The Leader

24

"Good evening," Max's voice booms around the dining hall.

My stomach is a ball of nerves as I stand beside Eric at the leader table. I wipe my hands on my black jeans as my eyes scan the crowd of other members. My eyes find Tera and the nerves ease slightly at the encouraging smile upon her lips.

Since I spent all afternoon cleaning up my apartment, I didn't gotten the chance to tell my best friends about my new position. But I have a feeling they already know. News of Magnus stepping down from his leadership position must have been spread around, and people put two and two together and figured out I would be the new leader.

"As a lot of you have heard," Max continues, "Magnus will be stepping down from his leadership position." The leader pauses, letting his words sink in. The older leader to his right stands tall, an air of confidence around him. "He has been a great asset to Dauntless, and we were fortunate to have him around for as long as we have. Unfortunately, all things must come to an end. Please assist me in giving Magnus a big round of applause."

The once quiet room roars with noise. Most people are clapping, but some are slamming cups against the table and others are cheering. I stand there completely awestruck at the enthusiasm from my fellow Dauntless.

Max raises his hands to try and tame the crowd, and he does after a few seconds. He gestures to Brenna and she steps forward with a bright smile on her face.

"I'm sure all of you have figured out why Rori is standing with us," she says with her voice raised to make sure she is heard. "It is an honor and a privilege to formally introduce her as the newest leader of Dauntless."

She pauses as the crowd erupts into cheers. Once the room is close to being quiet, she begins again. "Judging by the looks on some faces, some of you disagree with our choice. We are positive we made the right choice. In the first stage of training, Rori was attacked. Her attackers planned to kill her. She was beaten and put in the infirmary, but that didn't keep her from continuing training. Despite being attacked, she kept fighting. She came out stronger than before."

Brenna nudges Eric and he clears his throat.

"Not only is Rori physically tough," Eric starts, "she mentally tough as well. Four and I played two Capture the Flag games with the initiates this during initiation. Because of her, Four and his team won both times." Eric pauses, his clenched and his hands balled in fists. I can tell that it pains him to admit defeat to Four. "She took initiative and planned her team's strategy, which led to her team's victory. This woman is worthy of this leadership position. You may not agree with it, but you will respect her." Eric narrows his eyes at the crowd before sitting down and piling food onto his plate.

Max chuckles and says, "All right. Let's eat, everyone."

***

My hands are shaking. Eric should be here any minute now, and I am beyond nervous. This is the moment I find out if we are going anywhere. A fraction of my mind is ready for this moment, to know where I stand with Eric. The other half is scared. I'm scared that this conversation will be the end, and I don't want that.

I know Eric and I have a lot to discuss, misunderstandings to clear up. I'm willing to work through it, because he's the first person I opened up to after arriving here. There was an instant spark between us, and I don't want it to burn out.

I love so many things about him. For one, I like how we can joke around and be sarcastic. I particularly like how sweet he can be. An example of this would be our first kiss.

My fingers brush my lips, my mind remembering the sensation of his lips on mine.

He was my first kiss. Right after we pulled apart, my awkwardness came out. I asked if it seemed like I hadn't kissed anyone, and then freaked out about ruining the moment. And then he said something so romantic I hope I never forget it: "It's okay," he told me. "We'll have more moments."

Another thing I love about him is how he shows he cares for me. He was the first person I saw after my attack, and he seemed genuinely concerned for my well-being. After I left infirmary, he insisted I sleep in his bed, and him on the couch. The gesture might have been a small one for him, but it meant a great deal to me.

Wait. Did I just say love?

I think I love Eric.

I jump off my couch. I pace in front of the couch, my heart beating fast at my newfound revelation.

I love Eric.

A soft knock on the door interrupts me from my thoughts. A squeal flies out of my mouth and I cover it up when a cough. I swiftly walk toward the door and swing it open to reveal a distressed looking Eric.

"Hi," I say. "Is everything all right?"

"No, but it will be." His voice is low and breathless. "May I come in?"

I nod and open the door wider for him to walk in. He settles on the couch I was just sitting on and I sit next to him.

"Rori, I need to apologize to you." Eric runs a hand through his hair and turns to face me. "I'm sorry for what I said to you after that fear landscape." He pauses, and my mind drifts to thoughts of the fear from that day. The fear was of me becoming Factionless, because him and Max were convinced I was seducing Eric to become leader. "I didn't think you were using me, but doubt crept in and I lashed out."

"I understand," I say, my voice a mere whisper.

"And I'm sorry for that night on the roof..." He trails off and sighs. "Max had me filing through important documents and by the time I finished, it was well after dark."

"I forgive you." And I have. "You have Tera to thank for that. She convinced me that something important must have come up, because you wouldn't do that to me without a reason."

"She's right." Eric slides his left hand under mine and laces our fingers together. "You know, us being apart sucked, but it did make me realize a couple of things."

"And what would that be?" My voice comes out shaky and my heart beats quickly.

"It made me realize that I don't want to fight with you again." He gives my hand a light squeeze as if to make sure I'm still here. I return the gesture. "Rori, from the moment I saw you, I knew there was something about you. I was drawn to you. I realize we have a lot to work on, but I'm willing to make us work if you are."

"I'm willing to work as well." A grin blossoms on my face as I say, "I love you, Eric."

He raises our entwined hands and plants a kiss on the back of my hand. "I love you, too."

A/N: I know this chapter was short, but I wanted to go ahead and get it out! I've had this story posted for over a year, so I want it to be finished soon. This is not the end, though. I plan to write and post the epilogue soon, so you initiates can see what happens to our faves. ;)

Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter! If you did, please vote and comment!

Q: Did you like Eric and Rori's conversation? Was there anything I missed that you think should've been brought up? Lemme know :)