Chapter Six

                                    

                                          
"Okay, so, stance looks good.  Do you think you should wait for me to make the first move, or no?" Tris and I are beginning to circle the ring to spar. 
                          
"I don't see how it would help me to make the first move.  Wouldn't that just leave me open for you to hit me?" she asks.
                          
I shrug.  "Speed is your best strength at this point.  You're fast.  I'm pretty quick too, but you're faster, and you're wicked smart.  That's what you've got to focus on.  Identify weaknesses and exploit them."  I grin.  "Not that I have any weaknesses, of course."
                          
Tris laughs.  "Sure, sure..."  Tris steps forward to elbow me in the stomach, and I barely block her. 
                          
"See?  I was barely quick enough to stop you there."  We go back and forth for a while, her getting the occasional punch or kick in, me being careful not to use my full force on her—being beat up going into tomorrow's fights won't do her any favors. 
                          
Tris surprises me by sweeping my feet out from under me without her usual step forward that clues me in that she's about to make a move; before I recover she's on top of me, pinning me down.  I could throw her off of me, but I kind of like this position.
                          
We both seem to freeze, breathless.  Her icy, stormy blue-gray eyes are mesmerizing, locking mine in their gaze.  God, her eyes are captivating.  Expressive.  I can see her courage, determination, and stubbornness in those eyes.  She bites her lip and it draws my attention... I want to kiss those lips.  There is nothing else in the world but me, Tris, her beautiful pink lips that look so soft.  I slowly begin to close the gap when Tris jumps up in response to the training room door slamming shut and a man clearing his throat.
                          
"Four... hey..." She sounds timid, and her cheeks are bright red.  I hop up and brush invisible dirt off me shorts.  "Uriah's helping me train for the fights."
                          
"Uh huh," Four says, glaring at me.  What did I do?  He's so moody.  I don't get that guy.  He notices the bandage on Tris's collarbone and steps a little closer to her than I'd like him to.  "Did you hurt yourself?"
                          
Tris shows him her new tattoo—three ravens flying toward her heart.  It looks awesome, and suits her.
                          
"We need to spar some more, Tris," I say, "in case you end up with a tough opponent tomorrow.  You're getting better, though."  Four's walking away to the punching bags.  I put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.  "Four, I need to talk to you." 
                          
Four raises his eyebrows and turns toward me, crossing his arms in front of his chest.  "What about, Uri?"
                          
I glance around, and up at the cameras.  "Not here," I tell him.  "Can we maybe meet you at your place or Zeke's sometime soon?  This involves Tris, too."  Tris has looked curious and puzzled, and I see her expression change as she realizes Four is the one we need to talk to about our divergence.
                          
Four furrows his eyebrows.  "Do you want to talk now?"
                          
Tris and I glance at each other.  I'm not sure if there's time tonight.  "I'm not sure if she's ready for tomorrow's fights yet."
                          
"We have an odd number of transfers.  I can give you an extra day before you have to fight if you want, Tris.  Someone has to sit out."  I nod and we follow Four to his apartment.
                          
********
                          
Four's studio apartment is small, simple, tidy.  A small table with two chairs sits near the kitchen.  There's a bed in the opposite corner of the apartment with a tattered blue patchwork quilt, and a dresser next to the bathroom door.  The walls are black, and one has "FEAR GOD ALONE" spray painted across it.  Four crosses into the small kitchen and pulls three water bottles out of the fridge, then sits down at the table.  I move to the chair opposite and Tris hops onto the counter, feet dangling off the edge, each of us grabbing a water bottle on our way.