Looks like I'm stuck writing in present tense lately... We never get to meet Soul's family aside from Wes, so I thought it would be fun to have a Christmas fic introducing his family to Maka. Aside from Wes, all of Soul's family members are completely made up by myself. So I own all the characters except Soul, Maka, Spirit, Kami, and Wes. I don't own Soul Eater, though. Enjoy~!

Nervously, she fidgets with the end of her skirt. Flying with Soul is no problem, but airplanes still bother her for some reason. She knows she'd insisted on the trip, but she honestly wishes they could travel a better way. He's fast asleep in the window seat as the beverage cart hits her elbow again. Rubbing her elbow, she looks back to her partner. A photo is poking out of a pocket on his jacket. She carefully plucks it from the pocket and drinks in the image.

A woman with light hair holds a white-haired baby. A dark-haired man stands behind her, one hand on the woman's shoulder, the other on a young white-haired boy's shoulder. They look so happy. Maka feels a pang of jealousy. Her parents were never in the same picture with her. Not even in her younger years.

The photo is taken away from her suddenly. She watches as Soul stuffs the photo back into his pocket and turns away, pretending to fall back asleep. She sighs and fingers a letter in her own pocket. It's addressed to Soul, and it's the reason for their trip.

In beautiful, flowing cursive, the lettter is an invitation to the Evans' home for Christmas. Soul's mother had apprently written the invite and had made it obvious she was excited to meet Maka. The meister smiles a bit. Her partner may look like he could care less, but every once in a while he writes to his family. She's surprised, but pleased, that he's mentioned her to his family at all. She's also excited to celebrate Christmas in the traditional way: a family setting instead of turkey pot pies at the small dinner table with a cat telling dirty jokes while they eat.

She admits, she's nervous to meet his family. They are a higher social class than she is, after all. She also hopes no one asks her about music. She is still unable to understand Soul's fascination with music.

Soul stirs a moment before falling asleep again. Once she hears him snoring slightly, she leans over him to gaze out the window. She's never seen snow at Christmastime. But the mountains below are covered in a white blanket. She could get used to Colorado.

A warm hand envelopes hers that's resting on her partner's leg. She looks to the owner to find him still asleep. She blushes a bit and carefully pulls her hand out of his. Settling back in her seat, the meister's eyes begin to droop. Her head falls on his shoulder as she falls asleep. A small smile tugs at his lips.

…

A large board that reads "Soul and Maka" in his hands, Wes Evans looks around the airport for his brother and his meister. Finally spotting them, he waves gracefully at the two. The scythe grimaces and is dragged to the man by Maka. "It's good to see you again, Soul," Wes greets. "And you must be Maka," he says as he extends a hand to her. "We've heard so much about you."

Both weapon and meister blush, but Maka takes Wes' hand anyway. "It's very nice to meet you," she practically whispers. He smiles and leads them to his car that waits outside the building. Soul slumps in his seat while Maka looks about in awe. Wes explains that his parents' house sits on the mountain. The meister stares out the window in search of the house.

Night falls by the time they see the house. Soul is fast asleep again, so Maka shakes his arm roughly. He looks up sleepily at the house and frowns. She can tell he doesn't want to be here. He may send letters occasionally, but that doesn't mean he enjoys his family's company. She has to push him out of the car and up the pathway leading to the house. She slips on a patch of ice momentarily but is caught by her loyal partner. He grumbles something about being careful before turning his attention back to the pathway.

The front door opens and a blonde woman walks out. "Soul! I'm so glad you're here!" she calls out, arms outstretched. He reluctantly accepts the hug and returns it slightly. The woman (Maka assumes she is Soul's mother) turns her attention to the girl. "And Maka! It's so nice to finally meet you!" Soul's mother hugs Maka as well, and the girl wonders why he can't stand his family. She is kind, warm, and fun to the meister. Why can't he see it, too?

A dark-haired man, probably Soul's father, walks out of the house next. "Alecia, are they staying in Soul's room?" he asks the woman while grabbing Maka's luggage.

"Yes, of course! Show them the way, Garrett," Alecia replies. "It's been so long since he's been here, I'm willing to bet Soul has forgotten where it is!" she jokes. Maka giggles a bit and follows Soul and his father into the house.

It looks much bigger once inside. The house is spacious, but warm and cozy. She's tempted to plop down on the couch, but she fights the urge and obediantly follows the Evans men to Soul's room.

Soul's room reminds her of the Black Room only more inviting. It's not dark and frightening. Instead, it has the same atmosphere as the rest of the house. She notes there is only one bed and no other sleeping arrangements. She turns to Garrett and asks, "Mr. Evans, didn't you say Soul and I are both sleeping here?"

"Please, call me Garrett. And yes, that's what I said."

"Um, I'd hate to be a bother, but isn't there another place to sleep?"

"Why? Are you two fighting?"

"Well, no, but-"

"Then it's nothing to worry about. It's getting late. You should get some rest." With that, Garrett leaves the two. They're both confused by what has occurred, but before Maka can shout orders, Soul is starting to make a make-shift bed on the floor for himself. He still can't decide if he gives into her demands because she's his meister or because his feelings for her go a little deeper than that.

Exhausted, the two fall asleep in their respecitve beds, still wearing their clothes from that day. Snow begins to fall outside while they dream.