A/N: Just a little set up before we get to Jayden's birthday night out, and giving Kevin and Alyssa some time to showcase their relationship :)

Chapter 37

Jayden woke up to the smell of food.
He rolled over and smiled when he saw Evie still sound asleep next to him, it was nice to know some things never changed, wrapping his arm around her he pulled her closer.
Seeing as it was his birthday he was more than happy to spend a little extra time cuddling his girlfriend.
As if sensing his thoughts Evie rolls over, her eyes fluttering open still half asleep.
"Morning," smiles Jayden brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Morning, and happy birthday," smiles Evie, before smelling the food, "Ji's doing breakfast."
"He is, but until its ready I'd much rather just stay right here."
Evie chuckles but doesn't protest wrapping her arm around Jayden as she snuggles against him.
"So how does it feel Mr 21?" she teases.
"Pretty much the same as it felt yesterday" answers Jayden, "No sudden bout of wisdom or anything."
"Good to know," smiles Evie looking up at him before leaning up and kissing him softly.
Jayden returns it before pulling back as the two cuddle until there's a knock on the door and Antonio's head appears.
"Ji says breakfast is ready, and happy birthday," smiles Antonio.
"Come on, you know Ji's food is worth getting out of bed for," says Evie.
Jayden slides on his hoodie, and Evie grabs her robe and slippers before they follow Antonio down to the kitchen where everyone is already waiting.

"Happy Birthday," they chorus as he walks in.
Jayden smiles and sits down, Ji setting breakfast down in front of him before setting the others out.
"Thanks guys."
"You're 21 man," smiles Mike.
"How's it feel?" asks Emily.
"Doesn't feel that different."
"It really doesn't" agrees Kevin, "But trust me, it gets better."
"You're chipper," notes Antonio.
"He gets to see Alyssa, of course he's chipper," smiles Mia.
"And we get to grill her," smirks Mike.

"Is your room appropriately cleaned?" teases Evie.
"Done and dusted," nods Mike.
"Meaning?" asks Evie looking at Kevin.
"He shoved most of his shit into the wardrobe," answers Kevin.
"Evie used that trick once, backfired quite spectacularly," smiles Ji.
"I remember that," laughs Jayden.
"It was one time."

"Wait you mean Evie used to not be as organised as she is now?" asks Antonio.
"Nope, that came after the exploding closet incident," chuckles Ji.
"Yeah she did a complete overhaul after that, including the designing of the shoe cupboards as per Ji's request."

The others just laugh as they finish off breakfast.
Once it was done, Emily smiles, "Can we do presents now?"
"Presents sounds like a very good idea," agrees Jayden.
Ji disappears, returning with the presents a minute later and setting them in front of Jayden.
"Okay that's more than usual," notes Jayden in surprise.
"Well you are living with five other people now, and we all got you presents," smiles Mia.
"Wow thanks guys," smiles Jayden.
"Open mine first," orders Antonio shoving it at him.
"Okay," chuckles Jayden taking it and opening it.
He smiles as he sees the new set of coloured pencils, along with a copy of the Three Musketeers. "Antonio, thanks," he smiles.
"Well I remember your dad reading it to us, and your copy is kind of worn so I figured I'd get you a new one."

"Me next," says Emily handing hers over.
Jayden opens it the pencils falling into his hands, "Aw, thanks Em I needed some new ones" he says, "And they're good too" he adds looking them over, and then he realises that there was something else in there.
Emptying the package he sees a keychain with his ranger symbol on it.
"Wow where did you find this?" asks Jayden looking at it.
"The same section I'll bet you found my bears in," smiles Emily.
"We're a franchise," chuckles Mia, "and on that note, here is mine" she says handing her present to him.

Jayden smiles as he pulls the paper off to reveal the sketchpads, "These are great Mia, thanks, I've been meaning to get a few different sized ones" he says.

"Alright this one is me," says Mike handing it over.
Jayden looks at it before pulling off the paper and letting out a laugh when he sees the shot glasses.
"This is how you're supposed to drink tequila," teases Mike.
"Wait do they have our symbols?" realises Mia as she picks one up.
"Yep, personalised, I thought it'd be a nice touch," smiles Mike.
"They're great Mike, thank you," replies Jayden setting them aside.

Kevin hands his over next, clearly a bottle of something judging by the bag.
Jayden opens it and pulls out a bottle of vodka, "Oh thank god you didn't get tequila," chuckles Jayden.
"I would not be that cruel."

"This one is from me" smiles Ji as he sets a smaller box down.
Jayden opens it and his eyes widen when he sees the watch.
"This was your fathers, when he left for the final battle he gave it to me, and told me to pass it on to you, just as your grandfather passed it on to him, and his before, and in time you will pass it on to your own child," explains Ji with a smile as he looks at Evie.
Jayden takes it out the box, looking it over, he could remember his father wearing this. The Shiba symbol in the middle of it, and the numbers around the outside in Japanese. "Thank you," he says looking at Ji.
Ji just smiles and Evie laces her hand with Jayden's.

"Evie's turn," says Emily with a smile.
"Is it appropriate for now?" teases Antonio.
Evie kicks him in the shin under the table and he lets out a groan, before she sets a box in front of Jayden.
He looks at it curiously before opening it and immediately smiling when he sees it.
A black woven band sat inside, with seven silver charms, each one inscribed with the symbol of each of them.
"Just a little reminder, that whatever comes, you're not in it alone."
"It's perfect," smiles Jayden kissing her cheek before handing it to her as she fastens it around his wrist.
"Happy Birthday man," says Mike.
"Speaking of," says Ji as he turns and pulls the cake out of the fridge, a 21-candle sat in the middle which Ji quickly lights.
"You know I could've done that," chuckles Jayden.
"No symbol power in the kitchen," reminds Ji.

A surprisingly good sounding rendition of Happy Birthday follows before Jayden blows out the candles.
"Don't forget to make a wish," urges Emily.
"Don't worry Em, I did," he assures with a smile.
"What was it?" asks Mike.
"If he tells you, it won't come true," reminds Emily.

Jayden just chuckles, "Alright time for cake."
"Yes cake," nods Mike.
"Definitely" agrees Emily excitedly.
"Cake for breakfast, my diet is going to hate me. But hey it's a birthday," replies Kevin.

They cut the cake and Ji hands everyone plates.
"Okay this is a good cake Ji," nods Mike around a giant mouthful.
"Man don't talk with your mouth fall," says Kevin with a look of disgust.
"What time does Alyssa get here again?" asks Evie looking at Kevin.
"Three," answers Kevin.
"Great," smiles Mia.
"Is she coming here or are you getting her?" asks Ji.
"I was going to ask if I could take the truck, she's getting a bus in," explains Kevin.
"Of course," nods Ji.
Kevin smiles, he was really, really looking forwards to seeing Alyssa again, and getting to go out with her. And for her to get to know the others properly as well.

After breakfast Ji had given them the day off from training.
Jayden was testing out his new sketchpads and pencils.
Evie was with Mia and Emily as they began to think about their outfits for the evening.
Mike had moved some of his stuff into Antonio's room and the two were now contently playing video games.
Kevin was making sure everything was set for Alyssa, and soon enough he was driving into the city to pick her up.

He pulled up outside the bus station and smiled when he saw Alyssa waiting, he gets out of the car and walks over.
"Hi," she smiles when she sees him looping her arms around his neck as she kisses him.
Kevin returns it before pulling back and smiling, "Hey yourself."
He grabs her bag and they walk back over to the car.
"I can't believe I'm finally going to get to see your samurai inner sanctum, how did you manage this?" asks Alyssa.
"Thank the girls, it was their idea."
"I will," nods Alyssa. "So where am I staying tonight?"
"In my room, Mike is in with Antonio" explains Kevin.
"It'll be like old times," smiles Alyssa lacing her hand with his.
"Absolutely" nods Kevin kissing the back of her hand.

They arrive at the house and Alyssa's eyes widen.
"Wow, okay this is nice," she nods as they park in the garage, "and who do they belong too?" she asks noting the bikes.
"Ji, Evie and Jayden."
"I keep being surprised."
"Ah you're back" smiles Ji as he walks out of the house with his gardening tools.
"We are, Alyssa this is Ji, our mentor."
"It's nice to meet you," smiles Alyssa holding out her hand.
"You as well," says Ji shaking her hand before turning and walking over to continue his gardening.

"So he teaches you?" asks Alyssa.
"Mhm, offers advice, looks after us, and he raised Jayden after his dad died, helped Evie too," explains Kevin before leading her inside.
Alyssa looks around in awe, it was beautiful.
"And this is Jayden's house?" asks Alyssa.
"Mhm, the Shiba House, it's been here since we immigrated over to the West."
"And every generation before you came here too?"
"Yep."
"Wow" repeats Alyssa. "There must be so much history."
"There is," agrees Kevin until they're interrupted.

"No, no, no!" cries Antonio.
"Ha, yes," cheers Jayden.
"And other times it's like living in how I imagine a shared house at college is like" chuckles Kevin as they walk into the living room and see Antonio with his head in his hands.
Mike and Jayden sharing a fist bump.
"Nice one dude, you're learning," smiles Mike.
"I let you win," tries Antonio.
"Yeah, sure you did," snorts Jayden before turning and seeing Kevin.

"Hey you're back," he smiles.
"We are, Liss you remember Jayden, Mike and Antonio."
"I do, hi" smiles Alyssa.
"So Alyssa, you got any interesting stories about Kevin here?" asks Mike immediately.
"Define interesting," chuckles Alyssa.
"Some where he's not a complete robot, and you removed the stick from his ass." answers Mike.
"Mike refuses to believe I am capable of having fun."
"Kevin can be fun, with a bit of work and some persuasion."
"Where are the girls?" asks Kevin.
"Evie's room, they're picking outfits" answers Jayden.
"So you fled to play video games?" guesses Alyssa.
"Yep" nods Mike.

"Come on I'll show you where to drop your stuff and then grab the girls," says Kevin.
They walk up to his room and Alyssa looks around, "this is nice," she notes.
"Not as nice usually, I made Mike clean his shit up."
"Ah right, not a tidy guy then?" smiles Alyssa.
"Not at all," replies Kevin as he drops her bag down.
"So we're in separate beds?" teases Alyssa.
"Nope," replies Kevin with a smirk as he pulls out his samuraiser and draws a symbol, his bed expanding in size in front of them.
"Okay that is cool."
"That's nothing" assures Kevin, "come on I'll take you to the girls" he says lacing his hand with hers as they walk up to Evie's room, the sound of music coming from the closed door.

Kevin knocks before sticking his head in, "we're back" he says.
Emily who's head was under Evie's desk while she tried to grab something tried to stand up, banging her head on the bottom.
"Ow," she mutters.
"Are you okay?" asks Evie as she helps Emily up.
"I'm good, had worse."
Kevin steps in properly with Alyssa.
"Hi Alyssa," smiles Mia walking forwards.
"Hi," nods Alyssa. "You guys picking outfits?"
"Well Em's is sorted, but Evie and I could use some help. You already set or did you come with options?" asks Mia.
"I'm already set, but it's always fun helping other people," replies Alyssa.
"Great, unless you wanted to spend some time with Kevin first?" offers Mia.
"Nah you guys pick your outfits, I'll show you around after," assures Kevin.
Alyssa kisses his cheek.
"Shut the door on your way out please," calls Evie.
Kevin does so shaking his head with a smile, he knew full well that Mia and Emily were friendly with everyone, but if Alyssa could get Evie on side, then she'd be set with his team.
And he really wanted them to get along.

Alyssa looks around the room, at first, she thought it seemed like any other 20-year-olds room, pictures of friends and family, clothes, knick knacks, make-up and other normal stuff, but then she noted a few things that marked it out.
A set of throwing stars were displayed on one of the chest of draws, there were two crossed katana's hanging on the wall behind the bed, and set of unique yet decorative hair pins on the dressing table. As well as two fans on the wall that looked distinctly Japanese. A couple of scrolls with Japanese writing down them hung on the wall as well.
"You have some cool stuff," she notes.
"Thank," replies Evie, "don't touch the hairpins though, they're sharp."
"Really?" asks Alyssa.
"Mhm, female members of samurai families used them as their primary weapons a lot of the time. The ends were sharpened to deadly points," nods Mia.
"Those belonged to my ancestor Kameko Kai, the 11th generation black samurai," says Evie.
"Wow," murmurs Alyssa, "are all these heirlooms then?" asks Alyssa nodding to the other items.
"The Katanas are, brought over when we immigrated to the West. The fans are the same, spelled with symbols for preservation. But the throwing stars were an anniversary gift from Jayden," answers Evie.
"And you all have heirlooms like this?" clarifies Alyssa.
"Yep" nods Mia, "some are here, others are at our homes" she adds.
"That is really cool" nods Alyssa.
"You want a full history lesson, ask your boyfriend, I think Kevin's got more in his head about the samurai history than anyone else. Except maybe Ji," snorts Evie.
"Yeah Kevin's really passionate about it," agrees Mia.
"I can just imagine" smiles Alyssa, "so all of your moms they did this as well?"

The atmosphere shifts at mentions of moms, and both Mia and Emily glance at Evie who's entire body had gone rigid.
"Yeah, our moms all did this," says Evie as she turns and continues looking through her closet.
Sensing the atmosphere Alyssa sits down, "So what are the options we're looking at then?" she asks, she was clearly missing something here. But she knew when to push and when to not.

An hour they were all sat in Evie's room, outfits chosen and ready to go.
"So how long have you known Kevin?" asks Emily.
"We met when we were 17, I worked at the pool," explains Alyssa.
"Was it love at first sight?" asks Mia.
"Well I certainly noticed him," smiles Alyssa. "It took us a little time to get to a point where he asked me out, but there was certainly a spark."
"That's so cute," smiles Mia.
"Kevin said you always made him relax and not take things too seriously," recalls Evie.
"I did my best, but hey you know Kevin, he's uber dedicated."
"Oh we know" laughs Emily, "should've seen the ringer he put Antonio through."
"Yeah, Antonio resorted to put up secret cameras to try and record Kevin so he could understand his eat, sleep, breath samurai mentality."
"Oh god that sounds like something Kevin might drive someone too," admits Alyssa with a fond smile.
"But you wouldn't change him?" guesses Evie.
Alyssa looks at her, "Not for a second."

The other three smile and nod.
"So what about you Alyssa, what do you do?" asks Mia.
"Well I work as a coach at the pool, but I've been working on my application to do sports medicine at university," explains Alyssa.
"Wow that's great," says Mia.
"Yeah, that sounds awesome," nods Evie.
"You must be really smart for that sort of things," adds Emily.
"Well I try," smiles Alyssa.

The door opens then and Jayden sticks his head in, "Kevin wants to know if he can steal his girlfriend," he smiles.
"Go and see him, we can talk later," smiles Mia.
"Yeah, maybe he'll be more chill as Mike puts it," chuckles Evie.
"Maybe," laughs Emily.
"I'll do my best" smiles Alyssa as she walks past Jayden and down to the main room where Kevin was waiting.

"Hi," she smiles.
"Hi," replies Kevin.
"So show me around properly, tell me about the history, I just got a few interesting titbits from the girls. But apparently, you are the expert."
"What would you like to know?"
"Do you have heirlooms like the hair pins, swords and fans Evie has?"
"There's a couple here yeah, but most are at home. We don't put them out as much as they are here though. And Evie and Jayden have theirs out because no one but people who know about the samurai ever really come here," explains Kevin as he leads her through the house pointing everything out, and running her through various pieces of history, and his own personal anecdotes. Finishing outside in the training area.

"Wow this place is nice, beautiful actually," says Alyssa.
"Yeah, its kind of become home," admits Kevin.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"What's Evie's story?"
"How do you mean?"
"Meaning there are pictures of Evie and Jayden dotted around from as young as I would say 8. Yet you only came here less than a year ago. So why has Evie been here for 12?" clarifies Alyssa.
"Ji's been raising her since she was 8, her parents are gone," replies Kevin quickly.
"No, see I saw her room, I saw pictures of little Evie with a man who is obviously her dad. Yet I saw nothing of her mom, not a picture, nothing. What's the deal with her mom?"
Kevin sighs, "Don't bring this up around anyone okay."
"Not a word," promises Alyssa.
"Evie's mom abandoned her here when she was 8, she couldn't deal with the samurai life anymore and she knew she'd have to train Evie, and eventually send her here to do what we're all doing. Evie didn't see or hear from her mother again," explains Kevin.

"She left her here?" asks Alyssa in horror.
"She did, said some really, really horrible things and walked out of her life. A few months ago, a Nighlok stirred up some stuff and Evie decided she wanted to know, so Mentor had his friends look into it for her. And we found her mom had remarried, and started a new life, she was helping her new husband raises his two sons, and seven years ago, they adopted a little boy too," replies Kevin.
"All of that without ever even checking in on her own child."
"Yeah, well last week through a series of very complicated things she finally spoke to her mom. And it's, well her mom basically said she'd like to a chance to get back into Evie's life and include Evie in hers with her new family. We're all kind of just leaving the reigns in Evie's hand of when and if she wants to bring it up," explains Kevin.
"Wow, no wonder everyone got so tense when I mentioned moms doing this," says Alyssa.
"Yeah that'd be why," nods Kevin.
"I can't even imagine how horrible that must've been."
"Yeah, none of us can. Let's just say it's giving her a little more anxiety about her pregnancy too. Just avoid the topic and you should be good."
"Got it."

"I like them though; they all seem pretty nice."
"They are, yeah," smiles Kevin.
"And Evie has a seriously impressive shoe collection."
"Oh yeah that is a well-known fact," chuckles Kevin.
"You seem happy here you know," smiles Alyssa.
"I am, I miss you and my parents and everything but, yeah this, this has been so much more than I ever imagined, my team, they're so much more."
"They're your family," finishes Alyssa.
"They are" nods Kevin. "Not that I don't miss Noah and my old team, but this is just, different."
"Kevin, you literally go into battle with these people. Fight side by side, with your lives in each other's hands. Of course, this is different, its completely different. But that's okay, and I'm glad you feel at home here. And that your team feels like your family," smiles Alyssa taking his hand. "And I want to get to know them."
"I'm really glad you feel like that" replies Kevin.
Alyssa just leans forwards and kisses him.
Kevin wraps his arms around her as he returns it.

The sound of a wolf whistle breaks them apart and they turn to see Emily and Mike, and while Emily was just giggling Mike was smirking.
"You know this is a training area, where one likes to train. If you want to do other things perhaps you can go elsewhere," says Mike still smirking.
Kevin sighs, "Damn it you've been saving that one."
"Oh yeah, and I love the fact the shoe is on the other foot."
"Leave them be, you've had your fun," says Emily nudging him.
"Oh come on, he did it to us," reminds Mike.
"Yeah, he did, but we can tease him another time. Or better yet, we can tell Evie and she'll do what big sisters do best," points out Emily.
"Good point," smiles Mike. "We'll see you both in a little while, just do me a favour and whatever you do, do. Don't do it in my bed," says Mike as Emily pulls him inside.

"Okay he reminds me of my brother," admits Alyssa.
"Yeah he is a lot like Travis, but he has his moments" says Kevin, "and I did do that to him and Emily, so it was kind of payback."
"Kevin," chides Alyssa, "we were young and all over each once."
"I'm aware" assures Kevin.
"Good, but just in case," Alyssa leans up and kisses him again.
Yeah Kevin had definitely missed this.