the makings of a soldier

   “ I think I'm actually starting to believe you... ”

      “Ranked last…Not surprising. Guess I need to stop             waiting around for my turn to prove myself…." 

   “ Yeah, I can empathize...            But, at least we've got determination, right? ”

     ”They aren’t bullshit. You just don’t like them,          so you choose to ignore them.”

    “ Yeah. I think you've voiced your opinions      on the choices I make well enough already. ”

"What do you think that you are doing exactly?"

“ Trying to convince myself to change into these depressing clothes... ”

     ”Stop calling me that! That’s not my name. Not anymore.          And I don’t owe you an explanation. You refuse to listen          every time I give you one anyway.”

     “ No, Mi— I listen.     Your explanations are just bullshit. ”

     ”Never. I’m not going too say that, because it’s not true.            I never felt it. You were just a distraction, Owen.”

     “ I can't accept that.      Minerva—— what happened? ”

     ”Yeah, I know—Can’t you just….stop?”

     “ No. No, I won't. When are you going to come to terms with that?      Or, better yet— When will you tell me that you still feel the same? ”

"Nothing’s wrong with the one you have. If you want to keep it, keep it. If you want to change it, change it. It’s all up to you."

“ But, uh— thanks for that. I think I'll stick with it.                                                         Can I ask yours? ”

I think if you’ve got to ask yourself that question then I’m almost positive you should be open for change regardless.

“ Don't you think we've made enough changes? ”

        “Ask your idiot friends why they got tattoos the minute they stepped into the Pit and then you’ll understand why.”

“ 'Wouldn't have anyone to ask.... ”

“ It's—— Owen. And yours? ”

“ What's that supposed to mean? ”

“What are you doing?” It was less of a question and more of a demand, hissed through clenched teeth, ”Why are you here? You didn’t score Dauntless, we both know you didn’t score Dauntless. The entire city probably knows you didn’t score Dauntless. So why are you here?”

   ❝ What? Minerva, I— Did you know—? ” His voice fell from the octave he'd expected he'd first elicit when he finally caught up with her. “ I— I chose Dauntless. I'm here now. With you! Isn't it great? ” All he could do was furrow his brows, poorly fighting the smile that'd been plastered to his face since he'd been reunited with her, as he attempted to change the grip of wrists in his favour. “ Are you ready? Are we eating now? I could use some nourishment. ” He chuckled, attempting a squeeze of her hand and bringing his smile back, full-force.