The afternoon is uncharacteristically busy which means Tris doesn't have time to stress over everything going on with Four or obsess over the outcome of Eric's conversation with Max.

Her shift is finally coming to an end, and she's eager to leave. Unfortunately, she has to wait for Kenzie to come back from the washroom before she can head out to dinner.

Tris is fiddling around with the sunglasses at the cash register when the door opens. Assuming it's Kenzie, she grabs her bag and walks around the counter ready to depart. But when she finally looks up, she realizes it isn't Kenzie at all.

"Four," she greats calmly. "How are you doing?"

"Do you know what's going on?" he asks abruptly with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes," she responds sympathetically. "Are you okay?"

"Do you believe me now?"

"Believe you?" she asks, confused. "Believe you about what?"

"About Eric being a shitty human being."

Tris shakes her head in disbelief.

"What does any of this have to do with Eric?"

"You can't be that naïve," he says skeptically. "Your boyfriend finds out I'm your ex and the next day I get suspended from my trainer duties."

Despite feeling bad about his suspension, Tris' patience for her ex is waning and she can't stop the eye roll or the sigh that slips from her mouth.

"It wasn't him."

"Is that what he told you? Open your eyes Tris, of course it was him. He's obviously jealous of us and this was his way of getting back at me."

They both go silent as the shop door opens and Lauren walks in.

"Hey," Lauren says, giving them a quick glance before moving to browse the sale section Tris had reorganized earlier in the day.

"I think you should leave," Tris hisses under her breath.

"He's really got you fooled, doesn't he," Four says making no attempt to be quiet.

Tris looks quickly over at Lauren who, thankfully, seems to be minding her own business before addressing Four.

"This isn't about him," she whispers. "You messed up by talking about us in public. You messed up by hounding me in the middle of the Pit. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this, but Eric told me he isn't the one who went to Max, and I believe him."

"Does he have something on you?" Four asks incredulously. "Or have you always been this foolish and I just never noticed? He's lying to you Tris."

"Did you just come here to fight with me?" she asks tired of having this argument.

Four shakes his head.

"No. That's not why I came here. I guess I figured with everything going on you might care about how I'm feeling."

Tris takes a step towards him.

"Of course I care."

"No, you don't. All you care about is defending that jackass."

"Give it a rest," Lauren interjects as she makes her way over to them.

"This doesn't concern you Lauren, just leave us alone," Four spits.

"It does concern me. It concerns me because you're being an ass and you have been for weeks now. To me and to the transfers. Hell, I've even seen you be a jerk to Zeke and he's your only damn friend. So, and I'm saying this for Tris' sake not yours, if you must know, Eric isn't the one who went to Max, I am. And I did it because your behaviour is unacceptable and so is that mark I saw you make on her wrist two days ago."

"You?"

"Yes, me."

Tris sucks in a breath as Four steps forward placing himself entirely too close to Lauren, his fists clenched at his sides.

"What are you going to do Four, hit me?" Lauren antagonizes. "Just leave."

For a moment, Tris is certain Four is about to lose it on Lauren, but instead he turns and leaves.

"Are you okay?" Lauren asks, turning towards Tris.

Tris nods. "Yeah, are you?"

"He doesn't scare me," Lauren says with a smirk.

"You're the one who told Max?"

"I was trying to protect you and the initiates, but I didn't even think of the possibility that he might take it out on you. I should have seen it coming. I'm sorry."

Tris pauses, considering Lauren's earlier comment.

"Did you say he's been like this for weeks?" she asks.

"Yeah, I don't know what happened. It was like one day a switch flipped and suddenly he's a fucking menace. Don't get me wrong, we were never friends, but we used to be cool. Friendly coworkers or whatever, then suddenly bam! Jackass city."

"I thought it only started after he found out about Eric but if he's been like this for weeks then it must be something else."

Lauren snorts.

"I'm sure that didn't help anything. You really couldn't have picked a worse rebound if you didn't want to piss Four off."

Tris glares at Lauren. "It wasn't on purpose. And he isn't a rebound."

"Oh, so this thing with Eric is serious then? I kind of wondered when he let you throw knives at him…and then you cut him and he acted like it was nothing? No shot he wouldn't lose his shit, I knew something had to be going on."

Tris shrugs.

"It's still new, we just seem to have connected really fast. I don't know. Could you just, maybe, keep it to yourself for now? I have enough to deal with without having to field questions about my involvement with Eric from the entire faction."

"Man, you and Eric," Lauren says, shaking her head. "I've worked with him for a while, and he has his good days, but never in a million years would I have pictured the two of you together."

Tris' jaw tightens as she lets out a heavy sigh.

"I've already had to defend him once today. You aren't really going to make me do it again, are you?"

Lauren smiles apologetically.

"Sorry, it's none of my business. The only thing I care about is Four figuring out his shit and going back to normal. I'm sick of dealing with his attitude and transfers coming to me about his near-abusive behaviour. At least now that I know you're with Eric I don't have to worry about you too. I'll let him do that."

"Do you think I should ask Four what's going on? Maybe I can help him get back to normal."

Lauren looks at her in disbelief.

"Girl, just let it go. You guys are broken up and you're with somebody else now. Do you want to screw things up with Eric?"

"Of course not."

"Then walk away and don't look back. This is on Four to deal with. You keep being this nice to him and he's going to take advantage, trust me. Nothing good can come of you trying to help him."

Tris knows Lauren is probably right, but she hates that Four is going through whatever he's going through alone.

"Anyways, I just came in here to make sure he didn't do anything stupid. I should get going. See you around."

Tris nods at Lauren in parting as Kenzie finally makes an appearance.

"Did I miss something?" she asks looking between Tris' grave face and Lauren's back.

Tris stands outside the dining hall trying to decide if her hunger outweighs her lack of social energy.

It's been a long day and while she knows Christina and Will won't be there, Uriah and Marlene will be and the last time they talked things hadn't exactly ended on a good note.

In the end, food wins out over awkwardness as Tris decides that now is as good a time as any to try and smooth things over with her friends.

When she enters, she spots them in the far corner, but they don't notice her. She makes her way through the line quickly, happy to see tomato soup and grilled cheese as an option, before making her way over to their table.

Uriah notices her first and smiles immediately.

"Trissy! We've missed you. Sit down."

Tris smiles back, she should have known Uriah wouldn't hold her outburst against her.

Marlene is a bit more reserved in her greeting, only giving her a small smile as Tris sits down.

"I'm sorry," Tris says instantly.

"So am I," Marlene replies.

"Oh, thank god," Tris adds with a sigh of relief. "I was so worried you'd be upset with me, and I just couldn't handle it on top of everything else."

"Since you skipped out on breakfast, I thought you were still mad at us."

"Not at all."

"Where were you then?" Uriah asks through a mouthful of grilled cheese.

"Just slept through it," Tris fibs, praying neither of her friends notice the blush creeping up her neck.

"Been there," Uriah says, moving on to his soup.

Tris can tell that Marlene isn't fooled, but she chooses to ignore the look she's getting and focuses on her food instead.

"So, what's up?" Marlene asks after a beat. "What did you mean by 'on top of everything else'?"

"Oh…I.." she stutters.

"Is it the rumor?" Uriah chimes in.

"Rumor?" both girls ask.

"The one about Four."

Marlene looks at him blankly and Tris stays quiet hoping the rumor isn't what she thinks it is. Four had only been missing from initiate training for two days, surely people wouldn't already be questioning his absence?

"You guys really haven't heard?"

"Would you just spit it out?" Marlene says impatiently.

Uriah puts his spoon down and looks at them.

"There's a rumor going around that Four's been suspended because he slept with an initiate."

"WHAT?" Marlene exclaims.

Tris almost wants to laugh. Of course it had already gotten out. The Dauntless rumor mill never rests.

"Where did that rumor come from?"

Uriah shrugs.

"No idea, I heard it from Gus' sister. I haven't found out who he's sleeping with yet though."

Tris chuckles darkly.

"Seriously, Uriah?" Marlene says looking at him while tilting her head aggressively towards Tris.

"Oh shit! Sorry Tris. Looks like it might be a pattern with him," Uriah says sympathetically.

Marlene shakes her head and turns towards Tris.

"Maybe he is just an oblivious moron," she says, repeating Eric's earlier description of Uriah.

Tris gives her a small smile before addressing Uriah.

"Or," she starts, "and hear me out here, the initiate he slept with was me."

He looks confused at first, but his eyes grow wide as he realizes his mistake.

"How did that not even cross my mind? I'm so dumb."

"No one is arguing with that," Marlene replies.

"I just assumed it was someone he's training now. Everyone seems to think it is anyways."

"Well good," Marlene adds. "Let them think that."

Tris' com device starts vibrating in her pocket and she is grateful to have a reason to end the current conversation.

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's me," Eric's voice rings out from the speaker.

Tris smiles to herself.

"What going on?" she asks lightly.

"Not much, just been stuck in this office. I'm trying to get through a bit more crap before I get out of here."

"Long day?"

"I've had worse. Anyways, could I see you tonight?"

Tris smiles again.

"I'd like that."

"Cool. I still have a bit more to do here but I should be good around 7:30."

"I'll come to yours. Did you have dinner?"

"No. I'll just make myself some eggs or something."

"I can go through the line again and get you something?" she offers.

"Sure you don't mind?"

"Not at all."

"That would be great. Surprise me?"

"Will do. See you soon."

Tris puts her com back in her pocket and turns her attention to her friends who are both staring at her with smiles on their faces.

"So, the rest of your day together went well then?" Marlene asks, grinning.

"Maybe…"

"Details?"

"Can't right now. I have to go get more food before all the good stuff is gone," Tris says, standing up abruptly.

Marlene laughs.

"Fine, but when you get back here I expect you to spill."

Tris ignores her friend and makes her way back over to the line. She stretches her neck to try and see what the options are. She had been so excited about the grilled cheese she hadn't really paid attention to anything else.

"He's kind of scary though," she overhears a girl say behind her.

"Don't act like you wouldn't sleep with him. Those eyes? Those arms? Sure, he's intense, but can you imagine how that intensity would translate to the bedroom? God, I'd let him throw me around any day of the week," the girl's friend replies.

Tris stands stock still. They can't be talking about Four, can they?

"You really think any of those transfers have the balls though?"

"I don't know, but I heard she pursued him. Apparently, she was relentless, and he gave in just to get her off his back. Poor girl was probably going to fail initiation and figured this was the only way to get him to pass her."

"Does anyone know who it was?"

There's a break in the conversation as the line starts to move.

"You know something, don't you?" the friend says, finally. "Come on Molly, spill."

Molly. Tris knew she recognized the voice.

"I swear, I don't know who it was. But Peter's been going around telling people he knows and that he's just waiting for the perfect moment to tell."

"What perfect moment? It's not like that sleezy douche can possibly use this to his benefit in any way."

Tris has heard enough. She takes the first thing she sees and quickly makes her way back to her friends.

"I'm so screwed," she says sitting down and placing the food next to her.

"Not exactly the meal I'd have chosen for a date, but maybe he'll love it."

"What?" Tris asks confused.

"Tuna fish," Uriah says pointing to the plate. "Kind of makes your breath rank, you know?"

Tris looks at the plate, not having registered what she had picked up before shaking her head and looking back at her friends.

"Forget about the sandwich," she says. "Apparently Peter knows who the rumor is about."

"What? Are you sure?"

Tris shrugs. "I mean, I don't know 100% but I overhead Molly in line and that's what she said."

"But if he knows, wouldn't we all know?" Marlene asks. "It is Peter. He's probably just bluffing to get attention."

"Maybe."

"Why don't we just try to forget about this for now? Try to enjoy our dinner?"

Tris nods.

"Perfect. Now, spill," Marlene says, grinning.

Tris shakes her head.

"Fine. What do you want to know?"

Tris spends the rest of dinner answering Marlene's painstakingly specific questions about her day with Eric before finally escaping to meet up with him.

He is quick to answer when she knocks, and she can't help but notice how tired he looks.

"Long day?" she asks.

He shrugs. "Not great, but I've had worse. You?"

"Same."

"Any chance you have a grilled cheese for me there?" he asks, hopefully, as they make their way further into his apartment.

She hands over the food silently and hopes he isn't too disappointed.

"Tuna fish sandwich and an apple," he says, chuckling as he sits down at the table. "Maybe it would be best if I'm in charge of food from now on."

She lets out a small laugh and sits across from him.

"Sorry, I was distracted in line and just took the first thing I could grab."

"Don't worry about it. I'm just grateful I don't have to cook anything," he says, taking a bite. "What was going on in line?"

"Just rumors. Not important," she says, brushing him off.

They sit in comfortable silence as Eric continues eating.

"How did it go with Max?" she asks, remembering how they left things earlier.

Eric's chewing slows as he stares at the table.

"That good, huh?"

"He wasn't quite as receptive as I expected him to be. I mean, he didn't say no, but –"

"It's okay. I knew he wouldn't want me with everything going on."

"There's still a chance it could work out. He just said he needs to finish dealing with Four before he can even think about offering you a position. That's not a no, that's a not yet."

Tris gives Eric a sad smile.

"I appreciate your optimism, but I'm not going to keep my hopes up."

"Then I'll just have to keep mine up for the both of us."

They fall into another silence as Eric gets up for a glass of water.

"Can we watch a show?" Tris asks. "I just want to forget about this day and watching someone else's drama sounds good right now."

Eric smiles as he sits back down.

"Sure. Same as before? Or did you want to pick something else?"

Tris considers her options.

"Something else."

Eric picks up his data pad and brings up the list of options before sliding it over to Tris. She browses through the selection as he finishes up his meal.

"This one," she says, pointing at the list.

"Are you sure? Do you want me to tell you what it's about?'

She shakes her head.

"Nope. I want to be surprised."

"What the hell, Eric!" she says, only a few minutes into the show. "Why wouldn't you warn me?"

"You said you wanted to be surprised."

"You still should have warned me."

"I mean, it's called 'Supernatural' I thought that might have tipped you off."

Tris glares at him.

"We can watch something else if you want," he says, pausing the show.

Tris huffs but shakes her head.

"Of course we can't, now I need to know what happens."

Eric restarts the show as Tris scoots closer to him and is relieved when he wraps his arm around her shoulder.

They continue watching, Eric's protective arm calming her nerves a bit. The next few scenes are nothing to be afraid of, but that first scene put Tris on edge, and when her com vibrates in her pocket, she can't help but jump.

"Sorry," she says to a stunned-looking Eric.

She opens her com to see a message from Christina that brings a dose of reality back to the evening.

Just heard the rumor. Hope you're okay.

Tris leaves the message unanswered and puts her com away as Eric pauses the show once more.

"Why'd you pause it?" she asks.

"I couldn't help but see what your message said," he starts, tentatively. "You mentioned rumors earlier, but not that they involved you. What's going on?"

"It's not important," Tris says, shaking her head.

"Well, if it's not important then it shouldn't be hard to tell me what's going on," he counters.

"Fine," she says, sighing. "There's a rumor going around that Four is suspended for sleeping with an initiate and apparently Peter knows who it is he slept with. So far he hasn't told, so everyone is just speculating on who it could be."

"That fucking asshat," Eric says angrily. "Max asked him to keep his mouth shut but of course he can't follow one simple instruction."

"Considering how much he hates me I'm just surprised he's left me out of it so far."

"Max said he was trying to use the information as some kind of leverage to weasel his way into leadership. He probably figures he's safe fuelling the rumor mill but not if he takes it too far. Not that Max would ever give him the time of day but it's Peter, he's delusional."

"I really thought the end of initiation meant I was done with Peter and his bullshit," she says.

"Hopefully he just keeps it to himself and that's the last of it."

"Four harassing me in public isn't helping anything either."

"You mean the other night at the Pit?" Eric asks.

"No," she says, shaking her head. "He showed up at the shop today."

"He what? I thought you said he was going to leave you alone?"

"I really believed that, but he was convinced that you were the one who told, and he wanted to…I don't know…rub it in my face or something?"

"Fucking hell, you've had a day."

"Tell me about it."

"He didn't get aggressive with you again, did he?"

Tris shakes her head.

"No. Although I kind of thought he was going to punch Lauren at one point."

"Lauren?"

"She saw him go into the shop and followed him to make sure I was okay. He went off on me for a while before she shut him up by telling him she was the one who went to Max, not you."

"You know, I've been around the guy for years and I can't say I ever really liked him, but even so, I didn't expect this kind of crap from him."

"I'm starting to think there's more to it than I realized. Lauren mentioned he's been like this with her and the initiates for weeks now. You work with him, has he seemed off to you?"

Eric takes a minute to think about it.

"I mean, he's definitely been barking at the initiates more than in past years, but I just figured I was rubbing off on him," he shrugs. "Other than that, he's been his same old jackass self to me. Nothing new. But I also do my best to avoid interacting with him so maybe I missed some stuff. Do you think it started because of your breakup?"

Tris shakes her head.

"I can't say for sure, but I have this sinking feeling that something else is going on. He started being a bit weird before we even broke up. Not mean or anything, but kind of distant? I assumed it was because we had been fighting about what our future was going to look like, but maybe it was something else."

Eric looks at her oddly, almost as though he's realized something.

"What?" she asks curiously.

He shakes his head. "It's nothing."

"Eric come on, you've obviously thought of something."

"No really, I just got distracted for a second. Why don't we get back to the show," he says, changing the subject.

Tris is sure he's hiding something but decides not to press it. He's been pretty transparent so far, so if he's not telling her something he must have his reasons.

"Okay," she says. "But don't let me fall asleep this time. I really can't miss breakfast or Christina might kill me."

Eric chuckles. "I promise I won't let you miss breakfast."

"Thank you," she says, getting herself comfortable against his side. "Okay, I'm ready."

A/N: Oh my gosh, I wish I had gotten this uploaded ages ago but between deciding if I want to keep it going (I do), updating it to reflect my decision, getting it Betaed and having a second of free time to actually post it it's taking me a million years. Thank you for your patience! It's a bit of a filler chapters but it has a few hints that things will pick up again in the near chapters. I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to hearing from you!