"Really? Snakes?" Four asked teasingly.

"Yes, snakes! They're a real danger! I had to go to Amity once with my dad and one slithered right over my feet, I thought I was going to pass out."

I had just gotten out of my second fear sim. This time it was snakes, and I shuddered at the thought of having to go through it again.

"What was my time?"

"Just under ten minutes, so you're on track."

"Perfect, I'll see you later then?"

"Sure will."

I leave the sim room and make my way to the dining hall where I sit with Andrea and Jake and other initiates.

"What was your fear?" Jake asked.

"Snakes," I say, shuddering.

"Yikes," Andrea chimes in. "Mine was spiders today."

"Ugh, that's rough. I feel like the more I hear about everyone's fears, the more likely they're gonna show up as mine." I saw half joking, half serious.

"In that case, you don't wanna know what mine was this time," Jake says.

"Or mine," Dylan says.

"I think I don't," I say smiling as I fix myself some dinner from the center tray.

"How was your time today?" I asked Dylan, taking a bite of my dinner.

"10 second improvement, so far so good," he tells me smiling.

"Awesome, I'm sure you're gonna keep doing great."

"I sure hope so."

"Uh oh," I look up at Andrea and see her looking past me. "Did you say something to Eric today to make him mad?" She asks me.

"Uhh, no why?"

"Well, he must be in a pissy mood today because he's giving the back of your head the death glare."

"Great," I say with a roll of my eyes.

I last saw Eric last night after our hallway kiss, and there's no way I could've made him angry in between then and now. I haven't even had a chance to even look in his direction since last night so I don't-.

Wait.

Dylan.

Shit.

He was already pissed when he thought I might be seeing Dylan, and now I'm sitting next to him. Well, that explains it.

"Hey, do you guys wanna check out the tattoo shop later?" Jake asks.

"Yes!" Andrea responds. "Let's go!"

We quickly wrap our meals up and the four of us go together to the tattoo shop. We all fan out, Andrea and Jake checking out glass slides of tattoos together, while Dylan goes to the opposite side of the shop where the bigger pieces are being displayed. I don't plan on getting a tattoo tonight, but no harm in looking.

"Think you've earned the right to get one yet?"

I already figured he would follow me here; it was only a matter of time.

"I don't plan on getting one." I say, my eyes still looking through the displays.

"Too stiff?"

"Thought I would save it for after I pass initiation."

"Ah, so sure you're going to get through." I feel him step towards me his front pressing against my back.

"Oh, very."

His hand comes up to my hip and grasps it firmly, almost painfully. I let out a small gasp, surprised that he's being bolder, considering there are people around.

"Eric," I say, warning in my tone.

"You sat right next to him."

"Ah, yeah, next to him, not on his lap."

He squeezes.

"Hey Jo, what do you think-."

Eric's hand is off my hip in an instant and Andrea comes into view.

'Of this tattoo." She says slowly, confusion clearly on her face at the sight of Eric.

Eric steps away. "Initiates." He then walks away without another word.

"What was that?"

"Eric was so kind to remind me that I don't deserve to get a tattoo considering I'm not Dauntless." It wasn't technically a lie.

"What an ass. I swear, he gets off on being a dick to you."

"You might be right. Oh well, once initiation is over, I won't be in his line of fire anymore." I look down at the tattoo slide she has in her hand. "Aw, Andrea, I love that."

"Yeah? I know I'm Dauntless now, but it'd be nice to have a reminder of where I came from." She had the symbol of Candor on the slide.

"I think it's perfect, let me watch you get it."

___

It's early morning, and this time I take more time to ensure I avoid the cameras on my way out. I don't want Four having to question me again as to why I'm leaving the building. I continue on my trek, away from Dauntless and see Damien waiting for me at our meeting spot.

"Hey, how are things?" He asks me.

"Good, I'm still ranked second. My fear sims are going well and I think I'l be able to get the top spot."

"Good, good. No issues with the fear sims?"

"So far I'm good."

"And Eric?"

I sigh. "You were right."

Damien's eyebrows raise. "Elaborate."

I crossed my arms across my chest.

"He does like me, and you were right for me to use it."

"Ah, so you're together."

"Um, I wouldn't go that far. But I'm building my trust with him."

Damien doesn't say anything for a minute. "Okay, just remember why you're there."

My eyes narrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means, it might be fun for the two of ya, but remember the mission."

"Of course, I'm going to remember my mission, Damien." I'm annoyed now. "Don't forget, this was your idea. I know what I have to do, this is just another way for me to get it done."

Damien holds out his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright, you're right. I just, I know all of this is new, and it can get confusing. Especially when you're in it by yourself, I just worry about you."

I feel myself soften. "I appreciate your concern, but I'm okay, I promise."

Damien nods his head. "I saw your dad a few days ago."

"Really? How is he?"

"Seems like he's doing alright, misses you."

"I miss him too," I sigh.

"He asked me to give you this," Damien pulls out a folded piece of paper.

I take it from him and open it, my eyes scanning over the text.

Josephine,

I miss you.

I miss you more than I could have imagined. Damien has told me that you're doing well, getting through initiation without trouble. It puts my heart at ease knowing that you're okay. Not much has changed here, although it is lonely. I know we are doing the right thing, and I can only hope that we can see each other again soon. I love you always my dear girl, and I hope one day soon we see one another.

I love you,

Dad.

I blink to stop the tears from escaping my eyes. I miss my dad more than anything. Before the transfer, we were so close, especially after we lost my mom. It hurts when I think about him home alone, but like his letter said, we're doing the right thing.

"Thank you," I tell Damien softly. I hand him back the letter. "I can't keep this; I can't risk anyone seeing it."

Damien nods in understanding and takes the letter back. "You're doing a good thing here kid, remember that."

"I know, I know. I should get back."

"Be careful."

"Always." 

__

Hope you enjoyed this! More of a filler but exciting things to come! :)