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Chapter 31

Makings of a perfect Christmas

Tobias' POV

I maneuver down the hall of the Dauntless residences, stepping aside every so often to let other families by. I can't help the goofy smile on my face as I greet each and every one of them that passes me.

My first Christmas in Dauntless was overwhelming and depressing at the same time. Things are so different here then where Tris and I were raised. Abnegation is known for their selfless contributions to the city on a daily basis. Around Christmas time they just about triple their contributions. Making sure that no factionless family goes without food and warm blankets and the children are taken care of. Even taking donations from other factions of the city to make sure that every factionless child has a present to open on Christmas morning.

Even in Abnegation the children all get one present on Christmas morning. Of course, that one present is more of a functional present than an enjoyable indulgent one.

Dauntless on the other hand is all about indulgence, gifting things that are both practical and enjoyable.

Needless to say, Christmas my first year here was overwhelming to say the least. All the lights, decorations and Christmas trees that were used for more than just a need for air. I didn't have a Christmas tree my first two years here. My apartment wasn't home. It was never meant to be home. Christina on the other hand insisted that we have not just one but two trees, each overly decorated differently. This year, this year I'm going to do things right.

Tris has been down ever since she got the news of her having to leave for a meeting right before Christmas. It's been confirmed that the meeting will take place in Amity. The faction that is the farthest in the city. I figured that at least Tris will be here to trim the tree and bake a few cookies.

I carefully tip the trunk of the tree on the floor, tipping it up while I unlock the door. I swing the door open, before bending down using my knees, I lift the tree by the rope that's around it, keeping its branches close for now. I kick the door closed behind me, calling out for Tris and Sofie to come out. Tris carries the baby in her arms, close to her breast, confused by all the chaos.

"I give you our very first Christmas tree," I announce, standing the tree up for her to see. Tris' face changes from confusion to glowing when she realizes just what it is I have brought home.

"I see that." She giggles, jiggling her body up and down to soothe the baby. I lean the tree against a wall, as I take off my leather jacket and get to work getting the tree standing and stable. Centering the tree with the couch, I cut the rope when it's stable and straight, letting its branches fall open.

I turn to see Tris smiling at the beauty of it as she places our sleeping daughter down in her spare bassinet. The baby is sound asleep, not even moving an inch when her mother releases her. She comes to stand by me, admiring the Christmas tree.

"It's big." She finally says, "but we have no lights, nothing…" She points out. I smile wider, knowing that my plan has indeed worked. I turn, head towards the stack of boxes we have yet to unpack. Or at least what Tris thinks we haven't. I open not one but three boxes, letting Tris see my plan.

"After you told me about your meeting in Amity…I had this all planned. It just felt right." I explain, straightening up from the stack of open boxes. "I got lights, garland, tinsel and ornaments, also a skirt for the tree…"

"Thank you, Four." Tris says, tears running down her face. "This is…Amazing."

"Tobias, I suggest, I will always be Tobias to her.

"Tobias."

I straighten up from the radio, smiling at the tunes that come through the speakers. It's one thing that the whole city has in common… Old tunes station. Around this time of the year they play nothing but Christmas music.

I remember listening to it, even in Abnegation. It was the only good thing around this time of the year. How blessed the world was ages ago before the war? So many people took it for granted. It took a war and most of mankind to realize what in fact they had and what they were doing to it.

"I love the lights…"Tris mutters, stepping back admiring the tree. Her eyes sparkle with the reflection of the lights. She's so beautiful.

"I have something else for you, well for us…" I declare, clearing my throat. I hold a box with a red bow on it. The box is long, maybe three hands wide. Tris' eyes water as she cracks open the box, taking a look at what's inside. Nestled in foam are four red and silver ornament balls, the first three have our names on it, Sofia, Tobias and Tris. While the last one says something different… It says, "Baby's first Christmas." with two footprints on the opposite side. Tris wipes away the fallen tears from her eyes.

"They are so beautiful, Tobias. Thank you." Tris says her voice cracking at the end.

"So I did good?" I ask, as if I needed more clarification.

"You did wonderful." Tris says, taking the first ball from the snuggled foam, she carefully hangs the ribbon of the first ornament on a branch of the tree. "It's perfect."

"Just like you are," I say, my eyes popping out of my head when I realize that I said those words out loud. Tris looks at me stunned, but not saying a word as she takes the box from my hands and hands me an ornament to hang myself on the tree. A part of me is thankful she doesn't acknowledge my words. Things are complicated enough with us co-parenting. I'm not sure what it would mean if we took that next step or not. Even so, it's already too late for that thought. We have already crossed a line.

"How about some cookies?" I ask, when the last ornament is hung.

"Cookies?" Tris asks, confused by my sudden change in plans.

"Yeah. Hanna gave me her famous chocolate chip cookie recipe," I admit.

"Oh, I love chocolate chip cookies." Tris says, her eyes lighting up once again. We move towards the kitchen, working together. I get the bowl and mixer out as she reads the ingredients and gets those out. Together we work perfectly. In sync. I even love the cookie dough that winds up on her nose. Though I want nothing more than to lick it off using my tongue. I hold back the temptation to do so.

"Thank you, Tobias, for everything tonight." Tris says, as we sit back on the couch, each with a few cookies and a glass of milk. We both settled in for an old fashion movie. The Grinch.

"My pleasure, Tris." I whispered. The tension is the highest it has ever been between us. Our eyes are locked, as the little girl on the TV sings ''Where are you Christmas.'' I can no longer hold back. I lean in slowly, carefully. Letting Tris stop me if this is unwanted, but thankfully she doesn't. Our lips meet, first gentle and tender, but quickly, almost instantly, the kiss turns into passion. Our lips move in sync as our tongues are meeting each other, tasting each other. I can't get enough. Our arms are wrapped around each other and in one fell swoop I helped Tris sit on my lap; her warmth pressed against my ever-growing erection. I know she can feel it, but I don't care. My hands don't move, I don't dare to let them advance any further, holding her back closer to me. I just let us enjoy this moment, this special kiss. It feels so good. So right. Our breaths are heavy, needing more of each other, it's all I want. All I want this Christmas.