Disclaimer: I don't own Soul Eater. Thank you for all of those that are sending reviews!
I pounded my fist at the general direction of my noisy alarm clock, not bothering to open my eyes. I finally opened my eyes when I couldn't locate and destroy the clock. Then it occurred to me what day it was. Friday. I had until eight to myself, and then I had to get to Joe's.
I cursed softly, and then noticed a single red hair on my manila yellow blanket. I narrowed my eyes, Papa. I got out of my warm bed, stretched then left my room to cook breakfast. Papa was passed out on the red velvet chaise lounge, I quietly walked past him, and I did NOT want to wake him, much less in the same apartment.
I pulled a frying pan from the cupboard, a couple eggs from the fridge and the margarine, and got set to cooking. The eggs were coming along nicely, already on the pan since the butter melted. I tossed a pinch of seasoning on both yolks, and then put bread in the toaster to be toasted.
I separated the freshly made sunny-side up eggs on two plates, added the toast, now buttered, and set it down in front of the sleeping Papa. He twitched at first, like one the freshly turned zombies from the movies, then sat as he blinked groggily.
"Was goin awn?" Papa slurred sleepily, blinking away the sleep. His eyes focused on the plate of food and descended on it like a pack of rapid dogs. Not even a butter smear remained when he was done. I blinked at him, jaw hanging down in surprise. Papa glanced at me, his black and grey suit rumpled from sleep "Morning Maka, thank you for the lovely meal my dear daughter." Papa cried and tried to hug me, I ducked, and he fell. "Makaaaaa." He cried from his position of a face plant on the hardwood floor, that's sure to leave a mark.
I stood up, my own breakfast finished. "Time for you to go Papa. I have to get to Joe's and other places." I was lying; I didn't have to leave for a few hours yet. It was only noon; the sun was high in the sky. "Okay, I'll see you around kiddo." Papa replied surprising me, I hadn't expected him to leave so easily. Papa put his rumpled coat over his left shoulder, and then left the apartment with a simple "Goodbye my darling daughter!"
I first cleaned up the dishes, and then headed back to my icy cool room. I needed to get dressed; I really needed to get home earlier in the day so that I could actually wear my pajamas to bed as well. I hit a button on the stereo remote making music blare from the speakers. I turned the volume up and began to sing along. It was Mirror by Barlow Girls that shuffle began to play when I hit the button I my room.
Mirror, Mirror on the wall, Have I got it?
'Cause Mirror you've always told me who I am
I'm finding it's not easy to be perfect
So sorry you won't define me
Sorry you don't own me
Who are you to tell me
That I'm less than I should be?
Who are you? Who are you?
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, I won't try
Mirror I am seeing
A new reflection
I'm looking into the eyes
Of who He made me
And to Him I have beauty beyond compare
I know he defines me
Who are you to tell me
That I'm less than I should be
Who are you? Who are you?
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, no, I won't try
You don't define me
You don't define me
You don't define me
You don't define me
You don't define me
Who are you to tell me
That I'm less than I should be
Who are you? Who are you?
Yeah
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, no, I won't try
Yeah
Who are you to tell me
I swiped away a tear that had trailed own my cheek.
That I'm less than I should be
Who are you? Who are you?
Yeah
I don't need to listen
To the list of things I should do
I won't try, no, I won't try
I opened my eyes to the sound of someone clapping, I spun around to see Tsubaki smiling at me. Papa must have left the door open, and she had probably come to ensure I wouldn't bail on everyone later on tonight.
"Tsu-Tsubaki! How long have you been there?" I demanded, ushering the ravenette in, and closing the door firmly behind me. "Since the beginning of the song, you sounded really good Maka. You should sing that one tonight." Tsubaki replied sitting down on the chaise lounge delicately as if it would break under her weight. "I'm doing a different song." I stated levelly as Tsubaki quietly appraised the mild mess around my apartment.
"Is that so? What one?" She calmly asked shedding her thick black coat like a lizard does its own skin. "The Only Exception on guitar." I replied without missing a beat as I hauled the old battered case that protected my acoustic guitar from a nearby closet.
Tsubaki nodded recognizing the song's name "Ah, a paramore song, curious that you picked that one after all. Thought you were going to do 'Impossible' with the rest of us." Tsubaki calmly pointed out as I checked up on my guitar, putting it back in tune "I'm going to, I'm also doing a solo." I replied, checking the guitar once more while I said this.
"Oh really? Okay then, I'll tell the others that." Tsubaki said as she sent a text to Liz and Patty, who I doubted would even be up yet. They were really late risers on weekends and holidays. "Liz says ok." Tsubaki informed me, fixing her pony tail even higher.
She turned to face me, her deep and dark blue eyes locking onto me, I gulped. "Time to get you dressed, it's already six." Tsubaki stated with a hidden sliver of malicious glee. I felt my eyes widen, it had gotten that late already?
"Crap." I replied and took off to my room to get changed. Tsubaki followed me, then picked out short dark denim shorts, paired with high sheer tights with a lace band at the top, a black blazer with the arm sleeves rolled up to the elbow, a black tie, and a white dress shirt, I got to wear my black lace up doc martens.
Tsubaki looked pleased, then made me wear a black newsboy's cap I didn't even knew I owned. Tsubaki herself wore something of a mildly similar fashion. She too had dark shorts on, boots, the high knee socks that attached via a clip to the shorts, a dress shirt, but hers had ridges, and she had a dark blue military coat with gold stitching for the unique pattern of the button hole and shoulder pads.
Tsubaki looked like a vampire hunter, it was a total bad ass look for her. I let her fuss with the sleeves of my blazer and tie for what felt like an hour, turns out, it had been. "Ah, we gotta get going. Liz said earlier that she can't give us a ride, so we're gonna have to grab a taxi." Tsubaki panicked like a frightened bird, we both knew it would take about half an hour to get there, plus an additional half hour to grab a taxi.
"No time to waste then." I decided and dragged her out of my apartment, locking the door behind me as we ran to the place where taxi passed by the most. By a struck of dumb luck we managed to catch a taxi within a couple of minutes, and paid the guy extra to get us there fast.
Joe's was crammed with cars, people and music. Tsubaki and I had to use a back entrance to just go help Joe set up the stage for this many people, and swap the record stands for tables with chairs. With all the people cramming into the place just to get a good seat as it was being set up, caused all of us setting up quite a bit of stress.
I kept everybody back alongside some brunette I'd never seen before, slowly the crowd dispersed outside to let the others hurry and set the rest of the things up before the mob overcame us and poured into the shop. "We're ready now." Tsubaki called and instantly everyone morphed into a neat, orderly line. Huh, weird. "Maka, you're up first, as soon as everyone's settled you can start to play. Go get yourself a situated." Joe added from the sidelines, surveying our hard work with obvious pride.
The first person to come in was Kid, it was eight after all, and he had that symmetry obsession after all. Liz and patty came in soon after, taking a seat near the front, right by the speakers, close enough to get the best sound, but far enough away to retain their hearing.
Soul came in after a few gray faces that I didn't know filed in, the blue haired monkey in tow.
Soon, sooner than I thought possible, the place was packed to the brim with people waiting for me to start strumming my guitar. I cleared my throat, then began.
When I was younger I watched my daddy cry, and curse at the wind
A to E minor, then D
He broke his own heart, and I watched as he tried to reassemble it
A to E minor, linger, then move to D, linger again
And my mama swore that she would never let herself forget
A to E minor, to D
And that was the day that I promised, I'd never sing of love if it does not exist
I glanced up at the audience, they were all stone silent when not ordering their food.
But Darling, You are the only exception
I found my eyes making their way to Soul, who was watching me very intently.
You are the only exception, you are the only exception
I made myself look to other people in the audience, Joe looked pleased at me from the cash desk.
You are the only exception
I paused, and took a breath before continuing
Maybe I know, somewhere deep in my soul
I let my gaze turn to Soul's again, simply because of the last lyric
That love never lasts, and we've got to find other ways
I focused on Tsubaki, singing a tad bit louder
To make it alone, or keep a straight face
And I've always lived like this, keeping a comfortable
I took a breath, pausing ever so slightly
Distance, and up until now I had sworn to myself that I was content
I turned my gaze back to Soul again, a bad habit I was developing there
With loneliness
I flexed my fingers a tiny bit, prepping to speed up the rhythm of my strumming
Because none of it was ever worth the risk
I slowed back to the original tempo
Well, you are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
I raised my head, singing from the bottom of my heart
You are the only exception
I've got a tight grip on reality
But I can't let go of what's in front of me here
I know you're leaving in the morning when you wake up
Leave me with some kind of proof; it's not a dream, oh
I let my eyes linger on the crowd as I held the note effortlessly
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
You are the only exception
And I'm on my way to believing
Oh, and I'm on my way to believing
As I strummed the final chord one last time, the crowd burst into applause. Whistles and hollers galore, Tsubaki, Liz, and Patty looked pleased in their seats, clapping quietly. I wanted to tear off of the stage and make a brake for it, but I restrained myself and bowed.
In a calm and collected manner, I walked off the stage as the next group went up, singing some rock song that I didn't know the name off. Then a jazz group came on, the melody was fast and people began to dance to it. I noticed that Soul was playing the piano for the group, his fingers flying over the keys with a sort of elegance.
Before I knew it Tsubaki and Liz were pulling me to my feet again, the boys were getting up as well. Oh god, what were they up to now? They began to drag me to the stage, Tsubaki had my guitar hostage, something I did not like whatsoever. They made me join a huddle; they wanted everyone to help pick a song. Well, crap.
"What song should we do?" Tsubaki asked, looking around wildly, her thoughts were probably doing the same thing. "Hmmn, how about 'When We Stand Together"?" Liz suggested everybody considered it for a couple moments "No, let's do 'Never Look Back'." Kid offered and we all agreed with this. "Okay, Soul, Maka, Tsubaki, you'll sing. Black*Star, drums. Kid, You and Patty take base guitar, I'll take guitar." Liz ordered and we shuffled out to our spots, we did not dare say a word, Liz could be extremely violent.
I took a breath, standing beside Soul by one of the mikes; Tsubaki was on the other side of him. I felt really nervous. By myself I could care less when singing, but in groups I get nervous.
Got a mouth full of words,
But nothing to say
If you could've seen
How I looked yesterday
A hopeless disaster
But I'm getting better
At being faster
Tsubaki Started us off, keeping her voice strong and loud as the guitars and drums kicked in the second she began, Soul would go next.
Is there any other way
To live your life
Than to throw it all way
And cut the ties?
Were they really holding us
In place to begin with?
Who are you judging anyway?
It's my neck on the line
It was my turn, but I wanted to hear Soul sing some more, his growly voice transformed into a nice deep baritone.
Say goodbye to everything
Forget your regrets
They're better left behind
Say goodbye to whispering uncertainty
What's holding us back
Is keeping us alive.
I changed my pitch drastically to match Tsubaki's, much lower than I'm used to, the crowd in the shop was going crazy, apparently they knew this song. Soul Smirked as it was his turn again
Shut your mouth
And start to believe
Oh excuses, excuses
That I don't need,
If it's me you're after
Well, how about a straight answer?
I closed my eyes as he sang, getting ready to sing with him for the next part, we had never practiced together, so it was just pure luck that we all knew the song.
We don't have all the day
We don't have all year
Put it into one
And out the other ear
Were you ever listening at all?
Who are you judging anyway?
It's my neck on the line
Say goodbye to everything
Forget your regrets
They're better left behind
Say goodbye to whispering uncertainty
What's holding us back
Is keeping us alive, alive
It was time for all of us to sing, Liz, Kid, Patty, Black*Star, Soul, Tsubaki, and me, it was time for the chorus.
Never look back, don't doubt tomorrow
Never look back, don't doubt tomorrow
Never look back, don't doubt tomorrow
Never look back, don't doubt tomorrow
The last part was mine, and then I would sing with Tsubaki.
Say goodbye to everything
Forget your regrets
They're better left behind
Say goodbye to whispering uncertainty
The only thing that holds us back
The only thing that holds us back
The only thing that's keeping us alive.
It occurred to me as I partially held the note, is that none of us were choosing Christmas music. Huh, that might change in a moment.
Oh, it's the only thing that's keeping us alive.
Tsubaki and I held the last note for as long as we could, until Liz stopped playing. The patrons had taken out their phones and had been waving them as we all played. Seemed I wasn't the only one who didn't listen to Christmas music during Christmas time. We all bowed and got off the stage, some of the adults were going to play. I sat down at the same table as Soul, Tsubaki sat to our left.
"So, you sing." It wasn't really a question from him, more of a statement "You play the piano." I replied swirling the straw in my coke that I had ordered, keeping my eyes to myself again. "yeah, I always have. You sound really good by the way. It was fun to sing with you." Soul replied as he scanned the menu, looking for something to order, I blushed at his comment. "Thanks, you too." I quietly said, then busied myself with drinking my coke.
"I'd love to be able to sing with you sometime again. Maybe you'd like to come to the Christmas bash Black*Star and I are holding?" Soul asked without missing a beat, I nearly spat my coke out in surprise. He asked me out! "Um, yeah. That would be great. What day is it?" I was blushing like mad, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. "Christmas day, can you make it? All the others are coming." Soul explained with a quiet chuckle, and I felt like I was entrapped in his red gaze.
I looked away with a blush "Yeah, I'll be there. Just give me the time and place." I answered blushing bright red by now. "Gimme your cell then." He replied and I felt my eyes widened in surprise "Why?" I asked nervously and he sighed and shook his head at me "So that I can give you my number. That way I can text you with the details silly." Soul explained laughing quietly again, I blushed even more as I handed over my white blackberry curve. I watched him swiftly enter himself in as a contact, and then sent him a text to add me as a contact on his own phone. His was from Verizon, had the number pad on the front, and the side slid open to a keyboard. It was a dark red and black. "There you go, don't hesitate to call or ask anything." He stated, handing me back my phone.
I took it back delicately, inspecting the number. "Thanks, I got to get going." I thanked him and grabbed my coat and began to put in on. "Huh? Why you going so soon? The store doesn't close for another thirty minutes or so." Soul asked confused, his face clearly showing it.
"I have to get home before nine; my old roommate is coming back from Egypt today." I blurted out quickly, seizing the best excuse I could. I wasn't lying either, Blair was going to be back on the nine 'o clock flight. I had to clean up the mess before she got home. And remove all traces of Papa.
Soul just stared at me for a moment, then stood up, and put his own jacket on. "What are you doing?" I squeaked, my eyes wide. He gave me a flat stare "I'm walking you home. It's late out; it's the least I can do." He answered, picking up my guitar for me; I felt my mouth open in surprise. "C'mon, let's get you home. Lead the way." He added and gestured at the door to me.
I clamped my mouth shut and relented, directing him the way to my apartment. He followed me by my side, our breath white in the cold. "So, what's this roommate of yours like? I've never met them." Soul asked after a long time of silent walking and passing by stores that were still open, carols blaring loudly.
"She's loud, unafraid to go after she wants when she wants. She's a neko so she loves fish with all of her spirit. She wears as little clothing as possible, if you can even call it clothing. She works at Chupa Cabras." I explained as we came to my door, room fifty-four. "So, thanks for walking me home." I said, taking back my guitar from him. He smiled back at me "yeah, no problem." He replied as I went to unlock the door, and noticed it was already unlocked. Crap, Blair was already back.
"Maka-Chan! Is that you?" She called only milliseconds later. I cursed colorfully inside my head "Yeah, I'm coming in. See you later Soul." I called back and walked into my apartment after he said goodbye and started down the hall.
Moments Later Blair had in one of her bone crushing hugs. "I missed you so much Maka! You really should have come with me the sun was lovely and so warm, I've got to be three shades tanner now." Blair squealed happily as I squirmed out of her hug. I smiled, happy to see the cat "Missed you too, they kept making me do things outside. Oh, I've been invited to a bash on Christmas day. Do you want to come with me?" I replied hugging her happily, Blair may be much older than me, but she gets me on a level others just don't.
"oooh, I am so coming with you. The apartment was a right mess when I came in, it's all cleaned up now as you can see. I'll make us some fried salmon, then we can either go to bed or watch a movie. My guess is bed." Blair offered, already trotting off to the kitchen.
For the first time since I met her, she was actually wearing black jeans and a shirt like the one I was wearing, a blue hoodie around her arms. I was a bit surprised, and waited for the food to be done. Blair being Blair, had it done as quickly as usual, right away.
Blair set my portion of the fish on a blue plate in front of me on the table, then fixed her golden eyes on me. She meant business.
"Maka, who was that boy you were talking to?" Blair calmly asked as she began to cut up her fish, then ate a piece that she had cut. All while keeping her eyes on me, She knew that I'd find a way to lie if she didn't do this. For reasons unknown to me, I can't lie if the person looks straight at me the entire time.
"Just a friend, he offered to walk me home Blair, keep your claws in please." I replied devouring the fish as quickly as I could, I needed to sleep.
"Okay, is he the one throwing the bash?" Blair pressed, nailing a bulls eye intentionally. "yes." Was all I said, defeated. Blair smiled as she finished off the last of her fish "Hmmn, thought so. Okay, off to bed with you." She said, shooing me to my room.
I happily complied, quickly changing into my pajamas, then burrowed into my bed. I looked out at the moon, it's creepy expression apparent, but the rays were comforting and bright.
"What did Blair mean by that?" I wondered softly aloud to myself, then turned away from the window, closed my eyes, and went to sleep.
Woah, that took me awhile. Reviews please!