You wanted it, here it is. Chapter 11. I'm kinda doing this as a way to make up not posting forever and cause I'm gunna be super busy. School starts tomorrow and I have marching band, so I'll only have 3 hours of freedom every day. I dunno when next chapter will be, but I promise it will come. One day

Chapter 11: The Deal

"Hey Maka! I heard that your mother abandoned you cause you're worthless. Is it true?!"

Tears sprung to Maka eyes as she ignored the boy. She hated him for mentioning her mother.

"Aww the poor nerd's gunna cry! Wanna slit your wrists too?"

That was it. Maka whipped past him and into the girls restroom. She couldn't stop the tears now. She could hear people laughing outside as she locked herself in one of the stalls. The healing cuts ached in time with her heart. The insults she could take. But when it came to any mention of her mother, she couldn't stop the tears from falling. She still missed her so much, the pain still fresh. Right then she wished Soul was there for her. He would tell that boy where he could shove it and he would know what to say to make her feel better. Instantly Maka chastised herself. She didn't need Soul. She didn't need anyone. But that was a lie, and she knew it.

Maka waited 'till the bell rang and the noise in the halls faded to silence. She slipped out of the bathroom and put her books in her locker, momentarily debating whether she should go to class or just leave. Then she stood a bit taller. There was no way she would skip because of a few bullies. She wouldn't let them get to her. And besides, there wasn't any place Maka could really go. She was a loner through and through.

••••••••

Soul stood out in the sun, just beginning to sweat. His parents, along with him and his brother Wes stood, waiting for the plane to load. Soul's parents had suddenly decided that going on a week end vacation was a grand idea. Instead it had turned into a week-long vacation, causing both Soul and Wes to miss their classes. Soul had hated every minute of it. He didn't like being with his family to begin with, and the fact that they had pretty much come to show him and Wes off didn't help at all. Adding that on top of Soul's frustration at Arachne and his worry for Maka made the trip absolutely unbearable. Give him annoying teachers and homework any day.

They were finally on their way home when Soul got Maka's text. His phone buzzed against his leg and he pulled it out, taking out his ear buds as he did.

Stein assigned another project

Partners?

Yeah. Same as last time.

He probably figured that he didn't need to change anything up since everyone did so well last time. Well except Black*Star. He only exceeds at delivering really shitty pep talks and being the most annoying guy on earth.

Soul could almost hear her laughing as she typed back. That was enough to make him smile.

Good guess Soul. That's pretty much want Stein said. Minus the bit about Black*Star of course.

But you know he was thinking it.

Maka doesn't respond to that. Soul smirks to himself, knowing she's probably shaking her head in exasperation at the moment.

So how's the trip?

Shitty. Glad that it's finally over.

You know, you could've at least TRIED to enjoy yourself while you were there.

Are you crazy woman? What makes you think I would have fun in Chicago? This place is way worse than Death City.

That's what makes it fun. It's NOT Death City.

They chat for a good hour before Maka quits to do her homework. Soul sighs and leans his head against the window, staring out. He was in a much better mood than before, but thoughts of what he might come home too ruined it. He knew how Arachne operated. By now everyone would know about Maka's wrists and they would make fun of her for it. And that pissed Soul off to no end. But he also knew that a direct confrontation wasn't the way to go, despite what his instincts were screaming. That's what Arachne wanted from him. Soul smiled to himself as his thoughts whirled. Two could play this game.

••••••••

Maka was glad for the weekend. Despite the fact that she spent a big portion of it at the public library, she had relief from the abuse at home and the insults at school. She and the head librarian even got along pretty well. She often let Maka read in a private section of the library that was usually reserved for small gatherings. And Maka was grateful for the solitude and the chance to get lost in a world and mind that wasn't her own.

Maka was nervous when she came into school Monday. She hadn't told Soul about the insults she'd been subjected too, and she was worried about how he would react when he heard them. But there he was, calm, cool, and arrogant like he always was. He smiles at her and she can't help but smile back. Despite everything he projected and said, Soul wasn't a bad person. And that was enough to make her smile any day.

They talked all the way to first period, nobody making any rude comments to Maka. They slipped the room just before the bell rang. A few people stared at them as they did. Probably trying to figure out why Soul Evans would hang out with the likes of her, Maka thought, a bit smug. If they only knew.

Class passed by in a blur, Maka not paying attention to the teacher for the first time in her life. She had the note sitting on her desk to thank for that. She didn't recognize the handwriting, but it was clear who it was from.

I warned you to stay away from Soul.

Maka wasn't necessarily scared, but she was worried. Arachne had already locked her in a closet. She shuttered to think what else that girl would do to her. Maka slipped the note into her pocket, thinking up ways to totally avoid what was coming. Not that she got very far. She didn't know what, or who was going to be looking for her, so how could she avoid it? Maka sighs heavily and waits for the bell.

••••••••

Soul had no idea why he wanted to walk with Maka to 5th period. He just did. As they talked, he realized that that was becoming a trend with Maka. Acting on random instinct that was. And much later after the fight, he also realized that maybe those instincts were what was helping him help Maka with this mess of her life.

They had just left Maka's locker, her teasing Soul about his obsession with cars, or more accurately, motorcycles. They bickered good naturedly about it, so it surprised Soul when a huge hulk of a guy stood right in front of them. Soul looked at him, wary.

"Dude, what the hell are you doing standing in the middle of the hall? If you're gunna just stand around, do it somewhere else."

The guy gives Soul a knowing smile, and that's when it hit him. Anger flared inside him, his hands curling into fists. The guy looks past Soul to Maka.

"Can I talk to you?"

Maka shifts, uncomfortable. Soul could tell she'd rather do anything but.

"Well, talk."

"I meant privately. No sense in having eavesdroppers."

He gave Soul a pointed look, which only pissed him off even more. Maka didn't answer and slipped a bit closer to Soul.

"Maybe some other time. I'm running late as it is."

She nudges Soul and they start to walk, the guy giving them the evil eye. When Maka passed him, he grabbed her roughly by the arm. The people around them froze, sensing a fight. Soul snapped around, blood roaring in his ears. The guys gives him a smug look, knowing Soul won't attack him when he had Maka. He couldn't have been more wrong. Soul's fist collided with his face, breaking bone and crushing cartilage. The guy let go of Maka, more worried about the blood gushing down his face than her. Soul hits him again, his instincts and anger fueling the rage. The guy grunts, going down.

Soul was dimly aware of the screaming that surrounded him. He didn't care. The guy he was unloading all his anger onto was Arachne's puppet and since Soul couldn't do it to her, he did it to him. His blood was screaming in his ears, making it impossible for him to hear Maka telling him to stop. Finally he was pulled off the guy, panting. They were surrounded by teachers, several picking up Soul's unconscious victim. The others were trying to restore order while the principle lit into Soul. He didn't care though. His only thoughts were that he hoped Arachne got the message to back off. And that Maka was safe. That seemed to be a priority for him now. Finally they left Soul alone, everyone else sent to class. Maka stayed with him though. He was somewhat dimly aware that she was skipping class for him.

"That was a little overboard Soul."

He just shrugs, now noticing that he was covered in blood.

"Maybe now Arachne will get the message and crawl back into the hole she came from."

"And what exactly is that message Soul?"

He looks into her dark emerald green eyes, knowing that every word that left his mouth was true.

"That she can't bully you into doing whatever it is she wants from you. That, if this continues, I'll go hunt her down myself."

Somehow his words managed to startle Maka and it showed in her eyes. She didn't say anything to him after that, only helping him to his feet. Soul suddenly realized just how tired he was. Maka went off to class and he slowly made his way to the bathroom. He did his best to wash all the blood off, but his shirt was ruined. Soul decided to skip the rest of the day, not wanting to be gaped at or hear the gossip that was sure to come.

••••••••

The news of the fight spread like wildfire. People stared at Maka in the halls, whispering how Soul had gone crazy because of her. And that was, in effect, true. Because that big guy had grabbed her, Soul attacked. And that had scared Maka more than anything that boy could have done to her. The way Soul had hit him spoke volumes to her. That he was angry that that guy had approached them. That he wouldn't let anyone touch her, not like that. That he cared for her.

Soul had said that the boy was Arachne's puppet. Maka didn't see the connection until she remembered the note from this morning. She shivered, wondering what Arachne would do now. She didn't really want to find out. Maka hurried out of the building, not bothering with the bus. Instead she walked straight to the library. If there was any ideal time for her to escape into another world, this was it.

Soul didn't answer the door right away when he heard the knocking. He was exhausted and didn't want to get up. The knocker was insistent though, so Soul finally lurched to his feet, suppressing an annoyed groan. When he opened it, he was beyond shocked. Arachne gave him a poisoned smile, leaning in close to him.

"That was quite the show earlier."

Soul jerked back, distain on his face.

"What're you doing here Arachne?"

Her smile widened as she closed in on him, their lips almost touching. Almost.

"What's wrong with a girl wanting to see her boyfriend?"

"Ex. We're not together anymore. How many times do I have to say it?"

We said stiffly and his comment caused her to laugh.

"Ex or not, you still amuse me Soul."

"Why don't you go try to twist some other boy around your finger? I have better things to do than deal with you."

"Oh but Soul, you know you're the only guy for me."

Arachne threw her arms around his neck, pulling him into a kiss. Soul instantly pushed her away, snarling.

"I told you to stay away from me hag. And staying away means not touching."

He ducks away from her, not caring about the hurt look on her face. Her expression then hardened.

"What's the matter Soul? Has that little flat-chested geek got your boxers all up in a twist?"

Soul glared at her, his anger from earlier coming back.

"No she doesn't. I just know an ugly bitch that's best avoided when I see one. And while we're on that topic, I want you to stay away from Maka."

Soul loomed over her, his crimson eyes filled with hate. Arachne smiled at him, not the least bit intimidated.

"Now why would I do that Soul? She's such a fun toy. You can beat up my lackeys, but you can't be with her 24/7."

Soul growls in response, grabbing Arachne by the wrist and dragging her to the door.

"If you wanna keep your face, stay away from me and Maka."

With that he promptly shoves her out the door, slamming it in her face. He sat back down, letting himself cool off. He must've fell asleep, because the next thing he knew, Wes was grinning down at him.

"Shoving girls outside isn't very nice Soul."

Soul snarls at his brother, wondering how he knew. But that was before he remembered that Wes liked Arachne alot. And she being the twisted bitch that she was would make her go him.

"Why don't mind your own damn business Wes. It ain't your job to teach me manners."

Wes gives him a sly smile that he hated so, so much.

"I was just making a comment little brother."

"Yeah well take your comments somewhere where they'll actually be appreciated and leave me alone."

Soul lays his arm across his eyes, efficiently covering them. Wes laughs and moves Soul's feet, sitting next to him.

"I can see you're in a foul mood, so I'll make this brief. Arachne told me that you want her to leave your girlfriend alone, right?"

"She's not my girlfriend."

"Whatever. Just answer the question."

"What do you want Wes?"

Soul can hear the smile in his voice as he speaks.

"I want you to distance yourself from Maka."

Soul sits up, glaring.

"The hell I will!"

Wes gives him a smile that causes him to wince.

"Oh little brother, you never were very smart. This is your deal. Arachne will leave your little girlfriend alone and so will I. In exchange, you'll have as little contact as possible. Understood?"

Soul looks Wes in the eyes, turning things over in his mind. He didn't want the deal. He wanted to hang with Maka and just deal with these assholes whenever they popped up. But Arachne was right about one thing. Soul couldn't be with Maka all the time. And he knew exactly what his brother was capable of. Just the thought of it made him shiver. He was afraid just then for Maka. If anything bad happened to her because of these two, it would be his fault. He'd gotten into a huge mess just because he was curious.

Soul finally makes up his mind and begrudgingly offers his hand. Him and his brother shake on it, Wes standing with a smug look.

"You're doing the right thing Soul."

"I wouldn't have to if jealous bitches and spineless cocksuckers like you didn't exist."

A dangerous glint shines in Wes's eyes.

"Say what you want Soul. The deal's done."

Wes walks away, leaving Soul by himself. He stared into space, not knowing what he would say to Maka if she approached him. As tempting as it was, he wouldn't break the promise. He couldn't. He feared enough, and perhaps even loved enough, to sell his soul to the Devil.