Chapter 14

AN- And another chapter (: I've been in the zone lately haha, hope you guys like it. I'm going on holiday next week for about 3 weeks so I don't think that there will be another chapter before I'll leave. Hopefully this chapter will be enough for you guys, for now. Enjoy and let me know

Tris led Four into the cozy living room of her grandmother's elegant brownstone. The rich, tasteful decor exuded a sense of history and tradition, with antique furniture and framed family photos adorning the walls. The high ceilings and intricate moldings gave the room an air of timeless sophistication. Four looked around, feeling a mix of awe and curiosity.

"I'll be right back," Tris said, her voice soft. "I need to check on my grandmother."

Four nodded, watching as Tris disappeared down the hallway. He took a deep breath, letting the tranquility of the house wash over him. It was a stark contrast to the chaotic streets outside. The room had a comforting presence, almost as if it held generations of family memories within its walls. The aroma of polished wood and faint traces of lavender from the garden added to the serene atmosphere.

He walked over to the fireplace mantle, drawn to the array of framed photographs. There were pictures of Tris at various ages—smiling in a graduation gown, laughing with friends, and posing with her family. Each image told a story, capturing moments of joy and growth. He noticed one photo in particular that caught his eye: a young Tris, standing proudly next to an elderly woman who had to be her grandmother. The love and pride in their expressions were evident, making Four smile.

Meanwhile, Tris quietly entered her grandmother's bedroom. The room was bright and airy, filled with the same elegance that permeated the rest of the house. A four-poster bed with a floral quilt dominated the space, and a large window overlooked the lush garden outside. Her grandmother, Elizabeth Prior, was trying to maneuver herself from the bed into a wheelchair, her determination evident despite her frail condition.

"Grandma, what are you doing?" Tris asked gently, hurrying over to help her.

Elizabeth turned, her eyes lighting up at the sight of her granddaughter. "Oh, Tris, my dear. I'm trying to get out of this bed. I've had enough of being cooped up."

Tris shook her head, smiling at her grandmother's stubbornness. "You know the doctor said you need to stay off your feet for a while. We don't want you to have a setback. Besides, I have a visitor who would love to meet you."

Elizabeth's eyes twinkled with delight. "A visitor, you say? Well, don't keep them waiting. Help me get into this chair, will you?"

Tris carefully helped her grandmother into the wheelchair, making sure she was comfortable before stepping back. "There we go. Now, let's go see who you've brought for me."

They wheeled back into the living room, where Four was still engrossed in the family photos. He looked up as they entered, his face breaking into a warm smile.

"Grandma, this is Four," Tris said, introducing them. "Four, this is my grandmother, Elizabeth Prior."

Elizabeth's eyes lit up as she took in Four's appearance. "Am I in heaven?" she asked, her voice filled with humor. "Because there's a god in my living room!" She turned to Tris and gushed, "Why didn't you tell me you brought a handsome man, Tris?"

"Wheel me closer, Tris, so I can have a proper look," she motioned over to Tris.

"Well, well, I can see why Tris kept you to herself," Elizabeth said, her voice filled with humor. "You are quite the looker. Are you single by chance?"

"Grandma!" Tris shrieked, shocked by her grandmother's bluntness.

Four laughed, stepping forward to shake her hand. "Nice to meet you, Mrs. Prior."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow, shaking his hand with surprising strength. "Elizabeth, please. Mrs. Prior makes me feel ancient."

"Of course, Elizabeth," Four replied with a smile.

"Four, was it? Interesting name," Elizabeth remarked, shaking his hand with surprising strength. "Sit down, sit down. Let's have a chat. Tris, dear, grab some tea for us, will you?"

Tris smirked, joining in the conversation. "Any name is better than Beatrice, right?"

Four turned to her, eyebrows raised in surprise. "Beatrice? That's your real name?"

Tris laughed, a bit embarrassed. "Yes, unfortunately. But I never go by it."

Four smirked, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You definitely don't look like a Beatrice."

Elizabeth chuckled, clearly enjoying the exchange. "I agree with Four. Tris suits you much better."

"Thank you," Tris said, blushing slightly. "Now, let me get that tea."

As Tris left the room to make tea, Elizabeth gestured for Four to sit down. "So, Four, tell me more about yourself. What do you do? And how did you meet my lovely granddaughter?"

Four sat down, feeling surprisingly at ease. "I'm in music. And we're neighbors."

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with interest. "Music, very fascinating. I've always wanted to play the violin but I don't have any rhythm," she laughed. "Tris can play the piano, though. I have always found music very interesting. You must tell me more about your work."

Four shared a bit about his career in the most general terms, enjoying the genuine interest Elizabeth showed. Her warmth and humor made him feel welcome, and he found himself relaxing more with each passing moment.

Meanwhile, Tris entered the kitchen, a warm and inviting space filled with the aromas of home-cooked meals. The kitchen had a rustic charm, with wooden cabinets, a large farmhouse sink, and a cozy breakfast nook bathed in sunlight. Tris quickly boiled water and prepared the tea, arranging the biscuits on a tray.

As Tris returned with a tray of tea and biscuits, she overheard Four and her grandmother chatting animatedly. She smiled at the sight, feeling a sense of contentment. "Here we go. Tea is served."

Elizabeth smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Thank you, dear. Now, Four, you must visit us more often. It's not every day I get to chat with such an interesting young man."

Four laughed, feeling genuinely touched. "I'd like that, Elizabeth."

As they sipped their tea, the conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and shared stories. Four enjoyed speaking to Elizabeth, and it was clear to him where Tris got her kindness from. He also found himself sharing that he had a daughter and even showed Elizabeth some photos of Ella. Elizabeth was delighted, her eyes lighting up at the sight of the little girl. Making him promise to bring the little girl for a visit as well.

Later, as the afternoon sun began to wane, Tris suggested they start preparing dinner. She glanced at the clock and turned to Four. "How about you, Four? Do you need to go anywhere, or would you like to stay for dinner?"

Four hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "I'd love to. Much better than eating alone in a hotel room."

Tris led him back into the kitchen, which was now bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The space felt even cozier, filled with the scents of herbs and spices. They worked together, chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients. They kept bumping their hips together, laughing at each other's jokes, Tris found herself enjoying Four's company even more, their easy banter making the task enjoyable.

As they cooked, the front door opened, and Tris's mother, Natalie, walked in. The sharp click of her high heels on the polished wooden floor echoed through the house, a herald of her arrival. Natalie was the epitome of a politician's wife—impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, her hair perfectly styled, and an aura of calculated composure that hinted at the weight of public scrutiny she lived under.

"Mother, what a surprise. What are you doing here?" Tris asked, genuinely taken aback. Her mother was supposed to be in Washington, supporting her father for the upcoming campaign.

"Well, you're making me look bad, dear," Natalie remarked, her tone sharp and precise. "I had to find out from Emma that you were in New York taking care of my mother. Do you know how that looks, Tris? You know a home would have taken great care of her. But no, thanks to you, I had to leave my duties to fix the family image. You made it look like I'm neglecting my own mother."

Tris scoffed, her hands still busy with the chopping board. "Mom, I'm here because I want to help. And I believe it looks worse if you send Grandma to a home instead of me taking care of her. You should go back. I've got it handled."

Natalie's eyes narrowed as she surveyed the kitchen, her gaze critical and appraising. "Handled? Like you handle everything else in your life, Tris? By running away to do pro bono work instead of finding a real job that pays well? You're wasting your talents."

Tris clenched her jaw, trying to keep her composure. "I'm helping people, Mom. That's what I want to do. Not everything is about money and appearances."

"Helping people doesn't pay the bills, Tris. You're throwing away opportunities left and right. You're still single, wasting your life on cases that don't even matter in the grand scheme of things."

At that moment, Natalie finally noticed Four standing quietly in the corner. Her eyes widened, and she quickly composed herself, shifting into a more pleasant demeanor. "Oh, I didn't realize we had company. Who might you be?"

Four stepped forward, extending his hand. "I'm Four. Nice to meet you."

Natalie's smile became overly sweet, but her eyes still held a hint of criticism as she glanced back at Tris. "Four, what an unusual name. It's lovely to meet you. I hope my daughter hasn't been too much trouble."

Four shook his head, trying to mask his discomfort. "Not at all. She's been great."

Natalie's eyes flicked between Tris and Four, her smile fixed but her tone condescending. "Tris, dear, you never mentioned you were bringing a stranger over. I suppose it's good to see you finally socializing."

Tris forced a smile, her irritation barely contained. "We're neighbors, Mom. Four's been kind enough to help out."

Natalie's gaze lingered on Four for a moment longer before she turned her attention back to Tris. "Well, I suppose I should leave you to it. But Tris, we need to talk. Can you follow me to another room for a moment?"

Tris nodded, her shoulders tense. "Of course, Mom. Four, could you keep an eye on the stove for a minute?"

Four nodded, sensing the underlying tension. "Sure thing."

As Tris followed her mother out of the kitchen, she glanced back at Four, who gave her a reassuring nod. She took a deep breath, preparing herself for what was sure to be another round of her mother's thinly veiled criticisms.

As Tris excused herself and left the room. Four assumed they were going to have an unpleasant discussion. He felt for Tris, it was clear to see why she was not close with her parents. He wandered over to the living room, thinking he might be able to help Elizabeth with something. The room was filled with the warm glow of evening light, casting soft shadows on the walls adorned with family photos. Each picture told a story, capturing moments of joy, milestones, and the everyday life of Tris's family. Four enjoyed seeing the childhood pictures of Tris, the snapshots of her life that hinted at a happier, simpler time.

One photo in particular caught his eye: a man who looked eerily familiar. Four's face turned white as he realized the man in the picture was the one who had claimed to be his father. The man was standing alongside a couple who Four assumed were Tris's parents. His hand trembled, and the picture slipped from his grasp, crashing to the floor. The sound of breaking glass echoed through the room, piercing the calm.

Elizabeth, who had turned around to see what happened from her wheelchair, wheeled over to him. "Oh dear, don't worry about that," she said kindly. "That's just an old picture."

Unable to properly speak, Four peeped, "Do you know him?" as he pointed to the picture.

"That's just Senator Marcus Eaton. Andrew, Tris's father, works for him. I've always wanted to get rid of that photo. He is not family, but Natalie insists on keeping it up."

Four's mind raced as he processed the information. Could his father be coming through these doors any second?

Just then, Tris walked in, her eyes widening at the sight of the broken frame. "What happened?"

Four stammered, still in shock. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"

Tris cut him off with a dismissive wave. "No need to apologize. I'm actually glad you broke that picture. Marcus is an ass."

"Tris! Language," Elizabeth exclaimed.

"What, Grandma? You don't like him either," Tris said.

Four looked at her, surprise etched on his face. "You don't?"

Tris shook her head, her expression serious. "No. I've always felt something was off about him. He puts on this fake act. I just don't see how so many people keep following him. My father has been his campaign manager for years, but I've never trusted him."

Elizabeth nodded in agreement. "He's always acted strange towards Tris. When she was nine years old, he scolded her for playing instead of cooking dinner. I don't know what was wrong with that man; she was a child."

Four's mind reeled with the revelation. He had always thought that everyone fell for his father's act, but not Tris. The pieces of his past were shifting in ways he hadn't anticipated, and it was both unsettling and relieving to know he wasn't alone in his distrust of the senator.

Tris bent down to pick up the broken frame, carefully removing the photo. "We should throw this away. It doesn't belong here."

Four nodded, his shock slowly turning into a sense of solidarity. "I couldn't agree more."

"But on to more pleasant topics," Tris said with a smile. "Dinner is almost ready, so you can already set yourself at the dinner table."

Four wheeled Elizabeth over to the table, feeling a mix of emotions. The dining room was warm and inviting, with a large table set with beautiful china and silverware, ready for a family meal. The aroma of home-cooked food wafted from the kitchen, promising a delicious meal ahead. Natalie was already seated at the dinner table, with a grumpy look on her face. He could sense the tension in the room, but he also felt a strange sense of belonging. Despite the complicated emotions stirred up by the photograph, he felt more connected to Tris and her grandmother.

Elizabeth gave Four a reassuring smile as he helped her get comfortable. "Thank you, dear. You're very kind."

He returned her smile, grateful for her warmth and understanding. The photo of Marcus stirred emotions in him, but for now, he pushed it aside. He wanted to focus on the present moment.

Tris joined them at the table, bringing a dish from the kitchen. The table was now laden with an array of delicious-looking dishes, each one prepared with care. "I hope you're hungry," she said, trying to lighten the mood. "We've got quite a feast tonight."

Four couldn't help but smile at her efforts. "I'm definitely hungry."

As they settled in for dinner, the atmosphere slowly shifted from tense to warm and welcoming. The shadows of his past seemed a little less daunting with them by his side. As they began to eat, the conversation turned to lighter topics, with Elizabeth sharing amusing stories from her youth and Tris chiming in with anecdotes from her childhood. Four found himself laughing and enjoying the meal, the earlier tension fading away.

Natalie's eyes flicked to Four, a calculating look in her eyes. "And what do you do, Four? Are you in finance or law?"

"I'm in music," Four replied simply.

Natalie's smile tightened. "Isn't music a dying business? Especially with all the streaming services and such."

Elizabeth stepped in, her tone sharp. "Four must be doing quite well if he's living in the same building as Tris. It's not exactly an inexpensive place to live."

Four felt a surge of gratitude towards Elizabeth. "Thank you, Elizabeth. I manage well enough."

Natalie wasn't done, though. She took a bite of the food and made a show of chewing thoughtfully before speaking. "Tris, dear, have you ever considered taking some cooking lessons?"

Tris clenched her jaw, her hands gripping her fork tightly. Four gently placed his hand on tris her knee for support.

Four decided it was time to subtly stand up for Tris. "Actually, I think some people don't need lessons, Tris is a natural, she's been teaching me a lot in the kitchen."

Tris shot a grateful smile in Four's direction.

Natalie raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Well, if you say so. I suppose taste is subjective."

Elizabeth shot her daughter a look. "Natalie, enough. Tris, the meal is delicious, thank you:

Tris shot her grandmother a warm smile. "Thanks, Grandma."

"So, Tris," Natalie began again, her voice dripping with feigned sweetness, "There's the gala in a couple of months. You do remember, don't you?"

Tris sighed, her fork pausing mid-air. "Yes, I remember. But I really don't want to go."

"You have to go, Tris," Natalie insisted, her tone leaving no room for argument. "It's important for your father's image. And you need a date. It looks bad if you're still single."

Elizabeth chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "I've been single for years, do I look bad" She turned to Four "Maybe Four could be my date. What do you say, Four? Fancy a night at a gala with an old lady?"

Four laughed, appreciating Elizabeth's humor. "I'd be honored to accompany you, Elizabeth. But are you sure you'd want to be seen with me?"

Elizabeth waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, please. I'd be the envy of the night with such a handsome young man on my arm."

Natalie wasn't done, though. "Tris, have you thought about how attending more events like the gala could help your career? Networking is key."

Tris took a deep breath, clearly trying to keep her frustration in check. "I'm more interested in helping people than climbing the social ladder, Mom."

Four decided it was time to subtly stand up for Tris. "Tris has a lot of passion for what she does. It's rare to find someone so dedicated to making a difference."

Natalie raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Passion is all well and good, but it doesn't always translate to success."

Elizabeth shot her daughter a look. "Natalie, enough. Tris is doing what she loves, and that's what matters."

Tris shot her grandmother a grateful look. "Thanks, Grandma."

The conversation continued, but Four could sense the underlying tension. Despite the occasional snide remark from Natalie, the warmth of Elizabeth and Tris her presence made the evening bearable.

The evening had turned into something unexpectedly pleasant, filled with laughter and shared stories over a home-cooked meal, despite some snide remarks of Natalie. Four felt a deep sense of belonging amidst the warmth of Tris's family. The three of them were seated in the living room, sipping their tea. Natalie had gone to her own house, deeming it more comfortable. Four found it ridiculous, and from the snorts of Elizabeth and Tris, he assumed he wasn't the only one.

Four saw a message on his phone from Hana, attached was a photo of Ella waving at the phone with a message that said, Goodnight, Daddy. Four laughed softly. Earlier, he had FaceTimed her before bedtime, and she was delighted when Tris was also there. However, he did note the jealousy in Ella's eyes that Tris was with him and not her. It seemed Ella had grown attached to Tris as well. She had been bummed when Tris was out of the city and she couldn't see her furry friend, Bailey.

As the night grew late, Four found himself torn between leaving and not wanting to bother Tris and Elizabeth. He sent a message to his security to check if the paparazzi were still outside the hotel. Tyrell was quick to reply, attaching a photo of an even bigger crowd. They are still here, boss. Someone must have tipped them off. Four sighed and showed the photo to Tris. He hated dealing with paparazzi, even if it was just for a minute. He hated people pulling him and asking him personal questions.

"You should stay the night," Tris suggested as she cleared the coffee table. "No paparazzi here, only my grandmother who has no concept of personal space." She joked.

Four hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Are you sure? I don't want to be a bother."

"A handsome man sleeping under my roof is never a bother, dear," Elizabeth quipped. "There is a guest bedroom on the second floor. I don't have any spare clothing that might suit you, dear."

Grateful, Four smiled at her. "Thank you for your kindness, and that's okay. I have my clothes with me since I'm only here for one night. I brought everything with me in this backpack." Four pointed to his backpack.

As Tris and Four both helped Elizabeth back to her bed and Tris showed him where everything was, he was led to the guest bedroom. It was only two doors down from Tris's bedroom, so if he needed anything, she would be right there.

Tris, always the gracious hostess, had already prepared the guest bedroom. Four found the room to be cozy and welcoming, with soft linens and a peaceful ambiance. The room was decorated with soft pastels and had a large window that let in the gentle glow of the streetlights outside. The bed was inviting, with a thick quilt that promised warmth and comfort.

He changed into a tank top and sweatpants, but despite the comfort, he found it hard to sleep. His mind kept drifting back to the photo he had broken and the complicated emotions it had stirred up. The darkness seemed to close in on him, the silence amplifying his thoughts. He lay on his back, staring at the ceiling, the events of the day replaying in his mind.

Meanwhile, Tris was lying in her own bed, staring at the ceiling. The last few weeks had created an unspoken routine where she had grown used to falling asleep in Four's arms. Without him, the bed felt cold and empty. The room seemed too large, the quiet too oppressive. After tossing and turning for what felt like hours, she decided to get up.

She slipped out of bed quietly, padding down the stairs to the kitchen. The house was dark, save for the faint glow of the moonlight streaming through the windows. The old floorboards creaked under her feet, the only sound breaking the silence. After pouring herself a glass of water, she walked into the living room and sank onto the couch. The house was silent, save for the occasional creak of the old building settling. She pulled out her phone and, almost without thinking, sent a text to Four.

Tris: Can't sleep. Are you awake?

The response came almost immediately.

Four: Yeah, I'm awake. Be right there.

A few moments later, Four appeared in the doorway, his broad shoulders and muscular arms silhouetted against the dim light. He was wearing a tank top, and Tris couldn't help but notice the tattoos that decorated his skin, each symbol intricate and meaningful.

He joined her on the couch, immediately putting his arm around her and gently lifting her legs to drape over his. It was an instinctive action, one they had fallen into naturally over the past weeks. Tris leaned into him, feeling the familiar comfort of his presence. The living room was a haven of warmth and security, the kind of place where secrets could be shared and burdens lightened. They turned on the TV, keeping the sound very low as Elizabeth was asleep in the room right next door. The familiar theme song of Friends filled the room as they settled into their usual positions. Four's hand unconsciously began playing with her hair, a soothing gesture that always made her feel safe.

For a while, they watched the show in companionable silence, the laughter of the characters mingling with the warmth between them. The soft glow of the TV cast a gentle light over their faces, creating an intimate atmosphere. Then, Tris broke the silence. She couldn't stop peeking at his tattoos the whole time he had sat down, her curiosity getting the better of her. "What do your tattoos mean?"

Four glanced down at his arms, his fingers tracing the lines of the symbols. He hesitated, his expression conflicted. "They represent... they represent everything I want to be. Courage, honesty, selflessness, kindness, intelligence—qualities I strive for."

Tris looked at him, her eyes filled with curiosity and empathy. "What made you decide to get them?"

Four took a deep breath, clearly struggling with his emotions. "It's a long story, Tris. And it's not a pleasant one."

She reached out, her fingers brushing against his arm. "You can tell me. Only if you want to, of course, but I'm here to listen."

Four looked into her eyes, seeing the genuine concern there. He nodded slowly, gathering his thoughts. "As you know, I didn't have the greatest upbringing. My father... he was a difficult man. Harsh, controlling. But it was more than that. He was abusive. Physically, emotionally. He used to whip me with his belt, and I got these tattoos to hide the scars. To remind myself of who I want to be, to defy everything he tried to instill in me."

Tris's heart ached for him. "He is in jail, right? He better be," anger rose in Tris.

Four swallowed hard, the words almost too painful to say. "No, unfortunately not. And I don't think he ever will be. It's Marcus Eaton, the senator." Four motioned to the place where his father's picture had been before he had broken it. "As soon as I turned 18, I left his house and moved to Chicago. I left and changed my name to Four to escape him. My real name is Tobias." Four sighed. "I'd like you to call me that when we're alone."

Tris's eyes widened in shock. "Senator Eaton? He's your father?"

Four nodded, his jaw tightening. "By blood, yes."

Tris reached out, her hand gently cupping his cheek. "Tobias, I'm so sorry. I can't imagine what you've been through."

He leaned into her touch, feeling a sense of relief and comfort he hadn't known in a long time. "Thank you for listening, Tris. It means a lot. And thank you for not looking at me like I'm a kicked puppy. It's... refreshing."

Tris's eyes softened with compassion. "I'm proud of you, Tobias. Despite everything you've been through, you've become such a great dad to Ella. That's something to be proud of."

Four felt a swell of emotion, her words touching a part of him he had long kept guarded. He reached out, weaving one hand through her hair and holding her cheek gently. "You're quite wonderful, Tris. You have no idea how much you mean to me."

Their eyes locked, the air between them charged with suppressed feelings finally breaking free. Four leaned in closer, his heart pounding. Tris's breath hitched, her gaze flicking to his lips and back to his eyes. Just as their lips were about to touch, Four accidentally placed his hand on the TV remote, and the volume blasted suddenly, shattering the quiet.

Four quickly grabbed the remote, muting the TV. They both froze, hoping that they didn't wake Elizabeth. After a few tense moments, they settled back onto the couch.

Tris stifled a laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "That was close. I'm surprised she didn't wake up with these thin walls."

Four chuckled softly, leaning back on the couch. "Yeah, a bit too close."

They settled back into their comfortable silence, the weight of Four's revelations hanging in the air but no longer feeling oppressive. Tris reached out, intertwining her fingers with his. "Thank you for telling me, Tobias. It means a lot."

"I like it when you say my name." Four squeezed her hand gently. "Thank you for listening. It's... good to finally share it with someone."

As they sat there, a sense of peace washed over them. The house was quiet again, the earlier tension dissipated. Tris leaned her head on Four's shoulder, her eyes growing heavy. "We should probably try to get some sleep."

Tobias nodded, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Yeah, you're right. Let's get some rest."

Without saying a word, they both knew they didn't want to part ways. They lay back on the couch together, pulling a blanket overthemselves, finding comfort in each other's presence. As the minutes passed, the warmth of their closeness lulled them into a peaceful sleep. Tris's head rested on Tobias's chest, and his arm wrapped protectively around the first time in a long while, they both felt truly safe and content. Tobias realized he could finally move forward, not just as Four, but as himself—Tobias Eaton