I'm having a hard time not giving context, so Maka doesn't actually lose her voice till the third chapter. Have patience, friends.

Sorry if you think it sucks. I'm new to this whole public display of shitty things in my brain.

...

Maka had had just about enough. She was convinced everyone was out to get her.

It started when she was least expecting it. She had never been very good at cooking, not having the patience to constantly stir something or wait for it to boil or what not. This morning however, she had decided that she would try her hand at making eggs. It had been a minute since she had eaten anything but take out or her friend Tsubaki's cooking. Maka was feeling good, and god damn it, how hard could eggs be?

What a joke that was. When she finally remembered she had left them on her stove to get the door it was way too late. The room had filled with smoke before she even thought to check on them, too stunned by the news that the visitor had laid on her.

It had been her landlord coming to tell her that her apartments price was going up the following month. She had tried to argue it but in the end he said there was nothing he could do for her. She had been calm until that moment, only barely managing to hold in her anger as she nodded and bid him goodbye.

Then on her way to her usual coffee shop things really started to ripen. Maka had been casually walking when she heard a shout of "Move". Turning quickly, she saw the man on the bike and with a quick panic she fell back to avoid a collision. The fall itself was not bad, but the result had been the real deterrent. He favorite pair of jeans had tore down the seam in the butt.

She was destined to either hold her butt the whole way to class or just flash everyone behind her.

For a second she had thought about ditching class but then remembered that she had a test in calculus that day. Maka couldn't risk her grade by missing a test. Even being late would be pushing it after she got a point off on her last exam for not showing all her work. Maka didn't even get to stop for coffee after that whole ordeal because how could she manage to get her money out and hold her coffee afterwards if she had to hold her butt and not allow her panties to show.

Maka was currently sitting in her calculus class waiting for everyone else in the class to finish so that she wouldn't have to flash the class. The clock seemed to not only be moving in slow motion but doing in on purpose just so that it could taunt her further. She tore her eyes from the clock for the first time since she finished her test only to make eye contact with her teacher. In that second her day got a whole lot worse he called her name. Maka shot her eyes to the teacher and swallowed hard.

"Maka, bring your test up here."

Maka spluttered for a moment before squeaking "I'm just reviewing a few answers."

The teacher raised one eyebrow and leaned back onto their desk. "You've been staring at the wall for the past ten minutes. It's alright if you're struggling, just bring it up here and I'll help you."

"I'm not having trouble. I was just daydreaming for a minute."

The teacher raised an eyebrow. "Daydreaming, you? It's alright if you're having a problem. Just let me help you. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Bring your test up here."

At this point, the entire class was looking between her and the teacher and Maka couldn't help the color that flushed her cheeks. She sat for a moment longer before getting up slightly and sliding her test behind her to cover her butt.

The paper inevitably brought attention to the very thing she was trying to draw attention from, but it was the best she could do. Standing in front of the teacher and she looked at his outstretched hand.

Maka squared her shoulders and lifted her chin, preparing.

Just as she moved the paper she felt arms encircle her waist. Her neck snapped down as she saw hands tying arms of a sweatshirt around her waist.

"You dropped this."

Maka swung around and looked at the boy in front of her. A smirk crawled up Soul's face before he gave her a quick nod and moved back to sit down.

"Maka"

Her attention was diverted from the boy as she finally turned back to her teacher, a blush dusting her cheeks.

The teacher seemed to want to talk about every question that she answered, but all Maka could do was nod. Too involved in her embarrassment, Maka refused to turn back to see Soul's smug face. If he had known what was going on then how many others had seen it.

With a wave of a hand, Maka was dismissed. Securing the sweatshirt around her waist, she moved back to her desk and took her belongings, only making eye contact with the floor. Each step burned as she tried to move as quickly as possible, leaving behind her fallen pen.

Things could seriously not get worse. But they could get better.

Liz was waiting for her outside the women's bathroom with a chance of clothes and a shit eating grin. Maka grabbed her arm and dragged her through the doorway.

"You are such a lifesaver. I don't know what I would do without you."

"Probably die."

Maka rolled her eyes as she quickly changed. "Are you going to Tsubaki's tonight?"

Liz pulled a nail file from her bag "I was planning on it. Why are you going to stop by and beg for her food? Or maybe you're just going over so that you can catch a glimpse of her hot neighbor." Liz waggled her eyebrows.

Maka tried to keep her blush from forming and scoffed "Don't pretend like you don't have ulterior motives going to Tsubaki's house."

"Only if you stop pretending that you don't have a thing for her hot neighbor."

Maka bit her lip and turned to look in the mirror examining the fit of the skirt. Liz reached out and pulled a lint ball off the side of it before pulling at the waist a bit. "It's the smallest I had, but at least it makes your legs look positively edible."

"Liz!"

She shrugged. "What? You know it's true. Look at those things, if I weren't so caught up in Tsu I'd think about getting in between them."

Maka spluttered and Liz snickered. The bathroom door swung open and a few girls came in squealing. Liz quickly pushed Maka from the crowded bathroom and they started down the hallway.

"You should really just tell Tsubaki, by the way." Maka said offhandedly. "It's obvious you guys have something brewing together."

Liz swung her arm around her shoulders and leaned all her weight on her. "Naw. I'm kinda into all the sexual tension I can muster between us. That girl is seriously hot and teasing her is not going to be as fun if I can get to stick my fingers i-"

"Seriously Liz! I do not need to hear about this! Date her don't date her. Just don't tell me about your- your- I dont know. Just don't."

Maka didn't need to look at Liz to know she rolled her eyes.

"Where did you get that sweatshirt anyways? I haven't seen it on you before."

Maka looked down at Soul's sweatshirt. They had never really had a real conversation with one another even though they had shared several classes. Each previous exchange had included Maka banging on his door and yelling at him to quiet down. Tsubaki had always been a little to passive to ask Soul to stop playing his music so loud and in turn Maka would gladly do it for her. Maka hadn't known he had lived there the first time or who he was but she certainly did every time after that. Liz seems to think Maka just uses Tsubaki as an excuse to go over and get an eyeful of him, but Maka would never admit to that.

Besides, Soul doesn't seem to hate that she comes over to yell at him all the time. In fact it almost seems like he enjoys the banter, Maka certainly does. She loves the fact that he can actually dish it back rather than just stand there and take it like most people do.

Liz tugged the afformed sweatshirt out of her arms and brought it to her face. Maka snatched it back.

"Liz! What the heck!"

Liz only smirked "Did you finally get laid. If I'm not mistaken that smells unquestioningly boyish."

"You can be so tactless, but do you honestly think that anyone would want to you know...do it...with me?"

"As I said before. With that skirt on I wouldn't think twice about having you sit on my face." Liz skidded to a stop. "Ooh there's Patty. I'll catch you at Tsubaki's later, yeah? Make sure you don't change so that Soulie can see you in that skirt and then you can really get some."

Without a second glance, Liz left Maka standing in the middle of the hallway spluttering and bright red.

It was raining by the time Maka got out of her tutoring session. The boy that had signed in her column today was positively useless in Makas opinion. He expected her to give her all the answers rather than her helping him get to the answers.

It was called a tutoring session for a reason.

The streetlights were illuminating all the rain pouring from the sky and Maka contemplated going to the convenience store across the street and buying an umbrella. That idea was immediately dismissed as she recalled Ox was on duty and she really did not have the strength to deal with another idiot tonight.

With a sigh she tucked her notebook in between her legs and pulled her head through Soul's sweatshirt. It smelled just like she knew it would. Every time she had gone banging at his door it would swing open and the air from inside would flood her senses. The first time it was almost hard to focus on the reason she had been banging on his door. She had been immediately reminded when he smirked down at her like he already knew she was going to cave for whatever he wanted. It only made her yell louder.

Maka tucked her notebook into the large front pocket prepared for the onslaught of rain that was sure to come.

Tsubaki's apartment wasn't all that far as it was in the nice building right next to the school. She was an exchange student from Japan with a full ride. Because of this, Tsu and her parents would split the cost of the apartment.

Maka was a little jealous of this but she knew she could have the same opportunity to not live in the shit hole that she was in if she would just accept her fathers proposal. She let out a scoff. As if she would ever stoop that low.

The rain let up a little as she started to get closer to the apartment building, for which Maka was greatful. She let out shiver as the heat from the building invaded her small stature. She pulled up the sweatshirt to dry her damp face.

"I see that you're taking a liking to my sweatshirt"

Maka let out a squeak at the soft timber voice saturating her being. She quickly pulled the soft fabric from her face and glared at the boy in front of her.

"It's not like I had much other choice. It was raining out and considering the condition of this rag, I thought it wouldn't make a difference."

Soul ignored the insult, his grin only growing. "So much for the nice thank you that I was expecting." His eyes drifted to her exposed legs. "I see that you found something else to cover your problem then."

Maka scowled and started to pull the sweatshirt from her body. "I don't know what youre talking about, asshole"

Soul's eyes were trained on her midriff when she emerged from the bundle of fabric. She pinked and pulled her shirt down. "My eyes are up here."

Maka threw the sweatshirt at his face and marched past him to press the button on the elevator. He came to stand behind her. "I know where your eyes are, Maka. they look just as beautiful as the last time you were screaming at me."

"Fuck you"

"You can dream, honey."

Maka moved quickly into the elevator, Soul on her heels. "The only thing I'll be dreaming of is your death."

Soul snickered. "I'll keep that in mind the next time I see your tighty whities."

Maka bit the inside of her cheek and spun to face him. "You didn't see anything."

Soul smirked and leaned down into her space. "Nothing I didn't want to see."

Her eyes fluttered to his lips and she licked her own. She saw him swallow when the elevator dinged alerting them to their arrival.

Maka recoiled back and almost ran out of the elevator.

"Make sure you're not too loud. Tsubaki has some shit to do tonight."

"If I'm extra quiet will you still come knocking?"

Maka did not respond.

"Hey Tsubaki. It smells great in here. What are you making?"

Tsubaki's eyes practically twinkled as she gestured Maka into the apartment. "I'm really excited about his one. I know how much you like spicy and I'm on my mexican food kick right now, so I'm making enchiladas."

Maka smiled as she listened to Tsubaki's menu and recipe. Sometimes she wasn't sure if Tsubaki like her because she could eat like a sumo wrestler or because she actually considered them friends. Maka was happy to spend time with her either way, especially since she was the reason Tsubaki and Liz became friends.

Speaking of Liz, she was perched on top on the counter still filing her nails. Maka was entirely convinced it wasn't actually a file and was just so that Liz could have something to do with her hands when she was bored. If it was a file, Liz must have super strength nails with her constant filing.

The table was set with plastic forks and three wine glasses.

"No Patty tonight?"

Liz didn't bother looking up to respond. "She's got a date or something."

"Or something?"

Liz winked.

For all Tsubaki's knowledge of fine dining and great food she had no care for what kind of liquor got her drunk as long as it did the job. In the center of the table, like it was a beautiful bouquet or an elegant display, were two large boxes of wine. Maka was more than excited to crack them open.

When Tsubaki pulled the food from the oven Maka almost fell on the floor with hunger and by the look in Liz's eye she was sure her friend was having a similar experience. Liz smacked her lips and swallowed.

"Looks fucking fenominal."

Maka almost gagged when she realized what Liz was actually looking at. Tsu was as clueless as ever as she smiled and started to plate. "Yep. you guys sit down. I'll bring them over."

Taking seats across from each other, Maka and Liz prepared to dive in. Liz unbuttoned her top pant button while Maka tightened each of her pigtails.

Maka's attention was easily diverted to the food now in front of her. She however, was not too distracted to notice the look Liz gave Tsubaki and the small smile that was returned. Maka squealed inside, almost mad that she knew she shouldn't say anything because it was none of her business.

Tsubaki sat down and started to eat herself. There was as solid five minutes where there was no talking and simply the sound of eating filling the room along with a soft jazz.

Maka leaned back in her chair and patted her stomach. "Yessss. That was so good."

Liz leaned her head on the back of her chair and let her mouth fall open. "Tell me about it. I could have a fucking orgasm right now."

Tsubaki gasped as Maka's eyebrows shot into her hairline. Neither of them would ever get used to Liz's antics.

"What is this music by the way. It's not something that you would normally play." Liz asked as she poured a second glass of wine out for everyone.

Maka nodded quickly. "Yeah it's different, but still good"

Tsubaki frowned slightly. "I think that's Soul's. I told him that he could play whatever he wanted until ten. It's not bad right? As long as I can get to sleep on time."

A frown carved its way onto Makas face. "Soul's music?"

Liz smiled wickedly. "What. Maka. Mad that you're admitting that you like something that he likes. Come on. We all know you have a serious boner for the boy."

The music filled the silence as Maka refused to answer and instead gulped down her glass of wine and poured another.

"Oh don't tease her Liz. I think its cute that she has a thing for Soulie." Wine dribbled down Maka's chin as she choked. "He is awfully cute and sweet after all. Did I tell you that he'll sometimes help me bring up my groceries."

Maka and Liz both frowned but for different reasons.

"If you like him so much then why do you have me go and yell at him all the time."

"Maka! I wouldn't ask you to do that. You go over on your own. You can be very bullheaded sometimes. I happen to like Soul's music and after the first time he hasn't played it after ten just like I asked."

Arms crossed in defense as a slur of mumbled words tumbled from her mouth. Liz put her glass down on the table and ran a hand through her hair, trying to look casual.

"So he helps you bring up the groceries sometimes?"

Tsubaki beamed. "Oh yes. It's so sweet of him is it not."

Liz couldn't keep the crease between her eyes from deepening if she had tried. "I mean if you need help you should just call me. It's not like I even live that far."

"Don't be silly. He lives right next door and I wouldn't want to bother you."

"It wouldn't bother me. I would be happy to help you."

"I understand that you would be happy to help, but am I supposed to just stand outside and wait for you to come all the way over here before I can bring up my groceries?"

Maka watched Liz's jaw clench and swore she heard teeth grinding. "I'm just offering my services. If you don't want my help, then you just have to say so. I'm sure Soulie is more than happy to wait on you."

Liz tipped the remains of her drink into her mouth and went for a refill. Tsubaki just looked confused.

"Soul doesn't seem to mind, and I enjoy the conversations that we have."

It was quick, but Maka caught the look in Liz's eye and quickly cut in. "So, Tsu, this food was so great. What did you put in it again? Did you say oregano?"

The tension in the room filtered out quickly as they slowly polished off a box of wine. It wasn't until Tsubaki had the box completely tilted on its side that they finally gave into the fact that it was actually gone. Liz pouted.

The back of Maka's hand touched her lips as she covered her yawn. "I think I'm going to have to head out. It's pretty late and if I stay any longer than I'm gonna wake up still drunk."

Liz nodded in agreement. "Yeah. I have to get home and make sure Patty actually got back too."

Tsu walked them to the door. "I'll see you guys tomorrow, right?"

Maka nodded "That new bar, right? I just hope there aren't a bunch of assholes there. I'm glad we decided to give it a few weeks before trying it."

"Yeah." Lis agreed. "I drove by it about a week ago and it was still kinda busy. I wonder how crowded it must have been in the beginning of its opening."

When Maka got outside she wished she hadn't given the sweatshirt back to Soul. The skirt really don't help her from the cold, but it was really her own fault. If she had just gotten a new pair of pants rather than keeping the comfortable pair even though they were falling apart then she would never have been in this predicament.

Even her bones felt chilled by the time she got home. Each sock had to be peeled off and they fell to the ground with a splat. Maka cringed and rubbed her arms wishing she had put the heat on in the morning.