AN– I'm back (: Hope the wait wasn't too long. Please let me know your thoughts
Chapter 15
The night had been filled with unexpected warmth and laughter, leaving Four reluctant to leave the Prior house. He had expected to spent his time in new York cooped up in his hotel room with some room service but instead had turned into something far more meaningful The connection he felt with Tris and her grandmother, Elizabeth, was something he hadn't anticipated, he should have though, tris' kindness obviously came from Elizabeth, and he wouldn't mind visiting her again on his next visit to New York.
But as much as he wanted to stay, the thought of seeing his daughter, Ella, tugged at his heart, pulling him back to Chicago. He hated being away from her, hated the distance that his career sometimes forced between them. He couldn't wait to see her, to wrap her up in his arms and hear her infectious laugh. He hoped, soon, he wouldn't have to leave her as often for work, that he could find a way to balance the life he wanted with the demands of his career.
Morning light filtered through the elegant curtains of the brownstone, casting a warm, golden glow on the polished wooden floors. Four stood in the cozy living room, his gaze lingering on the details—the rich, comfortable furniture, the old-world charm of the high ceilings, the smell of fresh coffee wafting from the kitchen. It was a home filled with history, with memories that whispered through every corner. The soft murmur of voices from the kitchen gave the house a lived-in warmth that made his departure all the more difficult. He took one last look around, his heart heavy with the bittersweet feeling of leaving a place that had begun to feel like home.
Elizabeth wheeled herself to the door, her smile as warm as ever, though there was a knowing glint in her eye. "Thank you for staying, Four. You've been a delight. And please, take care of my granddaughter for me. She needs someone like you in her life."
Four nodded, a deep sense of respect and fondness for the matriarch settling in his chest. There was something about Elizabeth but that commanded both respect and affection, and he felt honored to be in her good graces. "It was my pleasure, Elizabeth. And I will. Thank you for your hospitality, and please, take it easy. I don't want the hospital calling me to see if I'd like to give you my hips."
Elizabeth's eyes twinkled with mischief, a laugh bubbling up from her chest. "Honey, with hips like yours, I'd be dancing around the city in no time." She chuckled, a sound that was both warm and comforting. "I'll make sure Tris comes back to Chicago in a few days. Don't worry about that."
Four turned to Tris, his reluctance to leave deepening. As much as he wanted to get back to Chicago, the thought of parting from her was harder than he'd anticipated. It had become clear to him that he had feelings for Tris—real, deep feelings. Opening up to her about his past, about who he truly was, had lifted a weight he didn't even know he'd been carrying. And she hadn't looked at him like he was broken or a victim; she saw Marcus for the monster he was and accepted Tobias, not just the persona he had crafted as Four. It was something he had never experienced before, and it brought out a side of him he hadn't known existed.
Without thinking, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. She melted into his embrace, her arms sneaking around his waist as if they belonged there. He buried his face in her hair, breathing in the comforting scent of her. The world outside seemed to disappear in that moment, leaving just the two of them, cocooned in the warmth of their connection. "Take care of your grandmother, but come back quickly, okay?" he murmured, his voice rough with emotion.
Tris nodded against his chest, her face pressed close to his heart. The warmth of her breath against his skin sent a shiver down his spine, and he held her tighter, not wanting to let go. "I'll miss you," he whispered into her ear, placing a gentle kiss on the top of her head. The gesture was instinctive, a silent promise that he would be waiting for her. He squeezed her arm before stepping back, the distance between them feeling wrong, like something essential had been severed.
With a final wave, Four walked to the car waiting to take him to the airport. Tyrell was there, leaning casually against the door with a knowing smile on his face. Four took a deep breath as he climbed into the car, a mix of emotions swirling inside him—longing, contentment, and a touch of fear. The city buzzed with its usual morning energy, but to Four, it all felt muted, distant, as if he were moving through a dream. He hated the idea of leaving her, but the pull to return to Ella was stronger.
The flight back to Chicago offered a brief respite, a pocket of time suspended above the clouds where Four could let his thoughts roam freely. The hum of the plane and the view of the endless sky provided a serene backdrop for his reflections. He thought about Tris constantly, the way she cared for her grandmother, the easy way she laughed with him, and the quiet moments they shared. There was something pure about the way she saw the world, something that drew him in and made him want to be a better man. As much as he loved that she wanted to be there for her grandmother, a selfish part of him wanted her to come back to him as soon as possible. He rechecked the message she had sent him when he left: I miss you already. The words made his heart leap, a smile stretching across his face that he couldn't shake.
Four was almost certain that Tris felt the same way, but there was still the looming shadow of his fame. He knew he had to tell her, to be honest with her about everything. But a part of him was terrified of how she might react. He had seen firsthand how people changed the moment they realized who he was, how they became distant or too eager, how the dynamics shifted. His relationship with Tris was too important to him; he didn't want anything to ruin it. The thought of her looking at him differently, treating him differently, made his chest tighten with fear.
From the airport, Four headed straight to the studio. The familiar surroundings brought a sense of normalcy, but there was an undercurrent of tension he couldn't quite place. The usual buzz of the studio, the faint sound of music bleeding through the walls, all felt like a strange mix of comfort and pressure. As he walked in, Amar was waiting for him, leaning back in his chair with a curious, almost amused expression on his face.
"Hey, man," Four greeted, dropping his bag on the floor. "What's up?"
Amar's smile was all too knowing, his eyes glinting with a mix of curiosity and amusement. "How was New York?"
Four shrugged, feeling slightly off-kilter. The familiar environment did little to calm the turmoil inside him. "It was fine."
"I thought you'd call me as soon as the meeting ended," Amar remarked, his tone casual but with an edge that made Four feel like he was missing something.
"The meeting went as expected. I was tired, so I didn't call to give an update. Figured I'd do it in person," Four replied, trying to keep his tone even. He didn't want to reveal how much New York had affected him, how much Tris had affected him.
Amar raised an eyebrow, his skepticism apparent. "Just the meeting? You didn't do anything else?"
Four frowned, trying to decipher the unspoken accusation in Amar's tone. "Yeah, just the meeting. Why?"
Amar's eyes gleamed with barely concealed amusement. "Really? You didn't do anything else?"
Four shook his head, growing more confused and slightly frustrated. "No, it was strictly business. Why are you asking so many questions?"
Amar chuckled, a knowing smile playing on his lips as if he were privy to some secret. "So this is Photoshop then?"
He slid a tablet across the table to Four, the screen lit up with an article. The headline blared, "Four's Secret Fling: Superstar Spotted With Mystery Woman!" Four's eyes widened as he saw the photos—one of him and Tris running away from the paparazzi, their backs to the camera but clearly holding hands, and another of them at the lunch cafe, his back shielding her face, but her hair and their clasped hands visible.
Four's heart sank, a cold dread creeping into his chest. "Shit, is this everywhere?"
Amar nodded, his expression serious now, the amusement fading from his eyes. "I'm afraid it is. I've tried taking them down, but you know how it is with the internet. Once something's out there, it's impossible to reel it back in. So, is this what you call 'nothing'?"
Four rubbed the back of his neck, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He felt the pressure building, the delicate balance of his life starting to tip dangerously. "She's just a friend. I bumped into her at the lawyer's, and we just went for a bite to eat. She walked me to the hotel, and there were paparazzi there."
Amar nodded, still watching him with that unreadable smile, though there was a hint of concern now. "Sure, sure. But you know how it goes. People love a good story. So, who's the mystery woman?"
Four hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. The last thing he wanted was for Tris to be dragged into the spotlight, to have her life invaded by the media. "She's a friend, that's all. She doesn't even know I'm famous."
Amar's smile faltered, a hint of skepticism creeping in as he studied Four closely. "Really? She doesn't know?"
Four nodded, his expression growing more serious. He could feel the protective instinct rising in him, the need to shield Tris from the chaos that his fame brought. "Yeah. She's... different."
Amar leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he continued to scrutinize Four. "Are you sure she doesn't know? It seems hard to believe. I mean, it's not like you're just any guy off the street."
Four's patience snapped, the tension of the last few days boiling over. "Yes, I'm sure. Don't you think I would know if she knew? She's genuine."
Amar raised his hands in a placating gesture, his tone softening. "Alright, alright. No need to get defensive. Just looking out for you, man."
Four took a deep breath, trying to calm the surge of emotions threatening to spill over. The last thing he needed was to lose his cool in front of Amar. "Sorry. It's just... this is all new to me too."
Amar leaned forward, his tone more serious, the concern in his eyes unmistakable now. "Well, she seems important to you. Just be careful, okay? The media can be ruthless. And we need to make sure her name stays out of the press."
Four nodded, appreciating the concern but knowing the challenge that lay ahead. The thought of Tris being hounded by paparazzi, her life dissected by strangers, made his stomach turn. "Thanks, Amar. I'll handle it. Just make sure the press doesn't get her name. She doesn't need that kind of attention."
Amar nodded, his eyes still reflecting a hint of doubt, but there was also a trust that Four valued. "I'll do my best. But you know how persistent they can be."
As Four left the studio, the weight of what had happened in New York pressed down on him. The thought of Tris finding out about his fame in such a public way, without him being the one to tell her, gnawed at him. He knew he had to tell her the truth, and soon. But the fear of how she might react, how her view of him might change, kept pulling him back. He couldn't lose her—not now, not when he finally found someone who he was falling for. The road ahead was unclear, but for the first time in a long while, Four knew he had to face it head-on, with honesty and hope.
The next few days passed in a blur. Four spent every free moment with Ella, cherishing their time together. They stayed mostly indoors, playing games, reading stories, and having movie nights. Ella's laughter was like music to his ears, a balm to the chaos that had erupted in his life. The simple joys of being with his daughter helped him block out the storm brewing just outside their door. He was back on the paparazzi's radar now, and they were desperate for more photos of him with the mystery woman. He couldn't risk taking Ella out and exposing her to the public eye. Keeping her away from the limelight had always been his mission, one of the main reasons he had sought a quieter life away from the frenzy that came with fame.
On Saturday, Tris returned to Chicago, and Four couldn't have been happier. They quickly fell back into their routine as if no time had passed at all. Ella was delighted to have Tris and Bailey back, and the house felt complete again, filled with the warmth and comfort that only Tris could bring.
It was now Monday, a week since the whirlwind in New York, and Four found himself thinking about Tris constantly. Her return had brought a sense of peace, but also a gnawing anxiety. He knew he needed to talk to her, to explain everything, especially with their hometown concert coming up on Friday. She hadn't brought up the article, so he assumed that she hadn't seen it, which he was grateful for. The week would be consumed by rehearsals, and he would need Tris's help with watching Ella as he would be home late most days. But more than that, he wanted to invite her to the concert, to show her a part of his world. Yet, he also feared the repercussions of that revelation.
That morning, Four and his band were gathered in the studio, discussing the upcoming show. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, everyone eager to perform in their hometown. The United Center was a huge venue, and the pressure to deliver an unforgettable performance weighed heavily on all of them. They hadn't been on stage in almost a year. They were deep into planning the setlist when someone suggested taking a break for lunch.
As the band members started talking about where to eat, an idea popped into Four's head. He quickly pulled out his phone and texted Tris.
Four:Hey, are you busy today?
The reply came almost immediately.
Tris:Not really. Why?
Four smiled, feeling a flutter of excitement mixed with nerves. He turned to Amar, trying to sound casual. "Hey, where's Tori's office?"
Amar raised an eyebrow, skepticism evident in his gaze. "Downtown. But why do you need to know this?"
Four shrugged nonchalantly, trying to play it cool. "Heard about a nice lunch café in the area. Thought I'd check it out. I'll see you guys later."
Amar handed him the address, still looking dubious. "Alright, but don't take too long. We've got a lot to get through."
Four nodded, grabbing his jacket. "I'll be back soon."
He drove through the bustling streets of Chicago, his mind racing with thoughts of how to explain everything to Tris. As he navigated the city, the familiar skyline looming overhead, he couldn't shake the feeling of guilt for withholding the truth from her. The closer he got to her office, the more the weight of his secret pressed down on him. He knew he needed to tell her about his fame, about who he really was. He feared how it might change her perception of him, feared that she would treat him different.
When he reached the office building, he parked and walked to a nearby deli that Tris had raved about numerous times, picking up their favorite sandwiches and drinks. He also grabbed a coffee for himself and a tea for Tris, knowing it was her favorite. The smell of freshly baked bread and savory fillings filled the air, momentarily distracting him from his nerves. He couldn't resist getting some muffins as well, hoping they would be a nice surprise.
With the lunch bags in hand, he made his way to Tris's office. The receptionist greeted him with a polite but skeptical smile. He was wearing his sunglasses and a beanie to stay incognito, but it seemed to only heighten the receptionist's suspicion.
"Hi, I'm here to see Tris," Four said, keeping his voice low.
The receptionist frowned, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you in without knowing who you are. You need to take off your sunglasses and beanie."
Four shook his head, trying to keep his frustration in check. "I'd prefer not to. Can you call Tori then?"
The receptionist's frown deepened, her patience wearing thin. "I need your name, sir."
Four felt his frustration rising. He wanted to surprise Tris, but this receptionist was working on his nerves. "I'm not giving my name. Just call Tori."
"I can't do that without knowing who you are," the receptionist insisted, her tone firm.
Four sighed, pulling out his phone. He quickly dialed Tori's number.
"Tori, it's me. I'm at the reception of your office, but they won't let me in without giving my name. Can you come down?"
A few moments later, Tori appeared, a smile on her face. "Come on in. It's okay, Julie, he's with me."
As they walked to Tori's office, she looked at him with a raised eyebrow, her tone teasing. "You know, if you don't want Tris to find out who you are, showing up at her office isn't the best way to go about it."
Four gave her a wry smile. "I plan on telling her soon. I'm going to invite her to my concert on Friday."
Tori nodded, leading him toward Tris's office. "Alright, I'll get her. But remember, you owe me a favor for this."
"Deal," Four said, taking a seat and waiting for Tris. Tori teasingly grabbed the coffee from Four's hand, taking a sip. "Not bad. But seriously, you better have a good plan for telling her. And I deserve this for you never visiting me," she added with a wink as she strolled off with his coffee, leaving Four shaking his head with a grin.
Moments later, Four knocked on Tris's door. When he heard her call out to come in, he saw her eyes light up with surprise and delight as he entered.
"Four! What are you doing here?" Tris asked, her smile bright and warm.
"I brought lunch," he said, holding up the bags. "Thought we could eat together."
Tris stepped aside to let him in, her smile widening even more. "That sounds great. Come in."
They settled down at her desk, the familiar aroma of their favorite sandwiches filling the room. Four handed her the tea, and she took it gratefully, her eyes twinkling with appreciation.
"Do you want anything to drink?" she asked, noticing his empty hand.
Four nodded. "Tori stole my coffee, so a replacement would be great."
Tris chuckled and left the room, returning quickly with a fresh cup for him. "Here you go. Now we can eat."
As they ate, Four watched her as she unwrapped her sandwich, the easy banter between them flowing naturally. The room felt warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the tension he had felt earlier. This was where he wanted to be—sharing simple moments with Tris, where the complications of his life seemed to fade into the background.
"So, how's your grandmother doing? Have you heard from her?" Four asked, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Good, actually. She told me she can walk a little without crutches now. I just hope she's taking it easy. She tends to get too eager," Tris replied, her smile genuine but laced with a hint of worry.
"And how are you?" Tris asked, her tone softening. "You have a busy week, right? I'm surprised you came for lunch with everything you told me."
Four took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he was about to ask. The comforting aroma of tea and sandwiches mingled with the soft hum of office chatter around them. Tris was mid-laugh, her eyes sparkling with joy, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth at the sight. This was the moment he needed to tell her.
"Yeah, actually," Four began, his voice betraying a hint of nerves. He cleared his throat and tried again, more confidently this time. "There's something I wanted to ask you."
Tris looked at him with curious eyes, eager for him to continue.
"The reason it's so busy this week is that we're rehearsing for our concert this Friday," Four said, scratching the back of his neck, trying to calm down his nerves. "And I was wondering if you would like to come and see me play."
Tris's eyes lit up with excitement. "A concert? That sounds amazing! I didn't know you played in a band as well?"
Four rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the weight of the moment. "Actually, it's... it's my band. I'm in a band, and we're performing."
Tris blinked in surprise, her smile widening. "Oh, you're in a band? That's so cool! I had no idea. What do you play?"
"I'm the lead singer," Four said, his nerves easing slightly as he saw her genuine interest. "And I play a bit of guitar too."
Tris leaned forward, her enthusiasm infectious. "That's awesome, Tobias! Of course, I'd love to come! When is it again?"
Four's heart swelled with relief. "It's this Friday, and it's our first concert since we moved back to Chicago. This is where we started it all, so it's a pretty big deal for us. I'm kind of nervous about it, so you being there would be awesome."
He reached out for her hand, his touch gentle and reassuring.
Tris smiled warmly at him, but her smile faltered as she looked at her phone. "Oh no... I can't make it. Christina and I had plans to go to a concert this Friday too. She's been begging me for months because it's supposed to be the best band in the world, and I'm afraid if I bail on her now, she'll literally murder me."
Four's heart sank, but he tried to remain hopeful. "What concert is it?"
Tris scrolled through her messages. "I'm not sure what the band is called, but it's at the United Center. Christina got the tickets. Marlene was supposed to go with her, but she couldn't, so I was roped into it." Tris intertwined their hands, her expression apologetic. "I'm so sorry, Tobias. I would have loved to see your band, but I really can't bail on Christina."
Four couldn't help but smile, a mixture of relief and amusement washing over him. "Well, that's perfect then. You can still do your plans with Christina, and you'll be seeing me perform too."
Tris looked up from her phone, her eyes wide with realization. "Wait, you're playing at the United Center? That's incredible! That stadium is huge! Are you the support act or something?"
He chuckled, feeling a bit shy under her praise. "Yeah, it's a pretty big show for us. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it, but I really wanted you to be there."
Tris walked around her desk and wrapped her arms around him. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. This is amazing, Tobias. I'm so proud of you."
He leaned into her touch, grateful for her reaction. The sincerity in her eyes made his heart swell with emotion. "Thank you, Tris. It means a lot to me that you'll be there. I'll arrange backstage passes for you and Christina, so you can tell her to sell the tickets."
Tris's eyes widened even more. "Are you sure? Christina's a journalist. She'll probably harass the band and other famous people she sees. She's relentless."
Four laughed. "I'm sure it will be fine. Just tell her to be cool and not to take any photos without permission."
"Are you sure? She can be really determined and will want to interview people. I don't want you getting into trouble."
Four shook his head, still laughing. "I'm sure. It'll be fine. I'll make sure you both have a great time."
As they finished their lunch, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the excitement of the upcoming concert lingered in the air. Four felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness, knowing that Friday would be a significant night for many reasons. He could hardly wait to see her in the audience, cheering him on. He wanted everything to be perfect, not just for the show, but for the moment he would reveal his full identity to her.
As they walked back to Tris's office, still talking about the concert, Four couldn't help but feel a bit giddy at the thought of seeing her in the audience. He knew that once she realized who he really was, things might change, but for now, he savored the simplicity of the moment, grateful for her presence in his life.
Once they reached her office door, Tris turned to him, her smile radiant. "Thank you for lunch, Four. And thank you for inviting me to your concert. I can't wait."
Four smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Me neither. It's going to be a great night."
Tris grinned, giving his hand one last squeeze before she stepped into her office. Four watched her go, feeling both relieved and anxious. The concert was just a few days away, and while he was excited for her to see him on stage, he also knew that the truth would finally be out. The weight of that realization settled in his chest, but he pushed it aside for now. All he wanted was to make Friday night unforgettable, for both of them.
