Chapter Four

Eve stood in front of the mirror, running a brush through her tousled, bedhead waves, and glanced at the time on her phone screen. 13:41. She could feel her blood starting to pump faster and she was smiling so wide her cheeks had started to hurt. It was her first CrossFit session in months and the wait for the all-clear had been torturous, to say the least.

'Those doctors didn't understand... how could they?'

She scoffed at the memory. That's what her mother had said too...though she also said they weren't wrong in 'advising' her rest. Eve hadn't wanted to hear it back then, and she sure as hell didn't want to hear it now. Why couldn't any adult in her life trust her to make the right choice and let her just get on with her life?

Chucking the brush onto the dressing table, she pulled her hair into a high ponytail, making quick work of weaving it into a braid and wrapping it into a high bun. Then she brushed the front of her shirt and turned in the mirror. After cycling through most of her workout gear, she'd opted for a black long loose tank top that ended at her hips, a black zip-up hoodie, and dark grey knee-length leggings. She took a step back and raised her arms above her head, nodding at her reflection in the mirror.

'Perfect. He won't be able to see it...'

She rolled her shoulders, wincing at the aches coming from the many puncture marks littering her arms. Despite the discomfort, they weren't all that noticeable once they'd healed up. Weird.

Letting her arms flop down, she jogged over to the door of her room, grabbed her rucksack, slung it over her shoulders, and strode out the door.

Subaru leaned against the side of the limo, cursing the heat of the sun that was bearing down on his back. How the hell did he get stuck playing chauffeur to a human, and his prey no less? Just who was this girl? And why was his piece of shit dad allowing her to indulge in normal human activities when Yui was barely allowed to leave the house?

'Where the fuck is she anyway? She told me quarter to-'

'Ready to go?'

He glanced up to find Eve standing in front of him, arms folded, right hip cocked and eyebrows raised. She gave him a smirk as she approached the limo's door.

'Time to come back down to earth, space cadet.' She quipped, patting him on the shoulder.

'Whatever. Just get in already.' He spat, swatting her hand away, opening the door, and stepping back as Eve clambered inside the family vehicle with him following close behind.

Silence lingered between Subaru and Eve as the limo trundled down the road. Both of their minds were ripe with questions as they glanced back and forth at each other, averting their gazes immediately when their eyes locked onto one another. Eventually, Subaru resigned himself to laying down on the limo's seat with his arm draped over his eyes while Eve plugged her headphones into her phone and fixed her gaze on the scenery outside.

It wasn't long before the view morphed from mile-high trees shrouding the midday sunlight to endless rows of gleaming skyscrapers and brightly coloured billboards. But Eve wasn't paying attention to them. She was sinking into the lyrics of the song playing on her phone.

Beware, beware, be skeptical,
Of their smiles, their smiles of plated gold.
Deceit, so natural,
but a wolf in sheep's clothing is more than a warning.

Baa baa black sheep
have you any soul?
No sir, by the way,
what the hell are morals?

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick.
Jill's a little whore, and her alibis
are turning tricks.

So could you…
Tell me, how you're sleeping easy,
how you're only thinking of yourself.
Show me, how you justify,
telling all your lies like second nature.
Listen, mark my words, one day,
you will pay, you will pay,
Karma's gonna come collect your debt.

Eve closed her eyes, tapping the beat on her thigh with her fingers, failing to notice that Subaru was watching her every movement.

Aware, aware, you stalk your prey,
with criminal mentality.
You sink your teeth into the people you depend on,
infecting everyone, you're quite the problem.

Fee-fi-fo-fum, you better run and hide,
I smell the blood of a petty little coward.
Jack be lethal, Jack be slick,
Jill will leave you lonely dying in a filthy ditch.

So could you…
Tell me how you're sleeping easy,
how you're only thinking of yourself.
Show me, how you justify,
telling all your lies like second nature.
Listen, mark my words, one day,
you will pay, you will pay,
Karma's gonna come collect your debt.

Before long, she was subconsciously mouthing the words, far too engrossed in the song to realise that Subaru was now frowning at her. Without thinking, he sat upright, lolling his head on the back of his seat and continuing to observe.

Maybe you'll change,
abandon all your wicked ways,
make amends and start anew again.
Maybe you'll see, all the wrongs you did to me,
and start all over, start all over again.

Who am I kidding?
Now, let's not get overzealous here.
You've always been a huge piece of shit!
If I could kill you, I would,
but it's frowned upon in all fifty states.
Having said that, burn in hell!

So tell me, how you're sleeping easy,
how you're only thinking of yourself.
Show me, how you justify,
telling all your lies like second nature.
Listen, mark my words, one day,
you will pay, you will pay,
Karma's gonna come collect your debt.

Karma's gonna come collect your debt,
Karma's gonna come collect your debt!

As the song came to a close, the limo jostled up and then down, throwing Eve off balance for a moment and knocking her phone out of her hand. Subaru caught it before she had a chance to reach for it.

'Do you ever take those things out your ears?' Subaru asked, tossing the phone back to her and leaning back in his seat.

Catching the phone with ease, Eve shrugged her shoulders. 'Only when there's something more interesting to do. Sitting in silence bores me.'

'So, talking with me isn't interesting?' Subaru clicked his tongue, his frown deepening as he did.

Eve stared back, raising her eyebrows. 'No offense, but you don't give off conversational vibes at the best of times.'

'This coming from you, who listens to music instead of talking like the zombie of the house.' Subaru spat, crossing his arms.

'Shu is plugged into his music all the time from what I've seen, which I don't do, thank you very much.' Eve stated, pointing her finger at Subaru.

'Whatever…' Subaru frowned, turning to look out the window, only to glance back at her a moment later. 'You are allowed to talk to me if you're bored…' He mumbled, glancing at her through the corners of his eyes.

Eve raised her eyebrows, leaning forward and tilting her head. 'What's that?'

Subaru's eyebrows furrowed as he peered out the window once more. 'Nothing. How far away is this place anyway?'

'Far side of the city. Coach prefers privacy for training, just like I do.' Eve replied, pocketing her phone and folding her arms.

Subaru scowled. 'Training? You said this was just a gym session.'

'Yeah, training my body. It's why I go on runs, why I eat well. I want to be as strong as possible.' Eve shrugged her shoulders, leaning back in her seat and folding her arms over her stomach to stop it churning.

Subaru stared blankly. 'Why? What's the point?'

As she opened her mouth to answer, the limo glided to a halt and a tapping came from the screen separating the driver's area. 'Miss Dawson, Master Subaru, we have arrived.'

Eve grinned, snatching her bag off the seat and shuffling out of the car before Subaru could respond. Rolling his eyes, he followed her, stopping when he caught sight of their destination. They were in what looked to be a retail park, but they weren't standing in front of one of those glass-front buildings where you could see treadmills and weightlifting machines from the road, nor was there the stink of sweat and pumping blood. It was a long, off-white, concrete brick building with a large metal shutter door that was half raised, a bright yellow light flooding through the gap. There was no sign with an obnoxious name like the other buildings, no echo from too loud music, and no flashy lobby. He was somehow relieved at its simplicity.

Eve turned around, tilting her head. 'You plan on gawking all day or are you joining me inside?'

Subaru blinked a few times, striding forward to catch up with her. As he joined her, a dark-skinned man wearing long grey gym shorts and a red V-neck shirt ducked underneath the door, beaming and holding his arms out wide. 'I thought I recognised that sarcastic wit. Is my favourite trainee here?'

'Hi, Trevor…' Eve smiled, sauntering up to him and bear-hugging him. 'It's so good to see you again. I know it's been way too long, I'm really sorry.'

'Never have I ever heard someone apologise for recovering from an injury. Honestly, you have nothing to be sorry for…' He stopped as he caught sight of Subaru over Eve's shoulder. 'I wasn't aware you were bringing a friend.'

Eve smirked, walking over to Subaru and patting him on the chest. 'Relax, Trevor, he's not going to out where we train. He's just here to take me home afterward, save me walking.' She said, giving Subaru a subtle wink and squeezing his shoulder.

Trevor looked Subaru up and down before nodding and turning to Eve. 'Well, if you trust him, so do I. Shall we get started?'

With a firm nod, the three ducked under the door and out of sight.

Subaru gazed around the interior with a stoic look on his face. Despite its outward appearance, the place was remarkably well-equipped. Several boxing bags were hanging from the beams lining the ceiling, a weight bench in the back left corner of the room with towers of weighted plates stacked beside it, a treadmill in the opposite corner, and the right wall was lined with what seemed to be weighted ball and pale wooden boxes. The left wall had shelves and a shoe rack while a pull-up bar sat in the centre of the room while the floor was covered in rubber flooring. He nodded, leaning against the left wall. 'Never knew a place like this could exist in a city.'

'That's the way I like it.' Trevor replied, shrugging his shoulders. 'Had a massive gym once, didn't really work out.'

'What happened?' Subaru asked, watching as Eve slung her bag to the floor and shrugged her hoodie off her shoulders.

Trevor folded his arms. 'Stress. Running a business that large can be taxing on your health, to say the least. Plus, it took me away from my real passion. I'm not a businessman, I'm a personal trainer…so I downsized, bought this place, and slowly built it up. I was just lucky that my loyal customers like Eve followed me here.'

'Like I'd have gone anywhere else, Trevor…' Eve interrupted, slapping him on the back. 'Where do you want me to start?'

Trevor gestured to the back of the room. 'Ten minutes on the treadmill, WITH intervals and then your usual stretches. If I catch you sprinting on that, you'll be in trouble-'

'I won't, don't panic.' Eve quipped, slapping Trevor on the back and wandering over to the treadmill.

Subaru gazed at her, lowering his voice as he nodded at her. 'What was the injury by the way? She never mentioned it before.'

Trevor followed Subaru's gaze, sighing. 'She was, uh, doing a charity run a few months ago. Slipped on the rough ground, fell into a ditch, and hit a couple o' trees on the way down. Broke a few ribs which tore some of the abdominal muscles. Surgery, physical therapy, the works. She was lucky not to puncture a lung…'

Subaru frowned. 'Didn't know ribs could tear muscles like that. Must've been a hard impact.' He didn't fail to notice Trevor's breath quietly hitching. Or how his lips pressed together in a thin line.

'I've seen plenty of injuries in my time, young man. While it's not a common occurrence, it's by no means impossible if the ribs break and fold in on themselves as opposed to just going into the lungs, especially if it's the lower ribs like Eve's was.' Trevor stated, looking up and pointing at Subaru. 'I must say, you're in fine shape yourself. You also a gymgoer?'

Subaru shook his head, taking his eyes off Eve and staring at the well-set man. 'No way. Not my thing. I just… play a lot of sports, that's all.'

Trevor nodded back. 'Fair enough. By the way, you want some water?'

Subaru frowned, shaking his head back and forth. 'I'm fine.'

'You sure?' Trevor asked, tilting his head to the side and blinking.

As he opened his mouth to speak, he stopped, only now realising that his hand had been around his throat this whole time. He quickly shoved it into his pocket, turning away and fixing his eyes across the room. 'I said I'm fine…'.

Trevor stared for a moment before nodding. 'OK then.' He replied, wandering over to the treadmill and standing in Eve's view. 'Right, let's head into the other room so I can see where your flexibility is at.'

Eve hit the stop button on the treadmill, hopping off it and planting her hands on her hips. 'Why can't I stretch in here?'

'Because I say so.' Trevor deadpanned, giving a subtle nod towards Subaru. 'Besides, there's more space in there.'

Eve rolled her eyes, tightening her ponytail. 'Fine… ' She sighed, striding past him and swinging the door closest to her open and disappearing through it.

Trevor huffed, looking back over his shoulder at Subaru. 'I swear, she never changes. We'll be back in a second.'

Subaru grunted, waiting for Trevor to walk through the door before teleporting across the room and standing beside it.

As the door closed behind them, Eve spun around and threw her hands up in the air. 'What the hell was that?'

'Why is that boy here, Eve?' Trevor asked, folding his arms and standing tall. 'Nine years you've been my student and never once have you allowed any of your friends to walk through my doors, so what's changed?'

'I already told you, he's my ride. Nothing more.' Eve stated, turning around, sinking into a cobra position, and looking at the ceiling above her.

Trevor raised his eyebrows. 'So it's got nothing to do with your new living arrangements, no?' He scoffed as Eve gazed at him out of the corner of her eye. 'You're mother told me. Something about living with a family friend and going to…night school? Is that even a real thing?'

Eve huffed a breath out, pushing herself up before sinking into a pigeon pose. 'Yep. And if she told you that, you don't need to ask why do you?' She saw him rub his hands over his eyes. 'Trevor, I'm doing fine. I can take care of myself. You don't have to worry about me.'

He crouched down so he was at eye level with her. 'Too late for that and you know it. You know I feel-'

'And YOU know that I don't blame you. Now can I do my stretches in peace or not?!' Eve yelled, pushing herself into a lunge.

Trevor nodded, standing up and walking towards the door. 'I'll get the weights set up…' He turned to look at the redhead, his shoulders sagging when she didn't acknowledge him. '… Come out when you're ready.'

'Too late for that and you know it. You know I feel-'

'And YOU know that I don't blame you. Now can I do my stretches in peace or not?!'

Subaru jumped as Eve's voice boomed out of nowhere. Less than a second later, he heard the door click and was back in his original spot before Trevor had crossed the threshold. He watched as the man wandered over to the weight bench, adjusting the weight tentatively before picking up a couple of sets of dumbbells and kettlebells and placing them at the foot of the bench. 'Where's Eve?'

'Just finishing her stretches. Said she'll be out in a minute.' Trevor didn't even look up as he continued to work.

Subaru stared at him, folding his arms and pushing off the wall. 'How do you know Eve's mother?' He saw Trevor freeze and stare at him. '… Eve she… mentioned it on the way here.' Subaru kept his gaze and stance steady, hoping he wouldn't see through the lie.

Trevor sat down on the edge of the bench, clasping his hands together. 'Because I knew her father. We were friends from our days in school all the way through university. He was like a brother to me, always looking out for me an' keeping me out of trouble. Believe it or not, I was her father's best man. The day I found out he was enrolling in the army, that was the same day he chose me to be Eve's godfather. Should anything happen to him, he made me swear that I'd watch over her...' His head dipped down to stare holes through his fists.

'You feel responsible for her…' Subaru stepped forward again, moving to stand in front of the hunched-over man. 'Why?'

A wobbly sigh left Trevor's lips, his eyes closed, and he shook his head. 'One mile…' He lifted his head and stared into Subaru's blood-red eyes. 'She was a mile away when she…it had been way too long, and I should've known that something was off-'

'Accidents happen, Trevor.'

Both men whipped their heads around to see Eve standing a few feet away, arms folded and eyes boring into the back of their heads. Her eyes were a mess of emotions, and Subaru couldn't decipher what any of those emotions were. Everything about her was just…confusing.

Eve strode over to stand in front of the men, sighing and rubbing her eyes before looking to Trevor. 'You told me a long time ago that life is messy and random. Things like this come out of left field and there's almost nothing you can do to predict them. Trevor…' She crouched down in front of him, placing a hand on one of his arms. 'I'm not asking anymore, I'm telling you. Let. It. Go.'

Subaru's gaze flickered between the two humans, trying to gauge what each was thinking. He was met with a red-haired stone façade and a man who seemed to be struggling and lost.

'Guess I'm not the only one living in a messy family…'

The sound of Eve's voice came again after a stretching silence. 'Now can I do the rest of my workout, or not?'

Trevor nodded, pushing himself up from the bench. 'I've got some paperwork to handle. I trust you won't push yourself too far.' With those words spoken, he walked away from the bench and down the only hallway in the building, leaving Subaru and Eve alone.

Eve stood back up, settling herself on the bench and removing her hoodie. She could feel Subaru's eyes following her every move. 'If you have something to say, get on with it.'

'What's your problem?' Subaru frowned at the redhead as she picked up a dumbbell in each hand and huffed, shaking her head.

'His pity is pointless. I've told him before...this blame game has to stop. It's tiring, and it doesn't change what happened.' Her eyes remained fixed away from the boy beside her as she began her first round of reps with the dumbbell.

Subaru stepped forward, staring at her face. 'All this over an accident? You humans fuss over so much stupid shit…'

Eve grimaced, slamming the dumbbells onto the matting below and standing up with a huff. 'If it's that annoying, quit bothering me over it and let me work out in peace!'

Subaru's eyes widened as he blinked and took a step back. As much as he hated to admit it, her outburst came so out of the blue it was…jarring. Before long, he put his signature frown back on his face and stomped away. 'Do what you want. Just finish on time.' He grunted, clutching his throat once more and swallowing hard, willing the image of sweat running down the girl's slender arms out of his mind.

The next time Eve saw Subaru, he was outside, leant against the open limo door with a stoic gaze. As she was about to get in, she felt a hand clamp on her shoulder, and she was acing Trevor a second later.

'Eve, listen…I…I didn't mean to-'

'I know…' Without thinking, she pulled Trevor into a hug and whispered in his ear. 'I know. I just can't afford to think about it…and I don't want-'

Trevor nodded, squeezing his student back just as tight. 'I know…I know, sprout.' After another minute, he smirked, releasing her and ruffling her hair. 'I'll see you on Friday then?'

'I'll be ready.' She chuckled, straightening her hair, and waving as she climbed into the limo.

Subaru nodded at Trevor before clambering in and slamming the door. Eve was well settled at the opposite end of the seating area by the time he flopped onto the seat. 'What did you mean by 'I'll be ready'?' He blurted the words out before he could stop himself.

Eve rolled her eyes. 'For someone who hates humans, you're awfully curious about human business.'

'Are you gonna answer my question or not?' He scowled at her.

Turning her gaze out of the window, she clicked her tongue and sighed. 'Seeing as it doesn't concern you, the answer should be obvi-' The next thing she saw was a blur of shapes and colours, followed by a dull pain in her back. Next thing she knew: her hands were pinned above her head, and Subaru was hovering over her, ruby irises were burning into her hazel ones.

Subaru sneered at her, squeezing her wrists. 'I think it's time I punished you for all that smart-mouthing.' He bared his fangs at her neck, then smirked and let out a chuckle. 'But then again, I can't have that guy on my back…so…'

Eve felt the fabric of her shirt strain under Subaru's fist. 'Wait-'

'Shut up. Or do you want me to destroy you?' He growled, lowering his face to smell her. She reeked of sweat and bubbling blood.

'Just…don't do it…where someone would see.' Eve averted her eyes, desperate to avoid looking at him. But the dark chuckle that echoed around the limo was making it harder to keep the blood from rushing to her face, and it took everything ounce of mental strength to suppress the wince when she felt the left strap of her tank top shred within Subaru's grip.

'Don't freeze. Whatever you do, don't freeze.'

'I suppose you want me to be gentle as well…' Subaru smirked at the stubborn glare he saw. He could hear her jittering heart, feel the blood pumping under her skin, and smell the sweat that still hadn't dried on her skin. He gave no warning as he sunk his fangs into her shoulder.

Eve gritted her teeth and dug her nails into her hands. The pain was searing like a fire had been lit right where she could feel Subaru's fangs and lips. Yet there was another feeling, one she couldn't put into a word. And trying to understand it was making her feel more lightheaded.

Just as the ceiling above her was turning into a blurry mess, she heard Subaru chuckle and felt his fangs slide from under her skin.

'You…taste even better when your blood is mingled…with your sweat…I want more.' His voice came in raspy whispers as he ripped the other strap and sunk his fangs into Eve once more.

Eve squeezed her fists tighter, willing her eyes to stay open. Her head was throbbing, her muscles felt like they'd turned to lead. The grumble of the limo's engine had turned to a distant hum, and that pain had spread from her shoulders, weaving its way down her body like the flow of a river.

Just as she was about to pass out, the pain began to fade away and she felt a pair of hands wrap around her shoulders and beneath her knees. The blur of the shiny metal ceiling shifted to a blur of red and grey, and the rough texture of the limo's floor turned to what felt like soft cotton and velvet. The hands remained on her, this time wrapping themselves around her waist and pulling her back against something firm and cool.

Eve craned her neck, looking for the person she knew was holding her. 'Subaru? What…what are you…' Her voice just reached him, the half-dazed look on her face making him smirk.

'Making sure those idiots keep the fuck away. I can't allow them to taint my food.' He murmured, sniffing the side of her neck. 'Plus, if we're like this, I can eat again when I get bored.'

'We have school soon…can I…at least rest…before you…' Eve stumbled and stuttered her words as she spoke, her eyes eventually fluttering shut and her head resting on Subaru's chest.

Subaru frowned at the sleeping girl, huffing a sigh. 'I'll grant your request since you gave me a delicious meal…' After moving some loose hair away from her face, he settled back against the headboard and allowed himself to nap as well.

'Subaru? Eve? Are you in there? It's Yui!'

Subaru groaned, cracking his neck as he moved to sit up. The foreign weight above him and the smooth bed linen threw him off a little until he opened his eyes to see a dozing Eve still in his arms. Her once neat ponytail was now a tangled mess that hung around the left side of her face and her mouth was open just enough that he could hear her steady breathing. Combine that with the now ruined tank top that was barely covering the top half of her body, it was difficult to resist sinking his fangs in once more.

Another round of rapping on the door drew him back into reality. 'Subaru? Eve? I'm coming in now, OK?' Yui's shaky voice went from muffled to clear as she entered the room. She blinked when her eyes landed on the bed. 'O-Oh, sorry! I'm interrupting aren't I-'

'Quit screeching like that, already. I just woke up, damnit.' Subaru hissed, scowling at the blonde. 'What do you want?'

'Um, Eve was…struggling with the uniform a bit…so I was gonna come and help her get ready…we have about an hour before we need to leave. So…' Yui stuttered, fiddling with one of the red bow tails. 'Besides…I think she might be more nervous than she lets on.'

Subaru tilted his head to look at the redhead. 'She's confusing and infuriating, but nervous…what makes you-'

'Because I know how I felt when I came here. I didn't really understand what was happening to me, and I didn't get a choice in my fate. And…neither did she…' Yui nodded towards Eve, who shifted and stirred slightly, burying her face in his shirt. 'You know…you and her are a lot alike.'

Subaru scoffed, turning his head away. 'You say such stupid shit sometimes. We have nothing in common.'

Yui tilted her head. 'Well, you both seem to like fighting, for one thing…and when you're sleeping, you both look at ease instead of tormented.'

'Are you seriously putting me on the same level as her?' Subaru snapped, glaring at Yui.

'…No, she's saying we're both hard arses.' Eve's voice came out of nowhere, making Yui jump, and Subaru glanced down to see the redhead rubbing her eyes.

'How long have you been awake?' He asked, narrowing his eyes at her.

'Since you answered Yui's last question…' she pushed herself up, holding the bedpost for support and yawning. 'What time is it?'

Yui jumped up off the bed, trotting around to stand beside her. 'Almost time for school. I'll help you get ready if you want.'

Eve looked at Yui, then to the uniform, then to the vampire still half-laid on her bed. 'He needs to get out if I'm going to change.'

Subaru clicked his tongue. 'Whatever. Just make sure you're outside on time…' he swiveled off the bed, moving to stand in front of her. 'Or you'll get another punishment.' With a final smirk, he vanished from the room.

Eve sighed, grabbing her tank top straps and scowling. 'Do they all rip clothing or is that a Subaru thing?'

Yui pressed her lips into a thin line, walking to Eve's wardrobe and pulling out her uniform, 'They all do that. I've lost a lot of clothes when Ayato has been particularly…impatient.' Trotting across the room, she held out the uniform in front of Eve. 'But you know, at least it gives me an excuse to go out and look around the shops in town. We should go sometime!'

'I would like to…' Eve replied, taking the uniform, and tossing it over her shoulder. '…but I don't have any money to buy things with right now.'

'Oh, you don't have to worry about that. Ayato tells me to just say I'm part of the Sakamaki family. When I do, they just say they'll send the bill to the house.'

Eve blinked, scratching the back of her neck. 'All the same, I wouldn't feel right just spending someone else's money…' Flashing the blonde a smile, she ruffled her hair and nodded toward the bathroom. 'C'mon, give me a hand with this thing.'

Eve stared out the limo window, desperately hoping this car journey would end soon. She could feel predatory eyes on her, and the urge to jump out the window was growing stronger by the second. If she'd known she was going to get the reactions she was getting right now, she'd have point-blank refused to wear the damned uniform. Apart from there being far too many frills and being way too complicated to actually put on. The knee-high white socks were the worst…for far too many reasons.

'My my, whatever is the matter, little bitch? Are you feeling a little exposed?' Laito's words slithered into her ears, forcing Eve to suppress a shudder.

Kanato giggled, clutching his teddy bear. 'You're right, Teddy. She does look tasty.'

'Would you keep your voices down? …You're ruining my music…' Shu groaned, not even bothering to look at his brothers.

Eve glanced at Subaru, who was sitting next to her with his arms folded and a deep frown on his face. He hadn't looked her way since they set off towards the school.

'That's one good thing at least…'

'…Eve? Eve?' Yui's voice came as a welcome comfort. At least she wasn't the only one suffering.

'What is it?' Eve answered, keeping her gaze away from the blond sitting next to her.

'Are you nervous?' Yui asked, tilting her head to the side.

Eve blinked, turning her head and frowning. 'Not really. Why?'

'You've been tapping your fingers constantly since we left.' Subaru's voice made Eve sit up straight. Looking down at her hands, she saw them beating out the all too familiar pattern and quickly closed her fist. She could feel Subaru's smirk on her back. 'So you are nervous? It's an entertaining look for-'

'I'm just not sure what to expect, that's all.' Eve sighed, laying her head on the top of the seat.

'I presume you have been to school before, correct?' Reiji questioned, shutting his book, and pushing his glasses higher up his nose.

'Tangentially, yes.' Hearing no response, she looked up and saw a sea of puzzled faces staring back at her. She rubbed her temple as she continued. 'My dad was an army medic, so we were never in one place for too long. Our record was seven weeks in the same house, and even then, we kept the boxes and suitcases packed for most of that. While my dad was out protecting our country, and my mum was working, I was home-schooled.'

Yui's eyes went wide as saucers. 'So, you've never been in a public school before? Not even a nursery or a daycare?'

'There wasn't a point in getting settled when dad could be called to duty at the drop of a hat. Our family was like…' She paused, smirking, and running a hand through her hair. '…we were like a wave on the ocean. There one minute and gone the next…' Pulling the dog tags from her blazer pocket, she held them in her palm, beaming as they gleamed in the light. '…But it was our adventure, one I hoped as a child would go on forever…alas, I learnt the truth of such a wish the hard way.' Eve closed her eyes, running her fingers along the chain and leaning her head back down.

Subaru didn't miss the tremble in her lips. 'It's good that you found that out, you know.' Everyone stared at Subaru as he spoke, but his eyes remained trained on Eve. 'Makes you smarter…and stronger than most humans…because you've got no delusions swimming around in your head as most of them do.'

Eve stared at Subaru, shifting her body to face him. Then she placed a hand against his forehead and frowned at him.

'The fuck do you think you're doing?' Subaru asked, grabbing Eve's wrist.

'Checking your temperature. You're giving out compliments. Are you feeling well?' Eve asked, trying to hide the smile creeping onto her lips.

Subaru grimaced, throwing her hand away as the rest of the vampires smirked at the interaction, Laito and Ayato struggling to suppress their laughter. 'Don't flatter yourself, you're hardly worth such a thing. It was just a fact.'

'Whatever…' Eve rolled her eyes, leaning back in her seat and smirking at him. 'Regardless of your intent, I appreciate it…thanks.'

Subaru averted his eyes, while Yui grabbed Eve's shoulder. 'Well, it may not be conventional, but it is a nice school. And Subaru will be in your class, so you won't be on your own.'

Eve giggled, gazing out of the window once more. 'I'm sure he can't wait.'

Eve fought to keep the smile on her face as she stood at the front of the class, listening to the teacher's voice as he introduced her. 'Everyone, we have a new student starting today! Meet Eve Dawson, she comes to us as a home-schooled, so please do your best to help her get used to being here.'

And so began the hum of curious whispers and passive-aggressive stares, all of which filled the room in a heartbeat. She could feel inquisitive eyes coming from every direction, and it was making her stomach do backflips.

'Eve, why don't you tell us a little about yourself?' The teacher chimed, gesturing her arm towards the rest of the students.

Eve's eyes found Subaru's. His blank eyes bore into her, and she cursed inwardly at the small smirk on his lips. Then she smirked back. 'Good morning, everyone. I'm looking forward to getting to know you and I hope we can be friends…' she bowed her head for a moment, then smiled at the teacher. 'Please go on with your lesson, Sensei. I'll have plenty of time to talk with everyone when we have a break.' Before the teacher could argue, she was walking away to her new desk. Right next to Subaru.

The teacher nodded. 'Very well then. I've left the material we've already gone over on your desk. Don't worry about today's work just read until you're caught up and we'll talk after class.'

Nodding her head, she flipped over the textbook and began reading, ignoring Subaru's stare.

'Didn't know you were so shy.' He quipped, tapping his pencil on his desk.

'Didn't know you were so interested in me.' Eve smiled, never taking her eyes off her book, pressing her lips to prevent the chuckle from escaping her lips as Subaru's face flushed and he turned away.

'Are you sure you don't want any help? Those books can be heavy, Eve.' Yui's fussing, as adorable as it was, was now starting to test Eve's patience.

'I'm fine, Yui. Besides, it's just catch-up work just to check I haven't missed anything. We can study together if you want.' Eve flashed Yui a smile, relieved when she saw her smile back.

'I'd love that! Anything you need help with, just let me know, OK?' Yui was practically skipping beside her.

The two girls rounded the corner, spotting the waiting limo and Sakamaki brothers immediately. Both were caught up in idle chatter about the day's classes and what Eve thought about the school. Even now, looking at the grandiose building, you'd think it would be a museum or something, not some fancy dandy private school for the supernatural. It looked like something straight out of her history textbook, like it belonged to some ancient civilisation from centuries ago.

Out of the blue, someone shoved past the pair, sending the Yui flying forward into Ayato's waiting arms. Eve blinked, turning around, and narrowing her eyes at what she saw.

'Ah, sorry about that, Komori. My bad.'

A few feet away, a slender brunette tossed her hair, giving Yui a look that could've put knives in her back. The two girls beside her, one with peroxide-blonde hair and one with jet-black hair, giggled as they watched Yui steady herself with Ayato's help. Eve gritted her teeth, taking a step towards the gaggle of girls.

'Why don't you apologise properly?' Eve's voice caught the girl's attention, who whipped around and scanned Eve up and down as if she were a dress on a hanger.

'Excuse me?' The girl's voice, deadpan and blunt, caught the attention of onlookers, who wearily stepped closer to eavesdrop.

Eve paid them no mind. 'You pushed past her on purpose. She could've gotten hurt because of you. I think you should apologise properly, that's all.'

She blinked, plastering a smile on her face and walking until she was right in Eve's face. 'You're that new girl, right? Why do I feel like I've seen you before?'

Eve shrugged her shoulders, flashing a smile herself. 'Maybe I'm part of one of your lesbian fantasies, who knows?'

Despite himself, Subaru put his hand over his mouth to suppress a laugh. This girl was quick on her feet, he'd give her that much. Laito and Ayato, meanwhile, couldn't contain themselves, along with half of the bystanders, which only made the brunette angrier. She puffed out her cheeks, jabbing her finger into Eve's chest.

'You listen here, newbie. No talks to me like that around here, got it?' The girl spat, leaning nose to nose with the redhead. 'Now why don't you run along to your limo and go home, and I'll be willing to let this slide…'

Eve blinked, turning her head, and smirking at Yui. 'Hey, can you come here a second, Yui?' As Yui wandered over, she held out her stack of books. 'Could you hold these for a second?' Once the books were in Yui's hands, she turned back to the brunette, tilting her head, and leaning forward. 'Why don't you make me walk away?'

A long pause. The two girls stared at each other. The brothers, Yui, and the other bystanders stared on, waiting for something to happen. Then the brunette let out a laugh that was akin to a witch's cackle, raised her hand, and swung her open palm at Eve's face.

Yui gasped, closing her eyes and waiting for the sharp, crisp sound of impact. Subaru strode towards the standoff with a frown on his face, only to be stopped by what happened next. He watched as Eve caught the incoming hand, wrapping her fingers around the brunette's wrist and digging her nails in. The glint in her eyes was obvious as she ignored the other girl's cries and cringing and led her around in a circle.

'Little tip, bitch: if you're going to take a swing at someone, at least do something that isn't obvious.' Eve stated, leading her around in one more circle, drifting closer to the plaza fountain. 'Like this!' With a wink in Subaru's direction, she threw the brunette's arm away and stuck her leg out, causing the girl to trip and tumble into the fountain behind them.

All the bystanders, including the Sakamakis, let out a mix of surprised gasps, uproars of laughter, and the odd round of applause. When the brunette emerged from the water, her eyes pierced holes through Eve as she clambered out, pushing the soaking wet hair out of her face and scowling at her.

'You're gonna pay for that, newbie. Just you wait!' She howled, stomping away while her sidekicks scurried off behind her.

Eve nodded to herself, brushing the front of her black jacket to rid it of the creases before turning to Yui and taking the books off her. 'Thank you for your assistance.' Her eyes fell on the brothers, all of which were staring at her with a concoction of confusion, surprise, and disbelief. 'Well, what are we waiting for? Time to go back to the mansion, right?' Not seeing anyone move, she shrugged her shoulders and moved past them, climbing into the limo with Yui following close behind.

Slowly, the rest of the brothers followed suit. As he took his spot beside the redhead, only one question was circling his mind.

'Where the hell did she learn to do that?'

HELLO! I'm super sorry this took so long. We had a bereavement in the family, then I was in hospital twice, then I've also been doing my masters too! Safe to say, it's been hell over the last few months :(. I hope you've enjoyed this chapter and are looking forward to the next one, so I'll see you then!

Much love!

Blossom99 :)