Secluded

The Talk

Chapter 25- The Talk

Eric opens the door to reveal our leader, Max. I can't see his reaction past his broad back. Eric leans against the side of the door comfortably to listen to what Max has to say.

"Eric. Have you seen Tris around the compound? I was going to show her to her sleeping quarters for the night and no one can find her" questions Max. He doesn't see me right away but catches sight of me sitting on the couch behind Eric. Eric notices him staring over his shoulder at me, drops his arm and turns as well to face me. He seems annoyed at Max for being here and adjusts himself into leader Eric mode.

"I wasn't sure if there were any plans set for Tris to sleep somewhere. So I just took it upon myself to allow her my couch for the night. Since it's a short trip and all." He explains to Max. I sit there not knowing what to say, feeling caught for something, I'm not sure why were hiding. Are we hiding this? Eric is making it seem like he doesn't want to tell him, yet he previously pressed me to tell Max about my pregnancy. This isn't making any sense.

"My previous initiate bed was full and wasn't sure where to go, I'm sorry if you were worried, Max" I explain to him.

"I wanted to speak to you before you were in for the night. Our time in the morning will be brief since Peter will be driving you back." He reveals to me.

"Oh, I didn't realize Peter was allowed to go by himself now. Its always been in pairs" I'm surprised that they would let Peter do something by himself, knowing how immature and obnoxious he can be.

"Peter has shown effort in helping me in my position, so I have him as my new assistant. He's proven to be loyal and has been efficient in all my tasks given" he explains to me. I look at Eric, no longer sure of what to say. Well, the drive home will suck some more. Eric looks at me and then finally speaks.

"I'll let you guys speak alone. I need to go to the dining call to get a few things so I'll be back in a few." Eric tells us and walks out sharing a look with Max that definitely tells me something is going on. Max steps aside to let Eric out and then comes inside and shuts the door gently.

"Sooo... what are your questions?" I ask him, raising my eyebrow in suspicion. I stand in the same spot and let him walk towards me.

"I've noticed something between you two. It's a lot different than when I dropped you off a few months ago." He says to me, looking around the apartment. I smile at the memory of us bickering before we were an us. Oh, how much has changed. How much he has changed. Max continues, "Eric allowed me the explanation on the car ride here when I picked him up a few weeks ago. He's claiming that your relationship is strictly for... play. Sexual that is." He says, seeming surprised. My mouth hangs open at what he just divulged. I can't believe that mother fucker said that to him.

"I'm sorry to start with this but I want to make something clear. Whatever is going on between you two, I can't have it here in Dauntless. Sexual relationships don't last long here in dauntless, sweetheart. They never do. Especially between two leaders. Dauntless men need constant attention and there are plenty of women here to help. I'm only looking after your feelings because Eric is one of those guys who needs it and I've seen women in and out of this apartment. And I'm only saying this because you're gonna be a damn good leader and I need your head on straight. I'm counting on you to keep up with two factions so it'll lighten my load up. And when I need reports from each faction, you're gonna be my girl." He tells me.

"But a relationship between us is allowed. There's no rule against that." I insist. He shrugs but doesn't say anything. He doesn't seem convinced we'd actually ever enter into a relationship. He thinks he knows the real Eric but he doesn't.