Chapter 5

'Eve?' Yui's voice cut through the semi-comfortable silence of her room, making the redhead lift her face from her notepad and shift so she was facing her.

'Mmhmm?' Eve responded, cocking her head to the side. She could see Yui twirling a strand of her hair persistently around her fingers and her eyes were firmly fixed on the bed.

'Are you…Are you sure that I don't need to worry…about those girls?' Yui asked, daring to look into Eve's face, her lips pressed together in a firm line.

Eve sighed, sitting up fully and crossing her legs. ' Girls like that always throw empty threats around. It's the only power they have.' She watched Yui's gaze fall onto the bed again. 'How long have they been pulling these stunts?'

Yui swallowed, squirming on the bed. 'Just over a month. It was when Ayato started escorting me to my classes...and eating lunch with just me, which still confuses me, since he usually hates hanging around in there…'

Eve smirked, covering her mouth to hold back a chuckle. 'So this is all because they're jealous that Ayato likes you? Oh, that is just sad…' Seeing Yui's frown, she composed herself and took one of Yui's hands. 'Yui, Ayato is doing that because he 'likes' you…' Eve spoke slowly, smiling as Yui's cheeks flushed a deep pink.

'I-I don't think he-' Yui started until Eve put a finger to her lips.

'He spends time with you out of choice, he doesn't want his brothers to come anywhere near you, and he escorts you like a guard protecting a princess. Trust me, he's interested in more than just your blood.' Eve smirked, wiggling her eyebrows at Yui.

Yui covered her face with her hands. 'Ugh, Eve. Come on…' As she dragged her hands over her face, she gazed at Eve with glassy eyes. 'Why would he ever pick me? I'm…I'm ordinary to him. Just another sacrificial bride.'

Eve stared at the blonde, blinking once or twice before rising from the bed and holding out her hand. 'Get up. I wanna show you something.' She watched as her friend took her hand, allowing herself to be pulled across the room until they were staring at Yui's reflection in the full-length mirror. 'What do you see?'

Yui blinked. 'Um, me? I see me.'

'Uh huh, and what about 'you' makes you ordinary?' Eve asked, squeezing her shoulders as Yui wrapped her arms around herself.

'I'm…well I'm…I'm just a human. A weak, boring human.'

Eve scoffed, pulling Yui's arms to her side. 'Could any of those girls come into this house on their own, face to face with six vampires, and live longer than any bride has before? Could they imbue a vampire with compassion, a desire to protect? To love?' She watched Yui blink and avert her gaze from the mirror.

'But-'

'But nothing. Ayato has been surrounded by gaggling girls at that night school for years and chose none of them. You come along, and suddenly he's sitting to eat with you and going wherever you go? He's clearly made his choice and those girls are green with envy because he chose you!' Eve squeezed Yui's shoulder's again. 'And I know you feel the same way about him. Problem is your insecurities are getting in the way. So…'

Eve let go, striding over to Yui's and flinging it open. 'We're going to get those confidence levels up. With a little fashion show!'

Yui's eyes went wide as she turned around at Eve's statement. 'B-B-But I don't know h-how to-'

Eve pulled an array of Yui's clothes out of the wardrobe, plonking them on the bed and picking a random dress from the pile, handing it to Yui. 'There's nothing to know. Just try outfits on, twirl around, and have some fun.'

Yui looked at the dress, taking it tentatively from Eve and looking at her through her eyelashes. 'Can I use my shoes too?'

Eve grinned. This was going to be fun.

The faint sound of laughter and squealing caught Subaru's ear as he wandered toward Eve's bedroom. His plan to figure her out had been postponed by the long, silent car journey to the mansion, Eve's need to eat, and Yui's desire for a 'study buddy' after dinner. Despite his protest, Reiji had told him to not disturb the two girls until they had finished their study session. Judging by the laughter, he guessed that was the case.

Rounding the corner, he found the sound got louder and strode along the hallways until her reached the door of Yui's room. A slither of yellow light peeked through the crack in the door, where faint shadows kept moving erratically along the far wall, and was that a camera snapping?

Peeking through, he frowned and covered the smirk on his face. There was Yui, twirling around in a completely different outfit to before, while Eve perched on the edge of the bed, phone pointed at the blonde and crying out as Yui stopped to strike a pose.

'Yes! Fabulous! Now give me something…sassy.' Eve pointed at Yui, who put her hands on her waist, leaning on her left leg and pursing her lips. Eve smiled, dropping her phone on the bed.

'Feeling perkier?' Eve smiled as Yui nodded.

'That was so much fun! I can't believe I've never let loose like that…' She paused, picking at her fingernails and peering at Eve through her eyelashes. 'Can we…do this again sometime?'

Eve jumped off the bed, pulling Yui into a side hug. 'Anytime, OK? On a good day or a bad one. Us girls have to look out for each other. Besides…' She leaned in and whispered something that made Yui's face tomato red. Shaking her head, Eve patted her on the shoulder. 'I'm kidding, baby steps, yeah?'

Yui nodded, wandering over to the bed and picking up her pyjamas. 'We should do it in your room next time, then you can show me how to do a proper catwalk.'

'Sure, though I'm warning you: it'll either leave you starstruck or you'll bear witness to me falling flat on my face.' Eve scratched the back of her neck as she replied.

Subaru pushed the door open, leaning against the frame as the two girls froze with wide eyes. 'Now that, I would pay to see.'

Eve rolled her eyes, shaking her head. 'How long have you been skulking around then?'

'Long enough. You should've reported to me when you finished studying.' Subaru scowled as Eve folded her arms and cocked her hip.

'I'm not your lapdog. Yui was feeling glum, I decided to cheer her up. Way more important than school work.' Eve stared straight into Subaru's eyes. Subaru clenched his jaw.

'Besides…' Yui's cry cut through the silence of the room. 'we already finished our homework and made a start on some upcoming topics for class, so…so you shouldn't get angry with us.'

'Shut your mouth and stay out of this, I'll get angry whenever I want. You should apologise for talking back, or maybe I'll get Ayato to come over here and punish you-' Subaru's sentence was cut short as Eve stormed up to him, glaring and gritting her teeth.

'How dare you talk to her like that. Just because you didn't get what you want, doesn't give you the right to throw a tantrum and take it out on other people. That's what toddlers do, throw their toys out the pram and cry when they don't get what they want. Maybe if you didn't act like that, your brothers would quit looking down on you and give you the respect you demand. Because you'll get no respect from me, or anyone, acting as if your owed respect, owed loyalty, owed obedience, or anything else you demand. Wake up! Me, Yui, your brothers, and the world owe you nothing!'

Silence descended over the room, say for Eve's laboured breathing. Her stare didn't falter, her back remaining straight and firm as Subaru glared back, his fists clenched. Everyone seemed frozen until Subaru grabbed Eve's cardigan and yanked her until she was against his chest. Disappearing not even a second later.

The floor came rushing at Eve as they appeared in her room. Bracing herself, she rolled along the floor, using the momentum the roll onto her knees and face the searing stare of the angry vampire at the door.

'I hope you're prepared for this punishment…' Subaru held Eve's gaze as he paced across the carpet. '…because I'm gonna make it hurt worse than ever before.'

Eve clenched her fists, her body still and solid. The closer he got, the harder she had to work to slow her heartbeat.

'Do. Not. Freeze. Go somewhere he can't reach you.'

She felt him grab her shirt, pulling her once more and throwing her to the floor. He was on top of her in seconds, a sadistic grin plastered across his mouth.

'Hmph, I think I'll feed from…' Subaru's breath fell heavy on Eve's chest as her shredded her shirt just above her chest area. '…right here.' He sunk his fangs into the centre of her collarbone.

Eve felt the boiling sting, clenching her teeth while her eyes remained fixed on the ceiling. She took herself out of that room, breathing deeply as her mind scrolled through her memories. She was back in her old kitchen, sitting on her father's lap as he quizzed her about the school she just started going to. Her mother was cooking stew and dumplings at the stove, snickering at the conversation behind her. They were eating together, smiling and laughing at her tales of the playground and classroom. It was perfect. Their perfect. And that's what she needed.

'Oi.'

She blinked, lowering her gaze to find Subaru sitting back on his feet and staring blankly at her. His eyes seemed to study her. Looking for something.

'Oh, you're done? Cool, I can finally go to bed.' She stated, rolling up onto her knees and reaching for her pyjamas on the bed. Subaru was still looking at her when she turned back around. 'Did you want something else or are you just pretending to be a gargoyle from the garden?'

Subaru folded his arms, leaning against one of the bedposts. 'Where'd you learn those moves? The block, and that counter move you did, how'd you know she was gonna-'

'Try to slap me? Her arms were tense, but her left hand wasn't clenched like her right one was. I knew it was gonna be a punch or a slap. My block was ready for either.' Eve shrugged her shoulders, watching as Subaru tilted his head.

'But where'd you learn how to do that stuff?' He asked, furrowing his eyebrows.

Eve smiled. 'You think all Trevor does is run-of-the-mill workouts? He's given me the odd self-defense lesson here and there growing up…to make sure I could take care of myself in any situation.'

Subaru's face relaxed. Then a deliciously interesting idea came to him. He smirked as the knife handle flickered along his fingers, making them clench around the silver knife tucked into his pocket. Pulling the object out, he held it between his gaze and Eve's, watching her expression as she stared at the weapon. 'I doubt you could block this.'

The redhead's smile mirrored his. 'Care to test that theory?' Eve retorted, tossing the pyjamas back on the bed and steadying herself. 'One rule: no teleporting.'

Pausing, Subaru twirled the knife in his hand with a smirk. 'I don't need to teleport to win this.'

With that, their 'bet' began. Eve watched every twitch and flinch of Subaru's muscles, managing to dodge each swing and swipe of the knife that came at her. His speed was an advantage, no doubt about that, and her defense and dodges were not as clean as they could have been, but she was holding her own. Much to Subaru's surprise. Their tit-for-tat went on for a while, each too stubborn to back down. Eve's breathing became ragged and her skin blotched with her rising temperature, while Subaru grunted and grumbled with each failed attempt to 'strike' her.

'You know I can outlast you…' Subaru began, staring at the redhead opposite him. '…you're fatigued, your technique is wavering. It's only a matter of time before I beat you.'

Eve's words came out through heaving breaths. Even so, a wide smirk graced her lips. 'But you aren't focused enough to best me.' Seeing him blink and frown, she took a careful step toward her 'opponent'. '…You can't stop staring at me. At my skin.'

Subaru swallowed, trying to keep his sight on Eve's eyes and not her slightly damp skin, or her thumping heartbeat. Or the blood he could see flowing just below her skin. Growling, he gritted his teeth, swinging the knife in an arc toward her. Seeing how close he was to grazing her cheek, he pulled his arm back, swinging the knife in an upward strike. It came as a shock to see Eve's hands catch his wrist, and even more so when she struck his calf with her foot, sending him off balance in mere seconds. As she grasped the top of the blade, Subaru frowned.

'Stop, you'll-'

Seconds later, Eve's swift downward motion sent the blade of the knife across her palm. An inaudible gasp escaped her mouth as she clutched her hand, stepping back and striding towards the bathroom. Subaru followed, watching as she wrapped her hand in a dry washcloth, securing it with a thick hair bobble before turning to look at her vampire companion. It took a few minutes before she could breathe slowly enough to get her words out.

'Well, I was kind of asking for that, huh?' Eve sighed, grimacing as she flexed her fingers. 'Jeez, it looked sharp, but holy crap, it's sharper than any knife I've seen.'

Subaru shook his head, scoffing. 'I tried to tell you. Humans, I swear…' he covered his mouth, seeing the blood start to spread across the surface of the flannel. What was it about HER blood that made it so hard to…?

Eve's eyes flickered between her hand and Subaru's face, her first conversation with Yui running around her head. Subaru had a mix of a grimace and a frown. Was he…stopping himself?

'Why? Just what goes through that head of yours?'

Dumping the flannel in the basin, Eve twirled the cold tap on, wincing as it tumbled over her palm and washed the blood down the sink. Her fingers tingled as her hand grew paler and colder, a dull ache settling in quickly. Seeing the vampire begin to ease up, she turned the water off, ringing out the flannel and wrapping it around the wound again. 'I'm sorry.' She blurted out, pressing her lips together in response to Subaru's wide-eyed stare. 'You're right. I was stupid. Reckless…' Her gaze settled on the floor near Subaru's feet, her hands tightening around the flannel. '…I should've known better.'

Silence settled between them. Subaru kept his eyes on her, feeling the weight of her apology press down on his shoulders like lead. She wasn't the Eve he'd seen roaming around the mansion, perched on the kitchen counter eating fruit and making small talk with the waiters or wandering around the grounds with Yui making jokes and laughing over stupid conversations. No, this girl, in this moment, looked…fragile.

Without thinking, he stepped forward to stand before her, taking hold of her injured hand by the wrist and pulling the flannel off it. The wound was still oozing blood, albeit much less than before, and he didn't miss the flinch that jolted her lower arm as he held her wrist. 'Hold still.'

Eve stared warily. 'What are you-'

'Just do as you're told.' He grumbled, lifting her palm to his lips. Swallowing the urge to suck her blood, he slowly ran his tongue over the wound, smirking as he felt her tense up. He savoured each drop of blood he could swallow as he repeated his action until the wound began to close up.

Eve rubbed her eyes with her other hand as she watched the blotchy, red skin on her hand close up, leaving a barely visible line in the center of her palm. Subaru's eyes met her as she looked up. 'So that's why I never have marks after you…' A deep sigh escaped her as she leaned back against the basin once again. 'Thanks for the first aid.'

Subaru frowned, stepping away and folding his arms. 'Just don't be that stupid ever again, OK?'

Eve nodded, her gaze falling on the knife sitting on the edge of the bath. 'Why did your mother give you that knife?' The question fell out of her mouth before she could stop herself. Subaru responded before she could take it back.

'She knew that it would be safe with me. And that when the time was right, I'd use it for the right reason…' The vampire's voice was cold and flat, his red eyes void of any emotion. Seeing Eve's curious eyes, he sighed, running a hand through his hair. 'That weapon can kill vampires.'

Eve's mouth gaped open. Why would his mother give him something like that? What did she want him to use it for? Has he ever…used it on someone? 'She thinks very highly of you, then.' Seeing his frown, she shrugged her shoulders, nodding towards the knife. 'Why else would she choose you to carry such a powerful weapon? She knows you're responsible, capable, and strong enough to wield it.'

Subaru scoffed, shaking his head. 'Please, do you hear how dumb you sound? You have no clue whatsoever what she's thinking or doing or-' He clamped his mouth shut mid-sentence, running his hands over his face. 'Just shut up already.'

Nodding to herself, Eve pushed off the basin, disappearing out of the bathroom and returning seconds later with her pajamas in hand. She walked past Subaru without a word, grabbing a couple of towels and placing them beside the bathtub before turning to face him. 'Good night, then. And by the way, I win.'

Subaru folded his arms. 'How does you slicing you're hand open count as a win?'

'Your bet was that I couldn't block it, and I blocked each strike you attempted. Simple.' Eve replied, shrugging her shoulders with a small smile.

'So how did you know how to block a weapon attack? No way that's basic self-defense.' Subaru stared at Eve, his eyes burning into hers.

Eve stared back. 'I don't see why it's important. And I need to shower so…' She stretched her arm out towards the door. '…bye.'

Subaru rolled his eyes. 'Whatever.' Then he was gone. Eve let out the breath she was holding as she walked into the bathroom.

'Where do you think you're goin'?'

Their hands were all over her, pinning her ankles and wrists to the damp concrete as she thrashed to try and break out of the hold. Her foot collided with one of their faces. Her head smashes into one the head of the one to her right. She took the chance to roll away, scrambling to her feet only to be taken down by a grubby hand wrapped around her ankle. The tallest one dragged her to her feet by her hair, blood dripping from his mouth.

'Fucking bitch!' He yelled as he threw her against the nearby wall, smirking when he heard her grunt and cry out as she tumbled back to the ground. His sickly laughter rang in her ears as she fought to pull herself up again. 'Now let's have some REAL fun.'

The rain fell harder, hitting more and more skin as she strained against their grip. Her clothes were pulled and shredded, each of them loomed above her, their eyes bright as they cackled at her futile efforts.

'Stop it! Get off me! Let me go! No! No! NO!'

Eve shot upwards from her pillow, tumbling off the side of her bed with her legs tangled in the sheets. Her nails dug into her t-shirt as she panted and scanned the room over and over again. Red walls. Black carpet. She was…OK. She was still in the mansion. Her stomach churned wildly and she felt bile burning her throat. Clasping her hands over her mouth, she scrambled free of the sheets, throwing herself over the toilet just in time to empty the contents of her stomach.

As her breathing started to slow, Eve closed her eyes and rested her forehead against the toilet seat, sighing at the cool sensation. Her limbs turned to jelly, sweat trickled down her back, and her loose hair clung to her face.

'The hell's the matter with you?'

In a split second, she sat up, face to face with the last vampire she wanted to see. Pushing her hair out of her face, she briskly pulled herself to her feet, flushed the toilet, and wandered to the wash basin. All the while refusing to look at Subaru. '…I'm fine.'

'So, 'fine' is screaming in your sleep, falling out of bed in a cold sweat, and throwing your guts up?' Subaru's flat voice in her ears made Eve grit her teeth.

'Any particular reason you were watching me sleep?' Eve scrubbed her hands, soap foaming furiously.

Subaru scoffed. ' I wasn't until your screaming woke me and probably half the mansion up.'

Eve shook her head, scoffing herself as she rinsed her hands. 'My sincerest apologies for disturbing your eternal sleep. Since all is quiet once more, why don't you run along back to your coffin?'

'If my prey is sick, your blood's gonna taste like crap. I won't forgive you if you get sick.' He scowled at her, watching as she filled the basin with water.

'I'm not sick, OK? Just go back to bed.' Eve spat before splashing a handful of freezing water against her face.

Subaru pushed off the wall, positioning himself so the girl would see his reflection in the mirror. 'What's with the throwing up, then?'

Eve's eyes closed again, clutching the edge of the basement as water droplets dribbled down her damp face. She wasn't getting out of this one. With slow steps, she turned around and leaned against the basin. 'This is what happens…when I get night terrors.'

'Night terrors? Like nightmares?' Subaru raised his eyebrows, remaining quiet as she continued.

'Technically yes, but night terrors are much worse. They happen at random, just like a nightmare, but they're so vivid they feel like they're actually happening…' Eve gestured to her now sweaty pyjamas and pale face. '…hence the real-life reaction…'

Subaru kept his gaze on her, unfolding his arms. 'What was it about?'

Eve's heart stopped momentarily, her eyes falling to the floor as she whispered a lie that brought all the nausea back. '…My father's death. I could see it all happening in slow motion, but I…couldn't stop it.'

Both parties went quiet. Eve gazed at Subaru, he gazed back at her. It was several minutes before he strode over to her, glancing over her form.

'You should change. You're a mess.' He handed a towel to her, walking out of the room, and glancing back at her. 'Wait here.'

Eve frowned, but he was gone before she could say a thing. Not sure what else to do, she patted her face dry and brushed her hair, pulling it out of her face and putting it in a loose side braid. Walking back into the bedroom, she found Subaru perched on her bed, holding a T-shirt she'd never seen before. He tossed it to her, smirking when she almost dropped it.

'Use that. I hate it anyway.' He deadpanned, resting his arms on his knees.

'Ah, thanks…' Scrunching the shirt up in her hands, she bit her lip and tilted her head. '…could you, like, avert your eyes…please.' Eve mumbled, hating the smug smirk on his face, but far too tired to get angry.

Subaru kicked off his books, turning his body to face the bedroom door. Eve stripped off her shirt and shorts at pace, dragging the new t-shirt over her head and taking it in. It was a soft, black, loose long sleeve with a white marble crack pattern running all over the garment. On her petite frame, the sleeves fell further off her shoulders and the hem fell right at her knees. Surprisingly comfortable.

Without thinking, her feet led her around to the other side of the bed, and clambered in, blinking at the sight of her bedsheets laying neatly across the bed. Just how quickly was Subaru able to do things?

Eve sank back down onto the bed, pulling the duvet over herself.'…Thank you.' She whispered, turning her head and flashing the vampire a small smile. That smile soon faded and she frowned as Subaru shuffled further onto the bed, resting one of his arms on the pillow behind his head. 'You don't have to-'

'I can help you sleep.' Subaru's eyes fell on Eve. Seeing her lay there with his shirt on made him feel…odd. Turning on his side, he pulled her to him, pushing her braid away to expose her neck. 'Or would you rather stay up and be a zombie tomorrow?'

Eve just stared, words escaping her. She could see where Subaru's gaze was focused, and part of her considered pushing him away. Her exhaustion, however, didn't allow her to pull away from his hold. Pressing her lips into a firm line, she bared her neck to him, gritting her teeth as Subaru sunk his fangs into her skin. As heat flowed across her skin, her hands clamped onto the vampire's shirt, wrinkling it as she focused her gaze on the ceiling. With each passing second, her focus weakened, white dots clouded her vision, and her hands lost their grip. Just as she felt her eyes closing, the heat disappeared and she found herself staring into Subaru's red eyes once more.

Smirking at her glazed expression, Subaru loosened his hold. 'Thanks for the midnight snack, idiot.' But as she drifted into oblivion, he couldn't help but keep holding onto her.

Two weeks later

Eve wandered through the hallways with Yui, absentmindedly responding to her chit-chat about school and how Ayato had been acting recently. She'd pretty much settled into this chaotic routine that now dominated her life. Night school, study with Yui, attend her training sessions with Trevor, get in a daily run (or two if she had time), and get sleep where possible between Subaru demanding to drink her blood. Which seemed to be becoming…fragmented to say the least.

Since the night Subaru had stayed in her room after her night terror, his demeanor had completely changed. No doubt he was the same brash, stubborn, and temperamental vampire she'd first met, but his behaviour was erratic. Going from avoiding being in the same room as her wherever possible to pinning her to the nearest floor or wall, taking short, rough feeds, and abandoning her slumped on the floor without another word. Had she made him that angry the other night?

'Why am I thinking about this? I should enjoy not being in his presence.'

'Um, Eve?' Yui's voice put the brakes on her thought train. She turned to the blonde, seeing a deep frown and inquisitive stare on her face. 'Are you OK? You seem…distracted.'

With a swift nod and sheepish smile, Eve nodded. 'I'm OK. Just tired from all my training this week. Coach has upped my weights and increased my reps so my body is kinda screaming at me for a rest. Sorry for being a space cadet.'

Yui tilted her head with a smile. 'I understand. You work so hard at those sessions. Subaru says you're always pushing your limits.'

'Oh, he's spoken to you about me?' Eve questioned, side-eyeing the blonde to gauge her response.

'Mmhmm. Said you're interesting to watch. Although he doesn't understand why your coach won't let him watch the training you do in the back room.' Yui rested her chin on her hand, pressing her lips together.

Eve sighed, clicking her tongue as she responded. 'Well…this is a new type of training Trevor's introduced into my workouts. He, uh, wants to make sure I have all the basics down before he increases the intensity using his regular gym equipment…' She flashed Yui a quick smile, who smiled back in return. Until they rounded the corner of the corridor.

The two girls had stumbled upon a crowd of students pushed up against the side walls, some of them gasping, some of them cheering, some of them staring in silence. All with phones in hand, seemingly filming the unfolding scene. Subaru and a boy she recognised from their class stood facing each other, scowling and glaring daggers at each other as they panted. The other boy had a twisted smirk on his face, blood dripping from his split lip, while Subaru had a deep red mark on the right side of his face. His knuckles were bright red, his veins were raised in his arms and his jaw was clenched.

'Ah, little bitches. Come to join the party? It's quite the show, wouldn't you say?' Laito's voice broke through the noise of the corridor, and both girls turned to see him leaning against the wall of the staircase, along with the rest of the Sakamaki brothers.

'The hell is going on here?' Eve questioned, glancing at each of the brothers, letting a sharp breath out when no one responded. 'So none of you have any idea why Subaru looks like he's about to rip that boy in half?'

Ayato scoffed. 'This is normal for him. Anything can set him off. Wrong look, wrong comment, someone laughing at him. When something pisses him off, he resorts to fighting, breaking things, sometimes even all-out rampages.'

'He's right, Eve. I've seen it too. But he never tells us anything…except to go away.' Yui nodded as she spoke, glancing back at the fight and wincing when Subaru threw the boy against a wall.

Eve shook her head. 'Well, what do we do then?'

'Nothing.' Reiji's low voice joined the noise now as he snapped the book he was reading shut and adjusted his glasses. 'Once he gets this out of his system, he will be fine. Interfering now would be foolish.'

'And if he kills him? What then?' Eve retorted, glaring at Reiji.

Reiji smirked, stepping down the steps to tower over Eve. 'Then that boy was a fool for picking a fight with one of the Sakamakis.'

Eve gritted her teeth, dropping her bag at Yui's feet. 'Fuck this.' With that, she marched up the corridor, fellow students gasping as she approached the fight. Ignoring Yui's meek pleas, she grabbed hold of Subaru's arm, making him release the other boy and forcing him to step back. 'Subaru, enough!'

Subaru growled, pulling his arm from her grip and baring his teeth. 'Stay the fuck out of this. He's getting what he deserved-'

'He's GOT what he deserved.' Eve kept her eyes on the raging vampire, choosing her words carefully before she spoke. 'He had the nerve to insult you, the idiocy to pick a fight with you and think he would win. He thought he could stand against you, a Sakamaki. Whatever the insult was, it's nothing compared to the sheer stupidity and delusion he has demonstrated today…'

Eve gestured to the crowd. '…Look around! Everyone is filming him making the stupidest decision possible. You've shown how much better you are, more than anyone needed to see. Why are you throwing away your energy when he's that insignificant to you?' She paused. His breathing was slowing down, but his gaze was still fixed on the boy behind her. 'He's nothing. Just a big shot dickhead who uses his ego instead of his brain to get by…' Still keeping her eyes locked on his, she put her hand on his shoulder. '…Just a waste of time.'

Subaru looked at his prey, then at his opponent, who had managed to pull himself to his feet with support from the drinking fountain. Eve's words floated around his head, breaking through the red mist that had been clouding his thoughts. The fact that her scent was setting his throat on fire was also helping to somewhat shift his focus. Huffing at the redhead, he pushed her hand from his shoulder and glared once more at their classmate. 'That was a warning. Next time, you won't get back up.' Turning his back, he and Eve began to make their way down the hall.

The boy scoffed, spitting blood out of his mouth as he straightened his back and cracked his neck. 'You got some lucky punk shots in, that's all…and besides…' He let out a dark chuckle, causing Eve and Subaru to turn around. '…it's the only scrap of talent you've got!'

Subaru growled, ready to finish what he'd started, but Eve's hysterical, and slightly snorty laughter caught him, and everyone else off guard, making their classmate scowl at her with fiery eyes.

'The hell you think you're laughing at, newbie?' The boy shouted, clenching his fists in a white knuckle grip and watching Eve wipe her teary eyes and smirk at him.

Eve shook her head, still half laughing at the boy. 'I thought that would be obvious…' Lowering her voice, she stared back, cocking her hip and folding her arms. 'I'm laughing at you, dipshit.'

The entire hallway erupted with a concoction of loud 'oohs', quiet gasps, and laughter. Even Reiji had to cover his mouth to hide the smirk growing on his lips. Subaru just stood there, wanting to be pissed at her, but at the same time, he was…baffled by her swit switch from rational to abrasive.

Their classmate, meanwhile, his body shook with anger. 'How dare you mouth off at me, you little skank. Do you have any idea who you're addressing? I'm Atticus Moore, the number one athlete of HS 2, and captain of the Kendo team. I'm royalty in this school-'

'Yet you got absolutely blindsided by my friend here. All that Kendo training, but you can't block a few punches? You're so pathetic, it's actually sad…' Pausing, Eve flipped her hair over her shoulder, stiffening her shoulders and sticking her nose up in the air. The voice she put on while she spoke sent the crowd into fits of laughter. 'I'm Atticus! I'm the captain of the Kendo team! Someone get me my big stick to help me fight that's definitely not compensating or anything, cross my heart!'

She could hear the triplet's cackles echoing above the rest of the wild laughter, smirking as she winked over her shoulder at Subaru, who was also smirking. 'I flounce around and act like I own the school because I have a superiority complex thanks to my very rich daddy, who just so happens to be on the school PTA, so there's NO WAY he'd ever pull strings to get me ahead! My ego is DEFINITELY backed up by my talent, even though I can't fight without my big stick…' His reaction was just as she predicted, and her plan was working perfectly. Just one more little nudge.

Running her hands over her face, Eve glared straight into her classmate's eyes, shaking her head. 'Oh, but it's so tragic! Because no matter how many favours I get, or how much money my daddy throws at the school, it's still not enough to buy me ANY Talent or a FUCKING BRAIN!'

'SHUT THE FUCK UP!' Atticus charged forward, arm tense and ready to strike. His eyes burned holes through her. Eve straightened up and raised her guard, shaking her head at the sound of footsteps behind her.

'Stay there, Subaru. This won't take a minute.'

Eve centered her focus, watching each of Atticus's movements as he approached her. Her blood was rushing through her body like a bullet train, adrenaline swirling around her muscles. He was now within striking distance, arm raised above her.

'Three. Two. One.'

In a flash, she wrapped both her hands around his wrist, twirling around and dropping to one knee. Atticus flew over her shoulder and rolled along the floor, flabbergasted and disoriented. Eve set her guard once more, tilting her head and waiting patiently. With a deep growl, he jumped to his feet, running at her and reaching out to grab her arms. Eve stepped aside at the last second, smirking as the sound of dented metal and groaning rang out behind her. His groan turned to a shout as he wrapped his arms around her neck, squeezing her tight. The pressure Eve felt sent a familiar feeling through her body, her instincts driving her forward. She threw her head back into his face. Hearing the crunch of bone, she walked them backwards into the lockers at speed, pushing her body as hard as she could for maximum impact. Her opponent's arm loosened and she pulled herself away, taking a gulp of air and setting her stance one more time. Before he had a chance to react, Eve swiveled on her feet, her left foot colliding with his jaw and sending him to the floor as she twirled gracefully back down to her stance with ease.

As her opponent lay beaten on the ground, Eve huffed, adjusting her uniform and sneering at Atticus. 'Stay down. And stay the fuck away from my friends!' With that, she stormed past Subaru and down the hall, taking her bag off Yui and jogging up the staircase. While the rest of the students dispersed and gossiped about what had just unfolded, Subaru frowned and walked towards the staircase, stopping when the rest of the brothers and Yui stared in silence.

'What?' He spat, watching the reactions of everyone else, ranging from smirks to glares, along with Yui's quiet hum.

Reiji scoffed. 'That girl's etiquette leaves much to be desired. Truly deplorable, fighting in such a place.'

Subaru frowned. 'Then why didn't you stop her?!'

'We tried, dumbass. Spelled it out for her, she didn't listen.' Ayato butted in, rolling his eyes.

'Although I'm impressed she managed to talk you down.' Laito chuckled, pushing his fedora 'Seems your little bitch is turning you soft.'

'Bullshit.' Subaru growled, trying to hide his embarrassment. 'She's infuriating, getting involved when it wasn't necessary. Besides, she's the one that went back and knocked him out. She's a hypocrite!'

Yui stepped forward. 'But she's human…' Everyone watched Yui as she spoke, her hands clasped together tightly. 'All of you are capable of…killing. I think…Eve just didn't want you to make that mistake, she was angry when Reiji told her to stand by and do nothing and…well…'

Everyone went quiet as Subaru scoffed and dragged a hand through his hair, masking a wince by gritting his teeth. One deep sigh later, he ended the silence. 'I'll get her. The rest of you should go.'

Before anyone could protest, he stomped past his family and up the stairs, following an all-too-familiar scent.

Eve's arms shook as she gripped the dingy pole of the rooftop railing. Cool night air burned as she swallowed gulp after gulp of it in the hope that it would smother the fire of adrenaline still raging in her gut. Every fibre of her wanted to run back there and kick that douchebag over and over again, make him pay for…for messing with her. For that cheap move. For-

'What was that about that guy being a waste of time?'

She didn't need to turn around to know who was there. Her head hung as she willed herself to calm down. 'He threw the first blow, not me…it was self-defense. I only walloped after he tried to sleep-hold me…' Panting between her words, Eve straightened herself up and turned around, keeping one hand firmly on the fence. 'That's not a waste of time!'

Subaru unfolded his arms, taking a few steps towards Eve and stopping when she pulled herself up and over the top of the fence. She glared at him through the bars, shuffling her feet along the roof's edge until she found a secure position. 'The fuck are you doing? Get back over here.'

'I want to be alone, can't you see that?' Eve cried, her eyes pinned to the ground far below. She couldn't feel her hands anymore. She didn't care. All she wanted, needed, was for 'it' to stop. Larger hands enveloped hers over the bar, squeezing them despite her refusal to look up.

'Your wants are irrelevant. You're my prey, I won't forgive you if you try and end yourself…' Seeing her scoff, Subaru lowered his voice. '…Besides, you shouldn't feel bad for kicking that guy's ass-'

'You don't get it. That's why I bolted…' The strain in Eve's voice made her throat burn. '…because I wanted to do much worse.' She gulped, daring to look up at her vampire companion. 'When people mess with…those who are important to me…I get so angry that all I want to do is-.' Pressing her lips together, she inhaled deeply before continuing. 'I hate that side of me, and it was very close to coming out back there…that's why I wanted to be alone, so I didn't…act on adrenaline and hurt you or the others.'

There she was again. The fragile creature he'd seen in that en suite, who he'd slept beside and watched for the rest of that night. He'd stayed until he couldn't, and had been repelling her since less he lose control. Just the thought that this girl could hurt him was ridiculous.

'Me and my brothers, we can't be hurt by mortals, not even ones as athletic and strong as you. That Ayato wouldn't let anybody lay a finger on Yui. And you…deep down…you'd never allow yourself to snap to the point of no return. So…stop thinking stupid thoughts. It isn't you.' Subaru cursed to himself. Fumbling over words like that. He really was useless at everything.

Eve blinked, doing her best to mask the tears gathering in the corners of her eyes. 'Subaru?' She smiled as he met her eyes with raised eyebrows. 'Help me get down from here?'

Subaru nodded slowly, releasing her hands, and stepping back from the railing. Seeing her frown, he smirked, disappearing and reappearing behind her within a second. Her gasp made him chuckle, seeing her wide eyes staring at his floating form over her shoulder. 'You plan on gawking all night? C'mon.' He held out his hand to her, watching as she inched her feet along the edge of the building until she was half facing him.

'How do I know you won't drop me?' Eve's right hand was still clinging tightly to the fence, her left clenched against her chest. Her hair bobbed on the wind and her gaze held his own.

'You don't. But it's either come with me or stay here and freeze to death.' His blunt response hung in the air between them, until he felt a warm petite hand slip into his own. The tremor in her hand lessened after a moment, and he took the opportunity to pull her to him, smirking at the shriek she let out.

If you had told Eve she would be gliding over Japan while being carried bridal style by a vampire, she'd have thought you were nuts. But right now, gazing down at the bright lights of the city, which burned against the cobalt blue of the night sky, she'd never felt more alive. Her free hand hung by her side, gliding through the cold air and sending tingles along her arm.

'Way more fun than the limo…'

The passing thought made her smile, catching Subaru's attention. 'What's with the look?'

Eve stared up at him, humming happily. 'I can't believe how cool this is, that's all. Much more fun than the limo.'

Subaru huffed, looking ahead toward their destination. 'Don't get used to it. This was the easiest way to get you off that roof.' He didn't miss the eye roll she gave him as she shifted her above her leaning her head back and sighing.

'So many stars out tonight…the most I've ever seen.' Subaru scoffed at her soft, goofy smile.

'Trust me, it's boring to look at after a while.' Seeing the mansion ahead, he allowed himself to relax just a little. 'The gardens are better.'

Eve glanced at him. 'Yui said you liked the gardens...' She swallowed when he didn't respond. 'She told me they're beautiful, though I haven't had a chance to look at them if I'm honest.' Again, nothing. 'Perhaps you could show m-Ah!' A sharp burning sting shot its way up her shoulder, and Eve bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself vocalising anymore.

Subaru scowled, his grip tightening for a moment. That punk must've landed a blow while he had a hold of her. Why was that thought pissing him off so much? Tightening his jaw, he increased his speed, landing them at the doors of the mansion within a few minutes. He set her down swiftly, stepping back so she could brush the wrinkles out of her uniform. The way her jaw tightened when she moved sharply made him frown. Without thinking, he took hold o her wrist and pulled her through the door, only to be greeted by Reiji.

'Ah, there you are. We have a visitor for Miss Dawson waiting in the parlour.'

I'm finally back in the game. So sorry for the long break, so much has happened and I just needed time to get myself back into the right head space to write. Another chapter is coming soon, so thank you for your support and I'll see you on the next one!

Blossom99 3