Maka ran her fingers through Soul's hair as the young weapon laid down on the sofa, his head resting on a pillow that was propped up on Maka's side. He pulled the blanket closer.

Soul closed his eyes, enjoying the moment, Maka, he decided was an amazing comfort. She always seemed to know just what to do to make him better.

"Are you feeling okay?"Maka's soft voice reached Soul's ears, causing him to open his eyes.

"Better than earlier." He replied.

"Good, you sound tired though, if you feel like you need to, you can take a nap, I'll turn down the-"

"It's fine, you don't have to." Maka smiled faintly.

"You've been saying that a lot lately, and I know I don't have to, I want to." After a long silence Maka spoke again.

"Hey Soul?" she called.

"Yeah?"

"You know that you're not a burden to me don't you, I really don't mind taking care of you like this." Soul remained silent, in truth, he had been feeling that way. He sighed.

"I mean it." When Soul didn't reply, Maka knew that was part of the trouble.

"Anyway, at least you're out of bed today, you made it to the sofa without too much pain, I know it's still hard for you but you seem to be getting better."

"yeah, I'm getting there, hopefully it won't be long until 'I can get back to normal activities. I hate lying around like this."

"It's not who you are, it can be frustrating to have to allow someone to look after you, but you said it usually doesn't go passed three days, this is the second so if you just relax and deal with it a bit longer, you'll be okay."

"I'm hoping it doesn't last that long. Maybe if I sleep it'll actually do something this time."

"Do you think you want to take some more medicine, I have it right here, and I have a bottle of water for you."

"you thought of everything didn't you?" Maka grinned, leaning down to kiss his head..

"I tried. I really wish you'd eat something though, I haven't thought of a way to get you to do that yet."

"the best thing for me to do is take some medicine, get some sleep, and maybe later I'll try to eat something, but you have to understand, not eating for three days isn't enough to actually hurt me. You're worrying too much about it."

"I'm sorry Soul, I just want you to be okay."

"I know you do, and I will be. It's just going to take time. But I do want you to know that you're doing a great job. I'd probably still be in bed if you hadn't been here for me."

"I'll always be here Soul, that's what happens when you love someone. It does make me feel a little guilty though."

"What does?"

"I'm so afraid that someday, I won't be enough for you and you'll-"

"Maka, I'm not like your dad. I'd never do that to you. I know you know that somewhere in your mind, not all guys are the same. Yeah I have my own moments of being a complete jackass, I'll admit that to you. Hell, you've seen it, But I can see what's in front of me, there's nowhere else I'd want to be, you're not just my meister. When I tell someone I love them, it's not just something to say, I only say it because it's true."

"I know it's stupid to be afraid. I trust you, it's just-"

"Spirit taught you to feel this way, and it was a totally lame thing to do, I promise you you'll never have to worry about that with me, cool guys don't cheat on their girlfriends." Soul shifted slightly from his position to face away from Maka.

"Soul, what's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Is it that bad, what can I do?"

"You're already doing it." Maka again began to rub Soul's belly gently, while using her other hand to stroke his soft white hair. Soul seemed to be more relaxed and was soon asleep.

"Poor Soul, I hope this stops soon, I hate seeing you in pain,I know you're okay, but I just feel really bad that I can't do anything to help you. Maybe I'll make some broth and toast for dinner tonight, That might be easy for you."Maka turned her attention to the television, she turned t

he volume down when her partner began to stir.

"Just sleep Soul, you've more than earned the right to." The young weapon would sleep peacefully, uninterrupted for several hours, his meister never left his side. When at last his eyes opened, he glanced around the room, remembering that Maka had been sitting behind him, He sat up slowly turning to her.

"You don't have to get up it's okay if you want to lie down a little longer, I'll be starting dinner soon. How are you feeling now?"

"A little better, You didn't have to stay there the whole time, you could've-"

"I know, I just wanted you to get some rest. I'm glad you're feeling better. Can you try to eat, I'm going to make some of that broth we have and some toast, I didn't want to give you something that would bother you."

"Maka-"

"Please Soul, for me?"

"Alright, I'll try , it didn't work out last time." Soul said leaning his head back against the sofa.

"That was different though, today's a new day and you're feeling better, if you want to, you can eat here and then rest a while after dinner."

"I'm going to try to start moving around a little more, I've been taking a lot of down time."

"Don't push it, you need to give yourself time, like I said, it's fine. We'll see how you feel in the morning, for today, don't worry about it." Maka said before making her way into the kitchen and starting to cook. During dinner, Maka had been concerned by the small amount soul had been able to handle but also felt grateful for his attempt. When they had finished and the dishes were washed, Maka settled back onto the couch where Soul was now sitting upright.

Maka yawned and stretched , it had been a long day for her emotionally, Soul moved close to her, pulling her over to him.

"What are you doing, shouldn't you lie down and-"

"I've been doing that all day, yesterday and today. It's your turn to get some sleep. You've looked after me, made sure I had everything I need. You didn't have to stay home with me, thanks, I'll make it up to you." Soul promised. Maka smiled sleepily.

"You're getting better Soul, that's all I want, I love you." She whispered drifting off to sleep in his arms.

Soul took the blanket off and wrapped it around the sleeping girl.

"I love you too Maka, more than you'll ever know."