She thought for a moment until she remembered her dad talking about the city light mandate that was just put into place to conserve energy.

"If you don't mind losing a bit of sleep, one in the morning would be perfect. The city shuts down its lights and everything at midnight, so everyone would be gone and in their houses by then, wouldn't they?"

"How come all of the sudden you are thinking of all the good ideas?" His tone was playful, and she stuck my tongue out at him eliciting a laugh.

"I think of good ideas all the time, in case you haven't noticed. And you were the one who thought to train. That counts for something."

"That it does." He replied. He looked at his watch and grimaced. "It's five, we should get going."

"Tobias?"

"Yeah?"

"Thank you." He smiled, pausing a moment to look at her. Her stomach made that funny feeling again.

"Of course, Beatrice."

When they reached the point where the village met the woods, Tobias held Beatrice back before they reached the gate. Shock and confusion crossed her face, but he put a finger to his lips and she held back her questions.

"I don't want to look suspicious." He said, glancing around. "You and me walking together an hour later than we normally do might make someone questions something. We should walk into the neighborhood separately. Me first then you. Okay?"

"Sounds good."

"So I'll see you tonight?" He asked, looking a bit nervous. Beatrice smiled.

"Technically tomorrow morning…." She giggled and Tobias chuckled with her.

"Okay then. I'll see you tomorrow morning." He responded, and with a wink, headed into the neighborhood. Her face filled with heat. And, moments later, Beatrice followed, mind focused on one thing only.

How she couldn't wait until tomorrow morning.

QOTD - What do you think of the Allegiant trailer? And the Divergent/Insurgent movies. I want to know everyone's reviews. Very curious :P

DFTBA,

thebooktrooper

P.S. Guys, I'm giving a huge shoutout to FelixFelicis13 for being the greatest friend and editor ever. She has helped me a ton with this story by editing it so that it makes a lot more sense and just motivating me to write in general :P