The next morning, Kokoa asked what happened after she went to bed.

"Um, nothing, Koko." Maka said, a slight blush flooded her cheeks. Soul had not stayed the night. After their little...time, he'd pulled on his clothes and left.
Both of them had agreed that it was best. After all, how would Kokoa react to a man she'd just met in bed with her mama?

"Can I go to his store after school, Mama? Maybe Nick can come too!" Kokoa said. Nickolai was one of Kokoa's best friends.

Maka sighed, "Maybe. Your bus should be here soon, eat your breakfast."

She watched as her daughter ate her eggs and toast. Then waved good-bye as the bus pulled away from their house. Maka sighed and looked down at Lucky, who was lying on his bed in the kitchen. "Well, how about a walk?" she asked.

Lucky's tail wagged and he barked. "You're lucky that your paw is strong enough, Lucky." Maka said.

(A/N: Get it? Lucky? I know, shut up, Taka. T^T)

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Maka walked through the park, trying to keep Lucky from pulling ahead too much.

"Hello, beautiful."

A sigh escaped Maka as she turned around. "Hello, Mr. Newfeild." she said. The orange-haired man smiled, "You can call me Lucus. Your daughter isn't around."
Sadly, Maka thought. Kokoa was the only thing that kept this guy from acting inappropriately.

"Anyway, would you like to come by for lunch perhaps?" Lucus asked. Maka sweatdropped. "It's only about 9." she said, hoping that was enough. But, no.
"Then just come over then. It'll be nice." Lucus persisted.

Maka was about to make another excuse when a hand was placed on her shoulder from behind. She already knew who it was.

"She can't," Soul said, "She already promised to help me organize some things in my store."

Lucus frowned. But then smiled as he looked back at Maka, "Why not tonight then?"

"Um, I'm sorry, but I can't. Kokoa." Maka said before Soul could speak. Lucus sighed, "Alright then. See you around, lovely." With that, he walked away.

Maka turned to face Soul. "You had to pop up didn't you?" she asked, frowning. "Would you have prefered that I hadn't? Anyway, come on." Soul said, begining to lead to who knows where.

"Where are we going?" Maka asked. Soul looked at her out the corner of his eye, "To my store." Of course. Why hadn't she realized earlier?

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"You stepped on a crack." Aaron said.

Kokoa raised an eyebrow, "So?"

Aaron looked at her as though it was obvious. "You broke your mom's back." he said. "Aren't you too old for that?" Kokoa asked.
"No," Sunday answered before Aaron. "He may be older than us, but he's got the mind of a two-year-old."

"Hey, that's an insult," Kokoa said. Aaron smiled at being defended. But then frowned when Kokoa added, "To two-year-olds."

"Whatever, you two love me." Aaron said, regaining his pride. This was responded to by the laughter of the younger girls. Once again, Aaron's pride was hurt.

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A/N: Aaron and Sunday are Kid's kids. They are cousins, and half-siblings. Figure it out.

Later, friends!

- Takashimo ;)