AN: So this is my first story... not so sure how it will be received, but I'm excited nonetheless! Tell me what you think about it! Be honest to! Good and bad are welcome!

Disclaimer: I Do Not Own Soul Eater Or Any Of Its Lovely Characters.

Chapter One

Marie Mjolnir just wants to retire and start a family. A Death Scythe wants to have a family. Well, that's funny. Kidding aside, can she do that yet? Of course not. And here she is, entering Death City. The last place she wants to be…

"A staff reassignment," Death announced in his normal, over joyous voice. "Spirit, you will stay in the school with me. You are, after all, the only Death Scythe I have. So that leaves Stein weaponless. Marie…"

Marie jumped at her name. She had been thinking of an escape plan. I just want to go back to Oceania. "Yes, Lord Death?"

"Marie, you are now Stein's weapon. I assume you will cooperate with this plan?" Death tilted his head in questioning motion.

"But, why me? I just want to retire and start a family," Marie complained. "I can't do that if I'm stuck here working as a Death Scythe." Marie glanced over at Stein. A light glare covered his glasses and left his true expression to her imagination. Based on who she had always known him to be, Marie was convinced Steins full expression was that of boredom.

"Marie," Stein placed his hand on her shoulder. She immediately froze and a small shiver went down her spine. It had been so long since she and Stein had spoke, and he had just walked up and touched her openly and deliberately. When did he even walk over here! He was at least five feet from me just a second ago! I was just looking at him! She shook it off and hoped he didn't notice the involuntary reaction to his touch.

Stein didn't seem to notice and continued to speak without hesitation. "I'm certain this won't stop you from starting a family. Your personality does that for you. But since you're here, you should focus on your current situation: do your job."

"I guess so…" Marie agreed dejectedly. Can I even handle being close to him now?

"So there it is," Death said. "You are all dismissed, except for Marie. You stay. And Stein, would you please wait outside for her."

The other Death Scythes filed out of the room one by one with Stein bringing up the rear. He looked back at Marie and Death and gave a nod. "I'll be waiting."

Marie shook in fear of what Death would ask her to do next. No more surprises please… She thought. I can't handle anymore of this. I need a husband.

Death looked at Marie. Well, she assumed he was looking at her. It was often difficult to decide what Death was looking at with that mask on his face. "Marie, you need to stay close to Stein. I am aware of the past you two share, but you must set that aside and take care of him now. You have a unique soul wavelength. It will help keep him calm and in check. Be careful though. The madness is infecting him slowly. It grows each day. He knows this and understands that he may grow to be out of control. The madness could take control any day. Despite the risks, I want you to stay in his home. You can protect yourself and keep him sane. I want you to live with him. It will be easier for you to watch him this way."

Marie stood before Death dumbstruck. "Lord Death I—"

She was cut off before she could finish. "I encourage you to follow these orders, Marie."

"Yes, Lord Death. I'll do it." Marie agreed to another mission that would delay her hopes of having a family.

"You are dismissed. Inform Stein that you will be staying with him."

Marie walked slowly out of the Death Room and thought about how she would give the news to Stein. Lord Death said that I have to stay at your house. No… that was too blunt. I'll just tell him that there was such short notice that I will be staying in Death City and that I will have to stay with him. He would see through that.

She reached the room's exit before she could come up with anything other than the truth.

"What did he want?" Stein asked in his normal monotone voice.

Marie gave him a fake smile and summarized the conversation.

"He wants me to stay at your place because we are partners for now," Marie looked up at him with a weak but convincing smile.

She studied his face for an instant, trying to find the changes in his features since the last time she had seen him. He still had the same rimless glasses and the scar under his left eye. Oddly enough, it was still an attractive feature in her eyes, well, eye. She snapped back to reality when he continued the conversation.

"Fine. But don't blame me if anything strange happens to you." Stein said, cranking the screw slowly, trying to understand why Marie was leaving out important information. He knew all the Death Scythes techniques, personalities, histories, and other seemingly random but necessary information. Knowing all of this gave him the uncanny ability to know when they were lying. Being able to see their souls didn't hurt much either. She could see Marie's soul wavelength in all of its instability since she walked into the hall.

Marie nodded at him. "Are you going home now?" She asked guardedly.

Stein looked at her. "Yes. Get your things and meet me at my home. I will supervise your move-in. I want my things left alone as much as possible. You will have your own room. Leave me alone unless it absolutely necessary for our interaction." He knew the madness would consume him eventually and Marie would be the first in the line of fire if she was going to live there.

"I understand," Marie was slightly shocked at the blunt layout of the rules. I shouldn't be surprised. This is Stein after all. He needs his space. I don't want to intrude anyway. If I get too close, I might end up falling in love with him again. I've already worked so hard to suppress those feelings once. They don't need to be recovered.