Ordinary Acts of Bravery [A Divergent Fanfic]

Chapter 24 - Preliminary rankings

I felt disappointed when it ended but knew it was one of the conditions he had sat. Others could not know yet. It was dangerous, and Eric could be severely reprimanded if anyone found out. Even though I had already broken his rules, and now Four also knew about us. I hoped he would keep quiet, even though he clearly wasn't Eric's friend.

Then Eric released me again and quickly pulled ahead of me. His long strides made it easy for him, and he passed the dining hall first. I was certain the noise quieted when he did, and it made me slow down my own pace before I entered the dining hall. The short amount of rest I had gotten in Eric's apartment had only left me even more tired.

Facing all my fears today hadn't been easy. The fear had gotten the best of me for the first time. I had even allowed my fears to control my actions, but also after waking up from the simulation. I kept my head low when moving towards the others around the usual table. They weren't as cheerful as they normally were, everyone had been weighed down by the confrontation of their own fears.

Roxy was leaned against Luke, his arm draped around her waist as he spoke with Tadeo on the opposite side of the table. The twins weren't there yet so I sat down next to Tadeo this time. It was the seat on the edge of the table, I hadn't been in the mood to sit in between two people.

Tadeo smiled carefully to me before he reached for my hand. I felt him squeeze it tightly, the gesture only short because I had retracted my hand. I knew he was only worried, but it felt wrong knowing Eric was not far away from us. Tadeo clearly noticed but chose not to ask about it. "Did you face many fears today?" He asked instead, prompting conversation.

"I think it was five this time." I sighed, pushing a hand through my loose hair. Tadeo's smile faded when he raised an eyebrow instead. He clearly seemed impressed but also surprised.

"Five—that wasn't a whole lot. I think I had nine today." Tadeo sighed when reaching for a piece of the famous dauntless cake. A piece he offered to me first. It took it from him and he reached for another. It was very like Tadeo. He was a very caring person and had always been.

"I think I had fifteen." Roxy shuddered from beside Luke. My attention shifted to her. Roxy remained leaned against Luke who placed a kiss on her forehead. That simple gesture made my heart ache, Eric had done the same to me. But at the same time, it made me suspicious. Just how much had I missed?

I hadn't been around much lately, Eric had been filling my thoughts. Luke and Roxy who sat here opposite of me, was clearly not just friends any longer. I raised an eyebrow, ignoring the feeling of guilt that coursed through me. "When did this happen?" I asked, pointing between them.

Roxy jumped upright, her face red with embarrassment. "O!" She groaned at me, but Luke didn't allow her to deny it. He placed a hand on her cheek, guiding her head towards his before he placed her lips on hers. The kiss was needy and quite affectionate. "Luke!" Roxy hit his chest when he released her and looked between us because my eyes had widened.

It only made everyone laugh around them. But I was happy for them. I wanted nothing less for Roxy, she deserved nothing less. Their coming together was really great. I had seen how she had been looking at Luke for quite a while. He was a handsome boy. Tall, much taller than Eric even. Brown curly hair, brown eyes, and a very pleasing smile.

Then the twins decided to join. Ly had seen what Roxy and Luke did when they approached. I had noticed how Myra had been looking at Tadeo, like Roxy had been looking at Luke. However, I could also not help but notice the way Tadeo looked at me. It was something I couldn't return because I already had someone else.

I stole another glance at Eric. He had seated himself on the other side of the leader table, changing seats with Abby who now had her back to me. And those blue eyes were fixed on me, even though he spoke with Abby. I smiled when noticing. It was such a small thing, but it meant the world. "Did you get woken up by Four as well?" Roxy asked Ly.