Soul and Maka… I guess
They did it. They defeated the kishin. They felt so accomplished and exhausted. Their adrenaline finally started dying down and the pain started to kick in. Their triumphant smiles started to fade and they all collapsed.
Next thing Maka new she was waking up in a hospital bed across from Liz and Patty. Everything looked a little fuzzy at first but her first thought was where's Soul? Is he okay?
Even then she was oblivious to the fact that she was head over heels in love with Soul Eater Evans. She was worried about him as his best friend and his meister. She looked on both sides of her. Of course they wouldn't be put in the same room. So where was her snowy-haired, ruby-eyed, toothy weapon partner and was he okay?
Maka attempted to get out of bed but found herself in a great deal of pain when she sat up. As she propped herself on one elbow Soul came walking through the door with Kid, Black*Star, and Tsubaki.
Soul noticing she was finally up after a week rushed to her bedside and grabbed her hand. Just that simple touch sent the slightest of butterflies into her stomach.
"So you're finally awake, huh? Are you feeling okay?" Soul asked happy and relieved to see his partner up and recovering. It only took him 2 days to recover and watching his partner lying unconscious for several days was torturous. He hated not being able to talk to her and know how she was feeling. He had no romantic feelings towards her but she was his best friend and he would always worry about her and protect her.
"Yeah, I'm feeling alright. Just sore and in a bit of pain that's all." Maka replied happy to see her weapon was healthy and by her side. "How are you feeling? How long was I out? Is everyone else okay? What's going to happen now?" She asked hurriedly.
"Relax Maka it's okay." Soul said trying to calm his suddenly restless meister. "Well as you know we defeat the kishin, thanks to you nonetheless. I recovered in two days and you've been out for a week. You definitely took the biggest beating from Ashura." Soul said.
He had to remember not to pat her back because of the condition she was in. "Everyone else is fine as you can see the only ones who aren't feeling all better are Liz and Patty. Kid's resonance with them really wiped them out. But they came around yesterday. We've all been hanging around here to keep an eye on you guys."
"So then what now?" Maka asked.
"Well as for right NOW you are going to stay here and relax and rest because that's what you need. I'm sure you'll be out of here in a few days at most." Soul replied.
"Oh, Okay." Maka said quietly. "Well would you mind hanging out here with me for a little while? I'd like to just talk for a bit if that's alright."
"Sure." Soul replied "But I think there's someone else who wants to talk to you first." Soul said gesturing to Tsubaki.
Soul got up and gave her hand a squeeze and then moved so Tsubaki could say hi to her best friend.
"Oh Maka!" Tsubaki cried softly as she pulled her into a friendly embrace. "I was worried about you there for a while. I'm so happy to see you up again and I'm so proud of what you did and I'm proud to call you my friend!"
Maka giggled and said "I'm glad to see you too Tsubaki. I'm happy to see you made a quick recovery as well."
"Yes it was quick indeed. The damage done to me was actually pretty minimal. Well you know, comparatively." Tsubaki replied.
The girls talked on and in the background Soul caught himself smiling and looking at how happy Maka already was just after waking up from recovery. She's my partner so it only makes sense I'm happy to see her happy and feeling well.
When Tsubaki and Maka finally finished catching up Tsubaki and Black*Star Decided to leave for home, leaving Kid and Soul with their partners. Kid sat patiently in between them waiting for them to wake up from their nap and Maka and Soul sat and talked.
"So are Stein and Papa and everyone else okay?" Maka asked
"Yes they're all fine. Stein has been checking in on you regularly and your creepy old father has been at work with the other staff to try and put the school back in some sort of order." Soul reported.
"Oh well that's good. So what are we going to do after I get out of here?" Maka asked not sure of what would happen now that the Kishin was defeated.
"Well," Soul started. "I was thinking we could take some time off to relax, recover, and just have some fun." Soul said with a smirk.
Maka was about to go off on some rant about school then he added "We did just save everyone from the Kishin after all."
Maka hesitated. "Okay." She agreed.
"Is there anything you need now that you're awake?" Soul asked gently.
"Actually a book and maybe a candy bar, if you don't mind that is." Maka said sheepishly.
"Okay. I'll be back in a bit." Soul said getting up to leave.
"Soul!" Maka suddenly called out. Why had she done that? "Um… thank you."
"Sure thing, Maka." Soul said giving her a toothy grin as he walked out the door.
Maka was left by her partner with Kid being the only other conscious person in the room. Kid looked at Maka and went over to chat with her. So as not to let his neurotic tendencies get the better of him he sat in a chair at the foot of Maka's bed.
"So how are you feeling Maka?" Kid asked in his usual tone of voice.
"I'm feeling alright. Just in a bit of pain. How are you feeling? Are Liz and Patty okay?" Maka asked.
"Yes they're fine. At this point they're more sleepy and sore than anything" Kid said. "Really I could take them home but I think Liz is enjoying the attention by the male volunteer nurse." Kid said with a hint of jealousy in his voice.
"Well at least they're feeling better." Maka said happily.
"Maka," Kid started. "I think you should know Soul has been by your side as much as possible since he's been up. He was really worried about you. Just thought you'd like to know" Kid finished.
Liz and Patty started to stir at the sound of his familiar voice. Kid got up and walked back over to his twin pistols leaving Maka to lay and think.
He's always worrying about me. He's such a great partner, even if he acts stupid sometimes. Maka thought to herself admiring her protective weapon.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
In another part of the hospital Soul was looking for Maka's favorite book to bring her. Unable to find it he just found one that looked interesting. It was a yellow book with shiny gold letters that read 'Excalibur'. Maka always loved new books anyway. Once he checked out the book he went looking for a vending machine.
Walking down the hall a bit he found one and lucky him, it had Maka's favorite candy bar in it. Putting in his money he thought to himself.
I really am happy to see her up and awake again. It seemed like she wanted something just before I left though. Well maybe it was just a slip up. Or maybe she'll tell me when we go home. I know for sure I'm staying here tonight though, I couldn't leave her here not that she's awake
Grabbing the candy bar Soul headed back to Maka's room.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Maka laid in bed so wrapped up in her own thoughts that she hardly noticed Soul walk back into the room.
"Hello? Earth to Maka" Soul said trying to gain Maka's attention.
"Huh? What?" Maka said snapping out of the trance she was in.
"I couldn't find your favorite book so I brought you this one instead" Soul said handing her the book and the candy bar.
"Thank you so much," Maka said with a smile on her face. "You're really the best partner and best friend a girl could ask for."
Soul could feel his face burning up slightly. "Yeah, sure, no problem. It would be just uncool to leave you hanging."
"Excalibur, huh? I've heard of it." Maka says.
Of course she's heard of it Soul thought to himself.
"It's supposed to be a legendary weapon." Maka goes on. "I wonder if kid knows anything about it. Hey, Kid! Come over for a second?"
Kid turned to see Maka and Soul looking at beckoning him. "I'll be right back," Kid says to Liz and Patti.
Kid stood up and went over to Where Maka and Soul sat with a familiar looking book. Once again he stood at the foot of the bed. "What's up guys?"
"Do you know anything about the Holy Sword Excalibur?" Maka asked.
Kid's face turned very sour and he walked away.
"What was that all about?" Soul asked.
"Dunno," Maka said yawning and stretching. "I think this book will have to wait till tomorrow, whatever the case."
Soul watched his sleepy Meister as she started to nuzzle down to go back to sleep. She was so cute when she slept. He'd only ever caught her sleeping a few times when she fell asleep on the couch while watching TV.
Where the hell did that come from? Maka's my friend. My best friend in fact. But ONLY my friend. Even if we live together.
"You can go home, Soul. I'll see you tomorrow though, right?" Maka said hopeful.
"Stupid," Soul started.
"What? I'm sorry if I want to see you Sou-" Maka started to get upset.
"I'm staying here, Maka." Soul said coolly.
"What?" Maka asked her anger subsiding.
"I'm staying here. I couldn't leave now knowing that you're awake. What if you need something in the middle of the night? I'm staying here and taking care of you, idiot." Soul said slightly blushing.
"Oh. Um. Well, okay." Maka said slightly warming from the attention and care from her scythe. "You really don't have to." She said.
"I do have to though. I'm your weapon and it's my job to protect you. I didn't do so great at it before so I'll do it now." Soul said still feeling the disappointment in himself for letting Maka get hurt during the battle with the Kishin.
"Soul, there isn't anything to protect me from. I'm fine here." Maka said.
"I know. But, still I'm staying here." Soul insisted.
"If you really want to, I guess. I don't have a problem with it. The hospital beds are pretty uncomfortable though." Maka warned him.
"Ha. I think I can manage," Soul said confidently.
"Okay well," Maka yawned again. "I'm going to sleep." She was already half way there.
"Sweet dreams, Maka." Soul said, getting up to set up in the bed next to hers.
"Soul," Maka said softly and sleepily, catching his hand.
"What?" Soul said warming at her touch.
"Thank you. For everything." Maka said letting go of his hand.
"No problem." Soul said quietly.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Soul walked over to Liz, Patti, and Kid who were idly chatting.
"Hey, how are you guys feeling?" Soul asked the two sisters.
"I'm feeling alright." Liz answered.
"Pretty good here," Patti said smiling and throwing up a peace sign.
"How about you Kid?" Soul asked looking at the reaper he called one of his best friends.
"I'm feeling alright. I'm just tired. But I think, like you, I'll be staying the night here. Just so if you need anything we don't have to bother that nice volunteer boy." Kid said with that same hint of jealousy in his voice.
"Yeah. Exactly. Well I'm gonna lay down. Unless, well, Kid would you like the other bed?" Soul asked Kid.
"No I'm fine I'll stay here with the girls and sleep in the chair. Thank you though." Kid responded.
"Sure thing" Soul said with a wave. "Well then good night guys." Soul called as he drew the curtains between the beds.
Soul began to unbutton his shirt. Though he didn't know it Maka was still partly awake and she watched as his shirt fell from his shoulders to the floor. She watched as the muscles in his back tensed and relaxed as he stretched. There were healing wounds on his back as well. She watched as he turned to put his shirt on the chair and caught a glimpse of the scar on his chest. Just the slightest bit of every emotion went through her. She was sad because he got hurt protecting her. She was mad at herself for not protecting him. She was happy and warm because she knew that Soul really would do anything to protect her.
She watched his snow white hair fall from side to side as he situated himself in bed. The last thing she saw before she finally fell asleep was his devilish, velvety red eyes.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Aaaaahhhhh!" Maka screamed sitting up out of bed.
"Huh?! What?! What happened?!" Soul yelled half conscious.
Maka lay in her bed crying from her dream. She tried to quiet herself for everyone else's sake, but she couldn't stop the sobs.
Soul jumped out of bed, climbed in next to Maka, pulled her into his arms and started whispering to her soothingly.
Soon her sobs became fewer and far between and she calmed down. For a while she just laid there in Soul's arms.
"What happened, Maka? Was it a bad dream?" Soul asked gently.
She nodded still curled up and thinking about her dream. In her dream she was in the battle with the Kishin. But instead of fighting with Soul SHE was a scythe. And she was fighting with herself. Blades were coming out of all different parts of her body. She lay on the ground with Ashura impaled by lot of her blades. Then he reached into her chest and there was a searing pain but suddenly she was out of her body and it was Soul Ashura was reaching into and he was screaming. She screamed for her own pain and because she was unable to save her partner. She told Soul everything except the part where he got hurt. That was actually why she was crying. She had dealt with excruciating pain before. But she hated seeing Soul in pain. That was something she had little tolerance for.
"It's okay now, Maka. No one will hurt you now." Soul said stroking her hair and pressing her face to his chest. "I'm here Maka. Don't worry. You don't need to worry anymore because we're both alright."
This is a new side to soul Maka thought to herself. I mean he's always so… cool. I could never imagine him comforting ANYONE like this.
"T-thank you, Soul." Maka said still feeling a little shaky.
"Hey what else would I do right?" Soul said giving Maka a toothy grin.
The way Soul smiled so warmly at Maka gave her butterflies inside.
What the hell was that feeling?! Maka asked herself.
"I'm okay now. You can go." Maka said kind of awkwardly because Soul was in her bed with her.
"No. I'm going to stay a few minutes more to be sure. You can go back to sleep though." Soul responded refusing to leave his meister.
"Um. Okay." Maka replied still feeling slightly awkward about this very close contact with her weapon partner. I mean sure she was used to fighting with him. But that's when he's a scythe not in human form. It was awkward. But she put it out of her mind and closed her eyes once again.
Soul looked over his once again sleeping meister. I really am lucky to have such a cool partner. I don't think I've ever heard her scream like that before. That's not something I want to hear again. She's always so tough as nails it's interesting to see her somewhat vulnerable like this. Okay I'll lie here a few more minutes and then go back to my bed.
Two hours later Soul woke with a very passed out Maka attached to his arm.
Oh I guess I fell asleep. Soul thought to himself. He slowly and quietly slipped his arm from her grasp and went back and collapsed in his own bed. Well at least she's sleeping soundly now. He looked at the clock to find it was 4:00am. Maybe I could take her home today. I think she could use to be in her own room. I'll tell the doctors that she'll still be in bed. And she will. I'd rather take care of her on my own than leaving her here another night.
Soon Soul fell back asleep and when we woke he found Maka shuffling around in an open backed hospital gown. It was open down to the top of her panty line and one of the sleeves was falling off of her shoulder. That was really unlike her. She was usually so conservative. She must have just woken up and been too out of it to care. She was bent over the sink brushing her teeth. Soul saw her eyes in the mirror and they were still hazy.
Soul climbed out of bed and tiptoed over to the sink where Maka was. As she finished rinsing out her mouth Soul came up behind her.
"Well this is a new look," Soul whispered into her ear pulling the sleeve back up to her shoulder.
His warm breath against her neck sent chills down her spine and she jumped back.
"Maka…. CHOP," she said caving Soul's head in with a dictionary.
"Ow! Woman! That hurts! I was just teasing!" Soul said rubbing the crater in his head.
"I'm sorry but you startled me!" Maka said defensively.
Ha. Soul thought to himself. Well at least I know she can protect herself from creepy old men.
"Whatever. I want to take you home today so I can take care of you and you can be home. Also Blair has constantly been asking when you'll be back home," Soul said with a hint of annoyance at the magical cat's persistence.
"Blair?" Maka asked. Suddenly she felt slightly jealous know that Blair had been at home alone with Soul for the last week.
"Yes and it's starting to drive me crazy. She only wants to see you and always asks how you're doing. She even sleeps in your bed waiting for you." Soul said.
That fact made Maka feel a whole bunch better. First to know Blair wasn't having sex with Soul or something crazy like that. That was just kind of a creepy thought. And second to know that she was missed so much. "Okay," Maka responded feeling a bit happier. She was actually really looking forward to going home. With any luck Soul might even make dinner. Maka really loved Soul's Cooking.
"I'm going to go talk to the doctor about taking you home today." Soul said putting his shirt back on.
"Okay, see you in a few," Maka said cheerfully.
"Yup," Soul waved as he walked out the door.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Hey Maka! Come here!" Liz called through the curtain.
Maka pushed back the curtains to find both Liz and Patti sitting up out of their beds.
"Where's Kid?" Maka asked.
"I don't know he mumbled something about Coffee, Excalibur, and symmetry and walked off saying he'd be back. Anyway, what happened last night? Did you sleep with Soul? After you stopped crying Kid checked on you and said he saw you and Soul asleep in the same bed." Liz said excitedly.
"I don't know. I mean after I stopped crying Soul said he'd stay with me for a few more minutes just to be sure I was okay and I fell back asleep." Maka recalled aloud.
"Aw! That's so cute!" Patti squealed. "He must have accidentally fallen asleep with you! How adorable!"
"Well, then he must have woken up and got grossed out and moved or something. I mean he was in his bed when I got up this morning." Maka said trying not to sound upset.
What reason did she have for being upset anyways? It's not like she liked Soul like that anyway. And even if she did she doubted Soul would be interested in his flat-chested, bookworm, usually hardcore meister. So it didn't matter.
"Well either way that's super adorable," Liz said happily. I wish Kid would fall asleep holding me. I've been flirting with that nurse to make him jealous, but it doesn't seem to faze him. On the bright side I think we're going home today too.
Just then Death the Kid, Soul Eater Evans, and Professor Stein walked into the hospital room.
"Good morning girls," Stein greeted them. "Good to see you all up again. Is everyone feeling alright?"
"Yes a lot better" Maka answered for the group.
"Well that's good to hear," Stein said happily. "I must say we really are very proud of all of you. For right now there's nothing for you guys to do but rest. I'd say you deserve it."
"How are you feeling professor?" Maka asked.
"I'm feeling much better. With the Kishin gone the madness has finally worn off. Well you know, as much as it can for any person." Stein said smiling.
"And how's papa doing?" The blonde scythe meister asked.
"He's doing fine. He's mostly with Lord Death. You can go see him if you want. This also brings up that I have deemed you okay to go home with Soul as long as you still rest most of the time so you heal properly."
"Really? Thank you, professor!" Maka said gleefully.
"Of course, why do you go pack your things and I'll take you to see your dad and Lord Death?" Stein asked.
"Okay. Soul will you come help me?" Maka said catching Soul's attention.
"Sure thing," Soul said coolly.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Soul and Maka walked away and Stein turned to the Thomson sisters. "You girls are good to go home as well." Stein said.
"Thanks for taking care of us professor," Liz said with gratitude.
"Oh don't thank me. You can thank-"
"Me!" A voice wafted over from the door.
"Hi, Matt." Stein said slightly annoyed.
Matt swaggered over to where the girls were sitting with Kid and Stein. "How you doin'?" he asked trying to be smooth.
Liz and Patti giggled at his cheesiness. Kid looked more than slightly annoyed with Matt's appearance and Matt annoyed with Kid's presence.
"And who are you?" Matt asked Kid with slight attitude.
"I'm Death the Kid. Lord Death's son. And I believe you know my twin pistols Liz and Patti," Kid said wrapping his arms protectively around their waists. The asymmetry of the situation was driving him nuts but Matt's flirting with Liz and Patti bothered him more. He forced himself to hold it together knowing the information that his father was Lord Death would scare Matt away enough. Kid leveled with Matt's glare.
Matt wavered. Was it true? Is he really Lord Death's son? Matt grew wary deciding he was telling the truth. "Well it's nice to meet you." Matt said shakily. "I believe I have some other patients to check on now," Matt said as he scurried out the door.
Kid let go of the girls and sat down shaking heavily.
"Wow I'm impressed, Kid," Liz said sounding genuinely impressed.
"Yeah! I thought you were gonna pass out!" Patti giggled.
"Yeah. How did you manage to hold it together?" Liz asked.
Kid sat in the chair staring at the floor and Liz heard him mutter something along the lines of "you are mine, not his" and hearing that sent butterflies throughout her whole body.
"Well whatever it was it seems to have worn off now." Liz said straightening up.
"Hey, Kid," Patti said crouching down and looking at Kid's face. "Why don't we go home now, okay?"
Kid looked up at his weapons and happily but shakily agreed.
Together they gathered their things and as they were headed out of the door called their good-bye's to Stein, Soul and Maka. "Thank you again professor," Kid said one last time before they were gone.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"Okay well we have all our things. Do you want to change out of that hospital gown?" Soul asked sitting on the bed with a pile of stuff.
"Um, Yes. But I need to ask professor Stein about something first." Maka said.
"Yes Maka?" Stein called across the room, hearing his name.
"Oh, Well, I was just wondering what's happening with Crona." Maka asked hesitantly
"Crona has been staying with Marie and myself at my laboratory. He has recovered just fine and has just been hanging around Marie." Stein said calmly.
"Oh. Okay. Thank you, Professor." Maka said.
"Of course. I trust I can leave you two alone," Professor Stein said.
"Yep! We're all good here. Thank you so much professor!" Maka said gratefully.
"Okay. If you wanna find your papa he should be in the death room." Stein said opening the door to the hall. "See you later!" He called from the door.
"Bye!" Soul and Maka called together.
Maka looked back and smiled at Soul. He really was a wonderful partner. He had always taken care of her and stil wanted to. She felt so lucky to have such a dedicated partner. And an attractive one too.
"Well I'm gonna go change," Maka said pulling up her sleeve again.
"Okay, I'll wait here," Soul said coolly.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Maka left to the bathroom to change and unknowingly left the door part way open.