A/N: Hello, lovely people! This is my first go at writing a full blown ship fan fiction, so please help me out by giving your opinion or any pointers you might have through reviews. I'll be updating everything pretty often since I'm currently on vacation.

P.S. I unfortunately haven't read all of the manga for this series quite yet, therefore, this story is going to be based mostly on the anime, plus some additional research I do on a few things.

Maka

Why does this keep happening?

I couldn't stop the tears from streaming down my cheeks as I gazed at Soul's unconscious body laying in the infirmary bed. This wasn't the first time, and I knew it wouldn't be the last, but each time he landed in here because of me, it just hurts more and more.

"Maka, you should really go get something to eat," Miss Marie said worriedly from her desk. "Starving yourself won't make him get well any sooner."

I wiped the tears away, mechanically standing up and walking to the door. "I'm sorry. I lost track of time," I mumbled before stepping out of the infirmary and shutting the door behind me. Walking out the main entrance of the Academy, I saw that the sun was already beginning to set. With a heavy sigh, I sat down on the front steps and look out over Death City which has been my home for as long as I can remember.

Even the view from the front steps was amazing. The DWMA was at the very heart of Death City and it was also the highest point there was. For some reason, getting to look over the city calms me down whenever I'm upset. It's just a way to maintain my serenity. But even this didn't help in my current state.

"Maka? What are you doing here so late?" questioned a familiar voice.

Turning my head, I saw Liz Thompson, one of Kid's weapons striding towards me.
"Just admiring the view," I replied, turning my gaze back towards the sunset. "What about you?"

"We just got back from a mission and Kid got a little beat up so he went to see Miss Marie with Patty," she said, sitting down next to me. "You seem kind of down. Is something wrong?"

I shook my head and forced a smile. "No. Nothing's wrong. I was just thinking about something."

"Well, alright," she shrugged. "If you say so. How did your mission go with Soul?"

I couldn't bring myself to answer. The words felt like they were caught up in my throat.

"So that's it," sighed Liz. "You know, it wasn't your fault. You both knew when you signed up for this school that you'd be risking your lives in the name of justice and for each other, as partners. So it's not your fault."

I could tell that she was trying to comfort me, but her words seemed to go in one ear and out the other, judging from how much better they made me feel.

Still, I gave her a small smile, trying to muster as much sincerity into it as I could "Thanks, Liz. I'm fine. Really. You should be worrying about Kid. What happened to him anyway?"

Her smile faltered and she looked about as guilty as I felt.
"He took a full on cannon blast for me and Patty. He stuck us in his back pockets before we could even react, and..."

I could tell that she knew how I felt. It was probably even worse for her since she'd sworn to protect Kid at all costs, and here she was unscathed while he'd taken a pretty rough blow. According to Soul, it was a Weapon's job to keep their Meister safe. The guilt must have been eating at her.

"Don't feel bad," I found myself saying. "It's Kid we're talking about. He pulled off a full recovery within less than a week of fighting the Asura. He'll be fine."

She looked at me gratefully and I felt an even heavier weight on my chest, for some reason.
"And Soul survived being sliced in half by a demon sword," she stated "He'll be fine too."

I nodded, getting to my feet. "Right. I should probably go home, now. I'll see you tomorrow."

Liz nodded and waved goodbye as I made my way down the front steps of the Academy. The apartment I shared with Soul wasn't too far away, so I made it home before dark. It was eerily quiet without the sound of Soul softly strumming a guitar or singing. Or, in some cases, screaming and telling Blair to stop taking her clothes off.

I put down my book bag and went to take a shower. I'd asked Miss Marie to let me know as soon as Soul woke up, so I grabbed my phone and put it on the bathroom counter just in case she called.

After my shower, I curled up on my couch and read, anxiously glancing at my phone every few seconds until it finally rang.

My heart racing, I snatched it off the table and answered without even looking at the Caller ID. Big mistake.

"HEY MAKA! IT'S THE ONE AND ONLY BLACK STAR! GUESS WHO'S COMING BACK TO DEATH CITY IN A FEW DAYS! YEP! ME!"

I had to hold the phone at arm's length to keep my eardrums from bursting.

"Black Star, I'm kind of waiting for a phone call from the infirmary right now," I said when he finally stopped to take a breath. "Can I call you back?"

"Tsubaki wants to say hi really quick," he replied, not acknowledging my question whatsoever.

"Fine. Put her on."

"Hi Maka," said a familiar gentle voice. "How are things?"

"Not good. Soul's in the infirmary again," I told her.

"WHAT?! SOUL EATER'S INJURED? TSUBAKI WE HAVE TO GET BACK ASAP! ONE LOOK AT MY HANDSOME FACE AND HE'LL BE CURED!"

"That's enough sake for you," Tsubali told him sternly.

I couldn't help but smile as I shook my head. Black Star didn't need sake to be that obnoxious. That's how he usually was.

"Anyway, I can't wait to see you again, Maka-chan," said Tsubaki. "It's been, what, two months?"

"Yeah. It's been too long," I answered. "When are you two coming back?"

"In a few days," she replied. "There's still a few loose ends we have to wrap up here."

"Hey, Tsubaki. Do it. Tell her," said Black Star's voice from the background.

"No!"

I waited impatiently while they shared a few indistinguishable whispers before Tsubaki sighed into her mic and said in a solemn voice. "There's something I... We have to tell you."

"What is it?" I asked curiously.

"Well, me and Black Star... We're...we're engaged."

My jaw practically dropped to the floor as I tried to find the right words. "What?"

"Me and Black Star..."

"Yeah, I got that part," I snapped. "But who proposed? Aren't you a little young? When's the wedding going to be? Oh my shinigami, I have to tell everyone."

"Maka, don't tell anyone," said Tsubaki, her voice shaking with laughter. "We aren't really engaged. That was just a prank."

"Your reaction was priceless!" laughed Black Star as I groaned and face-palmed.

"If that's all, I'll see you guys when you get back," I said. "I should really keep my phone line free in case Miss Marie calls about Soul."

"Later, Maka," called Black Star.

"I hope Soul gets better soon," said Tsubaki before hanging up.

I sighed and leaned back onto the soft couch cushions. It really has been two months since we defeated Asura. A few days afterward, Black Star and Tsubaki had made the announcement that they would be going to the Nakatsukasa house for a while to train. After some convincing, Stein granted them excused absence from the academy. It's been pretty quiet since Black Star left, and I never thought I'd admit this, but I actually kind of miss him. And Tsubaki. I really missed her. She was like a sister to me, and I haven't talked to her in about a month or so.

Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, my phone rang again and I checked the caller ID this time to avoid getting my ear blown out again. It was Miss Marie!

"Hello?" I said, my voice ringing with happiness.

"Maka! I thought you'd be asleep by now, but I promised to call you right when Soul woke up. Stein says now that he's awake, Soul will be just fine," Miss Marie chirped excitedly. "In fact, he can be out of the infirmary in a few days, if his recovery goes well."

"That's great news," I smiled. "Thank you so much, Miss Marie."

"Of course. Have a nice night."

"Alright. You too. Bye."

I hit end call and flopped onto the couch, smiling with relief. That idiot. He was so getting it tomorrow. But for now, I was just happy he was okay.

The alarm on my phone rang, playing the song Black Paper Moon to wake me up as usual. Still half asleep, I felt around for my phone and hit the Snooze button before rolling over...and falling off the couch.

Rubbing my head, I got up and went to the bathroom to clean myself up before redoing my pigtails and getting dressed in a white long sleeved blouse, a plaid skirt, and a vanilla sweater vest. For the finishing touch, I looped a green and white striped tie around my neck and smiled in the mirror. Soul would be okay, and that was enough to make my day. Plus, he'd be psyched to know that his best friend was coming back to Death City soon.

Skipping out the door, I hummed a tune that Soul had been working on for the past few weeks. He usually never played in front of me, but our apartment wasn't soundproof, so I could hear his music from my room.

As I was running late, I figured I would visit Soul after school and headed straight towards class Crescent Moon when I got to the Academy. As I was walking pass the infirmary, I caught a glimpse of a girl from my class coming out. If I remembered correctly, her name was Angel. She was known to be the prettiest girl in our year, and she was also pretty social. Everyone loved her, and most of the guys in our class drooled over her all the time, with the exception of Black Star who was too absorbed in himself, Ox, who was completely dedicated to Kim, and Soul, who was asleep most of the period almost everyday.

"Oh, Maka-chan," she said, spotting me. "Hello."

I hesitantly waved. "Hi. Angel, right?"

"Yeah. I'm in your class. I'm a Meister, like you," she stated, falling in step with me. "What happened to Soul? I saw him in the infirmary."

"He was being stupid during a mission," I muttered.

"Oh. Well, I hope he gets better," she said as we entered the classroom and she headed up to her usual seat.

I walked over and sat down next to Kid, who was engrossed in a book about ancient architecture.

"Good morning, Maka," he greeted without looking up.

"Morning," I replied. "How are you feeling?"

He glanced up at me and smiled. "Oddly, I don't feel like I got blasted in the face with a giant magic cannon yesterday. How's Soul?"

"Miss Marie called me last night saying that he finally came to and now his recovery should be much quicker."

"That's good," mused Kid. "Listen, don't be too hard on him for pulling a stunt like that. He just did it to protect you."

"That doesn't make it any less reckless or stupid," I grumbled as Professor Stein came in and started class.

I halfheartedly took notes, only paying attention half the time, which really wasn't like me. I couldn't help but let my mind wander to Soul. That idiot...

For some reason, I had the urge to throw my arms around him and hold him close and tell him that I was so happy that he was okay and that I was sorry for being such a bad Meister.

"Afternoon classes have been canceled due to a mission that came up for me. Maka, Kid, please stay after class," said the professor as the bell rang, pulling me out of my thoughts.

After the rest of the students trickled out of the room, Kid and I went to talk to Stein.

"Since Black Star and Tsubaki will be coming back soon, I'd like to have you two get them caught up with anything they might have missed as far as schoolwork goes. Also, your team is once again at the bottom of the class for Resonance Link training since two members have been gone, therefore, make up for lost time there as well," Stein instructed us.

We both nodded our understanding and left the classroom.

"I have no problem catching Tsubaki up, but Black Star..."

"I don't think I could manage him either," I sighed. "Where are Liz and Patty, by the way? I haven't seen them today."

"Liz said she needed a break and didn't feel like coming to school today," Kid replied. "Patty refused to leave the house without her sister, so I figured one absence once in a while isn't a big deal."

We passed by the infirmary and I stopped in my tracks. "I have to go visit Soul."

"Tell him I'll drop by later," he replied. "I have to do some research in the library right now."

I nodded and pulled open the door to the infirmary. Miss Marie barely looked up from her computer and I didn't want to bother her since she seemed so focused on her work.

I heard the familiar sound of Soul's voice followed by a soft tinkling laugh. Rounding the corner to where Soul's bed was, I saw that Angel was sitting in a chair beside his bed, giggling while twirling a strand of her auburn hair around her finger girlishly. Soul stopped mid-sentence when he saw me and waved with a guilty look on his face.

"Make, before you..."

"You idiot. I tell you every single time never to pull something like that again and you just keep doing it. If I were Stein, I'd get pretty tired of stitching you up every two weeks. Honestly, Soul. How dumb can you be?"

He rolled his eyes and gave me a toothy grin. "It's good to see you too, Maka."

"I think it's actually really sweet, what he did for you," Angel said, standing up. "You're lucky to have such a dedicated partner."

"What you call "dedicated" I call "reckless and stupid"," I replied. "Seriously, Soul, this has been your third time in here this month."

"You'd have been skewered if I hadn't jumped in front of you," he retorted.

"Because you're not at all human and you're totally invincible. You know, you can die, Soul." And I couldn't live with myself if I was the cause.

"Yeah, well, next time, don't put yourself in such a vulnerable position."

"What else was I supposed to do?" I snapped back irritably. "I was cornered. It wasn't like I didn't have a plan!"

"Yeah? How'd your plan work out for you?" Soul questioned, his red eyes boring into mine.

"Soul... I..." taking a deep breath, I turned away before the tears overflowed.

"I'm so sorry," Angel's voice said softly. "I started that argument. I should really go. Get better soon, Soul. I'll drop by later."

I avoided her gaze as she brushed pass me and around the corner. Turning back to Soul, I sighed. "Look, I'm sorry. I just..."

I just don't want you to get hurt because of me, or at all because I care about you more than anything!

Now why was that so hard to say?

"It's cool. Sorry I yelled at you," he replied.

"Don't worry about it. Oh, guess what," I forced a smile, trying to change the subject. "Black Star and Tsubaki are coming back in a few days?"

"Yeah? How's their training going?"

"I didm't ask..." I replied.

I didn't ask because I was so worried about you, Soul...

There was an awkward silence, which was fortunately broken by Kid coming in with three bentos from the cafeteria.

"Hey, Soul. How are you feeling?" he asked, giving both of us lunches.

"Better. I'm just glad I'm awake," my Weapon replied.

"What, no one had to give you a true love's kiss to wake you up?" Kid teased, giving me a sideways glance. I elbowed him in the ribs, but that didn't seem to phase the Shinigami at all.

"No... Not as far as I know..." Soul replied, confused.

I decided to change the subject to classes and filled Soul in about what was happening. After about another hour of talking, Nygus, who was substituting as the nurse since Miss Marie and Professor Stein were on a mission, came in and too us that Soul needed his rest.

"Well, I'll see you later," Kid said to Soul.

I only waved as I followed Kid around the corner and out the door. It was still mid-afternoon, so we decided to go for some coffee in town.

"Man, I can't imagine ever skipping school," I laughed. "I wouldn't know what to do to pass the time."

"What if it was to go on a date with Soul?" asked Kid,, giving me a serious look.

"Would you stop it with that? Who told you anyway?" I demanded.

By then, it was our turn to order so Kid ordered his usual and got me a mocha.

"Well, we all had a sneaking suspicion," he finally said, turning to me. "It's not that hard to figure out. In fact, we were all counting on you two becoming a couple. I already lost my share of the bet on Valentine's Day."

"Bet?" I exclaimed incredulously. "You guys are betting on when we'll become a couple?"

"Yes. Yes we are."

"But why? Soul doesn't like me like that."

Kid just shook his head, the smile on his face suggesting he knew something I didn't. "Oh, Maka... You never know if you don't ask."