DISCLAIMER: I do not own 'Soul Eater'. All rights belong to Okubo Atsushi. I also do not own any of the songs referenced. All rights belong to their respective owners. I only own this fanfiction. Thank you.

Mexican Radio

"Alright, get outta here, all of you! We're done for the day! But I wanna see you back on Tuesday! We gotta finish this job within the next few days! We got a schedule to keep!"

It was about 3:00pm, and the afternoon heat was in full effect. Everything directly under the sun was wishing otherwise, as its rays shone down unwaveringly. There was no decrease to the heat's strength, not until it got a bit closer to sundown. Then things got cooler.

Making his way across the expanse of the unfinished house-another manor for some snotty rich family, he supposed, since common people didn't have the funds or legal resources to supply these kinds of projects, though they had to be kooks for wanting to live all the way out here, how had they even gotten the permit?-Giriko hopped into the truck with the supplies, waiting for the driver to get back. He hated not having the keys. Patience was only a strong suit of his when he had a reason to be.

Like waiting for her.

It had been a long day, and he felt he was entitled to a break. Construction work was a real pain. But he'd needed something to do, and it was one of the only options available...he could've had it much worse. At least his options had been reasonable when he'd first been left high and dry, how many years ago.

Eventually, his partner returned to the truck, a portly man whose name he hadn't bothered remembering. They'd been out drinking together as part of a group a few times. Giriko let out a growl. "Hurry it up already. I got shit t'do. Don't wanna spend the whole day looking at your ugly mug."

The male shrugged before climbing into the driver's seat. "If you don't like it, look out the window instead." Nice comeback.

The ride was relatively dull, with Giriko actually following the driver's advice, and staring out the window into space. If he looked over at his companion, who was talking intermittently and sticking too close to the speed limit, the hotheaded male was sure he'd cause an accident. And they were almost back at the compound. He'd be in his own car soon enough and heading home.

"You've been scarce lately." The statement rang in his ears, and Giriko wanted to swat it away like an annoying fly. "How have I been scarce? I show up to work. What else is there to do?"

"Two nights in a row now, you've turned us down for drinks. And I heard it from the guys earlier-you stormed out of the club on Tuesday without a single broad on your arm, or even a number." He chuckled a little, and the sound irritated the antsy male. How he longed to shut him up. Maybe he could use the tools in the back to accomplish the deed with.

"I ain't obligated to drink with you jerkwads every damn night. I got better things to do than be spending all my money on women and booze. Maybe I got other stuff I wanna take care of." This guy was edging way too close for comfort in his inquiries. He knew exactly why he hadn't been hitting up the club. It had all started after that party, and after he'd hooked up with Maka. After that, he just couldn't get his head in the game.

He had seriously enjoyed their last session together, but he'd seen the look on her face when they'd parted. She had been trying to steel herself so hard, to turn him away. He supposed he should've been more careful as well; after all, he didn't want her getting mixed messages, and thinking that he was actually interested in going any further. No, she was just a nice roll in the hay. A good lay. He was being soft with her, but also rather aggressive; it might've come across as him actually wanting to start something.

He'd already crossed that one line by saying her name when they'd fucked. He wasn't going to slip up like that again.

When it was all over, he didn't need her. No matter how strong his desire was, he. Didn't. Need. Her. He could live without her. He'd prove it. Hell, it wasn't like he was even going to go looking for her again-he'd gotten his fill the last time they'd hooked up. Just one more taste. That's all he'd wanted. To finish the session at the bookstore. He'd done that, and more. Mission completed. She didn't want him anymore either, he'd seen the the way she looked at him.

Or maybe, just maybe...somebody was being stubborn, and refusing to come clean about their true feelings? Was it more than one somebody? Or just the one? One was the loneliest number, after all...perhaps it should've been two. Two could be just as bad as one.

Noticing the fact that Giriko had gone silent, lost in his thoughts, the driver gave a knowing chuckle, and shook his head. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you found yerself another girlfriend. I know you were all mopey over the last one, when you first signed on with us-"

He was unable to finish his words, as with a sudden lunge and yank, Giriko had jerked the steering wheel to the side, effectively swerving the car. The driver let out a holler, and slammed on the brakes. Now they were stopped in the middle of traffic, cars rushing past them in the center of the lanes, honking furiously.

Giriko gave him one of his patented slasher smiles. "Next time, you're roadkill."

The man said nothing, simply nodding his head rapidly like a bobblehead, and started the car again. This would be the last time he drove with the short-tempered man. No wonder he could only get a job here-no one else would've been willing to deal with him! He was a liability! This company had a habit of taking in the rougher guys who were interested in turning a profit. The ones who couldn't get work because of their history...what sorts of skeletons were hiding in Giriko's closet?

The driver decided he'd rather not know.

And the man in question? He was sitting back in his seat, thick arms folded across broad chest. He'd been doing so well-they'd almost made it back before he lost it. A smaller flare up, but still. His thoughts drifted back to the work of the past. God, how he missed getting his hands dirty! She always gave him the best missions.

Which returned him to the topic at hand: nobody was allowed to dig around in his life, much less dig up anything that had to do with her. Absolutely no one. This went double for someone like Maka. The girl he was trying to cut out was doing her best-unintentionally-to make herself at home in his war zone. He couldn't have that, just like she couldn't stand him disrupting her order. He was chaos, she was balance. They were polar opposites.

In the end, that old memory refused to concede her crown to another, as well...

…...

Sunday night was made for studying. At least, that's how Maka saw it.

The day had been dull, no surprises or outbursts. Maka had sat in her room working on her homework for her History class from nine in the morning, until around noon. After making a small meal and taking a break, she'd gotten to work on some Math, which she wound up completing by four. After that, since she'd really had nothing else to do, she'd simply done some extra studying for Science and English. That had gone on until seven, when Soul had come home.

Amazingly, Maka's mind was pretty focused throughout the day; those thoughts that had been plaguing her for the last week seemed to subside on this day. Sunday truly was a day of rest. Funny how Maka's form of relaxation took the guise of something mentally laboring. But that was just the way she operated.

Soul had had some errands to take care of, and then he'd gone to hang out with their friend Kilik and discuss music-related things. Another boy's day. Maka didn't mind, though. This lull, these peaceful moments, they weren't going to last forever. Eventually, she be back at work for the task of trying to mend that fractured relationship, and setting her heart on the right path, whatever that may be.

She wasn't sure how it happened. One moment, she'd stood up to go outside, and had greeted Soul when he came in. The next, they were standing together in the kitchen, her washing some vegetables, and him chopping up meat. As he'd taken off his shoes and shrugged off his coat, the words had come tumbling out of her mouth.

"Let's cook dinner together tonight."

Shutting off the tap and heading for the counter, Maka's heart was pounding hard as she pulled out the other cutting board, and another knife. Slicing the tomatoes, she wracked her brain for any sort of reason as to why she'd put herself in this situation. The only conclusion she could come to was that she'd simply wanted to jump ahead in her progress with Soul. Impatient little flea, wasn't she? Now she found herself in a situation that should've been familiar, but was instead complicated and weird.

There was a sizzle as the meat landed in the pan. Soul was watching it carefully, occasionally shifting the pieces with chopsticks. Maka was impressed by his cooking prowess. When they were younger, he hadn't been used to cooking on his own, so a lot of his food came out a bit off. But now, it was no sweat for him to whip up a meal. He used to have a bad habit of burning curry. Now, he was a pro at cooking the spicy stuff. Maka had enjoyed it more than she'd let on that first night back.

"Are you done with the vegetables?" Maka jumped; Soul wasn't looking at her, but he had been addressing her. How had he known she'd been staring at him? Usually he never had a clue. Laughing a tad nervously, Maka resumed her work, eventually transferring the salad to a large clean bowl. Now it was time to make the rice. Maka had saved this one for last, it was easier, in her opinion, than dealing with the veggies or the beef. She could make rice in her sleep. It was one of the first things her mother had taught her how to cook, way back when...

And it's one of the only times I can actually remember Papa being around for. At this, she found herself smiling, if only slightly as she washed the rice. Her father had wanted to help too, but in the end his help, as far as cooking matters went, was more of a hinderance. So Kami had shooed him away. Maka remembered how she'd giggled at her father being banished from the kitchen. He'd put on such a wounded act, but she knew he'd been happy, watching the two of them work together, mother and daughter.

That was...such a long time ago, it seems. I'm like a completely different person now. Maka knew that change came with age, but it was still sometimes so hard for her to believe that the past hadn't actually happened in an alternate timeline.

"There!" The rice was in the pot, and the pot was in the cooker. Washing her hands, Maka looked at Soul once more, to see that the meat was almost finished. He was stretching, and after giving it one more look-over, he shut off the stove and went to grab plates. Maka brought out the sauces, and both of them placed these items on the table outside at the same time. There was silence between them for a few moments. They were just standing there, Maka holding her right arm while leaning to that direction slightly as well, Soul with his hands on the tabletop, leaning forwards. He then turned his gaze to Maka.

"Rice still isn't done yet, right?" She shook her head, and he nodded.

"Did you just study all day today?" It was her turn to nod. He added on, "What classes were you working on?"

Well, of course she had to expect conversation when she spent time with Soul. It's what friends did, after all, even friends who weren't quite sure how to approach one another. Maka knew she had to put in more effort, so she prepared to answer him. "History, Math, Science and English." She rattled them off perfectly. She couldn't only be answering questions, she had to engage him, too. "How did your errands go today?"

"Alright. I ran into Black*Star and Tsubaki while on my way to the bank. I think it must be their anniversary or something, 'cause he was bugging me for ideas on what would be 'the best present ever'. I didn't really know what to tell him." Soul chuckled to himself. "In the end, he yelled that he was going to gift-wrap himself. Of course, Tsubaki heard all of this. I told her to make sure the idiot doesn't suffocate." Maka couldn't help it, she grinned in spite of herself. That was Black*Star, all right. Only he would come to the conclusion that he was the best gift anyone could receive.

Her grin softened. Tsubaki and Black*Star were complete opposites. Black*Star was hardheaded, and short-tempered. He was always quick to issue a challenge, or to accept one. He didn't always use common sense in his everyday life, but he was very spirited, and although he acted overly confident, always going on about being a God and whatnot, he was still there for his friends when they needed him. He would always joke with them, but he never once tried to put them down.

Tsubaki was reserved, extremely polite, and quietly cheerful. She was the one who kept Black*Star from getting into more trouble than he already did. She cleaned up his messes, and never asked for anything in return other than his love. Being as energetic as he was, the boy had plenty of that to give. And although she didn't start fights, she could certainly finish them if necessary. She was strong where it counted, in her heart and mind. Her soul was resilient, which is why she could keep up with someone like Black*Star. But she was no slouch in the physical arena too.

Maka mused over this. Although they seemed so different, when the two of them came together, it was just...they seemed to mesh in a way like no one else. Their connection was special. It had been forged by them and all the specific situations they had been through, first as friends and then...something more. It was unique and powerful. Unbreakable.

The thought crossed her mind before she could stop herself: Could Giriko and I ever have such a bond?

"Ahh, Soul! That's right, I was going to ask you!" Maka put on a wide smile, and the boy was a bit startled by her cheerfulness. "What's up?" She was jumping head first into another random conversation, because she could not, would not entertain that question. They were over. It was done. Finished. No more.

"Have you picked out the day you want your party to be held on? The time?" Any subject was better than the one that led into such dangerous territory. She couldn't go down that road, she'd start missing him again. She shouldn't have been missing him in the first place!

"Mm, I was thinking...how about next Sunday? We can start later in the afternoon. Does that sound good? That's the setup I told Kilik, and he was cool with it. He's going to tell the rest of the guys as well." Maka nodded, that bright smile still plastered to her face. Not wanting to look scary, she tried to relax it some. "Sunday. That's one week from now." One week. One week's time she had to pull herself together so she could actually face everyone while Soul was present at this get-together. Could she manage such a feat?

Well, she'd always been one who liked a challenge, too. "Sounds great! I can't wait! I'll be sure to go shopping a couple days in advance. Did you have any sort of special menu planned?" His face lit up, and he started going over the ideas he'd had in mind. Maka felt her nerves easing some. Soul seemed pretty comfortable around her, and the way they were going on right now, it almost felt like the old times.

Almost. Just needed to get rid of some of those pesky secrets that were blocking their way first.

Once they'd gotten the list of necessary ingredients and the like logged down, Maka looked back towards the kitchen. "I think the rice should be done by now. Let's start bringing everything else out to the table." Soul followed her lead with a nod and a smile. Maka was becoming warmer. She was acting more like how she used to, when they were together. He was glad for that. Relieved, even.

The date had been set. In one week's time, both Maka and Soul had to get their shit together, or go down trying. They were both strong-willed, but fear was a powerful adversary. It took many forms, and they grappled with it endlessly in their daily life. Was this going to be the moment that they finally broke the shackles, and came clean?

Countdown starts...now.

…...

With the sun shining high in the sky, another humid but clear day began in Death City. Everything was proceeding as usual; businesses were offering their wares and services, cars were going here, there and everywhere, small crowds were milling about outside.

At Shibusen, classes were set to begin, as usual. A couple hours in, after the sunrise, the first lessons of the day let out, and students set off to more classes, left if their work was finished for the day, or went anywhere else on campus if they had time in between lessons. This was where Maka found herself; she had a spot of free time now that English was over.

As she waved goodbye to Marie, she took note of the fact that Stein was on his way to her room-they must've had something personal to talk about. It wasn't discussed openly, but it was a known fact that the screwball Science teacher and the sweet, if slightly airy English teacher were an item. Another 'opposites attract' type deal. Maka was surprised by how many of those were starting to show up in her life. Perhaps she'd just never thought on it before?

Well, first things first. I'll go catch up to Kid and the girls, and let them know about the party. After that...I don't know, the library? She hadn't been there since the new librarian had taken over. Her father had considered him weird, but she wasn't sure if she could trust his opinion. After all, he hadn't been very happy when Soul had moved in with her. And even now, if he saw them together, he'd warn the male not to lay a hand on his daughter. Fat chance of that happening.

What would her father say if he found out about Giriko?

The color rose in her face faster than she could track it. She quickly ducked her head, not wanting anyone to see the massive blush of...embarrassment, she supposed, darkening her face like she'd been outside too long, staring at the sun. Even if she didn't tell him the details, it would come up, sooner or later: their sex life. Her father would freak if he'd found out that Maka had fall-

She stopped herself them, so suddenly that it was like an ice cube had been placed in the center of her body; everything was cooling down, the color in her face was diminishing. She was getting way too far ahead of herself here. Why would her father ever know about Giriko?

She wasn't going to tell him, because there was nothing to tell. It was over, he hadn't even looked back when she left. She was certain that he'd had his fun, and that this chapter in her life was over. She just couldn't stop beating a dead horse and reliving the memories. She really needed to find something better to occupy her mind with. Thanks to those 'memories', she was skating on thin ice with her best friend. Granted, Soul had started it first by not telling her he was in love with a cat girl, but she supposed that had been started because she'd first turned away, and he'd found himself following suit, which was how she'd found him when she tried to go back.

And it had all stemmed from that incident. When she hadn't been able to protect the boy she claimed to love. That was when the fear had taken hold. Technically, Maka was the one who was at fault here. The attack planted the fear, but she was the first one to give into it. That's how it seemed to be in her view. It was on her to make things right, no matter what wrongs Soul may have committed. She started it first. She had to own up, and clean her part of the mess.

"Ah, there they are." Thank God, the trio were just a few feet up ahead. Focusing on the party, Maka gave them the date. They agreed to it, and she set off towards the library with a new bounce in her step. She was being productive! She was fostering positive change in her life's relationships!

Making her way towards her school-bound hideaway, Maka didn't even notice that she was coming up on the nurse's station-it had completely slipped her mind that they were on the way to one another. It wasn't until the door suddenly swung open and she'd had to sidestep to avoid it.

Looking over with some annoyance, it disappeared as she came face-to-face with none other than the nurse herself, Medusa. Apparently she was heading out, for a reason unknown. Her sharp gaze raked over Maka's thin, slightly smaller form, as she tried to place where she'd seen this face before. This girl looked so familiar.

Does...she not remember me? Maka had no clue, nor any idea if that was a good or bad thing. As Medusa's eyes continued to study her, it finally clicked.

"Crona." Her voice was steady. "Maka...Albarn? You know Crona." Silence. Maka nodded slowly. Yeah, I know her all right. "How is she?"

There was a pause between them, and Medusa bore a stoic look. Then, it gave way, to what was meant to be a warm smile. There it was again, that distance in her expression. "She's doing well. I have people to look after her while I'm away at this school." There was a spark in her eyes when talking about her daughter, but it wasn't one of fondness. The enthusiasm was a sham. Her daughter did not interest her, not the way she should've. That was the impression Maka got.

The very hint of this possibility, that she didn't actually care for her child, brought a new sense of fear to Maka's mind. Could Medusa possibly have...abused Crona? It would explain why she'd run away. But she'd been able to calm her down when they'd met at the church, and Crona had followed her then, too.

And Medusa was a teacher here at this school-Maka didn't want to imagine that anyone associated with this place could be so despicable as to abuse a child with mental illness. She didn't want to think of Crona having to suffer anymore than she already had. In such a situation, if you couldn't trust your parent, who could you trust?

"I'm happy to hear that." Medusa knew that she couldn't know, this skinny fresh-faced blonde couldn't possibly have any inkling as to her ultimate plans. But she still didn't like that hint of emotion to her features, that wariness in her eyes. She was more adept than Medusa first pegged her for; her mask was starting to slip more, being in this environment for so long. She needed to break the tension, and fast. Was she doubting her motherly abilities?

"She hasn't had any incidents since the last time we met. And she now knows how to use the buses, though most of the time she prefers to stay with me when we travel. I prefer it that way, too. You know how mothers worry. Especially in Crona's case." This wasn't entirely true. Yes, Crona had learned about public transportation, when she'd had to go places with her mother, but like hell Medusa was going to let her outside to run about on her own. No matter how much progress she were to make.

That was her dirty little secret that she didn't want the world to know. A living, breathing reminder of all she'd had to give up, and then the hoops she'd had to jump through just to reach this point. She was fearful though, yes. Of that, she wouldn't deny. But she could keep it-and the girl-under control.

On the other hand though, perhaps having Crona had helped to train her in preparation for all she'd had to do during this time in her life...the highlight of it, if you would. That was something she could be thankful towards her for. Those tests had served her well.

Maka looked at her carefully, scrutinizing the woman in a way only she could. Medusa may have been a little off, but no matter how Maka thought she sounded, there was really nothing in her words to suggest that she didn't love her child. It was all just speculation, that she probably shouldn't have been doing in the first place as she had no idea how things worked in a situation like that. Who was she to judge this woman, anyway? She obviously had to work very hard to support her daughter. Nobody could fault her for that.

"Well, I'm happy to hear that." There wasn't anything else she had to do here. She would leave the woman be, wish her well and continue on her way. "I've probably bothered you enough as is, so I'll leave you to your work. Have a good day." The woman bowed slightly, waving a hand. "Same to you." Behind her smile, the serpent's tongue twitched-she was happy to see that suspicious girl go. This wasn't good. Someone who knew about Crona was attending this school. She should've seen it coming, but...

"Huh? Maka?" That voice. Medusa knew this person too, the white haired boy with the red eyes who now stood in the hall, staring at both of them in confusion. "Medusa...?" He obviously remembered her.

She gave him her patented smile. "Ah, so you come here too. Evans, right? Soul Evans." She had memorized both of their names without meaning to, but it was alright. Now she had a lead to follow in keeping busybodies off her trail.

Of all days that she would run into Soul at school, it would have to be at the exact moment she was talking to Medusa. Giving the boy an awkward smile, Maka filled in the details. "Our nurse got transferred, so Medusa signed on to take her place."

The boy looked at her. "You knew?" She couldn't tell if he was upset or not. If so, he was very good at hiding it.

"Well, I...kinda-sorta, yeah, I knew, but I didn't talk to her until today, so. You're not missing anything now. Eheh..." Although she didn't like not speaking smoothly, she'd at least managed to get through her answer without completely mangling it. Soul seemed to accept this, both her reply and the fact that Medusa was here. He gave her a nod, and prepared to head off.

"Well, welcome to the school. Tell Crona I said hi. Later Maka, I got class." She waved after him, not seeing him let out a long breath as he turned away. Man, his heart had been pounding hard. Seeing that woman again had brought back so many memories. It was as if the scar on his chest was on full display for all to see, in those few moments he'd looked into her gaze.

She reminds me of a snake. I'm not so sure that's a good thing. Trying not to dwell on it too much, he left the scene. Maka too had already scampered on, marveling over how calmly Soul had reacted.

He's strong. I got tongue-tied when I first saw her. But he was able to talk his way right out of it without breaking a sweat. Nerves of steel, that one. Sighing, Maka pushed open the large doors, and slipped into her wonderland of books.

The library was nearly deserted. Maka didn't see any other students around as she browsed the shelves, picking and choosing titles that sounded interesting, swapping out one choice for another if something more intriguing came along. As much as she wanted to borrow the whole library at times, she could only do three books at a time. Her bag was nearly stuffed to max capacity as it was.

As she continued her search, Maka noticed a figure standing off to the side, seeming to watch her. It was a taller male with a hat pulled down over his eyes. She said nothing, simply figuring that he was one of the lone students who'd come here today, like her. He kept popping up though, out of the blue while she walked from shelf to shelf. Eventually, she assumed he was following her, and waited for him to actually come up and say something. But he never did, and soon enough she forgot about him completely.

It wasn't until she went up to the check-out desk that she saw him again, and did a double-take. He was the one operating it! This was the new librarian! From the way he was dressed, she'd have guessed he was another student. But yup, when she looked at the face under the brim of the now recognizable plaid hat, it was him. The guy she'd seen walking with Medusa the other day.

"Here." She handed over the three books, which he proceeded to scan and stamp. But instead of handing them back to her, he just stood there, looking down at them in his arms. Maka was confused. "Umm...can I have my books now?"

He looked up at her, a strange gleam in his eyes. "These books?" She nodded. "Yes. You marked them as borrowed, so I'd like to take them and be on my way."

"Are you sure you have to take them?" What? What kind of a question was that? She looked at him, baffled. "Well, I opted to borrow them, signed them out and everything, so I would say...yes, I do have to take them. What's the point of borrowing them otherwise?" Why was it so hard for him to give her the books?

"But are you sure?" He seemed to be breathing harder, and his voice was speaking a little faster. Maka stared at him. "I mean, you could just check out the books, but then...stay in here, and...not take the books away?" What nonsense was this? "I have to take them. Do you expect me to borrow them, and then stay in here to read them? I have other classes, I have to go home. I borrowed these books specifically so I could carry them around."

He was fidgeting a little, looking down at the books in his arms again. "Well...yes," he said simply. Maka shook her head, before swiftly reaching across and snatching the stack out of his grasp.

He let out a whine of pain as she made her way to the doors. He should be glad she didn't decide to Maka-Chop him, too. Books were important, and she loved the library, especially because, in a sense, she could take it home with her. This guy was way too attached to these books. Maka wasn't going to let some hoarder stop her from her pursuit of paperbound entertainment and knowledge! "Thanks, I'll bring them back when I'm done with them!" Her voice was too loud-she was channeling her inner Black*Star, it seemed. But at least she was done here.

Shibusen, why? Why do you attract all the weirdoes? Maka mused on this as she put the three novels into her bag, then hefted it up on her shoulders. It was time to find a new quiet spot where she could go and enjoy her finds. She didn't need that fool breathing down her neck as she read them, too.

With all the madness surrounding her in her everyday life, time away with Giriko almost seemed normal to her overworked mental state.

Almost.

A/N: ... 'peeks out from Mr. Corner' Anybody out there...? It's been a little quiet on the homefront recently. I hope I haven't scared you all away? 'worrywart tiem' ^^;

So. That concludes Chapter Fourteen! This one was...a mix of things, I'd say. Some development, and a bit of humor. And some stuff that is just...wow. [*cough* Noah the librarian *cough*] Hence, the title. Like I said before, all the chapters [and the story itself] are named after songs. If you happen to listen to this one, you may understand why I named it such. [Also, the mini-contest is still on!]

Now, moving on...how did y'all like it? ^^-

Gradually, bit by bit, Maka and Soul are putting the pieces of their friendship. I thought the part in the kitchen was...kinda cute, if a little awkward. I loved writing out Soul's retelling of his encounter w/Black*Star and Tsubaki, in particular. Leave it to him to command attention, even when not physically present. XD

Also, there was more introspection on Maka's part, as to things w/Giriko. As much as she denies any sort of interest or attachment to him, he seems to creep into her thoughts, even leading her to further analyze the relationships around her. There are a LOT of 'opposites attract', and perhaps...they're helping to encourage more of these musings. Could she, would she allow herself to entertain such an idea w/a guy like Giriko? And what about him? What does he see her as?

Speaking of Giriko...we also got some more development on his end, too. Another peek into his daily life, this time at his place of work. As you can clearly see, he too has a lot weighing on his mind. Both Maka and a certain someone else are demanding his attention...and he has no clue where to go from there. This is not familiar territory for a guy like him at all.

Hee hee...also, DON'T try to get into Giriko's business or private life-he WILL fuck yo' shit up, it just depends on the level of intensity. His coworker got off lucky. XD

And then, the ending. How was that? It's certainly an interesting note to end on. Noah/Eibon was a bit tricky to write, but hopefully, I got him down about right. It's fun, having to write all these different characters w/their own unique personalities and voices. I really liked penning out this fic. :)

As always, feedback in any form is welcomed, encouraged, and appreciated. As long as I'm making someone happy out there, I'm satisfied. X3

Next time: Darkness and Light. Two sides of the same coin; both worlds are different, but share the common thread of being tangled in their own ways...and eventually coming together as one knot. Can anyone even come close to unraveling things, w/out losing their sanity...or their life?

See you soon, everyone! Take care!