A/N: Not much to say except enjoy. :D
Break Away
Chapter 4: Date with Destiny
Maka sighed glumly as she stared at the dresses scattered across her bed. She had kind of been hoping to borrow some money from her mom. But these days she was always out of town on business meetings. When she tried her father, he couldn't stop apologizing long enough for her to get a word in. So she had to choose a dress she already owned.
She grabbed the black dress she had worn to the Christmas party but shook her head. She then picked up a blue/green sleeved one with faded glitter. She slipped it over her body feeling a bit stiff in it. Tsubaki had insisted the first time she tried it on that it looked good on her, but trying it on now made her feel strange. It was really tight. Either she had gained weight or the fashion designer who made it had run out of material.
Maka stared at herself in the mirror, not pleased with her reflection. She looked way too awkward in it; like a twig of some sort. She tore off the sleeves and the hem of her dress a few inches above her knee. She sewed up the sleeves to make them look fluttery hanging below her shoulders. After deciding it wasn't enough, she tied a single silver ribbon around her waist.
Maka turned this way and that, checking every angle of her to make sure she looked fine. She then fashioned her hair into a complicated bun. After spending nearly an hour in her room trying to get ready, she finally came out. She walked into the living room where Soul was laying across the couch watching some karate tournament.
"Soul?"
"Hmm?"
Soul turned his neck to glance back at her. He stared at her for a few seconds, raising an eyebrow in question. He sat up as Maka walked over to him, the blush apparent on her face. She sat next to him, crossing one leg over the other.
"Do I look okay? Do I look weird?"
Soul chuckled. "Maka, you're always gonna look weird no matter what you do."
Maka huffed, biting the inside of her cheek. "Fine then! I'll go change!"
Just as she was about to get up and leave, Soul reached out and grabbed her arm. He pulled her down beside him. He smirked at her.
"It gives you a certain charm."
"Th-thanks," Maka stuttered.
"Hold on a sec." Soul reached out and grabbed the clip that was holding Maka's bun up. He ruffled her hair up. "There. That looks better."
Maka nodded. "That's nice of you to say."
"Well, what's there to do with a weird hairstyle like that. It's just not you," Soul said, his eyes turning back to watch the tournament.
Maka pressed her index fingers together. "I know I agreed to go with him but I can't dance to save my life. Soul, would it be too much if-
Soul pressed the off button on the remote and tossed it to the side. He swung his legs over the side of the couch, and wordlessly offered a hand to her. Maka stared at a few seconds before smiling and accepting. Soul pulled her to her feet, placing one hand in hers' and the other at the small of her back.
"I'm not wearing shoes so don't stomp all over me, 'kay?"
"Yeah."
Soul let go of her hand momentarily to turn on the radio. He switched it to a jazz station, and then turned back to Maka with a smile. It was a slow, easy dance to move along to. Maka smiled up at Soul as he slowly spun her away from him, and slowly brought her back to his arms. Her back was facing his as he led her through the dance.
Maka grinned. This wasn't so bad. It was pretty easy and Jin seemed like a pretty patient guy anyway. She squeaked when she felt Soul dip her backwards. He set her right in the next instant, his eyes turning dark as he advanced her in slow intended steps. Maka then noticed that the station had skipped to lambada; the forbidden dance.
Maka laughed quietly as she felt herself being backed up against the wall. Soul grinned playfully as he reached for her waist. He spun her about for a moment until he dipped her once more. She then glanced backward at the sound of knocking at the door.
Soul then set her upright once more, a smirk apparent on his face. He had just started placing her leg against his thigh in that certain position for typical
"Well, you're an even better dancer than I first thought. I remember when we shared out first dance in your soul. Wow...that sounded so weird, didn't it?" Maka laughed.
Soul sat on the couch's arm. "I know I am. And don't you forget it."
Maka smiled at him over her shoulder as she grabbed her purse. She went over to the door and opened it to reveal Jin in a dashing black dress up shirt and denim jeans. She smiled at him as she closed the door behind her.
"You look really cute, Maka. As always," Jin said, holding an arm out to her. "I think I'll be the envy of ever guy tonight."
Maka reached under the mat where the spare key was. Lately, she was so scatter-brained and kept forgetting her real key. That's why Soul now began leaving that certain key under the mat. She turned the key and jiggled the door knob open. The lamp as well as the t.v. was still turned on in the living room. She walked around the couch and saw Soul stretched out across it and sound asleep. She smiled a bit at this and then walked to her room for a blanket. She came back and draped a blanket over his body.
"Good night, Soul," she whispered.
Maka then bent a bit to turn off the lamp and the t.v. She kicked off her heels as she walked into her bed room. She stretched her arms above her as she slipped into bed. She felt too tired to change out of her dress. She had had a nice night. Considering that Jin asked her out for a second date, she most likely suspected that he had a great time too.
Maka fell asleep curled up against one of her futon pillows. She soon drifted off into a dreamless, peaceful sleep.
Maka was up and about quite early for once. She walked over to wear Soul had slept the night before and found him snoring softly. He was sleeping in an awkward position with his arm thrown over the couch and his leg sticking out from the side.
"My turn to make breakfast."
She decided to make some oatmeal and toast. After she finished cooking, she set up the table and went to go call Soul. As she peeked over the couch, she noticed he was still sound asleep. His shirt was all the way up to his chin, exposing his abdominal muscles and the scar that ran diagonal from his heart to his belly.
Maka walked around the couch and knelt down in front of Soul. With a soft, warm look in her eyes she reached out to touch his scar. Before she could, Soul's hand had grabbed her wrist and stopped her. He cracked on eye open as he looked up at her.
"You perv...
Maka blushed. "N-no, it's not like that."
"I can make it easier for you, Maka," Soul said, taking off his shirt and tossing it to the side.
Just as he stood up, Maka stumbled onto her back. She quickly crawled backward and away from him until she hit the opposite couch. Soul made 'come at me'gestures with his hands as he approached her. Maka grew angry at his taunts and shoved him onto the couch.
Soul pretended to wince. "Help! Rape!"
Maka stood angrily in front of him, her fists clenched at her sides. Soul tossed his head back and started laughing hard at her expression.
"A joke. It's a joke, get over it. God, you're so easy." Soul then took note at her appearance. "So I'm guessing too lazy to change out of your dress. How late did you get home anyway?"
"Not too late. It was like eleven."
"Hey, is that oatmeal?" He was easily distracted. "Did you make sure to add cinnamon?" Soul asked suspiciously.
Maka smiled. "Would I have made it otherwise?"
Soul was up on his feet instantly and heading toward the kitchen. He sat down at the table and began wolfing down his breakfast. He ate half of his toast in only a single bite. Maka watched him as she poured some milk in her cocoa puffs. Soul pointed a spoon at her cereal.
"Hey, I remember when we'd make halloween treats out of that."
"Yeah, I was thinking we could try something new. Halloween is next month and that's when Shinigami-sama holds that Halloween masquerade thing. Figures, I hope I can reach my mom and ask her for some money for a new dress. We should also get you a costume, Soul. Best couple wins a special prize, remember?"
Soul raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you going with Akabara?"
Maka blinked. "No, well, I mean he asked me out for a second date but we're not official or anything. I'm not entitled to go with him just yet. Also Shinigami-sama said it wouldn't be that kind of party. The guys have to get there half an hour before the girls for some reason."
"Maka, you know I don't like parties, anyway. I don't see the point in going."
Maka pouted. "It won't be the same without you, that's why."
Soul sighed as he leaned his cheek against his palm. "Whatever."
"Don't you think we should get you a date too?" Maka admitted the word's were a bit forced on her part. Well, as long as it wasn't Soul's fantasy red-haired big breasted girl, she could learn to deal.
Soul raised an eyebrow. "I don't want to be set up by you."
"No, no. I'm not saying that. I just mean-
Maka found herself turning redder and redder under his curious gaze. Even she didn't know what she was saying. She had better just shut up and not say another word.
"You what?"
Soul indifferently dipped his spoon into his oatmeal after a moment. Maka bit her lip, watching her cereal become soggy.
"S-sorry, it was just a suggestion."
"Why're you apologizing? I'm not even entirely sure if I'm gonna go or not. So it doesn't really matter. Oh yeah, I thought I'd let you know, I'm gonna be hanging out with Black Star. He has...hair problems and needs some support or something like that."
Maka laughed under her breath, making Soul raise an eyebrow in question. "Umm...I see. Well, that's cool then. I'll just be at home cleaning up or watching an asian drama. Maybe afterwards I'll go to a book store or something."
Soul got up with his plates and also took Maka's as he walked toward the sink. Maka stood up and quickly walked over to him.
"That's okay. I can do them."
Soul watched her from the corner of his eyes. Then faster than Maka could blink, he grabbed her around the waist and set her down on the sink counter. She blinked at him as he placed a hand on either side of her body. Soul smirked as he set down the stack of plates in her hands.
"Get to it then. I'll see ya later."
Soul turned around, grabbed his jacket off the back of the couch and was gone in seconds. Maka was still a bit stunned, and pissed off. It was a modest remark! He should've been a gentleman and done them himself. The nerve...
Soul and Black Star walked along the sidewalk of center Death City. Black Star wore a red beanie to hide the ridiculously bubble gum pink hair he had.
"I feel like I've lost my manhood," Black Star muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets.
"Don't sweat it. It looks like it's already wearing off."
"Soon, I hope. Everyone at school's been nagging me all week about my beanie." Black Star subconsciously slipped the beanie lower over his forehead almost hiding his eyes. "This beanie's not coming off, that's for sure. Man, I'm really hungry. Soul, can you buy me lunch?"
Soul sighed irritably as he reached into his back pocket for his wallet. He rarely paid for Maka's food, much less his friends. He flipped through it for a few seconds to make sure he had enough. When he was sure, he turned back to Black Star.
"Okay, then. Where to?"
Just before Black Star could say anything, someone on their right spoke up. It was a middle-aged woman with long dark curls and hazel eyes. She also had a small mole below her left eye. She wore dark purple gypsy garb with man rings on her long fingers. Pearls and long chains of gold hung about her slim neck.
"Care to come into my shop, boys? I do fortune-telling at a low price."
Soul stared. "No, thanks."
He started walking away when suddenly she was standing in their paths. She wore a strange, mysterious smile as stood there.
"Please, come in. It'll be worth your while. I promise. I'm certain you've been seeking fame have you not?" she asked, her eye fixed on Black Star.
"Hey, that's true. How'd you know?"
The woman chuckled. "I have the gift of course; second sight. Please come in."
"How much is?"
"Ten per reading."
Black Star began rummaging through his wallet and pulled out two fives for the woman. She immediately snatched them and tucked them into her bosom which already had several bill sticking out from them. When she noticed this, she tried tucking them lower.
Soul rolled his eyes. "Thought you didn't have any money, huh?"
"The point in money is never spend yours own on food. Let someone else do it for you," Black Star said matter-of-factly.
"Yeah, whatever. I'll be at the ice cream shop, okay?"
"Sure. You sure you don't want your fortune read?"
"I'm sure," Soul grunted. "I'm the one that decides my future not some hag."
The fortune-telling woman narrowed her eyes at this before taking Black Star's hand in hers'. Black Star let the woman lead him into her shop. Soul ran across the street when he was sure no cars were coming. The ice cream shop was mostly filled with girls and little kids so he felt a bit left out. And he got this really odd feeling that he was being watched. He went up to the counter and asked for a Brownie Earthquake bowl. He also ordered a chocolate banana parfait while he was at it.
He sat down at a booth, his legs stretched out across the it. His head leaned against the window. He began dipping his spoon into his icecream and devoured it with insatiable hunger. Just as he was about to try the parfait, a girl sat across from him. She smiled a cat-like smile as she tucked strand of hair behind her ear. She had short-cropped orange hair and periwinkle blue eyes.
"...Can I help you with something?" Soul asked indifferently.
"I saw you walk in and I just want to say I think you're really cute. My name's Noriko. Wanna go have fun with me and some friend of mine?"
Soul stared at her, smirking after a moment. "Now, aren't you coming on too strong, Noriko? How do you know I'm not a drug junkie or an axe murderer?"
Noriko stared at him with wide eyes, her mouth opening and closing. "Well, I just thought-
"Don't get me wrong, you're hot but I'm not your type, trust me."
"I don't think you should decide that." Noriko frowned.
"Maybe not. But here you are talking to complete strangers."
Noriko blushed. "Then do you have a girlfriend? Is that it?"
"No, that's-
Soul cut himself up at what he saw across the street. He could see Maka through the store window of a book store. She was going through shelves and flipping randomly through novels. A mischevious spread across his already sadistic face. He thought he might give her a little scare. He suddenly got up, having his dessert completely forgotten as he ran out. She grabbed his dessert out of spite and began eating it herself.
Noriko walked back to her group of friends glumly. They broke the ice when she wasn't saying anything.
"So? Yes? No?"
"I'm guessing no. As soon as he saw his girlfriend, he up and ran off," Noriko mumbled.
Soul was now in the store and weaving in and out of book shelves. Maka passed by him. Good. He still hadn't been noticed. Just when he was about to pop out and scare her, Jin appeared out of no where and was offering a book to Maka.
"Here. I recommend this one."
"Jin, I didn't know you come here too. Thank you, if you say it's good then it must be," Maka said sweetly.
When Jin leaned down to give her a kiss on the cheek, Soul suddenly felt like he was spying on them. He stood against a tall shelf, hidden away from them. He had to get out of there before they saw him. He turned to look back at them, and saw Jin whispering something in Maka's ear. Maka in turn giggled, her face flushed as she pretended to be absorbed in reading a manga.
'Ugh...this is bad. I shouldn't be here.'
Despite saying this, Soul couldn't seem to look away from them. He felt something unsettling tighten up in his chest. It was an annoying feeling he couldn't shake off. He felt his jagged teeth clench together at Jin. He hadn't like him since day one since he gave him that look in the hallway.
'I feel stupid being here. I don't mind Maka going out with someone. But I just don't understand why it had to be Akabara. I will never let myself feel inferior to him or anyone else.' Soul shook his head, his hand coming up to close over his eyes. 'I'm out of here. Maka's never butted into my personal life so I'm not butting into hers'. I'd better just leave them alone.'
Soul walked out of the store and began walking along the sidewalk. He closed his eyes. He hadn't told Maka of the fights he and Jin seemed to be getting into lately. Why did she have to choose him of all people? He didn't given a shit who she was with. He didn't care. He didn't. He never had a reason to. But more than anyone who had ever tormented him, he hated Jin with barely suppressed rage.
"Soul! Hey, wait up!"
Soul turned around to see Black Star running toward him. Once he had reached him, he bent over, panting harshly. He gave Soul a dirty look.
"What gives?! You said you'd be at the ice cream place!!"
"Sorry," Soul murmured, continuing to walk.
Black Star gave him a questioning look as he caught up to him.
"What's eating you?"
"Nothing."
"You're acting like someone just stole your girl from you," Black Star remarked.
That's it. He had hit the big red button. Because now Soul had stopped walking, and ever so slowly turned his head to give his friend a look that would scare death itself.
"Gah!! I'm sorry I said anything!!"
"Quit spitting shit out."
Soul walked on, his eyebrows furrowed and the skin around his eyes tightening. Garnet eyes held a bloody look to them for whoever dared to cross him again. He was in no mood for such jokes.
A/N: Whoo! XD Hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Plz R/R if you want the next chapter. Come on, guys, don't make me sad!! :P
