AN: Okay wow, so this is my first fan fiction ever to manifest itself into a full chapter… Be kind, please. I'll apologize now for Hiro existing in this, but every story needs a bad guy right? And I'd like to thank my wives and editors Bitter November and Glitter Goat, without them. This story would be much worse crap.
Trains, such pleasant way to travel. Even sitting in coach class, Maka was still very comfortable as she adjusted her backrest, and continued to peer out at the landscape. It was so scenic, who knew the Nevada Desert could be so beautiful at sunset? The vast plains stretched out for miles, the cacti and rock formations were cast in tones of bright oranges and deep violets from the sleepy sun; it was gorgeous. Maka only hoped that the passenger sitting next to her hadn't noticed that she had stolen his window seat. She had gotten there before him when she had boarded the train, and even though she was assigned the aisle seat, she couldn't help herself. She wanted to see out the window.~
At this point, Maka had been on that train for a few hours. She had left school early Friday to catch this train to spend Halloween weekend with her older friend Tsubaki, at the college she was attending. Her parents were hesitant about agreeing to let her go at first, but Tsubaki always had a way of convincing her parents otherwise. She wanted Maka to spend time with her because, in her opinion, Maka didn't know how to have any fun. Perhaps she was right. Since all of her friends graduated last year, Maka's life didn't involve much more than going to school and going home. She supposed she was overdue for some fun, and despite her gut instincts telling her otherwise, Maka would be open minded about whatever Tsubaki had planned.
She had been dropped off at the LA Union Station about half an hour before boarding, giving Maka a chance to look around. The station was grand with its marble architecture, impressive food court downstairs, and built in shopping mall. After exploring and some light shopping, she went to the kiosk and got her ticket. Maka waited in line at the gate until the Amtrak employee checked her ticket and directed her where to go. Her small roll-on bag was noisy against the concrete as she exited the terminal and made her way to the coach class car.
The passenger sitting next to her didn't seem to notice or mind that she had robbed him of his spectacular view. Upon his arrival, he kicked his feet up and stretched out, arms crossed behind his head. The hoodie he wore looked comfy and warm. It made her feel thankful that she had the sense to take her sweat shirt out of her suit case before boarding the train. The AC was on too high and the cold was a bit uncomfortable. Maka reached under her seat to grab her purple fleece lined hoodie, she fed her arms through the sleeves zipped it up to her waist. She took one more glance at her companion to make sure she hadn't disturbed him. Though his hood was up and she couldn't see his face, Maka could tell he was sleeping by the light snoring sounds he was making.
Maka watched the world go by in her little railway car until sundown; after that, the only scenery to be seen was the silhouettes of the horizon against a starry sky. They had just made it past Las Vegas when she decided to turn on her overhead light and start reading her book. It was when she did this, that her passenger stirred. He sat up in a daze taking in his surroundings. He scratched his head noting how dark it was outside.
"Ahh... s'cuse me?" Maka looked up to address the boy sitting next to her, who had taken his hood off revealing a fringe of white hair and tired burgundy eyes.
"Do you know what the next stop is?" He asked rubbing the back of his neck sorely. He must have slept on it wrong.
"Yeah, it's Death City." She informed, checking her watch. "We're going to be there soon actually."
"Ah, sweet I didn't miss it then." He sighed in relief sitting back in his seat. He must have been really out of it to not hear the intercom.
"So... you're getting off there too?" She asked as he wrapped his headphones around his mp3 player.
"Yeah, you going to school up there too?" He shoved his device in his pocket and pulled his backpack out from under his chair.
"Nah, I'm just visiting a friend for the weekend. I'm still in highschool." She admitted coyly. He nodded and smirked at her.
"That must be exciting. Well, be careful out there. Halloween weekend is a pretty rough time to party; easy to find trouble."
"Ugh, I hope we're not partying." She grimaced, unamused. "I have no idea what she has in store for me." The train slowed to a stop. Over the intercom, the conductor announced that those bound for Death city should deboard at that time. The two rose from their seats and the white haired boy shot her a smirk.
"That really sucks, I wish you the best of luck." The boy took her hand and helped her out of the row. Maka reached over head and grabbed her carry-on. "Thanks, I'll need it"
"Well," he said while they exited the train. "See ya around campus I guess."
"Yeah, nice meeting you." She waved to him as he disappeared into the crowd of cars and people.
"Maka-chan!" She heard a female voice shout not but a moment later. She looked around to see Tsubaki, an impressively tall girl with an equally impressive figure. She had long black hair, which was tied up, and deep navy blue eyes. There was someone with her, a guy who Maka thought she remembered being named Hiro. He had short, very vibrantly blonde hair, and bright blue eyes. He was much thinner than she remembered him to be, and the skinny jeans he wore only emphasized that. Maka watched the two close in on her. She knew then, her college weekend adventure had begun.
Maka had been introduced to Hiro a few days prior on skype, but she hadn't been expecting him to come with Tsubaki to pick her up; nor had she expected him to sit in the backseat with her while Tsubaki drove them to campus. That didn't seem necessary. Was Tsubaki even okay with chauffeuring them around town? She seemed to be. From the back, Maka could see the smile Tsubaki wore in the rearview mirror.
People weren't kidding when they said the desert was cold at night. The inside of the car was freezing from sitting too long in the parking lot. Outside, the streets of Death City were well lit with street lamps and neon signs. Even in the dark and frigid temperatures, Maka couldn't help but find the city quite charming. Maka could feel the heater start to warm up the car while Hiro began to make small talk.
"So, you're from LA right?" he asked Maka who had since spaced out from basking in the warmth.
"Hmm? Oh yes, Tsubaki and I went to school together. Is that where you're from as well?" Maka agreed politely.
"San Francisco." He corrected. Maka nodded
"Thats cool."
"So what do you do for fun in LA?" He inquired. Maka looked up in thoughtfulness.
"Well there are lots of museums, night clubs, Hollywood, La Brea Tar Pits, lots of stuff. There are plenty of things to do." He laughed and scooted a bit closer.
"No, I meant what do YOU do for fun?" Maka glanced around awkwardly.
"Um... I uh, read..." He chuckled, which made Maka blush bashfully.
"Is that all you do?" he questioned further and Maka had that thoughtful expression on her face again.
"Well I...um.. Do homework, and hang out with friends..."
"Do you have a boyfriend?" She sputtered at this and Hiro laughed whole-heartedly. He began patting her shoulder to soothe a now very tense Maka.
"It's okay Maka, Tsubaki filled me in on your track record with boys."
"She did WHAT?" Maka looked to Tsubaki, who seemed very apologetic. She was beet red now. Maka leaned over and covered her face with her hands. "...and what exactly did she tell you?"
"Not much... Just that guys don't give you much attention because of your chest size. And that you don't have much experience..."
"Tsubaki!" Maka sat up to give her friend a horrified look.
"I'm so sorry Maka-chan... I was just making a point that you deserved better!"
"This is humiliating..." she groaned as she leaned into the side of the car. He began patting her shoulder again in comfort. "Nooo it's okay, Maka. Don't be embarrassed."
"You didn't need to know ANY of that."
"It doesn't matter; doesn't change how I see you." She sighed having the confidence to sit back up.
"Besides, I think you're really pretty." Hiro assured.
"Oh... uh.. Thank you." Her fingers played with the ashy blond hair in her ponytail in nervousness as he put an arm around her shoulder.
"Yeah, you're a beautiful girl." In the front seat Tsubaki could be heard giggling.
After what seemed like forever, they pulled into Tsubaki's dorm building parking lot Eibon Hall. Eibon Hall was a three story Co-ed dorm, where the basement and the first floor housed boys and the second and top floor belonged to girls. They walked up the three flights of stairs and down the hall to her room.
This room definitely looked bigger through a webcam. It was a ten by ten concrete square with a window and 6 pieces of unattractive bedroom furniture provided by the university. How did two people live in this space without bumping into each other all the time; the mere thought made Maka claustrophobic. Other than the space issues, Tsubaki and her roommate made the room look really cute with all of the posters and decorations that covered the wall. Hiro took a seat by the window and Maka and Tsubaki sat on her bed. They chit-chatted until they heard a knocking at the door.
"Tsubakiiiiiiii" A voice called as Tsubaki answered the door. "Oh good, you're back. Could you help me with Patty's hair? I can't figure out how to do those pin-up curl things."
"Oh, hey Liz-chan! Oh, come in there's someone I want you to meet." Liz was a tall girl with impressively long blond hair. Her makeup was done, but she donned a bathrobe and pajama bottoms. She looked as though she was in the middle of getting ready.
"Oh, hey is this your friend that's staying with you? Hi, I'm Liz." She looked up to address the blonde boy by the window. "Sup Hiro."
"Sup Liz."
"Hi, I'm Maka."
"Well, it's nice to meet you, Maka." Liz smiled "Oh Tsubaki, you need to see Patty's costume. She's so cute!"
"I'll be right back, okay guys?" Hiro nodded. "See ya, Tsubaki." She closed the door and the two sat in silence for a moment.
"So... You wanna make out now or later?"
"Ehhh... What!" Hiro got up and took a seat next to her on the bed. Maka shifted uncomfortably.
"You haven't done that with anyone before, right? Wanna try?"
It was true. Maka had only ever been kissed once, and that was during a game of truth or dare when she was fifteen. She was honestly curious about what it was like, and Maka figured that college was all about experimentation. And she had promised herself and Tsubaki that she would be open minded this weekend. So, she once again ignored her gut instincts and agreed to try this with Hiro.
"...I don't think I know how to make-out, though."
"It's okay, just follow my lead." It was then that Hiro placed his mouth over hers, and began moving his lips rapidly against hers. The inexperienced Maka, not sure of what to do attempted to move her own lips to synchronize with Hiro when he stopped her.
"Mmmm, no. You're not doing it right. Here, hold still and let me show you." He placed his hands on her shoulders and continued his ministrations, except this time against Maka's closed unmoving mouth. The open and closing motions he made against her lips felt strange to her. After a few moments Maka opened her eyes and awkwardly glanced around the room; wondering how long this was going to last when finally, he broke the 'kiss'. Maka stared at the hands in her lap, too embarrassed to make eye contact with him.
"Ehh... sorry, I guess I'm not that great of a kisser."
" You'll get better... Wanna try again?"
"Uhhh..."
It was then the door opened and Tsubaki returned.
"Ahaha, did I interrupt something?" Damn that Tsubaki, with her raised eyebrow and smirk.
"... No! Y..you're not interrupting anything! Come in! Stay! have a seat..." Maka was spazzing and that's when Hiro stood up and adjusted his clothes.
"Aww, you're leaving Hiro?" Tsubaki asked and Hiro nodded. "Yeah I have a party to go to, and besides..." He looked to Maka who's tomato like face was currently turned towards the floor with her hands placed firmly in her lap. "I think this one has had enough for tonight."
She made a squeak and he chuckled.
"I'll see you later Maka."
Tsubaki waited until Hiro was gone and out of hearing range to jump, squeal and clap out of excitement. She raced to join Maka on the bed and grab her by the shoulders.
"Oh my gosh, Maka-chan! I'm so happy for you! How was it?"
"Tsubaki..."
Noticing her strange reaction, she bent down to get a better look at Maka. The expression Maka wore was a mix between discomfort and queasiness. Tsubaki soon became concerned.
"Are you okay, Maka-chan?"
"...It was like he was trying to eat my face!" Tsubaki couldn't stop herself from laughing, making Maka grimace until she calmed down.
"I didn't really enjoy it. I don't think I like Hiro that much either." Tsubaki stared at her for a bit before nodding.
"I understand Maka-chan, thats fine. Don't force yourself to do anything you don't want to do."
"Well, I don't plan to."
The two spent the rest of the evening getting into the Halloween spirit by watching dvd's. They popped in a traditional holiday favorite, Rocky Horror Picture Show, and fantasized about how one day, they would go to a midnight showing. Even though Maka was very conservative when it came to sex and promiscuity, that did not mean she didn't enjoy the cult classic. She felt as though it was all in good fun and she found the insanity quite hilarious. This only came to show Maka could be a good sport at times. They had made it to the dinner party scene when Tsubaki's roommate came home.
"Welcome back, Kim."
"Hi, Tsubaki! Is this Maka? Hey, what's up?" Kim asked as she took off her jacket.
"Hey, Kim-chan! It's nice to finally meet you!"
Maka got up from the bed and exchanged a casual hug with Kim. Kim was a very sweet looking girl with her pink hair cut short in a bob. She wasn't very tall, probably around Maka's height, but there was something about her that seemed whimsical and cute.
"So, where did Ox end up taking you?" Tsubaki asked as Kim climbed up on her mid loft bed and opened her computer.
"We actually had a lot of fun, which was a surprise because he was broke as usual." Tsubaki giggled at the grimace on Kim's face, but she pressed on.
"We went to that haunted house thing near Hook Cemetery, you know that thing we keep seeing flyers for all over campus? The people who set it up actually did a really awesome job, and it was only two dollars admission!"
"Maka-chan, we should do that tomorrow!" Tsubaki suggested excitedly; Maka didn't seem nearly as enthused. "I don't know Tsubaki, you know how I get when I'm startled."
"Oh, you'll be fine Maka-chan. Just promise you'll think about it?"
"Yeah... Okay." Maka sighed reluctantly.
"Good! So Kim, what did you and Ox do after that?"
With that question, the grimace returned to Kim's face. "He took me out for a crappy McDonald's dinner and brought me back here... That broke dork..." Kim closed her computer and climbed out of bed; slipping on her slippers as she headed towards the door.
"Where you headed now?" Tsubaki asked pressing the play button on her dvd player.
"Going down to Soul's room. He just got back tonight, and he's had my text book for two weeks. I'm tired of using Ox's copy so I'm gonna try to get mine back from him... again... Third time's the charm, right?"
"Well, good luck Kim-chan!"
For some reason, even after Kim left, that name stuck with her. Soul. It sounded so strange to her. His parent must've been very...unique.
"Soul, huh? That's an unusual name." Maka commented as she watched Janet Weiss get chased up the stairs by a sweet transvestite.
"Hmm. Well Soul-kun is an unusual guy. But if you think that's weird, his roommate's name is Black Star... and he's also really cute!" Maka giggled. Of course, that would be the first thing her friend would notice about someone.
"You would, Tsubaki."
AN: Okay, I sorry that happened! Don't worry, that's all the action Hiro is ever going to get to see. Please keep an eye out for the next installment!