Hi Everyone,
Thanks for coming on this journey with me. This will be the last chapter of this story. Sorry that it took a little longer than I hoped. It was a bit difficult to get right. And even now I think it could be better I just don't know how to fix it. If you would like, I welcome reviews.
Well, thanks for reading :D
Maka sat in front of her homework frustrated with herself. All her books lay open on the desk but she really didn't feel like studying right now. The girl stared unseeing at the pages as she recalled the scene from the kitchen. I can't believe that you snapped at him. He is only worried about you. It's not his fault that you got him hurt and now feel guilty about it. If you could just be stronger, then none of this would have happened... She tried shaking the negative thoughts from her mind, they always seemed to end with anger and self-loathing. She started to wonder if her behaviour was noticeably out of the ordinary for Soul to approach her like he did. She would have been mortified if she knew the real reason. She had thought she was being discreet enough. It's not like she didn't have practice at it; what with her drunk, womanising father and her confident, independent mother and their yelling matches. She came back from her weird train of thought and started on her homework.
Her studies had always calmed her down and taken her mind off the things she couldn't control. Like her father. What was he thinking lecturing me about reading in low light? What a dufus. She thought idly back to earlier that evening as she scanned the chapter on soul resonance. Although, what he had said next did worry her. More than she wanted to admit. Black blood is running through Souls veins. And there was no way to know how it would affect her. There was nothing in the book about it. Guess it's not exactly a regular occurrence. Doubt and guilt was starting to seep into the corners of her mind again. She shut the book tightly on the chapter on soul resonance and started reading about soul perception. She was quickly engrossed in the new material.
She was finally finished all the assigned work for the night and her own regimen of review. It was only 8:30, so she decided to get herself a cup of tea and read her novel before sleep. Maybe that would calm her down enough to avoid the nightmares tonight. The girl sighed – doubtful, but she could hope. As she was putting all her books away, ready for the next day, she realized she could hear the shower running. Soul must have jumped in. I'll go brush my teeth when he comes out.
A little while after she had made her tea, she heard the shower stop. She finished the last sip of her drink, placed her bookmark and headed into the hall - coming face to face with Soul. He was wearing only his pajama pants. His white hair was dripping wet and his scar was bright pink from the heat of the water he had just emerged from.
Maka's whole body froze in shock – her stomach suddenly squeezed in the most unpleasant fashion and she felt unable to breathe. She quickly averted her gaze from the line that ravaged Soul's otherwise flawless features. She was nauseous with guilt at the sight of his scar. Looking at the ground she tried to step around Soul mumbling a "Scuse me". Soul stepped in front of her, blocking her path. She tried to step the other way but he cut her off again.
"Maka, look at me." he said sternly, with almost a hint of anger. After a moment he added, much more gently "Please..." His voice was so soft that Maka almost felt cruel for refusing. Slowly, she took a breath and stared him right in the face – making sure she didn't look at his chest, or she would start crying.
"Does my scar bother you that much Maka?" Soul asked keeping his gentle tone. The girl didn't trust her voice, so she just shook her head; her pony tails swinging slightly with the motion.
Soul couldn't help thinking about how cute she looked, standing in the hallway, pigtails swinging. But his heart was breaking at the situation. He felt like he was letting her down – he wanted to do something to make her feel better.
"I feel like I let you down Soul" Maka confessed suddenly, looking back down at her shoes, hands fidgeting in front of her. "I let you get so badly hurt and yet you look at me with such kindness. Why are you worried about me? You are the one that nearly died." she barely managed to get the last few words out, her voice was trembling so much. She could feel tears begin to fall down her face.
Soul grabbed Maka's hand and placed it on his chest – on his scar. Shocked by his unexpected action, Maka looked up into Soul's impassioned crimson eyes.
"But I didn't die. I'm still right here with you Maka." his was voice deep and husky.
This didn't seem to help as Maka bust into earnest tears and stepped forward clinging to Soul, sobbing into his broad chest. He was surprised by her actions, but wrapped his arms around her slender, shaking shoulders. Gently, he lowered his head to rest on hers. He felt her body relax slightly as he held her close.
Maka didn't know why she had needed Soul so badly just then, but holding his solid body and hearing his strong heart beat just below her ears made her feel much better. Perhaps it was the final proof she needed that he was back from the brink of death.
The two of them stayed in the narrow hallway holding each other for countless minutes. Soul broke the silence first.
"Maka ... I lov-"
Maka interrupted him by suddenly pushing him away with both hands. She was looking down, her eyes shut tight and was shaking her head vigorously.
"No. I know what you are about to say, and just don't. Not here, not like this." She had heard his heart beat quicken in the moments before he spoke. Soul's expression turned into a mix of shock, pain and a tinge of betrayal in the matter of a moment. She continued "Help me become a stronger Meister, and when you are a Death Scythe face me head on. That's what a cool guy would do." She smiled up at him weakly, making eye contact again. She couldn't wait to love Soul back, but when they were a bit older. There was too much craziness with the witch and the black blood to deal with for now. She really hoped that he understood her intentions.
Soul grinned down at his feisty Meister, his crimson eyes meeting her watery emerald ones. She was far too practical to make bad decisions like this; just one more thing he loved about her.
"Okay. Let's get stronger together." He said extending his hand. They shook hands, understanding the emotions, thoughts and intentions of the other. Their soul wavelengths became more synchronized and their love and trust grew stronger. They would face whatever came their way head-on. Together.
Hi everyone,
I really hoped you have enjoyed this last chapter and the story in general. A huge thank you to the, like, 10 people who have followed/favourited my story. You guys rock. :D
This is the last chapter but I will be writing more Soul Eater in the future, so feel free to look out for it. :P
- Tanima