Survival (Fourtris)

Chapter 11

-TOBIAS-

"We have spoken about it, and taken your advice and questions into account, and have decided to bring back our faction system."

I tence immediately. Part of me was expecting it, but the majority of me just doesn't know how to react. Tris' hand intwines in mine. I can tell she feels the same way.

There are a few cryes of protest around the room, but most people are silent. Even Zeke and Uriah don't know how to react. I make a mental note to treasure this moment of silence as I don't know the next time when they will both shut up.

"I understand many of you will be concerned with our decision, but it is in the best interest of everyone here." this time it was Kang who spoke. As much of a candor smart mouth he is, I have always thought of him as weak minded after surrendering to Jeanine so easily.

"Aptitude tests will be regiven to most, and you will all get a chance to pick a new faction. Those of you who have already completed initiation will not have to go through it again. Although those of you who were faction less or failed initiation will have to complete it." Johanna explains.

"There will also be changes to rules and regulations surrounding the factions. More interaction with other factions and family members will be given, and you will all be given more say in what happens to your faction."

Christina squeels in delight at hearing she gets to see her family more, although that does not mean much to either me or Tris anymore. She has no family to spend time with, and I'm not particularly over joyed to be spending more time with mine.

"New leaders will be elected as soon as your factions are running again. These leaders will be chosen by you. The government will be made up of the leaders from all factions, instead of simply one faction."

The meating closes with Johanna explaining when aptitude will be regiven and whom will need them. It turns out that both me and Tris register for a new test. Something I am definitely not looking forward to.

+ + +

Tris leans on my shoulder as we make our way back to amity. Tomorrow we re-take the test. I'm pretty sure I'll still pick dauntless. I know what to expect and it's not like I particularly have many options. I have no idea what Tris is thinking, if she's considering her options or not. I hope not, I would follow her any where. I've never really felt like I fit in at dauntless, but I would definitely not in a different faction.

"Good night." I say to Tris, once we've reached her room.

"Wait, can I stay with you?" she asks, staring at me with those big grey-blue eyes of hers. How can I resist that? Not that I'd want to anyway.

"Of course." I say giving her a little kiss on the head before opening the door to my room.

I turn my back to her, allowing her some privacy to change, as I take the opportunity to do the same. Even after that night at the Beauru, I know she is still self conscious.

We fall asleep that night huddled together in the (not very large) bed at amity, knowing it will be our last night there before we, hopefully, go back to dauntless. I still don't know quite where we stand on that topic, we haven't talked about it. I suppose I'll bring it up tomorrow, but for tonight I'll enjoy my time with her head buried in my chest, the way she does, and my arms around her.