Admitting It, Is the First Step

"Maka?"
"Yes, Soul?" I asked.
We were on our way to the Academy. He stopped and turned half way.
"Do you like me?" He asked, worry colouring his voice. I raised my eyebrow before answering.
"No, I live in an apartment with you, because I hate you." The sarcasm in my voice was thick, almost tangible. He frowned, his brow knitting together.
"That's not what I meant". The frustration greatly evident.
I stopped walking, "Oh?" My voice quavering some.
"And what did you mean, Soul?" I whispered. It would be just like him to make a joke of this. I let my eyes wonder around the alley way, looking for Black*Star with a camcorder. If he was there, I couldn't find him.

Soul sighed and leaned against the alley wall, muttering what sounded like "Stupid girls."
I squeezed my books, restraining from giving him a good Maka-Chop. I kept silent though, waiting for him to continue.
He avoided my gaze momentarily, letting his eyes wonder.
"Maka," He began, "I like you. More then is cool to say out loud." He took his hands out of his jacket pockets and started to fiddle with his thumbs.
"And, I guess what I'm trying to ask you, is...do you feel the same?" He gave me a small, timid, very un-Soul-like smile. He must be telling the truth, I thought, the shock sinking in slowly, He's neverous I reasoned.

I just stood there, dumbstruck.
"Wha...Ar...Are you, serious?" I stammered.
He lifted himself off the wall and walked towards me, his face inches from mine.
"Yea Maka. I am." He breathed.
I closed the short distanced between our lips.

For a too-short moment, I was filled with utter bliss. We pulled apart. Why do I have to have air to live? I complained internally.
"I like you too, Soul." I whispered into his ear.
He smiled his typical Soul-smile, baring his unusually sharp teeth.
"Cool." He said simply.
He laced his fingers through mine, and we continued towards the Academy.