Rylan's Annual Valentine's Extravaganza

by Lulu3

Summary:

A lonely Everly gets the chance of a lifetime when she's invited to Rylan's Valentine's party. Instructed to pick a valentine surprise, she finds herself as Eric's date, alone with the promise of a whole new life if she can just fend off a pesky cook from Amity and stay alive long enough for Eric to fall in love. A one shot told in eight parts.

Notes:

Hi!

For those who have follow me on Tumblr, this one is for youuuu!

This is a multi-part one shot (ha) and I'll be updating a new chapter each night. There's only eight chapters, so feel free to wait until the very end if you'd like. All the usual stuff applies, I only own Rylan and his ducks, Everly and her wardrobe, Jason and his aliens, the bars Harrison owns, and Frank's rare appearances.

I will put one warning on here, because I know at least one person is going to message me to say how toxic Eric is, and that warning is that Eric Coulter is the villain of Divergent. I do not know how else to be any clearer. He is not a good guy. Were he to really exist, the man would be a walking red flag. There is something about whatever I write that evokes the deep, dark need for people to point out that he's not a great person and to that I say, "Yes. I know. I can fix him. At least in this story." However, he will probably come off rude, mean, arrogant, toxic, manipulative, etc. If this bothers you, please stop reading now.

To everyone else, enjoy and Happy Valentine's Day!!!!!

Major thanks to Erin for editing this.

Chapter 1: The Invitation

One: The Invitation

The envelope is heavy in my hand.

I open it while Four instructs the class to keep fighting, and the stress in his voice makes my head hurt. He's been sullen for the past hour over the scoring, and I don't blame him. It's abysmal, but especially this far into the training. My presence in the training room also stresses him out, but there's nothing I can do about it.

I had chosen Dauntless less than a year ago. Not long after my eighteenth birthday, I sliced my palm over a pit of coals, and desperate to get away from Amity, picked the most opposite faction I could.

Dauntless seemed like a fantastic escape from a world that had held me captive my entire life; if I stayed, I'd be given whatever I wanted, but at a price. My father would push me to marry his friend's son, I'd be expected to have child after child, while bowing to the unrelenting pressure to be happy and grateful no matter what. If I could escape an arranged marriage, I'd be given a house, and while I swept my kitchen and hung my clothes to dry, I'd spend my days being groomed to be someone's wife. Probably still Landon. Or maybe someone older, who hadn't married because they weren't actually that kind. I'd still be expected to listen to my parents, and if I did resist, I'd be in trouble with the entire faction.

Either way, it was a bleak future, and an even bleaker realization that nothing would change even if I wanted it to.

To keep the peace, I'd down peace serum morning and night, and the continuous haze would dull my ability to feel anything but happiness. I wouldn't talk back to my husband, or cause him any undue stress. I wouldn't protest the factionless coming in to eat with us, even when they took more than their fair share, or pushed the members of Amity out of the way. I wouldn't dare complain when I was left home with all of my future children, alone, and expected to have dinner ready, followed by a quiet evening of putting twelve kids to bed while my husband looked on fondly.

Deep down, I knew I couldn't stay, despite everyone else thinking it was fine. To my horror, my friends cheerfully accepted their fate, encouraging me to pick Amity when the day came. The thought made my skin itch, and by the time I saw an out, it was almost too late.

Landon's father showed up the day before my birthday to solidify a wedding date. Even though I knew this was coming, my stomach had twisted so sharply I almost threw up. Talks of a winter wedding, amongst banks of snow while foxes skittered in the background wafted up the stairs. He spoke of the decorations his wife would make, and the desserts my mother could bake.

The conversation swiftly changed, and my nails dug into the banister as I heard my father proclaim that I'd be a fine wife, because I was amicable. Easy going. Sweet and kind, a great listener, and endlessly patient. The traits he spoke about to Jerry were nothing impressive, but they were what Landon would be looking for: someone who'd make his breakfast with a smile, then spend my day awaiting his return, while never disagreeing with him.

While Jerry cheerfully accepted me as his future daughter in law, I stepped backward, right into Forrest, as our father announced he'd run it by me in the morning, but not to worry. I, Everly Carlen, would love to marry Landon in front of the Amity faction. My brother whispered for me to be quiet, then pushed me away, and bounced downstairs to distract my father. Forrest threw me a look that warned me that he was trying to help, but there was only so much he could do.

He trudged upstairs an hour later, and quietly informed me our father refused to budge on the issue. He told Forrest to mind his own business, and that I would marry Landon because it was the right thing to do. When I chose Amity, the entire faction would celebrate at our wedding, and this conversation would be forgotten and forgiven.

I knew what I had to do.

On the day of the Choosing Ceremony, I picked Dauntless without any hesitation. It was a bold move, especially given my height and build, but I didn't have a choice. My parents sat in the crowd, and behind them, the others from Amity were a blur of jewel tones and zoned out stares. To the side, a wave of black took up the seats staring at me intently. They weren't drugged into oblivion, but smiling, almost daring me to pick elsewhere.

I did.

I didn't pick Abnegation because I'd worked with them before and found their lives to be a complete bore. I didn't pick Erudite because I didn't want to spend my days locked away in a lab or a hospital, and I didn't pick Candor because I knew too little about them. I picked somewhere the complete opposite of Amity, in hopes of living a brand new life, and figured Dauntless would be a great place to start over.

Once the coals sizzled, I caught sight of my father's face. His expression burned itself into my memory, because the look of horror was hard to miss, but so was the anger.

When I walked to join the others, he was staring at me so furiously that I was shocked he didn't try to drag me back home with him. Only because he couldn't. I was immediately lost in a sea of people. There were others who had chosen Dauntless, mostly male and much taller than me, but some were from Erudite. Some were from Candor. Two were from Abnegation and, unsurprisingly, I was the only one from Amity. Safe within the wall of dark colors and people towering over me, I left with the transfers and never looked back.

The guilt was crushing, but temporary.

By the time we reached Dauntless, I felt freer than I ever had.

The joke was on me when surviving Dauntless proved to be harder than anticipated. Marrying Landon didn't sound so terrible when someone punched me in the head. Or when I ate lunch alone, or when Eric sneered at my sweaty self as I tried desperately to stay alive against one of Karl's friends. I found myself awash in my own fears, sinking beneath a grueling scoring system designed to prove I could cut it here.

My only saving grace was my brother.

On Visiting Day, he was the only one from my family to show up. He was the only one dressed in bright green plaid, and the only one with long hair. When he saw me, he didn't let on that he knew I looked like death, or that the way I was chewing on my lip to keep from crying wasn't working. He sprinted toward me, nearly knocking an arguing Eric and Four out of the way, and hugged me so tightly I couldn't breathe. When he was sure I was fine, he whispered that he knew I was doing great, and if I wasn't, that I should cheer up, because Landon had already gotten married and divorced in the short amount of time I'd been here and everyone in Amity knew why.

I both laughed and sobbed at the news, not because I felt anything for Landon, but because Forrest believed I'd be fine. When he let go, he smiled proudly. One of the other Leaders, Rylan, slinked by with a lingering stare as my brother loudly announced that the Amity faction was still grieving my absence, and a few others were now considering Dauntless as a faction to pick. I didn't believe him, but I didn't argue. I knew he wasn't here for long, so I nodded, wiped my eyes, and we went to the Mess Hall for lunch. For the first time since picking Dauntless, I didn't eat alone, and it was the first meal that actually tasted like something.

While everyone else had their parents desperately trying to figure out how people survived here, Forrest filled me in on what was happening back in Amity. He distracted me with tales of squirrels living in his attic, and the great goat escape that Johanna was still dealing with. And while I laughed into my lunch at the news that Carole was fighting for chicken rights and Don was nowhere to be found, Eric and Max sat down a few tables away. They watched with an intense stare that would have made me uneasy, if I were paying attention to them.

I wasn't.

I was too happy to see my brother, and wanted to take advantage of every second that I could.

When Forrest left a few hours later, it was like the world was collapsing. He slipped me an envelope while he thought no one was looking, and told me to open it later. He hugged me once more, said a dramatic farewell to the few parents staring at him in confusion, and hightailed it back to Amity. I stood next to a boy sobbing so hard he started choking, and when Eric walked by, his look of disgust was aimed at the both of us.

That night, I opened the letter from Forrest, and read it twice. He spent most of it telling me how proud he was that I'd left. He admitted he would have chosen somewhere else, but guilt kept him in Amity to help our parents. He enclosed a few things I didn't expect –a note from my friends Sophia and Courtney, hair ties and a few bows made by my sisters, and a thick black card with someone's name on it –and told me he'd see me when I came through Amity on a patrol and to use the card to buy whatever I needed.

It was enough to get me through the rest of initiation.

The hair ties came in handy, the letter was a gushing reminder that I'd always have Amity –even if I didn't want to go back or if I happened to fail out of Dauntless, and the black card had enough points to buy a few things to make my time easier. I didn't recognize the name printed on it, but I didn't have a way of asking anyone. I simply kept my head down, stayed in my own lane, and kept pushing until initiation was over.

The aftermath of initiation ending wasn't any better.

Dauntless had almost zero need for someone like me. I quickly figured out that I wasn't skilled enough to walk with the soldiers on the routine patrols, and I was too inexperienced to be considered for almost every job. My only friend from initiation was Karl, and though he was hired almost immediately, his name didn't give me any connections or perks. He was as unknown as I was, and his only suggestions was to try the kitchens and see if they needed help.

He must have realized what a crappy thing that was to say, because he immediately apologized, and told me he'd ask around on my behalf.

Luckily, I didn't need his help.

Max appeared a day later with an offer I should have refused but couldn't.

To my surprise, he asked if I'd be interested in training the transfers with Four. The next initiation wasn't for a few months, so I would have plenty of time to learn the curriculum, intern in the Control room, and walk a few patrols to get a feel of Dauntless. I'd be given an apartment to myself, a couple sets of uniforms, and a higher security clearance than most members.

And it paid well.

The offer was generous, but it wasn't out of the kindness of his heart. He explained that their numbers were down, and their initiation had begun to cut more initiates than they kept. Word had gotten out about the ruthless way the members were chosen, and in turn, hopeful transfers weren't showing up in droves. My own class had been one of the smallest so far, and it left all the Leaders nervous. Max had come up with the brilliant idea to bring me on as a success story, and hopefully, a positive publicity move to garner better numbers the next time around.

My position with Four would be promoted as a new Dauntless, one where women could succeed alongside the men. He told me to take a few days to think it over, but hinted he was expecting me to say yes. I accepted the job that day. It was my best option, and I hoped that the meager amount of respect it would give me would be worth it.

It wasn't.

So far, most people looked at me in surprise whenever I walked anywhere with Four, and the other Leaders of Dauntless seemed ambivalent on the decision. After a few months of learning the ropes, Jason and Rylan were kind to me, but clearly amused by the decision. They occasionally invited me for after-hours dinners or to sit in on their meetings regarding the upcoming initiation. Max checked in often, always reassuring me I was doing a great job. Tori was the most supportive, offering advice where she could, but always reminding me to watch my back because not everyone would like me, and they'd gleefully take me down the second they could. Jeremy, a newer Leader, was outright suspicious of me, and went as far as to ask if I was planted here by the Amity faction.

That was laughable.

But Eric, Eric loathed the very sight of me.

It was easy to figure out why. I wasn't who he wanted in Dauntless. In his mind, I shouldn't have passed initiation. I should be back in Amity, staring at the clouds and waiting for someone to tell me what to do. It became obvious that I was of no value to Eric; I wasn't strong, I wasn't as fast the other soldiers, and my height was a disadvantage. My entire existence here was an annoyance to him: he was responsible to keep me alive as part of the army, and it was only a matter of time before someone realized I was a weak link in the Dauntless faction, and it would affect Eric.

But I wasn't a weak link.

In fact, if anyone ever bothered to ask, I could help more than they could ever imagined.

My father oversaw the entire agricultural department of the Amity faction, and I had helped him since I was a child. Amity was in charge of how the food was distributed, which meant everyone worked hard to get to know my father and his family. This also meant that I knew the Leaders of the other factions quite well. I'd sat with my dad while he spoke with Jack Kang, discussing ways to make sure each faction received equal amounts of food. I'd met Marcus multiple times, ignoring his slimy stare and forced, faux benevolence as he showed us around Abnegation and asked for an increase in their orders so they could help the factionless. I'd even met Jeanine, the least friendly and most intense Leader, as she smiled tightly and tried to think of ways to genetically engineer the food to last longer, or make it so Erudite wasn't dependent on Amity's help.

And Harrison, I'd known of him for years.

There was something different about him, something that made me want to ask him a few questions, but I never did. I saw him in Amity dozens of times, always on Dauntless' behalf. He'd joke with my brother about hunting in the forest, or he'd pick up Zander and whirl him around, but he stayed clear of me like I was harboring some plague and he'd been warned that I was contagious. He would say sometimes say hello or nod, then speak mostly to my father. I never figured out why, but I usually guessed it had something to something to do with Eric.

I'd met him when I was fifteen.

It was unlikely Eric cared that we'd met before, nor would he remember. I sat next to my dad in Johanna's office the first time I ever saw him, and I remember thinking Eric was a little too good looking to be storming up the stairs to snap that our faction was defenseless and we were essentially sitting ducks. I also remember thinking he was too young to be the Leader of Dauntless, and too smart to be in the barn. He walked gracefully, but angrily. His gaze held a slew of emotions, mostly disapproving and impatient, and his posture hinted he thought very little of the Amity faction.

When my father politely declined to go find Johanna for him, Eric stared at me with a gaze as cold as the winter outside, then turned on his heel and left.

"How old is he?" I asked my father, carefully crossing off an item off his to do list. "He doesn't look old enough to be a Leader."

My father didn't answer.

I stared in the direction Eric went, wondering if he'd come back up here.

"What's his name?"

"Everly, don't even start with those questions. Eric is a menace to society." My father's answer was accompanied by a weary sigh, as though my question meant more than it did. "Besides, you don't want him knowing who you are. He's not even supposed to be in Amity."

"I see."

I crossed another item off, then promptly tried to forget about Eric storming through the barn to tell us how we were about to die.

Over the years, I saw him off and on, always with the same indifferent look on his face.

When I was seventeen, he definitely noticed me.

I walked with Landon down the pathway, fending off his questions about my afternoon plans, and I almost stopped in my tracks when I saw the Dauntless soldiers. They spilled into Amity like ants, tearing through on whatever mission they were assigned. They didn't have permission to be here, and it was clear they'd been ordered to hurry. Whatever they were looking for they found quickly, and by the time I realized Eric was staring at me while Harrison tried to get his attention, they were done. A man was dragged from the woods and shoved into a truck, and Eric's acidic stare skirted from me to Landon, and then he was gone.

When I accepted the job with Four, I saw Eric once more. He didn't smile. He merely nodded and welcomed me with absolutely zero enthusiasm. His disinterest would be insulting, but I was too relieved to have made it this far, and I pushed the thought out of my head that he might decide I don't belong here.

My success here could amount to more, but no one seemed to think I knew anything about the other factions. I was thought of as Four's assistant, almost a novelty to help the Dauntless numbers increase the next time around, despite the few times I'd volunteered to help out.

Which is why Four's stare goes right to the paper in my hand.

It's addressed to only me, and judging from the look on this face, that doesn't sit right with him.

"What is it?" His voice is low as he tries to read it, and when he can't, he lets out of a huff of exasperation. "Are they moving you somewhere else?"

"It's an invitation to some meeting." My answer to him is low as I watch a boy scramble to get back on his feet. "I don't know what it is."

"Why did you get invited?" Four's eyes narrow in anger, but it's lost on me. "You're no one here."

"Thanks." I answer dryly, shoving the invitation back in the envelope. "That was nice, Four."

"Well, you aren't." His answer belies his frustration. After working with him for a few months, I doubt he wants to attend…whatever this is, and that his insult lies elsewhere. "Not all trainers are invited to meetings. Especially not brand-new members who are being used as Dauntless propaganda."

"Do you want to go?" My stare meets his, now impatient and bird-like, and when I don't back down, he shrugs. "I'll tell them you can take my place."

"No." Four's stare eventually hardens, and not just because someone is screaming for their partner to stop fighting. "I just have no clue why they'd invite you to something and not me."

"Maybe your invitation will be here later." My answer is as even as I can make it.

My initial thought is that I don't even want to go. I've been invited to a few things outside work, and they were always stressful. The few dinners I've attended with Rylan and Jason were fine, but hectic. Eric was usually there. So were other friends of theirs, and I often ended up on the outskirts, left to make small talk with one of the girlfriends. Occasionally, I was the only girl there, and spent most of the night fending off questions about Amity by soldiers who thought they'd use the information to impress Eric.

But I've never been invited to a meeting that came on a secret piece of paper, hand delivered by one of the soldiers.

"Yeah, well, enjoy. They're gonna eat you alive."

Done with our conversation, Four crosses his arms over his chest and stalks toward the class. He focuses on a guy who looks much older than eighteen fighting a boy who looks much younger than eighteen. The uneven match would make my chest hurt, but I've learned there isn't much I can do about it.

I walk to the benches and shove the invitation into a stack of papers, and figure I'll decide what to do with it later.

 

The night sky is as black as the uniform of Rylan, causally lounging atop a railing meant to keep members from falling to their death.

It's not at all wide, and he shouldn't be sitting on it. I suppose he considers it brave to balance so precariously on it, especially when Eric joins him with an eye roll and points to the loose bracket holding it in place. Rylan falling to his death would mean someone has to take his place, and likely Eric would have to cover until someone could fill in.

From a distance, I watch the two of them discuss their return from their patrol. As someone not in Leadership, I have no clue where they've been. I could go look it up; my time in the Control Room has left me with enough knowledge of how to track where the patrols went. Eric's location isn't always tracked, and Jason and Rylan routinely declined to submit any information about where they were going.

They're soon joined by several others. I recognize Peter as he heads toward them, determined to become part of their inside circle. Jeremy arrives looking tired and cold, and even Karl shows up. I stay at the table I've found, sipping on the drink someone has sent over, relieved that today is over. I take in the people around me, loudly discussing their day, and idly wonder who built this place.

Dauntless has lots of unique locations to check out. I was surprised to find dozens of bars crammed in between the shops, along with plenty of restaurants. The Pit was a popular hang out, but so was this: a roof top bar hidden on a large, expansive balcony that overlooked the docking bay. It's dark, covered partially by an awning, and dotted with fire pits surrounded by seating. The bar operates almost all night and is always crowded. It's a favorite amongst members returning from their routes, and nearly impossible to get a table. I had been lucky to find this one, and it was currently earning me a few dark looks from people hoping I'd leave.

"Are you going to finish that?"

My perusal of the crowd is interrupted by none other than Eric.

My gaze rises to meet his, and I'm struck by how solid he looks. In his uniform, he is tall and broad, but mean looking. His expression holds no joy or approachability, only the hint of a sneer he's failing to hide. His nose is a little too sharp for his face, and his cheeks are covered in a shadow of stubble.

When I don't answer him, he cocks an eyebrow at me and his posture changes. "Do you regularly get drunk by yourself, Amity?"

"No." I try to hide my wince at the nickname. "Someone sent it over. I don't even know what this is."

"And you're drinking it. How smart."

Eric slides into the booth like he owns the place. Ever on alert, he keeps an eye on the area around us as he scoots closer, until he's too close. I'm hit with the scent of tobacco and pine, like he's come straight from a bonfire in the woods. He rests his hands atop the table, and it's hard to miss the bruising along his knuckles.

Before I can ask who he punched, he looks down at me, and his lips turn up mockingly.

"You aren't worried what's in it?"

"No. The bartender said he didn't know who ordered it, but that he made it for me. I'm sure it's fine." My head spins at the close proximity, and I try to remind myself he's dangerous. Four has warned me Eric will use anything I tell him against me, but I can't help but keep talking. "Um, how are you? How was your patrol?"

The stupidity of my question doesn't go unnoticed.

"It was fine. Nothing out of the ordinary." Eric answers as his expression becomes amused. "Listen, I'm not here to make small talk, Amity. I'm only here because I need help with something, and I think you're the right person for the job."

"What kind of help?"

My answer is uncertain, and he knows it.

If Dauntless is built upon bravery, Eric is the poster child for the faction. Whatever he's about to ask is either a dare to prove I belong here, or a way for me to humiliate myself.

"How often is Johanna out of her office?" Eric inches closer, and his uniformed arm hits mine. His jacket is unbuttoned down his sternum, and when he leans in, I'm impressed by how tall he really is. "We've been unable to get ahold of her for the past few weeks and no one seems to know when she'll be back. Is she always gone so much?"

"It depends. It's getting colder, so she's probably helping prepare for winter." My answer is especially careful. "If you need her, you can always make an appointment. Someone will find her, especially if it's about the food deliveries."

"I can't make an appointment." Eric stares, making sure I'm looking right at him. "She doesn't approve of me in her faction. She doesn't like Rylan or Jason, either. She's recently become vocal of her disapproval of Jeremy, and Max is gone for the next few weeks. Harrison is assigned elsewhere and won't be back in time. Either way, it seems that everyone here is too aggressive for her. I was thinking perhaps you could go see her."

"To do what?"

"Nothing major. Ask her a few questions, get a few answers. I'm sure our newest official trainer can handle this assignment." Eric's easy tone sends a shiver up my spine. "That is, if Four will let you out of the training room."

"He's not in charge of me," I answer without thinking. When Eric's lips pull up even further, it's obvious he knows exactly what he's doing. "I don't take orders from him."

"Good. Then you'll accompany me next week. I'll request the meeting under your name, and tell you exactly what to say. You'll get her to agree to what I need, then we'll head back. I'm sure she'll trust one of her former members," Eric murmurs, tearing his stare away from me to shake his head at Rylan. "Right?"

I follow his stare across the balcony, to Rylan watching us. He elbows Jason as he whispers something, and Jason responds with a curt nod.

"Yeah, she'll trust me. What exactly do you want me to ask her?" Fear explodes in my chest, and I know there's a great chance this isn't something I want to be involved in. Not like anyone has asked me to be involved, but I've tried to stay out of the political entanglements Dauntless often involved themselves in. Four had explained that Dauntless regularly overstepped their bounds in their fervent attempts to protect others, and it wasn't always well received. "Is it something you've already asked her? What am I getting her to agree to?"

"You'll see." Eric answers patiently. "I'll tell you more when it gets closer. It's not urgent, but it's not something anyone else needs to know."

"Okay."

My fate is sealed. I take sip of my drink to distract myself, while Eric watches me. It's unnerving to have him beside me like this, and I frantically try to remember what I know about him. Four has been very upfront about his dislike of Eric, but also very upfront about how dangerous Eric is. I was told to keep my distance, and the day Eric wanted something from me was the day my life was over.

"How do I know when –"

"I'll be in touch." Eric rises from the booth, turning to look at me once more. "Not that this needs to be said, but this stays between us. If word gets out, it puts the whole mission at risk."

"Of course."

I try to sound like I know what I'm talking about. I don't. I have no clue what Eric really does here, and even less of a clue as to what he does when he leaves. For all I know, he could be outside murdering people and no one would be any wiser.

He stands still for a moment, letting his fingers graze along the tabletop. His head is cocked to the side as others join his friends. Lauren is one of the first ones to join Peter, followed by several others I don't know. Rylan hops down off the railing with a huff, and his long hair trails behind him as he narrows his eyes at her. Eventually, he smiles just enough to appear welcoming, and the group grows as more soldiers arrive.

Karl is soon accompanied by a girl I don't know, and she takes hold of his arm with a smile. I think they've been dating off and on and now, and I'm hit with a wave of white-hot jealousy. Not that she's dating Karl; he's a nice guy and was a Godsend during training. I'm jealous that none of them seem lonely. Rylan is soon joined by his girlfriend, and Jason's shows up seconds later. Both girls are cheerful and delighted to be part of the group, but also unbothered by the looks from others.

It appears I'm not the only one who feels like they're on the outskirts of things.

And while I've never felt the burning desire to be paired up with anyone, especially knowing my future once held a marriage to a man I didn't even like, it stings to sit here by myself. Nursing a sugary drink that will leave my head hurting tomorrow, staring past Eric as he eventually strides away from the table, it dawns on me how truly and utterly alone I am here.

The only person who would even notice if I went missing is Four, and what an utterly depressing thought that is.

 

A few days later, I head to the bar listed on the invitation.

I'm a little wary of drinking anything again so soon. The last drink I had left my head throbbing, and my only respite was something Four gave me when I showed up feeling like death the next morning. He was smug as he handed it to me, and though he didn't ask, it was obvious he knew I'd been out.

My evening was a bust.

I sat and watched Eric and his friends, and though some looked in my direction, I didn't try and join them. I pretended to be enjoying the solitude, while simultaneously wishing I knew anyone else to hang out with. I could have gone and talked to Karl, but that felt desperate. So, I finished the drink, watched Eric stare boredly back as Lauren attempted to talk to him, paid my tab, and walked home as the bar grew even more crowded.

This bar isn't one I've been to before. The Snooty Fox is large and spacious, decorated in red neon signs, and packed despite the early hour. I don't know anyone sitting at the bar, but I do see a few of Karl's friends. They wave hello as I make my way through the tables, continuing until I reach the back, and there I find another group waiting.

Each person has an envelope in their hands. The table next to them is covered them, in rows of pink and red, with a small sign that says Take One. Each envelope has a name on it, labeled in pretty writing, and a small number in the corner. There's only one Everly, but others are duplicates: there are six Jasons, three Sarahs, five Franks, a dozen Jessicas, several Twains, and two Erics. My name is next to Rylan's, and his is next to Harrison's. The envelopes decorated with heart stickers, along with a small, stamped logo of a gold heart.

"Well, it's nice to see they aren't totally hideous. Rylan did a decent job after all."

I turn to see Rylan's girlfriend perusing the same table as me. When our eyes meet, she smiles and moves closer.

"Hi! I'm Christina. I've seen you around a few times." Christina extends her hand, and her eyes widen when I shake it. "I know you're Everly. Rylan has mentioned you before."

"I hope it was good." I let go, having no clue why Rylan would ever talk about me. "I am Everly. I, uh, work with Four."

"I'm sure you're loving it." Her tone is dry, and she laughs when I wrinkle my nose. "Everyone knows he's the most boring member we have."

"You aren't wrong. Last week, I asked what he was doing after the class, and he said he was going home to organize his shirts. I don't think he was making it up, either." I reach out to touch the cards, and next to me, Christina snickers. "He dates a friend of yours, right?"

"He did. They're currently on a break, and I'm encouraging her to make it permanent. Who knows if she'll listen." Christina whispers like she's sharing a secret with me, and I find myself hoping we'll be friends. She's the same height as me, her hair is just as dark, and her kindness is encouraging. "Do you know what these are for?"

"I don't. I got the invitation but no clue what we're doing." My confession comes as Rylan joins us. His expression is nothing but absolute joy as my fingers skim over an envelope. "Is it…a party?"

"Sort of."

Rylan stares me down like he's investigating something. I half wonder if he knows Eric asked me to meet with Johanna, but of course he does. They work together, so it's unlikely he doesn't know what Eric is doing. But his stare is wild; he keeps looking at the top of my head and squinting his eyes, like he's trying to guess something. He tilts his head, then looks at Christina, then me, then back to Christina.

"You might end up at a party. You never know." Rylan's mysterious tone evokes an eyeroll from Christina. "Hey!"

"It's not that deep. There really isn't a party like you're thinking." Christina elbows him. "Don't lie to her."

"Fineeeee." Rylan grins even wider, then gestures dramatically at the table. "Before I tell you, just know it's a very big honor to be invited to this exclusive club. So exclusive that you'll be killed if you tell anyone. In fact, it's –"

"It's not that exclusive," Christina interrupts with a shake of her head. "You know what? I'll just tell you. We're having a Valentine's Day exchange. The faction doesn't really celebrate, but a group of us does. Basically, you pick a person you don't know and send them a valentine. On the fourteenth, everyone gets together to hang out. The Valentines don't have to mean anything. It's just for fun. The rules are no one can pick someone they're close with and no switching. It's a great way to meet new people. We invite people we think will participate, and so far, we've had great results."

"Oh." I'm surprised by her answer, because I assumed I was being invited to something nefarious. I skim the envelopes curiously, and it's hard to miss the way my chest tightens when I read certain names. "Do I just pick anyone or…."

"You should pick Eric. Not that Eric, but this Eric." Rylan points to a card that simply reads Eric C, and his expression is oddly bored. "It's not who you're thinking. This Eric works with Quinten. He's a fantastic chef. In fact, I prefer when he cooks over Quinten."

"You're sure it's not…Eric?" I stare at him warily, trying to imagine Eric opening anything from me. "Because I don't think he'd appreciate me sending him anything, let alone a Valentine."

"It's not not Eric. The yhave the same name," Rylan's tone turns mildly defensive. "This Eric's name is Eric Coulton. The other is Eric Coulter. One has black hair, one had blond hair. It's very easy to tell them apart."

"Right." I touch the envelope, and a sense of hope washes over me.

I don't know this other Eric, but it would be nice to make a new friend. I have zero expectation that anything romantic will happen, but maybe something will. My imaginary future blossoms in my mind and it's oddly pleasing: I'm no longer living alone, eating alone, and working with someone who doesn't want me around. I'm happy. Content. Warm at night, and busy in my free time. Maybe we could even go the market, and we'd definitely get to eat dinner together. Even if we are just friends, it will be nice to have someone other than Four asking me how my day was.

"Okay, so I just take the envelope? Then what?" I reach for the one marked Eric C. while Rylan watches me like a hawk. "What kind of gift do I give them?"

"There's a list inside. You pick one from there. That way, they're guaranteed to like it," Christina explains. "We did it differently a few years ago and found that this works best. It's usually easy stuff. A gift certificate to get pierced, or maybe a request that you do the piercing. Zip lining. A trip to the Night Market."

"What's the Night Market?" I try to ignore the request that someone would want a stranger to pierce them in favor of hoping this Eric wants something I can buy in the shops. "What if I can't find what they want?"

"You'll be able to. Promise." Rylan answers confidently. "And if you can't, come find me and I'll help you. I know Eric quite well."

"Is he nice?" I don't know Quinten at all, so I wouldn't know if someone was working with him. "Is he –"

"Yeah, super nice." Christina cuts Rylan off as she plucks a card from the table. "And the Night Market is just the regular Market but at night. It feels different because it's dark out. They sometimes have different vendors and merchandise, there's outdoor restaurants, even performances depending on the day. It's worth a trip."

"Sounds fun." I start to open the envelope, but I stop when Eric walks by.

For some reason, I'm frozen in place.

Maybe it's our conversation from earlier, his request for my help, and the demand to keep quiet about it. Maybe it's seeing him slightly out of his uniform, his uniform jacket traded for a different, less official one, and his hair less slick than normal. Or maybe it's the way he turns as he passes the table, and his gaze goes right to me.

It no longer holds the smug, arrogant authority from our conversation, but a hint of curiosity. He drops his stare to my hands, clutching the envelope with a death grip, and I feel nauseous when he looks relieved.

I didn't choose him, and there's not a chance in hell he's going to choose me.

 

"So, do you think you'll do it? Or do you want to put the envelope back?"

Christina's wide-eyed stare finds mine. It's been a little over an hour since I got here and picked an envelope. I still haven't opened it yet. I felt like I should wait until I got home, and I wanted to read it alone. Since I didn't know too many people here, I took refuge in one of the booths with Christina and listened to her explain how the party worked.

I have to admit, I was intrigued.

According to her, this Valentine's exchange is an easy, low-pressure way to meet people. She promised everyone has a great time, and even if I didn't, I'd still make friends and get out for an evening.

"You should do it. Our group has doubled in size since we started. Almost everyone asks to be included next time." Christina continues, watching Rylan wave his arms around to demonstrate something to Jason. "I really hope you join us."

"Yeah, I'm excited. I've never done anything like this," I admit. "I'm a little nervous, but you said he's nice."

"So nice. He regularly makes Rylan pancakes even though it's not breakfast." She grins again, waving as Jason's girlfriend skips through the bar. "That's Meghan. Have you guys met yet?"

"Not officially."

Meghan is much taller than us, with long bright green hair. I've seen her around a few times, always busy, and always very dedicated to whatever she was working on. Now, she watches Jason for a moment, then shrieks when she realizes Rylan is trying to convince him to go outside.

"Oooh, I'd introduce you, but maybe not tonight. Rylan mentioned going on some hunt with Harrison, and I bet he's trying to get Jason to go. But he and Meghan probably had plans." Christina watches intently as Meghan shakes her head, then crosses her arms and sulks when Jason looks guilty. "Yeah, he's going. There goes her night. They're always gone for hours and they always come back with something weird."

"Do you know Harrison well?" I eat a few chips, sinking back against the booth. "I've never met him here. He used to come to Amity all the time, but I rarely see him in Dauntless."

"He's usually out of the faction. I don't think he actually enjoys being here. There's a rumor that he goes to Amity a lot, but no proof. Eric brought it up once, and according to Rylan, Harrison laughed and told him to fuck off. So…yeah."

Her expression is entertained, and I find myself grinning along with her.

"Have you met Kyle yet?"

Christina's words drift into the air as the bar continues to crowd, especially our area. There are tons of members I don't know stopping by to pick up envelopes, while others look on jealously. I try very hard not to look at Eric, now holding a comically pink envelope in his hands. The girl he's talking to keeps twirling her hair around her finger, he looks like he'd rather be anywhere else. Their conversation ends when she reaches for his jacket. Her fingers skim the side before he knocks her hand away. His mouth presses into a fine line, and he stalks away with a glare in her direction.

Mortified, she glances around to see if anyone saw, and her red cheeks belie her forced, unbothered expression.

"Anyway, I'll tell you about Eric. I've met him three or four times now. He's really tall. Dark hair, lots of tattoos, really handsome. Last week, he was in Max's office and –"

Christina keeps talking about Eric, but it's hard to listen.

Across the bar, Eric stops by a table and rips open the envelope. He skims the paper with a look of disbelief, then jams it back inside. I watch intently, wondering who he picked. I didn't fill one out, and when I realize I didn't, my eyes widen.

"Christina –"

"Oh, and then he punched this guy in the Pit who said that Peter should be a Leader and…what?" She hesitates at the look on my face. "Are you okay? Is it the drinks? They're really strong here."

"No, I just realized my name was on one of the envelopes, but I didn't fill anything out!" I answer, feeling defeated. Across the bar, Eric looks at the ceiling as Peter approaches him, annoyed when he doesn't take a hint. "Won't my list be blank?"

"Relax, I filled it out for you. I figured you'd want to participate, so I just…did yours for you. I put what I thought you'd like. Since you're new here, I picked a dinner at one of the better restaurants, points to buy some new clothes since you seem to only have training clothes, and a trip to the Market where they buy you something. They always have cool stuff. Last time I was there, I found a bunch of bracelets from these girls in Amity. Actually, you might know them."

"Oh, good Thank you." Relieved that there's something in my envelope, I tear my stare away from Eric. I try to remind myself I shouldn't be watching him, and if he sees me, he'll assume I'm being a creep. "Thanks again. That was really nice."

"Anytime. And if you don't like what they get you, let me know. I'll make it right." She takes a large sip of her drink, then her stare swivels to me and she slides her phone across the table. "Here, let's swap numbers so I can text you."

"Sure."

I hand her my phone so she can put her number in it, and for once, I find myself pretty happy. This might not have been the meeting Four was thinking of, but it's even better. I've made a friend, I've been invited to hang out again, and I'll have made more friends by the time this is over. My social life will improve drastically by participating in this event, and with a little luck, I might become part of the group.

In my joy over bonding with someone who isn't fighting their way through the training, I completely miss the way the Lauren throws me a nasty glare, followed by the arrival of Harrison, bundled for the cold. He heads right toward her, and her glare changes to pure terror when he drags her away with a bark of irritation.

 

In the quiet of my apartment, I read the paper three times.

I pull my feet beneath me, seated atop my bed and surrounded by a pile of pillows and blankets, and read it a fourth time. The words blur before my eyes, until I think I've made a mistake.

I picked the wrong Eric.

From a gift standpoint, Eric Coulter would have been an easier choice. There is nothing tangible on this Eric's list, and nothing that I even know how to book. Eric's first request is a trip to a very specific restaurant in Erudite, with a very specific waiter, on a very specific date. The second is drinks at Clyde's, and depending on how well that goes, a walk through the woods in the dark. The third item is the hardest, and oddly worded: a night away from the faction, without any talk of what goes on in Dauntless. There's a notation at the bottom to avoid any and all discussion about the Dauntless faction, or his personal life, especially his work.

That one makes me blink.

"What exactly goes on in the kitchens?" I wonder aloud.

The list reads like whoever wrote it is extremely stressed out, since their only wish is to not talk about their job. I turn the paper over in my hands, examining the handwriting with a critical stare. It's very even. Neat, controlled lines, almost too professional. In Amity, the kitchen staff were always in a hurry, and everything was written hastily. No one's writing was ever this pristine, especially not those who cooked the food.

"How on Earth do I find any of these?"

I flip the paper over again, and this time, the requests mock me. Drinks at Clyde's would be the easiest, and I can walk down there and request a table. But I don't know when Eric would want to go, or what time works best. Walking through the woods in the dark gives me the chills, especially the area surrounding Dauntless. I know the woods by Amity well, but I still wouldn't walk to walk them at night. As for Erudite, I don't even know where the faction is, or how I'd get there.

Figuring I have some time, I put the list on the nightstand and decide to go to bed. Tomorrow, I'll investigate a little further. I can ask Christina about Clyde's, and maybe even Erudite. It also might be worth it to stop the Mess Hall and check out the kitchens. Not in an obvious way, but just enough to get a glimpse of Eric. Seeing him in person might give me an idea of who he is and make choosing a gift for him a little easier.

And the worst-case scenario is I ask Christina for help.

Satisfied with my plans, I climb under the covers and close my eyes. I drift off dreaming of a bright future, full of warmth, happiness, and the faintest, most imaginary image of this Eric.

Chapter 2: Eric and Eric

Notes:

So happy everyone enjoyed the first chapter! Thank you for all the sweet messages!!!!
And thank you so much to Erin for editing!

The Mess Hall is pure chaos.

The area is loud with soldiers lining up to eat, as well as the initiation class pushing and shoving their way through the crowd. The atmosphere buzzes with excitement, and not just because Quinten recently brought out more mashed potatoes. The initiates are impressed by the soldiers, and even though the soldiers are paying little attention to them, they know it’s important to make a good impression.

I stand to the side, ignoring the pointed stare from Four as the class whirls around him. He’s still mad that he hasn’t received an invitation, but I can't imagine him wanting to participate. He’s been short with me all day, acting like he’s never met me before, until I finally shot him a dirty look and went to help some of the initiates. When he finally chilled out, he acted like nothing happened, and announced it was time for lunch. He walked with me, talking a mile a minute about our afternoon plans, and my head spun with how many things he was trying to cram in.

Now, he’s being pulled in every direction as he tries to keep tabs on where everyone is. I should help him, but when I’m certain he’s distracted by someone asking if he knows where they can get a fork, I step into an area I have never been to before.

Bold in the newfound bravery brought on by the dream of finding a version of Eric not out for blood, I take a short hallway into a hot, sweaty room filled with noise. It’s even louder in here, and each clank echoes. Everything in the kitchen is white or stainless steel, and covered in warnings, reprimands, and a bold reminder to wash the knives carefully. I’m hit with the smell of food cooking, paired with the buzzy energy of people trying to keep up with the demand of the lunch rush.

Members shout back and forth as they cook burger after burger, cheerfully trading insults over the sizzle of the grills. I stay to the side as someone rushes past carrying boxes from Amity; they have the Amity symbol on one side, but have Dauntless written on the other. The guy carrying the boxes stops next to the prep tables, slamming one down next to a wall of carrots.

“This is it. I don’t know if they shorted us or what, but I can’t find anymore.” He wipes his brow, and his uniform is not black, but white. Covered in all sorts of splatters and stains, and made of a thick looking material. “Quinten, do you want me to reach out to them or….”

He stops as he turns to glance around.

When his stare lands on me, I see his name embroidered on the jacket in black.

This Eric blinks at me, and his expression turns confused.

“Are you lost?”

His voice is on par with the other Eric’s. It’s low with authority and just as rich. He strides toward me before I can answer, and for a moment, my life flashes before my eyes.

In my head, this would have gone completely different. I can’t tell him I picked his name for the Valentine’s party, and this meeting should have felt natural. He should be finding me charming, or maybe slightly amusing for wandering in here. Instead, he narrows his eyes, picks up a sharp knife, and heads straight toward me.

“Sorry! I’m –”

“What are you doing in here, Amity?”

Worlds collide when I step backward into someone. It’s like crashing into a brick wall, except less friendly. I know it’s Eric when a hand flies to my arm and the exhale is heavy with annoyance.

“Aren’t you supposed to be with your class?” Disdain drips from Eric’s tone. When I look up at him, he’s less impressed than ever. “Where is Four? Did he send you to get him some snacks?”

“No, I was looking for…”

I can’t think of an excuse fast enough. There’s no way I’m admitting to Eric that I came looking for the other Eric, and no way that I’m telling the other Eric that I just wanted to see who he is.

“Wait, are you looking for a vegetarian meal? You’re from Amity, right?” Fate saves the day when the other Eric looks at me, and his brow wrinkles in concern. “Do you not eat meat? I know there’s not much out there today that isn’t hamburgers. I can make you something. You’re Four’s friend?”

“Um…yes.” I lie, knowing Four would watch me fall off a bridge before calling me his friend. I can’t even think of a single friend he has here. “I work with him. In…the training room.”

“Got it.” His stare softens, then darkens when he looks at Eric’s hand on my arm. “You can let go of her. I’ll make her something else to eat.”

“She’s fine.” Eric barks at him, pulling me backwards. My head hits the middle of his chest, but he still doesn’t move. “She can eat whatever is out there. She’s actually late for a meeting.”

“I am?” Confusion washes over me, but so does panic. I don’t remember any meeting with Eric, and I certainly don’t remember seeing him in the Mess Hall. The other Eric looks worried, but I wiggle free from Eric’s grasp and smile at him. “Sorry. Thank you for the offer. I’m fine to eat what you’ve made. And uh, if you are missing something, my dad is Hank. I could reach out to him if you didn’t get all your deliveries.”

For a second, the other Eric stares like he’s solving a mystery. Then his face lights up. He nods, and in the background, Quinten yells for someone to hurry up with the cheese.

“Actually, that would be wonderful. The inventory forms are outdated. It would be greatly appreciated if you ask him for extra produce. It’s going faster than we can order it.” He pauses, looking over my head at Eric, and there’s an odd standoff between the two of them. “Eric did you need something?”

“Yeah, food that doesn’t taste like garbage. Perhaps instead of counting carrots, you could get back to work.” The snarl in Eric’s voice is hard to miss. “Oh, and you’re out of dino nuggets. Rylan wanted me to tell you.”

“Fine…I’ll…put some more out.” The other Eric nods, but his voice is full of defeat. “Anything else…Sir?”

I glance behind me to see Eric smirking at him. I’m still against him, so much so, that my hair is touching his jacket, and his posture is as authoritative as ever. He glances down at me out of the corner of his eyes, then cups my elbow and digs his fingers in.

“That’ll be all.” Eric pauses, and I feel him inhale slowly. “Everly and I are leaving now.”

“Great.”

The answer isn’t mine, because I can’t figure out what is happening. My plan to investigate the kitchen ends when Eric all but pushes me into the hallway. He’s too tall for me to see around, and too intense for me to figure out what he’s doing. I make it a whole three steps before he stops, and his eyes narrow in curiosity.

“Do you know him?”

“Who?” I tilt my head up. Behind him, the kitchen bustles as an order for more hamburgers is called out. The other Eric slips away to fulfill Rylan’s request for prehistoric nuggets, but I catch him glancing in our direction with a frown. “Eric?”

“Yeah, Eric.” His tone sharpens as he leans in toward me. “He’s from Amity.”

“He is?” Surprise washes over me, but also disappointment. “I didn’t know that. I don’t…actually know him.”

The dread at hearing this news makes my stomach drop. There’s nothing wrong with being from Amity; it would be ridiculous for me to judge anyone who chose to leave, but he probably knows my family. He looks to be about my brother’s age, and even worse, probably had the same morals drilled into his head that all the men in Amity did. I make the wild assumption that he’s single because no woman in Dauntless measures up to what he’s looking for, and Eric’s ever present smirk confirms it.

“It’s nice to see so many brave souls leaving the faction. I think he mentioned working in the greenhouses when he showed up. He kept talking about how happy his friend was for him. I think you know the guy. Forrest…or tree or something.” Eric murmurs, and when my eyes widen, he smiles. “Listen, the plans have changed. You and I leave for Amity tomorrow morning.”

“I have class,” I answer, struggling to hide my disbelief that the one person I had high hopes for likely knows my brother and that means he probably remembers me as a child “Four –”

“I’ll find someone to take your place. If not, Four can handle it on his own. At least, that was what he claimed when he was told you’d be working with him.” Eric stands up straight. “You’ll be gone most of the day. Expect a lengthy conversation with Johanna and an even lengthier refusal from her.”

“Okay.” I say before I can figure out what Eric is after. He doesn’t seem to like the other Eric, and I wonder if it’s because they share a name. “Do I need to bring anything?”

“Just yourself. We’re leaving at seven am, sharp.”

Eric cocks his head, and his eyes lock on mine. Up close, he is just as handsome as when I saw him in Johanna’s office. His skin holds the faintest remainder of the summer’s tan, and his cheeks are smooth. When the corners of his mouth turn up, his smile is mocking, but appealing. He knows he’s good looking, but his attractiveness is nothing compared to way I want him to approve of me.

That’s the real punch to the gut.

Not that the other Eric is from Amity, but that I hope Eric Coulter enjoys having me help him.

Fuck.

“Don’t be late…Everly .”

My heart skips an unfortunate beat. Every single warning Four has ever given me rushes through my head, like it’s tattooed itself onto my brain.

He’s dangerous. Manipulative. He’s out for blood, but he’ll settle for your guts. He’ll let you do the dirty work for him, then laugh in your face when you’re held responsible. He will destroy you purely because he can. Especially you. He hates the Amity faction and anyone from it.

All of these were spoken on my first day of working with Four. The warnings were important at the time, because I only knew of Eric by his reputation. Our interactions led me to believe they were true, and even now, while the kitchens churn out meal after meal, and the sounds of cheerful discussion meet them in this hallway, I know I should be worried.

But when Eric nods, shoving himself past me with a sense of self-importance, I’m even more worried.

I have the sinking feeling my return to Amity will be my downfall.

 

In the training room, Four is lit up by sunlight pouring in from the windows.

It gives him a ghostly appearance when he frowns, but it’s not out of irritation at being assigned another trainer to help him. It’s out of worry. Since returning from lunch, he’d been extra quiet, instructing everyone to fight so we could score them. His tone lanced itself into a disconnected state; he didn’t really look at anyone, nor did he speak directly to me.

Until now.

I stand to the side of the mats, watching boys and girls scramble to beat each other. The act of fighting is brutal, but what’s even more brutal is knowing they will be unprepared for a real fight. It’s impossible for them to learn enough in the scant amount of time they are given, and even more impossible to predict how they’ll react as a soldier. They are safe in here, but against those who actively seek out their death, they won’t be ready.

At least, that’s what Rylan told me.

I’ve only walked one patrol, and it was the most boring thing I’ve ever done.

“What did Eric want?”

I nearly jump out of my skin when Four’s voice breaks my concentration. He catches me off guard, having walked over while I was watching two boys try to summon the courage to really attack one another. He towers over me with a tight-lipped frown, and when I don’t answer right away, he crosses his arms over his chest.

“Is he recruiting you for something? Did he ask you about the training?” Four demands. “Because if he’s looking for answers –”

“He didn’t want anything. I went to see someone in the kitchen, and he happened to come in after me. I guess Rylan wasn’t happy with the lunch served and sent Eric to get him something different.” I half lie, keeping my eyes on the fighting so I can still score them.

One point for the punch to the arm.

Two points for a punch to the stomach.

Three points for the blow to the side of the head.

And four points for continuing to fight as Rylan walks along the mats throwing out advice as he sees fit.

“Nice work. That was okay, but you might want to punch your opponent harder and maybe actually hit him. We train soldiers, not the lollipop guild. Hey, you with the hair. Pull it back or someone will pull it out. And um, you, ma’am. You need to leave. You’re getting too strong.”

“Me?” A girl the size of a mouse squeaks when he winks at her, then goes back to looking confused as she tries to find the proper stance.

“It’s always the innocent ones who have the taste for danger. Just like you, Four. How’s it going?” Rylan flashes him a blinding grin, but his stare goes right to me. “Everly, how’s your day? Did you enjoy the lettuce from the Mess Hall?”

“I have to admit it was pretty good.” I grin back, especially when Four grimaces beside me. “How are you?”

“Great. I on my way out, but I thought I’d stop by and see if I could be of any service.” He smiles even wider, rocking back on his heels. “Oh, and I wanted to ask you if you’d thought about the invitation."

"We’re in the middle of class. Is there something you need?” Four answers before I have a chance. “Everly and I have work to do. I’m sure you have work to do, as well.”

“Oh, so sorry to interrupt, M’Lord.” Rylan rolls his eyes. “However will you get back to watching your class from afar?”

“Rylan –”

Four’s tone lacks any and all patience. When I look at Rylan, I struggle not to laugh. He’s just as tall as Eric, just as fit, but less put together. His hair is in a bun atop his head, his uniform jacket is opened to reveal a pink shirt beneath it, and the blue stripe on his arm has been colored over to appear green. He’s not as intimidating as Eric, but the gun on his leg is. I know there’s another on his belt, and presumably, a knife or two. Despite all this, his focus is on his Valentine’s Day party, and not the faction.

“I accepted. I’m a little confused about which option to pick, but I was thinking of asking Christina.” I confess. “She said I could text her any time.”

“You can. I’d love for you to be friends. It would really come in handy.” Looking absolutely delighted, Rylan reaches for his phone, and I catch a photo of him and Christina, beaming at one another from somewhere very high. “I can help with the options, too. I know a lot about him.”

“Thanks, Rylan. Did you pick an envelope?”

“I did. I got Jeremy. I think I’m going to gift him a duck. Harrison said he’d bring me one back from Amity if I covered his shift next week.” Rylan shrugs, oblivious to Four’s growing exasperation. “He has a bathtub. It can live in there, right? Maybe you can tell me. Is that enough space?”

“Sorry to interrupt this very important discussion over whether or not you should gift someone a duck, but we don’t have time for this. You can see yourself out,” Four snaps. “Now.”

“I’m wounded, Four. But let’s not forget who outranks who,” Rylan, still unfazed, smiles boldly. “Lose the attitude or I’ll come by every day, and learn all your initiates names, and make them my friends. Then we’ll see whose making demands around here.”

“Is that a threat?” Four stares. “Are you serious right now?”

“Yeah, I am. Think of what I could do with my own army of initiates.” Done with the conversation, Rylan hands me his phone and instructs me to put my number in it. “I’ll text you later. And if you need anything, you can call me. I never sleep.”

“Thanks Rylan.” I quickly add my number to his phone, then my name. “And just out of curiosity, what would you do with an army of initiates?”

“Take over the faction. Maybe every faction. Have them track Four’s every move.” Rylan laughs, but his smile falters when the doors open and Jason walks through. “Oh shit. He does not look happy.”

“He really doesn’t.”

I watch as Jason heads towards us with a grim look on his face. His uniform is on properly, and his expression doesn’t ease up as the class murmurs as he walks past. He commands a similar presence to Eric, like each Leader has been taught how to appear imposing. He glances at the class a few times, occasionally smiling, but when he reaches Rylan, the smile is gone.

“Hey, breach in sector three. Max said everyone is required to check it out. Eric is already on his way.” He stops in front of us, greeting Four with a nod. “When you’re done here, they want you in the Control Room. They need eyes on both Abnegation and Amity. They said you’ll know which areas of Abnegation are the weakest.”

“Are you sure it can wait?” Four crosses his arms. “Class isn’t done for a few hours.”

“Actually, Everly, can you oversee the class? Just keep them fighting. If you finish early or they start to lose steam, have them tour the armory or take them on a run. That’ll eat up some time,” Jason suggests, looking at me, then back at Four. “You can walk with us. Max should be there now.”

“Fine with me.” I agree. “I’m good with that.”

“Good with you?” Jason looks at Four, and though we all know this request for his approval is a courtesy, it’s important he says yes. “If not, I can call someone else in –”

“I don’t see why not. I have no doubt she’ll be fine.” There’s no mockery in Four’s tone, but there is a hidden warning. “If she has any trouble, she can text Rylan.”

“Sorry, Four. I know you’re hurt that we aren’t friends, but I’ll never give you my phone number. Not even on my deathbed.” Rylan steps back, pulling his arms behind his back and shaking his head. “Everly, good luck. May you instill the fear and bravery Dauntless requires into these poor souls.”

“Got it. Good luck in the Control Room.” I smile at Four, hoping to ease the tension. I know he doesn’t love having someone working with him, but I’m not quitting because he’s mad. Perhaps an afternoon away will show him what I’m capable of. “I’ll see you later.”

“Thanks.” Four’s answer is muttered. He throws one more look at the class, then at me. “If they give you a hard time, take them to the gym. There are a few trainers in there who have a list for them to get through. I have no doubt they’ll listen to you.”

“Will do.”

His offer is surprising. I hope there’s some understanding on his part, or maybe he’s come to terms with my place in Dauntless. It likely won’t be beside him for any permanent point in time, but for now, it’s important to present a unified front.

With a sigh, Four leaves with Rylan and Jason, walking in the middle. He doesn’t look back, not even when an initiate screams that they think they’ve broken their arm, or when another yelps that his friend is bleeding. He walks through the doors with his shoulders pulled high, then he vanishes into the darkness of the hallway.

“Hey! Hey! Everly! I think I broke something! Help!”

Hearing my name jars me back down to reality.

I turn to face the class, and for the first time since choosing Dauntless, I am fully on my own.

 

“Well? Did they listen to her?”

From beneath the spray of the shower, a voice echoes in the locker room. This one is for the high-ranking soldiers and trainers. It has several sets of showers, restrooms, enough storage space for the entire initiation class, and benches lining the middle. It’s private, and best of all, rarely used. During my initiation, I would have killed to shower without anyone around. Four showed it to me after our first day and told me I could use it whenever.

I learned that while he never used the locker room, some people did. Lauren occasionally washed her hair after her class was out, and sometimes, the Lead Patrolmen would rinse off if it was hot outside.

Today, it’s absolutely deserted.

The relief was tangible. After spending the remainder of the day with the class, I was exhausted. It felt fantastic to lead them, even if it wasn’t something I saw myself doing long term. They all listened, and aside from a few needing to visit the infirmary, it was uneventful. We took a quick run to finish off the day, and it was for selfish reasons. I thought we might see the Leaders outside, but we only saw a patrol group returning, and Peter leaving through the gates with a determined look on his face.

Sweaty and tired, I decided to take a shower before stopping to grab dinner. I made sure everyone was gone, grabbed my things, and headed into the locker rooms. I figured I’d be done before anyone else might come by, but I wasn’t quite fast enough.

“Or did she fuck up?”

“Who?” Eric’s voice bounces off the tiles and smacks me in the head. “What are you talking about?”

“Everly ,” Lauren emphasizes my name. “They sent Four upstairs to the Control Room. She was left with the class. I can only assume they ate her alive.”

“Mmmm.” Eric couldn’t be any less interested. His dismissive tone is sharp as he slams a locker shut. “I didn’t hear anything, which means it went fine.”

“Are you really fine with them leaving her in charge? She’s brand new here.” Lauren continues. “She’s who you picture overseeing the class?”

“I don’t picture her doing anything. It was Max’s decision to put her in the position. If you have an issue with it, take it up with him.” Eric answers. “I’m sure she did what she was told to do. If Four didn’t trust her, they would have sent the class to join yours.”

“They should have. The responsibility is on you. If they end up untrained…” Lauren pauses to emphasize her point. “Max will come for you.”

I rinse my hair as he exhales sharply. I can feel his agitation in the air, especially when Lauren pushes on, insisting Max will blame Eric.

“Do you want to be responsible for her, Eric? Really?”

“Let me remind you, I don’t train the initiates. It’s on Four if they fail. Not me, and not Everly.”

“Why are you defending her? Because you need her?” Lauren continues. More lockers slam, and next to me, the shower curtain is shoved aside. The water turns on, and a towel is thrown over the stall. They’re tall enough to be private, and though I can’t see who it is, my heart races when I guess it’s Eric. “What does she even know about Amity that you can’t figure out? Why are you so fixated on her?”

“I should ask the same of you. Now get the fuck out. Unless you have evidence that she messed up today, I don’t need to hear about Everly doing her job for two hours.” Eric hisses. “You better be gone when I’m done.”

“Fine.”

I run conditioner through my hair as the door slams shut. For a half second, I debate thanking Eric for not caring how my day went. There’s a reason Lauren is asking about me. She hasn’t been welcoming in any way, and she’s been bothered by me since the day we met. I’ve never even had a real conversation with her, but maybe I should.

Or not.

I know everyone won’t like me here, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

“I know you heard her. I don’t care if the initiates staged a rebellion so long as you scored them, turned the paperwork in, and didn’t involve anyone else.” Eric announces. I nearly kick the bottle of conditioner in shock, but he keeps going. “I saw your clothes. Unless Four has started wearing leggings, you’re the only other one who would be down here.”

It takes me a second to answer him.

“It went fine. They finished everything they need to do, and no one tried anything dumb. Did you guys figure out what the security breach was?” My question is quiet, lost in the spray of the water. “Rylan said something happened.”

“We did. It was handled quickly, but it took all of us. Not my ideal way to spend the afternoon, but it’s over.”

To my surprise, he answers my question.

I stay silent as he washes his hair, and when I rinse mine, my cheeks burn. Never in a million years did I picture this scenario, with Eric and I showering with nothing but a flimsy partition separating us. My heart beats wildly with each sound from his stall; he grunts in annoyance when the shampoo bottle groans in protest, and he adjusts the water several times. I listen to him swear when the water pressure lessens, I know he’s almost done when he tosses the shampoo aside.

“Good. Um, are you…did Rylan invite you to his…party thing?” I fumble over my words as I turn off my own shower. I wring my hair out, and the pipes creak as the water stops. “I know you two are friends.”

I’m met with silence.

My attempt at making some small progress with him is laughable. I don’t need to be his friend, but it would be nice to have him not hate the mere mention of my name.

After what feels like two years, Eric grabs the towel and lets out a huff of laughter. “He did. I’ve been invited every year. It’s always the same thing; people show up, get drunk, and Rylan fancies himself as the cupid of Dauntless.”

“That sounds...”

“Boring? It is.” Eric interrupts with a scoff. He opens a locker then slams it shut. “You better prepare yourself now. He’s going to try and pair you up with whomever he decides is your soulmate. If you’re thinking this sounds lucky, you’re wrong. It never works.”

“Who did he pair you up with?” Curiosity and bravery win out over staying alive. I know Eric likely won’t answer, but I’m dying to know who Rylan thought he should date. “Did you meet them?”

“No.” He scoffs, laughing as I reach for my towel. I dry myself off before realizing I’ll have to walk out there to get my clothes. “I don’t have time to for his romance schemes.”

“Right.”

I wrap the towel around myself and figure I have absolutely nothing to lose by grabbing my clothes. Eric doesn’t care that I’m in here, or that I’ve been invited to the party. His only real concern is getting into Amity.

Convinced I’ll be fine, I step out of the shower and almost run right into him.

“Sorry!”

“Did he tell you who you should pick?” Eric stands before me, dressed far more casually than I’ve ever seen him. His t-shirt is as black as the night, and his shorts are black, too. His hair is damp and dark, and when he looks down at me, it’s easy to see that it’s not completely straight. “Or did you pick one on your own?”

“He had a few suggestions.” I struggle not to break his stare. It’s nerve-wracking, especially when he cocks his head to the side. “I didn’t know most of the names.”

“I’m sure.”

Eric and I stare at one another. The air around is thick with warmth leftover from the shower. When I think he’s about to turn and leave, Eric’s gaze drops. It moves from my eyes to my lips, my neck, then down to my collarbones. It sweeps over my hair, wet and dripping down my shoulders, then to my arms. His perusal is lazy, but personal; he’s looking to see if I’m fit enough to bully Johanna into getting what he wants, and it’s obvious I’m not. I unconsciously pull the towel tighter, and the spell is broken when footsteps echo in the hallway.

“Don’t forget. Tomorrow morning, seven am, sharp. Plan on being gone most of the day.” Eric steps back, but not without a nod in my direction. “You’ll need a uniform jacket. If you don’t have one, I’ll have it sent your way.”

“Thanks. I don’t…have the jacket.”

To my horror, my answer is squeaked out like I can’t speak. I sound like I’m afraid of him, and I know I should be.

“Fine. Expect it by tonight.” He stares once more, his gaze impossible to read, and then he’s gone as Lauren returns with a smug look on her face.

She waits until I reach the lockers, then slithers closer, trying to appear like she’s here for a reason. When I reach the one where I store my clothes in, her eyes light up.

“Sorry, I didn’t know you were in here. How was your class, Everly? Did they give you any trouble?” Her voice is syrupy sweet as I stare at the empty space. I didn’t keep anything impressive in here, but there should be underwear, a t-shirt, and extra leggings. My fingers touch the edge of the locker, and I know she’s taken my stuff. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, fine. The class was great. How was yours, Lauren?” I keep my stare unbothered even though I’m panicking. I glance at the bench I’d left my work out clothes on, and I’m unsurprised to find they’re gone, too. “Hey, do you follow the same curriculum as Four? I’ve always wondered.”

“No. Dauntless born have a different curriculum. They don’t usually have the same issues you transfers do.” She steps closer, and her eyes are glued to my locker. “Don’t let me keep you. I bet you want to get home.”

“I do. It was a long day.” With a polite smile, I shut the locker door and open the one next to it. I pull out a large, black shirt, a pair of black boxers, then close it quietly as I can. “You know, thanks for asking. It’s really nice to have your support here. It has to be tough to be the only female trainer.”

“Yeah.”

Her answer is as flat as her stare. It drops to Eric’s shirt in my hands, softer and darker than I’d ever imagined.

“Is that…yours?”

“It is. I went to the wrong one.” I answer casually, though I’m feeling far from casual. “They all the same. Maybe I should put my name on it.”

Lauren says nothing.

Her lips part like she wants to say something, but nothing comes out. I step away, taking Eric’s clothes with me, and I am so dizzy I might pass out. While there is a chance she’ll run and tell Eric I took his things, she also might not. She wants to get under my skin, and her little plan of getting me to walk through the faction in a towel must have seemed foolproof. I can see her mentally weighing her options; the threat of getting me in trouble with him is appealing, but so is letting me take his things while knowing he won’t like it.

I imagine I’ll be reprimanded and forced to make it up to him somehow.

“Will I see you later this week?” I make polite conversation while I can. Turning slightly, I set Eric’s shirt down on the bench, then step into his boxers. They don’t fit by any stretch of the imagination, but I can make it work long enough to get home. “Or not until the Fear Landscapes?”

“Why are you asking?” Lauren’s voice is sharp when I turn to face the showers.

I throw Eric’s shirt on, and I’m immediately hit with the smell of him. I ignore that it’s much more pleasant than it should be; the shirt is clean and warm, with the faintest hint of his shampoo. I wring my hair out while she stands with a nasty look on her face, and when I scrunch it with a towel, her expression is so sour that I would assume she ate something gross.

“When he’s done with you, he’ll figure out who you really are.” She hisses. “Just some dumb, uneducated moron from Amity who has no business being here. I bet he leaves you there.”

“Cool. Yeah, you know. I bet he will, too.” I refrain from rolling my eyes. While she continues to seethe over God knows what, I rake my fingers through my hair, twist it up, and force a bright smile. “Well, I’m heading home. Enjoy your night.”

“Fuck off.”

Lauren eloquently says goodbye. I slip my shoes on, grab my towel, and head out of the locker room before she can get another insult in. I tell myself I don’t really care about her little fit; she doesn’t bother me the way she’s hoping, and if anything, it’s motivation to do a good job with the class. The only thing she has on me is that I’ve taken someone else’s clothes, but she has no way of proving they’re Eric’s. They could be anyone’s, even Four’s.

When the door shuts behind me, I speed up. I wind down a twisting hallway, passing the training room, the restrooms, and water fountains. I know there’s a back way to get to the stairs, and it’ll keep me out of sight from the faction.

My job with Four has given me plenty of time to explore. I tried to memorize the layout, knowing it would come in handy someday. I learned the general route as best I could, and each time Four walked us somewhere I didn’t know, I made a point to come back.

Today, I walk the same path he did when he spent the whole time ranting about Eric leaving Dauntless to hunt someone down in Abnegation. I pass a row of quiet looking shops, including a piercing parlor and a tattoo shop, and when I turn the corner, I pretend I don’t see Eric talking to Harrison.

I doubt Eric spends all his time hiding in the shadows, but he is partially hidden by one now. Harrison is waving his hands around, half scolding Eric about something, while Eric blinks at him. Hoping not to draw their attention, I cut through the tables out front of a bar, but I’m not fast enough. They both turn, and Eric’s stare goes right to me. It locks on my shirt, and when his eyes narrow, I have a feeling he knows it’s his.

Harrison’s stare is less knowing and more stunned.

He looks at me, green eyes fixated with horror as I nearly take out someone carrying six beers to go. For a half second, Harrison is familiar. A warm hug as he announced he had to leave, his flannel shirt soft against my cheek as I hugged him goodbye, and a promise to return. He’s even more familiar when he didn’t come back, and a very young version of myself wished he would. This never happened, so when I’m hit with the sense of déjà vu, it throws me off. I try to cut across the bar seating, only to find someone standing in front of me.

“Whoa, hey! Sorry, didn’t see you there. Do you want a drink?” The guy greets me by handing me one of the cups. It’s filled with a dark liquid, and smells like gasoline. “I got them to go because I’m meeting some people. You can join us if you want.”

“Oh no. Thank you.” I have no clue who he is, but he’s persistent. “I’m good, thanks.”

“It’s cool. You’re…Allison, right? Chad’s girlfriend?” My drunk friend grins even harder when I shake my head no. “Darn it. You look like her. It’s cool. You can still come. There’s plenty of us hanging out later.”

“It’s not me, but maybe next time.” I decline his offer as nicely as I can, then make the mistake of looking back at Harrison and Eric. “Uh, have a good time.”

“Thanks!”

Harrison and Eric are still watching me, but I have a feeling I know why. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Harrison say the word Amity as plain as day. He jabs Eric in the arm, and Eric’s lips press together so tightly they almost disappear.

 

The messages come rapid fire, one after the other.

The first is from Christina. I read her messages in her voice, and her texts shriek at me as she asks if I’ve decided which option to pick for Eric. Her other messages are just as excited, maybe even more so. She thinks I should pick the restaurant in Erudite, and when I confess I don’t even know how to get to Erudite, she says to give her ten minutes and she’ll find out.

Rylan’s messages are next.

He types faster than Christina, and I can barely finish one message before the next shows up. He lists a million things I could and should do, and several I shouldn’t. When I respond that I might pick the Erudite choice, his texting stops.

I sit on my bed, worried when it takes him a solid three minutes to answer.

“Not that one. He’ll go, but you’ll hate it. It’s snobby and the food is gross. They serve things like octopus, crackers, and horse legs. Not to mention, odds are, he’ll see his parents, your dinner will be interrupted, and there’s a high chance he’ll get pissed and leave you there. Pick something here. I beg of you.”

My phone dings again, and his next message is written in all capital letters.

“AS YOUR NEW AND BEST FRIEND, PICK SOMETHING HERE. I ORDER YOU AND I OUTRANK YOU. THANK YOU AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT. RYLAN, THE SOLE AND MOST IMPORTANT LEADER OF DAUNTLESS WHOSE ORDERS CANNOT BE DEFIED.”

I stare at the message, wondering why someone from Amity would want to have dinner in Erudite. I also wonder why his parents would be there, but maybe they work there. Maybe they have some arrangement with Erudite where they drop by, or maybe their parents live there. My mind whirls as I try to figure out how this other Eric could have any connections to Erudite when he’s from Amity, but I can’t think of a single one.

All I can think of is the Eric who showered beside me.

The one whose shirt I’m still wearing, despite my intention to wash it and return it.

I think of his acidic stare, one so intense that I should probably wash his shirt and boxers and return them tonight to be safe before he finds out I took them, and find myself wondering what Erudite is like. Four had mentioned Eric was from there, but it wasn’t a compliment. He told me Eric is too smart for his own good, but blinded by a lust for power. With an equally intense stare, he warned me that Eric had no great intentions for anyone, and it didn’t matter how brilliant he was.

What Eric wanted Eric got, and that meant tomorrow, I’d be spending the day with someone who held my future in their hands.

Chapter 3: The Real Eric

Notes:

Thank you so so much for all the sweet messages! I'm so happy to share this story and I hope everyone is still enjoying it! ♥️

"We're leaving. Now."

Eric is taller than I remember him.

I glance up to see him glancing down, and I'm struck by the harshness of him. His hair is parted so severely it must have taken forever to make it so perfect. His cheekbones are razor sharp, and his jawline matches. When he furrows his brow, the piercing above his eyebrow gleams in the light, and his eyes darken. He hasn't shaved this morning, and though his hair is combed, it's longer than usual.

I stare up at him in both awe and fear, especially when he shoves a jacket into my hands and barks at me to put it on.

"Christian couldn't make a new one in time. This one will have to do."

It's not his, or maybe it is. Maybe he was smaller when he first came here. The jacket is a mirror replica of his own, but one meant for someone half his size. Not my size by any stretch of the imagination, but smaller than the one he has on. Once I have it in my hands, he strides away to speak to another soldier, and when I turn the jacket over, my stomach tightens.

On the arm is a blue stripe.

I ignore the nerves and put it on while he demands the soldier move another truck so he can take his preferred one. The docking bay is swarming with people, most hanging around while a crew works to fix several of the trucks. I zip the jacket when Eric returns, and his stare is critical as ever.

"Does it fit?" He raises an eyebrow at me. There's no concern in his voice, only authority. "Because we need to leave. If it doesn't –"

"It's fine." I interrupt him carefully. I'm used to being compliant: my father almost demanded my sisters and I never disagree, and it was easier to go along with what others wanted. Eric is no exception. There's no point in saying it's too big, and even less in asking not to wear it. "So…I was just thinking, you never told me what to tell Johanna."

"I'll explain in the truck." He nods in the general direction of the rows of trucks, leaving me to guess which one we're taking. "You can sit up front."

"Okay."

I follow his lead, marching past the waiting soldiers. A few look on curiously. Some look furious that I'm going with Eric, while others look concerned. The jealousy is evident on the one who opens the door for me, and her gaze turns brittle as I climb in.

"Good luck out there."

"Thank you." I ignore the invisible target on my back, loathing that I seem to be drawing more attention these days than I'd like. If she wants Eric, she can have him. "Have a good day."

"Will do." She stares at me, then slams the door, leaving me trapped inside.

The air is tense, but it could be because I've never ridden in the Dauntless trucks before, and it's much larger than it appears. The backseat is big enough for several soldiers, and the front has a console with numerous buttons and controls. Eric touches several of them, making the dashboard light up. A blue screen appears, showing a map of the factions, then changes to show our route to Amity.

I'm silent as Eric puts the truck in drive, and when I look over, he's watching me out of the corner of his eye.

"Were you close with Johanna?" His question is a thinly veiled warning that I better be able to help him. "When we get there, you'll be the only one talking to her. She's expecting only you and made it very clear no one else is to hang around. I didn't argue because I need this handled today."

"I know her a little better than the others but only because my father worked with her. I saw her frequently," I answer, hoping it's what he wants to hear. "I don't think she'll trust me over anyone else from Dauntless, though. I haven't seen her since I left."

"Oh, you're wrong." Eric laughs. "She doesn't trust any of us. But when Harrison sent your meeting request, she approved it immediately."

"Really?"

"Really." Eric is clearly amused that Johanna would talk to me over him. "Everyone else has been denied. Even Rylan, who'd move there given the chance."

"What do you want from her?" I turn to face him as he drives toward the gates, and the jacket is rough against my skin. "Is this…something bad?"

I try to remember all of Four's warning, but it's hard to think straight when Eric looks directly at me. He smiles as he holds up a card before we exit the gates, then looks toward me, and his expression turns mocking.

"I guess you'll find out."

My heart practically stops beating, like someone has shot an arrow through it.

 

Against a waning sunset made of pinks and yellows, Eric stands with his hands behind his back.

His gaze is full of contempt as members of the Amity faction pass by, most pausing to greet him in some manner. I assume they don't know who he is, or maybe they do. It doesn't matter, though. They know he's important, and there's a reason he's here, on the outskirts of the faction.

I can't help but laugh when he swats away a bird that dares fly to close to him. To his left, a goat bleats as its walked down the path, and to his right, my brother is talking a mile a minute. Eric's expression glazes over as he quickly loses his patience for whatever Forrest is telling him, while several steps away, Landon watches with his friends. His face tenses every time Eric shifts his weight, and at one point, he looks annoyed when Eric blinks in his general direction.

"Are you close with him?" Johanna gently touches my elbow. "Everyone is wondering how you know him. Eric's presence is always a distraction to our community. I was surprised to hear you'd aligned yourself with him."

"I'm…" I stop when Eric looks at me. "I guess you could say I know him well. He's been a huge help since I chose Dauntless."

"That's a surprise."

Johanna's tone is full of disbelief, and I can't blame her.

My drive to Amity was quick, but informative. I learned that Eric wanted Johanna to agree upon some truce with Dauntless. He wanted her to side with them in a month, when they would meet before Candor. He didn't explain why, past saying it was important that they were a unified front. He claimed no one else had been able to run the idea past Johanna, and they were running out of time. He told me I'd be alone with her, and if I need help, to message him.

While he drove, Eric kept one eye on the road, and one on me. Satisfied that I would ask Johanna to help us, he shifted the conversation to ask me a few questions about Four. When I confessed that Four didn't like having me help him, Eric almost smiled. He caught himself in time, and his next question was if I liked helping with the initiates.

I was unsure of how to answer him.

I knew he would use the information against me, and either answer would land me in hot water. He had some interest in the initiates, which meant he was aware of who I am and my influence on this latest class. If I told him yes, I loved working with the initiates, he might fuck with the class if I didn't do what he wanted. If I told him no, I hated it, he might think I was ungrateful for the opportunity, and kill me before we left Amity.

I struggled with how to answer him, but he eventually nodded his head and told me he understood.

"I'm aware of why you hold the position and how it was offered, so I don't expect you to think it's the greatest Dauntless has to offer. I'm only asking because I'm concerned if Four does what he's told."

"He does. He doesn't stray from the curriculum or anything like that. He follows whatever he's given and makes sure we stay on track." I turned slightly, taking in his profile while he switched lanes. Being in an enclosed space with him was nerve-wracking, but so was knowing he would remember every word I said. "It's an experience working with him, that's for sure."

His answer was a huff of acknowledgement, then nothing. He took a call from Rylan, dismissing something about meeting up with someone on Friday, then a call from Jason. I half listened as we neared the Amity faction and tried to figure out what to say to Johanna. I could see her standing near the border of Amity, surrounded by a group of farmers who were there to support her in case this went south.

Turns out, I didn't need to worry.

Once I confirmed that Eric wasn't sticking around, she walked me to her office, we made small talk for a while, then she eventually agreed to help however she could. It did take some time. I ate breakfast and lunch with her. I panicked when Eric walked in and announced he'd be back in a few hours, but it was better once he left. Johanna relaxed and used the rest of the afternoon to show me everything that had changed since I left.

"Do you see Eric a lot?" I ask Johanna, smiling when Eric looks at my brother in disgust. Forrest gestures at the woods, pointing to something I can't see, then slaps Eric on the back. "I remember seeing him a few times when I lived here, but he said he doesn't normally come by."

"No. We prefer not to have Eric around," Johanna answers. "We usually don't see eye to eye, and he doesn't have the patience to talk through our disagreements. I find him rather…" She pauses, choosing her words wisely. "Brutish."

"He's very smart." I find myself oddly defensive of him, for no reason other than that it feels like she's insulting me. "He knows a lot about the factions. He was really hoping you two would come to terms today."

"Perhaps you should ask yourself why Eric Coulter knows a lot about each faction." Johanna pulls her arms around herself, watching as Eric leaves Forrest and heads toward us. "Don't get wrapped up in what he wants. I appreciate you looking out for the Amity faction, and I will agree to whatever keeps my faction safe, but I will never welcome someone who would take over in a heartbeat."

"Right." I nod, trying to decide if I should tell her Eric would rather die than take over Amity. "Um, thank you for your help."

"Will you be in Candor?" Johanna asks, forcing a smile when Eric nears us.

"Possibly." I tilt my head up at Eric, and his smile is equally as forced.

I know he doesn't want to be here. He looks repulsed by the members milling around. A young child wanders close to him, and when he looks down with a sneer, she hands him a red piece of paper.

"What is this?" he barks. "Who does this…child belong to?"

"That's Piper. She made you something." Johanna fails to hide her joy at Eric's discomfort. He continues to stare at the small child like she's going to throw up on his boots, and when she waves the card at him again, he all but grimaces. "You should take it, Eric. She worked hard on it."

"For you!" Piper insists, completely unafraid of him. "I made it!"

"Great." Eric answers flatly. "What is it?"

"It's a heart!" Pleased by his reluctant acceptance, Piper pushes the paper into his hands, and beams. "I made it for you! You have to take it!"

"She loves the Dauntless soldiers. We always wave to them whenever we see them near the woods." Piper's mother appears, and her bravery is on par with her daughter's. "Her father is from Dauntless. It must be in her blood."

"Right." Eric stares at the red heart in hands like it's offensive. "How wonderful that must be for all of you."

"Do you know him? His name is Mitchell." The mother asks, staring at Eric, then at me. "Oh, Everly! Did you come with Eric? It's so good to see you again!"

"I did." I smile at her, struggling not to laugh when Eric narrows his eyes, and his brows nearly disappear into his hair. "It's great to see you. Do you still live near my mom?"

"We do!"

Her eyes light up, and while she rambles on about my parents hosting Leif's birthday party after I left, Eric stares at me. His gaze is different than earlier; when Piper's mother tells me she wishes I had stayed so I could come to her neighbor's son's wedding, Eric's head tilts with interest. His hair ruffles in the breeze, and the shadow on his cheeks appears darker. He smirks when she asks if I miss Landon, then goes on to admit that Landon had confessed he wishes I'd return.

"You know what! We should go see him. He heard you would be here, so he came by. I bet he'd love to see you. Maybe..." she lowers her voice like Landon isn't ten feet away. "Maybe you can come back again and see him. Your brother said you weren't dating anyone."

"I, uh…I'm good. Please tell everyone I miss them." Overwhelmed by the sudden wave of claustrophobia, I have the urge to head back to the truck. I watch Piper tug on Eric's sleeve, and he shoos her away like she's contagious. "I don't think we're staying much longer."

"We aren't." Eric interrupts. He closes the minute distance between us, stopping so close that my arm is against his. "We're leaving. Now."

"Will you be back soon, Everly?" Johanna asks, ignoring Eric. "If you won't be in Candor, I suggest we meet again in a few weeks to go over everything. I'll reach out to schedule something."

"I can do that." I smile at her, and before Eric can storm off, I hug her goodbye. "Thank you. If anything changes…I'll find a way to get ahold of you."

"Please do." She hugs me tighter, waiting until I let go to step away. Satisfied that she doesn't have to deal with Eric, she nods curtly at him, and smiles enough to be polite. "Have a safe drive, Eric."

"Thanks."

His answer is muttered, and he only responds because he's gotten what he wanted. He all but glares at me to follow him, and when I smile up at him, his hand crumples the red paper.

He doesn't throw it away, though. I expect him to toss it into the grass as we walk to the truck, or maybe launch it at my brother. Instead, he holds onto it as he walks, stopping behind me to open the truck door.

"Than—"

"Get in. The longer we stay there, the itchier I feel." Eric humorlessly puts his hands on my waist to push me up the step. "How did you live here for so long?"

"There's a reason I left," I point out. Our eyes meet as he hesitates, and the mildest wave of approval flashes behind his stare. "Thanks. I hope this went the way you wanted."

"It did."

He shuts the door with a slam, then heads around to the driver's side. He climbs in and tosses the crumpled paper onto the seat beside him. Eric doesn't say much as he drives away from Amity, occasionally grunting an answer back to whoever is in the control room or responding to a request from a patrol leader over the radio. I lean back against the seat as the trees change, growing sparser as we leave the faction, and the road curves sharply into the sunset.

My gaze drops to the Valentine between us, written in childish letters.

With all her best crayon work, Piper has written in bold letters, a declaration of sorts that I doubt Eric has ever received before.

I LOVE YOU, ERIK COULTRE.

She's spelled his name wrong, and the letters are smooshed together, but the effort is there.

I can't help but smile, especially when we return to Dauntless. Eric parks the truck in the docking bay and turns it off with a huff. He instructs me to climb out, mutters a very curt thank you for helping today, then takes the heart with him while he exits the truck.

I watch him shove it into his jacket pocket as he joins a curious looking Jason, and neither look back at me.

 

"How do I tell Eric I'll meet him at Clyde's next Friday?"

In the Mess Hall, I join Christina in a long line of people waiting to grab dinner. I'd assumed I would be exhausted after spending the day in Amity, but it was surprisingly nice to get out of Dauntless. The fresh air made me feel alive, and surviving the day with Eric left me feeling powerful. He hadn't killed me, hadn't said anything mean, and in a shocking turn of events, he took home Piper's gift. While I wouldn't say we were anything close to friends or even acquaintances, I felt like Eric appreciated my help and might dare hate me less than normal.

"What?" Christina looks startled, then she stops and grins. "Oh! Eric! You just tell Rylan. He'll set it up. That way, Eric doesn't know you picked him. Speaking of Eric, did you have fun today? Rylan was beyond jealous that you went to Amity with him. His lifelong dream is to retire there. Or move before he turns twenty-six."

"It was fine. I spent the whole day with Johanna. She agreed to what he wanted, so it was pretty easy. She doesn't like Eric, but she said she'll do anything to keep Amity safe," I confess. "Um, hey, do you know anything about…this Eric I'm meeting? Eric told me he's from Amity. I don't know if that makes me feel better or worse."

"I know he dated one of Tris' friends. She said he was really polite, very easy going, almost too nice. Like he never argued with her until she said she didn't want to get married because she was only nineteen." Christina wrinkles her nose. "I thought it was romantic, but I guess he's ready to settle down and she didn't want that. Wait, are you…you're not like, into him, are you? Eric is a cool guy, but…you don't want to date him, do you?"

"The Eric I'm meeting?" I ask, and my head swims trying to separate the two. "I don't even know him. It's just the name I picked. I was curious if you knew who he is. Rylan said I should pick him."

"Oh, right. Too many Erics. The Eric you're meeting is one that Rylan likes. He always makes him a different lunch because Rylan cannot eat adult food for some reason." Christina rolls her eyes, but I can tell she thinks he's funny. "I mean, he's fine. Hey, was Eric nice to you? He looked pretty pleased when you guys got back."

She changes the subject quickly, then slides her tray forward.

"Everly?"

"Yeah, he was alright. I think he's happy Johanna agreed to side with him. Whatever that means." I shrug, grabbing a plate as the line inches forward. "Do you know what he's doing?"

"Unfortunately, I do. They're talking about breaking off their allegiance to Erudite. They think Jeanine is getting a little crazy lately. I don't know all the details, but Rylan mentioned her being all over them to find people and bring them to her. He said he's tired of it, and so is Eric. But Eric has some deal that he made years ago, and it's all really complicated. He needs every other faction to have his back so Jeanine can't force his hand and keep him working for her." Christina explains. "If you ask me, Eric got himself into the mess, and he should be responsible for getting himself out of it. But it affects everyone, which is why they're all helping."

"Interesting." I add some chicken to my plate, and when I Iook up, the other Eric is near the end of the line, carrying a tray of meatloaf. His whole face brightens when he sees me, and he manages to wave with one hand. "Um, so I just tell Rylan I'll meet Eric at Clyde's? And he sets it up? Isn't that a lot of work for Rylan?"

"Trust me, he'd rather be doing that than his actual job." Christina laughs. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

I agree while watching the other Eric. He's meticulous as he places the food in the bins, but every so often he looks over in my direction.

"Is it normal to get married so young in Amity? Because if you meet uh, Eric, and he proposes, are you going to say yes?" She furrows her brow, and pauses mid selection over the bowl of fruit. "Rylan said Harrison told him everyone gets married young there."

"Yeah, usually people get married quick. I guess…there's not a ton else to do. It's a huge faction, so even if you think you know everyone, there's always new people and everyone wants to settle down. I was supposed to marry my dad's friend's son. I didn't want to, but if I stayed, I would have been pressured into marrying him." I confess. "I left because I couldn't bring myself to be forced into it."

"I don't blame you." Christina grabs my tray, pulling it along with hers. "I left Candor because it was boring as shit. But Rylan said –"

"Hey, Everly. How are you? Did you find something to eat?" The other Eric appears as we near the end of the line. His stare sweeps over my tray, and he looks worried at what I've picked. "Can I get you something else?"

"No, I'm good. It all looks great, thanks." I smile at him, waiting for the familiar feeling of nerves to hit, but nothing happens. I should find this moment swoon worthy; he's come over to see me during his shift, he's making sure I can eat the food, and his attention is on me. But there is no heart stopping, pulse pounding wave of butterflies in my stomach, only a leaden feeling like he's minutes away from insisting I wash his clothes and fold his laundry while he works. "That's really nice of you to ask."

"I know." He blurts out. His cheeks turn bright red, then his face tenses. "Um, hey, listen, I know you're new here. If you want me to show you around some time, I would be more than happy to. It would be nice to know someone else from back home. It can get pretty lonely here."

"That would be…"

Nice.

No.

Not nice.

Well, it should be nice.

Other Eric looms over me the same way Eric does, but it feels oppressive. His offer is very sweet, and maybe I'm only thinking this way because I'm assuming he's going to act like Landon. I'm making every assumption in the world about him, and that's not fair.

"Yeah? Do you want to hang out some time?" He waits, patiently, but my stare moves to the side of him. "

In the distance, watching like I'm committing treason, is Eric.

He sips on his coffee with a knowing look on his face, occasionally fighting a smirk as the other Eric fumbles over his offer to show me around. Eric's uniform is unbuttoned tonight, and his black shirt looks like the one I wore. My cheeks burn when I realize I never returned it, and I bet he thinks I've kept it as some souvenir.

When I nod, unable to really commit to the tour of Dauntless, Eric's eyes narrow in displeasure. He looks me up and down, then purposely stares right at me.

The cup dents beneath his fingers, pressed inwards with irritation.

"I'd like that. Thanks."

"Cool. I'll uh, get your number when I'm done. Will you be here for a second?"

The conversation whirls over me, feeling like I'm not a part of it. I can't figure out why, but all I can do is look at Eric, like I've been drugged with a heavy dose of peace serum, and wonder where he's going after this.

"Everly?" Christina breaks my trance, and her tone is panicked. She composes herself, then takes hold of my arm and shakes it. "Are you okay? Eric said he'll be right back. Something caught fire in the kitchen and then Harrison came sprinting inside like the whole place is about to go up in flames. Hey, do you know Harrison's last name? I heard a rumor he's from Amity and…."

She keeps talking, and I jerk my stare away from Eric and back to the line. I follow her a few steps forward and manage to admit that I don't know him at all, but I vaguely remember my father referring to him as something else.

I know he has a last name, but for the life of me, I cannot remember it.

 

I wear the shirt to bed again.

A strange sense of comfort surrounds me, and when I sink against my pillows, I'm warm and safe.

Dauntless is neither.

The faction is cold. Built beneath the ground, there is a permanent chill that runs through it. Even with an extra blanket, I always wake up freezing, and the only exception is the past night. Eric's shirt isn't even that warm, but it feels like it is. I close my eyes and try to convince myself I should take the shirt back tomorrow morning. I can shove it in the locker before class, and if anything, it'll help me focus on what's important: doing my job, and potentially making a new friend when I have dinner with the other Eric. Maybe I'll make dozens of friends, or maybe he has an entire group he can introduce me to. My life will change for the better, and choosing Dauntless will have been a great decision.

I fall asleep to this thought, and my contentedness lasts mere minutes.

I dream of Eric in Amity, his fingers digging into my arm as he tightens his grip on me. In my dream, my nightgown tangles between my legs as a barn goes up in flames, and he very lowly informs me I should have listened to him. The nightmare ends when Landon shows up to douse the fire with water, and Eric's grip pulls me into him, and his hands tangle in my hair as he hisses that he told me so.

 

"You look like shit. Did Eric poison you in Amity?"

Four's compliment is spoken cheerfully, along with a bottle of water and electrolytes shoved at me.

"Have you not slept this entire week? Is he making you work for him at night, too?"

"I'm fine but thank you for asking so nicely." I scowl as I take the water from him, and down several sips. "I'm just…tired from the run."

"Are you sure it's not the crushing guilt of whatever Eric asked you to do?" Four inches closer, and for someone who hates being around people, he has no sense of boundaries. "I heard he wants you to go back to Amity with him."

"In a few weeks, I have another meeting with Johanna. It's not a big deal." I rub my eyes, then hand him the water back as my head throbs. "Why do you care?"

Four smiles.

He looks unhinged, but I can't really point that out.

I'm feeling a little unhinged myself these days.

Since going to Amity with Eric, I found my life feeling like it was absurdly out of balance. It was a weird sensation, even though nothing out of the ordinary was happening. I returned Eric's shirt before class, but I didn't wash it. I didn't want it to smell like a different detergent, and paranoid he'd figure out it was me, I simply shoved it into his locker and ran. Four pretended like I hadn't been gone, and we moved onto the next stage of training without discussing anything.

Eric showed up a few times, always with a bored sneer on his lips, but he didn't say much. He walked through with Rylan, once with Jason, twice with Max, and then once by himself. He observed the class, scaring the shit out of the cockiest ones when he announced he'd cut anyone he didn't personally see fit to stay in Dauntless, then sauntered away, content that he'd caused a disruption.

I saw him twice in the locker room, once fully dressed for a run, and once pulling his shirt on. I was both horrified and impressed with how fit he is, but I knew better than to stare for too long. I caught a hint of the tattoo down his ribs, and it was enough to remind me that he was a living, breathing human being, who saw my existence only a means to further his own career here.

I saw him again, on the stairs leading to the Pit, where he reminded me that I would meet with Johanna soon, and if she changed her mind, I was on the line.

Later, right as I found myself furious that I was I was being used, I bumped into him on a walk to dinner, and he caught me before I fell down the uneven set of stairs. His fingers circled around my bicep to hold me upright, and for once, he wasn't annoyed. He steadied me, asked if I was okay, then nodded, flashed a tight-lipped semblance of a smile, and went on his way wordlessly.

That was almost worse than thinking he hated me.

Lost in a sea of uncertainty, I stood there staring at him, and when he looked back, I was busted.

He smirked before vanishing down another hallway, and the whole interaction left me so out of sorts that I barely ate my dinner.

To counter balance Eric, the other Eric had begun showing up where I least expected him. I saw him in a store, buying a pale green shirt that was more Amity than Dauntless. I saw him in line for coffee, behind Eric. When Eric barked out an order for a plain coffee rushed, because he was in a hurry, other Eric apologized on his behalf, ordered a tea with milk, and paid for the person behind him. I saw him buying a pair of kitchen safe boots, along with a pair of sandals that were so hideous even the salesperson didn't want to ring them up. I witnessed him stroll into Dauntless with his arms full of kale, while Peter walked behind him, whining that he didn't want smoothies for breakfast. The real kicker was when I almost ran into him walking to work one day, singing a song that Forrest like to sing around the bonfire and humming off tune, and I immediately felt nauseous.

I had left Amity for a reason, and as nice as other Eric was, I didn't want to be reminded of him. I was starting to regret my participation in the Valentine's party, but I still let Rylan know I'd meet up with Eric, and he agreed that Friday would work.

Which meant tonight, I'd sit across from the other Eric, and presumably fend off a marriage proposal.

"I mean, I don't care what you're doing. But Amity is the perfect place to kill you. I'm just trying to help," Four says. "Because when Eric is done with you, you'll know a little too much about him. Keep that in mind."

"Will do." I rub my temples, and when I look at him, he's a little too smug for my liking. "Hey, do you need me today? I have a horrible headache. I was thinking I'd go to the infirmary and get something for it."

"You can go. We're finishing up in the gym. I don't need you for that." Four shrugs. "I'll fill you in on everything tomorrow. I hope you feel better. Ask for Molly when you go. Arlene will make you get an entire physical before she gives you anything."

"Cool. Thanks." I mutter, and I decide leave before he can change his mind.

I figure I'll head home first. I'll shower, see if that helps, and if not, see if there's anything I can take. The infirmary will be my last stop, because the few times I have been down there, it's been utter chaos. I glance back at the class as I walk to the lockers, and to my surprise, the other Eric lingers by the door, arms crossed, with a horrified look on his face.

His hands are cold.

He rubs peppermint oil on my face, pushing hard on my temples. When I wince away from him, his eyes widen in an apology, but his hands stay on me. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean for that to hurt."

"It's…"

I look up to see concern etched in his features. He's still good looking, but it's lessened by the way he reaches up again to slather the oil on my face. He smells odd, and it takes me a second to realize what it is: he reminds me of my mother's clinic. Back in Amity, she ran the only official infirmary the faction had. While she was skilled at stitching up small farming injuries, or dealing with the occasional chicken bite, her real specialty lie in mixing up concoctions for everyone to rub on themselves. I used to dream of a day that the treatment for a severe headache would be actual medicine and not an oil, or that someone would give me something to help that didn't smell like flowers, or suggest trying a yoga class.

The smell takes me right back there, to a room that butted up against a greenhouse, and a garden filled with poisonous plants.

"It's just peppermint." Eric frowns, finally pulling his hands away. "You've had this before, right?"

"I have. I think I'm just going to downstairs and –" I start to say, but I'm cut off by his mouth tensing.

"You don't want to go to the infirmary. You'll feel awful after you take their medicine." This Eric is firm as he shakes his head. "I know, I sound crazy. I sound like someone from Amity, and you aren't wrong. But you need to really think about what they're giving you. Their medicine comes from a lab in Erudite. It won't make you feel better. It's a toxin designed to make you want more."

"I just want my head to stop hurting," I answer evenly. "I'm sure one dose won't do anything."

"That's what they want you to think. Quinten takes something every day." He sucks on his cheek, and the fear is all over him. "He said he broke his leg a few months ago, but still."

I stare at him.

In front of a piercing parlor decorated with all kinds of neon signs and black lettering, the other Eric tries very hard to convince me not to take anything for a headache that's making it hard to keep my eyes open. I was surprised to find that he waited for me. I took the fastest shower of my life while he talked to someone on the phone, and when I was done, he was still waiting. He offered to walk me upstairs to make sure I was okay. When I thought we were heading to the clinic, he stopped and told me he had something that would help.

I was not expecting him to put anything on me.

"Everly, look, I know this might seem strange, but I know where you're from. There aren't many of us here. Dauntless will bleed you dry if you let it. You need to stay healthy, stay away from whatever Arlene will give you, and get enough sleep. I'm sure you know this but –"

"I think I'm okay. I'm going to run in here quick. But thank you so much for walking with me, and thank you for the oil. I'm sure it'll kick in…eventually." I duck around him, flashing a smile that feels more like a frown, and start to walk into the piercing parlor. "Bye, Eric."

"Wait! Are you…getting something pierced? Now?" He looks at me in horror. "What are you going to do?"

"I don't know. I'm just going to look around." I stop in my tracks, and something rams into my brain, full force, along with the headache. "Do you have any piercings?"

"God no." He shakes his head. "It's not a look I'd go for, but, uh you knock yourself out. I'm sure it'll look great. Whatever you decide to do."

His disappointment is clear as day. He sighs when I don't walk back toward him, and his stare turns familiar when I reach for the door. The furrowed brow, pursed lips, and harsh glare remind me of Landon, and the way he grew upset when I didn't listen to him.

If I were back in Amity, I'd immediately return to him. I'd forget my afternoon plans and apologize, then go home and bake something to reaffirm my good standing. I'd want his approval, because I wouldn't be a good member of Amity or a good person if he was mad at me, and I'd promise to never do anything that he wouldn't like.

But this isn't Amity, and I'm not that Everly.

So, I walk inside with my head held high, and decide I will give him one more chance, and if this dinner doesn't go well, I'll know exactly what I don't want.

 

Clyde's is lit up by the glow of creaking lanterns and a large sign that reads BEER.

Most everything in this bar is wood or metal; the booths are worn but comfortable, and the seats are a dark burgundy leather softened to something less vibrant. The walls are made of rock, the tall tables are crowded with bar stools, and the ceiling is supported with thick, iron beams stretching across the space. I found the table Rylan told me to sit at, and was immediately given a glass of water, a glass of something dark red, and something that was blended and smelled like tropical fruit. I drank the water, figuring getting drunk before the other Eric showed up wouldn't be a smart move, and watch the bar while I waited for him to arrive.

My stomach is in knots, even though I try to reassure myself I'm fine. Maybe the other Eric was simply worried about something he'd been given in the infirmary, or maybe he knew something I didn't. I figured a second chance couldn't hurt, and if anything, we could bond over the upcoming party and how Amity held something similar.

Maybe it was the medicine talking.

After a half hour in the piecing parlor, I did end up in the infirmary. A nurse gave me something that worked much better than peppermint oil, and laughed when I told her about it. I went home feeling better, had a nap, and woke up feeling like a brand-new person. The optimism held strong, until now, as I sit here waiting for the other Eric to show up.

"I brought you something to snack on. Do you want anything else while you wait?" The waitress drops off a bowl of chips and salsa with a smile. She's pleasant and cheerful, if not more curious than anything. "You good? Is he almost here?"

"I am. Thank you. He should be here any minute." I smile, appreciative of her concern. "If he doesn't show up, I'll still order."

"He will." She grins, then sighs when someone throws a beer glass at someone's head. "I'll be right back. If you need anything, just yell."

"Will do."

I wait until she leaves to nearly choke on a chip.

Seconds after she shrieks for two people to stop fighting, Eric strides in through the doors.

His stare rakes across the bar until he looks over me, then he makes a beeline to the table. He slides into the booth with ease, and his posture is casual. Dressed in a fitted black shirt and black pants, he looks entirely different. His hair is damp like he's just showered, and his cheeks are smooth. He smells oddly good, a rich warm scent that reminds of me the coldest night in Amity, especially when he slides closer. The table seems to grow smaller as he takes up all the space around me, resting bruised hands atop a table covered in stickers.

"Nice to see you again." Eric cocks an eyebrow at me. The piercing is pulled taught as the waitress slips by to drop off a drink for him, then relaxes when I swallow down my own drink. "You look…surprised."

"Hi…Eric."

It's Eric.

Not the other Eric.

Eric Eric.

My brain cheerfully points out that I've been duped by Rylan into meeting up with his friend. The suggestion that I pick Eric was meant to set me up with this Eric; the very one I'd helped in Amity, and the one who made me fear for my life. I blink at his stoic posture, and the unnerving way he takes up the free space around me. The way he's clearly taken a shower and gotten ready to come here, and the way he's left his uniform at home and showed up like a real person.

"Um…" My posture changes. I try desperately to think of something to say, but everything sticks in my throat.

He takes my silence the wrong way.

"I figured this wasn't your idea." He swallows down another sip of his drink, nearly finishing it. There's mild discomfort in his posture, and it creeps up to his stare when our eyes meet. "We don't have to do this. Rylan told me –"

"No, it's fine." I blurt out. I face him as much as I can, ignoring the conversation pressing around us. "I knew…I figured…"

The lie dies in my throat, but it's because I can't tell him I was planning on meeting someone else. I didn't even want to meet the other Eric after today, and I was only coming here to be kind. But the idea that Eric showed up knowing I was the one who was waiting for him makes my head spin.

"It's not a big deal." He shakes his head, and his eyes are cold. "I told him –"

"I'm not afraid of you." The words spill out of my mouth before I can stop them. "Not…not that I should be. Four said I should, but I'm not...I don't think you're going to kill me."

"What?" He lets out a huff of laughter. "Why would I kill you?"

"I don't know," I answer honestly. "Four said you might. But he also says thinks like, you'll get strep throat from drinking from the water fountains, so who knows."

"Funny." Eric sets his drink down, shaking his head when I keep looking at him. "You don't have to stay. I'll pay for your drinks and tell Rylan it went fine. I don't expect you to see this through."

"I'll stay." I inch closer myself, and though I can hear Four's words in my mind, I ignore them. "What happened to your hands?"

"What?"

"Who did you punch?" I must be drunk off my water. I bravely reach over, and as carefully as I can, press along the bruise near his knuckles. It's darker now, spreading down the side in an intricate pattern. "I saw it the other day."

I'm met with dead silence.

Eric blinks at me, and his spine straightens.

"Someone trying to fuck with one of the patrols. It wasn't my ideal way of how to handle it, but it didn't warrant his death," Eric answer's evenly. When I look up, he's staring at my ears. He cocks his head to the side, then looks at my face. "Have you always had earrings?"

"No, I did it today." I confess. "It hurt more than I was expecting."

For a second, he doesn't say anything. I half expect a lecture from him about how this was the least brave thing I could have done, or how utterly stupid it was to think they looked fine. I'd walked in after talking with the other Eric, and chose a random picture in the book. The guy who pierced my ears hadn't acted like it was uncool to get it done, and I left feeling accomplished, until my ear throbbed and my head still hurt.

I wait for Eric to point out that it'll be beyond painful if I get punched in the head during the class, but he shrugs, and reaches for a menu.

"It does hurt, doesn't it?" He snickers, for his own ears have piercings in them, though they're different than mine.

"Yeah, way more than I thought. I wasn't planning on it. I felt like I needed a change." Once more, my mouth is going faster than my brain. "I like them. If I don't, I guess I can take them out."

"They look nice," he murmurs, opening the menu to the second page. "Did you eat? We can order when she comes back."

"Not yet."

The blood rushes to my head, leaving it spinning. Around us, a few have noticed that not only is Eric sitting next to me, but he's actively engaged in our conversation. His body is angled toward mine, his arm brushed mine every so often, and though I'm dwarfed by his height, it's comforting. There's a healthy dose of delusion when he looks at me out of the corner of his eye, and his lips turn up just enough to scare away the snarl he normally graces me with.

"Have you eaten here before? Clyde's is better than the Mess Hall, but there are other restaurants that are even better than here." Eric says. He points to a few things, giving me a second to scan the list. "Did Rylan tell you which option to pick?"

"No, I picked the only one I knew. I couldn't figure out how to get to Erudite, and the woods seem a little terrifying. But it makes sense that you'd suggest those," I laugh, pleased when he snickers. "Are you from Erudite?"

"Yes." His answer is curt, but only because the waitress returns. He orders a steak, warily asking for her to make sure it's actually cooked this time, then hands her the menu when I quickly order a cheeseburger. "I knew no one was picking my name. I figured anyone who agree to head to Erudite for dinner deserves a second of my time."

"Gee, thanks." I relax just enough to lean back against the booth, stunned that this wasn't going the way I thought it would. I find him kind of funny, especially when he smirks into his drink. "What's in Erudite?"

"Better food. A bunch of labs. Some stores. What's in Amity?" He shoots back. "Other than cows."

"Worse food. A bunch of green houses. A store that sells cow feed." I grin when he looks like he can't fathom such a store. "It's not entirely awful. And I would have picked Erudite just to see it, but I didn't know how to get there."

"It's far." His voice turns distant, then sharpens. "I suppose it's worth a visit once. Beyond that, you're just asking for someone to see if you're interested in being their next test subject."

"Have you ever been one?" I ask, enjoying the way he struggles not to laugh.

"No," he shakes his head, and bumps my arm on purpose. He's quick enough that it looks like an accident, but when he leans back against the booth, I know it's not. "Why? You want to sign up?"

"Yeah, please. Anything to have another day off."

Eric laughs.

It's a real laugh, too. Not a chuckle or snort of amusement, but something very real

"Already had your fill of training the class, Amity?"

"Do you think Four is good at his job?" I toy with my drink, wondering if he'll answer. "I know two don't get along, but do you think he's a good trainer? Did you ever work with him? He seems to know an awful lot about you."

"I did work with him. As far as do I think he's a decent trainer? He's adequate. This class is different. His attention has been elsewhere. It's not you, either. He's focused on something that isn't helping him. Then again, it's not my business." Eric smiles, this time, mockingly "If you want to know my thoughts on him a person, you'll need a second dinner. Maybe a third. Possibly a fourth, to cover his emotional trauma."

I smile up at him, unable to look away.

He's joking with me.

A few weeks ago, I was convinced he would murder me in the hallway for looking at him wrong, and today, he's sitting beside me, revealing one of his deepest darkest secrets.

He has a sense of humor.

"How did you get the bruise on your hand? Was it from punching Four in the face?" Eric turns his attention back to me. His hand touches mine, and his fingers are rough as they skim across my knuckles. "Or an initiate?"

"No, I think I hit it on the counter. I'm actually not sure." I frown at the bruise I didn't even realize I had, but it fades when Eric doesn't let go of my hand. "Can I ask you something else? Do you know why Lauren dislikes me so much? I've never even spoken to her."

He nods.

His stare softens ever so slightly, then immediately returns to his resting dismissal of everyone around him.

"You're competition. She was the only female trainer until you came along. She's worried that you might usurp her. Max could easily offer you her job and she knows it." He pauses, then moves his hand away from mine like he's realized what he's doing. "He won't. You aren't that good."

"Thanks, Eric." I laugh, not at all insulted.

Contrary to the words coming out of his mouth, he's kind of charming when he's not storming the faction. His grey eyes are locked on mine, his head is craned downwards, and his lips purse when I smile.

"Do you like the other Eric?" I reach for a chip, and he follows by taking several. "The one who works in the kitchen?"

"I know who you're talking about," he huffs, then eats the chip with a scowl. "I don't dislike him. He does his job. He stays out of my way. I usually don't see him unless Rylan needs more Paw Patrol shaped macaroni."

"What's that?" I pause when the waitress returns with our food. She drops it off quietly, but says she'll be back. "I don't know what that is. Did he ever get his dino nuggets?"

"Yeah, he did. It was a cartoon he made everyone watch instead of the Leadership training videos." Eric's answer is so unamused I feel it in my bones. "Why are you asking?"

"I saw him earlier. I was going to get something for a headache and he said I shouldn't. He told me he didn't like piercings, either." I confess. "I didn't care, but he looked like he was mad."

"He is. I can only guess he assumed he found the girl who would agree with whatever he said because of where you're from. It wouldn't shock me to learn he thinks you should default to his judgement," Eric answers. "If you ask me, I would go as far as say he's expecting an apology for not listening to him. He's great in the kitchen, but Quinten has mentioned he's argumentative and used to getting his way."

"Yeah, I got the vibe." I swallow down another chip, and my stomach tenses at thought. "I don't want to apologize to him. I don't even know him."

"Then don't. You shouldn't let anyone tell you what to do. Especially over something as trivial as a piercing," Eric counters. "Except for me. You'll listen to my orders like everyone else."

"And here I was thinking I'd finally be the exception," I half joke, trying not to laugh when he smirks. "I know I have to listen to you. But not him. He can stay mad."

"I'm sure he'll get over it." Eric finishes his drink before he waves down our waitress to ask for more water. "If doesn't, you'll have to ask yourself if it's worth dealing with. Is he going to be mad if you cut your hair? Get a tattoo? Where do you draw the line?"

"How many tattoos do you have?" I scan the skin I can see, noticing the thick blocks on his throat. "Are there more?"

"Several." Eric leans back further, until we are side by side. The waitress returns with his water, and once he has it, he holds it up. "Cheers, Amity."

"Cheers."

I clink my glass against his, enjoying the way he seems to be enjoying himself. We lapse into amicable silence as we eat, and I use the time to observe Eric. The guy who stalked into the training room is mostly gone, and in his place is someone who appears almost normal. It could be an act, but when he asks if I want anything else, I know it isn't.

"I'm alright. And I can pay. I invited you," I offer. "Let me grab my card."

He shakes his head, then pushes my arm away when the waitress returns. "I've got it."

"Would you two like dessert?" She looks at me first, then Eric. "Or more drinks?"

"We're good. You can run my card," Eric tells her. "Add something for yourself."

"Will do."

"Do you come here a lot?" I try to imagine eating dinner with Eric regularly. It's an interesting thought, because I've only ever seen him with his friends. "Is this where everyone hangs out?"

"Sometimes." He mutters. "There are lots of places here. You just have to know where to look."

"Well, thank you for dinner. I was thinking, this wasn't terrible. Maybe we can be friends? Especially since I'm helping you with Amity. And you have to admit, this dinner wasn't bad." I throw out every option in the world at him, because I'm an idiot.

Eric doesn't want to be my friend.

The Leader of Dauntless doesn't care if we had a nice time talking over our dinner, nor does he really care that I'm helping him. He could order me to help him and I'd have to. I wait for him to laugh in my face, but to my surprise, he looks down at me, and his posture changes.

"You wanna be my friend, Amity? Why?" His voice is low enough for only me to hear. "You know who I am, right? You know what happens once you're involved in…this?"

"I know."

I'm so close I could rest my head against his.

I imagine he's warm. I bet he'd be warm to sit beside all the time. I can picture us at another dinner, where everyone wonders how I got to be close to him, and he is smug when they look at us. I can also imagine more, but I refuse to admit it.

"And you know you can't tell me no? I could order you to do whatever I want and you'd have to listen." He leans in further, and I swear Clyde's darkens like someone has turned the lights off. "What are we going to do as friends? Borrow each other's clothes?"

My cheeks feel like they are on fire. I glance up toward him, only to find a pretty satisfied look on his face.

"Yes."

 

He walks me home.

In the grand scheme of things, he's merely observing where I live. It's nowhere impressive, nor would he have any reason to come back, but it's a nice way to end the evening. We left Clyde's together; our waitress stood at the doorway watching as we headed out, and her expression wavered between awe and concern.

Eric and I wove our way through the faction. He let me lead him to the elevators, and he was fairly quiet as we ascended to a floor still dozens below his. I only knew where he lived because Four had told me all Leaders lived on the same floor, high above everyone else. It was billed as a security measure, but Four made it sound like it was purely where the nicer apartments were.

I thought about this as the elevator rose. Every so often, Eric would look at me. His expression stayed neutral as we reached the fifteenth floor, and by the eighteenth, he looked slightly more relaxed. He followed along as we passed the other doors, and when we reached my apartment, he stared at the number, then faced me with another unreadable stare.

"Thanks for walking with me." I break the silence, and his expression remains blank. For a half second, I doubt tonight even happened. "Um, so…maybe we can have dinner again some time?"

"As friends?" He asks, dryly. It's hard to tell if it's a question or not. There's some mockery in his tone, but it vanishes when he leans in. His lips turn up, while his eyes darken. "Sure. Enjoy your night, Amity."

"You, too."

The disappointment is white hot, but appropriate. I know better than to hope anything more than his mild approval will come from this, but for the few hours we spent at Clyde's, it was nice to think otherwise.

"Hey, wait! Eric!" I turn with my key in hand and stop him before he takes a single step. "I know that you don't normally do things like this. But…it was nice. And what are the odds that you and I ever would have eaten together without Rylan's Valentine's Day Party?"

Eric faces me. He takes a second to examine my face, then he smiles, and his expression is utterly amused.

"One in five billion."

He turns to head home, and for once, he doesn't look so tense. His shoulders are lower, his walk is casual, and his hands are by his side. He reaches the end of the hallway, then stop and waits until I open my door.

He stands there until I open the door, then he pushes the button for the elevator and disappears inside.

Chapter 4: The Date

Notes:

Thank you guys so so so soooo much for following along and commenting! You guys are the absolute best 🥰

He gives a speech on the coldest day so far.

I stand with the class as Eric lists off several new policies that Dauntless is enforcing. A recent string of security breaches has a good portion of the faction on edge, but only those who really know what’s going on. Everyone else looks confused. Even Four tilts his head with a funny look on his face, and the new security measures appear extreme even to him.

“Anyone leaving will now be restricted to the two main exits: the docking bay, or the one near the front of Dauntless.” Eric’s voice echoes, grim and stern. “The exits near the sides have been shut down until further notice. Anyone found leaving or attempting to leave through an unapproved exit will be fined.”

“Did you know about this?” Four moves closer as members arrive, working their way between people to get a better view. “Did Eric tell you he was going to do this?”

“Why would Eric tell me what the Leaders are doing?” I ask. “I went to Amity with him once. You think I know his every move now?”

“I do.”

His remark earns him a glare from me, and an elbow when someone pushes me forward. I can’t figure out why anyone is fighting for a better view. Eric is standing on a balcony above us. On his left is Jason, and on his right is Rylan. Max is off to the side with Harrison, and Tori is beside him. None of them look exceptionally happy, but only Eric is speaking. When he mentions the faction will now require all members to scan in and out while leaving, even for personal reasons, his stare searches the crowd.

“If you don’t have your ID card, your exit will be denied. If you don’t have your card upon your return, you will need clearance from a Leader.” His voice is as sharp as the chill in the air, even frostier when someone mutters their disapproval. “For those inconvenienced by such measures, we can discuss this in person if need be. This will be in full effect immediately, until further notice.”

His gaze falls downward, scraping over those in front of him. Eventually, he and I lock eyes, and Four clears his throat.

“I heard you had dinner with him.” Four mutters. “Did he recruit you to help him with his new agenda?”

“He did. Is that what you want to hear?” I break Eric’s stare to shake my head at Four, and my answer makes him scowl. “What is your deal? We ate dinner together. I didn’t marry him or sign up to work for him.”

“I warned you –”

“You also warned me that I might get murdered when I went to Amity. That didn’t happen, did it?” I cross my arms over my chest, knowing that the brittle alliance between Four and myself is about to fracture. “He’s not doing anything that you’re thinking. I went to Amity to help strengthen our relationship with them. I asked questions about what Eric wanted, and if he asked me to do something I didn’t want to, I wouldn’t. I’m not an idiot.”

“I don’t think you’re an idiot,” Four retorts. “I think you’re very smart, which is why he’s fixated on you.”

“He’s far from fixated on me.”

My answer is a lie, but it’s believable. Eric has no reason to be fixated on me. He likely doesn’t think I’m that smart, either. He saw me as a way into Amity and he took it. Our dinner together wasn’t an agreement to be friends, but I was hoping to gain some better understanding of him. We could be friends. It was plausible he’d find me fun to be around, and I’d wind up with a group of people who enjoyed my presence.

But even I knew the odds of that happening were slim to none.

“Keep telling yourself that. He hasn’t looked away since he realized you’re here.” Four elbows me. “Do you really think he’s not invested now that he knows you’ll help him without question?”

“I don’t.”

My stare turns skyward; above us, Eric’s arms are behind his back, and his expression is blank. He cocks his jaw when Four lean toward me, and when Rylan tries to get his attention, he ignores him. He looks right at me, and as the crowd begins to grow even larger, his lips press together.

“You just wait and see.” Four inches away to find someone in our class. “When I’m right, don’t come crying to me.”

“Trust me, I won’t.”

Four scoffs at my response. He leaves my side, and I overhear him telling them we’ll be done soon. When he looks over and gestures for me to follow him, I pretend I can’t see him.

I’m too busy looking up at Eric.

I smile, knowing he likely can’t see me. I wait a few seconds, ignoring the wave of people pushing into the Pit, and right before I look away, his gaze softens, ever so slightly. The harsh look on his face lessens, and his arms relax.

Then Jason shows him something, his expression tenses back to normal, and his gaze leaves mine.

Dizzied by this minuscule interaction, I struggle to look away, even when Four announces our class is leaving.

 

“Today, initiates.”

Four’s tone is more petulant toddler than authoritarian, but it works. The class scrambles to line up for the absolute worst part of training. The Fear Landscapes were not my favorite, and the fear on their faces tells me they’re all dreading this moment. I get it. I’d rather chew my arm off than face my own fears again, and Four’s instructions have left most of them more worried than confident. I knew he wasn’t the most comforting when it came to explaining to expect, and his demeanor often grew distant when it came time to push them.

A small group surrounds me, desperately trying to get my attention.

“Hey, Everly. What if I throw up?” I glance over to see the girl Rylan deemed too strong to be in the class as she gently touches my arm, and her hand is ice cold. “What if I pass out?”

“What if you die?” Her equally as freaked out friend counters. “Or what if we all die. What if the simulation goes wrong –”

“You’ll be fine. If Four can do it, anyone can.” I smile sweetly when he turns on his heel, staring at me from the front of the line. “I promise.”

“Okay.” Not at all reassured, the girl sticks by my side, tugging on my arm once more. “Hey, how many fears did your boyfriend have? More than ten? Less?”

“What are you talking about?” I look at her, and her expression is still panicked. “What boyfriend?”

For a horrified second, I think she means Four.

“He said the Fear Landscapes are terrifying and we’re all gonna fail. Hey, did how did you meet him? Was he your trainer?”

Oh no.

Ohhhh no.

“Um…” I ignore the sweaty, now meanly invasive stare from Four, and untangle my arm from the girl. “You’ll be fine. It is intense, but you’ll get through it. You won’t fail.”

“But Eric said –”

I close my eyes and silently curse Eric, even though he’s nowhere near the class.

A few days ago, he and I had dinner together. I was expecting the other Eric to show up, and I was thrown off when I saw who was walking into Clyde’s. But I wasn’t thrown off enough to leave. Stunned that Eric Coulter would even agree to eat with someone so beneath him, I couldn’t move.

I really couldn’t move when I realized he’d purposely gotten ready for dinner. He was clean. Freshly showered and shaved. He smelled good, looked nice, and was dressed more casually than I was used to. I’d never seen such a version of Eric, so I sat while everyone around us stared, and the two of us spent a solid hour without any major interruptions. I later regretted asking so many questions, knowing I’d come off naïve as ever, but he answered everything. He later walked me home, and figuring he’d never want to do anything of the sorts, I asked him if we could be friends. I thought it was a way into his life that felt appropriate, and something far more realistic than asking him if he needed a girlfriend.

To my surprise, he agreed.

His response was smirked; while he admitted our dinner never would have happened had it not been for Rylan, he didn’t seem to hate our time together. My optimism held strong that we could have a friendship that no one else did, and it might even surprise Eric in a way he never expected.

Since then, I’d seen him a few times. Once in line for coffee with Jason, and another, marching through the faction with him. Both times I was struck by how powerful he looked, and both times he glanced at me, forced the most friendly smile he could muster, and ignored the knowing grin Jason was throwing him.

Oh, and he came by yesterday.

Not one to be subtle, he wandered downstairs to relay a message to Four, and used his time in front of the initiation class wisely. He threatened a few initiates, scolded Four on being a few minutes behind schedule, then stared everyone down like he might kick them out for looking at him. He eventually strolled over to me with his arms behind his back, and while the class watched, asked how my day was going.

He made it sound like a threat.

I smiled up at him, ignoring the way my chest tightened and I suddenly felt unsteady. I told him my day was fine. I explained we were preparing for the Fear Landscapes, and if he had any advice, the class would love to hear it.

He didn’t.

He stepped so close that there was no space between us, bent down, and lowly informed me that Johanna had sent Max an email to confirm my return to Amity. He took hold of my arm, wrapping his fingers around my wrist to hold me in place, and he waited until I nodded. To the initiates, it must have looked like something else. It was probably the first time they’d ever seen him touch someone that he wasn’t about to knock out, and they immediately decided he was my boyfriend.

The whispers started the second he left, and hadn’t stopped since then.

“Is he coming back? He seems mean.” Another girl stops by me, her hair chopped to her shoulders and her ears adorned with rows of earrings. “Did he go with you to pierce your ears? You didn’t have them before. Did he hold your hand? I was thinking of piercing my nose. My friend said she’ll go. Did you ask him to go with you?”

“Who?” I try to coax her into the line, knowing exactly who she’s talking about. When she smiles, we both we know who she means. “You know what? You need to line up. We’re about to start.”

“I was talking about Eric. Kelly was talking about him and then this guy was like, oh that’s Everly’s boyfriend, but then someone said no, she was like, she’s not dating him because he’s a dick and he doesn’t date girls like her, and then, I think this other girl saw him getting drinks with someone and he was talking about you and oh shit!”

Her gossip ends when Eric shows up in the shittiest mood imaginable. His eyes narrow at the class, darken when they land on Four, and all but shut when he sees me. He marches over with his lips pressed together, and the girl scampers away.

But not without one final comment.

“Oh no. Did you cheat on him? He looks depressed.”

“What?” I stare at her like she’s nuts, trying to remind myself that she’s still young. Not that I’m that much older than her, but it makes me feel better to know she’s probably never even dated anyone. “No. Go…line up.”

“Everly, I need you to come with me.” Eric demands, not even bothering to look at Four. From the end of the line, Four is staring him down with a vengeance for interrupting, but Eric pays no mind to him. Or the girls gazing at him with curious, wide-eyed stares. “Now.”

“Is he going to propose?” The girl not at all whispers her question, and Eric’s face tenses. “Oooh, never mind. He’s not.”

“Sure.” I leave the line in a hurry, and my newfound friendship with Eric fizzles before it can even start. “I’ll be right back. Just…listen to Four while I’m gone.”

I’m met with a wave of grumbling that I’m leaving, but I don’t have a choice. I follow Eric, hurrying to keep up with him as we leave the training room and make it to the hallway. Once outside the doors, he stops and stares above my head, irritation all over his face.

“Is the class always such a shit show?”

“No, sometimes it’s worse. Hey, how’s your day, Eric? Good?” I tilt my head to really look at him, and his smile is the same one he gave Johanna. Condescending as ever, with a hint of mild disgust. “I take it not good.”

He rolls his eyes. “Far from it. But now that you’re here, I need your help with something. And since we’re friends, I figured you wouldn’t say no.” He holds my stare, unblinking. “It shouldn’t take long.”

“Now?”

In the hallway, it’s completely different than at dinner. His uniform jacket is freshly pressed and buttoned up his throat. His posture is primed for attack, and his general attitude is off putting. He’s hardly the Eric who paid for my dinner, especially when his eyes narrow.

“Yes.” He answers curtly. “You’ll be back before you miss anything important.”

“Okay. I’m sure Four will be alright on his own.” I wait for him to agree, but we both know he doesn’t care if Four is fine or not. “Lead the way. You said it won’t take long?”

“Not at all.”

His hand touches my lower back and he pushes me forward. He leaves it there, not for any purpose other than to make sure I don’t dart away, but it’s not the worst thing. His fingers press firmly as we pass the Pit, continue up the stairs, and arrive into an area of Dauntless I have never been before.

Then, when I fully expect him to take me to an office or maybe even outside, he tell me w’ere heading to lunch.

 

The restaurant is warm.

Eric is warm, too.

We sit in a booth near the edge of the restaurant, watching everyone head inside. The name above the doors is covered by a banner that says under new ownership, with Harrison’s name written beneath it in bold, red marker. In smaller letters Welcome to El Pollo Embrujado is barely visible, with a cartoon drawing of several chickens.

The employees must know Eric because we were seated immediately. Eric chose to sit facing the door, and I slid into the booth beside him. I waited for the tirade about another security breech or a lecture about what to say when I returned to Amity, but it never came. He accepted the menus, handed me one, and told me to pick something out.

It appears he merely wanted someone to eat with, and his other friends must have been busy.

“This place is better than Clyde’s.” Eric points to the lengthy menu, then exhales heavily as he leans back against the booth. “Are you hungry?”

“Starving. Four said we’d eat after the Fear Landscapes. But there’s a ton of them to get through.” I quickly skim the list of entrees, and next to me, Eric puts his phone on the table. “Are you working all day?”

“I am. You want my schedule, Amity? Is that part of us being friends?” When I look over at him, he’s amused. “I have to work late so I’m taking a long lunch. I was supposed to have a lunch meeting, but it got canceled because Rylan got stuck in Erudite. He’s supposedly on his way back now.”

“What was he doing there?” I try to imagine being a Leader in Dauntless. They must have a ton of responsibilities I can’t even think of, yet they must be something Rylan can handle. “Are you going there soon?”

I glance down at the menu, then back at Eric. He’s staring at me curiously, and when he’s done considering something, he nods.

“Next week.”

“Sounds…fun.” I cringe at my answer, knowing this friendship is going to die before it really gets going. “And yes, as your new friend, I’ll need to know your schedule so we can hang out. In between…whatever it is you do here.”

“Right.” Eric lets out of a huff of laughter. He rests his arm along the back of the booth, so close it touches my hair. “Oh, look. He’s here. That was fast.”

“I told you not to get started without me!”

Rylan sprints through the restaurant full force, nearly knocking a server out of the way. He reaches our table with a huff, shoves himself next to me, then scoots so close I’m forced to move out of his way. When I end up against Eric’s side he exhales heavily, not at me, but at Rylan.

“I thought you said you just left.”

“I did just leave. I drive fast. But hey, I see you two had fun at your dinner.” Rylan grins, yanking the menu away from me and disregarding Eric’s greeting. “There was no follow up from either of you, so I assume you’ll both be at the official party.”

“No, thanks.” Eric retorts.

“Fucker.”

“I’ll go. And our dinner was good. Thanks for asking, Rylan.” I narrow my eyes at him. “It wasn’t who –”

“I’m glad.” He interrupts quickly before I can point out that he clearly invited a different Eric than the one I thought I was choosing. “Did you guys order yet?”

“Not yet. How was Erudite? Is your mom alright?” Eric changes the subject, and his smirk returns when Rylan makes a face. “Is she still mad at you?”

“Yeah, she yelled at me for not coming by sooner. I tried to remind her that I have a job here but she doesn’t believe me.” Rylan rolls his eyes. “Then she told me I should cut my hair to be taken more seriously.”

He continues for a few minutes, ranting about his mother and her lack of approval of him. She sounds awful, and I learn the only reason he went was because he also went to see Eric’s dad, and he felt guilty not seeing his mom, too.

“Then, she said, and I quote, you’re going to die alone. You and Eric.”

Eric laughs, and I’m suddenly very aware of every move he makes. The way his leg shifts, the way his arm moves and his fingers graze my hair. The way he leans in to talk to Rylan, and my head hits the side of his chest. The undulating feeling when his body is against mine, and the ultra stupid moment when I look up at him, and he looks down at me.

Our eyes meet.

The greyest part of his eye is lighter today. His eyelashes are long, his skin is clear, and his lips look soft. He parts them to say something, his head cocked at an angle to ask me a question, but he jerks it back when someone interrupts to take our order.

“Are you guys ready?”

Fuck.
Fuck.
Fuck.

I ignore the woozy thought that I had originally hoped to be his friend. I think of the other Eric, and how my goal was merely to get to know people here, and expand my social circle so I could talk to someone other than Four. I think of Rylan suggesting I pick Eric’s name, and it dawns on me that the other Eric probably has no clue that his name was even on an envelope. It wasn’t him, but Eric on both.

“Hey, do you want another hamburger? Or something else?”

I’m startled when Eric nudges my arm. He’s remembered my order from yesterday, but he’s also asking me like he’s generally interested.

“A salad?”

“Not a salad. I heard Eric threw up in the lettuce this morning.” Rylan offhandedly throws out. “Everly, you should get tacos. Or maybe a sandwich.”

“I’ll have a quesadilla.” I pick something without lettuce, and it makes Rylan snicker. “Thank you.”

“Sure. Anything else?” The server waits a moment. Everyone shakes their heads no, and she promises to return with waters. “I’ll be back.”

She leaves with a lingering glance in my direction. Her gaze shifts to Eric, talking to Rylan over my head, then she nods in either approval or confusion.

“Why does your mother care if I die alone?” Eric asks. He doesn’t sound like he really cares, but he’s entertained by the thought. “I haven’t seen her in forever.”

“I think she got the idea in her head because her dentist’s son just got married and now all of a sudden she thinks I should get married, and so should you. Despite the fact that I rarely see her or that she wouldn’t even show up if I got married.” Rylan shrugs. “Your dad, however, sends his warmest regards.”

“I bet he does.” Eric scoffs. “Did you tell him to fuck off on my behalf?”

“No, but I did tell him you had dinner with Everly. He liked that.” Rylan pushes his hair out of his eyes with a smug grin. He looks pleased with himself, especially when the waitress brings him a drink with a glowing cube in it. “He said, wow I’d love to meet her.”

“Funny.” Eric snaps. “He’d have to actually leave Erudite if he wants to see anyone other than his staff. And Everly doesn’t even know he exists, so…he doesn’t need to see her.”

“Wait, why does your dad want to see me?” I ask, trying to guess what his dad looks like. “Is he nice?”

“No, he’s not nice.” Eric rolls his eyes. “He’s an idiot.”

“Yes, he is nice. Daniel is actually very nice. But he works all the time, so he and Eric don’t get along. Which is ironic because Eric works all the time. Anyway, he asked a lot of questions, including what Everly looks like. I told him she’s the same size as a fourth grader. He thought that was funny.” Rylan pauses, and his gaze turns mildly apologetic. “Sorry. He said he’ll call later.”

“Do you talk to him a lot?” When I look at Eric, his expression turns irritated. “I take it you don’t.”

Eric glances down at me, and I’m reminded that I don’t actually know him that well. He doesn’t have to tell me about his family, and he could very well shove me out of this booth and onto the floor for trying to pry such information out of him.

He inhales sharply, and his exhale is weary.

“Never. He’s a piece of shit.”

“He’s actually a brain surgeon. Nothing will make you feel better than knowing Eric’s father is pretty impressive.” Rylan interrupts. “That doesn’t negate that the fact that they don’t get along. He has done some crappy stuff.”

“If it makes you feel better, my dad was going force me to marry his friend’s son. My brother tried to talk some sense into him, but he didn’t want to hear it. I left Amity knowing he was furious that I wasn’t going to stick around to make Landon breakfast every day. He only hoped I’d stay to please someone else.” I admit, pausing when Eric shifts his weight toward me. “I always felt like we were close. But not anymore.”

“Would you have married the guy?” Eric’s question comes as Rylan’s drink glows bright blue. He sloshes the liquid around, making it turn a shade of pink. “If you stayed?”

“My father would have pushed until I didn’t have a way out. So, if I had stayed, I’d…currently be married to someone a lot like the other Eric.”

The words are as bleak as they sound. I drop my stare from Eric’s and force a neutral smile as I pretend my choosing Dauntless wasn’t just a way out of marrying someone I hated. I don’t think Eric will give a shit why I left Amity, but I don’t need him thinking I’m hiding out from Landon. It’s not like he’d ever show up here. Even if he did, he likely couldn’t get inside.

“Interesting,” Rylan mutters. “Amity sounds wild.”

“So, your dad can’t be any worse than that.” My cheeks burn, knowing I’ve said too much. “Or maybe he is. I don’t know…"

“Well, this took a pleasant turn. We have a runaway bride, a man who won’t accept my side quests in the name of love, and me, thinking about that one time Jeremy brought in cronuts and I ate so many I threw up,” Rylan throws out. “Fun.”

“Perhaps you could stop talking about people throwing up,” Eric counters. “So we can eat in peace.”

“Fine.” Rylan grumbles. “I guess I’ll be quiet.”

“And why didn’t you just tell your father no?” Eric raises his eyebrows at me. “Wouldn’t he have listened?”

“No. He might have agreed for a few weeks, or my mom would have distracted him to buy some time, but Amity is different. There are expectations, especially with who my father is. It would have been considered rude not to keep the peace. He’ll never forgive me for leaving.” I answer honestly, watching as Eric’s expression changes.

“Amity sounds a lot like somewhere else,” Eric pauses. “Do they expect obedience the same way Abnegation does?”

“It’s different. Everly had to be obedient because it’s peaceful,” Rylan interjects. “We learned about this in that dumb ass meeting Jeanine had. Remember? Erudite is obedient because it’s smart and you can’t work in a lab and not follow protocols. Amity is obedient because it’s copesetic. Candor is obedient so they’ll shut up for once and listen to their court drama. Dauntless trains soldiers to be obedient so we can protect everyone. She talked forever about it. I swear you were there. Or were you not?”

“It sounds like Jeanine just wants everyone to listen to her.” I ignore the way my heart beats faster when Eric’s gaze stays on mine. When I turn to face Rylan, he’s building something out of forks, and he reaches for mine when he thinks I’m not looking. “My dad expected to the same. It’s partially why I left. I don’t want to sit at home and be quiet all day. Or miss out on everything because someone told me what to do.”

“Right.”

Eric pulls back, but not away. He checks his watch, and right when I think he’s going to say something, our food arrives. The waitress hands me my plate first, and she’s joined by another server. Together, they hand us nachos, a towering plate of onion rings, fries, a coconut with ice cream in it, and a dazzling array of breadsticks.

“Compliments of Harrison. He says he hopes you enjoy yourselves, especially Eric, who he knows is taking a longer break than he normally does.” She sets down a glass of something bubbly near him, and she’s rewarded with the barest of smiles. “Enjoy.”

“Will do.”

Rylan is the only one to answer her.

Eric moves over slightly, giving me space to eat. Rylan asks how class is going, and I’m startled to find I’ve completely forgotten about it. It’s strange that the thought of the class has simply vanished; my focus has been on Eric, especially once I realized we weren’t working. He’s had my attention this entire time, and I forgot all about the initiates starting the Fear Landscapes.

“Um, they’re good. Four said we should get through a large number of them today, but I’m not sure how many have gone.”

I ty to answer him enthusiastically, but all I can think of is how much I don’t want to go back. I don’t want to spend the day wrangling hormonal teenagers, a mere year younger than myself, while scoring them harshly enough that I was essentially handing them a potential death sentence. I don’t want to inhale sawdust and chalk, or wipe off the sweat and blood that’s streaked across the mats.

I want to stay right here, laughing as Rylan’s tower comes crashing down, sending everyone’s silverware to the floor and Eric swears when Harrison shows up, announcing he’s come by purely to check on his restaurant, and most definitely not Eric. I want to stay in this moment, happy and content, as Eric’s thigh presses against mine, and he leaves it there until the very last second.

 

On our walk back, most of the faction parts ways so Eric can walk through.

He commands a lot of respect around the faction, but also a lot of attention. His pace is an unhurried saunter as we head toward the training room, and his posture is relaxed. Heads turn as I walk beside him, the stares dagger-like as we wind down the hallway. I can feel them grow sharper when Eric’s hand moves to my lower back, and even more pointed when he leaves it there.

His hand stays on me until we reach the doors to the training room. Then he leaves with a nod in my direction, the reminder that he’ll reach out about Johanna soon, and a curt goodbye.

He turns on his heel to march back to work, and I’m left wondering if this is what it’s truly like to be his friend.

 

Four spends the rest of the afternoon keeping his distance.

I’m just about done packing up my things when he walks over with a grim look on his face. I’m expecting another rant about Eric, or a reprimand for me missing class again, but it appears my absence has given him time to appreciate my help. He approaches me like one would a rabid animal, cautiously, before smiling tightly.

“Before you go, I just want to say that I owe you an apology for the way I’ve treated you. I trust that you’re a good judge of character. If you want to help Eric, then you’re free to help Eric. It’s not my business. And if they ask you to return for the next training, I’d be glad to have you work with me again.” He hesitates, forcing himself to look right at me. “You’ve done a great job. Other than being at risk for passing as one of the initiates, they really enjoyed having you here. They can relate to you in ways they don’t to me. Almost every single one asked when you’d be back.”

I’m tempted to tell him to keep his apology.

He hasn’t been very nice to me, but he seems sincere, and there’s zero to gain from holding a grudge against him. I do make him suffer for a few seconds. He keeps waiting for me to say something, and when I can tell he’s about to give up and stomp off, I smile.

“Thank you. I accept your apology and I hope that one day, maybe we can consider each other friends,” I shrug. “Or at the very least, co-workers who don’t hate each other.”

“I agree.” Four nods. “And uh, I’m going to do the scoring tonight. The scoring for the Fear Landscapes is different than the fighting, and since you weren’t here…”

“I understand. It’ll be nice to have the evening off.” I grab the notebook he’s given me, a few papers, and notice there’s another envelope inside it. “Is this from you?”

“No, a soldier brought it by. He said to make sure you get it.” Four points to the red envelope, and this time, there’s no mean look on his face. “He said you should open it tonight and not to lose it. I said I’d make sure you got it.”

“Thanks.” I’m surprised, until I remember Christina filled out one for me. Having no clue what she wrote on it, I’m a little nervous. There could be literally anything on the list she made, and I don’t know whether to be excited or terrified. “Are you leaving? I can walk out with you if you are.”

“I am.”

Four and I leave the training room together, and it’s nice to have him relaxed. He’s amicable as he suggests we take a different route, promising it’s faster than the normal walk to the elevators. I follow him in the opposite direction I’d normally take, until we reach the roaring waterfall that leads down to a large cavern.

It’s loud and violent as it pours over. I’ve never seen it before, so I stop to look at it, getting as close as I can to the railing. I’m not afraid of heights, but my stomach drops when I glance down. The view is dizzying. The pool is several stories below, churning as the water meets in a fit of rage. There’s no way one would survive such a fall, and when I touch the railing, someone shrieks as it shakes.

“Don’t. It’s loose. Maintenance has been trying to fix it for weeks.”

The warning makes my hand tighten. I turn to see a girl roughly my age watching from afar. Her blonde hair is pulled back in a ponytail, and she’s dressed like every other soldier.

“I just thought you should know. Last week, someone almost fell over. I know Max has asked for it be looked at twice this week.” She walks toward me with an uneasy smile that moves to Four behind me. “Hey.”

“Tris.” Four’s answer is exceptionally terse. I watch out of the corner of my eye as he pretends to be unbothered, but he fails miserably. “How was your patrol?”

“Fine. Nothing unusual to report.” She answers, equally as indifferent. They face one another, and both cross their arms over their chests. “Were you expecting something to happen?”

Her tone sounds accusatory. I watch with some interest, pretending I can’t feel the railing moving beneath my hand.

“No.”

“Good.”

They both fall silent. The air is tense as they sort of glare at one another. I wait for someone to say something, then decide it’ll have to be me.

“So, I’m Everly,’ I announce brightly. “It’s really nice to meet you.”

“I’m Tris. I, uh, didn’t mean to interrupt. I would hate to watch you fall over the railing.” Tris is friendly enough, but only when she’s looking at me. “It’s nice to mee you, too. I work in the Control Room, so I see you on camera. I’ve seen you…lots of places lately.”

“I bet.”

I know what she’s hinting at, but I’m not about to explain what I’ve been doing.

“Well, it was great to meet you but I’m going to head home. Thanks for the warning about the railing.” I say, smiling when she nods.

“Yeah, you too.”

She’s distracted when she looks at Four. When I step away, she fills my spot, and this time, her tone is much softer.

“You look…exhausted.”

“I’m fine.” His reply is not soft. “I told you, I’ve been working later and declined the shifts. If you need something, you’ll need to reach out to…”

I leave them at the Chasm, water spilling behind them, as they continue their discussion. I listen as long as I can hear them, and both of their tones carry an undercurrent of frustration with one another. I forget about Tris and Four when I try to figure out which way to go, and find myself in the middle of the shops, completely lost.

 

“That’ll be thirteen eighty-two. Wait, no. Fourteen eighty-two.”

The barista smiles, but it falters when her stare moves to Eric beside me. He’s not even looking at her. He’s typing a message on his phone, occasionally swearing under his breath when his phone dings over and over.

“Or…do you want something else, Sir?” She waits, fingers hovering over the register as he looks up and shakes his head. “Great, um, you can insert your card now. Or I can swipe it.”

“Did you order?” Eric glances at me out of the corner of his eye.

“I did.”

“Good.” He hands the barista his card, then goes back to his phone, exhaling heavily when it dings again. “Give me a second. It’s Max.”

“Sure. I’m not in any hurry,” I answer, relieved that Eric knew where we were.

Ten minutes ago, I stood in a section of Dauntless I’ve never been before, trying to find a way home. To my dismay, I was totally lost. There wasn’t a single sign explaining where to go, nor was there a map anywhere that I could see. I started to panic, thinking I’d have to find someone and explain what was going on, but I ran into Eric.

Well, he ran into me.

For once, he was not on alert, but busy on his phone. He slammed into me right as I stepped to the side, figuring I would head into one of the stores and admit that I needed help. Eric quickly steadied me, gritted out the least apologetic apology possible, then demanded to know what I was doing. Once I explained I’d left Four with Tris, he smirked, then asked if I wanted a coffee.

For a second, I almost said no.

It was already after four, and I didn’t want to be up all night. But I knew his offer was rare, so I nodded and followed him into the coffee shop. It was packed. We waited in a line of soldiers preparing to leave for the night, along with the kitchen staff preparing to head into work. A few members kept looking at Eric, but he was engrossed in his phone. He muttered a very low explanation –something about Harrison losing his mind over someone in Amity, but he stayed by my side. When we neared the counter, he insisted I order first, then told me he’d pay.

“It says…um….it says….uh your….” The barista looks up at Eric with sheer panic on her face. “Um…you….you need to….your…”

“My what?” Eric repeats. “You can swipe the card any day now.”

“It didn’t go through. It says…declined.” She leans away from the counter like he’s going to lunge for her throat. “I’ll try it again.”

“What?” He barks. His eye twitches as she swipes his card several times and the machine beeps in protest. “What’s wrong with it?”

“I don’t know. It keeps saying try another card.” She looks at me, her skin now as pale as a ghost. “I’ll just give them to you. You don’t have to pay. Or…I can pay for them.”

“I can pay. Maybe something happened to your card?” I fumble with everything in my hands. Eric shakes his head, but I set the papers on the counter, and pull out the not quite as black card that I’ve been given. “Here, try mine.”

“Of course!” Relieved, she swipes mine and it goes through immediately. “Okay, great. That worked. They’ll be ready at the end. Give us a second.”

“Thanks.” I grab the papers and notebook, then nearly knock the envelope to the floor. “Have a nice day.”

“You, too.”

Eric says nothing. He stares at the card in his hand with a funny look on his face. He doesn’t move, doesn’t blink, and he only reacts when I very gently touch his arm.

“Do you want to come this way?” I ask. The line behind us is long, though I doubt anyone is going to rush him. “Eric?”

“Yeah, uh…thanks.” He stares at me like he’s never met me before, but he eventually walks along with me. “You didn’t have to do that.”

“It’s fine. You bought my dinner. And my lunch. The least I can do is get your coffee,” I smile up at him. “I hope you figure out what happened to your card.”

“It’s probably nothing. Rylan probably canceled it by accident. He did the same thing a few months ago when he lost his and somehow mine got turned off.” He shrugs. “Did you open that?”

“What?”

We stop at the end of the counter. I notice that Eric’s uniform is a different one today, and idly wonder how many he has. While I’m trying to see if he has the blue stripe on his arm today, he narrows his eyes.

“The envelope. Isn’t that from Rylan?” He gestures to the red peeking out from between the papers. “It looks like the one he gave everyone.”

“Oh, it is. Should I open it now? Four gave it to me before I left. Would you mind holding these?” I pause, and when he holds his hand out, I give him everything but the envelope. “Hey, did Four and Tris –” I stop when his eyebrows practically disappear into his hair, and I know he’s about to say something mean.

“Date? Yeah, they did. It ended disastrously.” Eric smirks. “Why? Did he regale you with his dating history? Or did you stumble upon this fact by yourself?”

“We ran into her by the waterfall. She seemed surprised to see him and they just…stood there staring at each other.” I carefully open the envelope and read the card twice. “Oh.”

“What is it?” Eric asks.

It’s a lot.

To her credit, Christina really did list things that I would be interested in. I don’t know why I was expecting either something boring or perhaps more on the thrill seeking side, but I’m pleased to see whoever has my name has selected something that actually will be enjoyable.

A trip to the Night Market, including hot chocolate under the stars, a gift card to buy something, and a reading with a fortune teller.

“Well? What do you have to do? Organize the armory?” Eric tries to look like he’s not interested, but his tone is somehow tenser than normal. “Volunteer to feed the ducks? Hang out with Four without getting paid?”

“No, it’s actually really cute. Whoever it is chose a trip to the Night Market this Friday. Christina was telling me about it. I’ve never been.” I hold onto the envelope tighter, reading the neat handwriting at the bottom. “She said it’s fun.”

“You’ve really never been?” He blinks in disbelief.

“No. I mean, I know anyone can go, but I never heard of it until I came here.” I glance up to see him staring intently, and my stomach drops. “Oh no. What if it’s from…from…”

He must be psychic.

“Your friend in the kitchen?” Eric guesses, pursing his lips in disapproval. “Have you seen him since he tried to help with your headache.?”

“No. I haven’t.” I turn when the barista announces our drinks are ready, and the thought of the other Eric is not as exciting as it once was. “Maybe I shouldn’t go. If it is him…” I trail off, not really sure what to do. I had hoped the other Eric and I could be friends, but I have zero desire to hear about Amity all night, while simultaneously receiving a lecture on how evil modern medicine is. “I could tell Rylan I can’t go. Or that Four is making me work all week.”

“I doubt it’s him.” Eric cuts me off. He reaches for the drinks, and I notice both have Eric’s name on them. “He never participates in anything Rylan does. In fact, he wouldn’t join Rylan’s Valentine’s party if you paid him. He joined the Leprechaun one, and it took a long time before his hair was back to normal.”

“What?” I laugh at the look on Eric’s face, a mixture of amusement and regret, and take my drink from him. “Just what exactly did Rylan do?”

“Let’s just say that Eric wasn’t planning on being the Leprechaun, let alone celebrating.” Eric shrugs again, and this time, he fails to hide his delight. “Anyway, I doubt it’s him. You should go. Otherwise, you’ll never hear the end of it. You’ll keep getting invited to every holiday themed event Rylan throws until you cave, and the next experience will be ten times more intense.”

“True.”

My fingers touch his. Against the cold cup, he’s warm as ever. His eyes lock on mine, and when I don’t move my hand away, neither does he.

My heart skips a beat.

Literally.

It’s probably exhaustion from the training, or too much caffeine, or the knowledge that Eric volunteered to buy my coffee. Anything but him looking directly at me, and his lips quirking up when I don’t pull the drink away.

“You ready to go home, Amity?” He waits until I nod, and his jaw tenses. “I’ll walk you there. We aren’t far.”

“I am. Thanks.”

I ignore the pressing stares of those still in line. The terrified look on Tris’ face as she walks this way with Four, and the equally intrigued look on Karl’s face as he rushes past with a patrol group. I ignore the barista, pretending to call out an order at the end of the counter as Eric waits for me, and the uneasy stare from Harrison as he wanders out of his next venture, another restaurant, this one themed like a pirate ship.

I walk home with Eric, side by side, his arm grazing mine and his hand occasionally hitting my elbow, until we reach a familiar set of elevators. There, his hand brushes mine, and he doesn’t pull away. His touch is careful, the tiniest bit familiar, and guilty.

When I step inside, he does not.

He simply watches me leave, looking like he’s made one very big mistake.

 

Christina sits down on my bed with a very smug grin.

She showed up not long ago. I was surprised to find her at my door, but it turns out she wanted to make sure I’d gotten the envelope. I let her in as soon as I saw her, ushered her inside so we could talk, and she offered to hang out while I got ready for bed. She made a face when I said I was tired, but quickly admitted she was going home after this, but had promised Rylan she would check to make sure Four had given me the valentine.

She looked relieved when I told her he had.

“So, are you excited for your date?” She asks, flipping through the initiates scores. I’d left them on the nightstand, and she picked them up and immediately began reading them. “It sounds really cute.”

“I thought it wasn’t a date. You said it was just for fun. No pressure, remember?” I remind her. “I vaguely recall you saying everyone ends up as friends.”

“Yeah, friends. Definitely. But you’re excited to make new friends, right?” She wrinkles her noses at the papers, then scrunches up her entire face. “Is this kid’s name really Acorn?”

“No, it’s a nickname,” I laugh, knowing Acorn is the largest initiate we have. “He’s huge. Someone called him that after he jumped off the roof and he decided he liked it. He told Four it was his name and then almost died laughing. Four didn’t find it funny.”

“I bet he didn’t.” Christina sets the papers down, and her eyes go right to mine. “Speaking of cute, I heard Eric walked you home after you bought his coffee.”

“How on Earth do you know that?” I sit down beside her, yawning even though it’s still too early to be this tired. “And here I thought gossip traveled fast in Amity.”

“I’m friends with Tris. She called me the second you left. She’s afraid for your life.” Christina laughs. “She was more concerned that you’d willingly walked home with him. She asked if you’d hit your head during training.”

“Interesting. Did she get that from Four? He was also convinced Eric would murder me,” I answer with a grin. “He did apologize today. It was really weird.”

“I think someone yelled at him. Or he realized he was being an idiot and Eric doesn’t kill everyone he talks to.” She shrugs, then reaches for the papers again. She picks up the red envelope, and her smile grows wider. “Actually, he might have a reason. Did I ever tell you Eric was one our trainers? He almost killed me. So, I guess I can see why Four is worried.”

“Seriously?” I stare at her in horror, but she waves her hand dismissively.

“It was a while ago. I pissed him off and he reminded me who was in charge. I’ve forgiven him, though. You don’t have to worry.” She rolls her eyes, and I find myself torn between wanting to know what she did, and wondering if Eric is truly as dangerous as everyone says he is. “He’s toned it way down. Especially since…”

“Since when?” I demand when she doesn’t finish. “Christina!”

“I don’t know. A few months ago, something changed. His attitude has been way different. He normally doesn’t entertain Rylan’s plans for a second, and this time, he agreed after a few minutes of Rylan bugging him. He seems interested now. I know he talked to Rylan about you picking his name.”

“Do you know who he picked?” I watch her shake her head. “Tell me. I won’t tell anyone else.”

“I do, but I promised I wouldn’t tell a soul. Only Rylan knows. Well, and Jason. Oh, and Harrison,” she laughs. “But no one else.”

“Is there anyone left?” I would laugh, but I suddenly feel a little nauseous over the thought of Eric picking a Valentine. The feeling is incredibly dumb, so I pretend it doesn’t bother me. “I’m surprised he doesn’t have a girlfriend.”

“He did. She was in Erudite, but Rylan said she dumped him a few months ago. She was furious that he blew her off in favor of working, and she called him one night and said she couldn’t do it anymore. I don’t think he cared. His work is his first true love, and Ashley couldn’t complete with it, even though she was part of it.” Christina nudges me with her foot. “She comes here from time to time. I’m sure you’ll cross paths.”

“Is she nice?”

“Far from it. She’s nice if you’re doing something she wants, otherwise, she’s pretty rude. In a lot of ways, she’s just like Eric. But she works for Jeanine, so…between you and me, Eric’s change in attitude had something to do with Ashley breaking up with him. He pulled back on his involvement with Erudite, which meant he wasn’t quite as into dating someone who reports to her.” Christina sets the papers down, and her smile widens. “It doesn’t matter. Ashley likely won’t come by for a while. Rylan said they’ve canceled all their meetings here, and once Eric goes to Erudite, they won’t be back for a while. At least, for work.”

“What does she look like?”

For some reason, this bothers me.

Not the way it should. I know Eric has a life in Dauntless that I know very little about, but there’s something unnerving about knowing he was dating someone, especially someone from Erudite. I can’t picture him tolerating much in a relationship, especially not someone who’s a faction away. She must be smart, incredibly pretty, or both.

“Ashley?” Christina pretends to consider my question. “She looks snotty. She’s almost as tall as Eric. Blonde hair. She’s always dressed in blue. Her nose is always turned up when she’s here, oh, and her hair is almost as long as yours. She does have nice clothes.”

“She sounds pretty.” I try to imagine her, but all I can picture is Eric, doing absolutely everything with this girl. “Does Rylan like her?”

“Rylan would rather light his hair on fire than be around Ashley. He hates her. Like, despises her.” Christina answers. “She tries to get suspended all the time. Once, she called Max and claimed Rylan had just been in her office and tried to kill her. Except Rylan was sitting in Max’s office and hadn’t left Dauntless in days. She then claimed he was stalking her, except Rylan was on camera in Dauntless during the times she claimed he was there. For being from Erudite, she’s not very bright.”

“She sounds really cool,” I joke, laughing when Christina makes a face. “I’m sure he’ll see her again. He mentioned his dad is there. They must have something in common.”

“They have a lot in common. Maybe too much in common. Which is probably why he didn’t care that she ended things. I honestly don’t think he even really liked her these past few years. He always looked annoyed whenever I saw them together.” Christina fails to hide her yawn, and with great reluctance, slides off the bed and frowns. “I should probably go. I have to work early tomorrow.”

“Me, too. Thank you for coming by. I’ll keep you posted on how this goes.”

She smiles widely, and I’m shocked at how easy it is to be her friend.

And how temporary.

Fear strikes through my heart, and I’m hit with the worst dread that she’ll dump me as her friend as soon as this Valentine’s party is over. I don’t know where that worry comes from, or why.

In Amity, I had two best friends my entire life, and it wasn’t hard for me to make new friends. I genuinely liked everyone there, aside from a few people, and could always find something to do or someone to hang out with. But Dauntless is nothing like Amity. There’s more of a social hierarchy than I pictured, and I could wind up with none of them as my friends.

My heart sinks as I picture being alone all over again, with only Four to talk to, only when we work together.

 

By Friday, I’m so nervous that I might throw up.

Or maybe it’s the lettuce.

I’d eaten lunch with Four. He was my new official friend, and since we now trusted one another, he spent the whole time trying to talk me out of going to the Night Market. He claimed it was boring. Basic. The regular market, but with higher prices because it was at night and that was supposed to make it cool. He said there wasn’t much to see, I’d have to scan my ID to leave Dauntless, and there was a high chance my date would leave me to go look at the random garbage people were selling and not come back.

He went as far as to say I’d be better off staying home or asking if the person would consider joining me on a walk around Dauntless, before he finally shut up and started eating his sandwich.

I would have glared at him over my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, but I was too busy trying not to look for Eric.

Since learning he had recently been dumped, I felt slightly different about him. Not that I thought he had any interest in me past humoring Rylan, but I was curious about what it would be like to date him. Or what he was like at home. I wondered if he did anything fun in his free time, and what his apartment looked like. I wanted to know what time he went to bed, what he wore to sleep in, or what he didn’t wear to sleep in.

My brain tortured me by pointing out that there was a small chance I could know, even if there wasn’t.

Rather than thinking logically –that Eric and I had nothing in common and my best bet was to keep him at arm’s length, it was like someone had set my insides on fire. Every time I saw him, my stomach flipped over. My heart felt like it might drop right out of my chest, and my head spun. The nurse would have told me it was anxiety; seeing Eric during initiation had been terrifying, and him showing up while I was training the class was now making me nervous. Nothing I did got rid of the way he made me feel. It was like I was having the best dream of my life, but I was very much awake, and it left me hoping to see him to keep the feeling going.

The worst part was I think he knew.

Eric is smart, and it wasn’t hard to see the way my face turned red when I saw him. Or the way I lost the ability to string a sentence together. I showed up at same coffee shop a few times, pretending I wasn’t hoping to catch a glimpse of him, and each time was left disappointed and over caffeinated. He would eventually figure out that I’d developed a juvenile crush on someone who had no time for such things, and even less interest in someone from Amity. The scant times I did see him consisted of mere seconds; a brief nod as we crossed paths by the Mess Hall, and a brush of my shoulder as he marched out with Jason.

I thought I would see him today, but I spent the entire day with the training class, behind schedule. Even now, as I hurry to scan out of Dauntless and find the train, I’m late. I join a large line of members waiting to leave, and hope it moves fast. I stand on my tip toes to try and see around the guy in front of me then, and when the line seems to slow even further, I count how many are ahead of me.

At least twenty.

“Shit.”

“Shit.”

Up ahead, the next line over and six people in front of me, Eric waits with Jason. He rocks back on his heels impatiently, then looks over at his friend. Jason shrugs, and I can hear them talking, especially when Eric sighs and stretches his head from side to side. “We’re going to miss the train.”

“We might,” Jason agrees. “But if you do, you could drive her there. Did you see her? Is she here?”

“No. She was considering not going because she thought the other Eric had her name,” Eric shrugs. “I don’t think Rylan really thought this through. You know we don’t have to wait in this line. We can just leave.”

“We’re supposed to be setting a good example,” Jason points out. “Max said if we’re going to enforce it, we have to practice it.”

“You really want to wait here?” Eric looks around, raising one eyebrow. “It’s a zoo. I’ve seen the daycare line up better than this.”

“Well, look at this way –maybe, since it’s moving slow, you’ll find Everly before we leave.”

My heart practically stops beating. He’s looking for me. He has my name, and he picked our plans for tonight.

“I don’t see her.” Eric retorts. “I doubt she’s coming.”

“Or you can’t see her because she’s short. Keep looking. You said you told her it wasn’t that other guy inviting her out.” Jason scans the crowd, missing me completely as the guy in front of me is joined by his friend. “What if she does show up?”

“Then we’ll go to this market.” Eric answer tightly. “What am I supposed to do with her?”

“I don’t know. You’re the one who said you two are friends. You’re the one who keeps going to lunch with her. You willingly picked her name. If you didn’t want to take her to this market, you wouldn’t. I have never once seen you do something you don’t want to do,” Jason answers easily. “You’ve been way more invested in what she’s doing than anyone else you’ve talked about.”

“I haven’t…”

He stops talking.

Eric turns as the guy in front of me jumps to another line. Our eyes meet as the noise reaches a level of loud that I’ve never heard before, and someone announces one of the scanners has just broken. Eric blinks, his head jerking toward the voice for a split second, then he makes a beeline right toward me, leaving Jason to fend for himself.

He reaches me in seconds.

Above us, the lights flicker, and every security measure is broken as members of Dauntless shove past the poor guards trying to scan everyone out.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” He smiles at me, flippant and smug, and it’s like the wind is knocked out of me. “Are you ready, Amity? If we leave now, we just might make the train.”

I answer without an ounce of hesitation. Though my head swims with everything that’s happened over the past few days, I nod.

“I am.”

“Follow me. It’s a quick ride. Maybe ten minutes or less.” He answers, glancing down to make sure I’m following him.

I stay with Eric as we head through the crowd, passed the soldiers trying to catch everyone leaving, and out the large docking bay doors.

The cold air hits me in the face with a slap, and above us, the stars shine just a little brighter than I remember.

Chapter 5: The Night Market

Notes:

Thank you so much to Erin for editing!

The train slows as it nears Dauntless, then comes to a grinding halt.

Everyone lines up to board, and the excitement is palpable as people spill out of Dauntless. It hasn't been that long since the Leaders implemented the new system to scan out, but it's working well as a deterrent to keep everyone in. Tonight, however, it seems like half the faction has decided to leave, and the platform is swarmed with members as the doors open, and the soldiers can't keep up with everyone.

Next to me, Eric glances around with disdain.

I know he can check out a truck whenever he wants, and taking the train anywhere must feel beneath him. I try to picture a younger version of him choosing Dauntless, riding here with the other initiates, and jumping once it neared the roof. I wonder if he hesitated before leaping into the dark, or if he jumped without thinking. There's little chance he was afraid of his decision, and if anything, I'm sure he felt a sense of freedom in leaving his home.

Though given what Christina told me, he likely felt the whole thing was out of his hands and he was continuing a preplanned path that someone else chose for him.

"Are you ready?"

Eric's voice is low as he nudges my arm. His coat is buttoned tightly, and his hair is slicked back. When I look up, trepidation has crept into his posture. He's not unsure of me by any stretch of the imagination, but he's going to the market with me, on purpose, with everyone else.

For him, this is unheard of.

"I am ready. Are you?" My hair ruffles in the breeze, and the wind is colder than expected. "Do you think it'll be fun?"

"No." He deadpans, looking right at me. "I think it's going to be crowded, dark, and you'll probably run into Eric looking for more essential oils."

"Oh, so the perfect night?" I laugh as we are pushed forward with the crowd. Up ahead, Jason has found Meghan, and I notice he's got a death grip on her hand. Her green hair is twisted up, and when she looks around, I know she's looking for Eric and me. "I can't wait."

"Me, either."

His answer is flat but snickered.

Eric waits until there is an opening, then coaxes me forward. Before I know it, I'm back on the very train that brought me to Dauntless. It lurches forward without warning, and out of the dirty windows, the faction disappears as the next group of people swarm the platform.

 

The Night Market is exactly like everyone said.

It is dark, but there are lights strung over every spare inch. A warm glow pours over all kinds of treasures; one man is selling paintings and clothes, while the woman beside him is selling artwork and plants. There are numerous book sellers, a wide variety of baked goods and clothes, and dozens of people offering black market items. A particularly slick looking man is selling weapons, while another hawks potions from Erudite promising to change your life.

At the end of each row are food vendors of all kinds. There is one from Erudite offering specialty drinks, and several from Amity. I recognize the guys working as friends of Forrest, and notice his beer is being sold here. Near the entrance is a slew of booths selling popcorn, cotton candy, and soap. I stop in confusion at that one, and Eric notices.

"It's edible. Rylan buys the soap from time to time. He took a bite out of one in front of Harrison and when Harrison tried to stop him, Rylan laughed so hard he choked." His tone is amused as we walk down an aisle, and he slows when I stop to look at a booth of large statues. "You've really never been here? There are people from Amity selling stuff every time I've come here with Rylan."

"Never."

My fingers graze over a set of swans, and I take my time to look at everything.

This row is particularly crowded. I'm almost sick with jealousy that I never knew this place existed. I had heard of the market spoken about off handedly, but I never asked what it was. My father had made it sound like somewhere exclusive to the farmers dropping off the deliveries, and he let me stay in the assumption that it wasn't for me. I'd never heard Landon talk about it, though he must have come here. He would leave Amity sometimes, always heading out with friends once the sun set, sometimes with my father. I wonder if he visited here or worked at one of the booths.

I chew on my lip and hope they aren't here, then shake away the thought when someone yells out that they'll have another beer.

The atmosphere is lively. It's captivating how happy everyone is to be outside, even in the cold. People pass by with thick coats and scarves, sharing drinks while they meander down the rows. There is no sense of urgency. No panic, no pressure, no fear. Only people enjoying themselves as they pick out trinkets from a guy with a puppet, and the cheerful conversation is woven into music coming from somewhere.

It's too much for Eric.

He glares at someone when they stand too close to him, then scowls when they apologize.

"Are you going to stay here? I'll grab your drink. Do you want anything else?" Eric leans in, his arm hitting mine as a group from Erudite stop at the same display. They look over at him, and there's faint recognition on their faces. "Everly?"

The way he says my name makes my chest tighten.

It sounds personal to him.

"A drink would be great. Thank you. I can go with you," I offer. I leave the swans, and when I turn, he's right there, still staring at me like he's never seen me before. "Are you getting one?"

"I am."

It's interesting to observe Eric out of his element. His jaw is tight as we leave the booth, but he keeps his pace even with mine. He's unhurried, and the sharpness of him eventually relaxes into something I've never seen before. He smirks as a few people try to cut between us, quickly giving up once they realize he's not moving.

"Thanks for bringing me here. I never would have thought you'd pick my name," I confess as we pass a booth selling coats lined with fur. The silence between us isn't uncomfortable, but I want him to know I'm glad it's him who chose me. "I would have guessed you'd pick someone you knew."

"I wasn't going to pick anyone. I'm aware of Rylan's plans and how they usually turn out," he shrugs, but his lips turn up. "And I knew who you were. I had to approve your position with Four. I did some research once I saw your name."

"And what did you find?" I tilt my head curiously, and when he smiles, I know it's something he thinks is funny. "Eric?"

"What size drink do you want?" He changes the subject, pointing to a line near the end of the row. The hot chocolate is popular tonight, and the line is a dozen people deep. "This might take a minute."

"I'm not in any hurry. Are you?" For a half second, I wonder if he is.

Maybe he's only here out of obligation to his friend.

"No." He looks down at me, then his lips press together. "I think –"

"Eric?"

His name is spoken so sharply that it makes my spine ache. In front of us, just to the side where a large sign boasts that you can win a prize if you can beat some game, stands a girl watching him. It's very clear she knows Eric, and when her eyes move to me, it becomes obvious exactly who she is. She walks closer, her stare raking over him possessively, until Eric turns. He straightens his spine, and his stare turns downright frosty.

"Ashley."

"What are you doing here? You hate the market." She presses her lips together in anger, and I'm faced with the female version of Eric. She's tall. Blonder than him, but very pretty. Her dark blue dress is covered by a thick blue jacket, and her eyes are just as icy as his. For a half second, I can see why he liked her. Her stare whips to me, and she's not at all subtle with her irritation. "Who is she?"

He doesn't answer.

He cocks his head like he's debating if she deserves an answer, and she must not.

"I said, who is she? Is she here with you?" Ashley demands.

"Hey, sorry. That line took forever. Whoa, hey…who is this?" A guy stops to hand her a large drink with a grin. His stare flicks to Eric, sizing him up with an interesting look on his face. "Well, I guess everyone really is here tonight. It looks like all of Dauntless showed up. Is this…do you know him?"

"This is Eric." Ashley grits out. "Neal, we should –"

"This is Eric? Really?" He blinks, and his stare remains neutral. "Interesting."

"Yeah. It is interesting that he's here." Ashley starts.

"I just said that." The guy cuts her off with a shake of his head, shrugging at Eric. "Are you here to work? Is there a factionless threat or something?"

"No." Eric says, his tone dripping with venom. "There is not."

"Well, uh good. It's…nice to officially meet you. I didn't expect to see a Leader of Dauntless, here at the market with his…" Neal stops, and his eyes lock on mine. "Who are you? Are you Eric's assistant?"

He squints at me, and their body language is telling. Though they are standing close together, Ashley is leaning away from him, while Neal leans into her. He's not terrible looking, but not anything to write home about. I compare him to Eric, for no reason other than Ashley won't look away from Eric. Neal isn't as fit, but he is broad, generically handsome, and clean cut.

His expression stays curious, until Ashley hisses for it's time to leave. "What? I'm just surprised this is him. He's got an edgy haircut and some tattoos. I was expecting something else."

"Fuck off," Eric politely snaps. "I'm surprised either of you crawled out of Erudite. Ashley was never one to go anywhere the public could. You look like you feel the same way."

"Neal suggested it," Ashley grits out. "And like I told you, had you not spent all your time working, you might have learned a thing or two about what I like."

"Right." Eric scoffs. "In case you didn't notice, I didn't care what you liked. I still don't."

"Eric," Ashley says his name tightly, then stops when Neal grabs her arm. "Let go of me. I'm not going to do anything," she snarls. "Beyond trying to figure out how the fuck this girl got Eric away from his desk."

"Hey, don't do this. He's missing out and he knows it. And fuck off yourself. We only came here because someone said it was funny to watch the other factions try to act like they've been out in public before." Neal throws out cockily. "Nice to meet you both. I'm sure you'll have a blast at the weight racks over there. I hear the dumbbells are on sale. Or, if your assistant needs some new clothes, there's a kid's section on the other side. It looks like stuff she can afford."

Oh, so he's a dick.

No wonder Ashley likes him.

"You know, I do need some new sweaters. I'll check it out. Thanks," I retort before I can stop myself. "Appreciate the help."

Eric's jaw tenses, but when I look at him out of the corner of my eye, I can see him struggling not to laugh.

"Idiot." Neal laughs. "Come on. You can't seriously be mad he's here with her. This is obviously out of pity."

Eric stares at him.

He cocks his head like he's counting to a high number, and when his lips part, I know he's about to either murder Neal, or say something that will make him cry. While I don't see an issue with either option, I don't want them to ruin our night.

"We're good, but thanks." I smile sweetly at them, enjoying the way Neal looks confused. "Enjoy your drinks. Though be careful, because I heard someone is poisoning them."

I reach for Eric's hand without looking, and when I find it, I slide my fingers between his. His palm is rough, and it takes him a second to realize what I'm doing. He eventually tightens his grip on mine, then smirks at Neal.

"Good luck with her." Eric nods, then takes off toward the line. "I'd watch your back, Neal. Enjoy your drinks."

"What the fuck!" Neal protests, spitting his drink on the ground. Ashley shrieks for him to stop, then he hisses that it tastes weird. "Dump yours out. Now."

"Sorry. I shouldn't have said that. He's just…really annoying." I apologize, thinking I've ruined everything. "She seems nice."

"She's far from nice." Eric walks much faster than me, and I'm pulled along with him. "And you don't have to apologize. I didn't think she'd be here. She rarely leaves Erudite," Eric murmurs, still holding onto my hand. "I'm shocked she agreed to something so beneath her."

"Is she your ex-girlfriend?" I focus solely on the feeling of my hand in his. Like everything involving Eric, the act is violent. He's holding on so tightly that my fingers ache, but the feeling is safe. When a few people glance at us, he tenses, but he doesn't let go. "Christina mentioned you dated someone from Erudite, so I'm guessing that's her."

"I did." He answers with zero emotion. "She made sense at the time, but when I left Erudite, it didn't any longer. She works with Jeanine, and it's become very clear I served a purpose to both of them, and not one of my choosing."

"Right." My answer is quiet, because I don't really know much about Jeanine or Ashley. Only that he doesn't like either of them, and he's working to lessen his alliance with Erudite. "She seems very…"

I trail off, and when I look up, he's staring down at me. He licks his lips, visibly uncomfortable with this discussion, and his shoulders rise.

"She's no one."

He ends the discussion as we join the line. My hand stays in his, locked in his vice like grip. He doesn't let go as others line up behind us, and when I adjust my fingers before they break, he realizes what he's doing.

"Sorry," he mutters. He loosens his grip, glancing over when a wave of people walk by. I recognize a few from Dauntless, and their stares go right to my hand in his. "Listen, Rylan told me…"

He pauses, and his eyes lock on mine. He hesitates for what seems like an hour, and I get the feeling he's waiting for me to be furious over Neal's words. I'm not. I don't want their Erudite clothing, and I don't care that he thinks I don't make enough as him.

"What did Rylan tell you?" My eyes meet Eric's, and I hope he knows I'm not upset. "Is it bad?"

"Yes. I'm supposed to take you to get your fortune told. It's on the other side of the market." He blinks, like he can't believe the words are coming out of his mouth. "According to him, the lady can see the future and she's never been wrong."

"Do you believe that?" I tilt my head at his sneer, knowing he doesn't. "Have you done it before?"

"Yeah, weekly. According to her, the line is going to take an hour to get through." Eric rolls his eyes, and I find myself laughing at the look on his face. "He goes whenever he's here. I guess we'll find out how accurate she is."

"I can't wait."

I have no idea what seeing a fortune teller entails, but I'm oddly excited. Eric keeps my hand in his as the line moves, occasionally pointing out something to keep me entertained. It's a surreal moment when he doesn't let go, not even when Jason walks by with Meghan, and they both stop in their tracks. He only pulls away to order our drinks, and once he pays, he hands me an oversized cup with a grimace.

"Enjoy."

I take the drink with a woozy, lightheaded grin, then follow him across the market to hear what my future holds.

 

"Death."

"What?" I stare in horror as the woman waves her hands around dizzyingly. "What do you mean, death?"

"It's what the cards say." She stares with a vacant expression, rearranging then cards a few more times and sorting them into piles. "Oh wait, sorry. You actually drew death twice. It could be you or a loved one, then you again. It's presumably death of an old life as your new one forms, along with the death of self."

Beneath a sign decorated with flashing lights and an array of promises, and very small letters spelling out that she's actually a misfortune teller, a woman named Misty reads cards that are meant to predict my future. Seated atop several rugs and pillows, she shuffled the deck, picked out twelve cards, and smiled brightly when Eric crossed his arms and exhaled in annoyance, then grumbled that there was zero chance in any of this coming true.

"So, she's going to die? Why would you kill off your clientele?" Eric huffs. "Seems pointless, if you ask me."

"I'm not asking you." Misty spreads the cards out again, smiling brightly. "I'll do yours next."

"No, thanks." He snaps. "How much longer will this take?"

Misty ignores him.

She places the cards in a pattern, then stares at them.

"Interesting. I see children in your future. At least six, maybe seven." She pauses, and her stare skirts to Eric. "He certainly looks heathy. I'm getting visions of an army of sons, all miniature versions of their father, and maybe one that looks like you. I don't think he'd know what to do with a daughter."

Eric chokes on his drink.

He coughs a few times, trying to clear his throat as she raises her eyebrows.

"Oh, and a large party. Are you having a wedding? Or an anniversary party?"

"We aren't married," I smile back, ignoring the way Eric is looking everywhere but at me. He grits out something at her, and I swear I've never seen him look so ready to punch someone. "Did Rylan tell you to say all this? Because he insisted that we come over here and this sounds like something he would come up with."

"Hardly. Do you think I take orders from someone who can't brush their own hair? I listen to the universe, and it reveals its secrets to me." She frowns, then plucks another card from the pile. "Oh, I see."

"What?" I wait for her answer, but she stalls, looking nervous. "What do you see?"

"You're being watched. Closely. Do you have any enemies?"

I lean back, ignoring the violent stare from Eric, and the equally violent stare from Ashley, a few rows over as Neal begs her to leave, and shake my head. "No. I don't."

"You need to be careful. I also see a vibrant, happy future ahead of you, filled with lots of friends, a new job in the not so distant future, and a reunion that you've been hoping for."

"Are the lots of friends my seven kids?" I ask, pretending I can't see Eric snicker into his drink. "Um, can you tell me something else? Something that isn't so…"

"Vague?" Eric interrupts with a huff. "Even if this is for fun, at least tell her something she couldn't guess."

Misty cocks her head, then pulls another card with a harsh look in his direction. "Fine. In two weeks, she will regret knowing you. In three weeks, she will find out her father isn't who he says he is and neither is her brother, and in four…she will visit the infirmary only to find that you are her downfall. You will cannibalize yourself to fix things, but it won't be enough. She will know that your secrets run dark and deep, and learn that she cannot save you."

For a second, there is dead silence.

I look at Eric, he looks at me, and then I look at Misty.

"So, do we marry after that or…is that a few weeks later?" I ask. "Just trying to plan my schedule."

Eric laughs.

It's a bark of unimpressed, dryly impatient laughter, marked by an eyeroll.

"Can you tell me anything good? I don't want to die, or learn that Eric is a horrible person, unless you mean the other Eric." I ask, pulling my legs to the side of me. Though this is entertaining, it's far from what I want to hear. "Rylan said –"

"You are meant to find the man you are with tonight. You will always find him, no matter the time or place. Though you cannot save him, you will. And he will save you. By the end of tonight, you will know his intentions, and by your Valentine's party," Misty pauses, making sure Eric is listening. "Eric will have changed your life for the better."

"That's not bad." I lean back, feeling relieved. "But what about Eric? Does he also get seven kids and a visit to see Arlene?"

Misty's gaze sharpens. Her hands hover over the cards, then she carefully selects the top one. She flips it over, and a smile crosses her face. The card is pretty; it's decorated with a man and woman, naked, standing together in a garden. Her eyes light up, and she waves the card at him.

"The Lovers card. Take that to mean what you will."

"That's my entire future?" Eric dryly. "I'm gonna hang out in a garden without clothes on?"

"Yes." Misty answers, mirroring his tone. Her long red hair is a mess of waves and tangles, and when she tilts her head, it hits her waist. "It means, if you could let your walls down, you will find love. You already have, but your refusal to acknowledge it is keeping you alone."

"Sounds like a load of bullshit." Eric's forehead wrinkles, and his eyes narrow. "I doubt Everly will die or find that I've changed her life. If anything, she's…"

He stops his sentence, and his stare goes right to mine. While usually blunt, it seems Eric is picking and choosing his words wisely tonight.

"Are you done with her reading?" He changes the subject. "Or is there more she should know?"

"She should be very careful around a man from the fields. He's currently trying to figure out how to change her mind. He will only cause havoc in her life if she does." Misty pulls another card, turns it over, then gently hands it to me. "Here. Take this with you. Look at it once you're home. It's for your eyes only."

"Great. Thank you." I take the card, holding onto it tightly. "You should tell Eric more of his future now. I'd love to hear it."

"No thanks." Eric huffs. "I think I'm good."

"I'll pull a few for you. You have time, right? You're in no hurry, because for once, you are enjoying yourself. Even with the reappearance of someone you don't wish to see." Misty pulls the cards back, then shuffles them while looking at Eric. "And you are far from done with tonight."

"Right." Eric shifts his weight. He looks at Misty and tries his best not to look at me. "I'm –"

"Interesting. You appear to be at an impasse in your life. Your work has reached a tipping point where alliances that once served you purpose no longer do. You're lonely, knowing time is slipping through your hands and you are powerless to stop it. And while your friends easily accept things as they come, your need for control has made it difficult for you to let others get close to you." She stops, and her gaze flicks to me, heavy with empathy. "Tonight is the first night in many that Eric has been happy. I suggest you remember this in the upcoming weeks."

"That's it." Eric barks. "We're done here."

"The Two of Cups is what has shown itself twice now. Do with that information what you will." Misty reaches for the cards again, piling them neatly. "Oh, and Everly?"

"Yes?" I start to stand, fully ready to leave. While her reading is entertaining, Eric looks like he's had enough, and I don't want to hear about any more children or betrayal. "Is there more?"

"Don't eat anything given to you that is red. Anything."

"Gotcha." I stand, noticing Eric's jaw is now clenched and his shoulders are pulled down. "Um, thank you for the reading. It was very…insightful."

"Anytime. Come back in a month and we'll check on your progress." Misty waves us away, taking the cards back in a sweeping motion. I catch sight of a few, but they mean nothing to me. "Oh, and this one is for Eric. You can keep it as a souvenir."

She hands him the card with the couple in the garden, ignoring the murderous look on his face.

"Enjoy your evening."

"I'm sure we will." I try not to laugh at the way Eric is close to combusting. I bet he's never once visited this misfortune teller, nor will he ever again. "Are you sure you don't want your own reading?"

"Oh, I'm positive." Eric retorts. The look on his face tells me I'm witnessing a once in a lifetime occurrence, and it's likely he'll never speak of this moment again. "Come on. There's one more row if you want to see everything."

Eric hands me my drink, and when our fingers touch, I try to picture him in a garden of colorful flowers, with nothing on.

I can't.

"Do you think Rylan told her to say all that?" I half whisper as he leads us away from Misty. "How did she know about someone from a field?"

"I don't…I actually don't have an answer for that. Maybe?" Eric shrugs. "Or maybe she knows you're from Amity and it's ambiguous enough that you'd believe it. She could have also predicted you'd fall to your death, or die from ink poisoning from a tattoo."

"Maybe you should be a fortune teller," I look up to see him trying not to smile, even though his tone is full of amusement. "You'd make a killing."

"I'll run it by Max." Eric dryly retorts.

He slows down as we turn the corner. His expression is startling when I look up, and he catches himself when he realizes I'm looking at him. He's not furious or angry, nor is he that put out over Misty's predications.

For the first time since I've seen him, Eric looks content.

Happy to laugh over a women's tales of the future, and not at all embarrassed to walk around with me.

His expression stays that way even when we stop at an apothecary and the man working tries his best to get Eric to sample his face creams.

 

"Well? What do you think? Was it worth it?"

Eric's question comes as the night winds down. We left the apothecary after it reminded me too much of Amity. The man working had tons of inventory past lotions and creams, and he spent a decent amount of time trying to convince us to buy something. I picked up a few things to look at –a sparkly tube of glitter he swore cured almost any ailment, and a jar of loose tea that smelled like my parents' house, but I put it all back when it reminded me just a little too much of being back home. Eric touched several bottles of cologne, a jar of shampoo that was bright green, and dodged all questions about his hair care routine when asked.

By the time we'd looked at everything, I found myself disappointed that the night would come to an end.

Eric and I checked out another booth, this one chock full of clothes from other factions, boots, and a few dozen dresses that looked like my mother had sewn them. He casually eyed a row of black shirts while I browsed through a large selection of books, and as I rounded the table to see the flowers, I heard the woman at the table call me his girlfriend.

"Are you getting her anything?" The lady, prettier and more energetic than anyone here, pried when he fell silent. She clearly knew Eric, because she didn't stop, even when he didn't respond a second time. "You've never brought anyone with you before. How about a necklace? Or a new dress? She might like that. Your dad said Rylan likes her a lot. You could introduce me to your girlfriend. I won't say anything."

"I'm not…" Eric stopped his answer, then exhaled heavily. "She's not my girlfriend."

"Then who is she? And why would you bring her here?" She asked. She shoved something at him, and to make it seem like I was paying zero attention, I grabbed a few books and read the back of them. "Do you not like her?"

The questions continued, rattled off while Eric grew increasingly less pleased with someone meddling in his business. I felt compelled to point out that Eric was probably the last person on Earth who would refer to anyone as a girlfriend. He was also the last person on Earth who wanted to do anything like this. Had it not been for Rylan scheming for me to pick Eric's name, none of this would have happened.

The realization made my heart sink.

I knew it was foolish to dare think I'd be the one to change Eric's mind on anything. He knew I could help him with his Amity plans, and this friendship came with dozens of benefits for him. His reputation would soften into something more human. People would see him with me, his brutal exterior chipped away by someone not capable of the same violence he was, and they'd trust him. They'd believe Eric wasn't out there doing anything terrible, because why would he? He had a friend from Amity, real friends in Dauntless, and intentions that didn't come from someone else.

In that moment, I wondered if Misty was right.

Despite her woo-woo claims, maybe I was seeing the real Eric. Maybe this was truly who he is, and that's someone whose work will always come first, along with anything that benefits him.

"You and I both know that anything involving me doesn't end well." I looked up as he answered, his tone flat as the ground beneath my feet. "Listen, I told you –"

"I know what you told me. And you listen, I've been helping you for months now. You think I like being a spy? I'm risking everything to work in that office. I already told you that Ashley is convinced you'll stay loyal to Jeanine. But adding someone else to the equation shatters that illusion. I know you're not a coward. If you brought the girl here, then you're brave enough for them to wonder if she's the reason you're not helping her. If you're not careful, they'll grow suspicious. Better just tell everyone who she is and get on with it."

"Camille…" Eric paused to put a jar back on the table, and his postured tensed. "I know Rylan told you about her, but I don't want Everly involved past helping me with Johanna. If she knows what's going on, she'll end up getting screwed over by the time this is done."

"You'll be before Candor in a month. And then what? You take the idiot back when she's alone and devastated and Jeanine is dead? You spend your nights consoling Ashley in hopes that she doesn't turn on you?"

"No."

"I saw you tonight. You looked happy. You should also buy her something before someone else does." Camille crossed her arms over her chest, and I somehow failed to miss her blue coat. "What about flowers?"

"Why are you behind the booth? Are you working here now?" Eric cocked his eyebrow at her. "Did Daniel fire you for helping me?"

"Funny. He's here somewhere. I told the lady I'd watch the booth while she ran to the restroom." Camille tilted her head at him, and I made the loose connection she usually works for his dad. "Eric, listen, maybe you can bring her to dinner. Rylan said she's very nice and she's new to Dauntless and she –"

"Did he tell you she's eighteen?" His answer was gritted out between clenched teeth. "Maybe nineteen for all I know. The only thing that can happen is nothing. If she gets caught up in all this, then I'm at fault. She doesn't deserve that. For once, I'd like nothing to do with someone else's demise."

"That's noble of you, but Eric…"

Her protest died on her lips because Eric looked away, right over to me. From across the table, I smiled, pretending I wasn't hearing him talk about me to this woman. I struggled hard not to go over to him and explain that this was fine; he didn't have to do anything other than be cordial to me, and if something else happened, then we'd see where things went. I wasn't dumb enough to assume he was looking to date anyone, and it wasn't that long ago that I was terrified of his existence.

I wasn't even going to question what he was doing. I knew nothing about the Leaders, and if Eric was trying to untangle himself from an alliance that involved the other factions, it was big. It was bigger than what was happening between us, and bigger than me asking Johanna for a favor.

"Eric?" Camille said his name again, louder this time.

His expression slipped.

He looked hesitant as Camille tried to get his attention again. He left her talking to herself, then joined me, and lowly asked if I was ready to go. I agreed, setting down a book on time travel, and walked away with him.

Now, we near the row by the entrance. It's full of flowers, live animals, and cards. This appears to be the section for gifts; almost every booth has something heart themed on it, and the farm animals come with tiny bows on their collars. You can take home a rabbit, a few brave ducks, or kittens. They meow as we walk by, and Eric glances down like he's never seen such a creature.

"Everly?"

"You know, it was worth it. I had hot chocolate, we saw Ashley and Neal, I got my fortune told, and learned that I'll one day have eight children. You get to hang out in a garden, oh, and someone is going to try and poison me. I'd say it was a pretty decent time." I smile up at his stormy stare, and it's hard to believe that not that long ago, I held his hand. "How about you?"

"It was…interesting." Eric nods. My heart nearly stops when his arm purposely bumps mine. His fingers graze against my wrist, and my whole stomach drops. "It wasn't what I anticipated, but I don't think I could have predicted any of this."

"Oh, I agree."

We near the last booth, decorated in babies with wings holding a bow and arrow, and beneath an intricate arch of clouds, Eric stops. He presses his lips together, and when he looks right at me, I know this doesn't end tonight.

Not by a long shot.

"I'll take you home." He finally says. "I'm glad…you had fun."

"Thanks for coming with me," I have to crane my neck to look at him, and he smirks when I smile. "I can't think of a better way to experience the market than tonight."

"Oh, I can." Eric laugh, but when he looks away, I catch the flash of frustration on his face.

Above us, the lights begin to dim. They turn off on several rows, and a roar of disappointment wafts through the air. Sellers begin to close their shops down. The guy making edible soap sells his last bar, and somewhere in the distance, I swear I hear Ashley screaming at Neal as he tries to convince her to leave.

I wait until Eric looks at me, then very carefully move beside him, and together, we head back to the train.

 

"You are delusional."

Four's whisper is hardly a whisper. From behind the machine showing…something, he pushes buttons at lightning speed. The next initiate begins their Fear Landscape, while I write their name, starting time, and current rank. I ignore Four's pressing stare, and when the simulation starts, he folds his arms over his chest and repeats that I am losing my mind.

"What? Why?"

"Because. You've been in a dreamworld since going to the market. You really think Eric is gonna turn over a new leaf? The man who single handedly tried to kill an entire initiation class?" Four huffs. "Did he tell you that? Or did he just woo you by taking you to a swap meet and neglect to point out that he likes to murder people for fun?"

"No, he left that part out." I answer dryly, watching the initiate face a heard of wild boars. "I think…. I think he's…."

"He's what? Turned over a new leaf? Becoming a noble and honest person, and not going to kill you the second he's done with you?" Four asks. His voice echoes in the small room, and on the screen, the boars appear to be winning. "And you believe him?"

"I think he's trying to stop whatever he's been doing. I didn't hear everything, but it sounds like the Leaders are preparing to cut ties with Erudite over something," I confess. "Don't say anything, but I don't think Eric is happy with what Jeanine wants."

"Really?"

I turn to see his stare sharpen, and silently pray I haven't made a mistake by telling him this. While I don't have any real confirmation, I can piece together what's going on from what I've heard. And while Four doesn't have to know this information, maybe it'll make him stop asking about Eric, or thinking I'm being sent for slaughter.

"I thought you weren't going to bug me about Eric. And anyway…he didn't outright tell me. So, don't go spreading that around Dauntless. But I think he's trying to do something other than help Jeanine. I don't think any of them agree with her anymore."

"We don't."

Fuck.

I turn to see Rylan strolling through the door like he owns the place. He heads straight toward Four and me, pausing to watch the screen.

"Oooo, neat. I didn't have wild boars in my Fear Landscape, but now I kind of wish I did."

"Can we help you, Rylan?" Four asks. "We're in the middle of –"

"Talking about Eric. Yeah, I heard." Rylan rolls his eyes. "Which involves me, too. As much as I try to keep some space between my work and my work bestie, it's impossible. Wait, is that guy about to fight the boar with his bare hands?"

"I was just telling Four about what I think Eric is doing,so he can quit worrying about what Eric is doing," I interject, keeping one eye on the screen. "It's just a guess, though. Eric didn't say anything to me about Jeanine."

"He's over her. We all are. She only uses us because she doesn't have any of her own henchmen." Rylan throws out. "Eric doesn't want to be her errand boy, and neither do I. But we have to deal with some shit first to make sure everything goes according to plan. Anyway, I came down here to ask how the Market was."

"It was good. It was fun and rather eye opening. How much did you pay your fortune teller friend to tell Eric he's going to have seven kids?" I try to stay serious, and next to me, Four fails at not looking horrified. "I don't think he was expecting that."

"I told her to say ten. He seems like the type who'd like a big family," Rylan mutters. "Actually, I didn't tell her anything. I've only met her a few times. She is accurate, though. She told me I'd get a promotion and I did."

"To what?" Four asks.

"Lord of Dauntless. You'll now refer to me as such," he answers brightly.

"I'll pass." Four's attention slips back to the screen, frowning as the initiate struggles to get past an angry looking woman. "Is that why you're really down here? To ask Everly how her date was?"

"It wasn't a date," I counter. "You know this. I told you, we went as friends."

"Right. Friends. I guess you could consider it a very friendly date," Rylan corrects everyone. "And fine. I'm really down here to talk about a murder. Someone died the other night, and I need to know where you two were. I consider Four one of the prime suspects. Everly, not so much."

"I was here, then I went home," I say, wondering if he's joking or not.

"Great. Four? Were you outside, by the river? In the river, perhaps?"

"No. I was here, then in the Control Room. Who died?" Four makes a note on a piece of paper, then looks back at Rylan. "And where were you? Weren't you working last night? Does that make you a person of interest?"

"It's nine am, Four. A little early for character assassination, don't you think?" Rylan rolls his eyes. "But I suppose, as an interesting person, then yes. I am a person of interest. Fortunately for all of us, I was with Max that evening."

"Right." Four's stare sweeps to Rylan and his brow furrows. "Are you going to tell us who died or what?"

"Not yet. I need your alibis first." He looks at me, smiling when I tilt my head at him. "Where were you really, Everly?"

"I told you. I was here, with Four. Then I went home and went to bed. I can vouch for Four since we worked together all day." I point out. "Is this something we should be worried about?"

"Probably."

"Rylan, is this…who do you think did it?" Four stares him down, and I know he's trying to figure out if he's serious or not. "You know damn well it wasn't me and it wasn't Everly. Do you have any ideas, or are you just bored today?"

"I've ruled out quite a few people so far. Oh, and Peter." Rylan shrugs. "But I haven't ruled out the ghosts that haunt this place."

"Except for the fact that they don't exist." Four counters. "Is there really something going on, or do you just want to talk to Everly? Because she can go with you if that's what you're after. But I need to watch this landscape enough to score them, and I can't if you're over here babbling on about murders and evil spirits."

"How do you know they're evil?" Rylan squints at him. "I didn't mention that."

"Actually, I need to take a quick break. Maybe Rylan can walk me to get some coffee," I throw out. "Is that okay?"

I have the sneaking suspicion there is no murder, and Ryan is down here to convince me to go find Eric.

Which is easier said than done.

Despite having a fine time at the Market, I haven't seen him since.

"Yeah. Fine. Whatever. Wil you grab me one?" Four pinches the bridge of his nose. "It doesn't even matter what kind."

"Sure. I'll be right back."

"Great. Works for me. I'll let you know if I have any further questions. Make yourself available all day, Four." Rylan flashes him a blinding smile, then takes hold of my arm. "Come with me."

"Was there really a murder?" I ask, following him out of the room. We make it two steps before the doors shuts behind us, and his stare is wild with concern. "Rylan?"

He turns to face me, his long tangly hair pulled atop his head and his uniform jacket long gone, and his expression is as serious as ever.

"Yeah, there was. And I'm sorry, but….Everly, I think you're the next victim."

Chapter 6: Stupid Cupid

Notes:

Thanks to Erin for editing! And thank you for reading along! I cannot believe there's two chapters left!

Eric sits at his desk with a scowl across his lips.

His office is like nothing I’d expect; lit up by harsh bulbs, it’s crowded with shelves, papers, books, and stacks of work with his name written across the top. His desk is large, with a computer, a laptop, and the same tablet Four has when he scores people in real time. On the board behind him, there are dozens of bulletins tacked to it, a reminder to return something to Harrison, and a slew of notes from Rylan.

At the very bottom, in the right corner, is a heart shaped note with the 14th circled, next to the Valentine the girl from Amity gave him.

Eric looks up when Rylan walks us through the door, dramatically whispering that he’s sure I’ll be fine, but if not, he’ll make sure to reach out to my family and let them know my fate.

“Um…thanks, Rylan. That’s really…kind of you.”

“Why is she with you?” Eric’s voice is as sharp as his stare. It scrapes over me with an unreadable gaze, then over to Rylan. “I told you to tell her –”

“That she might die? Yeah, I did.” Rylan pauses before pointing to Eric’s desk. “Any news since I last saw you?”

“No.” Eric shakes his head slowly, his stare still on me. “I take it Four’s alibi checked out?”

“I mean, I didn’t actually look into it. Though I highly doubt he’s got it in him to murder someone and dump them in a river. But for now, he’s not our main suspect. Or…he could be. Depending on how badly you want him gone.” Rylan’s answer is casual, but his posture changes. “You’ll tell her, right? I gotta go meet Harrison. I’d rather stay here, but he’s making me work today.”

“Yeah, I’ll tell her.” Eric nods, occasionally typing something without looking. “Ask Harrison if he wants to meet later.”

“Got it.” Rylan looks at me out of the corner of his eye, then smiles the best he can. “Stay safe. And don’t forget, we have the party this Wednesday. You said you’ll be there. No excuses. Not even if you die.”

“I will.” I nod at him, wondering what on Earth he’s talking about. He doesn’t elaborate past saluting Eric, then leaving in a whirlwind. The office is silent as I stand in front of the desk while Eric blinks at me. “So, um, what are you supposed to tell me?”

Eric leans back in his chair, and our reunion is nothing like I pictured.

I’ve never once considered myself a delusional person. I thought I was brave leaving Amity, levelheaded when I picked Dauntless over the other factions, and smart with my path of working as a trainer. I knew I was being used to help Dauntless thrive, but I also benefited from it. Being associated with Eric and Rylan had its perks, even if Eric would be done with me after whatever he was doing. At least people had seen us together, and that meant something here.

I wasn’t naïve enough to think I’d have any real impact on a man I was once afraid of. Eric would always have the upper hand, and even if there was something beyond my request to be friends, we would never be on the same level. No matter what I did, or how hard I worked, he would still be someone I could never measure up to.

But since going to the Market, I couldn’t help but hope to see Eric again. Delusion at its finest meant I now longed for someone to look at me in a way that wasn’t utter amusement, or a desperate attempt to obtain a wife so they didn’t have to do their own laundry. I wanted adventure. Something less than murder but more than working with Four, and something that made leaving my home worthwhile. My time with Eric was short and full of purpose, but it opened my eyes to things I never thought I’d experience.

An accidental Valentine, sent to the wrong Eric.

Dinner and drinks in a bar while others looked on, and the discovery that Eric was pretty entertaining when he wasn’t surrounded by those meant to fear him.

A secret lunch, for no reason other than Eric wanted my company.

A coffee purchase that caught him completely off guard.

A walk through the Market where his ex-girlfriend showed up, equally as desperate to see him as I was to experience the night with Eric.

After the market, Eric and I took the train back to Dauntless. It was just as crowded as before, but this time, we stood by a group of members who worked for Eric. They tried not to look at me, but they spent most of the ride trying to strike up a conversation with him. He responded to a few, short and sarcastic when they tried to act like he shouldn’t have left Dauntless, and eventually, most slunk away in embarrassment.

The rest of the ride was lovely.

Eric stood so close that I could feel his every inhale and exhale, and when we neared Dauntless, his hand found my lower back to urge me closer to the doors. We stood together, and though the air was warm, the train car was noisy, the wind was icy as the doors slid open, I felt alive in a way I never have before.

It might have been the way Eric kept looking down at me, not at all subtle when he smirked as he said that he’d walk me home. We parted ways after a moment outside my apartment door; Eric made sure I got inside, and our final goodbye was a lingering glance full of tension and approval.

All this culminated in the hope that I would see Eric at some point, but I hadn’t. I went back to work, the initiation continued at a snail’s pace, and Eric wasn nowhere to be found.

Whatever he was working on had eaten up all his time, and now, behind a desk covered in his projects, he looks at me with a sense of resignation.

“Eric?”

“Yeah, there was a murder. There are no suspects other than Rylan accusing Four, and no witnesses. Nothing on the cameras. No guards that saw anything. Just a body found in the river by Lauren’s class, and a bunch of angry soldiers demanding to know who did it.” Eric hesitates as he stands, and I’m struck by how powerful he looks when he walks around it. “It was someone from the kitchens. Nice guy, quiet, kept to himself. No clue why anyone would try to kill him.”

I feel a wave of guilt when he says it’s someone from the kitchens.

“Is it….is it Eric?” I crane my head up, remembering how his hand felt in mine and how, for those few hours, I was his entire focus. “Do you think it was someone here? Or someone –”

“It’s really good to see you again,” Eric interrupts, murmuring the words as he steps as close as he can. His jacket creaks from the stiffness, and I almost jump when his hand finds my arm. When he has my attention, he tightens his grip to squeeze my arm, and his tone stays even. “No, it’s not him. The guy worked in maintenance specific to the kitchens. For now, we’re advising everyone to lie low. There’s a chance it was an accident, but until we can be sure, the faction will be locked down.”

“What about my meeting with Johanna? Do you still need my help?” I ask. I don’t want him to move his hand away, even though he’s only doing it to drive home the point that this is serious. “And why did Rylan say I’d be next?”

For a second, Eric doesn’t answer.

He wets his lips, looking above me for a moment, then finally at my face.

Handsome as ever, he swallows, averts his stare, then says the last words I want to hear.

“The guy was from Amity. Harrison said there was a note near the river with your name on it. The only thing they can assume is that someone is targeting transfers, but especially those from Amity. No clue who or why, other than someone has a vendetta they’re carrying out.” Eric’s fingers tighten. “Just…stay inside for a few days. Don’t go anywhere you don’t normally go, and if you find yourself uneasy, call me.”

“Okay.”

I wait as the time beats between us.

Eric eventually forces a tight lipped smile, the severity in his expression softening as he looks at me. I would love to know what he’s thinking, and though Misty had predicted a future he’d never allow, she was right about one thing.

When Eric cocks his head, I know he’s just the slightest bit worried that her predictions for me are coming true.

“Are you really going to Rylan’s party?” He asks, glancing to the side like someone is listening. “On the fourteenth?”

“I am, if he still has it. I promised him I would. If I don’t die before then.” I smile, and even though I’m joking, the words are tighter than I mean for them to be. “Will you be there?”

“Yeah, I will.”

Eric’s hand falls away, but he doesn’t move.

“Should I tell Four what’s going?” I ask. “He was upset at being accused of murder.”

“How ironic.” Eric snickers. “You can tell him whatever. Once he’s cleared from being outside that day, Rylan will lose interest in him.”

“I don’t think it was him, but I’ll pass on the information.” I’m disappointed when Eric nods, but it’s clear he has work to do. “I’ll see you later. Let me know if you need any help. I’ll be done early today.”

“I will.”

Eric steps back into the blur of his office. He nods dismissively, and our conversation ends as though he’s done meeting with any other soldier in the faction.

Except not.

When I leave, my gaze drops, my shoulders fall, and the smile I’d normally have slips right off my face. I certainly don’t want to die, nor do I want someone hunting down people from Amity. I don’t want this happening, not now, not ever. I want to attend Rylan’s party with everyone else. I want to have dessert in a bar decorated like a mine tunnel gone wrong, and feel alive, even if just for a few hours.

I glance back once as I shut his door, and this time, Eric’s stare is completely and utterly frustrated.

 

I run into him on the walk back.

In the time since last seeing the other Eric, I’ve realized what I’d like out of life. While I know adventure is out there, it doesn’t have to be extreme. I’ll take edible soap over sitting home alone, and I’ll certainly take sitting in a crowded bar with Eric and his friends over this Eric.

When our eyes meet, I know he means well.

Like everyone from Amity, he immediately smiles. He’s remorseful over trying to cure my headache with peppermint oil, and he struggles not to look awkward as he clutches a box to his chest. It takes him three seconds to catch up to me, and when he does, he stands directly in front of me, blocking my way back to work.

“Hey…Everly.” The emphasis on my name is strained, but so is my patience.

“Hi, Eric.” I pause, trying to decide if I can duck around him or not. “Sorry, I’m trying to get back to the training room. Four is expecting me.”

“I know. I didn’t think I’d run into you. I just…want to apologize for how things went. I think…it’s really cool to know there’s one more person from Amity here. I messed up by talking about the medicine and the infirmary. I just…you’ll see after you’ve been here for a few years. I wouldn’t go down there myself, but if you want to, that’s…fine.”

His voice cracks at the last sentence.

Empathy rushes through me, but it’s as fleeting as the side effects of his magic oils.

Much like myself, he’s been raised with a very rigid way of thinking. While Amity accepted everyone, they also believe that their way of living is the healthiest. The best. The right way. They aren’t overly arrogant or brash with it, but more purposeful. They think teaching others is the kindest gift they could offer, and by sharing this information with me, other Eric was doing his best to save my life from a raging, over the counter, headache medicine addiction.

“Thank you. That’s really nice of you to apologize,” I answer slowly, feeling trapped. “I appreciate it.”

“I don’t want you to hate me. I should have offered to walk with you to the infirmary. Anyway, I made you something to say sorry. I think you’ll like it. I know your mom likes to bake, so when I was out in the woods yesterday, I saw these by the river and –”

“Wait, you were in the woods yesterday?” I step back without thinking. “By the river? What river?”

“The one that runs behind Dauntless. There are plants out there I use sometimes. Amity doesn’t always send everything I order…so, sometimes I improvise.” Eric furrows his brow. “I made you a strawberry rhubarb pie. I wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I thought I’d make a couple, and if you end up liking it, I can make more.”

“You made me a pie?” I ask, trying to stop the way my stomach drops.

“Yeah, here. I was on my way to drop it off at your apartment. I looked up your address. Well, I paid the girl in administration in muffins to tell me where you live.” Eric smiles as he gently hands me the box. “I know that sounds weird, but I didn’t want to impose. I’ve heard Four doesn’t like his class being interrupted.”

“He…doesn’t.”

My head spins as I glance down at the perfectly baked pie. The crust is a golden brown, with an intricate pattern designed along the ridges, and in the middle, I catch glimpses of a sticky red filling. It’s bright and syrupy looking, a bold color mixed with what looks like leaves.

“This… is…so nice. Too nice. Thank you. I’ll uh, take it with me.” I stumble over my words, remembering Misty’s warning about not eating anything red. “Um, I should go.”

“I understand. Maybe we can have dinner sometime. Or drinks. I put my number on the side of the box. You can text me any time.” Eric beams at me, thrilled that he’s made amends. “Let me know what you think of the pie.”

“I will.”

I hold the box tightly, and my heart beats so fast that I feel lightheaded.

I wait until Eric moves, but it takes him a solid minute to get out of my way. Once he does, I practically sprint to the training room. I head through it, to the room where the simulations are being done, and shove the box onto a chair by the door. Four’s stare wanders over the computers, and before I can start to tell him what’s going on, a loud message announces that Dauntless is going into lock down mode, and no one will be allowed to enter or leave.

 

“Did he kiss you? Are you going to kiss him?”

Christina lounges on my couch, flipping through the initiate’s scores again. She looks up as I hand her a bowl of macaroni and cheese, and her stare turns smug when she sees the box on my counter.

“Did Eric make you that? Wait, did he order it? I can’t imagine him baking anything,” she laughs. “Rylan said he’s all worked up today. He’s been snapping at everyone more than normal.”

“Um, the other Eric made it, but I don’t think I can eat it. And no, I didn’t kiss Eric. We just walked through the Market and hung out. It was pretty nice.” I admit. “He said he’ll be at Rylan’s party.”

“Wait, the other Eric made you that? Why?” She stabs her fork into the pasta, and her eyes widen. “Oh, is apologizing for the other day? I heard he accosted you with essential oils. He offered them to Rylan once. He had some stomach bug and Eric was convinced he could cure it with lotion.”

“Sounds very familiar.” I wrinkle my nose. “And yeah, he apologized. But I don’t want to hang out with him. And I don’t want the pie. Misty said not to eat anything red.”

My confession earns me a funny look from Christina, but I don’t mind.

I ran into her on my walk home, and she asked if I wanted company. I would have bet all the points I’ve earned that she wanted to hear about my night with Eric, and I was right. She made it a whole two minutes before asking, invited herself to dinner, and promised she wouldn’t say a word to Rylan. She sat in the kitchen with me, helping me pick something out to eat, then grabbed us drinks while the pasta cooked. It was so nice to have someone else to talk to, that I found myself answering whatever she asked.

“Misty aside, what do you mean you didn’t kiss him? I thought for sure he’d win you over in between the rows where they sell both illegal pets and skimpy underwear.” Christina swallows a bite of her dinner, then sets her fork down. “Did he try to kiss you?”

“No, but we ran into his ex-girlfriend,” I answer brightly. The look on her face is priceless, especially when the lights flicker. “What was that?”

“Fuck. They’re locking down the whole faction. When they do that, it runs in some weird mode and uses less power. You’d think the zombie apocalypse was happening.” She frowns, and this time, the lights dim noticeably lower. “Rylan said it’s supposed to last a few days. Hey, if you and Eric were stuck together during a zombie apocalypse, do you think you’d kiss him then?”

“Sure, why not?” I laugh as the lights go out completely. “He probably wouldn’t be so terrifying then.”

“Yeah, he comes across really unapproachable most of the time. Tris hates him. He made her initiation a living hell. Well, mine too.” She pauses, and the lights come back on. “Was he interested in yours?”

“Not at all. He came by a few times, but mostly to spy on Four.” I look up as the lights dim, then stay that way. “I heard he wasn’t very nice.”

“Far from it. This version of Eric is the nicest I’ve seen, and that’s saying something, since he demoted half of the patrols yesterday.” Christina swirls the macaroni around. “He’s usually much more reserved, and way more violent.”

“I wonder if those were his orders,” I think back to the few things he’s told me about his work, and it dawns on me that maybe he was asked to help Jeanine because he could be those things, and he had the attitude to make it seem like it was his own idea. “Have you met Jeanine?”

“No, but I have no desire to. I saw her back in Candor. She was there to see Jack, and she looked like she was being held against her will. We must not have been fancy enough for her.” Christina laughs. “Did you see her in Amity?”

“To be honest, I never paid attention. I saw Eric a few times,” I confess. “He came by looking for Johanna when I was in her office.”

“Oh, I know. He told Rylan. He remembers you.” Christina says slowly. “He remembers seeing you with your dad. I guess he kept asking Rylan if that’s how you always dressed.”

Her words make me pause mid bite.

“It would romantic if you ended up together after having met factions apart,” she grins. “And if you do, can I be in the wedding? You know Rylan will be in it, and I’ll be there with him anyway.”

I blink at her.

I’ve never once considered that something could happen with Eric past holding his hand on occasion, but marrying him would be ridiculous. I came here with a very firm belief that I didn’t need someone to be happy, and I had left my old faction to escape being tied to someone forever. But the longer I’m here, the more it’s becoming apparent that I don’t want to be alone, nor do I want to waste my time with someone who doesn’t like me for who I am.

But the thought of Eric makes me nervous in a way I haven’t felt before, so much so, that I barely finish my dinner, and I certainly don’t eat any of the pie.

Christina leaves as the second warning is broadcast through Dauntless.

A loud, robotic voice announces that the faction is now shut down, and everyone is to remain inside until further notice. The message will repeat until it is no longer necessary, and there are no exceptions.

“Oh! Do you want to take some pie with you? I’m not going to eat it,” I offer. “Actually, you can take all of it.”

“Are you sure? I might take some to Tris. She’s been moping over Four the past few days. Maybe it’ll convince her not to consider dating him again.” Her eyes light up. “But only if you’re sure.”

“I am. As good as it looks, I don’t want it. I’d love for someone else to eat it.” I answer. “Let me grab it.”

“Sure. I’ll drop it off on my walk home!”

Christina happily waits while I grab the box. I glance at it once more, and something nags at the back of my mind. The pie still looks perfect; it sits in the box just waiting for someone to enjoy it. The red filling is bold and sugary, and the tiny flecks make me pause.

For the life of me, I cannot remember what they are, but I have the strangest feeling they aren’t edible.

Before I can tell her, Christina takes the pie, bids me farewell, and is gone before the door shuts.

 

The next few days are intense.

Dauntless shuts down overnight. No one leaves, no one comes in, and the only exception is a few deliveries from Amity. Even then, it’s restricted to the soldiers who work directly with the Leaders, and the Leaders themselves. The initiation class is put on hold, and with a few free days, I spend my time walking around, hoping to hear the murder has been solved.

On a walk around the stores near where I got my ears pierced, I see Rylan marching a few steps ahead of Eric. The two of them are dressed in their regular uniforms, and for once, Rylan’s is on the correct way. His hair is pulled back away from his face, and when he turns to glare at Eric for not listening to him, I notice they both look tired. Eric’s hair is longer than normal, but still much shorter than everyone else’s. He walks with his hands behind his back, his jaw offset, and his eyes squinted in suspicion when someone greets him.

Arrogance and authority oozes from him as he heads to the hallway, and he shakes his head when Rylan asks if he wants to stop and get a drink.

The next time I see him, it’s the night before Rylan’s Valentine’s party. The mood is still tense and miserable. Despite it only being a few days, everyone seems stir-crazy. Eric walks with Jason, coffees in hand, and they sit down a few tables away without seeing me. I had agreed to meet Christina for lunch, but she was running late. I didn’t mind. It gave me time to unwind and people watch. I wasn’t outright looking for Eric, but when I see him, my chest tightens.

“Have you heard from her?” Jason’s question is loud enough for me to hear. “Meghan said they’re all watching to make sure she’s fine, but she hasn’t gone anywhere. Just to walk around. She said she hasn’t even seen Four in days, so she’s hoping Everly isn’t sick, too.”

“No, I haven’t seen her.” Eric shakes his head, then exhales heavily. “I told her not to go anywhere. Harrison is convinced she’ll be fine. Unless she decides to break out of Dauntless, I don’t think anyone is going to try to kill her here.”

“Are you, uh, are you going to tell her what’s happening?” Jason tilts his head and his shoulders rise. “Because if things go sideways…”

“Yeah, I know. I should. I don’t think she needs to know, but it might better my case if they pull her in. Harrison said since she went to Amity with me, they’ll want to question her, too.” Eric chews on his cheek, mulling something over. “If it complicates things, then I don’t think that works in my favor, either.”

“It might not. It might help you. They need to see you’ve changed your mind on everything. Including protecting a faction you’ve never liked.” Jason shrugs. “Besides, you had fun. And according to your psychic friend, you and Everly will be married soon. And, you’ll have enough kids to form your own patrol group.”

“Right,” Eric snorts. “She came here to get away from some dude she was supposed to marry. I don’t think she’s interested in getting married. Neither am I.”

“You might change your mind. Tomorrow is the most romantic day of all. Maybe you’ll be so overcome by the feeling of love that you’ll propose on the spot.” Jason laughs.

“Yeah, maybe.” Eric rolls his eyes. “Maybe I’ll ask Four if he wants to hang out, too. Since we’re talking about things that’ll never happen.”

“I heard he’s really sick. I saw him trudging to the infirmary the other day. He looked sort of green,” Jason counters. “Or is that because you asked him to hang out?”

“Is he really sick?”

Eric’s question makes me sit up straighter.

He looks at Jason expectantly, and Jason shrugs.

“Meghan said maybe food poisoning. I guess he met up with Tris and felt bad after. Or a day later. I don’t know, Meghan wasn’t sure but that’s what she heard. Oh, and everyone was freaking out because if he dies, that leaves Everly in charge of the class and, while we’re all confident she’ll be fine…it seems like a lot to ask of her.” Jason sighs, shaking his head when Eric grimaces. “I know you think she’ll be fine.”

“She will. The class listens to her. Max watched a few times and she’s got a handle on them. Though she could pass for an initiate if you look quick.” Eric’s response is accompanied by a huff of laughter, but there’s no malice behind it. “I’ll talk to her. If Four isn’t back by the time class resumes, I can help her.”

“What?”

Jason chokes on his coffee, and so do I.

“You’re going to help? Eric Coulter is willingly going to return to oversee an initiation class? Mr. I’m Way Too Good and Way Too Busy To Train Our Soldiers?” Jason laughs. “You once said you’d never go back. You said –”

“It’s not fair to her. It’s almost over, but they have one more stage and it’s a lot of work. Who knows when Four will feel better? The last thing I need is something happening to her while she’s out there with the class,” Eric announces. He immediately clamps his mouth shut, then backpedals. “I mean, if something happens to the class or they run into –”

“Yeah, I know you’re worried something will happen to the class and not their very pretty, very short, very sweet trainer who you held hands with at the Market.” Jason takes another sip of his drink, and I will die if they look over here. “Meghan also said you looked very happy with her. Like you’d been shot by cupid’s arrow.”

“Meghan must need glasses because—”

“I saw it, too. I even told Karl. He went through initiation with her. He said most of the guys wanted to hang out with her, but she was too focused on keeping her rank high enough. Oh, and her brother was the only one from her family who believed in her. Karl told me lots about her. I had no clue how much he liked to gossip,” Jason grins. “He also said she wasn’t interested in anyone in the class. His friend hit on her all the time and she never noticed.”

“Jason…” Eric says his friend’s name darkly, and I slink lower into the booth. I see Christina heading toward me, and I silently pray they don’t notice her. “Is that…”

They do.

Jason waves to Christina and both watch as she says hello, but continues on her way toward me. Eric’s head turns, and the look on his face is priceless when he realizes that I am two tables away.

“Sorry, I’m late. I was going to stop and see Tris but she said Four has been insanely sick the past few days. I think he ate something from the Mess Hall. Maybe you can ask Eric if he used something expired.” She slides into the seat next to me, and her eyes are wild. “Oh, maybe you can also ask the other Eric when we can go outside again. I need fresh air.”

“I…”

I can’t answer her.

Eric is staring at me so viciously that I think I just might have ruined everything simply by sitting here.

“I’ll ask him,” I respond, not sure which one she cares about more. “Christina, did Four eat the pie?”

“No clue. I swung by Tris’ but she was in a foul mood. I think she can’t decide if she still likes Four or now finds him annoying but feels obligated to make sure he lives. Personally, I think he’s terrible. But she doesn’t listen to me.” Christina rambles on, then looks around curiously. “Where do you want to eat? There’s a pizza place that just opened.”

“Yeah, that sounds good.” I stand when she does, doing my best not to look at Eric. “Do you want to share one?”

“Perfect.”

She all but drags me away from the table, not even noticing Eric and Jason. I catch their expressions as we leave, and they’re not anything amazing.

Jason looks amused by my appearance, but Eric looks pissed off.

I walk faster, and this time, I don’t look back.

 

On the fourteenth, everything happens.

The lockdown is over. An announcement is made that they have the suspect in custody, and it’s safe for things to resume as normal. The soldier’s presence lessens. The doors and windows open, the air seems crisper, and Four does not return.

I showed up for class expecting to see him, but found Jason there to help instead.

He was funny and entertaining, but more serious than Rylan. I was grateful that he knew what to do, because Four’s instructions were all over the place. We made through a dozen initiates, went to lunch, then a dozen more. I got a message as the class ended, and to my surprise, learned that Four might not be back.

He had been poisoned. He’d eaten something that made him sick enough that he wasn’t cleared to return for at least a few weeks, and he told me I should be fine on my own, so long as I followed his plans. I got a second text as I neared my apartment, this one from Eric. I stopped in my tracks when I saw it, and he very evenly told me he’d be there on Friday to help with the class. Until then, I’d finish the Fear Landscapes tomorrow, give the initiates a day off, then meet with Eric to go over the rest of the training.

There was a moment of excitement at working with him, but also sheer terror. The horror stories about him as a trainer came rushing back, and I had no clue what to expect. As a Leader, he demanded the soldiers maintain a certain level of skill, and this felt like he might not think I’d done a great job.

But I had no time to think about it.

I rushed inside to take a shower and get ready for the party. I only had an hour before Rylan said to be there. I didn’t want to be late, but I also didn’t want to be the first one to show up. So, I took my time, dried my hair, picked a dress that I thought was pretty, and got ready slowly. When I was satisfied with how I looked, I grabbed my card and phone, and walked to Clyde’s feeling nervous.

I made it faster than anticipated, but it was already packed.

I wasn’t at all surprised to find it decorated as though a small child had been given free reign over the décor. The normally dark and moody atmosphere was replaced with red hearts, bows and arrows, small cherubs, a large terrifyingly life size cherub, clouds, candy, and pink streamers. My dress matches the theme, and though more youthful than what others have on, it’s perfect for tonight. The bar smells like sugar and alcohol, and when I stop by the table displaying everyone’s name and Valentine’s, there are rows of drinks for me to choose from.

I start to pick one, when someone clears their throat.

“Everly.”

“Eric.”

Fear strikes through my heart, or maybe it’s excitement. When I look up, I’m greeted with a stoic expression and his hand reaching for my arm. I’m not sure what he’s doing, until he picks a drink and hands it to me.

“They’re really strong. I figured I should warn you before you end up like Four,” he mutters. “This one is less strong.”

“Thanks. You look really nice.” My brain disconnects itself and I’m unable to stop the words from spilling out. “Did you get your haircut?”

Oh my God.

I want to smack myself.

I’m sure in all his time here, no one has asked him something so stupid.

To my surprise, he nods, but he looks taken back. “Uh yeah, I did.”

His stare moves from my face to my hair, then to my dress. The pink sleeves are puffy, and the square neckline makes it look like something out of my little brother’s fairytale books. Eric starts to tell me something, but his hesitation comes when Lauren tries to shove herself between us to select a cocktail. The dark look he throws her makes her immediately retreat, but not without a snippy remark.

“Oh good, she’s here. Now we can really get the party started.”

“I didn’t expect to see her here.” I say. “I didn’t know Rylan liked her.”

“He doesn’t. She probably walked by and invited herself in.” Eric watches her leave, then turns his attention back to me. “Do you want to go sit somewhere, or are you…looking for someone?”

“No.” I shake my head, confused over who he thought I’d be looking for. “Are you looking for someone.”

“You.”

He holds my stare, grey eyes locked on mine, and moves closer toward me. He’s so close I’m nearly knocked backwards. His black shirt is freshly pressed, his hair is slick and clean, and he smells really good. His attention is solely on me, warm and focused, and I can’t look away. He could ask me to betray Amity in this moment and I’d willingly agree. Hell, I’d walk him to Four’s apartment and watch him insult him to his face if that’s what he wanted.

I stare up at him while he stares down at me, silently debating on what to say.

Eventually, his lips part.

“I, um, I owe you more than the Market. I know you picked my name thinking I was someone else, but I picked yours on purpose, and I think…it wasn’t the night you should have had,” Eric says, his tone far less eloquent than normal. “I’d like to take you somewhere else.”

“Where?” I ask before I can try to appear cool. “You don’t have to do that. The market was great. I had fun. I thought you did, too.”

“I did. I just…you helped me with Amity, and you’ll have to help me again. And I want to do something before I go to Candor.” He shifts his weight, then tilts his head down at me. “You might get called to Candor, as well. I’m not trying to sway your opinion of me, either. I think you deserve more than Ashley and Neal insulting you, and some creepy lady hinting you’ll be killed. We can go for a walk now if you want. That was on your list, right?”

I struggle not to smile too brightly.

“I’ll go with you.” With my free hand, I reach for his. He lets me take hold of it, and when I don’t look away, the corners of his lips turn up, less mocking than normal. “And honestly, she wasn’t that far off. I think…”

I pause, and he raises his eyebrows.

“You think what?”

“I think I almost killed Four. Eric gave me this pie and I didn’t want it because it was red. So, I gave it to Christina, and she gave it to Tris, and I think Four ate it. Eric said it was rhubarb and he go the plant outside, by the river. It looked weird, though.” I whisper my confession. “I think Four ate it and it made him sick.”

“He did. The pie Eric made you had the leaves in it. According to Harrison, they’re toxic. Eric is claiming he had no clue, but we’re assuming he knew better.” Eric slides his fingers between mine, and pulls me away from the table. “He fled Dauntless this morning. I don’t know if it was an accident or not, but we’re predicting he returns to Amity.”

“Oh,” I start to answer him, but I realize Eric is pulling me out of Clyde’s, toward an exit I’ve never noticed before. “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

I follow him without question, down a hallway, a set of stairs, a winding eerie cavernous tunnel, outside, and into the darkest part of the forest.

 

In the purest form of romance, Eric takes me into the woods. The night is dark and full of shadows, the forest is noisy, and the only light is from the moon. I stay close to him, unsure of how far he wants to walk, but also out of fear that the other Eric will emerge from the woods to kill me for giving away his apology. My hand stays firmly in Eric’s, and though his stride is much larger than mine, he walks with me and not ahead of me.

The breeze picks up as we take the path leading away from Dauntless, and the moonlight lessens.

“Where are we going?” I tighten my grip on his hand, jumping when something runs across the pathway. “Do you normally walk out here?”

“Sometimes. I thought maybe you’d want to get out for a minute,” he answers. “There’s an opening up ahead. Did Four ever make you run this way? The initiation class usually runs through here.”

“Not that I remember. Or at least not at night.” I glance to the side, ignoring the rustling leaves and the faint sounds of something cawing. “Can I ask you why you’re going to Candor? Or why I would be asked to go?”

I’m met with silence.

After a few moments, Eric swallows thickly and looks down at me.

“I’m pleading my case before Jack Kang. I’m turning everything in to him. If he agrees that my work has been dictated by others, then they’ll arrest Jeanine and hold her accountable. If he doesn’t, they’ll arrest me. I’m responsible for the death of others. There’s more blood on my hands than anyone else’s, but I’m willing to show that what I did came from orders that we all were given.” He stops, then turns to face me. “I’ve agreed to leave out Jason and Rylan’s involvement. Max is being called to Candor, along with Harrison. Harrison never once attended a meeting with Jeanine or worked for her. He's vouching for us that we were mislead in what we were told to do.”

“And I would be called in because I went with you?” I crane my head upwards, catching the regret flash across his face. “Because we talked to Johanna?”

“Anyone involved with me is being called in. I just…wanted to warn you.” Eric licks his lips, and his next words are so quiet I almost miss them. “I made a mistake involving you. I knew you could get Johanna to agree to what we wanted. I’m trying to protect the faction, but it’ll still be used against me. So will you if Jack decides he doesn’t agree with what I’ve given him.”

“What were your orders?” I ask. I can feel every inhale and exhale, and when he hesitates, I know it’s not good. “I know they were before I came here. Christina mentioned that you’ve changed, and it’s been a noticeable for some time now.”

I fully expect him not to answer me.

But he does.

“I was ordered to find people with inconclusive test results. I never asked what happened past that. I was paid well for my work, and everyone was of the agreement that we were working toward a greater good. I did it for a long time, until there was a day when it didn’t make sense. She was asking for different parameters, different metrics that we’d never agreed upon before. I dug deeper into what she was doing and found out almost no one I turned in survived. She didn’t care, only encouraged me to find more of the names on her list. When I refused to help any further, she threatened me, and…I found her someone from her own labs who fit her profile. She was furious, and she made it clear my participation wasn’t voluntary. I knew then if I was outed for what I’d done, the blame would fall to me. She could skew my participation to look however she wanted. I backed off on anything related to Erudite, as did Jason and Rylan. I told Harrison everything, spoke with Max about it, and since then, we’ve have had nothing to do with her.”

Eric’s confession explains what Four was talking about.

“I never meant to involve you like this. Under Harrison’s guidance, I was encouraged to turn everything in. You just happened to help me at the end. I wish…I wish this was different. I’m sorry.”

His apology hangs between us.

I can’t answer him, because I don’t know really know what this means. On a basic level, I do. I know he’s going to make sure I’m not at fault for what he’s done or helping him, but he’s clearing the air about his past, one painful sentence at a time. But there’s more. This isn’t just because his past is something he’s no longer proud of.

It’s because he’s tasted happiness, and it’s about to be ripped away from him.

“Everly?”

“I don’t blame you. If someone was giving me orders, and I one day realized they were setting me up, I would hope others could understand that.” I hold onto him tighter, and my heart beats painfully. “I don’t think anyone could fault you for doing your job.”

“They could,” he shrugs. “I just…I needed to tell you. You deserve more than being dragged into this. I was arrogant in thinking I’m untouchable, and I’m not. If I could take it all back, I would.”

“I wouldn’t.”

If Eric had not asked for my help, I never would have experienced any of this. Not getting to know him, not going on this walk with him, not even learning that he’s capable of admitting his mistakes.

“No?” He raises both eyebrows, looking at me like I’m nuts. “Everly, do you realize –”

I close the distance between us.

I have to stand on my tiptoes, but I press my lips to his before he can finish his sentence. I know what’s he’s hinting at; in a few days, I’ll presumably be summoned to Candor to confirm that I helped Eric. Maybe vouch for his character, or agree that he’s had good intentions these last few months. Who knows what it’ll be like afterwards, or if he’ll even return to Dauntless. I could be labeled his accomplice, or shed some light on who he really is.

So, while the darkness looms over and around us, and while the time slips away, I kiss him until he lets go. Until he takes my face in his hands, curled his fingers into my hair, and parts his lips. Until my hair is a wild tangle of him and the wind, until I can’t breathe, and neither can he.

Until he breaks away, murmuring my name into the night, then he leans in to kiss me again.

It makes my head spin. It’s everything I’m looking for: dangerous, dark, and dizzying. My heart beats erratically, my legs feel weak, and I can’t think of a single reason to stop. I’m lost in the way Eric smells, the wind tangling the skirt of my dress between my legs, and the way Eric’s hands are everywhere. My own rake through this hair, while his move to press down my spine, stopping on my lower back. They hold onto me tightly, gripping onto the soft fabric of my dress, and when he murmurs my name, his lips leave mine.

The moon becomes hidden by a cloud, the temperature drops, and Eric’s phone rings over and over.

He answers it hoarsely, and I can make out the drunken plea of his friend asking where he is, and demanding he return to the party. Eric steps away from me, his stare wild yet inebriated with lust, and after he hangs up the phone, he very lowly asks me to go home with him.

“Yes.”

A thousand thoughts swirl through my head, all of them a deliriously tempting mix of Eric, the feeling of connection between us, and tiny cherubs with their arrows aimed at the both of us.

Chapter 7: V-Day Fall Out

Notes:

Thank you so much for reading along! I have a weird schedule tomorrow, so the final update may be late or later, but I'll get it posted. Thank you for all the fun comments and messages! it was so nice to be back! :)

Thanks to Erin for editing!

My hand stays in Eric’s, my fingers locked between his as we return to Dauntless.

The woods feel too dark as we walk. Though the pathway is worn, it would be easy to venture off, and the little moonlight doesn’t make it any easier. I stay right beside Eric, and out of the corner of my eye, I see him looking at me.

His expression is smug.

The smirk on his face compliments the way his hair isn’t as perfect as it was before, and it matches the way my cheeks feel like they are on fire. When his gaze drops to my mouth again, I’m tempted to ask him to wait, if only so we can have a few more minutes alone. I know once we return to Clyde’s, we won’t be alone for a second.

Pleased with the guilty feeling of having kissed him, I slow down, pulling his hand toward mine.

“What? Do you want to stop?” he asks, glancing over at the looming compound. “I thought we’d go back to the party before anyone notices we’re gone. Then I’ll take you home.”

“Before we go back, I just…” I hesitate to say anything aloud, knowing this could be as temporary as the decorations Rylan has chosen. “I’m really happy it was you. I’m glad you were the one who showed up. I know the thing in Candor is big…. But, if nothing else, you were the first person to give me a chance here, even if you did because you’re trying to clear your name.”

Eric’s eyes narrow, but he keeps listening.

“And you are the first person I’ve willingly kissed. So, thank you for that. And not rubbing oil on me or telling me about the evils of modern medicine.” I smile up at him, hopeful he understands, and his smirk stays in place. “And sorry about your hair. You might want to fix it before we go inside.”

Eric leans in, and widens his eyes in mockery. “Everly…”

“Can I see your apartment? Where do you live?” I ask, deciding it’s now or never. “Is it big?”

“Fuck, if this trial doesn’t go my way, I’ll kill Jeanine myself.” Eric’s mouth crashes into mine. I would yelp, but I’m too busy enjoying the way it feels. His hands grasp hold of my face, harder than before, and he kisses me with a desperation I’ll never forget. “You’re welcome. I think. And I’ll show you whatever you want.”

“Yeah, so…we should…” I don’t finish my sentence. I kiss him back, pressing my lips harder, until the whimper catches in my throat and his hand moves from my hair to the back of my neck. It stays there, keeping me against him, until he sighs. “We should go back in. I didn’t even say hi to Rylan. Or Christina.”

“Me, either.”

Eric’s answer is muttered as he pulls away. I loathe the disconnect, but I try to remind myself that I barely know him, and he’s rightfully restrained. I also don’t know what’s going to happen in Candor, and my confession is probably the most juvenile thing he’s ever heard.

He doesn’t seem to think so.

Eric nods, and his hand finds mine. “We’ll stay for an hour. Then, I’ll show you where I live.”

“Okay.” My agreement is content with this, especially when he tightness his fingers through mine.

We resume walking, as close together as we can. I enjoy the way it’s much nicer to hold his hand without a death grip, or with anyone watching us. I’m so focused that I almost miss the guards near the entryway, and a returning patrol group led by Harrison, both looking triumphant.

 

“Alright, so where did you go? And don’t you dare say outside.”

Rylan, more drunk than tipsy off his bright pink drink, glares at Eric and me.

“You missed the gift exchange. And the second gift exchange. And the nachos.” He continues, counting on his fingers with a very unimpressed stare. “And you missed Jeremy, almost throwing up when someone let a skunk inside.”

“Which one these pressing events are you most upset we weren’t here for?” Eric asks. His tone is aggressively indifferent, especially when someone sniggers in the background. “The nachos? Or the skunk?”

“Obviously the skunk. And honestly, did you even bring a gift?” Rylan demands. “Because you owe Everly one.”

“Shit.” Eric looks at me, and I look up at him. Guilt flashes across his face, but it’s flashing on mine, too.

“I didn’t bring you one, either. It completely slipped my mind after hearing I might get murdered,” I admit. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be. I’ll give you a gift later,” Eric replies, looking right at me. “Or now, if you want to leave.”

“You’re not leaving. You just got back from wherever you were.” Rylan waves the fizzy drink at us, nearly knocking Karl in the face as he tries to slip past. “Man, what is in this? My head feels really heavy.”

“Sounds like you should drink some water,” Eric suggests. “We’re going to say hi to Jason, and we’ll be back to check on you.”

“Okay, but the nachos are pink. The cheese is, too. You should check those out.” Rylan smiles, his anger from earlier gone, and blows us both a kiss. “By the way, you your hair is a mess. Both of you. You guys aren’t slick. While I’m thrilled my plan worked, I’m not thrilled I wasn’t there to witness it.”

“I think that’s probably enough for you.” Eric carefully takes the glass from Rylan, then coaxes him towards an equally drunk Christina. “Go find your girlfriend.”

“Will do, Captain.” Rylan salutes a cherub, then stumbles over to Christina who shrieks with joy that she’s just opened his card. “Babe, guess what? Eric and Everly are getting married. No, not right now. Tomorrow.”

“Do you want to stay or….” Eric jerks his head toward the exit. “We can go.”

“Forget staying an hour. We should go.”

Clyde’s is absolutely jam packed with people. Every spare inch has someone standing or sitting, and most are playing the games Rylan has brought. Some are playing spin the bottle, others are trying to pin a cloud under a baby with wings, and others are stacking red blocks to make a tower while someone else tries to move them. His party is a clear hit. At one end, someone picks music to play, and at another, the line to get in creeps outside the bar doors.

Not long ago, I longed for nothing more than to be here.

Standing inside by Eric, while people greet the both of us. A few nod at me, most smile knowingly, and almost all seem impressed that he’s still here. While I say hello to someone from my initiation class, a girl I don’t know invites us to the after party, and Eric politely declines. He turns to me, and his stare is pleased when I look up at him.

“Do you promise I can see your apartment?” Sucked right into the world of Eric, I don’t even pretend I’m not interested. “If we leave now?”

“I promise.”

Pragmatic as ever, Eric waits until he’s sure Rylan is fine with Christina. He scans the crowd for Jason, and when he can’t find him, he grabs Karl and asks if he can tell Jason we’re heading out.

“Yeah, sure man. Anything you need!” Karl flashes him a bright smile, pleased to be asked to do Eric a favor. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Right. Thanks.” Eric nudges me with his elbow, and I take this as our cue to leave. “Follow me.”

“Okay.”

Delirious with excitement over seeing where he lives, I try to keep up with him. At some point, we are separated by a wall of people heading toward the music. Eric glances back, then extends his hand for me to talk hold of. Once I know I won’t lose him, we leave Clyde’s as quickly as we showed up. The line to get in is even longer now, and at the very end is Harrison.

When he sees us, he heads straight to Eric.

“You’re leaving already? With…Everly?” His stare finds mine, and there’s very real concern all over it. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay?”

“No, we don’t.” Eric’s answer is flat, but polite. “Everything good on your end? Nothing to report tonight?”

“Nothing. It was a promising patrol. Everything is quiet. It probably won’t last, but I can handle it.” Harrison looks only at Eric, but occasionally, he sneaks a peek in my direction. “You’re sure you don’t want to stick around?”

When I smile at him, I’m hit with the faintest memory of seeing him next to my mother. I have the feeling that I should know him from outside of Dauntless, but I can’t place my finger on why.

“I’m sure.” Eric answer with a defiant, oddly annoyed snap at Harrison. “Have a good night.”

“You too.”

Harrison forces a tight-lipped grin as we leave. I glance back once not really knowing what his worry is, or why he’d care that we aren’t staying. His eyes find mine, green and dark, and his smile is not at all reassuring. He looks like he’s about to pull me aside and give me a lecture on sneaking out with boys after dark, or maybe try to ground me.

He doesn’t get the chance.

Eric pulls me away from Clyde’s, into the hallway, and towards his apartment.

 

It is big.

It’s much larger than my own apartment, and decorated in a style I wouldn’t have guessed Eric would like. While everything is very clean and organized, it’s also much nicer than any furniture I’ve ever had. It looks like someone else lives here; someone who spent time picking out things from a high-end perspective, not someone who routinely deals with arguments with his fists.

I stand in the middle of a sunken living room, taking in the large screen on the wall, the books on the shelves, the couch and blanket, and the doors leading elsewhere. His apartment is darker than mine, but inviting. I can imagine myself sitting on the couch with him, but I can also imagine him glaring at whoever messed up his coffee table.

“Well?”

When I turn, he’s observing me intently. His gaze is relaxed now, but focused on me. From his kitchen, he grabs two glasses, and a bottle of something I don’t recognize. The label is from Amity, but it’s a dark blue with a tree drawn beneath the words.

“It’s really nice. Did you pick everything out?” A thousand questions swirl through my mind as I try to picture Eric ordering furniture. “Do all Leader’s apartments look like this?”

“No. Rylan’s looks like he’s opening a Rylan themed store inside it. Jason’s is filled with video games. Most of this was sent by Jeanine.” Eric opens the bottle with ease and pours it into the glasses. “She said the furniture was respectable.”

“It is. I think.”

I have no clue.

In Amity, everything was handmade and passed down. My dresser was once my neighbors, and my nightstands were made by Landon’s dad. I’d never purchased anything new, and if I had, I would have been gently reminded I could have just asked around for what I needed.

But Eric’s apartment is like a whole new world, one where I feel like I don’t entirely belong.

“Here, I thought you might like this. It came with the last delivery. Your brother made it.” Eric walks the glasses over, and I’m surprised to see them generously filled. “He said to tell you hello.”

“Do you know him?” I ask, surprised to hear Forrest would tell Eric anything. “Did he drop it off for you?”

“I’ve seen him enough to know who he is. He asks about you from time to time. I’m not always there when the deliveries arrive, but this time I was.” His head tilts when I take the glass. “He always mentions how proud of you he is.”

“He was going to leave, too.” I confess, taking way too large of a sip. The wine is sweeter than I’m anticipating, but good. “He said he only stayed to help our parents because he felt guilty.”

“Guilt seems to be the root of a lot of decisions.” Eric’s answer is quiet but pointed. He clinks his glass against mine, and his lips turn up. “Cheers, Everly.”

“Cheers.”

My glass hits his with a satisfying sound. I swallow another sip, this one also more than I mean to, and it’s not long before I feel pleasantly lightheaded. At some point, I am sitting on Eric’s couch, still drinking whatever Forrest has made, while Eric is telling me about his initiation with Rylan and Jason. By the time I finish the drink, I smile drunkenly at him, but it’s not just the wine. I recognize every second of the way my limbs now feel loose and warm, and my chest tightens when I look at Eric. I recognize the way he smiles at me, no longer crooked or forced, but genuine.

Loopy.

Higher than a kite.

“What happens now? Are we still friends even though I kissed you?” In my head, words are making sense. My thoughts are logical and practical. I need to know if he’ll still want to have dinner sometimes, or if he’s going along with this purely because he needs another person to show Jack Kang that he’s changed. “Or no? Are we not friends?”

“What?” He laughs, clumsily setting his glass down. His movements are graceless, and he’s too strong as he sends the glass flying. “Shit.”

“Do you want to stay friends, Eric?”

I have no clue if I’m saying actual words.

Forrest’s wine, laced with a very generous dose of peace serum, has completely taken over my brain. I lean over Eric so I can look at him, and his eyes widen. He doesn’t push me away like he did the girl who touched him. He waits patiently as I reach for his shirt, pulling the collar aside to look at his throat.

“Did that hurt?” My fingers press over warm skin, counting each block. “Why did you get it there?”

“No, it didn’t. All Leaders have the same tattoo,” Eric answers, tilting his head back for a moment. “It felt fine. Annoying, but fine.”

“Would you get any more?” My fingers trail over his skin, trying to figure out how it didn’t hurt to tattoo his throat. “Here?”

I touch his collarbone, and his head falls forward.

“You’re really pretty.” His answer is murmured as he hits me in the face attempting to move the hair out of my eyes. His action would be romantic, except he sits up, realizing he’s not totally in control of what he’s doing. “Everly…”

His head hits mine with the force of a thousand initiates.

“Oh, fuck.” I wince, but the pain is gone when his hands take hold of my face.

“Shit!” He blurts out. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. It’s the wine. It’s…Forrest….”

“I think you should stay here tonight,” Eric forcefully holds onto me, yanking me forward, right onto his lap. “I think you should spend the night. Tomorrow, too. Maybe the next day.”

Eric’s brain, also soaked with Forrest’s concoction, makes a few decisions for him. One is to pull me closer, leaving me awkwardly straddling him. The other is to lean in until his nose touches mine, and very quietly ask if I’m sure I’m alright.

“Everly?”

“Yeah?” My answer is half groaned because his hands leave my face and move to my back.

One takes hold of the back of my head, the other digs into the fabric of my dress. His lips touch mine, and it’s the sweetest, most frantic kiss of my life. I’m left gasping for air when he doesn’t stop. He breaks away only to kiss my throat. His teeth bite at my skin, and when I grasp onto the back of his head, he returns to my mouth. For what feels like hours, he kisses me slowly, forcefully, then impatiently when I wiggle to keep my balance.

Time loses all meaning as he carefully works the shoulder of my dress down. It slows even further when my fingers clumsily unbutton his shirt, and it stops all together when he pulls it over his head. His eyes find mine, and his pupils are as wide and dark as can be. They are lusty and pleased as he pulls the dress over my head, and for the fisrt time in my life, I think I might actually die.

It happens when he kisses me again, right before he suggests we go to bed.

 

I awake to a headache like nothing I’ve ever felt before.

My eyes open to darkness. Black sheets, a dark navy comforter, and Eric’s arm thrown over me. The labyrinth on his forearm is easy to make out, and so is the even, deep breathing behind me. I shut my eyes with a groan, then open them when he shifts closer.

I’m dressed, not in my clothes from last night, but his shirt. My hair is stuck between us, his head is bent over mine, and his leg rests just over my own. In the dark, he’s warm and solid, comforting in a way I’ve never felt before. Every so often, he sighs. His fingers flex, and his bare chest touches my back when he moves.

I open my eyes wider, careful not to wake him.

“Holy…”

I glance down at his hands, still bearing the lingering bruise and curled over mine, and try to remember what happened. There was a moment where I was sitting on him, sozzled from whatever Forrest had given him, and a moment where I tried to undress him. I can vaguely remember him telling me I was pretty before seeing my pink dress float to the floor.

I screw my eyes shut, trying to remember more. I might have dreamt it, but I swore he carried me into his room. After he hit my head on the door frame, he dumped me onto his bed before climbing over me. I think his phone rang, and the next thing I knew, I was waking up beside him, unable to remember my own apartment number.

“Eric?”

I turn to face him, and it’s harder than I would think. He’s dead asleep, his eyes shut and his breathing is even and deep. He exhales heavily when I work my way free from his grasp, and I’m able to climb out of his bed without waking him. In the dark, it’s hard to see where anything is, but I manage to find a door that leads to his bathroom. The lights are blinding and especially unflattering. When I catch a glimpse in the mirror, I hardly recognize myself.

“What the…”

My hair is destroyed. It sticks up in the back, while it’s tangled in multiple spots. Eric’s shirt is too large, and where it slips down to reveal my neck and shoulder, the skin is bright pink. There are marks on every free inch of skin, and what appears to be a bruise. There’s another bruise on my forehead. My lips feel raw. When I tilt my head to the side, the room slides along with it, and the floor sways beneath my feet.

I make a silent vow to never drink anything with alcohol or peace serum in it again. Luck is upon me when I see a glass on his countertop, and hope that some water will help.

This bathroom is twice the size of mine, and rather opulent. I like the black cabinets beneath the sinks, and the mirrors are pristine. I gingerly open a cabinet to find something to take for my head, and after a quick perusal of his personal items, find what I’m looking for. I swallow two of the pain killers with a wince, then turn on the sink and fill a cup with water.

I try to ignore the way my heart is beating out of uncertainty. There’s no way to predict how Eric will react, nor can I even remember what happened. It’s likely everything happened, or nothing. It’s likely he’ll remember, since he has a higher tolerance than I do, but the peace serum caught both of us off guard. I could wring Forrest’s neck for that little stunt, especially because the peace serum hangover is almost worse than anything.

It doesn’t leave you sick or dehydrated. It leaves you wanting to feel the warm, fizzing rush of happiness it creates. It leaves you wanting to feel that good, or even better. For days, I will think of nothing but Eric’s mouth on mine, the way he felt beneath me, and the sensation of his teeth sinking into my skin. My entire being will beg to experience that again—even if my brain knows it can’t or won’t happen. Peace serum leaves you feeling a little aware of the real world, and offers the sweet, hazy daze of a world where everything feels like a dream.

It's why most in Amity don’t mind taking it.

I take a slow sip of water, close my eyes at how good it tastes, and when I open them, Eric walks into the bathroom. He looks so unlike himself that I almost can’t believe it’s him; his hair is a disaster, his eyes are glassy, and his look of confusion mirrors my own. He rubs his face as he walks, and his boxers are pulled up too high on one side.

When he looks in the mirror, he comes to a halt, and his eyes narrow in surprise.

“Everly?”

“Um, hi, Eric. How are you feeling?” I finish my water, and it’s impossible to miss the now perplexed look on his face. “Did you sleep well?”

“Did you….did we….” He pauses to wet his lips. His mind whirls as he tries to connect dots that don’t exist, and it’s very clear he remembers about as much as I do. “Did you stay the night?”

“I did. Your bed is nice,” I blink at the bright lights, and his concentrated stare. “Thank you for letting me borrow your shirt. I didn’t see my dress anywhere.”

“I”ll….I can find it. Um…did you… are you…okay?”

He stumbles over his words. It’s unlike him to be so unsure of what he’s saying. Every speech I’ve heard has been an elegant display of intelligence, but right now, he looks bewildered.

“Are you alright? Did I hurt you?” He walks closer to me, until he can examine my head. “Did you fall?”

“You didn’t hurt me.” I smile up at him, and we both know neither of us remember. “I’m fine. I think I hit my head on the door frame. I woke up next to you, but I don’t remember much else. I just…have a really bad headache from…the wine.”

My confession makes him relax.

His shoulders lower, and his nod is relieved. “Okay. I don’t remember anything after we started drinking.”

“You should ask Forrest what he put in the wine. It probably had something in it that…was stronger than you’d expect.” I keep staring at him, and it hits me that I know how warm he is. I know what it’s like to fall asleep beside him, and I now know what he looks like when he’s completely relaxed. “Do you want me to leave you alone? I can go home. I just have to find my keycard.”

“Let me make you something to eat. Otherwise, you’re going to feel even worse later.” He blinks, reaching toward me carefully. One hand touches my neck, and his fingers press over the marks he’s left behind. “Did you take something? Are you sick?”

“It’s just a headache. But…I’m really fine. I had a good time,” I answer as brightly as I can. “At least from what I remember.”

“Uh…good.” Eric nods again. He pulls his hand back, and his gaze is glued to me. It travels all over my face, stopping once we make eye contact. “I’m glad.”

“I’ll give you a second.”

I turn to put the glass back on the sink and catch sight of our reflections. He stares at me in the mirror, and when I smile, he does, too.

I don’t move.

I stay there, until I’ve memorized the way he looks, and only then do I slink back to his room to search for my clothes.

 

“So, do you still think the odds would be one in five billion?”

I walk home with Eric, dressed in his shirt and boxers. I never did find my dress, and neither did he. He told me he’d lend me some shorts, then muttered he’d find my clothes and bring them by. Whatever happened last night left him out of sorts, and it was hard to miss the way he kept looking at me. Out of the corner of his eye, when he thought I wasn’t looking, sometimes like he’d messed up, but other times like he’d won the most points he could.

Now, he presses his lips together to keep from smirking. While I sat and drank the coffee he made, he took a shower. He emerged clean shaven, fresh faced, and dressed in his uniform. He walked me home looking like I’d emerged from beneath a bridge over a swamp, but he didn’t say anything. His hand occasionally touched my lower back, and his restraint came from knowing I was a little queasy and not wearing shoes.

“Yeah, I’d definitely say one in five billion. I would never have imagined any of this happening,” he answers. “Maybe more like one in five trillion.”

“Oh, so my odds are worse,” I laugh. “Thanks, Eric.”

“No problem.” His hand touches mine as we reach my floor. He hesitates to hold on as someone passes by, and the lady gives us both a funny look. “I have to go into the office. I was supposed to be there hours ago. Will you be alright?”

“I’m fine. I feel really good. Thanks for breakfast. Do you want me to bring you anything? Maybe lunch?” I look up at him, pausing when he shakes his head. “Eric?”

“I’m... good. I’ll be in meetings until late afternoon. Thank you, though.” He stops when we reach my apartment door. The look on his face tells me he’s lying; he might be busy, but there’s something else stopping him from accepting my offer. “Text me if you need anything. I’ll uh, confirm our return trip to Amity.”

“Oh, right.”

The wind goes right out of my sails.

Dressed in cheerless duty and self-control, Eric returns to the version I first met. He steps back from me, his shoulders rising and his head cocking to the side, and he takes in my disheveled appearance. His own clothes, the way my hair is falling out of the bun I’ve pulled it in, and the contrast in our heights. He looks down at me like he’s never going to see me again, and nods his goodbye.

“Have a good day, Everly.”

“Bye, Eric.”

He leaves with a lingering look in my direction. He glances back to make sure I’m inside, then shuts his eyes for a moment. I watch the stress return, and I know exactly what he’s feeling.

Thanks to the peace serum, last night was blissful. Now that it's over, the real world is much less appealing, and he’s feeling every second of it.

I head inside my apartment, and though I know things will be fine, I can’t help but have the nagging feeling I won’t see him for a while.

 

In the end, not much else happens.

Eric and I return to Amity on a chilly, grey day. I wear the matching jacket to his, and he wears a look of careful distance that hints he’s thought long and hard about our night together. I still don’t remember all the details, and no matter how hard I tried, nothing helped. Christina tried to get it out of me. She coaxed, begged, and pleaded. Eric must have told Rylan what he remembered, which feels like more than I did. Rylan then told Christina, and she came straight to me to hear every salacious detail.

There weren’t many.

While everyone was fixated on if we’d slept together, literally or figuratively, I could only recall bits and pieces. The night after my stay at Eric’s, I dreamt of him kissing me in his bed, but I had no way of knowing if it was real or not. I was left just as lost as she was, and the only concrete proof I had were the marks on my neck, and the bruise on my forehead.

And while we went to Amity together, the air full of a tension I couldn’t quite put my finger on, we were accompanied by others. Jason and Karl, Jeremy and Peter, even Harrison. I walked in the middle of everyone, a blur of black in a faction of color, and unceremoniously met with Johanna once more. Her agreement with Dauntless stood; she wasn’t going back on her word, but she did politely tell me Forrest would no longer be dropping off his wine there because it was laced with too high of a dose of peace serum, and he’d gotten a slew of complaints. A few soldiers wandered into the fields both high and drunk, and Johanna spent much too long making sure they were alright.

In the barn, while Eric and Jason stood in front of the horses, Johanna noticed my unease. She asked if I was alright, holding onto my arm until I answered.

I was.

I was fine.

The sting of knowing I had been gifted a version of Eric no one else knew existed had lessened. He didn’t return my dress, but I didn’t return his boxers. We both knew, deep down, that whatever happened between us existed in a universe of its own. I’d never truly know, and neither would he. And the danger of being anything –friends, enemies, maybe one day partners, or even lovers –was never more apparent than as time went on.

Despite Rylan’s best efforts, Eric remained untouchable.

Johanna rattled off a list of questions in my ear, and while I nodded and answered what I could, I watched Eric and Jason. They spoke quietly, and out of nowhere, Eric reached for the horse. He stroked his mane, frowning when Jason tried to make him laugh, and his stare would find mine. He was making sure I followed through with helping him, and I did. I had no reason not to, and if anything, I wanted to make sure my family stayed safe.

Our agreement to be friends fizzled as it became clear that Eric was on thin ice as his time in Candor neared. He resumed the edginess that was a comfort to him, and he took to snapping and snarling at anyone around him.

By the time a week had passed, the sting of Eric was the lingering bruise on my neck, and the print of his incisors on my throat.

I saw him everywhere and nowhere. I went back to work with Four, who was no longer sick, and Eric showed up only to watch the final Fear Landscapes. He kept his distance. He stood with Max, nodding blandly as someone easily leapt off a building, and looking bored when someone was afraid of the dark. Their fears served him no purpose, but before he left, he walked over to Four and me, and informed us he was pleased with the class.

“Wonderful.” Four answered, sounding sarcastic as ever. “Good to know.”

Eric said nothing in response.

He looked at me, attempting something akin to a smile, then purposely walked by me so his hand hit mine.

That hurt more than anything.

I wished he’d stay, wished he’d say something else, hell, I wish he’d yell or pick a fight purely so I could talk to him. But he stormed off into the training room, and I didn’t see him until the initiation was over. He welcomed the new members the same way he’d welcomed us all: as coldly as he could. He stared down the initiates who feared him, smirked at the ones dumb enough to act like they didn’t, and shook my hand like we hadn’t kissed in the woods outside of Dauntless.

“You did good,” he told me, gripping my hand tightly. “I hope you’re proud of yourself.”

“I am. Thank you.” I held his hand even tighter. “Thanks for your help, Eric.”

I expected him to look away. He hadn’t helped, not like one would assume. Four eventually had returned to class, but Jason had worked every day until he came back. Eric dropped by a few times, but it was never more than to check on everyone and occasionally glare in my direction after he had promised to help me personally.

“Everly…” Eric started to say my name, but he was interrupted by Harrison. “What?”

“The orders just came.” Harrison stops beside him, dressed in plaid. “It’s a summons from Jack. They’d like to speak with Everly. Presumably because of her involvement in Amity.”

“Right.” Eric shuts his eyes, and the regret is plain as day. He winces, then catches himself with a shake of his head. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for you to be part of this. They’re going to question you like everyone else.”

“It’s alright.” I ignore the way Harrison shifts his weight, and even Eric looks displeased. “Do you know what they’re going to ask? Or how I can prepare?”

Eric and Harrison are silent.

Harrison eventually clears his throat, then shoots Eric a dirty look. They must have been expecting this, because Harrison looks pissed off when Eric shrugs and looks over me. “You owe her. This is…if you fuck this up with Everly, I’ll see to it myself that you’re executed.”

“I already told you –” Eric snaps, cut off by Harrison shaking his head and hissing that he did this. “No, you’re not going to pin this on me. You promised me she’d be left out of it. I was up front that involving her to secure Amity meant he’d want her there, too. I’ve learned that no one is getting out of this unscathed. You promised Jack wouldn’t ask for her, yet here he is, asking for her to show up..”

“Is it a character reference? Am I being asked who you really are?” I step between them, and while Harrison moves back, my hand finds Eric’s.

Eric’s fingers graze mine, stilling as Harrison mutters an apology to me.

“Everly, I am partially at fault. Jack originally said he didn’t need anyone else there, but he’s now decided you need to be questioned. It could be in Eric’s favor, or it could be because Jack doesn’t trust us. We won’t know until we’re there.” Harrison pauses. “There’s a good chance he's simply making it look official.”

“Right.” I agree, remembering Eric say that anything to do with him solidified my involvement. “I can do it. I helped you with Amity, you helped me with the class and dinner. There’s nothing else to say.”

“Alright. Just…prepare for them to ask you more. Prepare for them to give you the truth serum. They’re looking for evidence that Eric is not who Jeanine says he is. You’ll work in his favor, so long as they don’t think he put you up to it.” Harrison answers. “Realistically, they’ll ask how you know him, what he’s asked you to do, and if you did it.”

“Got it.”

I go to move my hand away, but Eric holds on tighter.

“I have to go find Max. If they summon anyone else, I’ll make sure to let you know.” Harrison says goodbye, winding his way through the crowd. “Congrats on the class, Everly.”

“Thank you.” I answer, but my attention is on Eric.

It’s been an indescribable amount of time since I’ve really spoken to him, and the weariness is all over his face. It lessens when I smile up at him, and he swallows thickly.

“I still have your dress.” He looks right at me, his grey eyes locked on mine. “I put it in the closet. I’ll bring it by soon.”

“I can come get it,” I offer, equally as quiet. Around us, the new members of Dauntless press in on all sides. “I have some time now.”

“Right.”

“Eric, did you ever remember what happened? Did it ever…” I trail off, not knowing how to phrase my question. “It doesn’t matter. I was just wondering if you knew. I still don’t remember everything.”

Eric looks at me, his expression stoic as ever, and he nods.

“I do.”

He doesn’t elaborate any further.

He pulls his hand away, the storms off to remind everyone exactly who is in charge.

 

Candor is like another world in itself.

The buildings are tall and ornate, rising high into the sky. White columns frame the entrances, along with large paned windows, flat, wide stairs, and an air of seriousness that’s uncomfortable. The inside of the building I’m led to is white, black, and silver. The receptionist in the front directed us toward a large room where the trial is being held, and her own black dress was lined with a white collar. She greeted us with surprising empathy; her posture told me she knew today was important, and when her gaze landed on me, I knew she was nervous for all of us.

I followed everyone silently, having been relegated to the back with Harrison. For once, he stays nearby, whispering advice as we walk.

“It’s going to be easy, but not enjoyable. He’s going to give you Truth Serum. You’ll have no choice but to answer. If you resist, it’ll hurt. If you tell the truth, you won’t feel a thing.” Much like Eric, he speaks evenly, letting little emotion show. “If you resist, they’ll know you’re lying or avoiding a question.”

“What are they going to ask me?”

I look around, trying to figure out why my appearance would hold any more weight than the others. Ahead, Jason and Rylan walk with Max. All are dressed in their uniforms, professional as ever. Jason and Rylan have their hair pulled back, their uniforms are clean, and their boots are laced properly. Next to them, Tori and Lauren walk with soldiers from Dauntless. Four walks to the side, looking like he can’t decide if he’s enjoying today, or loathing being forced out of Dauntless.

It appears anyone Eric has worked with is here, including me.

“The others are here because they know his work. You know him personally. I spoke to Jack this morning. They’re going to ask you what he’s like outside of being a Leader.” Harrison pauses as we walk down the stairs and into a court room. “I know you don’t...it wasn’t a whole relationship, but Ashley will be called in from Erudite. You’ll hopefully balance out whatever she says. There’s a chance she’ll throw him under the bus out of spite. You’ll have the chance to refute that.”

“Got it.” I take the steps two at a time, trying to recognize as many faces as I can.

Jack stands in the middle of a large circular room, surrounded by Marcus, Andrew, and a woman I don’t know. Next to him is a woman dressed in blue, Johanna, Jerry, and Carole. Tori leaves Lauren to join them, and directly behind Jack, is a section of spectators. A wall of black fills several of the seats but others are filled with blue. A man hurries his way to the front row, and when he slides into the seat, the lady next to him frowns. I recognize her from the Market, and I can only guess he’s Eric’s father.

“They’ll talk to those who work with him first. If they do call you, it won’t be for a while.”

“Okay.” I reach for his arm as I miss a step.

Having no clue what this trial would entail, I dressed nicely, but not in my uniform. If I was being questioned over my personal time with Eric, I wasn’t going to show up dressed as a trainer. I chose a black dress, one less structured and fitted in ways only someone from Amity would appreciate, and left my hair down. I knew I needed to appeal to the human side of the court, and the Dauntless uniform wouldn’t do that.

“Is it starting soon?” I ask, searching the room for Eric. Harrison touches my hand as we near the final step, and he leaves it there. “Where is Eric?”

“He’ll be here. He had to get Jeanine inside the building before she could figure out what is going on.”

As if on cue, the doors on the other side of the building open, and in walks Jeanine. Her expression hints she’s confused as to why she’s here, but also dismayed by the interruption of her day. She steps a few steps inside, and when she looks around, I witness the exact moment she realizes what’s going on.

Eric walks in behind her, and the doors shut with a bang.

 

“How long have you known Mr. Coulter? It appears you and Eric go way back.”

The first question is a doozy.

Seated in a hard chair, hidden safely behind a platform, my neck burns where Jack Kang did the first injection. He was quick and polite. He warned me it would sting, but it would eventually stop unless I lied. The Truth Serum burned as it spilled through my veins, and so did the pressing stares of everyone around me. I gave into the feeling, having no other choice, and the questioning began a few minutes later.

The first half of the trial was eye opening.

Eric’s work was brought to light in a fascinating manner. Dressed in black, he was brought before everyone to give his own statement. I listened while he explained what he had been asked to do, how he was paid for his work, at what point he realized what was happening, and what would happen if he were to continue. About three minutes in, Jeanine arose from her chair, hissed that this was unnecessary, and she’d deal with Eric later. She tried to leave after downplaying her involvement, but Jason shoved her back to her seat, and when she protested, she was handcuffed to the chair and read a list of formal charges.

She protested once more. Jason and Rylan stood by her, while Marcus blocked one door, and Jerry blocked another.

The trial continued, and each minute was sharper than the next.

Over the stark retelling of the blood Eric was responsible for spilling, everyone listened silently. His story wasn’t anything new but it wasn’t one I’d heard before. I learned it stemmed from a deal he was offered via his mother: when he was seventeen, Jeanine graciously promised him a position in Dauntless if he’d carry out her agenda. There were dozens of strings attached, and enough hidden agendas to make it hard to untangle what she really wanted, but the appeal was there. To Eric, her offer was promising. The work was easy, and the reward was high. He was given a year to prepare, and when he eventually chose Dauntless, he showed up not as a brainiac from Erudite, but as a fit, well-muscled, overly confident jerk, who knew no one could defeat him. It wouldn’t matter even if they did. His fate was already in place, and the initiation was a mere formality.

His path toward becoming a Leader began the minute he stepped foot in Dauntless. He knew he couldn’t fail, and that was all the ammunition he needed. He fought his way through, manipulating those around him, and later forming an alliance with Jason and Rylan. He was crowned a Leader the very day the initiation ended. He immediately promoted his friends to join him. A casual, then not so casual agreement emerged, and all three began helping Jeanine under the guise of protecting the factions. And while they fell into the job in a way no others would have been offered, they did fulfil their obligations. The three of them proved to be above adequate at their jobs, and Jeanine’s orders were carefully woven into their work without much notice.

By the time a pale and expressionless Eric explained that they all realized Jeanine would place the blame on them if the work ever got out, I noticed most seemed to agree with Eric. No one was immune to the offer of a better life, though several blanched when he described just who exactly he’d been instructed to hunt down. He went on to explain stopping the work was impossible: Jeanine had the means not to prosecute just him, but also Jason, Rylan, Harrison, Tori, and Max. She could take them down by claiming she had no involvement, since they had done all the work.

Eventually, Dauntless agreed to cut ties with Jeanine, but fearing retaliation, prepared to take her down to save everyone else.

Toward the end of the morning, Eric’s personal life was mentioned, implying he had little time for others. This both worked in his favor and against him; Ashley was brought forth to admit that he worked endlessly, and their relationship ended when he couldn’t make time for her, and I was brought forth to show that once he stopped working for Jeanine, his views on almost everything had changed.

Total control was no longer his ultimate goal, and it was assumed he’d still retain his position as a Leader in Dauntless.

“Miss Carlen? Again, can you tell us how long you have known Eric?”

“A while. I used to see him in Amity. I’ve known him better since choosing Dauntless. So, a few years now.” My answer is painless. “I was maybe sixteen when I first knew of him.”

“And how long ago did you begin your friendship with him?” Jack asks. His stare is friendly, but stern. “I was told you two spent some time together for personal reasons.”

“A few months ago. He was…” I pause, and when I look at Jack, he nods encouragingly. “He was my Valentine. We went to dinner, had coffee, lunches. We went to the Night Market together.”

“Good. And did he ever tell you about his work?”

“Sometimes.” I answer, disliking the wave of pain that hits my head. I guess my answer isn’t the truth, so I shake my head and try again. “He wasn’t specific, but he was clear that he was trying to get away from his old work. He didn’t want to participate anymore. He warned me that if I was associated with him, it might not end well in my favor. But he made it known that he was looking out for the factions, and taking great pains to make sure they would be safe if Dauntless no longer partnered with Erudite.”

The pain subsides.

“Did he ever show you what he’d worked on?”

“No.”

“And did he ever try to make you think he’d been misled in what he was doing? Eric has always been given direct, precise orders from a prior arrangement. Did he reveal this to you?” Jack asks. “Was there a chance you saw one of his emails or agendas?”

“No. He told me he knew what he was doing for Jeanine, but he also knew he was being used.” My neck itches when I answer. Across the room, Harrison nods encouragingly, while Jason and Rylan watch intently. “He made it clear he didn’t agree with Jeanine.”

“Thank you. Now, on a –”

“I’m sorry, but you’re taking the word of this random girl? Did you pull her straight from Amity and promise her a better life if she agreed to talk on Eric’s behalf?” Jeanine’s frosty interruption makes even Jack startle.

“You want to prosecute me to save a rogue Leader? Go right ahead. His work has his signature on every page, and he’s fully responsible for his actions. But by all means, parade your defendants to show what a morally changed man he is. Everly has been in Dauntless for a year. What she’s telling you is common knowledge. You could pull any member of the faction and ask them the same questions to which you’ll get the same answers.” Jeanine looks right at me, and her smile is delighted. “Have her tell you something none of us know. Even Ashley could admit Eric wasn’t always enthused over the work he was given. But this…Everly…is no one to him.”

The room is silent.

It takes Jack a moment to compose himself, then he looks at me, and nods his head slightly. “She makes a valid point. You are new to Dauntless, and though helpful, your insight into Eric could be considered vague. Are you able to tell us something not many would know?”

I look over at Eric, sitting at a table with Max. His stare is cold as it finds mine, but when I search his face, I know he has no choice but to act like this doesn’t bother him. I stare at his perfectly combed hair, his grey eyes, and the way his head tilts before he averts his stare.

I have spent some time with Eric, but Jeanine doesn’t know that.

Neither does anyone else in this room.

“His sheets are black,” I answer evenly. Eric’s stare jerks to mine, and his eyes widen ever so slightly. “His comforter is blue. He sleeps on his side, and when he’s not awake, he doesn’t look so pissed off.”

Someone gasps.

It’s mixed with a muffled giggle, and a faint fury that I assume is coming from Ashley.

“His apartment is very clean. Jeanine picked out his furniture, I guess as part of his deal with her. He makes a good cup of coffee, and he can cook. And his shirts don’t fit me, but the two that I have make great shirts to sleep in.” I continue, looking only at Eric.

His lips turn up as he fights back a smirk, and Max elbows him.

“He’s actually kind of funny. Um, I know he doesn’t believe in the effectiveness of essential oils, and…” I pause, and the whole room is silent. “He kept a Valentine from a little girl in Amity. It’s in his office. Oh, and he’s supposed to have seven kids and some sort of garden.”

“Is that…well…is that all?” Jack looks both amused and relieved. “I take this to mean you’ve spent the night with him?”

“Yes,” I keep my eyes on him, but it’s hard to miss the man I think is his father leaning forward, looking stunned. “He sleeps on the left side of the bed. And he doesn’t wake up easily.”

“Right. Well...then, while you were there, did he ever discuss Amity with you?” Jack resumes his stoic demeanor. “Or his plans for it?”

“Only that he wanted to reaffirm their safety.” I lean back, glancing over at a very smug looking Rylan. “He has some connections there. He knows my brother.”

“Do you trust him?” Jack asks. “Do you believe he would hurt you?”

“I do trust him,” I respond easily. “I don’t think he’d hurt me, no. He’s been very honest about who he is.”

“Thank you for all this, Miss Carlen. Give me a second to see if there’s anything else the jury would like asked of you.” Jack steps aside and heads toward the Leaders. He speaks with Marcus and the woman in blue, then Johanna. Once they all agree on something, he returns to me. “I have one final question, and then you will be given something to undo the Truth Serum if you wish.”

“Sure.”

Jack looks at me, then Eric, then back to me.

“If Eric is found guilty of lesser charges, which is likely given what we’ve been shown, he will be asked to serve time outside of Dauntless. Upon his return, he will resume his duties to the faction as a Leader. During this time, what is considered a probationary period, one person will be responsible for him, ensuring no further deals have been made, and enforcing the restrictions this court will place upon him. Are you willing to be that person? Are you willing to risk your own reputation for his? Do you truly believe he has changed for the better?”

I take a second to answer.

Across from me, Eric shakes his head. It’s slight enough that I can see it, and the defeat is all over him. This is a huge ask, and there’s a chance Eric isn’t being honest. Though he’s been given the same does of Truth Serum I have, he could easily get his life in order, then decide he wants to rule the world, once and for all.

When our eyes meet across the room, I know that’s not it.

I think, given what I’ve learned about him, that he has no desire to rule each faction purely because he can. He might. At some point. But it’ll be out of necessity, and not the manic orders of a blonde woman hell bent on destroying everyone around her for her own sake.

I know that vouching for Eric means this isn’t the end.

It’s the beginning of my involvement on a larger scale, a tie to Eric that will never be broken, because I am putting him before myself.

It’s a brave move, one that only someone who has nothing to lose would make.

“Yes.”

“Great.” Jack smiles, then politely thanks me for my time. “I think we have asked all that we need of you.”

Across the room, in front of a crowd both hoping for justice and vengeance, Eric Coulter smiles at me.

It’s wide and honest, but most importantly, genuine.

“Thank you, Miss Carlen.”

I stand carefully, and find myself entirely unafraid of what’s next.

Chapter 8: Amity Ever After

Notes:

Thank you guys so much for reading along with this story!!!!! Major love to you allll!!!! All that's left is the epilogue!

“Hey, Everly!”

“Hi, Everly!”

“Oh my gosh, are you back for good?!”

“I like your hair!”

I wave hello to a slew of familiar faces, but I keep my pace as fast as one can without slipping in the mud.

The world of Amity is just as colorful as when I left it. Winter is slowly thawing, and March brings the first signs of green popping up wherever it can. It’s not much. Flowers barely poking through the ground, some left over snow from a recent, halfhearted storm revealing a few weeds, and the leaves regaining their color. It won’t be spring for another month or two, but it’s better than the endless snowstorms and rain.

I quickly make my way past the homes in this section. May’s house sits at the beginning of the path like an unofficial lookout point. She waves from her porch, then jerks her head toward the houses near the end. Carole and Howard live a few houses down from her, their yard full of chickens watched by a lazy dog, and just past them is a bend in the road that leads to a more secluded section. My parents’ house is on the other side of the section, but Jerry’s is this way. I stroll past all of them as the sun pours over my bare shoulders, sighing in relief when I see it.

From the path, it looks haunted. The house is darker than the others, three stories of gloom and doom, and never occupied for long. Forrest lived in it once, then some of his friends took it over. Each time, they politely moved out, stating the house was too large and creaky, and being so close the woods left them feeling oddly vulnerable. I know it’s occasionally used to house the rare guest, though no one really wanted to say in Amity overnight.

Behind the house, a large lake narrows where it leads into the woods. The back of this house has a porch, a fire pit, and Eric Coulter, staring into the distance with a grim look on his face.

I reach him before he realizes I’m here. For once, I have the upper hand. I approach him cheerfully, and it’s the right choice.

When he turns, his eyes narrow, and the worn t-shirt he has on is as blue as the sky above him.

A few weeks ago, Eric was found both guilty and not guilty of whatever crimes Jack decided upon. The real crime was the way that once I gave my testimony, I was escorted into the hallway, where Eric met me. He ignored Harrison peeking his head out to remind us we had mere minutes before we needed to return, and the yells from inside as Jeanine predictably began panicking over what was happening. I stood before Eric with my head angled toward his face, and practically collapsed into him before he could speak. When he did, it was so quiet I could barely hear him.

“Thank you.”

His hands tangled in my hair, digging in deep, like his life depended on me. His head bent forward to rest atop my own, and his inhale was strangled. He forced air into his lungs to keep himself steady, but he refused to let go of me. For what felt like forever, Eric held on, reeling after his entire world was exposed. I turned my head to press my cheek on his chest, and his words that followed were the truth.

“I owe you everything,” he gritted out, unable to lie. “I wanted to talk to you. But Harrison said if I did, and I ruined this, you’d never forgive me. He told me to keep my distance to make it easier. It wasn’t my idea.”

“I would have forgiven you, Eric.”

I held onto him just as tightly. I assumed no one ever hugged him, and if they did, it was a half shoulder, jammed into your side kind of hug from one of his friends. I held on until his breathing became normal, until his lips touched the top of my hair, and his confession continued.

“You know what happens now, right? Once they sentence me, I don’t know when I’ll be back.” He lifted his head to gaze down at me, and my confused expression matched his tense one. “I might have won against Jeanine, but I’m still responsible for hundreds of people who –”

“Do they sentence you now?” I interrupted, knowing we didn’t have much time. “What happens when –”

“Eric, Everly. We need you both back.” This time, Max peeked his head out the door, and his expression was stern. “You’ll both need the other serum before we finish. They want to do it now. Otherwise, it’ll last the rest of the day.”

“Okay.” I nodded, waiting for Eric to agree. When I looked up, he was watching me intently, but his lips were pressed together. “Eric?”

“If I could change anything, I would have insisted you stay. I would have kept you with me. I would have –”

His admission ended when the doors opened completely. We broke apart enough to walk inside together, and were immediately separated. I stood by Harrison while I was injected with something to stop the Truth Serum, and Eric stood by Max while he was injected.

Across the room, Jeanine was injected with something to sedate her, and a date was announced for her own trial.

I sat with Harrison while Eric was called to the front. By the time Jack announced a few meager charges, I realized they’d found Eric guilty of the bare minimum, mostly to prove that Jack’s court was just and fair. Eric was held responsible for crimes against Dauntless, mainly putting the faction at risk by carrying out another's agenda, and given a slap on the wrist for not turning Jeanine in sooner.

His final charge, conspiracy to commit violence under the orders of someone else, was the most punishable offense. Once he had everyone’s attention, Jack gave him the worst punishment he could think of: three months in Amity, with an emphasis on helping secure the faction, and not a minute less, even if Eric was on his best behavior.

“Well, isn’t that just…incredibly unfair?” Rylan grumbled. “Sounds like a dream to me.”

“Death would be preferable for Eric,” Harrison dryly retorted. “It’s going to be a long three months in his least favorite faction.”

“Eric will return to Dauntless after his sentence has been completed. Any violation of this sentencing will result in a second trial, with further repercussions.” Jack ended the sentencing by looking around the room, then stopping to nod at Eric’s father. “Thank you all for coming today. Dr. Coulter, a word, if you will?”

Despite his bravery and general air of indifference, I watched Eric’s expression slip. Personally, I found the punishment incredibly lenient given the circumstances. No one in Amity would be rude to Eric, and if anything, they’d insist upon helping him by making sure he left a better person than he arrived.

To Eric, it would be pure torture.

And it was.

On the first day, everyone in Amity showed up to see him. Johanna announced that Eric would be temporarily staying to help restructure the faction’s defense, and everyone was to treat him as though he were another member.

While I walked with Harrison and Eric, we could barely get through the crowd. Piper was especially excited to see him, but my father watched with a forced look of welcome. Jerry waved, Landon practically seethed at the sight of us, and May elbowed him hard enough that he stepped away with a yelp. My mother waved from the side, holding Zander up so he could see Eric, and next to her, my sisters giggled while Eric marched by.

It seemed everyone wanted to see if Eric was really there, and while they might not trust him, they were happy to have the help.

Johanna was smart when it came to dealing with him. Since a few mentioned Eric might be dangerous, he was given his own house, one far away from everyone. I doubted anyone wanted to host him for the next few months, and having privacy would make his stay better. It would give him a chance to decompress after his day, and he wouldn’t be such a spectacle in the faction.

After saying a quick goodbye to him, one where his eyes found mine and his expression was absolutely void of any emotion except frustration, I returned to Dauntless with Harrison.

On the drive back, he kept asking if I was alright, and when I didn’t answer, he sighed and offered to take me to dinner. I accepted, but my thoughts were preoccupied with what Eric was doing.

In Harrison’s new restaurant, where I was served a pirate themed meal of steak, carrots, and a drink with an ocean themed name, he promised to keep an eye on Eric for me. He said he was sure Eric would be fine, and if he wasn’t, it wouldn’t be the end of the world.

Mine or Eric’s.

The first few days were silent.

The third came back with a report of Eric being difficult, but doing whatever was asked of him. Harrison went out to visit for an hour, and returned looking like he regretted going.

The fourth day was a phone call from Johanna, asking if Eric was to be in contact with Dauntless. Though he was serving a sentence in Amity, his duties in Dauntless would continue, and some of the soldiers were showing up looking for him. Jason or Rylan could have taken over Eric’s work, but some of the reports needed Eric’s signature to finalize things only he’d worked on, while others needed his signature as part of the entire group of Leaders.

On the fifth day, Harrison came to find me. Since I was done with the initiation class, I now spent most of my time in the Control Room. I could watch Amity from afar, but the cameras weren’t the best. Through blurry, grainy footage, I saw Eric wander the woods, contemplate his life, and join Forrest for a beer. I saw him help with a barn someone was working on, I saw him speak to Johanna –though neither looked happy, and I also saw him fend off a few girls who boldly brought him dinner.

I watched as my mother brought him dinner, and May dropped off what appeared to be a squirrel as some sort of welcome gift.

Eric looked absolutely annoyed that no one would leave him alone. His reputation as being hostile and unfriendly was still intact, but in Amity, he was a fresh-faced potential for marriage, and perhaps a way out of the faction. I found myself laughing when he all but marched home, leaving Noelle standing in the fields looking utterly confused at his rejection, and later stood staring up the sky as he helped Jerry carry in crops from the field while a group of girls my own age just happened to walk by.

I sat watching him glare at one for speaking to him before reluctantly accepting water.

I sat up a little straighter, my eyes narrowing in displeasure when he had the audacity to thank her.

“Hey, sorry to interrupt…whatever you’re doing, but I got a call and figured you could help out. The Control Room is overstaffed this week. I’ll pay you to go check on Coulter. Make sure he’s not losing his mind out there. Have him sign the papers we need, give you his passwords.” Harrison dropped into the seat beside me. “Maybe bring him some food he likes and take him some of his clothes. Jack dropped him off with nothing to make it look legit.”

“Sure. When should I leave?” Bored with staring at the screens all day, I was thrilled with the idea. As much as I didn’t want to admit that I missed Eric, I did. Our time together might have been short, but I did promise to keep an eye on him, and it would be nice to see him without everyone around us. “Do I need to report what he’s doing or…”

“You can text me. Just a few general details will do. Whatever you think is enough to satisfy Jack.”

“Got it. Yeah, I can do that.”

“Good. I figured you might want to see him. He asked about you,” Harrison told me, but he didn’t elaborate. “I told him you’re alright, but he doesn’t believe me.”

“I’m…”

Fine, but who the hell wanted to just be fine.

“I’m good. But I’ll go. Do you want me to leave today?

“Within the hour.”

Harrison didn’t stay much longer. He left me with the generous offer of having a truck ready to drive me, and gave me cart blanche to stay as long as I wanted. I packed a bag of things that I wanted to take, then met up with Rylan to pick up Eric’s things.

“I can go if you don’t want to,” he offered, opening Eric’s apartment with ease. “I know he’d be delighted to see me. Maybe even more excited than seeing you.”

When I looked up at him, he winked.

“I’m sure he would, but I’m excited to get out of here for a bit. Maybe you could come by in a week? I could text you with a fake emergency.” I answered, thinking it might be nice for Eric to see his friends. “I doubt Harrison will care.”

“Brilliant. Hey, let me pick out his underwear. He’s very particular about what he wears.” Rylan laughed, and the two us spent a quick twenty minutes grabbing Eric’s clothes.

They were familiar to me, soft t-shirts and even softer boxers, but the slightest bit unfamiliar when we grabbed his pants and jackets. By the time we picked out boots and some shampoo, Harrison called to say the truck was ready. Rylan walked me downstairs, hugged me goodbye, then whispered to text him later with every single detail, and not to forget anything because he’d find out and he was going to watch the cameras anyway.

I left with Harrison, and what felt like minutes later, arrived to a waning sunset and most of the faction having already gone home for the day. Harrison told me where Eric was staying, and it was an easy walk through Amity to find him.

“Hey!” I call out, enjoying the way Eric’s expression changes to confusion. “I brought you a few things. Forrest and his friends are carrying them over. And I brought you a coffee.”

“What are you doing here?”

Eric steps toward me, his muddy boots thudding over the wood. He closes the distance in seconds, then greedily take the drink from my hand. He downs it in a few gulps, then stares at me like I’ve been sent to hunt him down.

“Is this a trick?”

“It’s really good to see you again,” I smile brightly, noticing his face is red around his forehead and cheeks. He’s far more tanned than the last time I saw him, and oddly enough, he looks fitter. Healthier. Like the fresh air has done him some good despite his hatred of it. “I came by to bring you some of your things. I thought it might make your stay easier.”

“Oh, not because you’re supposed to report back on what a changed man I am?” Eric retorts. But his eyes never leave mine, and his lips turn up in amusement. “Fine. Come on in, Everly. I know you’re familiar with living here, so the state of the place shouldn’t surprise you.”

“I can’t wait.” I follow him to the porch, and when he looks down at me, his eyes are lighter than I’ve seen them. “Is everyone being nice?”

“Define nice. I’ve gotten an offer to move here permanently, a handful of fathers looking to move their daughters out of their houses, Forrest volunteering to move in if I’m lonely, and May, trying to figure out why I don’t want to talk about what happened, even if she brings me woodland creatures as a bribe. It’s worse than if I’d just gone to jail.” Eric humorlessly answers, pushing me inside with a huff. “How you lasted eighteen years here, I’ll never know.”

“Some days were better than others,” I admit. “Others left me contemplating life.”

I step inside the house, and I’m immediately hit with the feeling of being home. It’s odd, because I have never lived here, but the space is warm and comforting, or it could just be Eric on my heels as he exhales like he’s just gotten back from the longest patrol ever.

“Everly –”

“I’ll make you dinner,” I offer. I turn to face him, and he’s inches away. He’s intimidating as ever. He looms over me like the very first time he asked for my help, and his arms flex as he moves them to reach for me. “Forrest isn’t coming by until tonight. He has to help wrangle a chicken that broke free. I guess…Eugene doesn’t like living in captivity.”

“Everly…” Eric says my name again, attempting to interrupt me.

“Oh, and um, if you want, he could probably show you around. He owns a bar. It’s a lot like Clyde’s. Actually, I think Harrison had something to do with it. Do you know that Harrison comes here quite often? Maybe he can help with the chickens. There’s also a bat problem if you live on the other side of the faction. I’m sure they’ll asking you to help with that, too.”

“Everly,” Eric says my name patiently, smirking when his hand finds mine.

“And there’s something in the lake. Zander swears it’s a monster because one time he was swimming and something touched his leg, and –”

“Please stop.” Eric’s tone is darkly unimpressed, but also pleading. “I swear to God, if you tell me one more thing that’s supposed to make my stay better…”

“Oh, that wasn’t to make your stay better. I was telling you all the things you should avoid. There’s also a wild pig problem that really amps up every spring.” I can’t help but smile at the look on his face, knowing this truly might be worse than death for him. “But everyone in Dauntless misses you. I think Four has cried every day since you left.”

“I’m sure that’s unrelated,” Eric mutters. “You don’t have to make dinner. I can cook. But you can stay. You can fend off the neighbors who don’t know what the words ‘no thanks, I don’t want to sit around your fire and roast marshmallows’ mean.”

“I can do that.”

We stare at each other, in a dark house designed for a large family to live in, and I wonder if Eric knows there’s a garden outside. It’s near the edge of the property, but it’s probably beginning to blossom. I wonder if he knows the family next door has seven kids, and only one of them is a girl.

“So, you’ll stay?” His question is quiet as he pulls me forward.

I move willingly, knowing that once his time here is done, things will never be the same. Eric will return to Dauntless the same Eric he’s always been, but one less willing to blindly accept things that sound too good to be true. He’ll have a whole new perspective, or maybe he won’t. Maybe he’ll be furious over his punishment, swearing off anything and everything from the Amity faction.

Including me.

Where that leaves us is still undetermined, but there’s a chance he will return to me, and things will carry on like they would have.

“I’ll stay.”

I hold onto his hand until someone knocks on the door, and Forrest shows up much earlier than planned.

 

“Do you like anything here?”

I sit on a bed that’s not mine or his, dressed in a nightgown someone has left behind. The borrowed clothes don’t bother me; I grew up wearing whatever was given to me, either made by my mother or gifted from a friend. While Eric brushed his teeth, I climbed onto a bed twice the size of my own and settled against a wall of pillows. I pull my feet to the side of me and examine the room with a critical stare.

The wooden walls are nice, and so are the large windows, but the curtains are hideous.

“No.”

“Do you miss Dauntless?” I throw out, setting my phone on the nightstand. No one other than Christina has messaged me, and her text was an excited demand to know if I’d kissed Eric yet, or if he’d murdered anyone since being here. “Since you’ve been gone, no one has been poisoned. Four mentioned that he found that suspicious.”

“I’m sure,” Eric mutters.

He walks into the room in a pair of black boxers, rubbing his face with his hands. Shirtless, he’s impressively fit. I wait for him to confess something else, but he merely drops his hands and cocks his head at me.

“Where did you get that?” He wrinkles his nose, and I know he means the nightgown. “Did you put something in my dinner? Am I seeing things, or did you purposely put that on?”

“Jokes on you, because growing up, this is all we wore to bed. I can go to my parents’ house and grab more if you’d like,” I grin, but it falters when I wonder what Ashley wore to bed. The comparison is useless, because I’ve never slept beside anyone before, and only fell asleep next to Eric after Forrest drugged us. “Tell me more about Noelle proposing to you.”

“As much as I should admire her bravery, I’d like to never have anyone ask me anything about my life, ever again. Jack really knew what he was doing when he sentenced me.” Eric stalks to the bed, then drops onto it with zero grace. “Are you part of the sentencing? Did Jack put you up to this?”

His suspicion of me isn’t unexpected.

“Harrison did send me to check on you. But he said I can pick how long I stay,” I admit. I face him as he throws his arm over his eyes, and his huff of validation that he was right makes me laugh. “Plus, you still owe me something from the market. Other than hot chocolate.”

“I doubt I’m allowed to leave. I’m surprised Johanna didn’t ask that they put a tracker on me.” Eric mutters. “She was all too eager to tell me I needed to help rebuild the fence Rylan once ran over.”

“Did you?” Curious over him being ordered around, I scoot closer. I stop when my knees hit his side, and my hand touches the burn on his forehead. “You should put something on this. The farmers always get burned when they start working in the fields.”

“I’m fine. I don’t need your fancy oils or lotions.” He swats me away with his eyes closed. “It’ll be gone tomorrow.”

“Did Johanna give you a schedule to follow?” I carefully touch his forehead, trailing my fingers near his hair. He doesn’t stop me, but he keeps his eyes closed, and his breathing slows. “Or do you just wake up and wait for something to do?”

“Does it matter?” He retorts, but it’s halfhearted.

“No, I guess not.” I move even closer, and he opens his eyes to look at me. “Do you want to hear something that’ll really cheer you up?”

“No.”

“Rylan picked out your underwear.” I try not to laugh at his petulant tone, but it’s impossible when his raises his eyebrows. “He said you would want him to.”

“I changed my mind. You can leave,” Eric shakes his head. “While I appreciate the enthusiasm you two share, need I remind you that I’m stuck here for the next few months. Fending off a goat that eats pants, and your mother insisting I need more sunlight and water.”

“Oh, I see you met her.” I move my hand from his hair, then lie down beside him. He takes up all the space around me, especially when he moves to lay on his side. “She’s probably going to ask you to come by for a physical. I imagine she’ll make you tea, maybe offer to trim your hair, or lend you some clothes. Maybe ask if you’ve ever considered eating dandelions with your breakfast.”

“And if I have?”

Eric’s voice is warm and rich now. The exasperation from earlier lessens. He uses one hand to push the hair off my face, and then he stares, so intently I wonder if he’s losing his mind.

“What?” I ask, inching closer to him.

“Nothing,” he shrugs. He doesn’t pull his hand away, but leaves it there, then slides his fingers over my temples. “I was just thinking…you’re the first person in days who hasn’t offered to drug me into oblivion, or ask that I help them fight off farm animals. It’s nice.”

“It is nice.”

The word floats between us. It’s not one I’ve ever heard Eric use before, and judging by the way he presses his mouth into a fine line, it’s not part of his normal vocabulary. Nice is for people like Four and Tris. It’s for people like my friends who live here, existing in a nice house, with a nice family, and their day is absolutely, pleasantly nice. Nice isn’t who Eric is, nor is it who he wants to be.

But right now, nice is not half bad.

“How long are you staying?” He moves easily, like we’ve shared a bed before. His leg hitches over mine, and he angles himself so I’m covered by him. The warmth of his skin is intoxicating, and I find myself drowsy with each move he makes. “Just tonight?”

“Harrison said I can stay as long as I want,” I remind him. “Or as long as you want me to stay here. I could go visit my parents. Or my brother. I don’t want to bother you.”

My eyes close as Eric’s hand stays in my hair, then moves to cup the back of my head. His own tiredness is catching; my breathing slows, it becomes harder to stay awake, and the quiet of Amity is soothing in a way Dauntless is not. In the distance, the leaves rustle, the wind is soft, and a faint, almost nonexistent hoot echoes from afar.

I fall asleep not hearing Eric’s answer, but not needing to.

 

The next few days slip by so quickly that when Forrest stops over to invite Eric to his Friday Happy Hour, I stop in my tracks.

“What?” Eric glances at me from the door, his black shirt and pants making him look much more like the Eric I know. His hair isn’t quite as perfect, but he’s just showered, and only answered the door since I was carrying our laundry. “Everly?”

“It’s already Friday?”

“It’s only Friday,” Eric corrects me. “Are you alright? Did you hit your head again?”

From outside, Forrest cheerfully announces I’m invited too, oh, and everyone would love to see me.

The three days I’ve spent here feel like a dream. Despite the promise to myself that I didn’t want to be stuck at home, making dinner and cleaning the kitchen while awaiting my husband’s return, I was doing exactly that. I didn’t want to immerse myself back into the Amity faction, so I helped Eric how I could. And while he wasn’t my husband by a long shot, it felt completely normal to stay with him. I didn’t mind washing his shirts or helping get the mud off his pants, and I found it comforting when he arrived home, sweaty and swearing and scowling, but immediately perking up when he realized I was still here, and I’d made him something to eat.

It was a life I’d never wanted, until he looked at me from across the dinner table, and it felt like my whole world was upside down.

Things moved so fast, that each day felt like the blink of an eye. Eric’s time in Amity evened out, and he had found a routine that worked. Most of his help went toward physical labor, but he spent plenty of time helping with whatever anyone asked. He was able to decline requests that fell outside a normal workday, and he didn’t seem to hate the physical aspect of it.

“Everly? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I’m fine. I just didn’t realize it was already the weekend.” My answer was quiet, almost as quiet as Eric’s footsteps when he shut the door in Forrest’s face without answering if we’d come by. “It’s just…going by really fast.”

“I’ve been here a week. That means I’m here for another eleven weeks. How on Earth is that fast?” Eric’s question isn’t demanding, but the look on his face hints I’m nuts. “You don’t have to stay if that’s what you’re worried about. I wouldn’t want to stay. But Dauntless will be fine without you. Not…not because they don’t need you…but…”

He paused, stumbling over his words as he tried not to insult me.

“I’m not needed in Dauntless. But if you want me to leave, I can.” Uncertainty swells over me, and I’m left reeling, wondering if I should stick around.

Maybe he didn’t really want this.

Maybe Eric didn’t really need someone around.

Maybe it was me, and now that we’d spent some time together, he realized he didn’t want this

Maybe...

“I don’t want you to go anywhere,” he mutters, frustration returning to his posture. “I told you, I think —”

The space between us ceases to exist.

Eric takes the laundry from me, my dresses pressed between his shirts, and tosses it onto the table without looking. He reaches for my face, and I have to stand on my tiptoes to get anywhere near him, but it doesn’t matter. In our time apart, I’ve had plenty of time to consider where I might stand with Eric.

As his friend, as someone who works in Dauntless, as someone he kissed but also put in the middle of a still unsolved murder, or as someone assigned to report his progress to the man who sentenced him here.

But when his lips touch mine, I know exactly where I stand.

And it’s certainly not as friends.

“You’re staying here. I’ll make you dinner, and we can stay home, and not to go to some local bar run by your brother, and I won’t think about the fucking ducks May can’t find, or why Carole’s husband is looking worse for wear these days,” he grits out, kissing me harder. “Or why your dad has all but refused to acknowledge you’re here.”

“I know why, but…I think you do, too.”

My words are quiet as his mouth moves to my throat. Where he once left pink to mark his territory, he returns, nipping at my skin as his hands move to my back. When I tilt my head to the side, his arms encircle my waist, and he picks me up and sets me on the counter. My head hits the cabinets, and he steps between my legs with his stare locked on me.

“You can stay all eleven weeks if you want. I’ll make it worth your time,” he bargains, his mouth crashing into mine. His tongue slips past my lips before I can answer him, and my skirt is pushed to the top of my thighs. “We’ll go home together when it’s over.”

“Okay…” My answer is strangled as strong hands grasp my thighs, and he pulls me closer to him. “Eric…you know this is…the neighbors….”

“Yeah, their kids keep asking if I want to hang out and play. Maybe they’ll keep them inside from now on.” He answers with a snort of laughter. His lips are everywhere: my throat, my face, my cheeks. When he finally pulls back, his breathing is labored, and his eyes are as dark as the first time he sat by me. “Maybe your brother can hang out with them.”

“I’m sure he does. He likes kids. He’d love a big family,” I confess, shutting my eyes when Eric resumes kissing my neck. His hands are rough as they move through my hair, and when I open my eyes, I can see the faint outline of Forrest heading away from the house to see the neighbor’s kids. “Are you hungry?”

“Yes.”

Eric stops to look at me. His gaze is lusty and pleased, and when he reaches for his shirt collar, I know he has no plans of stopping.

“But not for dinner.”

My whole body turns warm when he pulls the shirt over his head. The tattoos on his throat are bold against his skin, and when he cocks his head at me, the columns shift. I touch the first row slowly, thinking how rare it must be to see him like this. Shirtless, worked up, and focused not on his work, or Dauntless, or on an endless list of duties.

Just on me.

“Everly…” Eric finally smiles, leaning his head in so his forehead rests against mine, and his next words are teasing. “I’ll show you what happened that night.” His lips drag over my neck, into my hair, and stay there. “Twice, if you want.”

“I do.”

I throw my arms around his neck, and the world of Amity fades away, along with Eric’s neighbors shrieking that they don’t want to go inside.

 

“This is better than the bar.”

My words are mumbled, soft as I start to lose my grip on reality.

“I know.” Eric answers, his hands placed on both sides of my face. His chest is sweaty beneath my hands, and when he thrusts deeper into me, the feeling is just enough to sever what little restraint I have.

Atop his lap, with him buried deep inside me, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t think this was a good idea. There is no wine laced with peace serum this time, or anyone pushing alcohol laden drinks meant to relax me. There is no Valentine, no scraps of paper bringing us together, or Rylan, laughing from the side of the restaurant as Eric chooses an envelope with my name on it.

There is only us, our clothes long gone and the sheets now askew. My dress lies a few feet away, the gauzy fabric as pink as the hearts in Clyde’s, beside Eric’s pants, as black as the hallways of Dauntless.

We barely made it up the stairs, and our size difference was never more apparent as Eric tried to keep me beside him. For a half second, imposter syndrome kicked in, especially when he unbuttoned his pants. His time with Ashley was presumably filled with a skill level I certainly didn’t have. I’d never done anything like this, though Landon would have been on board if I’d wanted to.

But Eric didn’t seem to care. If anything, he was spurred on by my lack of experience, and took it upon himself to make sure I wanted this. Had I said no, or please put your pants back on, he would have, but I said nothing of the sorts.

I pulled him towards me, with the intention of enjoying our time together, and I quickly learned how truly dedicated he is with everything he does.

“Are you going to stay?” Eric murmured, carefully pressing his lips to mine. His thrusts are erratic, and he straddles the invisible line of what feels good, and keeping me atop him. “Because you should. I do owe you another gift.”

“Mmm, but you said you can’t leave,” I point out, my eyes closing when I feel him smirk against my mouth. “And there’s so many people here. I think I can hear someone knocking.”

“Don’t even think about answering the door.”

Eric’s retort makes me laugh. I’m lost in the contented storm of him: his body beneath mine, the way the dark tattoos are stark against his skin, and the way it feels to have him fully to myself.

In the midst of him gritting out my name as my body tenses around him, it dawns on me that while I didn’t need anyone to be happy, it’s so much better to have someone care about me. If I’ve learned anything from my adventures with Eric, it’s that I was just as closed off as he was. I was so determined to prove that I was fine on my own, that I'd shut down the idea of anything but being friends.

Eric was the first one who seemed worth the risk.

“I’m not. I just want…this.”

Eric’s hands digging into my hair, his legs raising to pull me closer, the slick feeling of how good he feels, how hot his skin is, and how alive I feel. The way he grunts my name like I belong to him, and the way the world eventually becomes a blur of colors and feelings.

Everything becomes a hazy shade of pink, followed by Eric’s low mumble of my name as he pushes me back into the sheets.

 

“Oh, so you’re like, with him?”

Noelle’s question is oddly antagonistic for someone holding an armful of ducklings. Her cheeks are coated in dirt, her dress is streaked with mud and water, and her eyes narrow in an accusatory manner when I glance in her direction.

“I was told he was coming here for the faction.” She juggles the ducklings to keep them from falling, and her tone is just a little vicious. “Like we all get to have Eric help us. But he’s spending most of his time with you.”

The jealousy in her voice is hard to miss.

Across the yard, Eric wipes his brow with his forearm. He’s drenched in sweat from working all morning, and the faintest hint of exhaustion is evident across his face. When he sees me staring, he smirks, then resumes building the fence he claims Rylan ran over. He’s surrounded by Forrest’s friends, and it seems like most are enjoying their work today.

Except for Noelle.

“We have work to do in Dauntless, too. He’s not just here to help Amity. When he’s done with the faction, he goes home and keeps working.” My defense is a lie, but not entirely.

Almost two weeks have passed since I arrived with Eric’s things. I choose to stay with him, figuring I could both send Harrison a few messages to pass on to Jack, and get to know Eric better. I had wrongly assumed that the thrill would wear off, that at some point, Eric would grow bored of not just our time together, but the dull, mundane life that Amity offered. The physicality of his sentencing might leave him exhausted, and not just from the hard work that was being asked of him.

Life in Amity was the exact opposite of Dauntless. Though imposing, Eric wasn’t a Leader here, and people didn’t part ways when he walked by. They gathered around him to offer their company. No one whispered that he might kill them, though the unspoken threat often gleamed in his eye when he’d had enough of everyone for the day. They instead spoke to him, asking if he needed water or lunch in order to soothe the burn of whatever chore he was assigned, and they hung around as though he’d asked them to. They poked and prodded in polite ways, attempting to peel back the impenetrable layers of a man who’d rather no one in Amity speak to him, then gently reminded him that he was more than welcome in their homes for dinner.

The compassion of Amity was strange to him.

In Dauntless, mistakes were dealt with harshly. An error could cost others their lives, and a simple mistake might put at entire group of soldiers at risk. Getting to know someone was dangerous. As loyal as some might be, there was always the chance someone was getting close to you purely to further their own career. A slip up in the training class was setting up new members for failure, but a slip up as a member could also lead to being kicked out. There weren’t many second chances, especially when it came to protecting oneself.

In Amity, everyone was willing to forgive you, even if you didn’t ask them to.

“That’s not what Johanna said he would be doing,” Noelle snippily responded. A smug look crosses her face when I don’t answer her, but it falls when Eric walks over to us. “Oh, hey –”

“Are you busy?” Eric looks only at me. His skin is flush from the sun, sweaty and red. His hair looks damp, and the length is nothing that I can’t fix with some scissors. “I’m about to take a break. Do you want to go for a quick walk with me?”

“I’d love to. I’m not busy at all.” I answer sweetly, well aware that I could help Noelle. She’s likely been tasked with moving the ducklings to a safer location, and it’ll take some time to make sure she has them all. “I came by to ask you what you want for dinner.”

“I’m good with whatever.” Eric ignores Noelle staring at him, and takes hold of my hand. “I’d willingly eat in the Mess Hall at this point.”

“Me, too. I could run and grab it. Harrison could drive me back,” I think aloud, ignoring the way Noelle is all but scowling at me.

“Your brother offered to grill something. I told him no, but if you don’t want to make anything…” Eric pauses as his fingers lace through mine with a hint of possessiveness. His hands are rougher than ever as he tightens his grip, and carefully pulls me away from Noelle. “I can make dinner.”

“How long do you have to help Jerry for?” I ask once, slowing down as he yells out that he’ll be back.

From the fence, Jerry waves. The others continue working, and out of the corner of my eye, I catch sight of Forrest sprinting over to look for Eric. I have a feeling he’s grown quite attached to him, even if Eric doesn’t share the same sentiment.

“I think we’re almost done. Jerry said either way, we’re stopping at three. He’s got something else he’s working on, but he doesn’t want help,” Eric shrugs. He leads me toward the woods, and I’m suddenly reminded of the very first time we kissed. “Oh, and speaking of assholes…I saw Eric today.”

I look up in surprise, but Eric snickers when he looks down.

“I didn’t mean Jerry. He’s fine. I just…thought you should know that Eric is here. He claims he didn’t know he was poisoning anyone, but he did help solve a murder.”

“How?” I tighten my grip on Eric’s, second guessing walking through the woods. “Are you mad he’s here?”

“Nah. He hated Dauntless and everyone knew it. Quinten probably threw a party the day he left,” Eric says. “And he solved the murder because he saw who did it. Some guy from Erudite, who looks an awful lot like Neal. I had Johanna reach out to Max. I won’t know what happens unless you tell me, since I don’t have a phone. Johanna was predictably stunned by this news.”

He smiles patronizingly, but his tone is light.

“Neal? Ashley’s…date?” I ask.

“Yeah. It explains why they had your name.” Eric stops as we near a river, heading toward a shady post under the tree. “I guess it got back to Ashley that we ate dinner together, Ashley lost her mind, and she made him kill someone, but he didn’t know which Eric was which, or who worked in the kitchens, so he did it, then dumped the body and ran. It explains why he was so shocked to see us at the Night Market.”

“Will Max find him?” I take a seat against a tree, enjoying the quiet. “If he really killed someone…”

I trail off when Eric sits down next to me.
He extends his legs out, leans back, closing his eyes and nodding. “I normally would be the one looking for him, but for now, it’s Max.”

His doesn’t say anything else, but neither do I.

We sit in amicable silence, my hand still in his, and I stare at the new bruises and scrapes. They aren’t from punching anyone, or fighting to get his point across, but from his work. I gingerly touch one of the largest ones, dark and prominent, and he opens one eye at me.

“I’m glad you stayed,” he murmurs, his admission of such a thing no longer painful. “When we go back….when my time is up…”

“Yeah?” I tilt my head upwards, gazing as his unsure expression. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay permanently? Because I’m pretty sure Johanna would be fine with that.”

“Oh, I’m sure.” Eric rolls his eyes. “When we go back, I think you should move apartments. I think you should be closer.”

“To you?” I pretend to mull his idea over. “Why? I’m fine. I don’t think there are any open apartments closer to you. When I was assigned mine, the lady made sure to let me know that she was doing me a favor, and Max had forced her to give me one.”

“Not closer to me.” He mutters. “You could stay with me. Then you won’t be alone.”

“Who said I don’t like being alone?” I ask, pretending to be insulted. “And you want me to live with you? Are you sure?”

“If you like being alone, why do you end up on my side of the bed every night?” He raises an eyebrow at me, then sighs. “You don’t have to move. I’m just looking out for you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I could have your stuffed move in and not bother to tell you.” He retorts. Eric shuts his eyes again, then settles further against me. “Or you could move closer to Four. I heard he’s your real best friend. He might need a new neighbor.”

“Please. I’d love that.”

My answer is dry enough that it reminds me of him. Eric must find it funny, because he laughs, but keeps his eyes shut and sighs.

“Everly…”

“Only if you promise that you won’t make me participate in another one of Rylan’s parties,” I counter. “This one worked out well, but I don’t know about any future ones.”

“Are you telling me you don’t want to hunt for Easter Eggs around the Dauntless faction? Or celebrate National Taco Day?” Eric lets go of my hand. He moves to look down at me, and his smile is amused. “Or take part in Talk to a Ghost Day?”

“Why do I feel like he made those up?” I smile back at him, and beneath a canopy of tree branches, I’m hit with the urge to never return to Dauntless.

It’s not entirely what I really want. I have no desire to truly stick around Amity for the rest of my life, and neither does Eric. But right now, with him gazing at me as I move to press my lips to his, with the sounds of water, the birds chirping, and the leaves rustling echoes, there is nowhere else I’d rather be.

“He did. He got Max to approve them as real holidays, so…get ready to celebrate.” Eric murmurs. His hand stays on my cheek, and when he leans back, he makes a face. “Though if I remember correctly, I think Nacho Day is up first.”

“Sounds like a wild time,” I laugh. “Honestly, I think Valentine’s is the only one I want to celebrate. Besides the ghost one. That might be fun.”

“Knock yourself out,” Eric snickers.

He stops when his head touches mine. Silence returns, but it’s not unpleasant. It’s easy and comforting, especially when he lowly tells me he’s tired. His breathing slows, and to my surprise, Eric falls asleep beside me, his head atop mine and his back against the tree.

I stay there, closing my own eyes for just a moment, until the sun is most definitely beginning to drop in the sky, and Eric’s break is over.

 

Rylan shows up at the start of our third week in Amity.

His arrival is dramatic and theatrical. He manages to hit the very fence Eric just rebuilt, while simultaneously almost running over Landon twice. He parks the truck like he’ll need to leave in a hurry, then hops out with a large grin plastered on his face.

He saunters through the faction with ease. From near the stables, it’s only a few minutes to where Eric and I are sitting. We’ve been invited to join Sophia and Courtney at their bonfire, and Eric only agreed because I promised we could go to bed early if he came with me. Johanna has graciously told him to take a few days off, but mostly because he was done with almost everything they threw at him. Other than a few big projects, he has a few minor tasks to complete, but I’m sure he’ll enjoy some time away from everyone.

“Do my eyes deceive me, or is it the couple I manifested out of nowhere?” Rylan pauses by the fire, ignoring everyone greeting him in favor of staring at Eric and me. “You know, Misty said I’d find you here. She said something about…a great fire, a tornado, and holy shit, are those for sale?”

His gaze whips to May, feeding one of the ducklings that refuses to leave her side.

“I’m Rylan. You may know me from my critically reviewed, limited edition research paper titled: Ducks, Can They Live Elsewhere, or Do They Thrive Only In Amity, a Four Part In-Depth Review and Editorial Piece.” He sits down by May, ignoring Eric staring at him with contempt, and Jason walking behind him, snickering when Rylan attempts to pick up the duck. “I take it you’ve read it?”

“No, and who the hell let you back in here? Weren’t you banned for trying to steal a duck last month?”

“No. That was Ryan, not Rylan. Totally different person,” he shakes his head. “I’ll take that duck, though. Even if you say no. I’m here for a good time, not a long time.”

“Welcome to Amity,” Eric dryly announces. “It’s nice to see you were able to tear yourself away from work.”

“Yeah, well, Max is handling things. Nothing is going on. Four fell down the stairs, but no one cared.” Rylan shrugs, watching Jason say hello to us. “Oh, and Jason had to spend a week with Four.”

“Not by choice. Max had us partner up to patrol after they brought Neal in. We’re short a few people, so…it was Four and me. Turns out, he’s even duller than usual, even if he did fall down the stairs. I really think he’s lonely without you looking over his shoulder.” Jason’s laugh makes me crack up. “Oh, he did say to tell Everly hello.”

“Tell him hi. I thought for sure he’d be happy Eric is gone.”

“You’d think so. He seems oddly lost these days.” Jason pauses to accept a beer from May, and his grin is quick. “Oh, and I’m supposed to warn you, Daniel is coming by. I don’t know when, but he stopped by Dauntless to see Arlene and mentioned he’d be here to see the clinic or…whatever you guys have.”

“My mom,” I correct him, laughing when he looks horrified. “I think she’s mentioned him before. She said there was someone from Erudite nosing around. I believe she asked him to leave before he could see too much.”

“She did. We heard about it for months,” Eric shakes his head. “He doesn’t do well when he doesn’t get his way.”

“Hey, are there more ducks I can see? Perhaps, a duck farm you’re hiding?”

I listen as Rylan does his best to convince May to invite him over. The mood lightens considerably as the evening slips away, and it’s way more enjoyable than when I lived here. I roast a few marshmallows with Sophia, and answer the questions Courtney asks. I even find it in my heart to nod at Landon, seething as he walks down the path toward wherever he lives. From what I’ve heard, he still hasn’t found a new wife, and I would bet anything he won’t.

At some point, I’m tired enough that I start yawning, and even Rylan’s tale of how he’s been slowly trying to move Jeremy’s desk to the other side of the room can’t hold my attention.

“Are you ready to go home?” Eric asks, nudging my hand with his. “He’ll talk all night if you let him.”

“I think I am.”

My own answer is soft enough that only he can hear me.

I glance around the fire once more, and it takes everything in me to stand up. I want to leave, and I’m ready for bed, but life is so different these days that I want to experience every second of it.

Eric’s hand finds mine, still rough from working all day, and when I glance over at him, I think he might just feel the same.

His expression is content, but amused. He waits for me to join him, but he knows I will. There’s no reason for me to stay behind, not when I know what awaits me back at his house.

A warm bed, an even warmer Eric, and the feeling of complete happiness as I fall asleep beside him.

Chapter 9: Eric Coulter and the Ballad of Rylan's Scheming; An Epilogue

Summary:

Eric Coulter finally gets what he wants, and so does Rylan.

Notes:

Okay, so mega thanks to Erin for editing this for me! And major thanks to everyone who read along!! It was so nice to be back, and it was a blast to revisit these two! I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day and a super exciting March!

And just a quick note: This epilogue is from Eric's POV. It's not Everly's POV. It takes place a few months are they are back from Amity and spans a few months of their life together.

“Admit it. I brought you two together, and am fully responsible for your happiness. How does that feel, Eric? It feels good, doesn’t it?”

“No. It feels like I have a migraine.” My answer is gritted out as I tear my stare away from my computer, to see Rylan’s smug grin as he drops into the visitor’s chair. “What the fuck do you want? I thought you were on patrol all day.”

“So nice to see you, too. And yes, I am doing great. Thanks for asking.” He leans back, his hair an unkempt mess against his new uniform, and props his boots onto my desk with a thud. “I’m on my break. You should be honored I came to visit you. Oh, and I tripped Jeremy on the way over here. He’ll be by any second.”

“Great. And is there any other reason you’re here? Or are you just hiding so Harrison can’t put you in time out?” I retort, forcing myself not to kill him. I’m not entirely mad at him, and my time in Amity has taught me a few things. Like murder in an office, where someone will hear me, isn’t a smart move. Neither is murdering someone while I know Jeremy is on his way in. Out of everyone in Dauntless, Jeremy was an even bigger rat than Four. “Because I have work to do.”

“Right. I forgot you enjoy your work. Anyway, I came to invite you and Everly to dinner. Tomorrow night. If you can tear yourself away from your beloved or your desk.”

He ends his invitation with a wink as I sink back against my own chair, pretending to mull over his offer.

I ignore the way my throat feels tight, along with my chest, and the sudden urge to find out what Everly is doing. The desire to spy on her is strong, but it’s always been.

Months ago, Rylan dropped by my office looking like he’d found out Four was moving to Mars. Elated over…something, he shoved Jason out of the way to slap a paper on my desk, and boldly told me my work could wait. Over the next ten minutes, he apologized to Jason, declined Harrison’s phone call, showed us several photos he’d taken of Four and Jeremy, all while trying to convince us both to attend a party he was throwing. Having known him for years, I was fine until I realized he was throwing a themed party, and he was hoping we’d both find true love amongst a dimly lit bar that often smelled like pancakes and sweat.

“So, you’ll be at the party?” He insisted, shoving his hair off his face only for it to immediately fall back. “And you’ll come by early to help set up? And you’ll participate by picking a name and giving them a gift?”

“No.” My answer was sharp, flatter than my patience, and as unenthused as could be. “You can cross my name off the list.”

“Maybe.” Jason’s answer was kinder. “I’ll go, but you know I have a girlfriend. I don’t think Meghan will be okay with me trying to date someone else.”

“This isn’t about you or Meghan,” Rylan rolled his eyes. “And besides, it’ll be fun. I hired someone to play music. Harrison said I can have all of Clyde’s if I trade him shifts that week. It’s a great time to meet new people.”

“Like who? You know everyone in the faction,” Jason pointed out. “You even know the people not in the faction. You made me give the factionless guy half my sandwich the other day and said he was your best friend.”

“Well, he needed it. You don’t.” Rylan, undeterred and unrelenting, spun around to face me. “Just…think about it. I’m even inviting the new trainer.”

“Oh goodie.” I mocked him by raising my eyebrows, resuming typing my email to Jeanine, and not at all wondering why he wanted anything to do with the newest trainer. “Sounds like an amazing night for you.”

“And you.”

Though challenging, I ignored him even harder.

My work with Jeanine was past due. It was beginning to impose upon every aspect of my life. It lingered after I’d left for the day, slipped in when Ashley would drop by, and sunk its teeth in when I logged off my laptop to head to the gym. Jeanine’s demands were now all consuming; her days were riddled with requests to hunt down whomever she deemed a traitor, or report a faction doing absolutely nothing out of the ordinary.

For months now, I’d been tapering off my involvement with her, only to have her be up my ass on why I hadn’t found anyone she considered Divergent. I couldn’t break it to her that the word was starting to bore me: the people we found who were considered Divergent were no one I’d consider a threat. A father who worked on the farms. A middle-aged woman who was the Dauntless pharmacist. A guy in Erudite who swept the streets, never bothering anyone. I wasn’t immune to knowing what I was doing or why she wanted them, and each time the points hit my account as payment, I felt grimy.

I also knew exactly why Rylan was inviting me.

“And…you just got dumped. It’s time to stop sulking and find someone else for you to have sex in the shadows with.” He spun around again, and I regretted buying swiveling chair from Stephen. “Namely…Everly.”

“Right.” My answer was bored, and so was my stare.

Everly was our newest trainer. She was young, ambitious, a little small for my taste, and very kind. To my dismay, Rylan was more than fixated on her. Not because she was anyone to him, or that he was desperate to dump his own girlfriend for her.

Because she was from Amity.

I knew the second I saw her that he’d never let me forget where she came from, and I was right. In her short time here, he cataloged everything she did as though she were under investigation. Every guy who looked at her, every dinner she ate alone, every step she took through the faction, was noted by Rylan.

Some might call his actions stalking, but his intent was, in a way, good natured.

He decided she was unprepared to live in Dauntless, and at risk of dying. He had also decided she needed someone to keep her safe, and he thought I should be that person.

I hated to break it to him, but I’d known of her for a while, and it was likely her opinion of me skewed far from favorable. Her father, a very quiet man named Hank, oversaw the Amity agriculture department. He ran the greenhouses and kept tabs on the ordering for the other factions. He was generally well liked. Amicable. Easy going. He had a handful of kids, a wife who was as Amity as one could be, and a reputation for being incredibly kind.

He wasn’t.

I didn’t expect him to be nice to me, but the very first time I saw him snap at his daughter for asking my name, I knew he wasn’t entirely who he claimed to be. As I descended the rickety stairs, he reprimanded her for asking who I was. When she looked up, the defeat was all over her face. It stuck with me, long after I was home, even when I went to bed. I took it upon myself to look him up. After some digging, I learned that his son Forrest was not his, and neither was Everly. Neither was the youngest, who looked a whole lot like Harrison, who spent a whole lot of time in Amity with him. Not wanting to pry past that, I took to noticing the family, but especially Everly.

At first, it was nothing more than a general curiosity.

She was as quiet as Hank, soft spoken, until you could tell someone had hurt her feelings, and very pretty. Too pretty to be from Amity, and too sweet looking. She was young, and very short. When she walked down the pathway with someone else, I noticed she barely came up to the guy’s chest, and her dress tangled near her feet when she walked.

I noticed other things, but I made myself not notice them until she was older.

The year I knew she was eighteen, I watched her walking through Amity with her little brother, looking completely lost. Even with the miserable look on her face, it was hard to miss the way her dark hair fell down her back, the way her dress was fitted but not, and how bright her large eyes were. Dressed like someone out of a children’s fairy tale, she stopped to look at the lake, and I could feel her desperation to get out of Amity.

I didn’t blame her.

I wouldn’t say I was shocked when she later chose another faction, but I wasn’t expecting her to pick Dauntless.

I sat tight lipped when Max had her work with Four. Her initiation was fine, but uneventful. She wasn’t incredibly high ranking, nor was she at the bottom of the list. She was resilient, I could admit that. More than once I saw her looking absolutely exhausted, and more often than not, I saw her alone. Dauntless had a way of separating everyone without trying. People naturally gravitated toward those who could help them, and no one thought Everly would amount to much. Max threw her into the job as a way to keep our numbers up, and she was surprisingly good at it. She didn’t seem to hate Four, the initiates liked her, and she looked content enough, even though she knew why she was offered the job.

Rylan asked me about her every day.

Sometimes, it was things like, would I marry someone from Amity? Or did I like her dresses, and did I ever find myself thinking I’d have a wife who wasn’t from here? Other times, it was more serious questions, like was the Amity faction truly at risk of attack? Could plants kill you? Had I ever tried peace serum? Would I like to? Was it just a legend that some plants were dangerous, and if so, how could Amity grow them?

He began peppering our conversations with her name, as if he said it enough, I’d break down and profess my love for her.

On a random Monday, he told me she had washed her hair and worn it down, and it was darker than his. She had on my favorite color, black, and it was a clear sign she was hoping I’d notice her. She was walking to work with Four, and oh, had I noticed she looked a little pale these days but somehow stronger? She and Four had done a decent job with the class, but oh, she also had led them on her own for a few minutes, and wasn’t I impressed? He’d gone as far as to ask where she lived, and if I’d ever considered moving.

My answers never delighted him, but Rylan loved a good challenge.

By the time he invited her to his party, I knew what his plan was, and to my complete surprise, it worked.

I showed up to dinner knowing it would be Everly, but the look on her face told me she thought I was going to be someone else. For a half second, I reconsidered everything. I told her she didn’t have to stick around, and that I’d pay for her dinner and drinks. I knew she was destined to wind up with someone like the Eric she thought she was meeting, and I understood. I had no real time for Rylan’s romance schemes, and even less time to try to convince Everly I wasn’t a mass murderer.

Somehow, over the course of our dinner, I found myself wanting to.

In a booth made of worn leather, she was so close to me that I could smell her shampoo. I was aware of her arm touching mine, her head nearing my bicep, and how small she was. Her fragility was an allusion, because I’d watched her fight. She could hold her own, and though she was at a great disadvantage, she could get a solid punch or two in, and was triumphant more often than not.

I should have pushed her away and snarled at her to leave me alone, because absolutely nothing good could come from this.

Instead, I found myself admitting she was funny, interested in what I was saying, and had me dryly answering her in ways I wouldn’t dare speak to a random member of the faction. I leaned into her, not realizing an hour had passed, and hoped she wouldn’t leave as soon as she was done. In that moment, rather than being disgusted over the way she tilted her head up at me, I was hit by the overwhelming urge to take her home. To keep her away from Jeanine. To sit on the couch with her, eat another dinner with her, even ask if she wanted to spend the night, or maybe just demand that she did.

It wasn’t anything I’d ever felt before, and by the time I could accept that she wasn’t horrible, she was asking to be friends.

It must have been my charming personality.

Though rarely defeated, I could accept a loss when I saw one. Little Amity wasn’t going to want to be friends once she realized who I was, and realistically, friendship was the best I could offer. So, I walked her home, agreed to her request to be friends, and the rest was history. Fate would have me checking in on her, trying to sway her away from the other Eric, and even going as far as to imagine what it would be like to sleep with her.

Every moment with her felt like an out of body experience. I walked through the Night Market with her, fulfilling Rylan’s date night request, and I hated to admit it was nice to have her along with me. When she took hold of my hand, a mere ploy to get Ashley and Neal to leave us alone, I almost yanked my hand away out of disbelief that she’d done such a thing.

The feeling of her hand in mine was foreign. It was a simple act: a gesture of how she felt, and it was between us. I held onto her hand tightly, probably too tightly, and eventually relaxed enough to let go. Minutes later, Everly had her misfortune told, and I choked on my drink when the woman rearranging cards and making up stories announced we’d have seven kids. She said a lot of other things, but all I could do was focus on the way my skin felt like it was on fire. I was itchy, uneasy at the thought of a mundane, routine life with someone who had no clue that my life’s work was about to be exposed, and irritable when Misty got a few things correct.

Even worse was that the night ended, and I was left knowing I wouldn’t be back here with Everly. If I was back at the market, I’d likely see her walking with someone else, her fingers laced between theirs, while they bought her hot chocolate and whatever else her heart desired.

I should have ended things then.

In a limbo of knowing I felt a possessive rage at the mere thought of her, mixed with the fear of knowing she’d bolt the second she realized I was about to be on trial, I did. I put as much space between us as I could. I silently listened to a rant from Harrison, and as much as I disliked him, his point of keeping her safe hit home. Being with her, in any capacity, was a risk. It was better to keep her at arm’s length, ignoring the confused look on her face and the smug look on Four’s, when I didn’t stick around.

Fortunately, fate had other plans.

I later found myself kissing Everly in the woods while Jeanine threatened to destroy me. Days later, at my trial, Everly boldly admitted to knowing what color my bed sheets were. I saw the look on everyone’s face, and even Rylan gasped. I assumed she’d end things after the trial, but instead, she promised to keep tabs on me and report back.

I then went to Amity to ride out my sentencing, and a few days in, Everly showed up to bring me my things.

She never left.

She stayed, patiently making us dinner, and sleeping beside me as though it were her rightful place.

“You should come to dinner with Christina and me. It’ll be a wild time,” Rylan throws out, jarring me back to reality. “What is Everly doing today, anyway? I couldn’t find her.”

“I think she’s taking a nap.” My answer is oddly quiet. It’s hard to admit she’s asleep, and even harder to admit I knew why. “She’s not feeling great.”

“What is she sick with?” Rylan demanded, throwing a pencil at the ceiling to see if it sticks. He throws another, then another, before all three fall onto his head. “Is she…you know?”

“She has the flu.”

I know what he’s hinting at, and while the idea of knocking up the girl who hadn’t even lived here more than a year if only so she’d stick around might have some minor, auspicious, slightly odd appeal, I had no desire to be anyone’s father. And as far as I knew, Everly had no desire to be anyone’s mother. Not to mention, I was fairly certain she’d been given the same dose of birth control every initiate had.

“Oh.” Rylan’s enthusiasm deflates. “Well, then…I guess…when she feels better. We can reschedule.”

“Sure.”

I agree, but I’m distracted.

Harrison bursts through the door, his expression a storm of annoyance and amusement, and he all but threatens to kick Rylan out of Dauntless.

“I told you, for the millionth time, you leave him alone. If you trip one more person around here, I’m calling your mother. You almost killed Linda!”

“That wasn’t my fault. She’s old,” Rylan rolls his eyes. “Hey, what about Four? You said he needs a little excitement in his life.”

“Rylan, I swear…if I get one more complaint, the duck goes back to Amity. I’ll drive him there myself. How about that? Will that make you stop.”

“How dare you?!” Rylan glares at Harrison, but I’m relieved when he stands and stomps out of my office.

The door slams behind them, and I’m rewarded with silence.

It’s punctuated with Rylan’s protest, another threat from Harrison, and Max getting involved, but I don’t care.

I finish my work, log off for the day, and head home to complete silence.

 

“You should move in. This weekend. I can have a patrol team move your stuff if you don’t feel up for it.”

“What? Why?”

Everly blinks at me. Her skin is pale, but slightly red, and her forehead is warm. On a bed too small for the both of us, in an apartment she’s oddly attached to, she sits with her legs beside her, in my t-shirt. Her hair is a mess. It’s tangled at the ends, and one side is flattened from sleep. She shuts her eyes again, exhaustion washing over her, and shakes her head.

“That’s a really nice offer, Eric. But you don’t want someone to live with you.” Her voice is scratchy from sleep and the flu, and her gaze is weary. “Besides, I stayed for a few days, and it was…”

She doesn’t finish her sentence. She watches as I bite back the sharp retort I want to say, but don’t.

It was fine.

Until it wasn’t.

The real truth was that I did enjoy having her stay with me. I wasn’t bothered by her presence, nor did I care that her stuff joined mine, her laundry mixed in with my own, and her shoes carefully placed by my boots. I didn’t hate making her dinner, or waking up to her next to me. Everly fit in fine in my apartment, and it was nice to come home to someone.

What I hated was that she left always looking like she wasn’t quite sure of her decision to see this through. She might have vouched for me in Candor, but being in Dauntless was entirely different. Though rare, the self-doubt occasionally crept in. She’d chew on her lip as someone dropped off a package for her, delivered to my apartment because they knew she was here. She’d wait for me to react when Four knocked on my door several times, sloppily drunk and nosily asking if she’d decided to return to the training. She’d even winced when Harrison showed up looking for her, pleading that she join him for lunch, where he’d presumably hem and haw over who he really was in her life.

On the days she left on her own, it was always a production. She couldn’t find her shoes. Her brush was missing. Her clothes were being washed with mine, and her dresses were likely being pressed with my uniforms by Christian. She’d stall, but ultimately stick to her decision to head home, and her kiss goodbye was as polite as could be.

Eventually, the actions became little cuts every time they happened. No matter how much I pretended I didn’t see them, or wasn’t bothered by her departure, I was. I could tell she didn’t like going home, but she felt that I needed the space. I once pointed out she’d stayed with me in Amity, and her only response was that Amity was different, and it wasn’t the same here.

“Staying with me was what?” I asked, leaning away when she sits up straighter. Her stare immediately turns hurt, but I can’t stop myself. “Unenjoyable? You weren’t complaining the last time you were there.”

“I….” She hesitates, but I don’t have much else to say.

This, asking her to live with me, requesting she not leave, that she stay longer, even if just by a few days, was new to me.

I’d never had Ashley stay.

Not even overnight.

“Eric…I…I mean, it’s really…”

“It’s fine. Forget I asked.” I stand quickly, ignoring the way her eyes widen as she realizes this is now an argument that neither of us will win. “I, uh, I’ll have Arlene send you something to take. Text me if you need anything else. I’ll see you whenever you feel better.”

“Wait…”

Her protest dies on her lips.

She’s been sick for a week now, and it’s left her looking less like the Everly I know and more like someone who was using essential oils in place of actual medicine. I don’t like this version of her, but she’s pushed away my help in favor of telling me she’s fine. She’s drinking water, eating her meals, and sleeping as much as she can. I’d thought maybe getting out of her apartment would help, and that we’d stop by the infirmary on our walk back. I could take care of her. I could make sure she got better, faster with actual medicine from Erudite, and not this.

But her response was telling: Everly had her doubts about us, and I had no choice but to accept them.

Frustrated as ever, I stalked out of her bedroom without looking back. I refuse to look back, even though I want to. I keep my head high, my shoulders pulled low, and my gaze straight ahead. It’s a familiar march, but I hate everything about this; the unease as I leave, and the regret over asking her to move in while she didn’t feel well. I should have waited, but there is no point. Life in Dauntless moves fast, almost too quickly to over think anything. There’s always the chance one of us will be injured on a patrol, or attacked by someone outside of Dauntless. There are rogue members, dangerous initiates, an entire faction built in a labyrinth underground, just waiting to collapse or cave in, and a slew of threats that roll in by the hour.

Asking her to move apartments made sense, but apparently only to me.

I leave through the front door with a huff, pausing only to text Rylan.

We won’t make dinner. She’s still sick, but I’ll text you when she’s better.

His response is immediate, and just as dismal as I feel.

Oh…okay. Tell her hi from me.

I don’t.

I walk home alone, reminding myself with each step that I am Eric Coulter, and there is absolutely no fucking reason for me to feel this thrown off by someone telling me no.

 

It doesn’t take her long to show up.

Two days apart is a long time, especially when it’s punctuated by silence. She doesn’t text me, and I don’t text her. I sit in my office, glaring at whatever Jack has sent my way, and listening to Rylan discuss his plans to switch offices with Jeremy. I feign minimal interest in his latest scheme, if only because I have nothing else better to do.

“Then, I’ll knock the wall down. I already got the approval from Max. I just need a hammer and some nails and a –”

I tune him out as he stands, jerking his head toward the hallway.

“The tacos are here. I’ve been waiting all week for this. Do you want to go?”

“I can’t. Will you grab me one?” I ignore the gnawing wave of hunger, and the deep, constant ache of knowing the only person I truly liked in the faction was currently ignoring me. “Or a few. Whatever you think is enough. I gotta email Jack before he shows up here. He’s been on my ass to meet him, and I keep putting it off.”

“You got it. I’ll be right back.”

Rylan leaves as though he’s being paid to go get lunch. He skips down the hallway with a loud announcement that it’s taco time, and eventually, I can’t hear him anymore. I begin responding to Jack, and I look up only when the door opens, and in walks Everly.

Hesitation is all over her. She looks better than she has, and her dress is one she bought when we went to the regular market. I try not to feel the burn of that memory, because it was one of the best ones: she and I spent hours there, with her hand in mine, looking at every booth. I only let go of her to pay, and I didn’t bother to correct the man who called her my wife. She wasn’t. Not by a long shot. But the idea of permanence had become appealing, even if I couldn’t admit otherwise.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

Her greeting is heavy.

My chair squeaks as I recline back, reminding myself that a year ago, I wouldn’t have cared if she walked down the hallway in front of me.

“Everly.”

“Eric.”

To her credit, she walks right over to me. She stops just to the side of my desk chair, and her shoulders rise. I dislike how unhappy she looks, but even more so, how miserable her expression is.

“What’s wrong?” I forget about being mad that she doesn’t want to move in, and sit up straight. I eventually stand, stopping to take her face in my hands, and craning her head up slightly. Her skin is warm, but not hot, and the relief I feel is embarrassing. “Are you still sick?”

“Um…no. Not that. I um…” She holds my stare, her green eyes glassy as she shakes her head. One of her hands reaches up to touch mine, and for a half second, I think she’s about to cry. “I just really miss you. I thought you’d come by, but you left, and you were so mad…and Four said you’d already moved on, and he saw you with Lauren and she had all these bags, and she said she was moving and….”

She stops speaking when her fingers curl over mine.

“I want to go home with you. And if it’s too late…then…um, why Lauren? Why would you pick her? Did she agree to move in?”

“What?” My question is barked at her before I can stop myself. “Lauren? I haven’t seen Lauren in weeks. Why would I ask Lauren to live with me? Do you really think I would?”

“Four said he saw you with her. And she told him–”

“Four needs glasses. I’ve been here for the past two days. That’s it. How the fuck would I move on that fast?” I stare intently at her, noticing the faintest dark shadows under her eyes. “I certainly didn’t ask Lauren to move in with me. I asked you. And you said…well, you didn’t say anything. Just the implication that the last time you stayed wasn’t enjoyable.”

“I know. It was really dumb. I just felt so sick, and I figured you’d eventually get tired of me. Especially not feeling well. The last time I got sick…no one really cared. My mom eventually wondered why I couldn’t help with my brother, and my dad said I was fine, and to go work with Carole. I didn’t want to bother you.”

She finishes her explanation, looking up at me.

I shake my head slightly, and figure I’ll skip telling her how repulsive I find Lauren.

“You aren’t bothering me. You put your life on the line to defend me. The least I can do is make sure you aren’t alone at night.” My answer is quiet, confessed only to her. “And besides…I’d never tell anyone else this, but it’s not the same without you there. I got to sleep in the middle of the bed, and woke up with all my pillows.”

“Eric…” Her lips turn up, and the miserable looks lessens. “You’re the one who takes up the whole bed. I almost fell off last time.”

“I remember this differently.” I bend my head down, and the way I feel is indescribable. Max might as well have come by to tell me Four was being kicked out, or that Peter was banned from speaking to me. “I seem to remember someone saying she was cold, and since I wasn’t going to turn on the heat…”

“I hope you don’t ever turn it on.”

Her hands find my jacket, pulling at the buttons Christian has dutifully sewn on. Our new ones are an allegiant to no one: the blue stripe has been replaced with a dark black one, and the new uniforms are more militant looking than ever. I liked them, Rylan found them suffocating.

“Will you come home now?” I ask, letting go of her face. I move my hand to the back of her head, and her nod is immediate. “And I can make Four move your stuff?”

“Please.” She laughs, but her head falls forward to rest against my chest. She stays there for a moment, as my hand cups the back of her head, and her inhale is shaky. “I’m sorry for doubting you. I’ve never been afraid of you, but I am afraid of messing this up.”

My hand stills.

It presses against her hair, firmly, while my answer is immediate.

Though I am unafraid of a lot of things, I'm afraid of fucking things up with her.

“Everly, there is nothing you could do to mess up. I promise. Unless you’ve pledged your loyalty to Four, I can’t imagine being mad at you.”

“And I promise I haven’t. Really Eric?”

She laughs, and suddenly, everything feels very right in the world.

 

She’s wrong.

I can get mad at her.

By the time winter arrives, I am left furious. Well, seething with mild anger as I’m told to wait by the receptionist desk in the infirmary. I’m placated by a tiny cup of coffee, the huff of indifference when Rylan is reminded that he’s banned from the infirmary, and the arrival of Jason with actual coffee.

“Um, they’ll get you in a second. They’re just…checking on something.”

“Tell them to hurry the fuck up.” I hiss, having no time for this. “I have things to do.”

“Isn’t she your wife?” The girl, young and clearly new in Dauntless, daringly asks the question of the hour. “Her paperwork said –”

“She is my wife, and she’s fine. She just needs something for a headache.” I narrow my eyes when the girl’s expression turns disbelieving. “Are you saying I don’t know what’s wrong with her?”

“Um…yeah.”

Six months ago, I proposed the idea of marriage to Everly. It was a brilliant move on my part, and I smartly laid out why she should marry me. The benefits were endless; she’d have access to everything I’ve earned, she’d be treated to the same level of respect as me, and no one would fuck with her. It would remind everyone that I had paid my dues to society. I had long left the murderous persona behind, mostly, and was now focused purely on my life here. The thirst for power and blood was quenchable, and by the time Everly looked like she was considering my offer, my life had quieted considerably.

Still, it took her a few nights to say yes.

I was patient.

I wasn’t rushed with my question, nor did I expect her to blurt out yes. She’d chosen Dauntless with the idea of making it on her own, and marrying one of the Leaders wasn’t part of her plan. Just when I wondered if she’d never agree, purely because everyone around her had pushed her to get married at a young age, she said yes.

On a night where she was atop of me, her hands in my hair and her lips on mine, she very sweetly told me she’d marry me, but only if Rylan did not get to make a speech, and Four wasn’t invited, because he wouldn’t leave her alone about working with him.

I agreed to both of her demands.

Less than a month later, in front of the entire faction, I watched her walk down the aisle dressed in pink. I extended my hand out, pulled her forward, and smugly announced that I took her as my wife, from then, until death do us part. In front of everyone, including Four who somehow weaseled his way in, and Rylan who looked ready to interrupt the ceremony, I kissed her more than once, then very lowly confessed that I love her.

The words were almost impossible to say.

Not because they weren’t true, but because I had never uttered them before. I didn’t love Daniel, I didn’t love Ashley, and the very times anyone ever hinted they felt affectionately toward me, it was never love. It was lust. Desire. A scheme to have power in a faction they never would, or a part of a plan to get something out of me.

I’ll never forget the way Everly stilled, her hands in mine and her face inches away, and she smiled up at me like she’d never heard anything so wonderful in her life. It was the most stunning thing I’d ever witnessed, so I said it again, then committed the moment to memory.

I had told her the same thing this morning, especially when she mentioned not feeling great.

“What’s wrong with her?” I turn to face the receptionist, and my posture hinted I wasn’t above slamming her head into the wall to get some answers. “She said her head hurt.”

“She’s here for abdominal pain,” she whispered, looking around like she was expecting to get caught. “I’ll uh, check on her. The last I knew, they were calling down someone from Erudite.”

“Why? Do we not have doctors here? Because last time I was in, Arlene threw a certificate at my head. It was framed, too. So…it really hurt when it hit me.” Rylan announces, casually leaning against the desk to steal a piece of candy. “I’ve obviously recovered physically. Emotionally, not so much.”

“A specialist.”

“What kind of specialist?” I demand. My patience is quickly running out, and I have half a mind to call Everly. “Where is she?”

“Okay, does no one care what happened to me? Am I invisible here, or….” Rylan pauses, but only because Arlene emerges out of the hallway with her eyes as wide as saucers. “Oh good, she’s here. Protect your spines, everyone.”

“Eric, a word with you.” Arlene gestures for me to join her, and her glare at Rylan is well deserved. “You stay there. This isn’t a good time for your antics. Jason, keep him on that side of the counter.”

“My antics?” Rylan mockingly looks shocked, then he grins. “Actually, I’ll wait. Just call us when you know what’s going on.”

“I’m sure she’s fine. Harrison said there’s a new flu going around. She probably caught that.” Jason smiles. He slaps my arm, then nods at Rylan. “Let’s go before she calls him down here. I heard he’s itching to arrest you.”

“He wishes.” Rylan mutters.

I leave him standing with Jason, and follow Arlene out of the waiting room. The hallway is long and bright, and when she stops a few steps away from a door, I grimace at the screaming of someone, the wailing of a small child, and the paging of someone from administration.

“How old is your wife?” Arlene asks. She takes a moment to push her glasses up her nose, then looks at me. “Nineteen?”

“Why? Are you taking a survey?” I stare back at her, and the wailing starts again. It’s a high-pitched cry, one that’s unfamiliar to me. It sort of sounds like the time I punched Four in the head, but it also sounds….

Well, it sounds a lot like the time we stopped by the hospital to see my father and Rylan led us to the maternity wing, and suggested he adopt a child purely to raise as his own.

“Arlene…”

“Your wife is fine. She did great, and we’ve alerted Harrison. But you should be the first to meet her.” Arlene pauses, and her next words are warmer. “Congratulations to you both. I do hope you make sure Everly isn’t alone for the next few weeks. If anything, have her mother come to visit. Or her friends. It’s very important she gets enough sleep and –”

The wailing continues.

It’s ear piercing, shrill enough that even Arlene jumps.

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

My blood turns ice cold.

For a second, I am back on the edge of the roof. The ground is a dozen stories below me, a thick pit of darkness with no end. A crowd presses around me, murmuring their worry over what’s at the bottom. Someone barks at me to jump, and my nerves are intense. I’m not afraid, so much as ready to really start my life over, and this feels exactly like that.

“Come with me.”

Arlene leads me toward the crying, and wordlessly ushers me into the room.

 

She looks just like Everly.

Tiny, with dark hair and big eyes, and an expression of disbelief. They both have the same look on their face, though Everly’s is a little more intense. Pale and weary, she leans against me, holding our daughter in her arms. The baby is dressed in black, a soft shirt and pants, and she’s so small that it’s impossible to believe she’s real. She looks up at me curiously, and though Arlene has just mentioned she can’t really see me, I think she can.

Her grey eyes narrow in annoyance, and when she frowns, I’m reminded of myself.

“I just…told them my stomach hurt. I felt fine yesterday,” Everly half whispers. Her dark hair is pulled up atop of her head by someone else, and pieces fall out everywhere. “They said they wanted to run some tests, then they came back and said I was in labor. I don’t remember much after that.”

“You didn’t know?” I carefully touch the baby’s head, and her scowl stays fixed in place. “You didn’t look pregnant. I think I would have noticed.”

“I would have noticed, too.” She mutters. She adjusts the baby in her arms, then cranes her head up at me. “Um, so…now what? I mean, I know what to do…but…do you…are you good with this?”

Her question is funny, but understandable. In our lives, there is no place for a child. Everly is supposed to go back to working with Four in a few weeks, and my own work eats up a good portion of my day. Our free time is selfishly ours; we spend the majority of it together, and the rest with our friends. I count down the minutes until I can go home, and the days until I am off work for the weekend and have nothing planned but sinking onto the couch with Everly.

But a baby throws a huge wrench in those plans. We don’t have a crib, nor do we have the supplies we’ll need. I can easily get them, and I can definitely make sure Everly has as much help as she needs. It’s not like I can return the baby, or decide I’ve changed my mind, and this is over.

What I can do is take care of them.

Make sure Everly is happy, and the baby is, too. I can train her to thrive in Dauntless, though if her size indicates anything it’s that she won’t take after me in height, and undoubtedly someone will eventually fall for her the same way I fell for Everly. My blood pressure will rise as my daughter does all the regular things I did, along with others I never dreamt of. I’m sure Everly will want her to see Amity, and my stomach flips over at the thought of her leaving Dauntless.

I stare down at her stoic expression, and she waves one fist at me. Her black hair is combed to the side, and when Everly yawns, the baby yawns, too.

“Eric?”

“I’m more than good with this.” My answer is rough, because a thousand unwanted emotions are choking my throat.

Everly inches closer to rest her head on my chest, and the baby eventually closes her eyes. I assume they’ll both fall asleep, and when they’re cleared, I will take them home. I will make sure they both have whatever they need, and my life’s new work will be to keep them safe.

“Good. We should name her soon. Not now. I’m really tired...so.... later.” Everly yawns again, and the faint beeping from some machine echoes in the room.

I bend down to rest my head atop Everly’s.

I stay there as her eyes close, and she does fall asleep. Eventually, it’s just the baby and me, staring at one another. She squints like she doesn’t trust me, and makes a hiss of disapproval when I coax her out of Everly’s arms. I hold onto her carefully, having never held a baby before, and I dislike how light she is. I’m sure there’s a way to bulk her up before she turns one, but for now, she’s fine.

I’ll ask Arlene, or maybe Daniel if I decide to tell him.

“Misty was wrong. You were supposed to be at the end of seven brothers,” I dryly tell her. “I should ask for a refund on my fortune.”

My daughter stares for a few seconds, then her little smirk is enough to make me laugh. Though completely involuntary, she laughs, then hiccups and shuts her eyes. She falls asleep as quickly as Everly does, and she sighs when I hold her against my chest.

I stay like this for a long time.

Until Arlene returns to check on everyone.

Until Rylan forces his way past security and crashes into a nurse carrying a bag of blood.

Until Jason walks into the room looking terrified, and Harrison is right on his heels.

Until Arlene shoos everyone out, and I realize I really could never be mad at Everly, especially not now.

Maybe ever.

I have everything I never thought I would, and absolutely no desire for anything else.

And it’s all thanks to Rylan.

But I won’t tell him that.

Ever.