Chapter 12

AN – I'm so sorry for the long wait, there is not really any excuse except that I've been really busy and struggling with this chapter. Hope that you guys are still reading ( :

As the morning light filled the room, Four felt the warmth of another person. His eyes snapped open, the realization dawning that he wasn't alone, and the weight on him far exceeded that of his three-year-old princess. The tousled blond hair strewn across his chest and the hand resting on his chest triggered the recollection of the events from the previous night. How lucky he had been when he took out the trash at the exact moment when Tris desperately called for help, and he could prevent a horrible situation.

The memories flooded back—Tris pressed against the wall, her colleague forcing himself on her despite her protests, and Four's swift action to rescue her. He vividly remembered dragging the assailant downstairs and entrusting him to his security detail. They took Bailey to the vet after Peter had kicked Bailey when he tried to bite him in order to protect Tris. Tris, emotionally shattered, had found comfort in his arms, claiming responsibility for the ordeal. He had reassured her repeatedly that it wasn't her fault, trying to dispel the guilt that weighed on her, until she finally succumbed to sleep in his embrace.

The soft morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow on Tris's serene face. Her hair, a cascade of golden waves, was splayed across his chest, a stark contrast to his dark shirt. The room was silent except for the rhythmic sound of their breathing, creating a sense of peace that was a sharp contrast to the chaos of the previous night. Careful not to disturb her, Four tried to move, only to realize that it was nearing 7 AM, and Ella would soon be awake and bustling through the apartment. Gently lifting Tris, he expected her to stir, but she snuggled closer, a content smile on her face. He slowly walked to his bedroom, placing her in his bed and tucking her in. Four couldn't resist brushing his lips against her forehead, lingering in the tenderness of the moment. He watched her for a moment longer, marveling at her strength even in sleep.

Turning his attention to Ella's room, he found her quietly immersed in a picture book, the colorful illustrations captivating her. Her room was a whimsical haven, decorated with fairy lights and drawings she had made, creating an atmosphere of pure childhood innocence. With a soft kiss on her forehead, Four greeted her, "Hey, little bug. We'll have to be very quiet with breakfast this morning, okay?" She looked at him with her innocent doe eyes, a sight that always tugged at his heart. "Why?" she inquired, her voice a soft whisper.

Four believed in honesty with his daughter, avoiding unnecessary fabrications. "Tris is sleeping in Daddy's room, Bailey is hurt, and Tris is sad. So, we are going to take care of them today," he explained. Ella, the ever-sympathetic child, gasped with worry and concern, "Who would hurt my Bailey and Tris?" wrapping an arm around her, Four turned to his daughter, "A bad man. But luckily, daddy took care of it. What do you say about making Tris a yummy breakfast today, and we'll go later to the doctors to check on Bailey?" Ella beamed, "Yes, and I'll write them a card!" She darted to the living room to fetch her coloring supplies, showcasing her thoughtful nature.

The living room was filled with a mixture of modern and cozy decor, a place where the family often spent time together. Taking a moment to prioritize Tris's well-being, Four quickly called Amar to inform him that he wouldn't be in the studio that day. Concerned about the potential fallout from the previous night, Four dialed with a touch of anxiety, unsure if Peter had recognized him and spoken to the press. However, Amar answered cheerfully and accepted his absence today with ease. Apparently, Tyrell had already discussed the situation with Amar, and he was already dealing with it. Grateful that he didn't need to give much explanation for his absence, Four ended the call and made his way to the kitchen.

The kitchen was filled with the scent of fresh coffee and the soft hum of morning activity. Ella was busy drawing get-well cards for Tris and Bailey, her little hands moving quickly over the paper. Four complimented her on her accomplishments, but he also pointed out that she should go and take a shower and prepare herself for the day. Ella nodded, "Okay, Daddy, but don't start the food!" She dashed off to the bathroom, her feet pattering on the hardwood floor.

Four laughed and promised not to start without her.

As Ella returned, and Four helped her with putting on her clothes, they started preparing waffles. The kitchen buzzed with activity. The sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the countertops cluttered with ingredients. He had a premade kit which made it very easy for him, and Ella was always very proud of herself as she could make the mix. Flour dusted the air as she stirred enthusiastically, her concentration evident on her face. When Four heard some noise coming from his ensuite bathroom, he checked quietly to see if Tris was up. When he peeked his head through the door, he noticed Tris sitting on his bed, her hair messy and looking adorable. "Hey," he said quietly. He held up the tray of breakfast—waffles with fruit, waffles with bacon and syrup, waffles with chocolate, a cup of tea, a coffee, and two kinds of juice—and two get-well cards from Ella. "Ella and I made you breakfast," he noted. "We weren't sure what you wanted, so we got you kind of everything," he laughed.

Tris smiled at him. "That's too kind of you, Four. You really didn't have to!" The warmth in her eyes made his heart swell with affection.

Four placed the tray down next to Tris and noticed on his alarm clock that it was already 9 AM. Unconsciously, Four reached to her arm and gently started rubbing it. "How are you feeling?"

Tris shrugged. "Numb, I guess. It feels so surreal. And surprisingly, I didn't have any nightmares."

Four gave her a smile. "I fought off your nightmares for you," he teased, trying to bring a smile to her face.

A smile started forming on her face. "Oh, you did? How?"

"With these bear hands, obviously," he joked, mimicking himself boxing. Tris laughed, and Four joined her, but as their laughter subdued, he stood up. "There is an eager little girl waiting in the living room to give you a hug and also to go to the doctor to pick up her fluffy friend."

Tris smiled and made her way swiftly over to the living room, keen on getting a hug from the child.

After getting back from the vet, Tris was grateful that Bailey was fine. He had bruised ribs, but the vet assured her that he would be fine within a few weeks and just needed to take it easy. As Tris and Ella were taking Bailey for a short walk, she was grateful for everything turning out semi-okay. She was completely shocked about the situation, and she got shivers only by the thought of Four not being there. She had panicked this morning when she woke up in a strange bed, but seconds later, she had remembered what happened, and when she looked at the nightstand and saw a picture of Four and Ella playfully posing, she quickly deduced that she was in Four's bedroom.

Walking back to her apartment building, Ella was engrossed in telling her a story about how dogs and squirrels are friends. Tris smiled at her, grateful for the distractions, and when she reached her floor, she was surprised to see Four together with their concierge, Victor, repairing her door. Last night, she hadn't even realized that Four had busted through her door. In an instant, Peter was thrown off, and Four's blue eyes were staring at her, making sure that she was fine.

And now, after all that he had done for her, here he was again, repairing her door. The hallway smelled faintly of wood polish and fresh paint, a testament to the recent renovations. "What are you doing?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity.

"Installing a fridge," he joked, his tone light despite the seriousness of his actions. "You need a new door, Tris. I'm sorry for breaking yours."

Tris shook her head. "Don't you dare apologize for that. But seriously, Four, you've done too much already. I wanted to do that later, but thank you."

Tris smiled. "But let me go and prepare lunch for you two after all you have done for me today."

Four looked guilty at her. "About that..." he started, a sheepish grin forming.

Tris groaned. "Don't tell me that you have already done that as well."

Four laughed, the sound echoing warmly through the corridor, and after thanking Victor, he brought the girls with him to his apartment and showed them the assortment of sandwiches he got from the local deli. The apartment smelled of fresh bread and deli meats, an inviting aroma. Ella ran to the table, claiming herself a few muffins. Bailey slowly lay down on his blanket that Four had brought over for him, and Tris looked at Four, grateful, not believing his actions. He had been claiming that she had been the kindest person he would ever meet, but here he was, going out of his way to take care of her. She just couldn't believe it. And he wasn't even treating her like she was a victim, something she had always hated. He wasn't overbearing; he was just there for her, and that was something she usually did. "Thank you," she said sincerely, "for everything."

Four looked at her, sincerity in his eyes. "Anything for you."

In the afternoon, Four had told Tris to change into her workout gear and come with him. Tris thought that he would want to go for a run, something she would really appreciate. She wanted to clear her head, but she was surprised that after changing, Four carried her and Ella along to his car.

"You're not kidnapping me, are you?" she joked, while he just looked at her mischievously. "We'll see."

As Four parked his car behind a gym, she was surprised, and even more so when he took her hand, opened the back door with a key, and guided her quickly and quietly through the hallways. The walls were lined with motivational posters, and the faint sounds of people working out echoed through the corridors. The gym smelled of sweat and determination, a stark reminder of the hard work people put into their fitness. Four was very quiet and checking every corner. Tris was a bit wary of his suspicious behavior; were they not supposed to be there? After a minute, Four had reached his destination, opened a door with another key, and let them in. Ella immediately ran off. She saw that it was a room filled with gym equipment, a few desks, a cozy table, and what looked like a play area for kids. One that Ella was already busy playing in.

"What are you doing? Are we breaking in?" Tris asked, her eyes wide with curiosity and a hint of apprehension. Four laughed.

"No, it's fine. This gym is from a friend of mine. This is the employee area. The main gym gets full very quickly, so this is for the owners when they just want to work out without waiting for equipment to be free."

Tris nodded, understanding. The room was spacious, with high ceilings and large windows that let in natural light. Four reached to a cabinet and grabbed a few boxing gloves and put them on Tris's hands. She raised her eyebrows. "Today, I'm teaching you self-defense.

After an hour of following Four's thorough instructions, Tris felt her frustration mounting. Her fists landed weakly against the heavy bag, barely making it sway. Sweat dripped down her forehead, and her arms trembled with exertion. The gym was filled with the sound of her labored breathing and the dull thud of her punches. Four noticed her struggle and shook his head gently, stepping closer to her with a look of determination. "You're not weak," he assured her, his voice steady and encouraging. He stepped closer, his hands gently encircling her waist. She held her breath, trying to ignore the shivers that came along with the warmth of his touch. His fingers pressed into her sides, guiding her movements. "Keep tension here," he instructed, holding her for a moment longer than necessary. Tris smiled, refocusing her energy, and delivered a punch that sent the bag swinging back. "Great, see?" Four encouraged, his eyes sparkling with pride.

Ella, who had been watching with wide eyes, clapped enthusiastically for Tris. Tris hadn't even noticed someone else entering the room until she heard a familiar, yet unexpected voice. "Who the hell is here? This is a private room!" The trio turned around, and Tris was astonished to see Tori striding into the room, her expression a mix of surprise and amusement. She was even more taken aback when Ella ran towards Tori, squealing, "To-to!" Tori scooped the toddler up with ease, lifting her high into the air like a bird. "Daddy is teaching Tris hitting," Ella announced proudly.

This piqued Tori's interest, and she turned to Tris, who was still processing the shock of seeing Tori here and knowing Ella and Four. Tori gently set Ella down and walked over to them, her eyes flicking between Tris and Four. "You know, Four, you should really announce when you're using the gym because one of these times, I will call the police," Tori joked, her tone light but firm.

Four shrugged nonchalantly. "Just working out. Blame Bud for giving me the key," he replied. Tori smiled, and when her gaze settled on Tris again, recognition dawned. "Tris, what are you doing here?"

Already feeling the emotions of the previous night bubbling up, Tris managed a tight smile. "Hey, Tor," she said, gesturing to Four. "Four's teaching me self-defense."

Tori looked at Four with raised eyebrows. "Four, I didn't know you had it in you to meet new people," she teased, winking. "How do you two know each other?"

Four shook his head at Tori's banter, but Tris jumped in, "He's my neighbor." As soon as she said it, Tori's eyes widened in recognition. "Ah, the chicken thief! I should have known it had to be you, Four," she laughed.

"Hey," Four exclaimed, crossing his arms in mock indignation. "I stand by the rule that the person who saw it first owns it."

Tris giggled, a lightness entering her mood. "And how about you two?" she asked.

"My brother ma—" Tori began, but Four quickly cut her off. "I work with her brother," he said hurriedly. Tris nodded "small world", but she caught the confused look Tori shot Four.

Tori's gaze fell on Tris's arm, noticing a bruise, likely from Peter's grip. Realizing the need for a private conversation, she turned to Tris. "Tris, do you have a minute?" she gestured towards a quieter corner of the room. Tris nodded, but before she could move, Four interjected, "One moment, Tris."

He hurried over to Tori, and they began whispering, their tones urgent. Confused and wanting to give them privacy, Tris turned her attention to Ella, who was proudly showing off her drawings of Bailey. Each one was more adorable than the last, and Tris felt a pang of warmth.

Soon, Tori approached her, and they settled on a couch in a secluded part of the room. "How are you doing, really, Tris?" Tori asked, her voice soft and concerned.

Tris sighed heavily. "I'm not sure. I'm still a bit shaken up," she admitted, her voice trembling.

Tori nodded, understanding. "That's completely understandable. But I'm glad you're out here in the gym. I thought you'd hide in your apartment."

Tris laughed softly, knowing that without Four, she probably would have. "Yeah, if it weren't for Four, I probably would have. But if it weren't for him, it could have ended much worse."

"Why do you say that?" Tori asked, her eyes narrowing in concern.

Tris sighed again, tears welling up in her eyes. "Because he saved me. As soon as Peter started to grab me, I shouted for help, and Four quickly came in and knocked Peter out." The tears began to fall. "I don't even want to think about what would have happened if Four hadn't come. It could have been so much worse," she sobbed, the fear from that night still raw.

She hadn't realized Four had come over until she felt the warmth of his arm around her, his presence solid and reassuring next to her on the couch. He gently rubbed her arm, his voice a soothing murmur. "Please tell me that the asshole is fired and in jail."

Tori looked at them, sensing the depth of their connection. On any other day, she would have teased them about it, but now was not the time. "Yeah, he got fired. He tried to spin some nonsense this morning when I spoke to him, but don't worry about it. He's not allowed to step foot in the building anymore," she assured Tris. "But Tris, I know you said you didn't want to go to the police, but I really think you should. Getting fired isn't enough to make him realize he was wrong."

"I'll think about it," Tris said softly, her voice a mere whisper.

Tori stood up, her expression softening. "Thanks, Tris. Hang in there, okay? And take as much time off as you need."

Tris shrugged. "I'll be in court tomorrow."

Tori shook her head. "No, Tris. It's better if you sit back and let me handle this. Your emotions are still all over the place, and that's fine. You've done terrific work, but I'll be in court tomorrow."

"But I've worked so hard," Tris pleaded, her eyes desperate.

Tori gave her a sympathetic look. "I know, Tris. You have, and without you, I probably wouldn't win this case. How about I take the lead, and you're just there in court to support and fill in anything I might miss?"

Tris nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. That seemed fair.

"Okay, I'll leave you kids to it," Tori joked, scooping Ella up in her arms. "Take care of your dad, kid."

"I will, Auntie To-to," Ella replied, her smile as bright as the sun.

As Tori left the gym, Four checked his watch. He turned to Tris, gently grabbing her hand. "So, ready for more training, or do you want to go for a walk at the pier, have some food, and play some games?"

The excited screams of Ella and the big smile on Tris's face made the decision easy. They would be spending the rest of the day at the pier, and Four wouldn't have it any other way.