Dauntless

Dauntless: Competition

"All of you here today have been in the top three of your graduating classes," Max called down to all the Dauntless he had gathered in the cafeteria, he standing on the level above us. "All of you are going to be put through a series of tests to advance through leadership. We need only the bravest and the wisest among our ranks, and these tests are designed to weed out the weak. You can always decline, of course," Max said, knowing that no one would dare. "Those of you who do can return to your normal jobs. Now, who's up for a little competition?"
I grinned, joining in the cheers, excited for a little change of pace. Of course I'm going own this competition just like I do all the others.
I glanced over, spying Eric leaning against the wall, his arms crossed as he tried to look completely uninterested.
Heh, this was going to be fun.
Eric's eyes found mine from across the room, and we both quickly looked away; we still didn't want anyone to know we only hated each other during daylight hours.
I liked it better that way, our relationship being kept a secret. It made life easier for me, plus the charade that we hated each other was about the normal for us.
We didn't like each other, technically, we just liked fucking each other.
There was a difference.
A stark one, at that.
Eric would never give up his life for me, he would never do anything that would endanger his own position in leadership to help me --- he would never put his ass on the line to defend me.
I knew all of this, and accepted it.
But it goes both ways.
So as much fun as he was in the sack, as much fun as we had together at night, it didn't make a difference during the daylight hours.
And I was so going to kick his ass during this competition!
My eyes flicked about as my fellow contenders started to disperse, all going their own ways. I had known all of them for a while, I knew their weaknesses and their strengths and I was prepared to use them shamelessly when it came down to it.
I was going to win.
Easy.
"You can stop smirking already, you're not going to get far," Eric says, and I cut my eyes at him as he sidled up to me, his own lips curled arrogantly. "You'll be out within the first trial."
"We'll see about that," I said lightly, crossing my arms. "I doubt you'll even be able to hold your ground if it comes to anything physical."
"You think one of them could kick my ass?"
"I know I can, so why not? You're not the big badass you think you are," I said dismissively, taking a step back from the table I'd been leaning on, my dark hair trailing over my shoulder. "We both know it."
I heard him huff, but I didn't look back, just kept walking.
I couldn't wait to regret saying that later tonight.
~~~~~~~
"You're going to be put in pairs for the first trial," Max said as we all stood together, only nine of us, some older, some younger then me. We were all from different classes, and I could tell probably half of those of us who'd been in the cafeteria had dropped out.
Babies.
They just knew they didn't stand a chance!
"Everyone in a pair, one oddball out to referee. Eric," Max motioned, and Eric obediently stepped to his side. "We're going to rank you all by your ability to hold your own. The last ones on the board are out. We'll keep doing this until only the top two remain, and the two of you will advance."
Two?
Well that was no fun.
I frowned, watching as Eric and Max walked away together, talking softly. It was no secret Eric was the pet of the leaders, no doubt in on some diabolical scheme to rule the city I suppose.
Either way, I figure just because of him being in the in crowd that he would be one of the two mentioned. And even if that wasn't the case, Eric was vicious, he'd do anything to win and be number one. Even if it meant playing dirty.
But hey, sometimes you have too.
The odds aren't always in your favor, after all.
Max was quick to pair everyone up, and I wasn't exactly thrilled with the fact he gave me the biggest opponent possible, and I vaguely wondered if Eric had a hand in that, the smirking bastard.
We all lined up along the mat, and I watched as everyone went, fighting back and forth, being as cunning and brutal as they wished so long as no one was maimed or killed.
Just unconscious.
I was ready by the time it was my turn, shifting my weight back and forth, the adrenaline already building in my blood.
I loved to fight.
If I had been born into another faction, I would have abandoned it for Dauntless, I had never questioned that.
I loved the thrill of sizing up my opponent, finding their weaknesses and finding ways to use them to my advantage. I loved feeling my blood rush through my body as I beat them, as I proved I was stronger and better then them.
And I was, quite often, much better then them.
I grinned as I stepped up onto the mat, running my eyes over Anders; he'd been a class or two ahead of me, and he was all broad shoulders and beefy arms; however, the saying don't skip leg day is very true with him. His upper body might be like hitting brick, but his legs were weak, thin stubs just waiting to be swept out from under him.
As long as he didn't pin me, I already knew his weakness. Perhaps to him mine would be that I was smaller, that I didn't have the same strength, and that's probably true.
But I was also pretty quick on my feet.
And pain merely made me worse.
"On the count of four," Max said as we both faced each other, taking our stances. "The fight will start. One."
Fuck I was so excited!
"Two."
I was going to own his ass!
"Three."
Did he know how bad his legs really looked?
"Four!"
I went forward immediately, ducking as his arm swung out, just like I'd expected it to; his stomach would be like punching a wall, so I didn't bother, just dropped lower, swinging my leg out to catch his behind the knees. He staggered, and I huffed when he didn't fall, quickly popping back to my feet, wisps of my dark hair falling in front of my eyes.
I narrowed my eyes at him, calculating.
Hmm.
I dodged as he dove for me, twisting easily out of his lumbering grasp, only mildly annoyed when he managed to snag my arm.
That was going to bruise in the morning.
But so would this.
My foot connected with his ass as he overstepped, and I sent him slamming face first into the mat. I leapt for him, but he rolled, grabbing my ankle and jerking.
Fuck!
I gasped as I hit the mat, my entire back protesting, hot pain shooting through my limbs.
Ow!
I ground my teeth, and rolled last second, barely avoiding his reach. I staggered a little as I made it to my feet, frustrated this was taking so long.
And now my back fucking hurt!
I glared at Anders, intent now on taking him down a few notches. I gave it a moment, I waited until he came at me, and then I pulled a really shitty move.
I kneed him right in the family jewels.
He sort of made a pained squeaking sound, his body hunching instantly to protect the most important part of him for the three seconds it took for me to punch him, sending him staggering a step.
I just didn't expect him to retaliate so quickly.
I started for him just as he turned, no doubt pissed off now, his arm hitting my chest and immediately knocking the breath out of me. He kept shoving until I was falling, the blue mat quickly rising to meet my breathless body.
Son of a bitch!
I managed to half roll before I hit, instead landing on my shoulder rather then my back. I felt his weight immediately, attempting to pin me down, but I sure as fuck wasn't going to lose this damned fight!
Especially not in front of Eric!
I'd seen his grimace as I'd been knocked down, he thought I was done, that Anders was going to win.
No fucking way!
Anders grunted as I wiggled my arm out from under him, twisting until I had his own arm in an awkward position, his hot breath on the back of my neck as we grappled.
Fucker!
Why did he have to be the size of a mountain!?
I tried to wrench out of his grip, but it wasn't working, he was too heavy for me --- I wasn't going to lose!
No fucking way!
And he wasn't going to smother me out either!
"What?" I heard him hiss when he pressed harder on me, his hot breath making goosebumps rise on my skin. "You don't need to mind when Eric has you in this position every night."
I went rigid, blood flooding my face at the remark.
He did not just --- the Motherfucker!
No one fucking said shit like that to me!
Fuck him!
I wrenched my arm back angrily, my elbow connecting with his throat as hard as I could make it in my position. He made a half gasp,half choking sound, his oxygen cut off long enough to disoriented him.
I threw my weight into him, immediately tossing him off of me and leaving him on his knees as I staggered to my feet.
I didn't hesitate, I just whirled, my foot connecting hard enough with his head that it sent a shock of pain up my shin.
I glared at him as he crumpled, blood starting to seep out of his lips as he laid on the mat.
Ugh!
What gave him the right to say some kind of shit like that to me? I hope his fucking nose was broke!
"And the winner is Camille," Max said, not sounding surprised, although he could sound a little more enthusiastic since I almost got my ass kicked.
I huffed, striding off the mat.
Rude ass Motherfucker asshole!
I seethed as Anders was drug off the mat, it taking two to even manage that.
I hope he had a really bad headache.
"That's it for today, everyone return to your duties. If you can. We'll continue tomorrow." Max called to everyone before he turned and just sort of left.
He never was very social.
I leaned down, pretending like every movement didn't send ripples of pain up my back as I attempted to lace my boots back on, my fingers aching.
Fucker.
I hope I broke something.
"Here."
I hesitated, Eric suddenly kneeling down in front of me, smacking my fingers out of the way. I glanced around, but the training room was empty, probably the only reason he was helping me.
I watched as he laced my boots for me, letting my hands rest by my sides until he was done. He straightened, and before I could move his arm was curving around my lower back, helping me up.
I groaned, my body protesting.
"You okay?"
"I'll be fine," I muttered, straightening slowly.
Eric merely frowned, his hands dropping to his side as he looked me over.
"What did he say to you?"
"Who?" We really didn't need to have this conversation. It didn't matter what he said to me. I wanted to forget about it.
It irritated me that even though Eric and I tried to keep our relationship quiet, people still knew. They wouldn't say shit to us, but some had the gall to make smart ass comments when they thought they could get away with it.
"Camille. What did he say to you?"
"It doesn't matter what he said, Eric!"
He scowled at me, but I glared at him, just daring him to ask me again. When he wisely chose to stay quiet, I started to leave, hobbling my way towards the door with intentions of soaking in a hot bath for a few hours.
Eric let me go, and I was miserable by the time I actually made it to my apartment, my body aching all over. Anders hadn't been merciful with me.
I'd only made it about halfway to my bed when my front door opened. I turned, alarmed, only to scowl as Eric boldly walked in.
"What the fuck do you want?" I snapped, ignoring him as I continued my way towards the bathroom. "Can't I go five minutes without being in your presence?"
"Do you really want too? Here."
I glanced back, only barely catching the bottle he tossed me. I frowned down at the pills.
"I don't need these."
"You're going to be black and blue tomorrow if you don't take something, you'll be too stiff to move. Take them." Eric orders, breezing past me when I hesitated. I watched as he walked confidently into my bathroom, leaning over to turn the bath tub on like he knew exactly what I wanted.
Huh.
Okay.
I looked down at the pill bottle again, knowing he was right. If I didn't take something I would be in too much pain to focus on the next test.
I sighed as I relented, opening the bottle and quickly taking two of the small blue ovals, swallowing quickly.
I tossed the bottle back to him as I walked to the tub, sitting down on the edge to check the water temperature; he never got it hot enough.
I leaned down, unlacing my boots and kicking them off into the corner, aware Eric was hovering annoyingly.
"Is there something you want?" I sighed, drawing my shirt over my head. "Or do you just want to see me naked?"
"A little of both, actually."
I grimaced at him, shimmy ing out of my jeans the best I could, irritated that I'd decided to wear such a clingy pair. Eric sighed, his cool fingers against my back as he unsapped my bra for me, letting it fall to the floor.
I glanced at him over my shoulder, raising a brow as he started stripping himself.
"If you think I'm fucking you right now, you're going to be disappointed."
"Tone the bitchiness, Camille, or you'll make me be an asshole."
"When are you not?" I grumbled, irritated that I couldn't get any freaking alone time; I freaking hurt, all over, I wanted to soak and go to bed!
"Come on," Eric grunted, completely bare. I watched warily as he stepped into the tub, scowling at the hot water. He sat slowly, and motioned for me, stretching out his lanky limbs.
Asshole.
I grumbled to myself as I finished stripping, quickly climbing in the tub with him, water sloshing over the rim. I sunk down with a sigh, letting my back rest against his chest, his hands clasping over my stomach and holding me still.
I let my eyes close, enjoying the heat and the feel of him for a few moments. Eric didn't say anything, just sort of held me in the water, which I found to be more relaxing then anything else, oddly enough. He wasn't getting anything out of this, especially not sex, so he was just there, with me, relaxing.
That was a first.
I snuggled back into him contentedly, and I felt his lips press against my damp hairline, the steam wafting upwards from the hot water.
Mmmm, this was so nice.
"Does this help?" He murmured, and I nodded, finding I was starting to doze, those pills kicking in quicker then I'd anticipated.
"It's nice," I mumbled, my eyes closed as I sunk a little lower. "We should do this more often."
Eric chuckled,and I felt his lips brush against my cheek.
"Camille?"
"Hmm?"
"Can you tell me what Anders said to you earlier?" His hands brush my stomach, curling more securely around me, making me feel safe. I didn't mind telling him, he's being so nice, and everything was just sort of... nice.
"Mhm. When he almost had me pinned, he said I shouldn't mind since you have me in that position every night," I yawned. "He's just being an ass."
"Huh."
I'm not quite sure what happened next, I'm pretty fucking sure those pills were a stronger dose then I thought they were. All I know is that I was in the bath one moment, and the next I was waking up in bed.
I blinked a couple times, feeling overly warm and achy. My body was sore but not terrible, and I didn't feel like I was going to fall apart.
I shuffled a little, and sighed as I felt Eric behind me; sleeping over again, huh?
No wonder everyone knew about us.
What time was it?
I shuffled a little more, and I heard him grumble before his arm slipped around my waist, pulling me back against him.
"Stop moving already," he mumbled. "You're annoying."
"What time is it?"
"It's early."
"Eric." I scowled, forcing myself up to my elbows. I glanced around for my clock, and squinted, trying to make out the numbers.
Seven.
What time was the next test?
I should already be up!
I hadn't meant to sleep so long!
Yeesh!
Eric sighed as I rolled away from him, his hands going to rub his face as I managed to stagger to my feet. I headed straight for the bathroom, I needed to make record of all my ailments in peace.
When I came out fifteen minutes later dressed and twisting my hair up, Eric was still laying in bed, the sheet up to his waist and not looking like he was moving any time soon.
I sighed as I walked to him, nudging him with my foot.
"Up, asshole. Unless you want people seeing you coming out of my apartment."
"Who cares if they do? It's obviously not a secret we're together."
"Sleeping together," I corrected, nudging him again. "Now up! I want to be out of here in a few minutes."
Eric huffed, and he lifted his hands from his tired face. He sat up, and I eeked as he grabbed me, jerking me forward until I was falling back onto the bed.
I scrambled, but Eric had the upper hand, quickly crawling over me. He smirked down at me as his hands braced by my shoulders.
"You do like it when I have you in this position," he teased, and I rolled my eyes, flushing.
"Get off, Eric."
"Nah." He leaned down, kissing my jaw. "The test isn't until noon, Camille. You don't have to be in any rush, it's not anything you can't handle."
"What is it?" Now I was curious.
"Just fear landscapes."
"That again?" I sighed.
"Well, you're not going through your landscape, but through someone else's. Max wants to keep everyone on their toes."
"What's some of the other tests?" Now that he's talking maybe he'd tell me. Eric sighed, leaning up, straddling my hips.
"Is this really what you want to talk about?"
"Yes. And I'd appreciate it if you get your heavy ass off me," I grunted, shoving at him so he toppled back into the pillows with a curse.
He knew I wasn't a morning person, and I most definitely wasn't in the mood to fuck either.
He scowled as he sat up, looking disgruntled as I got to my feet and walked away from him.
"Leadership is the last test." He finally says, watching me move around the kitchen as I tried to find some coffee. "You're going to lead a simulated team into a situation, and one of your fears is going to be the obstacle. You need to either find away around your fear or defeat it while leading the team to victory or safety."
Well that was comforting.
"Do you actually get to participate in any of this or are you just refereeing from Maxs ass?"
"I already know I'm the best, why would I need to participate?"
I figured as much.
I sighed as I started the coffee pot, grabbing two cups from the cabinet as I heard Eric start to stir, finding his clothes and dressing; I pretended that I didn't notice he actually had some clothes here for when he slept over, or that I occasionally tossed them in with my laundry either.
We weren't in a relationship after all, and that seemed too domestic for me.
I did like the fact he wore the jacket I bought him all the time, it was rare I ever saw him without it. He seemed to like it better then his old one, at least in my mind.
I slid a coffee cup his way when he finally came into the kitchen, and he took it quickly, glancing at the time.
Everyone would be up and about now, so how he's going to get out of my apartment unseen I had no idea.
"I better get going," he sighed. "I'll see you at the tests."
"Alright." I lifted my face habitually as he leaned down to kiss me. I leaned against the counter, sipping my coffee as he left, not even bothering to be stealthy.
I suppose it really didn't matter anymore, though. Everyone did know about us, we didn't hide it very well.
Why bother anymore?
I sighed, finishing my coffee and curling my nose as I saw Eric left his stupid clothes all over my floor. I grumbled as I tossed it into the laundry basket, irked.
He could at least be a little more considerate!
~~~~~
"You know I hate it when you leave your clothes on the floor," I grouched as I stood beside Eric in the training area, waiting for the others to arrive. "I'm not your mother."
Eric rolled his eyes at me, crossing his arms as he leaned back against the table. "I'll pick them up next time."
"You better, or I'm going to toss them out and you can find some more." I snipped, not wanting him to think he could blow me off. I knew I wasn't the neatest person but that didn't mean he could take advantage of it; at least put your dirty clothes in the basket!
"You two sound like you're having a domestic dispute," I heard someone tease, and we both looked over as Zeke stepped to us, grinning like always, the snake tattoo on his skull eyeing us.
"Fuck off, Zeke." I sighed, Eric chuckling.
"Ouch, my soul. So you guys here for the tests?"
"Yeah. What are you doing here?" I was curious, he wasn't here yesterday.
"Oh, you guys get to go through my fear landscape, lucky bastards. You guys are seriously going to have fun in there!"
I groaned. "Great, I'm going to have to fight off flocks of ex girlfriends trying to murder me, aren't I?"
"Something like that," he grinned, glancing at Eric surepstitiously; Eric didn't like Zeke very much because at one point he'd thought Zeke and I had a thing.
Eric was actually a very jealous guy; shocking, right?
We all looked over as Max finally entered the room, a few minutes late as always. I could tell half of us were missing, all the ones who'd lost the fight yesterday; I was a little relieved not to have to face Anders again.
"I'm glad everyone is here," Max said as he glanced around. "All of you are going to be tested in your ability to overcome situations you know nothing about. Zeke, over here," Max motioned at the grinning Dauntless. "Has volunteered to let you all go through his fear landscape. You'll be tested on how long it takes you and how well you deal with the obstacles on your own. Now, who wants to go first?"
No fucking way was I volunteering; the landscapes always gave me out and I wanted to see how everyone else did first.
Amelia stepped forward, and I was relieved to see her follow Max into the simulation room down the hall. I didn't like the fact we couldn't watch, I'd actually wanted to be a little prepared, but I suppose I would just have to deal.
It wasn't like interrogating Zeke on what he was afraid of was going to get me anywhere.
I sighed as I pulled myself onto the table, letting my legs dangle off as I leaned back on my hands. Eric leaned beside my hips, looking bored and like he'd rather be anywhere else.
I glanced at the remaining tester, seeing he looked as bored as us as he waited.
Zeke was sitting with him, the two of them chatting --- the asshole better not be giving him tips!
"So, Zeke, what are you afraid of?" I asked with a sigh, swinging my legs back and forth. "Older women? Ghosts? Cmon."
Zeke snorts. "Yeah, like I'm gonna tell you. No cheating, Camille."
"I'm not cheating! I'm gathering info," I corrected him, shaking my head as I played with my hair. "You can't blame me for that!"
"Oh, of course not." He rolled his eyes.
Dammit.
I'd seriously been hoping for some pointers, but there was no point in pushing. It took probably thirty minutes or more before Amelia was done with the landscape, and I wasn't sure if that was a good sign or not.
I mean, I hoped she was bad as fuck and got kicked out, I seriously wanted to win here. I didn't want anyone to think I won because of Eric, though, I wanted to do this on my own.
I cut my eyes as the other Dauntless rose to go next, looking eager to get it over with.
....
Did Zeke tell him something!?
"So Amelia isn't coming back, do you think she did good or bad?" I asked thoughtfully, trying to think of things Zeke would be afraid of.
"You normally go to rest after fear landscapes," Eric shrugs. "I don't know how she did."
Ugh.
He wasn't helpful as usual.
I looked at him, chewing my lip.
I wondered what Eric was afraid of. He'd seen my fears when everyone had been tested for being divergent, but I'd never seen his, I didn't know what he was scared of.
"What's your fears, Eric?" I asked after a moment, bumping his shoulder.
He glanced at me, twisting his lips. "Why would I tell you?"
"You've seen my fears, I figured we could be on equal ground."
"No."
"Eric, come on," I whined, bumping his shoulder with my fist just because I know it annoyed him. "Don't be boring."
"I'm not telling you anything, it's none of your business."
I pouted.
Spoil sport.
Zeke had wandered off, so it was just the two of us waiting. They could have at least given us something to do!
I pushed off of the table with a sigh, meandering over to the punching bags; I still had scars on my knuckles from these things.
But they were great stress relievers.
Fuck, maybe I should have volunteered, I was getting bored! This was taking too long!
"Why do you want to know what I'm afraid of?" Eric asked, and I glanced behind me as he started in my direction, catching the bag when I pushed it in his direction.
"I'm just curious. You've seen my fears is all."
"Yeah." He frowns. "But it wasn't because I wanted too."
Sure it wasn't; if it had been him and I had a chance to see his weaknesses, I would've jumped on it.
I didn't answer, just trailed away, aimlessly walking just so I'd have a chance to do something. I felt Eric's hands close around my hips from behind, tugging me back against him as he pressed a kiss against my ear.
"Don't be nervous about the landscape, it's probably just being rejected by women."
I snorted, leaning back into him, a little comforted. "I'm not worried about his landscape, they probably let him volunteer as a joke."
"Probably," Eric agreed, chuckling. "And after this we can have the whole day to ourselves."
"After you pick your clothes off my floor, sure."
Eric groaned.
~~~~~
I didn't like simulations, it bothered me that one moment I'd be awake, and the next I'd be seamlessly in a new environment. I didn't like the loss of control.
And Zekes fears were ridiculous.
I stood in his landscape, staring at the hordes of women rejecting me, telling me I was pathetic and useless, that I wasn't worth their time.
I couldn't tell if he had a fear of rejection or if he had major self esteem issues. This was a simple fear, easily beaten; all you have to do is walk away, ignore the clamoring, faceless women.
"This is bullshit," I muttered, irked. Was this a joke or serious? Sure, his fears became more serious, from a fear of the immense darkness to friends attacking him and hurting him.
I didn't realize he had trust issues too; Dauntless stick together, we're a strong faction, he shouldn't have to worry like that.
Now I felt kind of bad for being an asshole to him all the time.
When I finally finished his fear landscape and came out of the simulation, I was immensely confused.
I came out as I always did, with a deep breath and a jerk. I blinked a couple times, Eric's face swimming before my eyes.
"Was that a joke?" I wheezed, watching Eric grin.
I was so confused.
~~~~~
"Eric?"
"Hmm?"
"Seriously, was that a joke today? Are those really his fears?"
"Max was disappointed," Eric chuckled from behind me. "I don't think he knew Zekes fears before he let everyone go through them."
No wonder Zeke thought it was so funny.
I frowned, curling my arms tighter around the pillow I was hugging. Somehow I ended up at Eric's place, wearing one of his ridiculously big black t shirts since I didn't have any clothes over there.
Maybe I should start leaving some. Some panties here, a bra or two there. Any women who came over would think he was taken or cross dressing, which would be just as funny really.
"What are you giggling about?" Eric grunted, and I half rolled, glancing over my shoulder at him. He had his arm thrown over his eyes, his tattoos stark against his skin.
I pursed my lips, letting my eyes run down his well sculptured chest; I knew Eric was insanely proud about his muscles, he worked hard for them, and he liked showing them off.
I didn't mind them either.
I shuffled, tossing the covers off and rolling. Eric's arm lifted as he felt me straddle him, my cold fingers pressing against his firm stomach, my hair falling on either side of my face.
He quirked a brow at me, his hands lowering to my thighs.
"You know," I leaned forward a little, pressing my lips against his shoulder. "I think I need some closet space over here."
"Oh yeah? Why?"
"Well," I kissed his neck. "Why not? My floor is covered in your clothes. At least I'm asking for a few hangers."
I could feel his heart beat escalating as I nipped at his neck, his hands tightening on my thighs.
"You'd never even notice," I murmured, shifting my hips against his. "Just a few hangers. At least for pajamas."
"You don't need to sleep in anything," his voice was husky as he slipped his hands beneath his shirt, quickly drawing it over my head. "But I'll think about it."
I rolled my eyes, tugging on his tight little shorts.
I was never disappointed by the surprise inside.
I grinned as he rolled, his lips claiming mine as he shirked out of his shorts, my arms wrapping around his neck.
Eric's always in the mood, he just isn't pushy about sex like I'd figured he'd be. Well, in the beginning I suppose he was, considering that's all our relationship had evolved around, but now not so much.
Weird.
But it was moments like this that reminded me why I'd started this in the first place.
Eric knew what he was doing, he knew when to be rough and when to he gentle, how far he could push me, how much my body could take.
Even now, despite his hand was between my thighs and wreaking havoc, I knew he was in complete control.
But sometimes I liked to take that from him.
"Fuck," I groaned, my hips instinctively moving against his hand, fingers clenching in the sheets. He chuckled as he nipped at the tattoo on my shoulder, his lips trailing lower to my chest.
His tongue lazily circled my breast, teasing and rolling. I hated the teasing, but it really built me up when I was about to cum. I could feel the sparks building already, a hot, electrifying flame in my lower half that was slowly consuming me, flushing my skin and making me jerk.
He always liked taking his time, but I'd never been a patient person.
"Someone's impatient tonight," he murmured in my ear as I started to clench. "You wanna cum already?"
"I wanna fuck already," I breathed, his thumb flicking my clit, making me jerk again.
"I don't see why we have to hurry," he purred, twisting his fingers in a way that always left me breathless. I gasped, my back arching immediately, his fingers digging deeper. I squeezed my eyes closed, thoroughly enjoying letting him do all the work for the moment.
He was the only guy I'd ever been with who could make me cum with just his fingers, and I'd slept with my fair share of people at this point in my life.
I wasn't sure how he out shown them all, but he did.
He kissed me as I came, smirking and looking pleased with himself as always.
The Fucker.
"Why are you so good at that?" I asked breathlessly, his lips on my cheek.
"Plenty of practice. You're definitely the most responsive." Eric chuckled, and I flushed; well I couldn't help that.
I caught his lips with mine, pushing until he was on his back, feeling how eager he was now; now who didn't want to take his time!?
I should just finish him off with a blow job and be done with it, just to be a jerk.
Instead I pressed against his shoulders, kissing him like I had all the time in the world as I teased his length, brushing myself across it to make sure I had his full attention.
His fingers flexed against my hips, running up to cup and squeeze my breasts, groaning against my lips.
He wasn't the only one who could be a tease.
"Don't be so eager," I whispered in his ear as I reached between us, stroking him. "Do you wanna cum already?"
I'm pretty sure he rolled his eyes at me.
It was going to be a long night for him.
~~~~~
"So what do you think?" I asked. "Am I taking up too much room or...?"
"Nah, it's fine," Eric doesn't look up from the papers he's reading to even look at his closet. I sighed, shaking my head.
The last test isn't until afternoon, so I'd taken it upon myself to bring some clothes to Erics. So far he didn't seem to feel like I was moving in on him or anything, which I suppose is a plus.
"Eric," I frowned at him, my hands on my hips. "I've decided I'm moving in with you and saying we got married."
"Fine with me," he grunted, and I scowled, stepping up to his side and looking down at the papers that have him so enthralled.
"What are these?" I asked, leaning against his shoulder.
"Ah, just some recon. The faction less are getting a bit too.... well, they're not in the areas they should be."
"Sounds terrible," I pressed my lips against his warm shoulder, his eyes flicking to me. Eric was all about his muscles, always with his sleeveless, tight shirts.
Not that I minded.
He was nice to look at anyway.
"Are you on the rotation for guard duty?" Eric asked, slipping his arm around my neck.
"Nah. I haven't been out near the faction less in ages, not since the last raid. There's no worries, honey dearest," I teased him, earning a roll of the eyes.
He pressed his lips against my forehead before looking back down at the papers.
"We should just round them up and shoot them, not waste our provisions on them," he grumbled, shaking his head. "Then again, what a waste of bullets."
"Eric, you can't starve hundreds of people to death," I frowned up at him. "Everything is fine as it is, there's no need for anything to change."
"You know, if Abnegation wasn't in charge we could probably get rid if the factionless." He said, as if they weren't even actual people, as if they're just annoying cattle. "Throw them over the wall or something."
"Don't be so homicidal," I pinched his arm. "Let's not go off murdering people just because they don't fit in with everyone else, that's how wars start. And I rather like being the peaceful Dauntless that I am."
"Peaceful?" Eric cocked an eyebrow at me. "Anywhere you go you cause chaos."
"Likewise."
Eric chuckled, and he tilted up my chin so he could actually kiss me.
I gotta say, whatever I had with Eric, even when he had his off the wall murdering moments, it was kind of nice. I felt closer to him then I ever had anyone else, and oddly enough... I trusted him.
Call me a fool for it, but I did.
I just hoped he never broke it.
~~~~~
"Alright, this is the final test," Max says, glancing around the room. "You're going to go into a simulation. In this simulation you're going to have a team, and you're going to lead this team to victory against one of your fears. It's impossible to tell which fear, it could be your worst or your least, it all depends on your mind. You're going to demonstrate that you can lead in times when you're the most afraid, that you're brave, strong." Max walked the length of the front of the room, looking serious. "I only want the best in leadership, and I expect the best from all of you. As before, volunteers can go first or I can pick someone."
Don't pick me.
For fucks sake I wasn't going first!
Nope.
Stop.
Stop looking at me, Max!
Noooo.
"I'll go," the other male Dauntless volunteered, stepping forward.
Good for him.
Amelia must have done the worst out out of us, because I didn't see her anywhere. I doubted Eric was even in the running, he didn't seem to even be taking any of the tests.
I leaned back on my heels as the other Dauntless (whose name I couldn't remember for the life of me) and Max disappeared into the simulation room.
Welp it was going to be a long wait apparently.
An hour, to be exact.
I was so bored by the time it was my turn I was almost eager.
I popped out of my seat as Max stepped to the door to motion me forward, hurrying forward and sitting down in the chair.
Max didn't speak to me, just got the needle ready, Eric stepping into the room and shutting the door behind him.
Because of course he was going to watch.
I tilted my neck so Max could press the needle into my skin, irked at the sting; what was he even doing this for anyway? Why wasn't one of his minions doing it?
"Make me proud," Eric murmured, pressing his lips to my cheek, and I snorted as I relaxed into the chair.
"Don't I always?"
~~~~~
I hated the simulation immediately.
I stared at the blurry, faceless team I was supposed to be leading to victory, all of them suited and geared up.
We were in a factionless zone, some kind of run down factory; all I could hear was the volley of gunshots and distant explosions, they'd really gone all out for effect here. It was like I could smell the acrid scent of gunpowder, feel the heat of the night against my skin as I turned, a gun heavy in my hands.
I wasn't afraid of factionless.
Maybe this would be about me failing? Not being good enough?
Unless a massive tidal wave overtook the city I obviously couldn't drown.
Hmm.
I started forward, motioning orders at the Dauntless following me, seeing them fan out appropriately.
Interesting.
It was sort of tough to get into the factory, there was tons of factionless and they had a lot of bullets, I very nearly lost one person!
Somehow, my team made it mostly intact, the blank soldiers following orders better then any real person would, but I was uneasy; I didn't like that I didn't know what fear I was facing.
I frowned as I crouched behind a crate, gazing forward, eyeballing the distance between me and the stairwell to the upper level.
the factionless were badasses right now.
Not cool.
I twitched my hand up, ordering my soldiers to start firing up,  flanking the stairs as I started up them, my boots loud on the metal stairs as I ducked, narrowly avoiding being shot.
It hurt just as much in simulations as it did real life.
Don't as me how I know that.
I sighed as I shot at the factionless, hitting them and knocking them to the ground. I straightened, frowning.
My skin was prickling, and it was already starting to grow too quiet, making my hair stand on end. I tensed, glancing around the suddenly empty floor, my team and all factionless gone.
It was just me.
A cold feeling settled on my shoulders, and I stood perfectly still, listening.
There!
I started forward immediately as I heard shuffling from up ahead, clenching my jaw as I jerked my gun up, aiming at the crates in front of me.
Fucker.
Somehow, I just knew what fear it would be, I supposed I should've known it in the beginning. I could feel a sense of dread, my hands clammy where they tightened around the suddenly shaking gun.
My brother slowly rose from behind the crates, although the monster from my dreams didn't really look like him anymore.
His dark hair was too long, his trench coat moving when there was no breeze. I couldn't see his eyes, they were just empty pools of black, the rest of him blurry, out of focus.
My mind couldn't decide what it wanted him to look like anymore.
I took a step back.
he didn't speak to me, he just started forward, the light glinting off the knife in his hand, the same one that had left a scar on my stomach.
Eric said it made me look tough, that it and the scar from being shot gave me a more impressive, badass air.
I just thought they were ugly.
I took another step back as he started to near, the gun vanishing out of my hand, leaving me defenseless all over again.
I stared at my empty hands in panic, my eyes widening as I looked from them to my brother, my feet glued to the floor, my entire body going rigid.
He's gonna hurt me again.
I couldn't recall how many times I'd had nightmares over the night my brother had stabbed me, using me as a distraction so he could escape Dauntless; I didn't know what happened to him, if he died or what, but I didn't want too.
I didn't want anything to do with him!
I wanted to forget!
He'd made it impossible for me to ever feel safe again, to believe I could trust; how could I when my own blood had turned on me?
Even now I was wary, a complete bitch to people because it was easier then liking them and the pain when they inevitably turned.
I guessed Eric would turn on me eventually, especially if it came to furthering himself or saving his own ass; our relationship didn't matter in the long run, not really.
Although he did keep surprising me. Standing up for me at the oddest moments, punching that one kid when he'd called me a frigid cunt and breaking his nose.
At least I knew Eric cared a little bit. He took care of me sometimes, like the other night with drawing me a bath and holding me, sometimes picking his own clothes off the floor, goofy kisses and making me laugh.
He was sweet, in his own way, but he.
.. he didn't show that to anyone else.
I clenched my hands.
I...
Fuck.
I was so sick of this.
I frowned at my brothers twisted form, seeing he'd stopped, his head tilted as he looked at me.
Yknow what?
Fuck him!
I shouldn't be scared of him, he was just a big fucking coward! He wasn't frightening, he wasn't --- he wasn't anything!
I glared at him, taking a step forward.
Eric would kick his ass in a heart beat, he wouldn't be scared of a heartless piece of shit like Dante; so why should I be!?
My brother took a step back as I approached him, and I flexed my hand before curling it into a fist, growing angrier the more I thought about it.
Fuck.
This.
Loser!
~~~~~~
My eyes flew open as I sucked in as deep breath, sitting up abruptly like I was surfacing water.
I blinked a couple times, everything starting to come into focus. Eric stood in front of me, grinning, an insanely proud look on his face.
"You beat your fear," he said to me, uncrossing his arms to reach for my hand. "I knew you were a badass!"
"Very good, Camille." Max said, his passive expression a little less... blank as he switched off the machine that had been showing my simulation, nodding with what Eric said.
"Uh... thanks."
I beat my fear?
It didn't feel that way.
I still knew that if I ever saw my brother, I'd freeze up, panic, probably run in the other direction.
Unless Eric was there.
I squeezed his hand, my eyes raising to his.
With Eric, I wouldn't have to worry about my brother. Somehow, I felt like he made a difference, like he would keep me safe, kill my brother before he ever touched me.
I fully believed that.
~~~~~
"You're so hot," Eric chuckled in my ear, his arm curled around my waist as he held me back against him in bed, admiring me from his propped chin. "My little badass, besting her fears."
I rolled my eyes, feeling his hand splay against my stomach, warm against my cool skin.
"You're so full of shit, Eric."
"Nah. Let me compliment you, you deserve it. Not many people can do what you did today."
I grimaced.
"He's just a piece of shit, what's to be afraid of?" I muttered, echoing the words Eric had said to me once. He quirked a brow, obviously remembering before he kissed my shoulder.
"Exactly. What's there to be afraid of?"
I cut my eyes back at him, then shifted, rolling onto my back so I could look up at him, my hand rising to cup his handsome face.
I just looked at him a few moments, memorizing his features, not ever wanting to forget his face like I had so many others.
I raises my lips to his quickly, drawing him over me, wanting to feel his weight against me, the warmth of his skin on mine.
I couldn't have beat my fear without him.
I couldn't.... I couldn't do a lot of things without him now.
And I didn't want too.