A/N: Hey look, another chapter. What is this craziness? Two chapters so close together, it can't be true. Oh, but it is. You can all thank my crazy stressed out brain that needed an outlet. As always, I love all of you who read and review. It brings me great joy to see so many people enjoy my writing. So please enjoy this chapter. Disclaimer: I do not own Divergent or any of its characters because Veronica Roth does. I also do not own Peter Pan by Kelsea Ballerini or Gravity by Sara Bareilles. Also, there is a part in this chapter that some might find offensive or that it makes fun of someone's culture/history, but that is not my intention. This is a story and the part I am referring to is meant to be funny, not offensive.
Chapter 35
(Tobias' POV)
It has been a crazy few days. After our concert in Ireland, we went to Barcelona. We only had the day there, which of course was filled with interviews, sound check, and the concert, so we did not get to enjoy it. Yesterday we flew into Rome, had sound check, and had our first concert here last night. Thankfully today we get part of the day off. This morning we have an interview with some morning show, followed by another interview on some mid-morning talk show. We then have a meet-and-greet scheduled around lunch time. After that, we are free until sound check tomorrow afternoon.
Thanks to all the constant moving, I haven't gotten to talk to Tris. Sure, we interact during the interviews and on stage, but that is basically scripted interactions and not what I want. I want to sit down and talk to her. We have so much to discuss. I want to know how she is feeling about what I told her in London. I hope it is good. I know she reacted badly when I told her, but she has had a few days to cool off and think, so maybe she has realized that she can forgive me for the plan. At least, I hope she has come to that realization.
(~~**~~)
"Four, you are needed on set." The PA says, ushering me towards the stage area for this morning show. These interviews are getting old. They ask the same questions. Can't they get some new material?
"Four?" A timid female voice asks, tapping me on the shoulder from behind. I turn to see a woman, about mid-twenties staring at me, a shy smile on her face.
"Can I help you?" I ask politely.
"I know this is bad form, and as a professional I shouldn't bother the famous people who come on set, but I am a huge fan and I couldn't resist. Can I get an autograph and a picture?" The women ask, shoving a notepad towards me.
"Of course. I am always happy to meet my fans." I reply sweetly, taking the notepad. I sign my name and pose for a picture with her.
"Thank you so much. Oh my gosh, my friends are going to die when they see this." The women sates, walking away with a dreamy look on her face.
"That was nice of you." Tris' of so familiar voice states from behind me.
I turn to look at her and my breath hitches in my throat. She is wearing a simple navy-blue romper, with some lace cut out type thing around her waist, allowing a little skin to be seen, with these strappy brown wedges. Her hair is pulled up in this crazy half up, braided thing, with the rest falling in lose curls. She has on the most natural makeup, it looks almost like she isn't wearing any.
I don't understand why this simple look is so breathing taking on her. On any other girl I would think they look plan or lazy, but on Tris, it is beautiful. I guess that is what happens when you are in love.
"Tobias, you with me?" Tris asks curiously, waving her hand in front of my face.
"Huh, yeah, I'm with you. You look beautiful." I state a little dumbfounded.
Tris ducks her head, clearly trying to hide her reddening checks. "Thanks, but honestly, I feel a little overdressed for this." Tris states.
"Nonsense." I reply matter-of-factly.
"You get to wear a t-shirt and jeans, and I'm dressed up like I'm going to some fancy restaurate or something." Tris states with a chuckle.
"I guess that is an advantage of being in a rock band." I reply with a smirk.
"Yeah, well it sucks. I much rather be in my skinny jeans and Journey t-shirt." Tris states.
"Hey, it is time for your entrance." The PA states, lightly shoving us toward our entrance. Damn interview. I was finally getting to have a real conversation with Tris and it got interrupted.
(~~**~~)
We manage to get through the first interview without any issues. This was mostly because they asked the same questions as every other interview we have had since we went on tour. After the interview, we were shoved into our cars, unfortunately this meant me and the guys in one car and Tris and Christina in another.
Once we got to the set of the next show, we were quickly ushered to our dressing rooms for touch ups, or at least Tris was. The guys and I just hung out and ate a bunch of food.
The guys and I are currently waiting on Tris to join us, so we can get this interview done.
"Sorry, I had a minor hair issue." Tris says as she joins us, tucking her now lose curly hair behind her hair.
"You all know them, so please give a big round of applause for the guys of Free Four and Tris Prior." The host, Molly, states, gesturing us out as the crowd claps.
"Welcome everyone." Molly says once we are all seated. "I hope you guys are enjoying Rome."
"We are, even though we haven't gotten to see anything yet." I state, my fake interview smile plastered on my face.
"Well I hope you do get to enjoy the city while you are here. There is so much to see." Molly replies.
"I know, but thankfully we do have some free time later today to see the city." Tris states, her fake interview smile plastered on her face.
"That is wonderful. So, last night you had your first concert here, and the internet is abuzz with joy. What can fans going tomorrow expect to see?" Molly asks.
"Well, from both Free Four and Tris, the fans can expect a mix of old and new music, and maybe even some surprise material." Zeke answers.
"Sounds wonderful. Now Four, the fans are wondering if they might see that tutu of yours again." Molly states, getting a chuckle out of all of us.
"Hopefully not. While it was fun for the fans, I rather not have to wear it again. I mean, between you and me it was kind of itchy." I reply, a fake laugh at the end.
"But you looked so good in it man." Uriah chimes in, causing the crowd to laugh.
"Maybe Uriah should be the next one to wear it since he seems to like it so much." Tris states, a real smile on her face.
"Now that I would like to see." Zeke says, getting a playful shove from Uriah.
"I'm sure the fans would love that too. It is really refreshing to see how well you guys get along. I would think it would get hard being stuck with the same people all the time, but you all seem like a giant family." Molly says.
"That's because we pretty much are. The guys and I have known each other since middle school, and Tris here fits in with us perfectly." I reply, pulling Tris in to me with a side hug.
"Speaking of perfect, Tobias and Tris, you two are the perfect couple. Has this tour effected your relationship in anyway?" Molly asks.
"If anything, this tour has brought us closer. It isn't everyday that you get to travel the world with the man you love." Tris replies, following that ever present script about our relationship.
"Yeah, it is amazing. I love getting to spend so much time with the women I love." I state, grabbing Tris' hand and giving it a little kiss.
"Aw, you two are so cute. But let's be real, it can't always be sunshine and rainbows. You two have to fight at some point, don't you?" Molly pushes, clearly trying to get some dirt.
"Sure, we fight, what couple doesn't, but we always make up after." I reply.
"So, all the speculation out there that you two are constantly fighting and might even be breaking up is just tabloid gossip?" Molly questions. I feel Tris squeeze my hand, clearly shocked by this information.
"You can't always believe what you read in the tabloids or the internet. Tris and I are perfectly happy and in love." I reply, giving a reassuring smile.
"Tris, what do you have to say to these rumors?" Molly inquires. I glance at Tris and I can tell she is nervous. I squeeze her hand reassuringly, hoping it helps.
"Rumors are just that, rumors. You can't put much stock in what you read anywhere these days." Tris replies, her voice slightly shaky, but I'm probably the only one who noticed.
"What about all the new music you have been singing on tour? Marlene's song 'Peter Pan' and the new one you sang called 'Gravity' both seem like breakup songs." Molly pushes, clearly wanting to get a rise out of Tris.
"Marlene's song was written months before we went on tour, and as for 'Gravity' that was about an ex of mine. It was a song I has been trying to write for years, but finally had the words to say it, nothing more. Four and I are perfectly happy." Tris replies as calmly as possible, but the tight grip she has on my hand tells me she is freaking out.
"Well, I'm sorry folks, it looks like Four and Tris are still off the market." Molly states with a chuckle.
Molly goes back to asking about our albums and our tour plans, but through the whole things, Tris never let's go of my hand. Fuck this lady. How dare she freak Tris out like that.
"Well, thank you for being here today. I look forward to seeing your show tomorrow." Molly states.
"Thanks for having us." Zeke says.
"I hope you have fun in Rome." Molly says, before turning to the camera to signal a commercial break.
Once the cameras are off and we are free to leave, Tris hightails it out of site. I follow quickly behind.
"Tris wait up." I yell, running to catch up with her.
"Four, maybe this isn't the best place for this." Tris states, glancing around to make sure no one is listening in.
"I just wanted to make sure you were okay. That Molly chick kind of laid into you back there." I state worriedly.
"I'm fine. I was just caught off guard." Tris replies nonchalantly, but I can tell she is lying.
"Tris, I am here if you want to talk." I state reassuringly.
"Really, I'm fine. We should get going. We have that meet-and-greet across town." Tris replies, turning towards the exit, leaving me alone.
(~~**~~)
The meet-and-greet goes smoothly, and we finally had time to visit the city. Zeke, Shauna, and I headed out to see the Colosseum and other tourist sites. Tris, Christina, Will, Uriah, and Marlene headed out on their own. We all agreed to meet back at the hotel to hang out and enjoy a night off, which is how we all ended up in our suit, sprawled out around the living room area.
"So, what should we do?" Christina asks.
"We could watch a movie." Shauna suggests.
"Lame, we can do that any night. We should do something we can only do here." Uriah states.
"We should play Truth or Dauntless." Zeke chimes in, a wicked smile on his face.
"I don't think that is a good idea." I state, giving him a knowing looking. This game typically ends up with someone doing something illegal or potentially deadly. Typically, this person is Zeke or Uriah, but we really do not need any bad press right now. Not with the rumors about me and Tris having issues. Yeah, that Molly girl wasn't lying. Every tabloid here had a story about Tris and I fighting or breaking up.
"I think it would be fun." Marlene says, clearly excited.
"Yeah, me too." Tris states, shocking me a little.
"Everyone for Truth or Dauntless, raise your hand." Zeke states. Everyone raises their hand but me.
"Come on Four, don't be a party pooper." Zeke says mockingly.
"He is just a pansycake." Uriah chimes in.
"Am not. I just rather not get into anything illegal or potentially deadly. Max would have our heads if we caused any problems." I reply matter-of-factly.
"Oh, come on Four, live a little." Christina says.
"Yeah Four, live a little." Tris states mockingly.
"Fine, but don't come calling me for bail money." I reluctantly say. Damn Tris, I can't say no to you.
"Sweet. So, everyone knows the rules, right?" Zeke asks.
"Maybe a little refresher." Marlene states timidly.
"Okay, so the game is just like Truth or Dare, but if you refuse to do what you are given you have to take off a piece of clothing, and socks don't count." Zeke explains.
"Okay, so who goes first?" Christina asks.
"I guess we can draw straws or something." Zeke says.
Shauna gets up and grabs some straws and cuts them into different lengths. We all pick one and Will gets the short straw.
"The only time the short straw is a good thing." Will says with a chuckle. "Okay, Shauna, Truth or Dauntless?"
"Truth," Shauna replies.
"What do you see in Zeke? I mean, have you really met this guy?" Will asks jokingly.
"Not cool man." Zeke replies in mock hurt.
"Well, if you must know, I love his humor. He is sweet and caring. He is an amazing artist. I can go on if you want." Shauna explains.
"No that's enough." Uriah says in fake disgust.
"Okay, my turn. Marlene, truth or dauntless?" Shauna asks.
"Truth," Marlene replies.
"Are you happy that you got to come on this tour?" Shauna asks.
"Of course. I get to spend time with my friends and my boyfriend. I am so lucky I got to come." Marlene replies.
We go a few rounds without much excitement. Everyone keeps picking truth and no one has asked Zeke, Uriah, or me yet.
"Oaky, Zeke, truth or dauntless?" Christina asks.
"Dauntless of course." Zeke replies confidently.
"Okay, strip down to nothing and go ask the guy at the front desk a question." Christina says, causing everyone to laugh.
"Done," Zeke replies, quickly standing up and taking off his cloths.
"I have got to see this." Shauna says, getting up to follow Zeke. Everyone quickly follows behind to see the action.
We all hide in the stairwell door to watch Zeke. He steps out of the elevator completely naked and strolls up to the front desk.
"Excuse me, do you have the time? I seem to have forgotten my watch." Zeke asks.
"It's…" The front desk guy starts but stops once he gets a good look at a naked Zeke. "Sir, this is not a nude resort. Please return to your room and put on cloths." The guy states firmly.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot my robe on the beach." Zeke replies, bowing to the guy and heading towards the elevator.
We are all laughing hysterically once we make it back to the room.
"That was priceless." Uriah states.
"Don't get so comfy little bro, truth or dauntless." Zeke asks.
"Dauntless, I'm not some pansycake." Uriah replies confidently.
"Well, since we are right next to the Trevi Fountain, I dare you to take a little dip in the fountain." Zeke says with a evil smile.
"Easy," Uriah replies.
"Wait I wasn't done. This little dip needs to be naked." Zeke states, causing everyone to laugh.
"Still easy," Uriah replies, getting up to head out.
"Wait, guys this is not a good idea." I chime in, blocking their path out the door.
"Four, chill. It is almost 2 in the morning. No one is out there." Zeke states matter-of-factly.
"I still think it is a bad idea. What if you get caught? I'm pretty sure this is illegal." I reply, sounding like the annoying overprotective father.
"When did you turn into such a stick in the mud?" Zeke questions annoyed.
"I'm not a stick in the mud. I just don't want to go to jail." I reply firmly.
"Then stay here." Uriah replies, little nudging me out of the way. Everyone follows behind him, but I stop Tris before she can get out of the room.
"Tris, this could end badly. Maybe you should stay here." I state cautiously.
"Four, tonight is about having fun. So just relax and enjoy the crazy that is Zeke and Uriah." Tris replies giving me a small smile.
"I just think now is not the best time for us to be getting into trouble. We already have enough bad press with those breakup rumors, we don't need more from being stupid and getting arrested." I explain.
"Seriously Four, you had to bring that up now." Tris states annoyed.
"Obviously this isn't how I wanted to talk about it but since it is out there maybe we should." I reply hopefully.
"Look, I really don't want to talk about this. I just want to forget that these rumors are out there and enjoy my night. So, if you don't mind, I'm going to watch Uriah." Tris states firmly, shoving passed me.
I watch as everyone heads into the elevator and leaves. Fuck, this is not a good idea.
I pace the room as I wait for them to return. Thankfully it is only about ten minutes before they get back.
"Oh my gosh, that was amazing." Christina says, laughing as they make their way back into the room.
"Best truth or dauntless ever." Zeke says, earning a high-five from Uriah.
"Dude, you should have seen it. Uriah was hilarious." Will says, still laughing.
"Whatever, just glad you didn't get caught." I reply slightly annoyed.
"Okay stick in the mud, truth or dauntless?" Uriah asks once everyone settles.
"Truth," I reply. I know better than to pick dauntless from a Padrid brother.
"Pansycake." Uriah yells.
"Shut up," I reply annoyed.
"Okay, Four, why did you really wear that tutu on stage?" Uriah questions. Everyone stares at me hopeful to finally learn the truth. Fuck if I'm telling them the real reason.
"Not happening." I state, pulling my sweatshirt off and throwing it in the middle.
"Lame." Zeke and Shauna yell.
"Whatever, Tris, truth or dauntless?" I ask, ignoring the taunting from my friends.
"Dauntless," Tris says confidently. Damn it, I wanted her to say truth. I don't have a dare for her.
"I dare you to let Uriah do your makeup." I say.
"I love you Uriah, but I refuse to let you poke my eye out with mascara." Tris replies with a chuckle, pulling her hoodie off and throwing in it with my sweatshirt.
"Probably a good idea Tris." Uriah says with a smile.
We keep playing, and more ridiculous dares get handed out to Zeke and Uriah. Both have had to do so many things naked I don't think I can get their naked images out of my mind even with an intense scrubbing. More people have refused to do their truths or dares, so many of us are down to just underwear, including myself and Tris. Everyone keeps asking about that damn tutu.
"Tris, truth or dauntless?" Marlene asks.
"Truth, and don't even say it Uriah or I'll punch you." Tris states annoyed.
"Okay Tris why aren't you and Four together anymore?" Marlene asks innocently.
"Oh, I guess you never got told the story." Tris states, a little shocked. "It's pretty simple. Four over there only started dating me as some messed up plan to destroy my career so Free Four could be back on top. I found it and I broke up with him." Tris states nonchalantly.
"Wait, what?" Marlene asks confused, glancing around at everyone. Everyone tries to hide their faces, so she can't see their emotions.
"You heard me." Tris replies matter-of-factly.
"That is so fucked up. Why did no one tell me this?" Marlene asks, a hint of hurt in her voice.
"I guess we just figured Uriah would tell you." Christina replies.
"Well clearly he didn't." Marlene replies annoyed.
"I'm sorry babe. I didn't know how to tell you." Uriah states apologetically.
"Well, my turn. Four, truth or dauntless?" Tris asks.
"Truth," I reply a bit nervous. Why is she asking me? She hasn't acknowledged me since I tried to stop her from watching Uriah in the fountain.
"Was any of it real?" Tris asks after a second of silence.
"Was any of what real?" I ask, wanting to stall a little so I can think.
"Was any of our relationship real? All the stuff you said and did, was it real?" Tris asks, a hint of bitterness in her voice.
I get up and walk over to Tris, getting down on my knees to be eyelevel with her. I grab her hands, but she quickly pulls them away. "Tris, of course it was real. Yes, I started things off with horrible motives, but once I got to know you everything changed. That night on the ferris wheel I started to fall in love with you and from that moment on I didn't care about the plan. I only cared about being with you." I explain.
"Bull. I think someone owes the pile their boxers for that lie." Tris replies bitterly.
"Tris, I'm not lying." I state firmly, having to bite the inside of my cheek so I don't yell.
"Maybe we should let you two talk," Christina says, causing Tris to focus back on the group. Most of them have already headed out, leaving just Christina, Zeke, and Will.
"No, it's fine. I think its time for me to go to bed. Night everyone." Tris abruptly states, standing up and pushing past me.
"Tris, wait," I say starting to head towards her, but I'm stopped by a hand on my arm.
"Let her go. Going after her is only going to make it worse." Christina says, giving me a sympathetic look.
"No, I have to talk to her." I say firmly.
"Four, I know you want to fix things, but pushing is not helping anything. I have known Tris since kindergarten. I know that when she is overwhelmed by her feelings she just needs space to think. So, please let her be." Christina explains calmly.
"I can't do that. The more time I give her, the more likely I am going to lose her. I can't lose her." I ramble out, not caring if people see me vulnerable.
"Trust me, you are not going to lose her. That girl is so madly in love with you. But that scares her. She has never felt this before and with all the crap with the plan, she can't think straight. She knows that she loves you and that she can forgive you, but the more you push, the more she is going to pull away. It is just how she deals with things, especially after her ex." Christina explains.
"She is right man. Tris loves you, but until you let her figure that out, she is just going to pull away." Zeke states.
"I just…miss her so much." I state, crumbling into the seat behind me, overwhelmed by my emotions. I know I'm not the most emotional guy and I never show it in front of people but fuck it. Right now, I can't keep up with my Four mask. I need to let this out.
"It will be okay. Just let her figure things out and soon enough you too will be back together and happier than ever. She just needs some space and time." Christina says reassuringly, patting me on the back gently.
"I just wish she would figure it out sooner." I reply desperately.
"I know, I wish she would too. I hate seeing my best friend miserable, but she is overly cautious when it comes to her heart. She lost her parents, then got into that horrible relationship, so she is a little overprotective with her heart, and extremely bad at forgiveness." Christina explains reassuringly.
"Dude, things will work themselves out. Just let her deal with her emotions." Zeke states, giving me a pat on the back to reassure me.
I let out a giant sigh, entirely done with this conversation. "Thanks. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to bed."
"Okay, man, see you in the morning." Zeke states.
"Night Four." Christina and Will say, before heading out the door.
I head to my room and flop face down onto the bed.
Well that did not go as planned. Tonight, was supposed to be fun, but like always I fuck things up. I am such a screw up. I screwed things up with Tris and keep screwing things up with Tris. Maybe Christina and Zeke are right. I need to give Tris time and space. Fuck that. She had all that time before tour to figure shit out. No, what I need to do is get her to talk to me and face her feelings. Good thing I have something amazing planned for Paris. Here's hoping this works.