This was it. Their last night before the choosing ceremony. The night they had both dreaded and longed for since the day they met. Tobias and Bea had agreed not to train on their last night, both to preserve Tobias's energy and also to make one final memory together. Bea had suggested they go to the meadow, coming full circle from the first night they snuck out together.

The full moon shined over the street Tobias stood in, waiting for Bea. It's bright glow made it easier for Marcus to spot them, but it also meant the meadow would be even more beautiful than it normally was.

Don't think about Marcus tonight. Don't let any thoughts of him ruin your last night with Bea.

His back stung from when Marcus hit him after finding his trunk of things earlier. It was the least of his worries that night, though. A familiar feeling of dread and fear sank in his stomach. This time it wasn't because he was in his house with Marcus, but because of the night ahead. What would he say? What would he do? It was their last night together and he wanted, needed, it to be perfect. It was hard to believe anything including him could be perfect, but over the years he was starting to believe Bea was telling the truth when she said it was.

He was leaving Bea alone for a year. A year. With Marcus.

Stop thinking about him. He isn't worth your time, or your worry.

Wishing for the worries to go away didn't help. It didn't change the fact that Marcus could do whatever he wanted once Tobias left. He wouldn't be able to protect her anymore. Anything that happened would be his fault, it would happen because she knew him and Marcus did anything to hurt him. Suffice to say, Tobias was petrified for her.

"Toby!" Bea's whispered shout jerked him from his thoughts. A smile formed on his lips as he turned and took in the sight of his girlfriend. She had taken her hair down, leaving it to fall in waves down her back and frame her face. Her clothes fit her snugly, showing off the figure she had worked to build over the past years.

She looked hot.

"Hey, you." He said. He wrapped his arms around her in a hug, savoring every moment of it.

"Are you doing okay? How was your test?" Her concern made warmth flow through his chest and his smile grew.

Gosh, the things this girl could do to him.

"Yeah, I'm fine. The test went normal, Marcus told me everything I needed to do to get Abnegation as a result."

"It's funny that he thinks it'll change your choice tomorrow at all."

Tobias rolled his eyes. "Right. How are you doing?"

They started walking towards the meadow, taking their time together. The path had grown familiar to both of them over the years. Although he would never get the chance, Tobias knew the way well enough to walk there with his eyes closed.

When Bea glanced at him carefully before she answered, Tobias noticed how the moonlight turned her eyes silver. She looked angelic, almost.

"What's bothering you? You seem tense tonight. Is it the choosing ceremony? Did Marcus hurt you?" She asked. Why was she avoiding his question?

"It's nothing." He snapped, feeling immediate regret. This was not how he wanted the night to go. "I'm so sorry Bea, you didn't deserve that."

"You're okay, Toby." She said immediately, in a way he knew his tone really hadn't bothered her. "I know you have a lot on your mind."

"I shouldn't be taking it out on you though." He said. Bea grabbed his hand and began to rub circles on it with her thumb. Tension eased out of his back.

"Do you want to talk about it?" They had reached the meadow. Moonlight flooded over the tall grass as it rippled with a gentle breeze. He sat down and Bea followed him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Not really." He replied. She wouldn't like that answer, but he couldn't bring himself to expand more on the confusing feelings floating around his body.

"Toby, you can't bottle up everything. Tell me, please. Maybe I can help." He shook his head. "Well, maybe if I tell you something that's bothering me you can tell me something? A trade of sorts."

Tobias sighed. "Okay, that's fair."

"It's the least I can do before you go to Dauntless."

"Bea-"

"I know, I know. It's more than the 'least' but still."

"Ok, good." He said, running his hand through his hair. "I'm worried about leaving you alone with Marcus. He knows he can get to me by attacking what I care about. I would take a thousand beatings before I let him come close to hurting someone I care about, especially you, and if I'm in Dauntless I can't do that. I can't keep him from hurting you and I know you are capable of taking care of yourself, but I hate leaving you alone and-"

"Toby, breath. Calm down." Her voice soothed him, coaxing a deep breath into his lungs. "Listen, I'm going to be fine, alright? I'll be the best Abnegation there could be while you're gone, and I'll avoid Marcus at all costs."

"I trust you. I just don't trust him."

"I know, I know. Maybe focus on all of the good things instead of all the bad ones. Just for tonight."

"Like what?"

"Like the fact that you're a day away from turning the dream you've had for years now into a reality. And the fact you are one day away from escaping your abusive father."

"That's true," Tobias sighed. "But the good things don't help numb the bad things either."

"Fair," she said.

"Now it's your turn," Tobias said.

"Mine is going to sound stupid."

"Why do you always say that? Your problems are never stupid. They are problems to you, which makes them important." Bea rolled her eyes.

"I don't know… I just…"

"Bea, I promise you can tell me anything. We're past the point of judging each other."

She chuckled. "It's just...I don't want to hold you back when you get into Dauntless."

"Hold me back? What do you mean by that?"

"You're going to transfer to Dauntless and I'm still going to be in Abnegation. Meanwhile, there are so many prettier and more desirable girls there and-"

"If you think for a second that I am going to leave you for one of them and betray you like that, you are dead wrong Beatrice." It stung that she thought so little of him, even though he understood where the doubt was coming from.

"No, no, I don't think that'll happen." Thank goodness. "That's, uh, that's just the problem."

"The problem? How's that the problem?" His mind was whirring. Did he do something wrong? Had he done something to make her doubt his commitment to her?

"You didn't do anything, I promise Toby. It's just that, you deserve the best and I don't want you to give up someone better just because of me-"

"Oh, Bea. That's what is bugging you?" She nodded. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. "I love you. That isn't going to change. I love you here in Abnegation when there is no one else available, and I will love you in Dauntless where there are 'other options'. I don't want anyone that isn't you. We complete each other, you make me a better person. There will be other girls, sure. They won't be you, though. I'm in love with you, not them, and I am completely ok and thankful to even have the chance to love you."

He didn't mention another reason he was so sure she would have no competition there. He couldn't fathom anyone knowing him and his past as intimately as she did. That sort of intimacy and care made their connection superior to any he could hope to find in Dauntless, Abnegation, anywhere.

"Ok," Bea said.

"Forever and always, remember? I promised you that because it's what I want. I want it just as much as you do, if not more. And I'm going to want it in Dauntless too."

"Okay." She said softly. He pulled from their embrace to gaze into her eyes. He caressed her cheek with his hand. Without hesitation, he pressed his lips against hers. She kissed him back, soft lips passionate against his. He ran his tongue along her bottom lip, causing her to gasp into his mouth. She tugged on his hair, and he arched his back, pushing himself closer to her and filling any remaining space between their bodies. This felt good. Too good.

Their kisses slowed. Passion turned to longing, to love.

"I'm going to miss you, Toby. So, so much." Tears filled her eyes again, and Tobias felt his do the same. It was beginning to sink in that this would be the last time he would see her for many, many weeks.

"I know, I am too." He pulled her into another hug when sobs began to wrack her body. "It won't be too long. You could try and visit me on visiting day. And I could try and visit the training room once I finish initiation."

"That-that would be really nice." She said.

He rubbed her arms in comfort. "Hey, I know it's gonna be hard. It's going to be hard for both of us. But you're strong, I know you are. I've watched you grow into a strong woman over the past few years. This is just one more year, and once we get through it we can be together in Dauntless. Okay?"

He wasn't sure who he was trying to reassure more. Bea, or himself.

Beatrice nodded. "Promise me you'll be careful? I get it's Dauntless and there isn't really any being careful, but just stay alive for me, okay?"

"I think I can manage that. But only if you promise to survive the suffocation of Abnegation."

She rolled her eyes which were beginning to get puffy from crying.

"I'll try. But I don't know how much selflessness I can manage without you here to keep me sane." Bea said.

Tobias smiled. "I have faith that you'll be able to manage."

"I guess I'll have to." She said with a sigh. Bea looked at the moon which was beginning its decline in the sky. "I hate to say it, but we should get going." Tobias nodded and stood up. He put out his hand and helped Bea to her feet.

They walked in silence back to their houses, unsure of what could be said in that moment. Once they reached Bea's house, Tobias grabbed her hand and pulled her close to him. "Just one more year and we'll be together in Dauntless. Just like we've talked about since we were twelve. Just hold onto that hope, and you'll be fine." Bea looked up at him and his heart broke a bit at the tears that were gathering in her eyes.

"I love you, Tobias." He leaned in and gently kissed her. He wanted this to be his last memory of her as he left for Dauntless. The moonlight reflected against her hair, her almost silver eyes, soft lips pressed against his. He hope that the passion that was between them was fiery enough to burn even while he was a faction away.

"And I love you, Beatrice."

Today was the day that Tobias would finally escape Marcus. Today was the day that he had the choice to free himself from Abnegation and join Dauntless.

Today was also the day that he would leave Bea, alone.

He wasn't going to think about that today, he decided. Bea would want him to be happy, to celebrate the day he had looked forward to for years. In spite of her and them.

Tobias's stomach had churned with apprehension since he woke up. He wasn't sure why he was nervous, he had made his choice years ago. Nevertheless, his nerves kept him from eating breakfast. His stomach growled in regret in line for the ceremony, but there was nothing he could do about it considering he was already there.

A hush fell over the crowd of factions once the choosing ceremony began. The Dauntless leader, Max, began with the normal explanation of each of the faction's jobs, beliefs, and origins. Tobias chose to ignore it, focusing instead on finding Bea in the mass of Abnegation grey. His shoulders tightened when he saw her sitting right next to Marcus. Her hair was pulled back into a perfect Abnegation bun like it normally was when he saw her during the daytime. It was still weird to see her like that, as a perfect Abnegation child, after spending the last three years acting like Dauntless rebels together. She seemed smaller, somehow. Physically and in terms of her spirit and personality. He was so glad she would get to leave soon, too. If just for her own sake.

Max began to call out each person down for them to make their choice. "Zellnor, Gregory" He chose Amity, his birth faction. Typical. Boring. That was why most people preferred to skip the ceremony.

In no time at all, it was Tobias' turn. The nerves disappeared as soon as his name was called and they transformed into excitement. He walked towards the bowls, each representing a faction, and took the knife Max handed him. It was a brand new one. A new knife for a new life. Tobias pulled it against his palm. His body didn't even register the pain, accustomed to much more extreme pain. He glanced at Marcus who nodded and Tobias smiled to himself. For fun, he held his hand over the Abnegation bowl as blood pooled in his hand. Marcus looked pleased, but Bea looked shocked and disappointed. Right as the blood began to drip off his hand, Tobias moved it to pour over the burning coals that represented Dauntless.

In the deathly quiet room, his blood sizzled on the hot coals of Dauntless and echoed throughout the room. Dauntless burst into yells and shouts, shocked gasps run through the rest of the factions. Tobias grinned.

He did it.

He was free at last. After 14 long, painful years and 2 quick, hope-filled ones. He was on his own.

He was Dauntless.

Tobias glanced at Marcus as he moved towards the crowd of Dauntless. Marcus sat still as a rock, completely shell-shocked. Tobias's smile grew, knowing that he did that to him. He proved that he wasn't the perfect Abnegation child everyone thought he was. He was the first Abnegation-Dauntless transfer in more than a decade.

Little did they all know, next year there would be another one.

His gaze landed on Bea. She was looking for him in the crowd. For a split second, their eyes met. So much emotion was held in those grey eyes he had come to find home in. He mouthed 'I love you,' smiling when she nodded back. Good. It was reassuring to know she was already being cautious and sticking to her promise about being careful.

He hoped that it would be enough.

He did it. Tobias made it. He nearly gave Beatrice a heart attack when his hand stilled over Abnegation grey stones-leave it up to him to fake out Marcus one last time. Regardless, he was free. As he walked towards Dauntless, embracing his new faction for the first time, her heart ached to join him. She felt hollow inside. It took until the end of the choosing for her to entirely fight back the urge to cry. It was necessary, Marcus was sitting close to her and needed nothing to hold over her.

Fuck. She needed to comfort him, just like any good Abnegation would.

Beatrice held back a groan at the thought. He didn't deserve any comfort. It wasn't hard to connect that Marcus got what he had coming for him, and, in all honestly, deserved much worse.

Tris turned to Marcus, training her features into an empathetic frown. His face seemed distraught, though his eyes were hardened rather than distraught looking.

"Mr. Eaton-I am so sorry about Tobias. What he did was awful, leaving you like that. Especially to join those hellions in Dauntless." Each word hurt more than the last. How Toby managed it for so many years was a mystery to her. It's because he is just good like that. "You deserve to be treated better than that, especially after all the kindness and patience you have shown towards him."

Ew.

A grim smile made its way across Marcus' face. "Thank you, Beatrice. I won't pretend this is heartbreaking for just me, my son chose to leave all of us. He chose hellions over you and me. Now, I…I don't know what I will do now with such an empty house."

Tris gulped. It was clear as day what he was trying to insinuate. Not now. Tobias just left.

She kept her reassuring smile plastered on her face, trying to appear as calm as possible. "Well, if my parents don't mind, it would be my pleasure to invite you over for dinner tonight."

"I would love that Beatrice, but only if it isn't too much of a bother."

"I'm sure it won't be, let me go ask my mother." Beatrice hated all of the pleasantries the Abnegation sprinkled throughout conversations. It was all so exhausting. She found her mom over by the bowls beginning to clean them out and carefully called her name. "Mom?"

"Yes, sweetie?"

"Can Marcus come over for dinner? It would be horrible to go home alone after everything that happened at the ceremony..."

"Of course, Beatrice! What a wonderful, kind idea. How about you go ask?"

What did she just get herself into?

You're keeping your promise to Toby. Nothing more, nothing less.

Beatrice walked over to where Marcus was cleaning the knives. They were sharp with black handles, probably from Dauntless. Maybe she could sneak one for the training room...

No, you're being a perfect Abnegation child. That doesn't include stealing knives.

"My mother said she would love to have you over for dinner, as long as you don't mind." Again, pleasantries. How exhausting. They sounded so reliant on each other. It was as if no one could do anything unless it was approved by another person. Which honestly, seemed to be how Abnegation worked those days.

"Thank you very much, Beatrice, that is really kind of you." He paused, glancing at the knives. Beatrice held back a sigh, realizing what she was expected to do.

"Can I help you with the cleaning?"

"Oh, Beatrice you don't have to."

"I insist." She already hated this. How was she going to commit to this for an entire year?

Everyone headed home once the ceremony center was closed. Beatrice held her right hand, which was wrapped tightly with toilet paper. She managed to cut herself multiple times while cleaning the knives, accidentally of course. Though the way Marcus had handed her some of them certainly hadn't helped...

A weight hit against her thigh as she walked, reminding her of the knife she stole while cleaning. She couldn't help herself. It was so sharp and new and perfect for throwing. Toby would have loved to throw it in practice with her. They probably would have held a competition with who could throw it best. He was probably going to be using better training equipment now that he was in Dauntless...

Don't think about him. It will hurt too much. Focus on being Abnegation.

If only it were as easy as it sounded.

I just want to say that this is a very very very rough copy of the choosing ceremony in Four: A Divergent Collection. I highly suggest you read it if you haven't! Also, if it wasn't already clear Tobias and Beatrice are one year apart in this fic.

DFTBA,

thebooktrooper