Summary: While growing up Soul heard nothing kind from anyone in his family other than his older brother Wes. This has caused Soul to have extremely low self-esteem. While cleaning the apartment he shares with his friend and Meister Maka a song plays on the radio that has Soul enraptured with it. After hearing the song Soul swears to be himself and to show the world that his colors are just as beautiful.
Waning: Slash, mentions of verbal abuse, cursing, lemon in later chapters.
Disclaimer: Does it look like I do?
*grins* I'm going to tell you right now that this is slash and not your typical pairing. You see the character pairing at the top. Yeah well that's the actual pairing. *smirks* Yepp, I've delved into the unusual and have begun writing a ShinigamixSoul fic. Don't like it then bite me and leave the page. Well enjoy my rainbow colored taco friends. *takes a sip of her coffee and begins to type*
Soul yawned as he walked out of his room after putting his laundry up. Going over to the radio he turned the volume up and hit the power button. He turned around and started to tidy up the living room, not paying attention to the song that started playing.
Every day is so wonderful
And suddenly, i saw debris
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain, I'm so ashamed
Soul looked up. Biting his lip he walked back over to the radio and turned it up louder. Backing up he sat on the couch to listen to the lyrics.
I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today
To all your friends, you're delirious
So consumed in all your doom
Trying hard to fill the emptiness
The piece is gone left the puzzle undone
That's the way it is
Soul gasped and brought his knees up to his chest to wrap his arms around them. Laying his chin on the top of his knees he continued listening to the song. He started to cry softly the more the song played.
You are beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring you down
You are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring you down
Don't you bring me down today...
No matter what we do
(no matter what we do)
No matter what they say
(no matter what they say)
When the sun is shining through
Then the clouds won't stay
The tears ran down from his blood red eyes. He tightened his grip around his legs before burying his face in his knees. His shoulders shook and the song continued to play causing his sobs to increase.
And everywhere we go
(everywhere we go)
The sun won't always shine
(sun won't always shine)
But tomorrow will find a way
All the other times
'cause we are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won't bring us down, oh no
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring us down
Don't you bring me down today
Soul lifted his head and stared at the radio the entirety of his eyes were blood shot from the hot tears running down his face. He unwrapped a hand and wiped away the tears before a soft smile came to his face. He decided then and there that he would show the world that he was beautiful. As Soul gets up he smiles and walks into the bathroom to wash up. The last verses of the song float behind him and a serene smile takes its place on his lips.
And everywhere we go
(everywhere we go)
The sun won't always shine
(sun won't always shine)
But tomorrow will find a way
All the other times
'cause we are beautiful no matter what they say
Yes, words won't bring us down, oh no
We are beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring us down
Soul stretched as he walked back inside the apartment he shared with Maka, walking into his room he put some bags on his bed and walked over to his closed. Opening the doors he started pulling clothes off the hangers and throwing them into a pile. When his closet was empty he walked over to his bed and grabbed the bags before taking out his purchases and hanging them in the closet. Turning around the the remaining bags on his bed, he grabbed them before walking over to his dresser and cleaning it off. Carefully removing everything from the bags he put them on the dresser arranging them to his liking. He smiled as he finished setting his room up before walking over to the stereo he had placed in the corner and put in a CD he had bought on his shopping trip. The song from earlier began to play as Soul began to get everything ready for school the next morning.
Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
Don't you bring me down today
His smile was soft when he finished and he gave a small prayer to what ever God was listening for help in showing his true colors and in hope that everything would work out in the end.
Soul yawned as he curled out of bed before heading to his closet to pick out his outfit for the day. Grabbing a pair of black drain pipes, a purple and pink plaid skirt, and a black tee with pink splotches on it before he headed to the bathroom connected to his room. He took his time under the stream of hot water washing his hair carefully. He stepped out of the shower, drying off before he began to get dressed. Walking back into his room he went over to his dresser and finished getting ready for the day. Glad that Blair and Maka were out of the house he grabbed his jacket and walked out of the door.
At school a small smile played on his lips as he spotted his friends standing in a huddle a little out of the way of the front doors.
"Morning everyone." He spoke softly lifting a hand and waving it.
Everyone turned and their jaws dropped as they got a look at him. Spirit giggled mentally and flounced past them into the school. He needed to get to class early so he could plan out how he was going to tell his secret crush his feelings. Opening the door he blinked and blushed a dark cherry red. Spirit was pinned to the desk with Stein standing between his legs. Soul opened his mouth but nothing came out. He did let out a squeak when Stein's hand disappeared in Spirit's pants. The Weapon and Meister broke apart and looked at Soul, who's face was blood red, Spirit's face began to take on the same hue.
"Soul." Stein coughed backing away from Spirit.
Spirit hopped down from the desk before straightening his clothes. He looked anywhere but towards Soul.
"What uh brings you here Soul." Spirit asked coughing slightly.
"It's Monday. That means school." Soul dead panned.
Stein and Spirit both froze before Spirit took off running out of the classroom. Soul smirked and took his seat at the front of the class. Stein glared lightly. Soul shot him a mocking smirk. The first bell rang and students began to file into class. Soul sighed as they all walked past him ignoring his existence like they always did. He looked up when he felt the presence of someone sitting down beside him, he chuckled seeing Liz in the seat.
"What's up Liz?" He asked in a whisper.
"The usual I guess. Though you seem to have given yourself a makeover." She stated with a whisper smiling softly at her friend.
Soul chuckled. Out of everybody he was friends with in the group, he and Liz had an extremely close relationship. She nudged him with her elbow and looked at him with an arched eyebrow. He gave a small smile in return nudging her as well. She grinned before turning and taking out a piece of paper to write on as Stein began his lesson for the day. Liz slid the paper she was scribbling on over to Soul who took it.
'So what's with the change Soru-chan?'
Soul grinned before scribbling something down and passing it back to Liz who took it with a smile.
'I heard a song that made me realize that no matter what someone says that I am beautiful as myself.'
She smiled softly as she read this. The two had a lot of common interest and had run into each other at the bookstore one day. After that the two had started meeting allowing them to get to know each other. Over time they had opened up letting the other know their past. Liz knew about Soul's abuse as a child and he knew the secrets she had kept from everyone including her sister Patty.
'That's great Soru! I'm so glad. -grins- So you plan to do anything about him?' She asked sliding the paper back.
Soul blushed. Liz was the only person that knew who he liked but that was only because she had caught him starring a while back and had wrestled it out of him.
'I'm going to tell him how I feel.'
'That's great!' She shot him a smile.
'If you say so. I don't know how he'll react though. For all I know he could throw me out and I'll have to go back to my family.'
Liz snorted. 'He won't expel you Soru. Besides, Kidd would let you stay with him if that every happened anyways.'
'Really? Even after he found out who I'm crushing on?'
'If he knows what's good for him he will.'
Soul cracked a smile chuckling softly under his breath. The bell rang causing Liz to bolt up and grab Soul by the arm before dragging him out of the room. Liz ran into the girls bathroom and locked the door before turning to a grinning Soul. She squealed and tackled him hugging him tightly. Soul gagged before returning the hug.
"I'm so~ glad you're finally going to be yourself!" Liz squealed again.
Soul chuckled tugging on Liz's hair in an attempt to get the older girl to let go.
"You know if anybody notice's we came in here together they're going to think we're up to something."
Liz glared her face red as she smacked him on the arm. "Don't joke about that Soru-chan!."
Soul giggled softly. "Course on Libeth-kun. Besides you and I know you like a certain big busted and shy Weapon now don't we?"
Liz's face became redder at the nickname as well as the talk about her crush. She glared at the grinning albino.
"Don't make me hurt you Soul Eater." She growled playfully.
Soul chuckled before turning around to unlock the bathroom door. He shot Liz a shark like grin over his shoulder before walking out. She pouted and followed him out. They locked arms before walking down the hallway back to the classroom. When they walked in the entire group crowed around them.
"Soul what are you wearing?" Maka demanded to know.
Soul smirked. "Clothes." He replied causing Liz to snicker.
She huffed and glared at him hatefully before growling and stalking over to hear seat. The others chuckled.
"So what's with the new look? Even though you know you can never look better than me." Black Star spoke up.
"I decided it was time for a change." Soul replied shrugging nonchalantly.
Kidd looked him over before nodding his acceptance. "At least your symmetrical." He mutter to the amusement of those around him.
Tsubaki gave him a knowing smile causing him to blush. "That's not all is it Soul-kun." She stated rather than asked.
The others turned to the blushing albino in question. He shook his head his blush darkening.
"I like somebody too, and well if they can't accept me for me then they're not worth it." He stated his face a dark cherry red.
Tsubaki smiled as did the others. Soul glared at the smiling Weapon before looking pointedly at Liz. She smiled and stepped up behind him.
"He's just so cute~" She squealed. "Isn't he?"
"Oh yeah just so cute." Soul muttered.
Liz snorted and smacked him on the back of the head. "Don't be that way Soru. You can't deprecate yourself like that. What would he say?"
Soul glared his blush darkened considerably. The others looked at him in shock, except Tsubaki.
"It's kind of obvious." The other stated, "He does hang out with Black Star you know."
The others laughed at this comment while Black Star squawked in the background. Soul gave a small giggle and yelped when he was suddenly pulled into a hug by the others. They smiled at him warmly the girls cooing over him while the guys chuckled and ruffled his hair. The bell rang and they ran to their seats. Soul looked over at his Meister and flinched at the glare Maka was giving him. He didn't understand what was wrong with her. Deciding not to think about it he turned his attention to Stein's lesson. His mind flashed back to the scene he had walked in on earlier and he had to stifle a snicker.
The day passed by quickly and soon enough Soul found himself at the basketball court with the others playing ball before going home. As soon as he walked through the door he was ambushed by a furious Maka.
"What the hell is this Soul?" She demanded.
"What the hell is what Maka?" Soul's voice was quiet.
She slapped him, hard. He cupped the throbbing flesh in one of his hands and looked up at the fuming girl.
"I will not have a cross-dressing faggot as my Weapon!" She screamed in his face. "If you plan to continue this shit you can get the hell out of this apartment!"
Soul stood his eyes cold as ice. "If that is what you want then I shall."
Maka smirked thinking she had gotten her way as Soul walked into his room. Her jaw dropped when he walked back out carrying a couple of suitcases. He said nothing to her as he walked by her and out the door. She stood there jaw hanging open in surprise.
"S-Soul?" She whispered.
Soul sniffed before wiping his eyes oh his sleeve. Going up the door he raised his hand and gave a short knock. A few minutes later the door opened showing the smiling face of his best friend Liz. The smile dropped from her face when she spotted the bright red hand print on his face.
"Soul what happened?" She asked her voice cold.
Soul sniffed and gave his friend a watery smile. "Maka didn't like my change." He muttered softly.
Liz snarled in anger before she reached out and pulled Soul against her chest murmuring soft words of comfort into his hair. She combed her fingers through his white hair and pulled him inside the house. Going back outside she grabbed his bags and carried them inside to find Soul curled up on the couch nursing his throbbing cheek. She walked over and sat on the couch beside him pulling the sniffling albino to her.
"She had no right to do that to you Soru."
Soul sniffed. "She told me I could either dress the way I use to or I could leave. Well," he gave a watery smile, "I chose to leave."
She cooed softly and began to run her fingers through his hair. He grinned and cuddled into her side before looking up at her with saddened eyes.
"Why did she do that Lizbeth?" He asked in a quiet voice.
She shook her head. "I don't know Soru, I really don't." She replied softly.
Kidd blinked in surprise when he walked into his living room later that day. Lying on the couch were Soul and Liz curled up on the couch asleep like kittens. He smiled softly and walked into the hallway to grab a blanket from one of the closets before going back into the living room to place it around the two friends. He would ask why Soul was over as well as why Soul's stuff was tossed into a random room after the two had woken up. Smiling softly he turned and walked into the kitchen to fix dinner for everybody. A few minutes later Liz and Soul walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table. Smiling faintly Kidd turned to the two and tilted his head in question.
"What brought you here Soul?" He asked softly starring at the bright red mark on his friend's face.
Liz growled and narrowed her eyes. "His jealous bitch of a Meister hit him!"
Kidd frowned turning to Soul his gold eyes hard. "Is this true Soul?"
Soul nodded shyly not looking up at the now furious son of Death. Kidd walked over to Soul and gripped the albino's chin in a perfectly manicured hand. He forced Soul to look up at him as the Meister began to study his face.
"You will not be going back to her. Understand Soul?" Kidd asked softly his voice hard.
Soul nodded and gave a small whimper. Looking at Liz he cocked his head towards his Weapon and lifted Soul in his arms.
"Come on little one. Let's get you in bed." Kidd spoke gently.
Soul nodded and burrowed his face in Kidd's neck. The other didn't let go of the small albino until Kidd had made it upstairs to a spare guest room that was close to his own. Tomorrow he would take Soul to his father and have the other request a Meister transfer. Kidd knew that there had to be someone who could wield Soul, he sighed and laid the albino on the lush bed and pulled the covers over him before running his fingers through the smaller one's hair. Turning he gave a small smile before leaving the room to call someone. There was a conversation he needed to have with two very close people. Walking downstairs he noticed Liz and Patty having an intense argument as he walked over to the phone. He picked it up and dialed a number he knew very well, it rang for only a few minutes before a very quiet voice answered.
:Hello?:
:Tsubaki. It's Kidd. I need to talk to Black Star.:
:Alright. I'll go get him Kidd-kun.:
He waited for a few minutes before another voice answered.
:Kiddo? What's wrong?:
:I need you to do me a favor and go get everything of Soul's that he didn't grab. I'd send Liz but she might actually kill Maka.: He told the assassin calmly.
Black Star's voice grew concerned. :Why? What's wrong with Soru?:
Kidd growled low in his throat and gripped the phone tightly in his hand. :Dearest Maka didn't like his wardrobe change and decided to give him an ultimatum after she slapped him.:
He was surprised at the answering growl for the other side of the line. :I'll go get his stuff and I'll be over soon.:
:Alright. The doors unlocked just yell when you get here.:
His answer was a click and a dial tone. Placing the phone back in its cradle he turned to find Liz and Patty standing in the door way. He arched a brow in question at the two girls and merely smirked when both of them growled.
"Black Star's gone to get the rest of his stuff." At Liz's opening her mouth to speak he interrupted. "No you can not kill her Liz. Nor you Patty. He is going to stay her for the intermediate future alright?"
Something flashed in Liz's eyes and she smirked before pivoting on her feet and making her way upstairs. Patty and Kidd watched her in confusion before a loud yell was heard followed by a thud and a polite knock on the door.
"Tsubaki and Black Star are here." Kidd muttered making his way to the foyer to let the two in.
Tsubaki stood on one side of the door smiling softly while Black Star was on the ground. Kidd sighed as he stepped to the side allowing Tsubaki in. Black Star jumped of the ground with a shout.
"YAHOO!"
Kidd groaned before grabbing Black Star by a handful of hair and dragging him inside the house. Black Star grinned and allowed the other Meister to pull him inside the house.
"So what exactly happened Kiddo?" Black Star asked dropping Soul's stuff on the couch.
Kidd frowned and sat down crossing his arms over his chest.
"We all know that earlier Soul decided to change the way he dressed right?" They nodded. "Well from what I've been told when Soul arrived home Maka was waiting and they got into a fight. She told him that he was to either stop dressing the way he was or he was to get out. Of course this was after she slapped the shit out of him."
Tsubaki's eyes narrowed as well as Black Star's. Patty started to growl and Liz had an evil smirk on her face as she stared at the group from the stars.
"That the rest of it Black Star?" She asked in a quiet voice.
He nodded and she walked over and grabbed it before going back upstairs. A few minutes later she and a groggy Soul walked back down. Kidd and Black Star both walked over to Soul and wrapped him in their arms. Soul sniffled and started to cry against Kidd's chest.
"I-I'm sorry Basa." Soul whimpered.
Black Star smiled and hugged Soul tighter. "It's not your fault Soru. It's hers."
The others nodded their agreement and soon Soul was being passed around hugged by all of them. When the world finally stopped spinning he found himself curled up in Patty's lap with the childish girl running her fingers through his hair. He smirked to himself when he saw Liz sitting beside Tsubaki, the blonde's face was a light red.
Kidd looked over at him and smiled. Soul tilted his head in question.
"Tomorrow we're going to see my father and get you switched to another Meister. We've agreed," He pointed everybody before continuing, "that you will not be partnered with Maka any longer."
Soul nodded. He was extremely thankful for them and agreed that staying partners with Maka any longer would not be a good thing. He looked at all of them and gave a small serene that had Black Star remembering a time before Maka became the Scythe's Meister.
They stayed like that chatting and catching each other up on different aspects of their lives. Time passed quickly and soon enough the others were being shown to a room where they all quickly fell asleep. Morning came quickly and Soul woke with a quiet groan before rolling out of bed. He made his way downstairs and set to work making breakfast for everyone. Listening for the sound of steps he smiled when Liz walked in her hair a mess and rubbing sleep from her eyes.
"Morning Soru~" She said through a yawn.
"Morning yourself Lizbeth." He smiled.
Liz sat down at the table and laid her head down on crossed arms. She gave a big yawn and smiled when Soul put a plate in front of her. Soul returned the smile and put plates down on the table as everybody else began to file into the room. After everybody had eaten Soul began clean up. Kidd stood and helped him clean up. When that had finished they all went their separate ways to get ready for the day. Knowing that he was going to see his secret desire he carefully looked at his selection of clothes. Nodding to himself he pulled out a faded, torn, black pair of skinnies, a pink and black plaid skirt, a tight black short sleeve shirt with a rainbow butterfly on it, and a pair of fingerless gloves. Getting a shower he opened up a small bag and pulled out foundation, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and lip gloss. Looking in the mirror he began to carefully apply everything. Grinning he took a step back and gave a small twirl. He jumped and blushed at a whistle. Tilting his head he smiled shyly at Liz and bounced over to her grabbing his pink and black checkered converse and putting them on.
"Ready to go Soru?" She asked smiling.
"Yepp~! So lets go Lizbeth~!" He chirped bouncing past her downstairs.
The others smiled and together they left heading for Shibusen. After arriving at the school Kidd and Soul separated from the group, who went to class, to head to the Death Room. They walked in to see Shinigami standing in front of his mirror talking to Spirit and Stein who were watching a Meister and Weapon pair go after their first Kishin.
"Father?" Kidd called softly.
The three turned to look and Soul twitched minutely at seeing Stein and Spirit. He grinned and bounced over up the stairs before stopping in front of Shinigami. Kidd followed grinning symmetrically as he stood beside Soul.
"We're here to request a Meister transfer." Kidd spoke first.
"Nyaa~ why's that Kiddo-kun?" Shinigami asked tilting his head.
Soul bowed his head tears beginning to fill his eyes at the thought of why he was here requesting a new Meister to begin with.
"It is our belief that my staying with Albarn-san would be detrimental to my health." Soul spoke his voice thick with sorrow.
He had to stop the blush that threatened when he felt Shinigami's eyes on him. Studying him.
"Why is that Soul-kun?" Shinigami asked softly.
Soul gave a watery smile and looked up at the God of Death.
"She struck me after returning home last night simply because I decided to change the way I am."
Shinigami tilted his head again in thought. "I don't know if we have anyone that can fit your wavelength."
Soul bit his lip bowing his head in sadness. Nobody noticed the bowed heads and whispers flying between the two of them until they both walked up to Shinigami and the others.
"We have an idea. Soul will you change to your Scythe form?" Spirit asked in a soft voice.
Soul nodded somewhat confused and quickly shifted into his Scythe form. Stein reached out and grasped the staff of Soul's form and brought it across his shoulders before smirking.
"I'll take over as Soul's Meister for the time being. Is that acceptable for everyone?" He asked.
Soul tilted his head and studied the Stein's soul wavelength. He smirked when he got an idea. Imagining his soul room he stepped through the door and looked around. It had changed a lot since the incident with the little demon. It still had a black theme to it but it also had splotches of red and orange mixed in with it as well as two large Gothic letters intertwined together on the wall above his piano. His smirk grew bigger as he walked over to the piano and sat down. Cracking his knuckles he closed his eyes and his fingers began to move. His body swayed to the tune that he played and his mind wondered to the outside world wondering if any of them could hear it.
Kidd smiled when he heard the first notes that Soul began to play. He closed his eyes and tilted his head up listening to the music wrap around him. Music he hadn't heard since the final fight with Asura. He wet his lips with his tongue when the full brunt of the music washed over him. He understood damn well what that particular tune entitled and his mind wondered to his own lover.
Stein and Spirit looked at each other and Spirit gave Stein a soft smile causing the scientist to give one of his own actual smiles instead of his usual smirk. Stein held his arm out and Spirit walked over and and wrapped his arms around Stein's waist laying his head on the scientist's shoulder. They listened to the music with their eyes closed.
Shinigami had his eyes closed behind his mask as he listened to the music he knew came from Soul. He wondered who the albino was playing for though. Listening to the music he could remember the first day that Soul was brought to Shibusen. He had been met directly with Soul's family to enroll him into the academy. Oddly enough it was two with them that had him worried for his life. One looked at him much like Stein usually did. The other stared as if she could see directly into his soul. He shuddered but then his thoughts turned to the young Scythe. Soul was an interesting person and the God couldn't help but want to know more about the Weapon.
Soul slowly began to stop playing. He smiled softly and stretched to get the kinks out of his back. Standing he walked over and ran his fingers reverently over the intertwined Gothic letters before he left his soul room and returned to human form. His smile became a little wider when he looked over the group in the Death room. He wet his lips when everyone to turned to look at him.
"Uh... Hi?"
Kidd couldn't help it and snorted in laughter. Stein smirked and Spirit shook his head smiling. Shinigami clapped his hands together causing everyone to turn to him.
"If all participants are in agreement then Stein will be Soul's new Meister for an undetermined amount of time." He received nods from all of them causing him to bounce. "Then it's settled. Soul Eater Evans is now the Weapon of Franken Stein."
*slurps up the last of her coffee and leans back in her chair to stretch* Well I'm finished with the first chapter. See the little button below. Yeah that button, see you're such a smart taco. Click it and tell me what you think. If ya don't then I'll feed you to the pit of rabid starving plot bunnies. As on the others I've written I only accept helpful criticism so if you don't like it, you can click either the back button or the exit button. Your choice. *grins* Can you guess a couple of the sup pairings that've been hinted at. If you do I'll give you a cookie~. I would give you a taco but that's cannibalism my lovely rainbow colored taco friends.
