Death Wish

Part 32

Eric Pov

Eric found Four exacctly where he expected to find him. Four was on monitor duty tonight. Eric found Four was sitting alone in a monitor room, infront of a number of different screens that showed live security feeds of the outer walls and also some factionless hot spots. Eric hated monitor duty but it was to ensure the security of the five factions so, regardless of how boring it might have been, it was necessary.

Four turned quickly in his chair when he heard the sound of Eric's approach. Four's expression didn't betray his surprise at Eric's sudden appearance but Eric could pick up just the slightest hint of discomfort in Four's body language. Eric always made Four slightly nervous in one way or another and based on Eric's serious expression, this time was no different.

"Uh hey, Eric," Four greeted. "Could I help you with something?"

Eric didn't respond immediately. Instead he took a seat in the chair beside Four, the light from the screens illuminating his rigid face.

Eric paused before speaking.

"I know about Ferris," Eric stated simply.

Four's jaw tensed, his eyes locked with Eric's. Four thought before speaking, not wanting to give himself up too.

"And?" Four asked, keeping his voice as calm as possible.

Eric could sense the impending panic from Four and felt sudden remorse for how Ferris must have felt earlier that day. He didn't want to scare the truth out of her but he needed to know if he wanted to protect her. He couldn't imagine the fear she'd been living with after Jeanie had come.

"I am going to help her," Eric explained.

Four quirked a brow. Relief washing over his face.

"Oh?" Four asked, still treading carefully.

"I know she's a divergent," Eric said quietly. "And that you were helping her."

Four remained silent, obviously keeping his guard up in case Eric was leading him on or trying to get him to reveal himself.

"I'm not turning you or her in," Eric followed, trying to sound as forthcoming as possible. Four still didn't look totally convinced.

"We both know she's not dangerous. Not to the factions," Eric stated. "I want to plant a subroutine in the aptitude device tomorrow before her test and I need your help."

Four considered Eric's idea. Slightly more convinced by the conviction in his words.

"If Jeanie finds out about her, they'll take her away and we'll never see her again," Eric added, his words tense. The edge to his voice finally seemed to convine Four.

Four nodded distantly. "She's a good girl, and will be a great Dauntless," Four acknowledged with a thoughtful nod. "I'll help you."

Eric nodded his head thankfully. He knew he was making a dangerous decision, since getting caught would certainly mean exile, and Four was perfectly aware of the circumstances as well.

"You like her too huh?" Four asked casually.

Eric quirked a brow, now wondering exactly what kind of attraction Four had to Ferris since he'd previously assumed their relationship to be purely platonic. Especially since Four was dating that girl Pris... or Tris? Something like that.

"I didn't mean it like that," Four added, reading Eric's expression perfectly. "She's just nice, and funny, and a heck of a brawler."

Eric snorted in agreement. "That's for sure," He agreed as he recalled the way she beat up Frankfurt in the Pit for being an ass. Straight up dragging him out of his seat and pummeling him into the floor as he deserved. A firecracker for sure. "I just don't want to see her get hurt."