Divergent One Shots (Eric & Tris)

Twenty-Three-Sweet Dreams 6.4

Eric

I look to my watch as Tris and I walk outside to see that we better turn back since dinner is starting soon. I mention that to her and she nods, getting that distant expression in her eyes once more.
"We can skip dinner if you want," I shrug. "You want to order something in?"
"I had pizza on Friday," she says scrunching her face up.
"So did we in the cafeteria," I tell her.
"Ugh, really?" she asks annoyed.
I nod in reply.
"There's a stir fry place that's good or a taco place. They both deliver," I mention.
"I... I don't know what either of those are," she admits.
"That's right. We don't have those often in the cafeteria," I remember. "Can you handle much spice?"
"It depends. Seasoning I can handle. Mouth burning spiciness is another story," she mentions.
"How about we try one, then the other another time?" I suggest. "We could go out or eat in," I offer.
"I've never eaten out before... except the cafeteria," she mentions hesitantly.
"What?" I laugh in disbelief.
"I've never been to an actual restaurant," she tells me.
I keep the ridiculous comment that wants to pour out of my mouth to myself—especially dealing with Four. "Why don't we go out then? If you're up for it, of course," I say.
"Alright," she nods. "I'm actually feeling much better... better than I have in as long as I can remember."
I smirk at that and lead the way back. We arrive at the Pit. The two restaurants are fairly close together, their menus on display outside with pictures. I ask her to pick whichever one she wants first. She appears to be struggling to decide. I give her time and let her select for herself. After a moment, she chooses tacos and we go in and sit down.
"This place smells incredible," she says to me.
"Yeah," I nod in agreement.
"Do you go out often?" she asks.
"Sometimes," I shrug. "Ryan and I ordered takeout from the other place this weekend."
"Oh?" she laughs in surprise. "I guess I picked right. I'd hate for you to have to eat the same thing."
"Eh, they have plenty to choose from on their menu. I usually order something different every time I go out," I tell her dismissively.
"You do?" she asks surprised.
I purse my lips and nod.
We both order and we're left alone for a few minutes. I see her bite her lip in nervousness.
"What's wrong, Stiff?" I question.
She looks me in the eyes. "Why haven't you asked me anything?" she questions.
"I've asked you tons of questions," I point out.
"You know what I mean, Nose," she replies.
I chuckle at her audacity. "I do know what you mean," I smirk.
"So?" she continues raising her voice in intonation.
"So... I figure it's none of my business," I shrug. "If you wanted to tell me, you would. I honestly thought you looked like you needed to clear you mind of what's been running through it all weekend."
"How do you know it's been all weekend?" she asks me.
"You never came to the cafeteria," I point out. "I asked Christina if you were sick because I was worried," I admit.
Her eyes soften at that. "She never said a word," she replies.
"I think I freaked her out just asking. We haven't spoken since initiation," I shrug trying to rationalize that.
She nods in understanding.
Our food arrives and she looks really excited. She picks up her taco and stares at if for a moment. I just watch her because this is entertaining. I see her clearly trying to figure out how to eat it and some of the filling falls off.
"Okay. I give up," she laughs looking to me for direction.
"Just kind of... turn your head and eat. You know what gravity will do," I smirk.
"Yeah, that," she says motioning to the bite that fell off on her plate.
I help her out by grabbing one and taking a bite. She follows and the expression on her face is something I've never seen before.  I've never known someone to enjoy their food quite like that.  But then I remember, this is ordinary for me and like a delicacy for her. 
"So... tell me?  What's your favorite Abnegation delicacy?" I ask straight faced. 
She laughs almost choking on her food.  She takes a sip of her drink and swallows. 
"You really want to know?" she grins.  I nod.  "Bread."
"No way, that's Amity," I deny. 
"You asked what I like.  Abnegation doesn't have a specialty like the others," she tells me. 
"Really?" I question.  I'd never thought of that. 
"No," she shakes her head.  "Tell me this?  Do you like potatoes?"
"Sure," I nod. 
"What about with no butter... or salt?" she questions. 
I wince. 
"Yeah, me too," she nods.  "How about scrambled eggs?"
"Without salt that'd be really bland," I admit. 
"Oatmeal?" she presses eating some of the rice on her plate with a fork.
"I don't think I could stomach that with nothing in it," I say. 
"Food was not enjoyable, that's for sure," she tells me. 
I observe how much she's really enjoying this meal.  She doesn't even seem to be the same girl I saw earlier today.  She's back to her normal, gorgeous self. 
"So... what's Erudite's specialty?" she asks me. 
"Carbonated beverages," I tell her. 
"Really?" she grins.  I nod.  "What exactly is that?  I don't think I've ever had one?"
"You can get some in the bars here.  They use them for mixing drinks but you can get them without alcohol," I tell her.  "But they're like a fizzy drink.  It has bubbles in it.  It comes in all sorts of flavors."
"Do you have a favorite?" she asks. 
"Lemon," I say softly. 
She smiles at me and I'm wondering about this mysterious expression I see cross her face.  We finish our meal and I offer to take her out for a drink since she's never had one as I pay the bill. 
"You didn't have to do that," she says softly. 
"I don't mind," I tell her. 
"Thank you," she whispers. 
"You're welcome," I reply. 
We step out of the restaurant and I ask her again if she wants to try a fizzy drink.  She gives me a questioning look.  "No alcohol.  We both have to work tomorrow," I insist. 
"Alright," she agrees. 
I take her to the same sports bar Ryan and I went to the other day hoping there's a match just starting.  It looks like it's between matches on the screens and I think we may have arrived just in time.  We sit up at the bar and I order us both a cherry and cola mix.  It arrives and Tris looks at her beverage questioningly. 
"Are you sure there's no alcohol in this?" she questions. 
"Ask the bartender if you want," I shrug taking a sip. 
She takes me up on my offer and does ask him.  He explains that it's usually used for mixed drinks but I ordered without.  She thanks him and sips the drink. 
"This is good," she nods.  "I'm... sorry for not taking you at your word.  I'm kind of... struggling with trust issues right now."
"That's okay," I reply and I know Four messed up.  He must've lied to her or something. 
I see her pick up her phone. 
"I'm sorry.  This is Christina," she apologizes and answers it.  She tells her she's sorry for not showing up to dinner but admits she's not ready to face him yet.  She calls herself a coward.  Then she tells Christina she's out with me and she already ate.  "No, I'm not pulling your leg.  Fine," she says and turns to me.  "She doesn't believe that I've eaten.  Would you confirm that I've had dinner?"
"Sure," I shrug taking the phone. 

'Hello?'

'It really is you.  I thought she was joking.'

'Nope.  It's me.'

'Did she eat dinner or is she lying again?'

'She ate.'

'Good.  She hadn't touched anything I brought her and she barely touched her lunch today.'

'She ate a whole plate of food with me.'

She sighs relieved.  'Thanks.  You're a miracle worker.  Why are you our with her anyway?'

'That information is confidential.'

'Are you being serious or joking?'

I laugh and hand the phone back to Tris.  She's grinning. 
"Are we good?" she asks Christina.  "No, we're not working.  He was joking.  He was laughing.  Ugh, goodbye Christina," she says hanging up. 
I smirk at her.  She sets her phone aside and picks up the decoration in her drink and eats the cherry. 
"What kind of cherry is this?" she asks. 
"It's brined in a sugar syrup," I explain. 
"Oh," she says in surprise.  She grins and looks back at me.  "You know, you still have some of your Erudite tendencies."
"And you still have some of your Abnegation ones," I point out. 
"Does that ever really go away?" she asks softly. 
"Do you really want it to?" I question. 
She meets my eyes and seems completely confused. 
"How's you drink?" I ask. 
"I like it.  I think this will be my go to at the clubs," she says. 
I smile at her.  We finish our drinks and I walk her home.  She thanks me for everything and I tell her I'll see her tomorrow.  I go back to my apartment with a smile on my face.