You And Me Against The World | ✅

Chapter 4

The moment I hear the first shot I freeze. I'm afraid. I'm paralyzed with fear. Not for myself, but for the one I love. He stands in front of me, shielding me from harm. But if anything would happen to him, I would die. I know that now that his life is in danger. Everything happens so fast that I think this is it. I've lost him. But he stands tall, still shielding me and I look toward Eric. He fell to the floor surrounded by a pool of his own blood. I stare in disbelief at the unconscious form lying there and I'm only pulled out of my own thoughts when Tobias wraps me in his arms. I put my arms around his shoulders and pull him closer to me until I swear we occupy the same space. I bury my face in his chest breathing in his scent. I can only hear Zeke and Uriah enter the room calling for an ambulance to get Eric to the hospital. While Uriah calls the ambulance Zeke calls the other members of our group letting them know where we are and what happened. They all come rushing toward us. Zeke and Uriah successfully keep Eric's parents outside, while one of the Dauntless in our group makes sure that Eric doesn't bleed out until the ambulance arrives.

I find myself crying. Not because of Eric. Even though I don't wish anyone death, not even him, I cry because of everything that happened. Because of everything that might have gone wrong. It could have been Tobias lying on the ground and not Eric. He could be bleeding out now. At that thought I grab Tobias even tighter. He runs his hand up and down my back trying to comfort me. He must think I'm crazy.

"Shh, it's ok. It's over," he whispers in my ear. I shake my head no. No, it's not over. This is only the beginning. I'm still sobbing when the ambulance arrives and after the paramedics take Eric to the hospital I finally let go of Tobias. I look up into his eyes and he brushes the tears away.

"I could have lost you," I say still sobbing. "I don't ever want to lose you. Promise me you won't ever do that again," I ask him.

"I can't do that. He would have hurt you. I'd rather die than let anyone hurt you," he says solemnly.

"And you think I could live without you, especially knowing that you did it to save me?" I ask, suddenly angry at him.

"Calm down, Tris," he tries to soothe me.

"I can't! I love you. Promise me you won't ever put your life at risk like that," I ask him again.

"You know I can't."

"Then at least promise me you will always do your best to make it back to me. I don't want to lose you," I say as new tears spill over my cheeks.

"I promise. But you have to promise me never to do anything stupid either. I don't want you to get hurt. I love you too much," he says before he kisses me. When he pulls away I say "I promise". We walk out of the apartment, Tobias putting his arm over my shoulder holding me close to him, while I wipe the last tears away from my face. Zeke and Will went with the ambulance to make sure Eric is fine and can't escape. The others, Tobias and I return to the tracks and wait for the train. I see Christina and Uriah trying to come near me, but Tobias tells them in his most intimidating Four voice to back off and give me some space. I hate being this weak especially in front of other Dauntless. The train finally comes around the corner and we all start running alongside the tracks and jump on. The ride to Dauntless seems longer than ever. I can't wait to get back, take a shower and get some sleep. Although I doubt I would be able to get all of that in the dorm.

"Tobias," I whisper so that only he can hear me.

"Yes."

"Would you mind if I would take a shower at your place and maybe take a nap. I feel exhausted," I say shyly.

"Of course, it's ok. I actually wanted to ask you this, but I never got the chance. It's okay if you say no," he says and I wonder what it is he wants to tell me.