*Hey guys, I just want give a huge apology for not updating regularly. I've just had terrible writers block and I sort of forgot where I was going with half my stories. But here's a quick update to keep you guys happy, I hope it helps. I might be able to punch out another chapter by tomorrow but don't quote me. I love you all and your comments have been so amazing and sweet. Enjoy!*
Usually during training, Four is there giving all the instructions while Eric hangs around to watch. But Four wasn't here today, so we're stuck taking orders from Eric. The first thing he had us do was run around the training room for thirty minutes. I felt proud when I outlasted half my peers and finished third.
"Alright everyone at the bags!" His voice boomed.
With finesse and stamina, I worked up quite a sweat after 20 minutes at the punching bags. My gloves were beginning to slide around on my hands from being soaked in persperation. Breathing heavily, I removed my dauntless t-shirt and tossed it to the ground, adjusting the straps of my tank top before continuing.
This did not go unnoticed by Eric, and he worked his way over to me as I pounded the bag with my fists. He was silent, standing beside the bag, his eyes on mine - it was making me sort of nervous. So nervous that I stopped, ripping my gloves off and grabbing my water bottle off the floor to take a drink. Eric's eyes stayed on me, but he never spoke.
"Am I doing something wrong?" I finally asked, screwing the cap back on my water.
His amused grin made me assume correctly.
"No, not at all. Its just entertaining to see to you attack that bag with such ferocity. Something bothering you?" He asked, his arms folded behind his back.
I gave a short chuckle, forgetting that I was so competitive. It must look like I'm holding a grudge or something.
"No. I'm just naturally forward with my actions. My gym teacher once told me that I should take up boxing as a hobby because I'm so aggressive."
"I like it. Its a good trait to have in Dauntless. Keep it up, and you'll finish first in your class."
No hint of a smile on Eric's face, but I could feel his encouragement and it made me want to be better. First in my class? If he thinks I have that kind of potential then i might as well try for it.
"I'll do my best." I answered.
Then he just walked off back to his post.
***********************
During lunch, I skipped eating and stayed in the training room. I wanted to jog a little more to stretch my aching muscles. Jogging was also another way to collect my thoughts.
After tying my boots tighter and readjusting my ponytail, I began my steady pace around the perimeter of the training room by myself. The only sound was the echo of my boots hitting concrete and the steady breathing coming from my partially open mouth.
Did Eric really mean what he said, that I could graduate first in my class? I mean, I knew I was good but my fight with Darren went horribly wrong. I figured it docked my rank a little.
Eric was a confusing man to say the least - with his menacing eyes and harsh tone. But then he seemed almost docile when he watched me get my tattoo. I didn't know whether to fear him or smile when he was around.
Just as I rounded the last pillar before the exit door, I was stopped short.
Eric had lithely stepped out from behind the pillar with a smooth grin on his face. I had to jump back to keep from running into him, which I'm sure wold get me in trouble. Trying to catch my breath, I gazed up at him. Perplexed by his sudden appearance, I said nothing as he looked me up and down with an examining stare. His hands rested behind his back, folded military style.
My heavy breathing cut the silence like a knife and he finally locked eyes with me, his mouth curving into a grin.
"I knew you'd be here." he said.
His deep voice reverberated off the wall beside us, echoing through the large room.
"You did?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"You weren't in the mess hall for lunch." he informed.
Why the fuck was he looking for me?
Goosebumps raised up onto my arms and I didn't know if t was from nerves or just the sweat rapidly cooling my skin.
"You were looking for me?" I asked, almost in a challenging way.
It was like I was asking him if he was trying to get me alone. I'm an idiot, he probably just wanted to make sure i wasn't doing anything against the rules. but then again, didn't we share an elated moment during knife practice? Maybe he plans to -
"As a leader, its my job to keep tabs on my initiates and know where they are at all times." He said, like he knew what I had been thinking.
His satisfied smirk after my lack of response gave it away.
"Oh, right." I answered sheepishly.
Feeling embarrassed, I looked away.
"Why don't you head to lunch." he said authoritively.
Looking back up at him, his eyes had went from grey to a dark shade of blue. I didn't know if that was good or bad yet.
"Um, lunch ends in five minutes. I'll never have time to eat and then get back here in time for fighting." I said.
"Tell the guys in the kitchen that you were doing something for me, they'll get you hooked up. As for your fight, I'll save you for last." he said.
Was he giving me special treatment? Did he like me or something? Was he even allowed to do that? I mean of course he is, he's a leader.
"Don't worry, nobody is gonna ask questions." he assured.
There he goes, reading my mind again!
"Um, okay then. I guess I could eat, thanks." I said.
"You need something in your stomach, I can't have my initiates skipping meals and passing out after a fight." He said as I turned to leave the room.
"Right, I'll remember that."
**********************************
My fight went perfectly. My opponent was a girl this time, who seemed equally as tough as I am. She put up a good fight, but I won.
Eric didn't bother to hide the proud grin on his face as my peers clapped for my victory.
After a long hour of circuit training, it was finally time to wind down and do some stretches. This was my favorite time of the day. I loved the way a few arm circles and yoga poses lulled me back into a relaxed state before going back to shower.
"Alright, everyone on the floor- lets do some toe touches!" Eric shouted as we finished arm circles.
"Ahhh." I cooed, leaning forward to grab my toes after sitting down.
I'd always imagined that toe touches would be what hair ties must feel after a long day of holding our hair in place. When it finally gets taken from its wound up form and tossed onto your nightstand, stretching out and laying limp and loose. That's how my legs felt after stretching.
"Nice, now lets do some downward facing dog and then we'll get outta here. Make sure you stretch those calves, i don't want anyone whining tomorrow about how sore your legs are!" Eric's voice boomed as he made his way through the group and observed everyon'es posture.
I couldn't see much, obviously facing the floor. I was flexible enough that I could place my heels to the floor and fully stretch my muscles.
"Impressive posture miss Carter." Eric was suddenly beside me, praising my form.
I smiled to myself.
Then the unthinkable happened. I wasn't even sure if it did happen, or if I was just imagining it. But it felt like Eric's hand had briefly rested on my ass. Not my ass-ass, but where my back meets my ass. It was only for a second, and then his hand was gone and he was walking away.
Releasing a quiet sigh, I just tried to brush it off. Maybe it was just a casual gesture. But then again, this is Eric. The same man who whispered 'good girl' into my ear and made every hair on my body stand at attention.
I didn't even have enough courage to look him in the eye when he dismissed us, but he sure did have the audacity to wink at me on my way out.
What. The. Fuck.