READ PLEASE: Alright! This is a SOMA fanfic. Omg love this couple so much. Anyway I hope you like it! They are around 16-17 here, so it will story will become very fluffy! HA! HA! REVIEWS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Chapter 1—Difference

Normal POV:

Maka Albarn was strolling leisurely through the array of red shrines towards Lord Death's room besides her weapon partner, Soul Evans.

She brings her white-gloved hands behind her back, resting them upon her long, black, button up cloak humming sweet tune. Her black boots, covering up her skinny ankles, similar to her frame, clacks noisily against the stone floor leading them towards Lord Death. Under her cloak she wore her usual outfit of a white blouse underneath a yellow sweater vest, along with a red and black checker skirt. The outfit complemented her ash blonde hair and emerald eyes well.

"Hey Soul…" Maka begins.

Soul raises a lazy crimson eye, looking down on her. "What's up Maka?

Maka always became annoyed when he glanced downwards at her. But it couldn't be helped, it's been two and a half years since the battle with the Kisshin and just over a year since she aided Soul achieve Death Scythe status. So their bodies have developed after all. Maka was no longer "tiny tits". Her chest size has grown quite a bit, not as large as her friends but definitely not "flat-chested". She has grown quite curvy during that time and her height has increased.

But against Soul, she was short.

Soul has had a massive growth spurt, so he was at least a head or two taller than her current self. As he had been training constantly, especially since achieving Death Scythe status, Maka has noticed he has become quite lean and muscular. He wore his signature yellow and black baseball jacket, however, a hood was a new addition to it. It was open over a white t-shirt covering the top of his dark red jeans. His black 'n' yellow sneakers ricocheted soundlessly against the stone floor. What was cool was how his messy albino spikes perfectly framed his angular features, she smiles shyly remembering how soft it was when she stroked her hands through his hair one time. Though…she couldn't help but be entranced by his crimson eyes, they were kind yet strong and always held a glow of tenderness only towards her.

Maka inclined her head upwards to notice, once again, he was not wearing his headband anymore. He hadn't for a while since becoming a Death Scythe. She missed how his spiky albino hair used to poke out of it. It just reminded her even more that Soul was no longer the prideful guy she met when she was thirteen. Sure, she reminded herself, that he still had a bit of pride but it was different compared to when they were younger.

The way he acted had changed. Instead of 'playing' it cool all the time, he had become more solemn and much more mysterious. But in way, it was a new type of cool all by itself. So, she didn't really mind. But, he never gave that wide shark-like grin like he used to, it was more of a…

Soul smirks slightly. He snaps his fingers in front of her face awaking Maka from her trance. "Hey, Maka! What's up? You've been staring at me for too long," Soul inclines his head upwards, keeping his smirk. He raises a cheeky brow, "like what you see or something?"

Maka pushes him before looking away, a faint pink tinge settling upon her cheeks. "H-Ha! You wish Soul!" Soul chuckles lightly at her behaviour. He narrows his eyes kindly at her.

"No, seriously Maka. What's up?"

Maka sighs heavily before facing forward. "It's just…that since you've become a Death Scythe and I a second-star Meister and with our different training regimens and all…it's just…nice to finally be on a mission together again…don't you think?" Her lips upturn into a longing smile as she stares off into the distance.

Soul widens his eyes as they keep walking, "Maka…"

Maka continues, giggling softly as she lowers her eyes. Soul felt his breath hitch in his throat as he stares at her tender features. "Even though we still live together…it doesn't feel like that most of the time. It's nearly been a whole year since we've properly even seen each other!"

Soul gives a brief nod, "hm…yeah, it has hasn't it?" His gaze travelled towards her eyes, which seems to have dimmed slightly. Something irked inside him. "Maka—"

"—Of course, It's not our fault since we are both extremely busy. With me studying hard in the second-star Meister course and you always being on loads of missions with those high-class Meisters as a—"

Death Scythe.

Maka comes to a stiff halt.

Soul also stops, appearing nervous. "Yo…Maka, what's wrong?"

Maka had finally noticed something. It pained her. Death Scythe and second-star Meister. There was actually a huge difference between the two.

She raises her head slowly with Soul filling her vision. Maka was shy to admit it but Soul was actually VERY attractive. Compared to his short, skinny self from before, his change in physique has easily made him into one of the most handsome boys in Death Weapon Meister Academy. To top it off he was NOW a Death Scythe, the highest rank a weapon could accomplish and first one in their year by far! He was practically treated like a legend within the school. Including his solemnly cool and mysterious new attitude, it has shown a more mature side of himself and even his incredible piano playing has been recognised!

On the other hand, she was still the plain, geeky book worm from before. Sure she has become a bit more bodacious compared to her younger self and she didn't wear her hair in pigtails any more, but…still her looks weren't that great. Also, even though SHE was the Meister who made Soul into a Death Scythe. She was only promoted to Second-Star Meister straight after. Now she is studying her BUTT OFF and Maka hasn't yet come close to completing her course! If we were talking about skill, it sure felt her only REAL talent was studying.

Cool piano player VS geeky book worm.

Incredibly good-looking VS plain little doll.

Death Scythe who works with highly skilled Meisters…VS…second-star Meister.

Being a second-star Meister meant she couldn't yet work full-time with Soul as a Death Scythe and it disheartened her. She was the one who defeated that witch with Soul…wasn't she? Yeah, she was, so why only second-star Meister? That question had always been in the back of her mind. Was it because she wasn't good enough or—wait. Wasn't good enough? Her eyes widen and she began to feel sick. Was that the reason all along? No way—it couldn't be right? But…it would explain the lack of missions she performed with him by her side…she chokes out an inaudible strangling sound that expressed the very depths of her heart. She understood now.

That she…wasn't good enough to wield Soul anymore. Ouch. That would be the only reason to explain why she wasn't working full-time with Soul right now. She hasn't yet fulfilled her dream of becoming as good as a technician like her Mama. Right now she was a failure who needed to improve. Self-doubting pain burned her very core…why hadn't she realised it beforehand? Did she still have the right to call him her…weapon?

Dammit.

Maka clenches the edge of her skirt and hung her head, making sure Soul doesn't witness her trembling lip. "Soul…" she says, barely a whisper as she tries her hardest to keep her voice from breaking.

Soul straightens himself, feeling uncomfortable. "Ye-" he quickly clears his throat, "Yeah?"

"The Meisters' you work with…they are really good aren't they?"

'Why would she ask that? Weird? Though something off…oh well, I may as well answer…'

Soul puts on a cool expression, shakes off his uneasiness and shrugs his shoulders. "Yeah, they are."

Maka's heart clenches as she furrows her brow. That confirmation settled it. Maka didn't know why the ache was so intense, but she accepted it. She forces a weak smile and soundlessly whispers, "…knew it".

Soul raised an eyebrow, swearing he heard something. "Maka did you say something?" he questions.

Maka began walking forwards quickly, keeping her head down. Each footfall increasing the horrible weight in her chest.

Soul, quite bewildered, hesitated momentarily before he begins moving. Increasing his pace making his way towards Maka. "W-Woah! Hey Maka! What's suddenly gotten into you?"

He had speedily caught up to her, grabbing her hand. "Hey Maka! Tell me what's wrong—" She quickly slaps his hand away. Soul takes a step back in surprise, feeling a throb bleed through his chest. 'What…is going on?' he wonders. He didn't like this. His partner wasn't acting like her usual self, usually Maka would never do something like that. Something was definitely bugging her. He just knew it. But what?

Maka cocks her head to the side and gives Soul a frail grin, her bangs hiding her eyes. Soul stares at her incredulously. He did not like how she was acting, it was worrying. "N-nothing is wrong Soul! Ha-ha what's with you?" she says, her lifeless voice shocking him. "L-let's just get this mission over and done with okay? Come on let's go—" Before she could turn back around and keep walking, Soul's hand grasped her wrist to stop her from moving.

"Soul…let go." She says stiffly.

"No, Maka," Soul replies. Maka takes a glimpse at Soul to see his crimson eyes had lowered dangerously and his jaw line was set. It was clear that he was annoyed. Maka quickly averts her gaze, facing the floor.

She enforces a stray laugh, "C-come on Soul! Let's get going already—"

"What's wrong Maka. Tell me."

"—Nothing's wrong!"

"Then why won't you face me?"

Maka swallows harshly, "I-I just can't right now".

Soul scowls sourly. "…why can't you not?"

"Not now Soul. Come on…we have a mission—"

Soul's grip on her tightens but she refuses to release a wince. He takes a step towards her, "FACE ME ALREADY—"

Feeling his presence oncoming towards her, panic strikes Maka's chest. She quickly wriggles her hand free of his grasp and rushes forward. "NO—" she screams.

"MAKA!" Soul shouts, swiftly grabbing her wrist again so as she was in mid-step he could turn her around to face him. "WHAT'S UP WITH YO—" His voice instantly falters upon witnessing Maka's pained, tear-stricken face. It was enough to take his breath away and allow that throb in his chest increase ten-fold. He hadn't seen that face in a long time.

"Woah…Maka are you—"

Maka gasps and hastily turns away in order to run but Soul seizes her other wrist, forcing her to face him dead in the eye. She squeezes her eyes and yells, "SOUL, LET GO ALREADY!"

"Maka! Come on—tell me!" Soul exclaims, desperation masking his tone. Maka widens her tearful eyes and even Soul was surprised to hear this from himself. However, he let that brief moment pass as he allowed his worry for Maka to linger a little longer, his gaze unwavering.

"Maka…" he says once more, "you have to tell me what's going on…please, we're partners aren't we?"

Maka merely stares at him, the aching in her chest lessening upon seeing how fretful he appeared to be for her.

She looks away from him. Soul sees this and grits his teeth in frustration. He felt agitated that his Meister was averting her gaze from him. Why was she sad…and what wasn't she telling him?

Ignoring him, Maka knew it didn't change the fact that he has grown more powerful since last time and yet she…still wasn't strong enough. It hurt that she couldn't muster up the self-confidence to even to admit this to him.

She hated how weak she was. Even now, she was acting like a total brat. Getting so worked up over their differences. Seems like nothing much has changed back when she was fourteen.

But he has changed.

He is much more mature, skilled, striking and cool. Why couldn't she be as good as he was? WHY? She is still the same as before. That's right. Upon seeing how he was now, she had to change for the better. She had to become more independent, focus on her appearance and work harder more than ever! Embarrassing as it sounds, she presently didn't have the right to tell others that she was his—

"Maka!"

But right now, all she can do is stop crying and hide it. She couldn't allow him to worry about her anymore. Stop crying. She had to way become better than she was now and this was just the first step. Stop crying!

STOP BEING SO WEAK!

Maka slants her head downwards, taking in a deep breath before rapidly raising her face upwards again, smiling brightly.

"H-huh?" Soul speaks, his mouth a tad ajar, showing off a row of gleaming teeth.

What happened to the agonizing tearful expression before? What is she doing?

Maka cocks her head to the side, sighing tiredly. "Geez Soul! No need to get so hot and bothered! The reason I was keeping away from you was because I am far too ashamed to admit that I missed you!" She laughs whole-heartedly, only to have Soul become incredibly confused.

"…Was that just it? Because you didn't want to admit you missed me? Are you sure that's all?" Soul asks, his grip loosening, "b-but just a second ago—" Maka took this chance to unbind herself from him and began rubbing her tears away. "—I mean what—"

"Yeah! Of course it was just because I missed you! Crying just over that is so shameful, isn't it? Come on, we've kept Lord Death waiting long enough!" Maka spins around to face forward and begins walking, a skip in her step.

Soul's hands fall to his sides. He suddenly felt drowsy. What the hell just happened?

Though, Soul shakes off his confusion and trails behind her immediately. He narrows his eyes, not quite satisfied with the situation. He was suspicious. He knew Maka only acted like that when something was really wrong.

Well, only just before was she constantly avoiding his line of vision and cried for God's sake! What was WITH that sudden change? Was she hiding something from him? Soul decides that he wasn't going to let her off so easily. "Hmm…" he begins, "Hey Maka!"

"Yeah Soul?"

"Why did you ask me about the Meister's I've recently been working with? I was always wondering about that—"

"—that's because I thought you didn't miss me just as much I missed you! But it wasn't like that right?" She quickly responds all the while not looking back. This catches Soul off guard making him pause. Why on earth would she have thought that in the first place?

"Right," his voice sounding hesitant. "Hey Maka, are you alright?" he had to check one last time to make sure.

"Never better!" she says, as she bites her bottom lip. She was so glad she was in front of him so he couldn't see the remorse in her eyes.

They arrived to Lord's Death room. It appeared the same as ever. Drifting clouds within an endless blue space, with windows encircling a large black stand. Thousands of differently shaped crosses surrounded the stand as far the eye can see. Upon that stand stood Lord Death and his massive trademark mirror sprouting three crooked stands, each holding a lit candle.

"Yo-oh! Yo! Yo! How do you do Soul and Maka!" He sings in his usually cheerful tone.

"Afternoon Lord Death!" Maka smiles politely and waves as she and Soul walked up the steps to the stand.

"Sup," Soul answers coolly as he rests his hands in his pockets.

"My! MY! Aren't you two in a good mood today!?"

Maka laughs sweetly, "Of course we are Lord Death, wouldn't have it any other way!"

Soul glances over to Maka. That answer didn't settle well with him. He was still sceptical about this sudden change in behaviour between before and now. He had a gut feeling that he knew she was hiding something from him and sooner or later he needed to confront her about it. She was definitely not off the hook with him. He HATED seeing his partner cry like that in front of him. She wasn't a cry baby and he knew that. So what had bothered her so much to set off the waterworks? Soul had to know.

He focused his attention back to Lord Death as he had begun debriefing the mission.

"Now, Now you two. I must say this mission is VERY different than what we usually give out. Usually, we wouldn't accept missions like these but the one who appointed it said it was ABSOULUTELY necessary! Also for some reason he specifically requested you two…?"

Soul and Maka glanced over to each other with raised eyebrows.

Lord Death reaches from behind him to pull out some documents before handing them to Maka. "Now, I know you two haven't been together for quite a while due to your different types of training but I trust that you will work together just as efficiently as you did before. However…probably in a more different kind of way…"

Soul raises an eyebrow, "What do you mean by that Lord Death?"

"Well, the mission is that you two are to participate in a…promotional video, I assume? Isn't that right, Maka?"

Maka quickly glances up before resuming her vision upon the set of documents as she read through them. "Promotional video?" she nods, "yes it says that in here…and there's the location saying we start tomorrow and the contact information…but—" She inclines her chin upwards to Lord Death. "Lord Death why are Soul and I doing a promotional video!?"

Soul frowns and furrows his eyebrows together. "What? A promotional video! What kind of task is this? This isn't even a proper mission Lord Death! I thought Maka and I would be doing something more…cool, you know…like an actual mission!"

Lord Death chuckles, "as I said before Soul the person who requested this task SPECIFICALLY told me it had to be the two of you." Lord Death points to them both with his large white-gloved hand, "that's the only reason why I approved it. Don't worry, they told me everything will be explained at the location of the task".

Soul hardened his eyes. "This feels…misleading Lord Death …" the tone in his voice had suddenly grown…dark. Maka looks over, only to feel shocked by the glare upon his face. She knew Soul has always been suspicious of missions similar to this but that look…was the same as a veteran war hero still aware of war. His face had hardened considerably, full of rage. It was definitely new and it unsettled her. When has it been there? Has it always been there? Was it from the training and missions he's had with those high-class Meisters? She wasn't so sure, but she didn't like it. Though, for now, she had to ignore it and focus on Lord Death.

"Now, now Soul, no need to give me that look!" Lord Death replied, a miniscule hint of seriousness in his tone. "The mission will be fine. You have Maka with you don't you?"

Maka notices Soul softens upon hearing that news until, suddenly, stiffening up once more. The tension coming from him had increased abundantly. Maka could feel darkness rolling in waves from his soul. Soul growls, "Lord Death, then that's all the more reason to reconsider—"

'What?' thought Maka. That comment hit her badly so she immediately ignores Soul's deadly aura. '"Reconsider"…because…of me? Soul what are you talking—Wait…is it you think I am that lowly a Meister to be seen as incapable for this mission? That just because I'm a second-star Meister and you're a Death Scythe that I can't handle a little beating? Soul…I…can't believe…' Maka's heart squeezes in frustration and she bites her lip to keep it from trembling. She hated this…beginning to feel angry. "You think I'm weak, huh Soul?" She spats quietly, furrowing her brow. This easily catches the attention of Lord Death and Soul.

Soul glances at Maka warily and speaks up, his voice less rigid. "What was that Maka? I didn't quite catch—"

Maka straightens her back and narrows her eyes as she crosses her arms across her chest. "'All the more to more to reconsider?' Pssh! Do you think I'm incapable for this mission or something…Soul?"

Soul tenses and clenches his jaw. "What? No Maka that wasn't what I meant—"

"Then what did you mean Soul!" shouts Maka. "Am I not good enough as a Meister, is that what you're saying!?"

Soul balls his trembling hands as he scowls. "No Maka! What are you—? Okay, just list—"

Maka gasps silently before grinding her teeth together, "Was that a NO? Soul…you believe I'm not good enou—"

Soul narrows his eyes and strides towards her, "Maka! Just LISTEN to me—"

"Soul! Maka! Stop this instant!" Lord Death snaps, making the two teenagers flinch from his deep tone, instantly ending their argument. Then, Lord Death directs his annoyed gaze firmly onto Soul. "Soul...remember it isn't that type of mission. You are not there anymore, understand?"

Soul pauses then breathes a quivering sigh, it seems as if he had calmed down. Maka, too, felt her heartrate decrease to normal. She steals a glimpse at Soul, the anger from before had completely washed away. Why? She didn't know. It just did.

Soul glances upwards stiffly, "Yes Lord Death I understand. I will keep that in mind".

Lord Death instantaneously perks up, "Good!"

Maka directed her gaze between the two of them before it finally rests on Soul. 'Oh yeah. There…what were they talking about? I don't get it? Why was Soul acting so…strange over that? This has never happened before? What's…going on?' She wonders going into deep thought. "Soul…" she whispers, she began to feel worried. Are you okay?

Lord Death snaps Maka out her trance as his cheery voice resonates, "Alright, that's all. Now I would like the two of you to return home. If that's alright with you Maka?"

Maka blinks a few times. Though, she quickly puts on a smile, replying, "Of course Lord Death. That's no problem at all, I have finished all my classes for today!"

Lord Death nods, appearing to be more of a bow, "good! Well then, see you guys!"

"Of course! Bye Lord Death!" Maka speaks as she begins to descend down the steps, documents in hand.

Soul gives a respectful nod before following after. As they leave the room, Maka takes a quick glance to Soul. She gasps silently and straightaway forgets about their fight, upon seeing how distraught he appeared. It worried her incredibly. As if on instinct, she lightly places her hand upon his arm.

"Soul, are you alright?"

Soul widens his eyes upon hearing Maka's gentle voice. A fleeting look escapes his face witnessing Maka's concerned expression. She was worried about him. A warm feeling sparks within his chest.

He gives a smirk full of joy and grabs hold of her hand in his. "Don't worry about it." He says softly, "It's just something between Lord Death and myself".

Between Lord Death and him? She wasn't so convinced however she couldn't question him about it just yet. She nods and smiles faintly. "Okay," she replies, squeezing his hand.

Even though the both of them still felt kind of awkward because the situation from earlier, they decided to push those memories to the back of their minds for now and enjoy each other's comfort. It has been a while since they have last seen each other and holding hands like this as partners. It felt nice. They didn't want to say it but the both of them wanted some sort of support at the moment.

They both faced forward. All the while aware that they both were hiding something from the other as they walked through the shrines to return to their apartment.

SO? What did you think? I hope you liked it! PLEASE TELL ME IN YOUR REVIEWS! Would you guys like the second chapter? Also, if you guys are confused on some parts, don't worry it will ALL be explained! Make sure to review please! IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED IF YOU REVIEW!

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Okay see ya, guys, I can't wait to hear what you think about this story!

~OTPIchiRuki3~