She lost herself in her book again, and eventually got up for a drink. She left her room quietly, as it was late and everyone was probably sleeping. She opened the fridge then stared as she noticed a whole shelf of blood bags. She poured herself some juice before closing the fridge. She stood there drinking it, then placed the cup in the sink.
"Can't sleep?" Isao asked softly from the doorway.
"Been reading and didn't even notice the time," she admitted. "I didn't wake you, did I?"
"No. I don't sleep much." He looked paler than before and she noticed he was holding his side tight.
"Are you alright?" She asked softly.
"Too much too soon. I'll be fine. Enjoy your book." He started to turn away, a wince crossing his features.
"Hey.. Just wondering, why is there all that blood in the fridge?"
"It's for me." The answer was reluctantly given before he turned back to her.
"Why..?" She raised an eyebrow.
He briefly closed his eyes, then sighed. "You'll find out sooner or later. Might as well get it over with." He opened his mouth, revealing long fangs. "This is why."
She froze for a moment, confusion on her face until visions of her nightmares appeared in her head. An evil fanged smile looking down on her. She closed her eyes and tried to push them from her mind. She took a deep breath before opening them again, "So.. what are you exactly? Are vampires real?"
"Since you're in a houseful of them, I'd say yeah." Ryusei snarled as he entered the kitchen and glared at Isao. "You idiot. Go lay down before they all break. I'll get you a couple of bags and redo them."
Mia nodded slowly and washed her glass out before starting to go back to her room.
Isao touched her arm. "Are you afraid of me now?"
She looked at him for a few moments before shaking her head, "No."
He gave her a relieved smile before tumbling to the floor.
"Dammit!" Ryusei grabbed several blood bags from the fridge.
Mia helped lift and get him to the couch before leaving him in Ryusei's care. She headed back to her room and stared at the ceiling a while before finally falling asleep.
Repeated knocking sounded at her door the next morning.
She got up and answered it.
Ryon gave her an apologetic look. "Would you help me?"
"Okay? With what?"
"Izzy."
She raised an eyebrow.
He chuckled self consciously. "Nickname. I mean Isao."
"Ok. What do you need me to do?"
"Calm him down? He seems to trust you and all the fighting is going to bust his stitches again."
She nodded and went out to the living room.
Yamae was unsuccessfully trying to keep Isao from punching him, Ryusei hissing as he held an ice pack to his own eye.
"GET AWAY FROM HER!" Isao finally managed to knock Yamae away, his eyes wide open but unfocused.
"Isao? It's alright. You need to calm down," Mia said softly as she approached.
"Naori? Is that you?"
"You need to wake up."
He stilled, his eyes clearing. He slowly looked around, then bolted out the front door.
Mia followed, heading outside to find him.
He was hiding in the open van, trembling in panic.
"Isao? It's okay. You need to calm down. Deep breaths."
"I'm sorry..you shouldn't have seen me like that.." His voice was halting as he tried to focus.
"It's alright. Everyone gets nightmares."
"Not everyone hurts people during theirs. I could have hurt you."
"I wouldn't have blamed you if you did, though. You're okay."
He tightly clenched his fists in his lap, fighting for control.
"Everything is alright. Just take deep breaths and relax," she said softly.
After several minutes, he took a deep shaky breath. "I'm really sorry about this." He made no attempt to move, eyes locked on his hands. "I'm not cut out to guard anyone."
"It's alright. You've obviously been through a lot, it's understandable to have some issues and nightmares."
He snorted softly. "I can't allow them to affect me on the job. It will get us all killed."
"Well, if you want to talk about things, I'm here to listen. Sometimes talking things out helps," she looked thoughtful.
He gave her a surprised look. "Why would you want to listen to a has been detective barely holding on? Definitely not your job."
"Because, everyone needs an ear sometimes. If I can be that for you.."
His lips curled up as his eyes became softer. "You're quite a person."
She chuckled slightly, "Just trying to help."
"How pissed are they?" His eyes drifted toward the house.
"I think they were mainly just worried about you."
"Only because I sign their checks.." Isao chuckled ruefully.
"Do you want to go back? Or stay out here and keep talking?"
"Probably should go in before someone comes out." He smiled at her. "Thanks."
"You're welcome. If you ever want to talk more, I'm here to listen."
He laughed softly, then climbed out of the van. "You have a century?"
"Probably not, but I can try." She chuckled.
"I appreciate the thought." Isao extended his hand to her.
She took it slowly, giving him a small smile.