A/N: Had this idea in mind for a while. Ever since Soul let go of the whole 'being cool' thing, he's actually started becoming pretty cool himself. It was also sort of inspired from episode six where Black Star told Tsubaki that Soul would be his weapon from then on. By the end, everyone figured out which meister and weapon belonged together and that's the theme of this story. I hope you all like it.
Break Away
Chapter 1: Realisation
Maka opened her eyes wearily to maniacal sun's rays coming in through her curtains. She blinked once, twice before sitting up on her elbows.
"Oh...thank god. It's Saturday. Mmm...I've already overslept, though. Soul's probably been up a while and waiting for breakfast."
Maka swung her feet over the bed side and slipped her feet into her slippers. She yawned as she walked groggily towards her door and to the bathroom to do her morning routine. She walked into the kitchen and sure enough, Soul was already dressed and reading the newspaper at the table. Maka bit the inside of her cheek as she approached him.
"You could've just woken me up, ya know?"
"As if I could. You're a pretty heavy sleeper. Anyway, I didn't want to disturb you. You look so tired and gloomy -erm gloomier than usual," Soul said, correcting himself
Maka frowned at him. "Exams. They're starting to take their toll on me."
"You're already a model student. Slacking off a bit might do some good for you," Soul said matter-of-factly.
Maka snorted. "I'm not you."
She grabbed the toast mid-air as the toaster rung. She popped it into her mouth and began chewing bitterly. Soul watched her silently as she cooked an omelet over the stove. Maka chose to ignore this. She moved the pan about and added some vegetable oil. She turned them over and over until they were fried and then set them down in front of Soul.
"Eat up."
"Not like I don't want extra for myself but aren't you gonna eat?"
"I'll grab something on the way out. I'm spending the day with Tsubaki today. If you invite Black Star or Kidd over, please for heaven's sake clean up after yourselves."
"Yeah, yeah. You just go, already."
Blair popped out of nowhere and landed in Soul's lap. She turned back to her human form, and was now straddling him. Maka froze at this as she watched Soul's usual reaction; falls over and his nose starts bleeding.
"You..." Her shoulders began trembling from rage as she watched Blair begin to rub her breasts against his face."Why do you guys have to go at it so early in the morning?!" Maka screeched.
Soul had turned his head the other way, the blood running down his chin.
"G-get off...get off me."
"You guys!" Maka shrieked. She took off a slipper and threw it at them. Blair jumped out of the way it and it hit Soul smack in the face.
"Ahhh! What gives?!"
Soul turned to glare at Maka who was holding her other slipper up menacingly. He began crawling backwards until he hit the wall. Maka kicked him out the window.
"That idiot," Maka murmured, her face flushing. "All men are idiots...
Tsubaki pointed to window and coaxing Maka to come closer. Maka obliged and walked over to where she was. She stared at the black sleeved dress with a long V-neck. It had shimmers of glitter hear and there and some glass beads at the top.
"It's so expensive but I think it would like really good on you," Tsubaki said cheerily.
Maka sighed. "I doubt it. It says that it only comes in one size and the bust size is made for someone more like you."
"Oh, Maka, come now. You don't need to be ashamed of your breasts. They're fine just the way they are."
"That's not what I hear," Maka mumbled. "And it sucks that at my age, I still haven't developed any."
"I-it's fine, really. Don't worry about it. W-well, shall we go into this store? The clothes here seem to suit you," Tsubaki said, sweetly.
Maka nodded numbly as she dragged her feet along. Today just wasn't her day. Stupid Soul and Blair had been going at it and in front of her no less! She had no idea why it pissed her off so much, it just did.
She began looking through different racks of clothes, not really paying much attention with her mind too far out. With exams and her soul assignments, it was really hard to find any time for herself. She pulled out blue short-sleeved hoodie and chose a pair of converse.
She took them to go and just as she and Tsubaki were on their way out, she bumped into a guy who was walking in. His arm shot out and wound itself around her waist. Maka knocked herself out of her stupor and pulled away. She dusted herself off and bent down to pick up her bag. The guy beat her to it and held it out for her.
"Th-thank you," Maka stuttered, holding her bag to her chest.
"Your welcome...Maka Albarn," he said with a lavishing smile.
"I- You know me?" Maka asked, pointing a finger at herself.
He chuckled. "No, but I've certainly heard of you from my other school. You're a lot more famous than you think. My name is Akabara Jin; I just transferred to Shibusen." He gave a brief bow before taking Maka's hand in his. "I very much look forward to attending class with you. You're...a lot more cuter in person."
"H-huh?" Maka couldn't help but get a bit flustered at his words. She had never had anyone else call her cute before, if you exclude her crazy dad.
He smiled his charming smile. "You have no idea how long I've been wanting to meet you. Well, farewell then, until Monday." He kissed her hand before he continued on his way.
A blushing Tsubaki appeared beside Maka. "Oh oh oh! D-did that guy just confess to you?! Wahh! He's so cute b-but you musn't!!" she exclaimed, shaking her head vigorously.
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"That guy was just hitting on you, Maka. I don't think Soul would've liked it very much," Tsubaki said, biting her lip in worry.
"Soul?" Maka frowned. "What does any of this have to do with Soul?"
Tsubaki blinked. "Because...well, I've always thought that you and Soul were together."
"Whaaat? Me...and that- that pervert?! No, absolutely not!!" Maka shouted, walking ahead of her.
"Really? That's too bad, I think Soul loves you."
"L-love? You're mistaken, I'm sure." Maka turned her head and began walking faster.
Tsubaki matched her pace, swishing her bags from side to side. Her pony-tail bounced along as she caught up with Maka.
She smiled her kind smile and nodded. "Yes, I'm almost sure he does."
"No...no. That's impossible."
"You think so?"
"Tsubaki, I'm sorry. I just remembered there's something I have to do at home. Bye!"
"Maka, wait!"
Maka began dashing off and didn't stop until she made it home. As she tiredly made her way up to her apartment, she could hear the sound of Soul and Black Star laughing it up. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her key. As she stepped inside, she suddenly heard a vase break.
Two heads turned in her direction with mortal shock on their faces. Maka nodded in acknowledgement and trudged her way toward her room.
"Um...Maka?" Soul asked uncertainly.
"I'm going to my room. Don't bother me."
Before he could say another word, she had shut her bedroom door behind her. Black Star and Soul exchanged uneasy glances.
"What's wrong with her?" Black Star asked, scratching his head.
"I dunno. She was being her usual violent self this morning. It's not like her to be this gloomy- well, actually it is."
"Maybe she's just feeling sick because usually she'd be pissed at us for breaking something."
"Us? Who's the one who bumped into it?" Soul said, shooting an accusatory look at Black Star. He grabbed a broom and began sweeping up the shards of glass.
"Yeah, uhh sorry about that. I'll pay for it, ya know," he said, grinning.
"Damn right you will or else Maka will throw a fit."
He...loves me? But how can that be...?'
Maka lay outstretched on her bed, her hand pressed against her forehead as she looked up at her ceiling. She turned over on her side, pressing her face against her pillow. On her nightstand was a picture of her and Soul. The picture had been forcibly taken on Soul's part, but he had agreed to do it none-the-less for Maka. She had her arm looped through his while Soul refused to smile no matter how many times the picture had been taken.
'No, that's ludicrous. We've been partners and friends for so long...Maybe Tsubaki was just imagining things.'
Maka immediately sat up, her heart beat racing furiously at the sound of the knock on her door. She wiped her sweaty bangs away from her eyes and hesitantly said, "Y-yeah?"
"Maka, you alright?"
"I'm fine!" she squeaked. She covered her mouth, swallowing. "I'm...I'm fine, really."
"...Well, okay. If you don't want to talk about it, it's cool. Good night."
"Yeah, night!" Maka called after him.
She could see Soul's shadow lingering on at the doorway for a moment before he retreated back to his room. It shook her to see Soul's soul wavering the way it was. She understood why. Maka had always told Soul what was on her mind even if it took her a while to open up. She sighed as she laid back down, hugging her pillow to her chest in hopes of silencing it.
'I know it's impossible and that I'll probably be laughed at if I ask but it just has to be brought out into the open. I'll ask him...tomorrow.'
Maka tied her pigtails up in a flurry as she hurried out her bedroom door, in doing so bumping into Soul as he came out of his room. They stared at each other for a long moment, before Maka just had to avert her gaze.
"I...I have to go already. Can you make breakfast yourself?"
"Sure, but what do you have to do that you're in such a hurry for?" Soul inquired, shoving a hand into his pocket.
"Nothing, really. I'm just not very hungry this morning," Maka explained, cheerfully.
"Hmm...
"Well, bye!"
Maka brushed past him, her book bag swishing at her side as she slammed the apartment door behind her. She leaned against the door frame for a minute, her eyes saddening. She bowed her head, letting her chin rest against her chest.
'Just one day. After school and it'll all be over.'
She quickly ran off towards Shibusen. At the entrance, she saw Tsubaki eagerly awaiting her arrival.
"Maka, are you alright? I think I said some things yesterday that I probably shouldn't have. I'm sorry if I offended you."
Maka smiled. "It's no problem. I was just...surprised is all!" she chirped. "Come on, let's go! The bell will ring soon."
She grabbed Tsubaki's hand and dragged her along behind her. They sat at their assigned seats a minute before the bell rang. Tsubaki cupped her hand inconspicuously as she leaned toward Maka's seat in front of her.
"Umm...are you sure you're alright? I'm really worried about you."
Maka shook her head. "I'm fine, really. I couldn't be in more high spirits if I tried. My exam scores are coming in on friday and I can't wait to see how well I did!"
Tsubaki didn't seem quite convinced but decided to leave it at that for now. She inclined her head in understanding.
"...Alright, then. I trust that you'll tell me about it sooner or later."
Maka's eyes widened at this but didn't turn around to look at her. She was regretting this. As Stein began his class, she spaced out for a minute that she didn't even notice when Soul had sat down next to her. She whirled on him.
"Why're you late this time?" she hissed.
"This kid in the hallway picked a fight with me on the way," Soul said irritably.
Maka sighed. "You just can't learn to walk away, can you?"
"Not when my reputation is on the line. I wasn't about to let that guy show me up," he whispered harshly.
Just as Maka opened her mouth to retort, Stein commanded the attention of his class. He rolled toward this new guy in doing so rolling out into the hallway and crashing into the wall. He came rolling back in his seat, adjusting his glasses.
"Everyone, we have a new transfer student today. He's from Shibusen's sister school. Please treat him well."
The guy bowed at the class, flashing his charming smile. "My name is Akabara Jin. I'm pleased to meet you all."
"It's the guy from yesterday," Maka and Tsubaki breathed.
Soul slammed his hands down against the bench, his nostrils flaring angrily.
"Bastard! You're the one from before!" he snarled.
The whole room turned to look at him, surprised by his outburst. Stein adjusted his glasses as he stared from Soul to Jin.
"Will one of you care to explain?"
Jin smiled. "Well, it would appear that I just made my first enemy of the day. Apparently Soul doesn't seem to like me very much already."
"W-what?" Soul gawked.
"Soul, he's new here so I expect for everyone to treat him justly. That doesn't exempt you," Stein said, leaning his elbows on his desk.
"But he- he!"
"Enough. Jin take a seat of your liking." Stein waved his arm in the direction of the benches.
Jin obliged and began walking up the steps with long, intended strides.He stopped beside Soul's sulking form. He slowly turned in his direction, hate and scorn filling his garnet eyes.
"What do you want?"
"Move, if you please. I like this seat, I would like to sit here," Jin said, an edge of bitter-sweetness to his silky voice.
"Do you need your eyes checked? I already sit here, lame brain."
"Soul! Relinquish your seat to him right now."
Soul grumbled as he stood up and went to go sit next to Ox. Jin smiled endearingly at Maka, taking her hand in his and kissing it. The class erupted in a flurry of whispers at this, and Maka couldn't help the blush making its way across her face. Soul raised an eyebrow at this but didn't initiate any opinion of any kind for once like he normally would.
"Settle down, you guys! Class is now in session."
Stein turned to the board and began writing the day's notes. Maka tried her best to keep from looking over at Jin who was busily taking in everything Stein was saying. She could barely concentrate much less ignore the looks most girls gave her. As soon as the lunch bell rang, Maka got her things and ran out of the classroom. Tsubaki soon followed after her, grabbing her bento along as she went. She grabbed Maka by the sleeve of her shirt and smiled sweetly at her.
"Want to eat lunch with me? Let's go to the courtyard."
"I'm not very hungry but I'm always in want of your company," Maka said, smiling back.
They walked outside together to the courtyard and sat down on a picnic bench. Tsubaki glanced at Maka's sullen face as she glanced down. She could hear her stomach rumbling clearly over the sounds of the other students talking.
"Maka...? Yesterday you told me you skipped breakfast and then you ran off before we could have lunch together. I don't like you skipping meals. Tell me you at least had dinner when you got back home last night. And breakfast; you had breakfast this morning, right?" she pressed.
Maka shook her head. "I...was in a hurry. But I'm fine though!" she said, holding a hand up in dismissal.
"I can't believe that when I hear your stomach grumbling that way. Please, I really would like to share my lunch with you," Tsubaki pleaded.
"It's fine, really. I'm just so nervous and confused that I can't eat lately."
"I knew it. What I said yesterday really did bother you. I'm truly sorry, Maka. Please don't let it bother you, I must've misinterpreted something is all. "
"It did bother me...sorry to get defensive but Soul is my partner and most importantly my best friend. Why must everyone assume that just because a female meister and a male weapon partner up means that they'll end up getting married like my mother and father did?"
"Don't worry about it, Maka. Even if it's not in that way, I know that Soul really cares for you. As bother a partner and friend," Tsubaki said, squeezing her hand. Maka allowed a smile to show. Tsubaki's smile was contageous. "Besides...that new transfer student seems awfully cute and seems to have taken an interest in you."
Maka blushed. "He- he was just being nice."
"I'm sure he doesn't go around kissing every girl's hand he sees," Tsubaki giggled.
Maka raised a finger to comment but found her eyes began drooping. She felt the bench tilt and she was out before she hit the grass.
Tsubaki stood up sharply, fear in her eyes. "Maka!"
"Maka!! What's wrong with you?!" Soul shouted. Soul came bounding down from the third floor window. He landed in a crouch and began running toward Maka. Jin was by her side in an instant and had scooped her up into his arms. Maka's head lolled to the side.
Soul frowned. "I had everything under control."
"I can see that. What if you hadn't been here fast enough? What if it had been a much more desperate situation, would you have been able to help her then?" Jin asked coldly, narrowing his eyes.
Soul struggled with his words as he watched him walk off with Maka. Tsubaki was by Soul's side in the next instant.
"What happened?"
"She hasn't eaten since yesterday. She must not be used to skipping meals."
"But...why? It's not like her to do something like this."
"I'm afraid this is my fault. I made her worry needlessly," Tsubaki said, biting her lip.
"What did you tell her?"
"I'm afraid I can't say but it's not really much of a point anymore, Soul. Please leave it at that or Maka will worry more."
"...Alright."
Soul stared off meaningfully in the direction Maka had been taken to. He crunched his hands into fists. He began walking off toward where Kidd and Black Star were waiting, his retreating back expressing much more feeling than the mask he had put on. Tsubaki watched him go with a sense of dread. She bit her lip, her bangs hiding her face from view.
A/N: Hope you guys liked it. I'll try to get working on the second chapter as soon as I can. Plz R/R if you want another chapter.