The Iron Soldier: A FourTris Divergent Story

Chapter 16

Four almost fell through the door when he answered it. "Tris, what are you doing here?" He isn't moving, but his head falls forward when he speaks.

"I, um, was hoping we could talk."

"Talk? Pfff, why would we talk when there are other things we could do?" He wobbles again but a huge grin has spread across his face. "Come on in."

"Four, are you drunk?" I ask but I already know the answer.

"Maybe a little. Can I get you something?"

I let myself fall onto the couch a few feet away. "No thanks. I'm good."

"Suite yourself." He plops down beside me after retrieving a bourbon bottle from the kitchen counter. "So. What can I do to you? I mean, what can I do for you?"

I burst out laughing. "You're more than a little drunk.

"Yeah, so. I'm off today and alone, at my own place. What are you, the drunk police?"

I smile at him again. "No, it's fine. Just can't help but wonder what's going on."

"What makes you think something is going on?"

"Because, you're off today, and drunk, alone, at your place. That usually counts as a red flag. So what's the occasion?"

"It's my parent's anniversary." He tips the bottle to his lips and swallows a mouthful of the brown liquid. "Yup. Four years ago today, my father killed my mother."

I tried to hide the shock on my face, but I wasn't quick enough.

"Don't give me that poor baby look. It was a long time ago. I'm totally over it."

"Oh yeah, I can tell." A million questions bounce around in my head. None of them appropriate to ask right now. "Did you want to talk about it?"

"No, I really don't. But maybe we could do something else."

"What did you have in mind?"

"I'd really like to kiss you."

"What?" My heart does a somersault in my chest.

"You heard me. Can I kiss you?"

"Are you asking permission?"

"Well, yeah. I've seen what happens to people who kiss you without permission." He's grinning wider than the Cheshire Cat.

As badly as I want to, I can't let him kiss me in his state. He'd get the wrong idea and immediately push for more. "I don't think that's a good idea."

"I do."

I blush, which is stupid, because he's only acting like this because of the alcohol, not because he's really interested in me.

"Ok, so if you're not here to kiss me, why are you here?"

I push my lips together. "Well, like I said before, I was hoping we could talk. But I'm afraid it would be a waste of time trying to get answers from you right now."

"I've got questions, you've got answers."

I smirk. "I was hoping for the other way around."

"OK, "You've got answers, I've got questions."

I roll my eyes and shake my head. "Never mind. How about I make you some coffee."

"Buzzkill."

"Exactly."

He laughs at me. "I like you Tris."

"I think the Evil Queen herself could show up right now and you'd tell her the same thing." I head for the kitchen, opening several cabinets before finding the coffee mugs. "Where's your cof..." Before I can finish my question, I turn around and slam into him. He followed me into the kitchen and I didn't even realize it. I'd take a step back, but I'm already leaning against the counter. My pulse quickens as I put my hands up against his chest, pushing him back with one palm and a ceramic mug. "Four."