Five words: I freaking LOVE Soul Eater.

Many more words: Maka and Soul strike me as the most realistic example of love in manga/anime that I've seen thus far. Seriously. They fight, and they don't even like each other some times, but they'd both die for each other and are so dedicated to one another. It's such a meaningful relationship- such a meaningful series, for that matter.

I wanted to post a Christmas fic for all my subscribers, and of course I JUST finished the Christmas Eve, Fight to the Death arc in the manga, so this is immediately following the events therein. The italicized parts in the beginning are quotes from that arc. I hope you like how I tied them all together.

Disclaimer: I don't own Soul Eater.

Dedicated to my dear friend Reggy, who introduced me to this series, and all my readers. Merry Christmas to you all.

- - -

"Is there something worrying you? You can talk about it if you want!"

"There's nothing to talk about."

- - -

"Hey! You wanna dance?"

"Huh? No way, I hate that!"

"That's okay, I know you dance well? You can take the lead. Dancing is like adjusting soul waves. Everything will be all right."

- - -

"The fear of touching others…? Me too. I have that fear."

- - -

Several days passed.

"SOUL!" The white haired boy had exactly half a second to prepare for his partner's infamous "Maka chop." Not enough time- he clutched his head, glaring at her. "What the heck was that for?"

The scythe technician brushed off her book nonchalantly. "You were zoned out."

He mustered another glare- not nearly as potent as usual- and then returned to his melancholic reverie. Maka sighed, then poked him. At his questioning look, she motioned widely with her arms, then pulled him up. "Someone's practicing the piano," she said by way of explanation.

"So?" Soul dropped his hands from hers and kept his gaze on the floor. She picked them up again.

"We never got to dance together on Christmas Eve," she said playfully, tilting her head under his to meet his stare. He blinked at her carefree expression. This was the girl who not two days ago had nearly descended into insanity with him, right? "You know how to dance well. Take the lead, everything will be all right." She placed her left hand on his shoulder firmly and began to sway in time with the faint music.

She was waiting for him to lead her.

Moving his hand slowly, tentatively to her waist, he swallowed hard and stepped forward. Maka followed his movement, but the brief pause caused him to accidentally step on her foot. "Sorry," she said sheepishly, grinning at him. He bit his lip and looked away, painfully aware that the hand she was holding was clammy with sweat.

The Christmas lights on the tree in the corner sparkled in her eyes, but he was too busy examining their reflection on the marble floor to notice.

Whoever was playing the piano moved seamlessly from one song to the next, and they slowed their pace. Soul was surprised to find that they moved together naturally, his lead hardly even necessary as they felt the other's rhythm. Gently, Maka rested her head on his shoulder, and he stiffened slightly at the close physical contact.

"It is just like attuning soul waves," she murmured, letting go of his hand to press her own to her chest, then to his. He watched her closely. "It's easy… for us. Right, Soul?"

Her partner stared at her, all motion ceasing, his expression unfathomable.

"Is there something worrying you? You can talk about it, if you want."

His eyes dropped to his hand, which she had taken up once again even though they were not dancing. His head shook slowly, and she gave him a saddened, reproachful look.

Soul smiled and pulled her closer.

"No, nothing's worrying me. Not anymore."

- - -

FIN.