My special thanks to CattyGothLoli and Megandary for reading my first chapter and giving the reviews. Those support me to write the next chapter.

Chapter 2: Welcome, Partner

Sven POV

I couldn't believe who I saw. That lazy and easy going partner of mine who tended to mess around was standing in front of me. I thought he would never come back, enjoying his freedom alone.

"What the-" I felt surprised that he came along with my adopted daughter.

"Hi, Sven-daddy! Long time no see!" He grinned widely.

"SHUT UP YOU BAKA!"

"Geez, you're harsh. Is that your way to greet your partner when he's back?" He casually sat on the sofa, paying attention to the spacious and cozy living room. "Looks like your life is far much better now."

"Well, I could save more money since the living eating machine of the trio left Eve and me three years ago. Thanks to you." I sat on another sofa and started smoking.

He smiled bitterly, ignoring the insult. "Sorry, I just needed refreshing alone after a big mission."

"I know," I sarcastically said, as Eve just pouted.

"I'll take the shower." She went upstairs to her room, leaving Train and me.

"Hey, Sven. I think she's mad at me, but I don't understand why. She didn't say anything to me on the bike," he whispered worriedly.

"You left us suddenly. You didn't even give her any chance to say thank you or anything." My explanation made him felt uncomfortable. So I decided to change the topic. "Anyway, how are you?"

He looked cheerful now. "Great!"

"What did you do while having refreshing alone?"

"Sweeper business. Oh! I have savings now. Surviving alone made me more anticipated in living." He said proudly.

"Now I see your brain could work well because of it. That's good."

"What is it supposed to mean?" He pretended to be mad at me.

"So, why'd you come here?" I ignored his anger.

"Well, it's about Sephiria's offer."

I glared at him. What the-

"Don't be so paranoid." He chuckled.

"I'm not!"

"So?"

"Just spill it out!"

He started explaining.

Eve POV

After having shower, I took much time to decide what I would wear. A simple dress? Or a shirt and pants? Then I chose a maroon sleeveless dress with knee-length.

I looked in the mirror, seeing a shy and aloof girl who didn't even have any guts to face the male guest on the ground floor. Well, he wasn't really a guest. A friend. An old friend.

What should I say to him? Say thanks because he rescued me at the Eden? That was the first. Next, reprimand him for leaving? It was on my to-do-list too, but then again, I guessed it could be categorized as on my not-to-really-do-list. I didn't want him to leave me again. But, wait! What did I say earlier?

I blushed, having no courage to see my face in the mirror.

"Stupid butterflies," I murmured. I went downstairs and headed to the kitchen.

I brought a bottle of milk for Train and two cups of tea for Sven and me.

"Thanks, Princess. Oh! Congratulations then!"

I stared at him, confused.

My step-father clarified, "I told him about your graduation from high school this year with the best score. Then about your career as an Avedici fashion model since three months ago as you wanted to postpone your study at the college."

"Oh …." I understood.

"Graduated from high school at the age of 16, you're a smart girl, Princess. I'm very proud of you!" He praised me sincerely.

"Thank you, Train," I said politely, but I felt my cheeks burnt again. I failed again to hide my shyness.

He grinned and nodded.

"And thank you again for saving me at Eden." I continued, swallowing my pride.

"Wha-" He was surprised. Then casually he said, "Nah! No problem. It's my duty to keep you safe because ..." He glanced at Sven childishly and continued, "… my life will be on your beloved father's hand if something bad happens to you."

"You're damn right!" Sven looked annoyed.

"So, what makes you want to be a fashion model, Princess?"

"Rinslet gave me that idea. She said that I was competent to be a fashion model. Although I didn't know what made me so competent to that kind of job."

"Well, you should look yourself in the mirror more often and think what your positive side is. I mean, you're beau-…." He cut off his sentence suddenly and looked away. His cheeks were a bit red.

Not everyday Black Cat, ex-assassin in Chronos, praised me. Even that sexy and pretty Rinslet never got any praise from him. Anyway, because of this, I felt awkward, but special. After all, I was happy that he thought of me so well. First, he was proud of my brain. Then, my beauty. I wanted to know what the next was. I wanted him to acknowledge me more than an aloof and little bookworm.

For a moment, both Train and I didn't say anything. We busied ourselves by pretending to look away.

"Only idiots will think that Eve is not beautiful. Finally, I see you're out from this category, Train," said Sven bluntly, making Train and me to forget the embarrassing moment as it changed into the humorous one.

"Sven! You're cruel!" Train whined as I held my laugh.

"I'm right," Sven proudly said.

"Oh yeah! About Rinslet …."

"I'll ask Annette to get her cell phone number. She often changes it, making us difficult to keep in contact with her. She's a thief. She needs to keep her safe," Sven stated, "Anyway, it's better if you stay here for a while. You need information about the mission."

"What mission?" I asked curiously.

"As usual, Princess. Sweeper business." Train answered.

"I'll join you two."

Train glanced at Sven, waiting for his reaction.

"No, Eve." My step-father didn't allow me. "You had a contract as the fashion model. You should be professional."

I pouted, asking, "When will you two leave for mission?"

"I don't know. First, we should collect information from Annette. Rinslet will help us too."

"Fine." I headed to kitchen to make dinner. It was my turn anyway.

Sven POV

Train glanced at Eve, confused, then at me. "I thought you have a servant to take care of the house."

"We do. But she doesn't stay here. Her work time is 9 am to 3 pm."

After making sure that Eve wouldn't be able to hear us, Train continued our discussion about the mission. He said, "Honestly, I'm not sure what we're doing is right. The mission deals with nanotech data. We should let her join us."

"Don't be stupid!" I defended. "You don't know what she felt after Eden. Although she looked carefree since it was over, she still got the trauma until now. Beside, letting her join us means bringing the key of Eden to the remained data. The mad scientist would be very happy."

"But Sephiria will help us too."

"Can you assure that Eve could face it again easily?"

"You're just overprotective."

"I just want she's always safe. She's my daughter."

For a moment, he was just stunned, and then smiled at me genuinely. "You're such a fine father, you know?"

"Thanks."

TBC ...