Chapter 6

Both Subaru and Eve followed Reiji with frowns etched across their faces. Who would have showed up in the dead of night to see her? More importantly…who would know to find her here?

Rounding the corner in a manner befitting of a duke, Reiji stopped and gestured to the living room with his arm. Eve felt her chest tighten at the sight of Trevor lounging on one of the sapphire sofas, his leg bouncing impatiently and a look on his face that could have put one thousand daggers into her chest. Subaru, meanwhile, rolled his eyes. Now he'd have to bide his time until he could drink his fill.

'Trevor? How did you-?' Eve stopped as Trevor stood up, folding his arms and raising his eyebrows.

'I think you can drop the feigned ignorance. You know your mother told me where you're staying…' As he spoke, his jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed. 'You know why I'm here.'

Eve blinked, frowning and folding her arms. 'No, I really don't.'

One deep sigh later, Trevor plucked his phone from his jacket pocket, swiped and tapped the screen a couple of times, then turned the screen towards Eve. She could see a video of her at school. More specifically, of her knocking seven bells out of Atticus Moore in front of what looked like most of the student body. She bit her bottom lip, avoiding the eye contact Trevor was trying to make with her by stepping around him.

'…He started it. I ended it.' Eve deadpanned, settling on the sapphire blue chair behind her coach.

Trevor shook his head. 'Defending yourself isn't the issue. The issue is everyone now knows who you are…' Coming to stand in front of her once more, he gestured to the comment section under the video.

OMFG That's the EVE DAWSON! What a badass! :D

Woah, I had no idea she was famous…

Her moves are FIRE! She should have used her submission move on him.

Seems like she's back in the game once more. Can't wait to see her in the ring again.

Do you think she'll give out autographs if we ask her?!

Eve swallowed, running her hands over her face and squeezing her eyes shut. Her heart thumped in her ears and her legs turned to jelly. Thank god she was sitting down. 'How many views?'

'Well over 100000. The hell were you thinking?!' Trevor's words came out through gritted teeth.

'I was thinking about defending myself. How was I supposed to know people would film it?' Eve shouted, throwing her arms up.

'Oh, so the roundhouse kick was necessary after you broke his nose?' Seeing her downcast eyes, Trevor groaned. 'What was the fight even about?'

Eve pressed her lips into a fine line, glancing at Subaru for a moment and then back down to the floor. 'He was attacking my friend, it pissed me off, I fired back a few insults, he lashed out.'

Ayato scoffed, leaning over the balcony on the second level. 'A few insults? You said he was 'compensating' because he does kendo, accused him of getting favours from the school using his dad, then said he had no talent or a brain.'

Trevor covered his mouth to hide a smile. Typical. 'And which friend were you defending exactly?' He watched as Eve's gaze landed on Subaru, not missing the hint of pink now present on her cheeks. 'Is Subaru not capable of standing up for himself?'

Reiji stepped forward, folding his arms as he addressed Trevor. 'Quite the opposite. My brother is capable of snapping someone in half. In previous fights, he's sent other students to the hospital. I believe Miss Dawson's intentions were to calm him down and prevent such an incident, but she was herself insulted by the verbal attack made against Subaru. We all witnessed the fight, she did insult him, deservedly so, but she never got physical until he choked her with his arms-'

'Wait…' Trevor glanced back down at his student. 'He tried to choke you?' Seeing her nod, the tension in his body seeped away. Kneeling in front of her, he placed a hand on her upper arm. 'I'm sorry I jumped down your throat, sprout. Didn't mean to lose my temper. But you know…'

Eve sighed and pressed her lips into a fine line. 'Yeah. They've probably seen it too.'

All the brothers frowned. Ayato was the first to speak up. 'So some stupid humans saw it, what's the fucking prob-'

'Not just anyone.' Trevor deadpanned, staring through Ayato. 'The board and president of the company that Eve is under.'

'Company?' Reiji raised his eyebrows. 'Why would Miss Dawson be under a company when she's not even out of school?'

Trevor huffed out a long sigh. 'Because Eve isn't your run-of-the-mill student. She's a member of IMPS…The International MMA Programme of Study.'

Ayato scoffed. 'SHE'S a professional fighter?'

'Well, it does explain her kicking you down the stairs when she got here.' Laito snickered. 'No wonder she's feisty.'

Eve rolled her eyes and jumped up from the sofa. 'Semi-professional. I still plan to graduate.'

Subaru folded his arms. 'So that injury you mentioned before?'

'The company holds charity runs such as the one Eve took part in regularly. It was bad luck that she slipped that day, hence the reason I've been breaking her back into her fitness regime more gradually.' Trevor watched as Eve leant against the fireplace and shut her eyes. 'But we have to change the plan.'

'It's not a big deal, I can handle it.' Eve replied, looking at the ceiling.

Trevor stood up, clenching his jaw. 'One wrong move and you'll-'

'I know the risks. You said it yourself, there's no other choice. The board is going to demand it now they know I'm fit to fight.' Eve stared back at Trevor, ignoring the frowns and raised eyebrows on the brothers' faces.

'And we wouldn't be in this position if you hadn't announced in the middle of a school building.' Trevor's voice was louder now. Subaru blinked as Eve pushed off the fireplace, faced Trevor, and folded her arms.

'I didn't want this any more than you.' Eve snapped back at the man standing across the room. 'Doesn't the fact I roundhoused that prick tell you I'm strong enough to defend my title?!'

Trevor scoffed and stepped towards her. 'One strong kick doesn't prove you're ready for a full-blown fight in that ring. You're not medically cleared.'

Eve shrugged her shoulders. 'So I'll go to the doctor and get official clearance. Up my training regime, incorporate my conditioning plan. I can be ready in no time.'

Trevor groaned, running his hands over his face as his voice boomed through the room. 'How can you be so damn reckless?! Your ego is the reason you got hurt, now you're prepared to risk another injury and yet you sit there like it means nothing!'

The echo of Trevor's voice ricocheted around the space until the room seeped into silence. Subaru watched as Eve's jaw tightened and her fists clenched, the rest of the brothers watched on with a concoction of wide eyes, frowns, and grimaces. As though he had been released from a trance, all the tension left Trevor's body and his gaze softened as he observed the redhead standing in front of him.

'Eve I…' He reached out for her, flinching when she stepped back and made her way to the door. 'Eve I'm…'

Eve stopped at the door, turning to glare at her coach. Without another word, she strode out of the room.

Clearing his throat, Reiji stepped forward and furrowed his eyebrows. 'I think it's time you left.'

Trevor opened his mouth, then closed his mouth with a sigh. As Reiji gestured towards the foyer, Trevor followed but stopped to plant his hand on Subaru's shoulder. 'Please check on her…I never meant to…she needs someone she trusts.'

Subaru pushed the hand away and watched the man leave without another word.

Subaru pushed the door to Eve's room open, letting it shut with a thump and a click. She sat on the window bench, her knee curled up to her chest with one of the cushions pressed against her chest. In her hand she held the dog tags, fiddling with them while she stared out the window at the quiet night. Without breaking the silence, he wandered over and sat opposite her leaning against the window. 'You missed dinner.'

'Not hungry.' Her voice was soft and flat.

Subaru blinked. 'Yui's worried about you. You should go see her.'

Eve kept her eyes fixed on the outside view. 'I'll go later…'

'…You could've punched him. Why didn't you?'

Eve shifted her head to look at the vampire. 'Wouldn't have changed anything, I'd have felt like crap after, probably broke my knuckles in the process…not worth it.'

Subaru huffed. 'You've got a lot of patience, haven't you?'

'Mum says I got that from dad…' There was a small smile on the redhead's face. '…and that I got my feistiness from her.'

'Does the stubbornness run in your family too?' Subaru questioned, raising his eyebrows.

Eve stifled a chuckle. 'Alas, yes.' She shifted her body to face Subaru properly. 'but it has its benefits…'

There was a pause as both parties looked at each other, neither certain of what to say next.

'Why didn't you-'

Eve snickered and raised her eyebrows. 'Not exactly easy to drop that into a conversation, you know.'

Subaru rolled his eyes. 'I mean why keep it a secret.'

Eve straightened up and held out a hand. 'Exhibit A: that video. Result: non-stop harassment from people who only want to talk to me for an autograph or a photo or because it's 'cool' to have a 'famous' friend…' She held up her other hand. 'Exhibit B: normality. Having a somewhat normal daily existence is what gives me a break from the chaos that the league brings, which is very much needed at times…' She fixed her eyes on the bench beneath them.

'And also…that's only part of who I am…I don't want to be defined by what everyone sees. I'm more than a fighter in a ring, and I'm more than what people like those kids watch on their phones.' She let her head flop onto the pillow and looked out the window again.

'You know, you care way too much about what doesn't matter.' Subaru sat up, wrapping his hand around Eve's wrist and pulling her to stand. 'I'll show you what matters.'

'What are you-'

Without warning, Eve found herself looking down at the blurred city lights through wisps of cloud in the evening sky. She flinched when she felt her body begin to drop, only releasing a breath when she felt a strong arm scoop under her legs and hold her up. Seeing Subaru smirk in her peripherals, she scowled. 'Not funny.'

Subaru's smirk dropped. 'I'm not trying to be funny…' He paused and followed Eve's gaze. 'Everything you see has changed too many times to count, and it's gonna change long after you're six foot under…humans have far too much self-importance to realise what matters. Live for centuries like me, you soon understand how empty words are.' Feeling the redhead's gaze on him, he met her gaze. 'It's what you do that people remember.'

Eve's head spun as she found herself once more sitting on the window sill. Subaru stuffed his hands into his pockets, ignoring Eve's huff beside him. 'You want people to see more, show them more. Try starting here.'

'You lost me.' Eve stared back at the vampire, shaking her head.

'Even Yui sees you don't like talking about yourself. How come?'

Eve frowned. 'Guess I'm not used to it. People have never really asked about the…normal stuff, so I've never talked about it…'

Subaru looked Eve up and down. 'You never talked with your mum?'

'Come on, she knows all that stuff. I don't like boring her with idle conversation, especially with how tired she is after…well, everything.' Eve shrugged her shoulders, lolling back against the wall behind her. 'Why do you care anyway?'

'I don't.' Subaru grimaced.

Eve scoffed. 'Then why the third degree?'

Subaru pushed himself to his feet and glared at the ceiling. 'Why the fuck are you like this?'

'Like what?'

Subaru scoffed. 'Confusing. Aggravating. Impossible-'

'Oh, that's rich coming from you…' Eve shook her head, glaring at the back of his head.

'The fuck did you say?' Subaru growled, clenching his fists.

Eve scoffed, jumping to her feet and throwing her arms out. 'You are impossible. One day, checking up on me and staying with me after a night terror, then suddenly you want nothing to do with me apart from when you're hungry, then you check up on me and suddenly want to know all my secrets?! Why the fuck are YOU being like this?'

Subaru scowled, striding over to stand in front of her. 'Don't talk to me-'

'No, shut up, I'm talking. What is your deal? If I'm just your blood bank, why do you care about what I do or don't say? What does it matter if you don't know everything about me? You're such a confusing, frustrating arsehole but you're calling me out for how I'm acting? You're the one who's confusing me, not the other way around. You've told me nothing about you, so why should I return the favour?'

A chilly silence fell over Eve's room, save for her aggressive huffs. Subaru didn't move. The weight of the exchange hung over him. Eve sat on the end of her bed, forcing deeper, longer breaths in and out until her breathing became even and cool. Subaru clicked his tongue, pushing his hands deep into his pockets and fixing his eyes on the carpet and his boots.

'I wasn't trying to piss you off…'

Eve frowned. 'What?'

Subaru turned away once more, closing his eyes. 'I've never been…fixated on anyone's blood before. Maybe it's your being more physically fit, I don't fucking know but…Your blood is…hard to resist. Just the smell is fucking intoxicating and it takes every bit of willpower I have to stop myself from killing you!' His jaw tightened and his cheeks began to burn. '…it's a battle just being here.'

Eve watched him, her mouth opening and then closing. She squeezed her hands together and pressed her lips into a fine line. 'Can I help?'

'The hell are you talking about?' Subaru lifted his head.

'Is there something I can do to…make things easier for you..?' If it weren't for the rumbling tension hanging over them, Eve would've laughed. 'If it's hard to stop your...craving, then why don't you take blood more…regularly? Think about it, if you're getting a regular fix then it won't be so painful being near me, and you can quit acting like a leper. It's no different than taking a real drug, right?'

Subaru looked Eve up and down and folded his arms. 'Could work. If not for your schedule.'

Eve scoffed. 'How's this...You can feed daily, so long as it's not before training sessions, before or during school and study time. Fair?'

'Fine…but you're not allowed to hide things from me. Understand?' Subaru teleported in front of her, taking hold of the bow on her school shirt. 'Or there will be consequences.'

Eve raised her eyebrow, sighing. 'I still don't understand, but I can live with that…and that swings both ways. You want to know more, I get to know more…Take it or leave it.'

Subaru narrowed his eyes, blinked, and huffed. 'Deal…'

'It's settled then…' Eve replied, allowing a deep breath to escape. '…In fact…' Her eyes landed on one of the drawers in her dressing table, and a smirk slowly emerged on her lips. She strode across the room, ignoring the frown on Subaru's face, pulling a pack of playing cards out, holding them up for the vampire to see, and giving them a brief shake. '…these can help.'

Subaru furrowed his eyebrows. 'Cards?'

'Surely you've heard of Blackjack during your lifetime?' Eve chuckled, clambering onto her bed and sitting cross-legged. 'Well, come join me. Unless you're scared of losing?'

'Please…' Subaru scoffed, walking to the bed and settling opposite Eve. 'I can beat you in any game.'

Eve smiled, shuffling the cards and averting her gaze as she dealt herself and the vampire a pair of cards. 'We'll see…' She did her best to keep her face straight as she inspected her hand. Peeking over her cards, she cleared her throat to get the vampire's attention. 'Twist or stick?'

Subaru blinked, shifting his gaze between his hand and Eve. 'Twist.'

Eve tossed him another card with a nod, before taking one herself. 'I'll join you in twisting…' Another moment of contemplation later, she flashed a smirk at Subaru. 'Another card, or will you stick this time?'

'Twist.' The vampire pulled the top card from the deck and slotted it into his hand without sparing Eve a glance. Seeing the shifty look on her face brought a smirk onto his own. 'You look nervous…'

'I just think it's brave, going for a five-card trick. You know the odds of that are slim to none, don't you?' Eve tilted her head, drumming her fingers on her knee and shrugging her shoulders. 'I'll stick with these. Make your choice.'

Subaru smiled, taking another card without breaking eye contact. 'There, NOW I'm ready to stick. Show me what you have.'

Eve placed her hand down, revealing a 5 of diamonds, 5 of clubs, and a jack of clubs. '20. Put your cards on the table.'

'5 of hearts, 4 of spades, 9 of clubs, Ace of diamonds, with a 2 of clubs gives me 21.' The vampire's smirk widened seeing the redhead's lips press together into a fine line and her shoulders drop. 'What's your favourite food?'

'Sorry?' Eve blinked, frowning and running a hand through her hair.

Subaru rolled his eyes. 'You said whoever won gets to ask a question. What's your favourite food?'

Eve blinked again. 'Yeah, I just…' She shook her head, gathering up the cards and shuffling them briskly. '…not what I expected, that's all…OK, if you're referring to a meal, it would be okonomiyaki, specifically made with pork belly because that's the best and no one can say otherwise…best snack has to be the orange-flavoured canned bread you can get from those vending machines. Always a nice treat to have after a long training session.'

'Canned bread?' Subaru raised his eyebrows and huffed.

'Don't knock it 'til you try it.' Eve smiled, tilting her head as she dealt the pair new starting cards. 'Right, your move…twist or stick?'

Subaru looked at his new hand, then smiled. 'I'll twist.'

Eve laughed. 'No way you're going to pull that off again. I'll twist.' Slipping another card into her hand, she nodded to herself and flashed a smile. 'Well?'

'Twist...' Subaru replied with a smirk, which quickly fell off his face. 'Shit…'

'Oh, you're busted? Too bad…' Eve tilted her head, flipping her cards over. '20. So…what's your favourite colour?'

Subaru frowned, throwing his hand cards to the girl in front of him and lowering his gaze. After a minute of silence, he shook his head. '…Never thought about stuff like that…probably silver…'

Eve smiled. 'Like that knife…'

'Sure…and the moon…I know it's more white than silver…' Subaru paused, running a hand through his hair.

'I get what you mean. Some nights it seems to shine, on others it's content to glow. Kinda like silver does…' Eve replied, keeping her gaze on him as she gathered the cards together and shuffled them once again.

The vampire lifted his gaze, watching the girl in front of him. Her eyes were fixed on the deck in her hands. 'What's yours?'

Eve giggled, looking up at him through her eyelashes. 'Forgotten the rules already? If you want some answers, let's play.'

Their game progressed through the night. Questions of favourite things dominated the first few endgames, though Eve couldn't say some of the answers were a surprise. Horror movies, video games, weaponry, that all fit Subaru like a glove. His curiosity was what threw her, and what had caused the large pit in her stomach that was becoming harder to ignore. Maybe this game wasn't the smartest idea…then again, at least she knew him more than before, that was something…right?

'Oi!'

Eve sat up, blinking and rubbing her eyes. Subaru was frowning, tilting his head and focusing on her. More specifically, her free hand that was now hovering over a patch of raw red skin on her leg. How long had she been…? Letting out a shaky laugh, she clenched her fist and sighed. 'Sorry, I…' Seeing his face, she swallowed and huffed. '…when something bothers me or makes me uneasy, I…well…' She flashed a smile, gesturing to her leg.

Subaru continued to look at the redhead. 'Why MMA?'

'Well…I hate the idea of needing to be protected, being treated like an invalid, you know…and watching my dad…the way he knew how to look out for himself, especially in his line of work was…it made me want to be like that. Strong, capable. That's what MMA gives me, the means to know and feel like I can handle whatever comes my way…' Eve ran a hand through her hair, letting it rest on the back of her neck. 'I don't expect you to understand, but it's more than a sport to me.'

'…You're right about that…but there are more boring things you could obsess over, I guess.' Subaru glanced to his right, out the bedroom window. '…Let's continue this another time. There's only a few hours left 'til daybreak.'

Eve nodded, slipping the cards back into their pack, standing up, and stretching her arms above her head. Subaru inhaled sharply, gritting his teeth and jumping off the bed in the direction of the door. Eve grabbed his arm, looking up at him with what Subaru could only describe as a knowing glare. He stared back, willing her to back down, but that only seemed to make her hold his wrist tighter. 'Thanks…for making tonight less boring.'

Subaru's shoulders dropped and relaxed. 'It was nothing. And since you didn't piss me off tonight, I'll leave you alone…for now.'

'For now?' Eve raised her eyebrows, letting go of his arm.

'I may get hungry later…' He smirked, stepping forward until her towered above her. '…so maybe I'll give you a wake-up call-'

Eve placed her hand between the two of them. 'Just get it over with. I'd rather not be woken up later…'

Subaru smirked, yanking her hair the one side and pulling her shirt and blazer off her shoulder. 'Since you've been obedient, I'll make it hurt less than before.'

Eve gritted her teeth as his fangs pierced the skin around her collarbone. Heat pulsed and throbbed from there, spreading across her neck and shoulders and leaving what felt like fire burning beneath her skin. She kept her eyes fixed on the ceiling, planting her feet wider to help her legs stay steady. Her mind tried to take her somewhere else, but nothing could drag her focus from what was happening right now. Why?

'It's not a bad look, you flustered and flushed…' Subaru chuckled, blood leaking from the side of his mouth. His eyes were now a brighter red, glowing and glowering at the mark he'd left.

'Get over yourself. Whatever you're doing to boil me, stop it.' Eve replied, clenching her fists.

Subaru licked his lips, switching sides and laughing. 'Don't kid yourself. That's just your body telling you how it feels…' With that, he bit into her once again, gulping down every drop. His hand around her waist tightened and in a flash, he was towering above her as she lay on her bed. He felt her body start to shake, her grip becoming looser and her breathing began to slow. With one final gulp, he released her, running his tongue over each of the marks he'd left and putting a hand under her chin. 'Thanks for dinner.'

Eve scowled, shaking her head. 'I hate you sometimes.'

Subaru clicked his tongue, backing away from her and moving off the bed. He watched as she rolled onto her side and sat up, shrugging her blazer off and slipping her shoes off. On his way to the door, he slipped the silver knife out of his pocket, tucking it away in the draw of her dresser, leaving the redhead without another word.

Eve huffed as she hopped off the treadmill, rolling her shoulders as she climbed onto the apron of the ring and ducked under the ropes. Despite yesterday's events, she somehow felt more refreshed and rested than ever. Even her shoulder seemed to have recovered overnight. No bruise, no pain, not even an ache. Weird.

'Ready?' Trevor's question only just reached her ear.

'Always.' Eve smirked, pulling on her black gloves.

Both prepared their stances and guards, focusing on each other as they circled around the ring. Eve pounced first, sending a swift jab and cross towards Trevor's head, who ducked under without blinking. The coach retaliated with an elbow strike and roundhouse kick, Eve parried, turning and lifting her elbow with a smirk. Their back and forth continued from there, each strike and block causing her heart to pound harder, and her smile to widen. Her body knew what to do, even after all her time away from the ring.

Subaru leant against the gym walls, observing how Eve moved. She was swift, agile, petite, yet toned, sturdy, and driven with each strike and block she chose. Each was calculated, delivered without hesitation.

'Not bad…for a human…'

Eve soon switched it up, gripping the back of Trevor's neck and squeezing her arms tight around his head. Trevor folded his arms in front of her body, blocking the barrage of blows from Eve's knees. Trevor weaved his hands under her chin, pushing her face backward until her arms were stretched to her limits. He then grappled her by her waist, pulling and pushing her around the ring until he had dragged her down to the ring floor. Eve pulled herself from his grasp, sending a sharp elbow straight into his face, and pushing him back with her leg, scrambling up to her feet.

'You haven't lost your touch…' Trevor wiped his mouth, huffing and cracking his neck.

Eve gave a lopsided smirk. 'You're surprised?'

'Hardly. I know your parents…and you're the epitome of your father…' Trevor wandered over to Eve, touching his knuckles to her. '…that's why you're goin' to win this…grab a drink and have five. Takedowns next.'

Eve nodded, turning her back and weaving under the ropes, perching on the edge of the ring. Chugging down her water, she glanced up to see Subaru staring at her. 'Problem?'

Subaru left the wall, folding his arms and meandering over to stand in front of her. 'How long is this going to take?'

'I'm keeping that belt. This takes as long as it takes.' Eve stared him down, taking another swig of water.

'It's been two hours…' Subaru rolled his shoulders. The smell of lukewarm sweat mixed with pumping blood was getting far too strong. Her half-loose ponytail sticking to her face and her exposed toned arms didn't help much either.

Seeing his tight jaw and stiff form, Eve nodded. '…One more round, then we're done for the day.'

Trevor smirked at the two of them, patting Eve on the shoulder. 'She's all yours once we've gone over her takedown options.'

Subaru stepped back as Eve rolled under the ropes and pushed herself up to a guard stance. The redhead and her coach squared up, staring each other down. Eve slid down, gripping Trevor's legs and pulling them out from under him. His back hadn't even hit the mat before she started throwing punches into his face and chest, Trevor's arms pushed together to shield himself. Trevor threw another elbow towards her, creating just enough space to slide out from under her and wrap a leg around the back of her neck, keeping her in place with his hands on her head. Eve cringed, sending cross after cross into his ribs until she felt his grip loosen. Before he could tighten his hold on her, Eve had grasped his arm, wrapped her legs around it, and yanked it away from his body almost bending it the wrong way. She only released him when he tapped non-stop on her wrists, Trevor swinging his arm back and forth and puffing out a huge breath. With a glint in his eyes, he then looped his arm under her leg, throwing her balance and sending her backward into the mat. Gritting her teeth, she shifted her body to the side, pushing against Trevor's thigh with her hands until her legs were out from under him, wriggling her feet free and throwing a sharp elbow strike to each side of his face. As he wobbled, Eve pushed herself onto her feet, sending a rapid roundhouse straight around the side of Trevor's face.

Subaru stared, watching as Eve's lips slowly crept up into a wide smile. He couldn't help but smirk at her as she raised her hands into the air and jumped on the spot.

'Down for the count, coach.' Eve quipped, watching as he rolled over and huffed.

'Was the roundhouse necessary? I did tap already, you know…' Trevor sat up, grabbing the bottom of his shirt and rubbing his face with it.

Eve laughed, throwing her head back. 'Sure you were. Who was it that taught me 'only tap when you're out of options'?'

Trevor rolled his eyes. 'Yeah, yeah, because you listen to EVERYTHING I've taught you. Go on, hit the showers, get out of here, before your friend challenges you…'

Eve tilted her head, raising her eyebrows and huffing. 'Well? Think you can beat me this time, Subaru?'

Subaru shoved his hands into his pocket, his smirk widening. 'Last time I checked, you didn't walk away from that unscathed…'

Pressing her lips together, Eve weaved under the ropes, grabbing her water bottle and bag and striding past Subaru. 'I won't be long, promise!'

As the redhead jogged towards the changing area, Subaru exhaled a rough breath. When he caught Trevor's small smile and quiet chuckle, he grimaced. 'The hell are you laughing at?'

'Nothing, sport. I just…find it interesting. You and Eve, I mean…'

'There is no 'me and Eve'…I'm only here because I have to be.' Subaru grumbled, scowling at the man as he meandered across the room.

Trevor nodded, wiping the back of his neck with a towel as he spoke. 'I mean how comfortable she is with you. She doesn't give her trust to just anyone.'

Subaru raised his eyebrows. 'She'd be a fool to trust me. I'm…not like you.'

'Well, you're the only person she's allowed into this space to see her train. Not even her mother's been permitted to watch her.'

Subaru blinked. It made sense in a way. Still, it was…strange.

Trevor shrugged his shoulders. 'Anyway, it's nice she has someone she can go to. She needs that, even if she doesn't know it.'

Before Subaru could question it, Eve came jogging out of the changing room, half-damp hair running down the back of her black shirt. 'OK, all set. Same time tomorrow, T?'

'See you then. Don't forget, we need to get your new gear design finalised before the end of the week and send it off to the board.' Trevor smiled, giving her a fist bump before strolling off in the direction the redhead came from.

As they walked towards the limo, the vampire's curiosity got the best of him. 'So what's the deal with your ring gear? Why you getting a new set?'

'It's a pretty regular occurrence for championship matches. We all have a base design we stick to in several different colour schemes, but in a title match, the league likes us to have specific gear to mark the occasion. I can show you some photos of previous gear later.' Eve smiled as she clambered into the vehicle.

'So it's all just for show?' Subaru scoffed, folding his arms.

Eve rolled her eyes. 'Every fighter has something they're known for. Some people are high flyers, going off the ropes or the sides of the cage, others are brawlers and tend to purely fist fight. Our gear tends to reflect those styles, designed so we can do those maneuvers cleanly.'

Subaru frowned. 'I thought MMA only fought in cages, not rope rings…'

'Our league is a bit different. Normally, MMA tends to be in cages, but because of the variety of fighting styles, they conduct most matches in rope rings so they're more varied and exciting for the audience.' Eve rolled her shoulders, chugging on a bottle of water.

'So what's your style, then? And what's this fancy gear going to look like?' Subaru leaned forward, clasping his hands together.

Eve smirked. 'It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you.'

'I'm glad the doctor's cleared you, Eve, but aren't you nervous to fight again ahead of schedule?' Yui chirped from across the dinner table, a small furrow in her eyebrows.

Eve hummed. 'I'm not nervous, more…apprehensive. I know I've been on a long break, which my opponent will no doubt take advantage of, but I also know that's why all this work now is so important, so I can go in and prove the break means nothing and that I'm still worthy of shouldering my belt.'

Yui nodded. 'I'm sure you'll do well. After all, you seemed to handle Atticus just fine.'

Ayato chuckled. 'That prick has been brooding every day since you dropped him.'

'You know, Ayato, I seem to remember you doing just that after I first met you…' Eve smirked, elegantly chewing another piece of steak while staring him down.

Laito laughed, resting his head on his fist as he gazed at the redheaded human further down the table. 'I must say, you're fiery nature is…stimulating to witness, little bitch.'

Eve huffed, side-eyeing him. 'Keep up the creepy comments and you're next, pervert.'

Subaru smirked, chewing on his bread. It was entertaining to see his prey show his brothers up.

At the lull in the conversation, Reiji cleared his throat and looked towards Eve. 'Since we're all here, I must inform you all that our father has requested our presence at the next ball he's hosting. Miss Dawson and Yui, you'll both be attending, therefore you'll need to acquire an appropriate outfit before Saturday.'

Eve blinked. 'All due respect, why do I need to attend? Surely it's a family-only event.'

'Our father specifically requested every one of us attend, the matter is settled. Unless you want to anger our father?' Reiji scowled, looking at her over his glasses.

'I'm not trying to be difficult, I just…don't have the funds to afford something to wear to a ball, Reiji…' Eve pressed her lips together, taking a drink of water to hide her flushed cheeks.

Yui smiled. 'Oh, don't you remember? You just tell people you're with the Sakamaki's and they bill the house. We could go shopping tomorrow after your training session, just you and me! I've not been shopping for a while and need some new clothes.'

Eve blinked, looking across all the occupants at the table, then returning her focus to the bubbly blonde. 'Right…OK, sure, I could probably do with some new things too.'

'Great! I'll get a list of stores so we have lots of options. Um, Reiji, is there a theme or specific dress code.' Yui cocked her head towards the older vampire.

Reiji dabbed his lips with his napkin. 'It's black tie. I'd advise you to match your attire to your plus one.'

Eve raised her eyebrows, glancing at Subaru. 'Right, what colour is your suit going to be?'

Subaru grunted, rolling his eyes. 'Black with silver accents. Doesn't matter to me which colour you pick.'

Yui tapped Ayato on his shoulder. 'So for you…black or red?'

'Pick red. That way if I have to feed, no one will know the difference.' He smirked, pulling her close and sniffing her neck.'

'Please, not at the dinner table…' Yui pushed him back, covering her flushed cheeks.

Eve smiled, taking another gulp of water. 'Well, as long as we can pick our style, I'm sure that both me and Yui can adhere to those colours…' She didn't miss the furrowed eyebrows from Yui, or the slightly raised ones from her 'plus one' next to her. This might turn out to be more fun than the knots in her stomach suggested.

Eve's gaze wandered along the shop fronts of the high street, her lips pressed together. These places were…a lot to say the least, and not just in terms of the price tag. Yui, meanwhile, was humming to herself as she walked beside her, focused on the list in her hand.

'OK, so I think we should start here and then head for the more casual wear stores. Our gown is the top priority after all…' She turned to Eve, tapping her arm gently. 'Is everything alright?'

Eve huffed. 'Sorry, I'm not used to shopping for…this kind of event, so…'

Yui smiled. 'I get it. I haven't been to one of these yet either, but I've seen the kind of things that they wear from photos and news reels. Is that why you're nervous?'

Eve stopped, rubbing the back of her neck and humming to herself. 'Not nervous. Apprehensive. Don't want to give anyone a reason to be angry or upset with me…'

'Aww, Eve, please try not to worry. As long as you stick with Subaru for the evening, I'm sure you'll be fine. Besides, the brothers hate these things with a passion, so I don't think we'll be there longer than necessary…' Yui looped her arm through Eve's, smiling up at her. 'So why don't we just have fun with this, find something we both like, and then drop into a café for cake and coffee?'

'Yeah, you're right. Plus…I think it's time we gave Ayato a reason to make a real move on you…' Eve chuckled, following Yui into their first store.

Just under an hour into their search, and four stores later, Eve was tapping her feet as she waited outside the dressing room for her petite blonde friend. She knew full well that Yui was all but having a heart attack at the latest dress she'd asked her to try, but ten minutes of waiting for her to come out was trying even her patience.

'Come on, Yui, get out here and show me. Or I'm coming in there to get you…' Eve called, knocking on the wooden frame of the cubicle.

'O-OK.' Yui's stutter caused a grin to break onto Eve's lips, which only widened when she finally pulled the curtain back. 'I'm not sure about-'

Eve gaped. 'I am, Yui, where have you been hiding that figure?!'

Yui shuffled out and positioned herself in front of the full-length mirror outside, adorned in a bright red off-the-shoulder long dress. The satin material gleamed under the spotlight, and the slight cinch at the bottom of the bodice just above the a-line skirt sculpted her petite frame in just the right way. With a slight dip on the neckline exposing just enough cleavage to be modest, and the dainty button closure at the back, it was the perfect mix of classy and sexy.

Yui turned her body, frowning. 'I…You really think this is the one?'

Eve nodded. 'Yes. You look regal, hot, and classy. With this, you could tie your hair in a bun and wear a pendant to finish the look…'

'I suppose…' Yui glanced down, smoothing out the skirt. '…it is very nice.'

'Trust me, Ayato will be drooling when he sees you. And I can do your makeup to match it!'

Yui beamed, blushing hard and biting her fingernails. 'Thank you…OK, I think I'm gonna go for it!'

Eve slapped her back. 'Atta girl. I'll get them to bring some shoes over so they can make it the perfect height for you.'

'Are you going to try on your dresses now?' Yui raised her eyebrows, folding her arms.

'Once we get you sorted, I will…' She called, jogging over to the store assistant and gesturing to Yui. 'We need some shoes to go with this, nothing too high please, I imagine it will be a long evening for both of us…oh and can we get one of your tailors to measure how much the skirt needs shortening?'

The store assistant nodded. 'Absolutely, miss. By the way, I've pulled a few dresses for you to try while we see your friend here. It was black or silver you wanted, correct?'

Eve nodded. 'Yes, thank you for your patience with us as well. I'll be sure to recommend you all to my other friends.'

'You're too kind. There in the dressing room for you.'

Eve smiled, strolling back over and slipping into her own cubicle. Pulling the first black dress off the rack, a simple black long dress with some diamonte all around the waist and bodice, she pursed her lips. Far too glitzy for her. Next, she slipped into a black halter neck dress with a high-low skirt that was ruffled and reminded her of a shower puff. Gagging to herself, she pulled it off and hung it with the first dress, moving to the next one. As she pulled it off the hanger, the softness of the fabric brought a huge grin to her face and she slipped it over her head before peeking out of the curtain. 'Um, could I get some help with this, please?'

Saturday, three days later.

'Eve, my hands are shaking…' Yui mumbled as Eve finished applying the clear gloss to the blonde's lips, a firm smirk on her friend's face.

'Don't start. You look amazing, Yui. Ayato isn't going to know what to do with himself tonight. Now, have a look.' Eve turned her around to face the mirror. She was beaming at her work. Along with the red dress, Yui's hair was pulled up into a high bun with her bangs framing her cheeks. Her eyes were dusted with a peach eyeshadow, a slither of black eyeliner and her lashes painted with mascara. She also had a matching peach blush across her cheeks, and her look was finished with her usual heart-shaped pendant.

Yui gasped, placing a hand across her chest. 'My goodness, I…I don't know what to say.'

Eve laughed, patting her on the back. 'You don't have to say anything, just go downstairs and enjoy the fact you look like a blonde bombshell. I'm gonna finish up before I join you.'

With a final nod, Yui jogged out of the room, closing the door behind her. Once alone, Eve let out the breath she'd been holding, smoothing the front of her own dress down and smirking. She wouldn't let this overwhelm her.

'It's just like being in a match: don't let them see you sweat, Eve. You've got this.'

Nodding to herself, she grabbed her bag from her dresser, then paused seeing a glint of light reflecting from her half-open drawer. A frown made its way onto her face as she pulled out Subaru's silver knife, holding it up to the light and turning it in her hand. Shrugging her shoulders, she slipped it into her bag before doing one final twirl and heading for the lobby.

'Are you sure she said she's ready? We'll be late if we don't leave now.' Reiji twisted his cuff links, straightening his deep purple vest as he buttoned up his suit jacket.

'She told me she was just finishing up…maybe I should check on her?' Yui tilted her head, taking a step towards the staircase.

Ayato held a firm grip on her arm. 'You stay. Subaru can go get her.'

Subaru growled. 'Why should I do it?'

Shu hummed. 'She is your prey. Or can you not keep her under control?'

'Shut your mouth.'

Laito chuckled. 'I'd be more than happy to go retrieve her…'

Subaru unfolded his arms, clenching his fists. 'Don't you dare-'

'Sorry to keep you waiting…'

All conversation ceased as Eve's voice echoed across the lobby, and everyone's eyes went wide as saucers as she descended the staircase. The silver satin fabric of her halterneck dress shone against the light of the chandelier, the slit at the front exposing her toned legs and the silver kitten heels she wore. Her hair was curled, pinned up in a high ponytail that exposed her slender neck, which was graced with a silver chain choker necklace that had a moon pendant in the center. Her eyes were dark and smoky coloured, a dark purple glittered eyeliner swept across the edge of them that matched her deep purple lipstick, all of which was balanced out by the soft pink blush on her cheeks. Her attire was finished by her father's dog tags, which were wrapped around her left wrist like a bracelet.

When she reached the rest of the group, she smiled, nodding to Reiji. 'I wanted to make sure I looked the part…'

Laito wolf-whistled. 'You looked delicious before, little bitch, now you look...' He leaned in closer, ignoring the death glare from his younger brother. '…exquisite…'

Eve pushed him back with a firm hand. 'Flattered as I should be, you're not my plus one, are you?' She strolled up to Subaru, raising her eyebrows and offering her hand to him. 'I'm taking your silence as a positive sign?'

Subaru blinked, taking her arm and looping it through his and glancing down at the redhead. 'You better not trip in those heels and embarrass me.'

'So long as you don't ruin this dress by biting me, I won't.'

The shrill of violins and cellos rang in Eve's ears as they entered the castle. With the rest of the brothers and Yui in front of her and Subaru, she had a good chance to take in the scenery. Walls lined with gold and white accents, plush red carpets, and glimmering suits of armour and weapons occupied every space she could see, all lit by gold sconces that seemed to burn with an almost off-white and orange flame. When the ballroom came into view, the shine of the wall almost blinded her, forcing her to suppress a squint and grimace. There was almost no space on the dancefloor as the other guest mingled, swirling tumblers of various colours of wine, some laughing, others nodding. As they approached the entrance, Subaru leaned down to whisper in her ear.

'Don't wander off this evening, most of these people aren't civilised if they get a chance to feed on a weak human.' The bite in his voice made her scoff.

'You know I'm not weak, or stupid. Quit fretting, I'm not going to show anyone up tonight. I'll sit still and play the part.' Eve bit back, keeping the smile on her face and side-glancing him.

Subaru took a deep breath, looking off to his other side. 'That's not what I'm worried about…'

As she opened her mouth to question, a blast of trombones drowned her question out, and the butler at the entrance spoke aloud to the room, stepping aside and gesturing to the group.

'Ladies and gentlemen, the Sakamaki sons, accompanied esteemed guests, Miss Yui Komori and Miss Eve Dawson!'

All eyes in the room turned to them, chatter ceasing and light applause taking its place. Reiji and Shu led them all into the room and to their marked table, where Ayato pulled a chair out for Yui, who blushed at the gesture. Eve smirked at the display, suppressing a giggle as Subaru proceeded to copy his older brother. Once everyone was seated, Eve settled back into her chair and let out a breath, placing her hands on her lap and fiddling with the dog tags.

Yui frowned at Eve, leaning closer to her. 'Is something wrong?'

Eve smiled, shaking her head. 'Just taking it all in. Feel like I'm on another planet.'

Yui nodded. 'I understand. Ayato told me we wouldn't be here too long, just the 'customary stuff', then Reiji plans for us all to make a swift exit. Something about 'wanting to avoid any unsavoury people'.'

'Unsavoury, huh…' She paused, Subaru's previous words echoing in her mind. '…though it might add some excitement if someone starts something…'

Yui covered her mouth, trying her best to hide her giggle. 'Somehow I don't think that would make Reiji very happy…'

Eve huffed. 'Very true…'

They were interrupted by one of the butlers sauntering over, a tray of glasses filled with some kind of red or white wine, holding it out to them. 'Will it be red or white for you, ladies and gentlemen?'

Eve shook her head. 'Neither for me, just an ice water if it's not too much trouble…'

'I'll have an ice water as well, thank you.' Yui smiled, clasping her hands.

The butler nodded, moving on to each of the brothers. Once each took a glass of the red, the butler disappeared in a swift movement, seemingly making his way to the kitchen.

'Not a fan of wine, Miss Dawson?' Reiji's smug voice caught her attention, and she noticed the small smirk on his lips as he drank.

'My training regime doesn't allow for alcohol, and I wouldn't want to risk consuming something that I haven't poured. I'm sure you understand, Reiji…' Eve's smile got bigger at the slight widening of Reiji's eyes.

Kanato chuckled, tilting his head to look at her. 'You're very clever. That can be dangerous.'

Eve raised her eyebrows. 'Subaru himself warned me of the potential of some less than civil people attending. I'm just ensuring that I bring no trouble to any of you this evening.'

Laito hummed, tipping his fedora to her. 'A wise choice, little bitch. Though I'm sure Subaru would punish you accordingly if you did embarrass us…'

'Will you shut up already? Fucking pervert…' Subaru growled, clenching his fist.

'Language, please. We are among the civilised elite, little brother.' Reiji pushed his glasses up his nose.

'I don't give a-' He paused as he felt a soft hand on his thigh under the table, sideglancing the redhead next to him, who had a look he couldn't quite decipher on her face.

'Wasting your energy on perverts like him is pointless. Best to just ignore him.' Eve blinked, giving his thigh a soft squeeze and tilting her head. 'I'm more interested to finally see what your father looks like…'

Subaru unclenched his fist, breathing deeply through his nose turning away from the rest of his brothers, focusing his gaze on Eve. 'He's an asshole. That's all you need to know.'

Eve removed her hand, crossing one of her legs over the other and briefly offering thanks to the waiter as they dropped off her and Yui's drinks. 'OK…what makes him an arsehole?'

'He's shallow, self-centered, cocky, looks down on people, a user and…' he paused, pressing his lips together. '…just a shitty person in general, even for the King of Vampires.'

'Right…I'll do my best not to be sarcastic then…' She smirked, taking a sip from her water and winking at him.

Subaru smiled, despite trying not to. 'I don't think anyone here would blame you if you did…'

Eve put the glass down, nodding her head towards Reiji. 'He'd have an aneurysm if I was anything but a proper lady.'

'It'd be worth it.' Subaru quipped, taking a sip of his own drink.

'Wishing death upon your own brother? How uncouth, Subaru Sakamaki.' She placed a hand over her chest, shaking her head despite the quiet laughter she let out.

Subaru smirked again, pushing the laughter down into his stomach as he gazed down. The clasp of her bag had slipped open with her movement, exposing an all too familiar handle. Raising his head up once more, he raised his eyebrows and nodded down towards the bag.

Following his gaze, she pressed her lips together, closing the bag and biting her lip before softly whispering. 'Sorry, I-'

Before she could speak further, the orchestra flared up, and everyone's gaze swept up towards the balcony at the front of the room, a far older butler clearing his throat and making a sweeping gesture with his arm.

'All rise for the arrival of the king!'

Hello all, it's been a while I know. Writer's block will do that to you. But I promise I'm seeing this story through to the end, however long it takes.

See you on the next chapter...

Blossom99