This chapter is based off real events: My sister passed away unexpectedly on December 31st 2014, she was 30 years old. She went to sleep and didn't wake up. The phone call I received was from my Mom and it played out much like the one written. The feelings are a mix of my own as I use this as a way to deal. Please bare with me as I use this as a form of therapy. I promise then next chapter wont be so sad. Again thank you all for reading I enjoy hearing from you so keep it up your reviews help.

Reality can be so uncool

Soul x Maka P.O.V.

I'm in the kitchen cooking an early dinner before our friends come over to celebrate New Year's Eve with us, Maka's taking a shower when my phone started to ring, I pulled the device out of my pocket and looked at the screen, 'Mom', she must be calling to wish us a happy new year and make sure we made it home ok.

I push the talk button, "Hello."

"Soul…" She says with a shaky voice.

"What's wrong, what happened?" I say frantic wanting to know why she sounds upset.

"Your Father's gone, Soul he's dead" She starts to cry.

"What?" I say, Maka looks at me curious as she stands in the hall in a towel, fresh out of the shower.

"He laid down to take a nap, I should have checked on him sooner."

"How?"

"He stopped breathing in his sleep, Wes did CPR until the EMTs got here but they couldn't bring him back. Soul, we couldn't save him, the bed was still warm but he was cold, he's gone." She starts to cry again while I stand there speechless, unaware of my surroundings.

I finally made my way to the couch and sit down putting my head in my hand as I thought about the last time I had seen him. I thought about all he would miss out on, how I would never hear him again, never hear his voice. I felt the tears streaming down my face.

Maka crouched down in front of me, "What's going on?"

I heard Wes on the other side of the phone, "Mom, the EMTs want to know if you would like to see him before they take him?" His voice was chocked out.

"I don't think I can do that." She cries.

Maka sat patently waiting for an answer.

"Soul, I'm so sorry but I have to call and let your grandmother know."

"Ok… I love you Mom, hug Wes for me."

"I love you too."

The call ended and I was able to put the phone down before really breaking down. Maka pulled me into her and held me.

"My Father's dead."

Maka hugged me tighter, "I'm so sorry." her voice breaking a bit.

We sit and cry until I can't cry any more. I start to move; Maka pulls away ad stands up as I do the same. I walk back into the kitchen.

"I turned everything off so we wouldn't have to worry about it." Maka says.

"Thank you."

"I can finish cooking."

"It's ok…" I say picking up where I left off but I didn't get very far as all my thoughts are running a thousands miles an hour. Maka takes over when my phone goes off again.

I walk back to the couch and pick it us; it's a text from Kid.

"Would you like us to pick up anything on our way over?"

"Nope, just bring your selves, could really use my friends right now, just got a call that my Father's dead."

"Oh… we will be there shortly."

"Thank you."

There was a knock on the door.

"I can tell them we need some time if you need me to." Maka says as she walks to the front door.

"No, I need friends around me." I say.

Maka nods and opens the front door; she steps out and closes the door behind her. I assume she is letting Black*Star and Tsubaki know what's going on because when the door opens Tsubaki has tears in her eyes and Black*Star walks over giving me a hug.

"Dude this sucks, I'm sorry." Black*Star says.

"Thanks." I say not knowing what else to say.

Similar thing happens when Kid gets there with everyone, less tears but more hugs. The rest for the night passes in a blur of sad conversation and laughter only to be changed back to reality that my Father is no longer alive. I had explained to Kid what had happened and was able to do so like I was talking about someone I didn't know. Why was I able to say all of this without crying? I started to feel mad at myself for not being in hysterics, mad at myself for allowing myself to have friends over to celebrate the New Year and laugh. What was wrong with me, my Father just died and here I was laughing with my friends about a stupid video on the internet we had all seen. I started to retreat into myself, pulling back to figure out why I was capable of being here and not a crying lump of useless human being.

Everyone must have started to catch on because they all said they should get going, they wanted to make is home before Death City became a cesspool of drunk.

"I understand." I say as I give them all hugs and wish them a good night and a Happy New Year. Once everyone was gone Maka sits down next to me on the couch.

"How you doing?"

"Better then I should be I guess."

Maka curls up to me laying her head on my shoulder, her legs across my lap. I reach over and pick up the TV remote, turning it on, I change the channel to the ball drop and put it on mute. I don't want to listen to how happy everyone is.

"Soul, if you need anything don't hesitate to ask." Maka says.

"Just be here with me." I say.

We sit there for a long time, I listen to her breathing, my mind thinking of some of the craziest thoughts, some of which I hate myself for. Even though we were not that close he was still my Father and I did love him, in the last couple of months things were really starting to change and I had hopes that it was the beginning of a new start for us, funny how things can change in a single moment. One minute life is great and the next you find out that someone who you just started to have a great relationship with is gone from your life, never to come back.

Part of me believes the reason I am having mixed feelings and am able to still enjoy small chunks of time is because for the longest time I had gotten use to not having him around. Even recently, we didn't talk on a day to day basis, so my mind is able to switch back to thinking there is nothing wrong until something would remind me that he is no longer here.

Maka's breathing is very shallow and I know she is asleep. I look up at the TV for the first time and realize the ball has been dropped and they where showing highlights of other firework shows from around the world. I look at the clock, 12:11 AM, time to try and get some sleep. I pick Maka up and carry her up the stairs to our bedroom, putting her in bed. I go into the bathroom and brush my teeth, my mind still racing.

Climbing into bed feels nice and as I lay there staring at the ceiling, I'm repeating in my head, My Dad is dead, he's not coming back. Trying to get a reaction out of myself but nothing happens. I drift off to sleep.

When I wake up an hour later I remind myself of the events of the evening, My Dad is dead, he's not coming back, you'll never see him again. Still no reaction, I sleep again. I wake up a handful more times and still nothing even though I repeat it every time, by morning I'm tired still but know I need to get up. Maka is up already making breakfast and I find that surprisingly I'm hungry. I sit down at the dinning room table. Maka brings out a plate and sets it in front of me.

"How you doing this morning, how did you sleep?"

"I'm ok, I slept off and on."

She's watching me as I pick up the fork and start to eat my eggs, "I'm really ok Maka."

She smiles at me with her worried smile but goes back to the kitchen only to return with her own plate. We eat in silence, I think Maka is to scared to say anything, she's not sure how I will react to anything, hell I don't know how I will react to anything. As she's picking up my plate, I hear my phone ringing; I must have left it on the coffee table in the living room. I get up and hurry to answer it, it's Wes.

"Hello."

"Hey bro, how you holding up?" He asks voice low.

"I think I'm doing ok, how about you? How's Mom?"

"Mom's a mess right now but she's dealing, she's already starting to go through pictures and stuff."

"What about you?" I say a bit worried that he hadn't answered that part of the question.

"I tried to save him; I did CPR until the medics got here."

"I know Wes, I wish I would have been there to help, thank you for trying." I don't know what else to say, I can hear him calming down.

"Soul we could really use you here right now." Wes says.

"Have any arrangements been made?" I ask.

"Mom is going to have Dad cremated so we are just going to have a memorial for him so that we can give people time to get into town since it was so sudden."

"Ok. I will help as best I can but I got to get something's arranged here first, I will let you know as soon as I can what my plans are. With it being New Year's Day, Death City is shut down, I can't even get a pilot for Kids privet jet, please let Mom know I love her, and I will be there as soon as I can."

"Alright."

"Be strong for Mom."

"Will do."

"Ok Brother, I'll keep in touch."

"You better."

"I will, love you brother."

"Love you too."

I hang up, put the phone down on the table and sit back on the couch. I rub my face with my hands before running my fingers through my hair, taking in a big breath of air and releasing it slowly.

"I'll start packing." Maka says standing in the arch way between the dinning room and living room.

I close my eyes and nod; I feel her body heat before she sits down on my lap, wrapping her arms around my neck in a hug. I instinctively wrap my arms around her pulling her in not wanting to let her go. I feel the tingles in my nose and the ache in my eyes before I feel the hot tears slide down my cheeks. I break down and let reality take over. My Dad is gone.

I spent the rest of the day in and out of break downs and Maka is there to help me through each one, I eat a light dinner, emotions not letting me be hungry, and I'm so tired I call it a night earlier then normal. Maka lays in bed with me until I fall asleep.

Sleep was good to me, no dreams and I sleep really hard. I get up to find Maka had already gotten up. I walk down stairs to find her on the phone.

"Thank you so much Kid, he's going to be happy to know that we wont have to deal with normal flight stuff and his family will be glad to have him home so quickly."

Silence… "Will do Kid, thank you again."

She hangs up the phone and turns to find me standing on the last step of the stairs.

"Kid is letting us use the privet jet, he knows it's important for you to be with your family and the Death City airport wont be up and running until the fifth. We can leave as soon as we are packed."

I step down off the last step and walk over to her, taking her in my arms, "I love you."

"I love you too Soul… Would you like me to call Wes and let him know?"

I shake my head, "No, I'll do it. You should go finish packing."

"Ok."

She pulls back and I kiss her on her forehead. She smiles and walks past me and up the stairs to finish packing; I pick my phone up off the coffee table and call Wes.

"Hello." His voice almost sounds normal.

"Hey Brother, Maka is amazing and talked with Kid, we are flying out as soon as she zips the suitcase closed."

"Remind me to get on my knees in her presents when you two get here."

I laugh, "Will do. Let Mom know will ya?"

"Of course, she's going to be happy to have you two here. Should I send a car to pick you up, it's gotten kinda cold here; you really shouldn't ride your bike."

"Yeah I guess your right." I say with a sigh.

"Wouldn't want you two catching your death…" He paused.

"It's ok Wes; we need to move past this."

"Your right, just don't let me say things like that in front of Mom."

"How is she doing?"

"Better, she feels like Dad is helping her in someway."

"I guess that's a good thing."

"How are you doing?"

"I'm back and forward with it. Maka's really helping."

"I'm glad you have her… Hey I got to go, the funeral home is calling, love you little bro, see you when you get here."

"Love you too Wes."

He hangs up and I take a deep breath.

Back on a plane, at least I didn't have to go through security this time. I walked up the stairs to find Maka franticly moving between the closet and the suitcase on the bed, she was mentally calculating the easiest way to pack enough clothes to last up to two weeks while keeping it to a minimal. I sit on the edge of the bed and watch her as she pulls out two of my suits and holds them up, she doesn't need to ask and I point to the all black suit, she nods and puts the other one back before packing the chosen on in the suitcase. She goes back into the closet and stands staring at her options. I know she doesn't have anything black, she's not like most women with a little black dress and she's never had a reason to wear a black dress, I only had the suit because of the DWMA diplomatic crap.

I stand up from the edge of the bed where I was sitting and walk into the closet and wrap my arms around her waist placing my chin on her shoulder.

"I don't have anything…" Her voice shaky.

"It's ok, we can buy you something when we get there."

She turns in my arms putting her face on my chest. She starts to shake and I realize she's crying. I hug her tighter.

"I'm not supposed to cry. I need to be strong for you." She says.

"It's ok Maka, let it out. You knew him just as well as I did."

That thought hits me hard and I start to tear up but I choke them back, we can't both break down at the same time.

I let her cry until she pulls away wiping at her tears.

"I guess we're all packed then."

"Have I told you lately how amazing you are?"

She blushes, "Soul…"

I lean down and kiss her, she relaxes in my arms, I never want to forget this feeling. She breaks away, "I'm going to go call a cab, double check the suitcase before you bring it down." She says giving me another kiss.

I watch as she leaves the room, I check the suitcase before closing it and hauling it down the stairs, placing it by the door. Maka's on the phone talking with the cab company while she does some last minute cleaning. I watch her mindlessly, it feels as though I have been on autopilot for the last couple of days and I loved Maka even more for putting up with it, I love that I could be out of it and she would take care of me, I loved that I could trust her enough to be there, I don't know why I ever doubted it but I know I shouldn't have. Dad was right, she is special.

An hour later we were on the small privet jet and I had Maka in my arms on one of the couches, all I wanted to do was hold her close to me and she let me knowing that's what I needed, it's a great thing, being able to feel each others wavelengths sometimes, Maka and I could go an entire day with out opening our mouths but understanding each other better by the end of the day. Being so relaxed we both slowly fall asleep.

When I wake up we were landing. Maka was still asleep surprisingly; she always wakes up before me on flights.

"Maka…" I whisper in her ear.

She moans and snuggles into me more but doesn't wake up. I kiss her forehead.

"Maka, it's time to wake up, we're landing."

"Have we hit the ground?"

"No not yet."

"Then I still have twenty minutes."

I smile and relax into my seat; she snuggles into me again allowing her breath to caress my neck. I close my eyes enjoying the feel of her so close to me. The feel of the plane reconnecting with the earth jarred me out of me peaceful trance as well as woke Maka up. She sat up and looked around before looking at me.

"Did you sleep well?" I asked.

"Yeah, what about you, did you get some sleep?"

"Yeah, it was a nice little nap."

"Good, you need your sleep."

We waited to be told that we could get off the plane, which happened sooner then we thought, being in a privet jet they let you off on the tar-mac where our car was waiting, our suit case already loaded.

Maka and I slid into the back of the car.

"Good evening, Mr. Evans, Ms. Alburn; so sorry for your loss. My name is David; I will be your driver for this evening. Is there anywhere you would like to go before we return to the Evans residence?"

"Thank you David, but no thank you, I think it is best if we return, however tomorrow we will be needing a ride into town." I say.

"Unfortunately Mr. Evans, tomorrow is my day off, however your Brother has told me that if I leave the keys with you that that will suit you more then my services."

I laugh, "Thank you David that would be great."

"You're welcome Mr. Evans."

"Soul…" I say.

He looks in the review mirror, "Soul."

I smiled, "This is Maka, my fiancé."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you David." Maka says.

We sat in silence for a long time while Davis dealt with airport security and the traffic of the airport as well as getting on the highway. Maka curled up next to me, not falling asleep this time; she must have noticed my wavelength was more stable when she was next to me, touching me.

I knew that I needed to prepare myself emotionally for our arrival, Mom and Wes were doing ok but who knows what they will be like when we get there. I couldn't afford to break down if they did, I wouldn't leave Maka to deal with all of us losing it, no I had to be strong.

David pulled off the high way sooner then I wanted him to and we were rapidly approaching our destination. Breath Soul you can do this.

The car turns into the drive and it's not long before it comes to a stop. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, I can feel Maka's wavelength wash over me as her hand reaches out to take mine.

"Soul?"

"I'm fine, I can deal with this."

I let go of her hand so I can open the door and get out. David has gotten our bag out of the trunk and has already walked up to the door. I stand next to the car waiting for Maka, as she climbs out I take a hold of her hand again knowing it would bring comforting waves to my soul. We walk together up the stairs and I ring the door bell.

The door opens and Nana takes us both into a hug with out a word, the three of us just hold on to each other for a couple of seconds before Nana pulls away with tears in her eyes. Nana turns and walks in the house, Maka starts to follow.

"Thank you David." I say taking our bag from him.

"Your welcome Soul, again sorry for your loss." He hands me the keys to the car and turns, walking down the stairs.

I turn to find Maka waiting for me; I walk in and close the door. Putting the bag next to the stairs and the keys in my pocket, I take Maka's hand again. We walk into the formal living room that is already filled with flowers.

"Did Nana say where everyone was?" I ask Maka.

"No, she just said she had something's to attend to and how happy she was that we were here."

"Time to play an old game then." I say with a smile.

Maka looks at me confusion on her face.

"Marco?" I yell, my voice echoing off the walls and through out the house.

"Polo!" I hear coming from up stairs.

I lead Maka up the stairs taking our bag with us, once at the top I put the bag down and call out again.

"Marco!"

"Polo!"

We turn right and head down the hall, at the first set of doors I yell again. "Marco!"

"Polo!"

We walked down a couple more doors; Dad's study. I open the door and find Mom and Wes sitting by the desk. Wes gets up and walks over to us.

"Marco!" I say with surprise.

"Polo." He says in a low voice giving me a hug, "So glad you guys got here so quickly, Mom wants to kiss that Lord Death of yours."

"I don't know how Ilona would feel about that." I say before explaining, "She's his girlfriend."

Wes nods, but is pushed out of the way by Mom, "Soul… Maka…" she says on the verge of crying.

We both take our turns hugging her, while she's hugging Maka Wes leans over, "She hasn't slept really since it happened."

Maka looks at me from over my Mothers shoulder; she must have heard Wes or she could sense it through me.

"Grace, would you like some tea? I can make some for you." Maka offers.

"That would be great." Mom says.

"Let's go down stairs, we can have it in the living room; give these boys some time to catch up."

Mom nods.

Maka wraps her arm around Moms waist as she leads her out of the study, she looks back over her shoulder as if to ask if I'd be alright.

I nod and mouth "I love you." She smiles and does the same back. They left the room and I turn to Wes, "How have you been holding up?"

He sighs, "Good considering, I'm talking to a grief counselor because the EMTs suggested it, they told me they all have to do it after there first failed CPR. That's been helping me deal with the feelings of being a failure to bring him back."

"Wes, I can't even imagine, but know that at least you tried, at least you were here."

"Soul, don't. Dad knew you had a life in Death City and he was so proud you were doing so well on your own. He always asked when I was going to move out, teased me that my little brother was out doing it on his own, yet I still lived with Mommy and Daddy."

I laugh, "Yeah but you travel all the time, if you had a place of your own you'd never see it."

"That's what I told him, that and they'd miss me to much."

"So have arrangements been made?"

"Yeah, we just got off the phone with the funeral home when I herd your Marco. Dad wanted to be cremated, we are going to have a memorial for him the thirteenth, nothing fancy but we will have a church ceremony and then people will come here after for food and what not."

"Ok. How's the rest of the family taking it?"

"They all seem to be ok; Grandma has been expecting it since he told her he had cancer so she wasn't really shocked."

"I guess that's a good thing, means we are only planning one funeral instead of two."

"Yeah, however she might die when she sees you. Dad told her that you and he had made amends and that you were getting married."

My Grandmother on my Dads side has been bitter towards me for sometimes now, when she found out that my Mom had hidden the weapon blood from my Dad, she advised her son to leave and take Wes with him. She stopped seeing me as a grandson the day she found out I was a weapon.

"Great as if I'm not dealing with enough."

" Trust me you and Mom are in the same boat, Grandmother Evans is staying here, she'll be here on the tenth, she wants to go over Dad's will and make sure things are set right."

I roll my eyes, "Guess Maka and I will stay up in my old room, we got any space heaters?"

Wes laughs, "Do what you got to do."

"So Mom hasn't slept?"

"Not really, she does off and on but she refuses to go into the room."

"Do you blame her?"

"No, not at all, but she could sleep in another room."

"Maka going to drug her?"

"Don't know, never asked what's in the tea, I just know when I can't sleep one cup of that and I'm out for twelve hours."

"That will do her some good."

"Is there's anything I can do?"

Wes pounders the question for a few seconds. "Yeah you could play some music for the church thing. Only if you feel up to it, I just know Dad was beginning to understand your music and he spent hours listening to the small clips he did have of you playing. I remember, right after the two of you left from Christmas he had been sitting up here in this chair listening to an audio file when I heard him yell "I get it." He talked about it at breakfast the next morning he wanted to call you but Mom wouldn't let him knowing you and Maka wanted some peace and quiet. But then when I was looking for his will I found this."

Wes hands me a piece of Paper, "It's a letter he planed on sending you when you got home."

I look at the paper and start to read.

Dear Soul, my son,

I now understand what you mean when you say you play from your soul, I stayed up all last night listening to the piece you played for us at Christmas, the one you said was inspired by Maka, and I get it now. I can hear the story you are playing and hear your life and how Maka effects it, how the highs and lows start off, separate from each other, the low having it's doubts of self worth but never questioning it's purpose, the high knowing where it's going but scared to let anyone go with. When the two finally crash into one another it's like all the doubts and pain disappear as one completes the other, the melody blending well as if they are one, it truly is how your two souls are isn't it? I can't wait to hear more of your music now that I feel I have found the key to decoding it. Soul you are an amazing person and I'm sorry I couldn't see it until now. I love you son.

Your Ignorant Father,

Frank Evans

I must have started crying about half way through knowing he wouldn't get to hear my play ever again, this was the first time I wanted to sit down and play for him, and he wouldn't even need to ask me. Knowing I would never get that chance makes me sad. Before I could say anything Wes was hugging me, not saying anything just hugging me. I gathered myself and pulled away.

"How have you been?" Wes asks. "Have you been sleeping?"

I shake my head, "It comes and goes, Maka's been a real help."

"How is she handling it?"

"She has broken down a couple of times. The school teaches us how to deal with loss, but the only tell us what its like to lose comrades and partners not parents."

I guess for Maka it would be both a comrade and a parent if we ever fought side by side with her Dad and Stein.

"Wes hugs me again, this time I think it was more for him then for me. When he pulls away he says, "lets go see how Maka's doing with Mom."

I nod and we leave the study, the one room in the house I never liked to be but now I left drawn to it. We walk down the hall, down the stairs and into the living room finding Maka sitting at one end of the couch, book in hand, Mom spread out, her head in Maka's lap sleeping.

"Told you the tea would do it." I smile.

"I'll take her up stairs and put her in one of the guest rooms." Wes says as he begins to pick our Mother up and carry her up the stairs.

"I see you found something to do." I say.

Maka smiles, "I was reading to your Mom before she fell asleep."

"Well lets go get settled in, I could use some down time before dinner."

Maka looks at me with a pouty lip.

"Don't worry you can take the book with you."

She smiles, stands up and stretches before following me up the stairs. When we walk past all the guest rooms and up the spiral stairs she asks, "Why are we staying up here."

"Because, this house is going to start filling with relatives, some of which don't think I should mingle with the normal people."

"Oh."

I set our bag down and walked over to the bed, laid down and signed. Maka came and laid down next to me and opened the book.

"Would you like me to read to you?"

I shook my head closing my eyes. "I'm going to take a nap, wake me in a bit?"

"Will do." Maka says.

I listen to her breathing and slowly drift off.

I wake up, what seems like only minutes later, to Maka shaking me, "Soul, dinner is ready, Nana would like to know if we are coming down."

"Yeah, let me wake up a bit."

Maka leaves and I hear her say, "We will be down in a few minutes." She then is next to me on the bed. "How did you sleep?"

"Hard."

"You snored, you hardly ever do that."

"Sorry."

"It's ok, you needed your sleep."

"I feel like I could sleep for days." My stomach growls in disagreement.

"Let's go eat; Nana says they made meat loaf."

I stretch and get up. Maka and I make our way down the stairs and into the dinning room, where we find Wes.

"Where's Mom?" I ask.

"Sleeping…what's in that tea?" He looks at Maka with a smirk.

"Herbs. I didn't drug her if that's what you're thinking; I would never do that; she not your brother."

"Wait… you've drugged me?"

"Only twice."

"I've drank that tea more then that."

"And the other times it's just herbs."

Wes laughs, "You think I could get a cup of herbs after dinner, I have only been sleeping a couple hours at a time."

"No problem Wes." Maka says with a smile.

Nana brings out the food with the help from one of the kitchen helpers.

"Nana please join us for dinner." I say.

"Are you sure, I have quite a bit to do…"

"Yes I'm sure, now sit. It doesn't feel right just us kids."

She smiles and sits down; we dish up and start to eat. Wes doesn't eat much, not like he use to, and Nana can't take a bite without sniffling. Maka and I seem to be the only ones able to eat, but then again we have not been through the trauma of that night. We finish our meal with little conversation, Maka offers to help clean up but Nana insists that the tow of us go upstairs and get some rest. We agree and head upstairs, I know what's in store for us in the next ten days and it will help if we are well rested.

I wake up the next morning early; I got up not wanting to wake Maka. I made my way into the bathroom doing my morning routine before getting into the shower. Standing there not wanting to believe the reason I was standing in this shower, in this bathroom, in this house, and not my own. I felt my auto pilot switch being flipped, not even Ogre had anything to say about it. I showered and dried off, I walk out of the bathroom to get clothes from our bag, slipping into my boxers and jeans, I hear Maka move.

"Soul… Soul?" She says sitting up.

"I'm right here Maka." I say, trying to calm her.

"Are you ok?" She asks.

"Yeah… I'm ok. I'm going to go down and see what's for breakfast; do you want me to wait until you get dressed?"

"No, its ok, I'm going to take a shower."

I nod and pull a t-shirt over my head. I walk down the stairs in a blur and find myself sitting at the dinning room table, in the same seat next to my Fathers place that I have sat in since I was probably two years old and waited. I don't know what I was waiting for, maybe for the tears to come, maybe for my Mother or Brother to ask if I was ok before breaking down in to un-consolable tears.

They say that when you lose a loved one that it's normal to be depressed for weeks, even months, unable to do normal day to day activities. What was wrong with me? I know I should feel sad, and I do for five minutes at a time but the length of time between these tiny slaps of reality seem to get further and further apart. Is it because I went so long without him in my life that I was dealing with the loss of him better? My last two visits seemed more like dreams everyday, not having him here seemed more natural then spending time with him, does this make me a horrible person for feeling this way?

"Soul… Soul!"

I look up to find Wes' gave, "I said good morning."

"Sorry." I say rubbing my forehead against my palm.

"How did you sleep?" Wes asks.

"Fine, you? Did you get some of Maka's tea?"

"Yeah actually I did and I slept like the dead."

I look at him and smile.

"Oh, bad pun."

"You better watch yourself around Mom, you know she never cared for our sense of humor."

"We got it from Dad you know."

"Really? I always thought that we got it from Grandma Hubbard."

"A little, but I recently had noticed that Dad had it too."

"Maybe that's why they didn't get along, to much alike."

"Probably." Wes says.

"Probably what?" Mom says walking into the dinning room, Maka behind her.

I get up and hug my Mother before greeting Maka with a little kiss. Wes pulls out a chair for Mom, I attempt to for Maka but she glairs at me.

"Oh, we were just discussing the reasons Dad and Grams didn't get along." Wes says.

"My Mother and your Father did have their differences but deep down they're so alike." Mom says. "By the way, she's coming into town tomorrow, Wes would you mind picking her up at the airport?"

I speak up before Wes says anything, "How about Maka and I pick up this Grand parent, you can pick up the other, since you're her one and only favorite grand son."

Wes smiles.

"Soul, you know your Grandmother Evans loves you."

"Yeah, when I'm not around; how many visits did she make before she realized I had moved to Death City? And after that did she ever once ask about how I was doing?"

"She did once, right after the battle with the Kishin Asura, she wanted to know if you were still alive." Wes says.

"My point exactly."

"I don't have a problem picking up Grandmother Evans." Wes says.

We both look at Mom and she has her head in her hands. "I don't know how I'm going to deal with that woman."

"When does she get here?" Wes asks.

"Monday morning."

"Drink…a lot…" I say.

My Mother lifts up her head to look at me, and instead of horror on her face she's smiling, which is scarier then any horror movie killer I've seen. She then turns to Maka.

"Maka, sweet Maka, how much more of that tea do you have?"

"Oh… um, I might need to go pick up some more."

"We can do that after picking up Grams." I say.

"She'll enjoy that." Mom says.

The rest of the morning passed in a blur, like most days recently. Mom and Wes left to run some stuff, while Maka and I helped Nana get the house in order for guests. One of Dad's brothers was coming and bringing his son and his nephews, the other brother made the excuse of having to work along with his wife. I was warning Maka about my uncle and how he doesn't think much more differently then his mother, my cousins weren't any better. The only one I was looking remotely forward to seeing was Grams and my Aunt on my mom's side, but my Aunt hadn't gotten back to either my Mom or Wes about weather she was coming or not.

I figure funerals are only good for two things, free food and seeing family you have missed seeing for ten years. My Mom and sister Faith had a falling out a while back over none other then me and have not spoken to one another since, even after my Mother excepted me as a weapon, man my family is messed up. I went to bed that night wondering what tomorrow would bring.

The next morning brought excitement and nervousness, Maka and I wait by the car in the pick up area of the airport. Grams has always been my favorite even before the other started treating me like I should have been tossed into a river. Grams was always up beat and was there holding my hand when my parents fought about me being a weapon, that was until my Father told her not to come back because no matter what they decided to do she didn't have a part in it.

I lean against the car, Maka in front of me, my arms wrapped around her waist. I'm lost in thought when Maka gets my attention.

"Is that her?"

I look at the large group of people trying to figure out which one Maka is looking at, when I see her. She's not your typical Grandma and she has with her two other people. Maka gets up when I release my hand and we walk in the direction of my long time no see family.

"Little Soul, is that you?" Grams asks.

"That can't be him Mom; this guy is to tall and way to built to be our little Soul." The other woman says.

"It's good to see you two." I hug both of them. "Grams, Aunt Faith this is Maka my fiancé." I look down to the girl attached to my Aunts arm. "And who might you be?"

"My names Ashley, I'm eight years old and I'm special."

"Mom never told me you had a kid." I say to Aunt Faith.

"Yeah well she didn't approve considering I didn't marry Ashley's Father. He kinda freaked out when I told him she might be special so he left."

"Oh and she is?" I ask remembering what the little girl said just a few minutes ago.

"Yep."

"Lets get your stuff loaded up and we can talk in the car." Maka says.

We walk back to the car and I load their stuff into the trunk. My mind starts to think and as soon as we are out of the crazy traffic of the airport I ask.

"So what are you Ashley?" I look at her via the review mirror.

The girl looks hesitant. "Its ok honey, your cousin Soul is just like you."

"Maka's my partner, my Meister." I say.

"I'm a knife." She says shyly.

"That's awesome." Maka says looking behind her at the little girl.

"I wanted to talk to you about that school you attend, but it can wait." Aunt Faith says. "So… you two are partners? How long have you been together as more then that, keep it PG, we have little ears."

I look over at Maka; glance back to the road and back at her once more seeing her color change.

"We've been partners since orientation at school, but just recently got together."

"Well I'm glad to know you found someone who loves you for who and what you are." Aunt Faith says.

"When are you giving me great-grandbabies?"

Maka sinks lower in her seat, leaving me with a shit eating grin.

"Mother!"

"What? I'm getting old."

"Could have fooled me." I say.

"Maka, do you have any members in your family that are weapons or do you come from a line of Meisters?" Aunt Faith says changing the subject.

Maka sighs, glad to be talking about anything but making babies. "My Father is a scythe, a Death Scythe to be exact, my Mother was his Meister."

"Oh, hence why you got the scythe Meister genetics." Grams says.

"Maka is much more then that, she's also a weapon." I say.

"Really." Aunt Faith says.

"Yep and I'm learning how to wield her."

"Now that's awesome." Ashley says.

"Indeed." Grams says.

"We have to stop at the store for a minute, you guys need anything?" I ask.

"Nope, we are good." Aunt Faith says.

"Has your Mother been eating?" Grams asks.

"Yeah, she picks, but she hasn't missed a meal except dinner last night since she needed the sleep." I say.

"Hmmm. I think I might pick up something for dinner." Grams says.

"Are you going to make tacos? Please say you're going to make tacos." I say starting to drool.

"If that's what you want, I guess I'm making tacos." Grams laughs.

"It's been far to long since I had your tacos."

The back seat erupts into laughter that is contagious and we are all laughing by the time I pull into the parking lot of the store.

We all get out and go into the store, splitting up so we can divide and conquer, we all get what we need and meet back at the car. Driving again it's not long before the question is asked.

"So when's the big day?"

"It's set for December thirtieth next year." I say.

"But we should probably change it." Maka says. "Nothings set in stone so if your family doesn't want to do it the day before…"

"We'll talk about it." I say.

The rest of the ride was quiet; we pulled into the drive and get out. I take the luggage while Maka is able to take all the grocery bags. We all walk into the house; Mom's standing in the entry way ready to greet Grams and our two unexpected guests.

"Gracie, how have you been holding up?" Grams asks as she hugs her daughter.

"Oh, I'm hanging in there."

I put the luggage next to the stairs and lead Maka back to the kitchen just as I hear my Mother and Aunt start to talk. I open the door to the kitchen and hold it for Maka as she walks through and puts the bags on the counter. As I turn I see we are not alone.

"Thank you for your services, but we won't be needing them tonight. Have a great paid night off." I say to a man who is blinking at me. Is this the guy who's been cooking for my family for who knows how long and I'm just now meeting him. He smiles and nods before exiting the kitchen.

Maka starts to unpack the bags, taking all the refrigerated items and putting them where they needed to go. I pull out the rest of the bags contents just placing them on the counter for later use. When I turn around Maka wraps her arms around my waist and hugs me, resting her head on my chest. I wrap my arms around her and we stand there, eyes closed, feeling each other just breathing, our hearts pounding.

Maka lets go first just as I hear my Grams, "Oh, didn't mean to interrupt."

"You didn't interrupt anything." I say.

"We were just re-syncing." Maka explains.

"It's important for a weapon and Meister to be connected." I add.

"But you two take it to a new level, don't you?" Grams teases.

"They sure do." Wes says as he walks in the kitchen.

"Shut up Wes, your just mad cause I got a girl."

"Touché little brother. But I'm sure Grams doesn't want to hear about it." Wes says hugging the person in question.

"I only want to know what I ask… So how's the sex life?" Grams smiles.

Maka turns bright red.

"On that note, Maka and I are going to… go anywhere but here." I say taking a hold of Maka's hand and pulling her out of awkward.

We find ourselves walking past my Mother and Aunt and into the front living room. Ashley is sitting on the couch doing much of nothing so we sat down next to her.

"It's boring when adults talk." I say giving her a smile.

She smiles back.

"So when did you know you were a weapon?" Maka asks.

"Mom has always told me that I could be a weapon, she's been telling me that for as long as I can remember but about a year ago is hen I transformed for the first time."

"Was it a full transformation?" I ask.

"Yeah."

"That's really hard to do, I know it took me awhile to master it." Maka says.

"Your situation was different; you were told you were a weapon. Most of us don't know, we change because we are stressed out or scared, that's when full transformations happen. Maka's only known about being a weapon for four months." I explain.

Ashley nods.

"How did it happen?" Maka asks.

"Well a guy Mom had been seeing for awhile came to the house one day, he had been drinking. He never hurt us before so I was confused at why he was so mad. When he took a step closer to Mom, grabbing her arm I put myself between them and kicked him, this made him angrier and he went to hit me, Mom grabbed my arm to protect me and I transformed. Mom held me and told the guy to leave, which he did."

"Wow." Maka says.

"Have you and your mom been ok since?"

"Oh yeah, Mom doesn't date much now, she told me she screwed up and she would never put me in that position again."

That was nice to know, my Aunt Faith had her daughters best interest.

"You're a weapon too? What are you?" Ashley asks me.

"I didn't tell you earlier?"

She shakes her head.

"I'm a scythe, a Death scythe." I say.

"What's the difference between a scythe and a Death scythe?"

"Every weapon is special but at the academy Maka and I attend, weapons can become stronger by becoming a Death Weapon, meaning that can be wielded by Lord Death, he's like the head mater of the academy, and one of our good friends." I say.

"How do you become a Death Weapon?"

"After you partner with a Meister and train really hard and get good grades you can be sent out on assignments where you and your Meister partner will work together to collect Kishin-egg souls, it's hard work, but when you have ninety-nine of them Lord Death will assign you a special assignment to hunt down a witch gone, once you defeat them and have their soul, you will become a death weapon." Maka explains.

"What's a Kishin-egg?"

"A person who's soul has gone bad." I say.

"And you have killed them."

"Think of them as already dead because their soul has been corrupt." Maka says.

Ashley looks from one of us to the other.

"Don't worry you have awhile before you get to that point." I say.

"Are you two telling her about the DWMA?" Aunt Faith asks.

"More like scaring her about the DWMA." I say.

"It's scaring for everyone at first at least that's what all my friends say. Only a few of us have grown up in Death City, our friend Black*Star and I were really the only ones who were not scared to go, but then again my parents both went, my Dad still works there and Black*Star was raised by a teacher. We were attending the school before we were officially attending." Maka explains.

"I wanted to talk with you two about getting Ashley enrolled." Aunt Faith says.

"She's old enough to live in the dorms with a house mother; they take care of students not yet old enough to live on their own. When she turns twelve she can live in the off campus dorms or move into an apartment with her Meister. Each student is given a housing allowance and food money; they can get part time jobs until they start getting paid for assignments." Maka says.

"So the house mothers teach the kids how to take care of themselves?" Aunt Faith asks.

"Yeah, I never lived at one, but I had friends that did. The house mother teaches you how to do all the domestic stuff so by the time you are twelve you know how to cook and do laundry as well as budget your allowance."

"Well Ashley can already cook and do her own laundry."

"Then she is one step ahead of the game." I say.

"When we get back to Death City we will let Lord Death know and he will contact you." Maka says.

"That would be great." Aunt Faith says.

I let Maka talk more about the DWMA, she knows more about it then I do, I settle for spacing out while I listen to the three of them talk.

The rest of the afternoon is spent talking and catching up. I take a break to see if Grams needs help in the kitchen, but Wes has it covered and I end up sitting on the counter in the corner answering embarrassing questions about my life and listening to Wes stumble through his own embarrassing interrogation.

When dinners ready we all sit and enjoy a rarity in this house, tacos. Mom hates them because they are so messy and ends up eating hers with a fork. Maka and I help clean up, doing dishes with Nana who has become more of a guest in the house then waiting on them. Wes is first to call it a night, claiming he wanted to be at the airport early just incase Grandmother Evans got in early. Aunt Faith and Ashley went up not long after; Mom took a cup of Maka's tea and went to bed as well. Leaving the three of us to stare at each other; Grams insisted that we escort her to her room and then told us to go to bed as well. After showers, Maka and I crashed, falling asleep quickly.

I woke up to Soul sitting straight up and gasping.

"Soul are you…"

"She's here." He says laying back down.

I hide my giggle and my relief and lay my head down on his chest.

"Should we get up and go see her?"

"Let me prepare… What time is it?"

I look over him to the night stand. "Seven thirty."

"Damn Wes was right; it's too early to deal with a full blown Kishin."

I laugh, "Soul she can't be that bad."

He looks at me glairing, "She wanted my Dad to divorce and disown my Mother and I when she found out about me being a weapon."

I shrugged my shoulders not knowing what else to do.

"Come on, let's get this over with." Soul says sitting up and getting out of bed.

I watch him as he walks to the bathroom and closes the door. I get up and slip on my school uniform, feeling more confident in it then anything else in my bag. Soul walks out wearing a pair of dark wash jeans and a plain white t-shirt.

"Good choice Meister, knowing you go to the same school I do will put you in the same boat as me."

"I wouldn't want to be in any other boat." I say kissing him before we head down the stairs.

Before we even reached the entry I can hear Grace talking with an older woman and a man. We enter into the formal living room where I can see one couch has been taken up by three younger men; I assume they are the cousins Soul warned me about. Two have darker hair and look to be our age if not just under, the third has blond hair and looks to be between Wes and Soul in age. There is a dark haired man talking with Grace and Wes, must be the Uncle. Grace is barely holding her own in a conversation with the older woman who's hair is the color of salt and pepper and is done up in an old fashion up do. Everyone goes silent when they notice Soul and I standing their, Soul grips my hand a bit harder.

"Good morning." Soul says.

The boys on the couch go back to talking with each other. Soul takes me over to Grace.

"Grandmother Evans, this is my fiancé Maka Albarn, Maka this is my Grandmother Lillian Evans."

"Nice to meet you." I say.

The woman looks me up and down. "I don't see what's so special about you, but my son had said some good things about you so I guess you are suitable for someone like Soul."

I could feel Soul's wavelength shudder as he tried to bite his tongue.

"Maka and Soul are amazing people Grandmother Evans, Father was very proud of them." Wes says.

"Yes well it was unfortunate that in my son's time of weakness you came back and clouded his judgment of the situation."

"I was the one who found Soul and brought him home." Wes says.

"You had good intentions I'm sure, however it was my own sons stupidity for accepting it."

"Say what you want about me but, please don't call my Father stupid, he was a lot of things but stupid was not one of them." Soul says in a calm voice.

"Oh he was stupid, how else do you explain him falling for the scam you and your tramp pulled on him?"

"First off don't call my fiancé a tramp, she has a name, it's Maka and second, we didn't feed him a scam, only the truth to the life style you shunned your family from being aware of. We risk our lives so people like you can live in a world shrouded from fear."

"Risk your lives, please, all you do at that ridiculous school of yours you like to call an academy is play around with other freaks and pretend to save the world."

Soul was shaking now, "Maka show her."

I lifted up my shirt high enough to show the starburst scare, Soul lifted his own shirt showing off his own scares.

"Does this look like paying around to you?"

The room went silent as the woman looked at us. Soul dropped his shirt and my hand and turned, walking out the front door.

I put my shirt back down, "Funny how it took some of the same scares to convince your son that his own son was worth something. Soul got his Father back for a short period of time and I won't let you or anyone else tarnish that relationship. We don't ask that people apologize, we just ask them to open their eyes and see." I say, turning to a smiling Grace and Wes, and walking out the front door to find my Weapon.

I find Soul standing in the front yard, just standing. I walk up to stand beside him taking his hand in mine.

Soul sighs, "I just need some normalcy, you up for some training?"

I smile and transform.

I feel his grip tighten as he starts to twirl me around, I am slicing thought the air with more power with each pass as he let's his anger come through in his mock attacks. I am swung around for what seems like thirty minute, which does not seem long by our training standards but Soul has never been this intense. I start to feel his wavelength waver and know he's getting tired which means it's my turn. He jumps up letting me go, I transform back and hold out my hand knowing he would land in my grip. I spin him around my body and in my hand; I do some flips and some spins until I feel them, how long have they been watching? I go into a defensive stance but stand when I see Aunt Faith, Ashley and Grams standing on the porch. I let go of Soul who transforms back.

Ashley's clapping and Aunt Faith is smiling, "You two are really good at that." Grams says.

"We have to be." Soul says sounding a bit irritated, taking off his shirt to wipe the sweat off his forehead.

We both walk up to the porch.

"Don't give me sass Soul, it was a compliment. Grams says.

"Thank you and I'm sorry."

"No need we understand, we caught the last half." Aunt Faith says.

"Well I'm going to go shower." Soul says.

"Ok, I think I'm going to grab a book out of the library and then meet you upstairs." I say.

"Oh, us adults plus Ashley are going to go with your Mom to put last minute touches on things, we'll be back for dinner."

"All of you are going?" Soul asks.

"Well your Mom, Aunt and I had it planed, but you know Mrs. Evans and her spawn have to make sure we don't ruin anything."

"Got ya, what are Doom and Gloom and the other one doing?" Soul asks.

"Don't know, but Wes is here."

Soul nods and goes inside.

"Take good care of him Maka." Grams says.

"Always." I smile.

I go inside avoiding everyone and making a clean break for the library, I close the door behind me and start scanning the shelves for any titles that sound interesting. I pull out a particularly thick book and thumb through it seeing if any of the content interests me but decide to put it back, I do this several more times until I find one that seems promising. I lean up against the big wooden desk and continue to read.

I know they are coming before they open the door; I look up just as the door opens. The blond leading the posy looks at me.

"Well hello, I don't think we have been properly introduced, my name is Damian, this is Ryan and his brother Tom, we are Souls cousins from the more fortunate side of the family; your names Maka right?"

I try and be nice since they have not done anything to me, I smile, "Yeah Maka Albarn, nice to meet you."

"So you like to read?"

"Yes I do, it's a bit of an obsession if you ask Soul."

"Speaking of Soul, I saw the two of you out there on the lawn, you were pretty impressive."

He's standing next to me; one of the brothers is standing behind me, the other on the other side of me. I feel a chill run down my back as the hair on the back of my neck stands up. Damian's hand slides down the side of my cheek.

"You looked really good, the way you moved, no wonder Soul wants you."

I brush his hand away from me and he knocks the book out of my hand. Things happen quickly and I try to get out but I am pushed back, my back against the desk, I hit my head and couldn't think. The brother that was behind me has my hands above my head holding them down, the other brother has a hold of one of my legs pinning it to the desk, Damian has the other as he stands between my legs trailing his fingers up my thigh.

"Soul!" I yell as I struggle against them.

"Go ahead and scream, My Uncle Frank had this room sound proofed. Oh, by the way that was a nice looking scare you showed our Grandma, did you scream when you got it? I bet you did, do you have any more? Wait don't tell me, I want to be surprised."

I scream again as his hand lifts up my shirt.

"Aww what's the matter you can comfort Soul in his time of need but not us, we are feeling loss too."

I had to calm down; I could reach Soul through our wavelength. I went silent for a few seconds closing my eyes, sighing when I feel Soul.

"See boys, she does like it, told you if she can spread them for the freak, she wouldn't be able to resist us for long."

I open my eyes and start to laugh which catches them off guard, "Oh your in trouble now."

The door opens and Wes and Soul are standing in the door way.

"Let her go, and back the fuck up." Soul says.

"What the hell are you guys doing?" Wes says. "Please don't tell me the three of you were going to do what it looks like you were going to do, I might have to turn my back and let Soul use you as training props if that's what you were doing. But I don't think our family could handle three more funerals."

"We were…"

"Leaving, get the fuck out, don't let me even catch you looking in Maka's direction or I will let everyone know what happened, stay in your rooms, take your meals there, your to grief stricken to come down for meals, the next time I want to see you is at the memorial and then the day you get on the plane to leave. Do you understand me?"

The two dark haired boys shake their heads and run, Damian stands there glairing. Souls are transforms, "You may be older but I can kill you, I've killed over two hundred, you want to be part of that list?"

"Fuck you, Freak." Damian says walking out of the room.

Souls arm transforms back, "You ok Maka?"

I nod, "Yeah, I'm glad we have our connection."

"Me too; come on, let's get you up stairs." Soul says helping me sit up.

Wes picks up the book on the floor and hands it to me, "You know you can press charges if you want."

"Nothing happened thanks to you guys, really I'm ok."

Wes nods.

We make our way upstairs; Soul helps me get into the shower, insisting that he checks me over for marks.

"I really am ok Soul, once the adrenaline wares off I'll let you know if anything changes." Truth is I'm shook up but I am dealing with it, if he hadn't been there and things went further it would be a different story, but my brain had not switched over to survival mood, so no damage done. I took my shower and thought that what I really wanted to do was just lay in bed with Soul, no horrible Grandma, or crazy rapist cousins, just the two of us, for one night.

I got out of the shower and put on my sleep clothes and crawled into bed, Soul was laying there reading the book I had brought up.

"Are you going to read to me?" I ask snuggling up to him.

"I don't think I could even if I wanted to, what is this crap Maka?"

"Nothing important put it down and hold me."

He puts the book on the night stand and wraps me in his arms. "You're really ok? I can hide the bodies, I'm sure Kid has some connections."

"I'm fine, you did good, I don't think they'll look at me or any other woman for that matter the same way again."

Soul laughs, "Good."

Maka drifts off to sleep and I was left holding her, running my fingers through her hair, playing with strands of it. She moves in her sleep, bringing her leg up over my body, my eyes close, her knee grazes over my lower half. What is wrong with me? I can't be thinking about sex after everything that has happened? Dad's death aside, I can't push Maka into that situation so soon after she was assaulted. I lay there trying to get a nap in myself when my phone starts to vibrate. I pull it out of my pocket and it's a text from Kid.

"Just wanted to check in. How you holding up?"

"I'm doing ok considering." I text back.

"When are the services?"

"The thirteenth."

"Hang in there, it does get easier."

"Thanks Kid."

"Who was that?" Maka asks while rubbing her cheek on my chest.

"Kid, just checking in."

"Oh." She yawns.

We both drift off, the next time I wake up it's to my cell again. I look at it, a text from Wes.

"Told Mom you were keeping Maka company because she had a migraine from hitting her head earlier, so your off the hook for dinner."

"Thanks." I text back.

I fell back to sleep feeling surprisingly tired.

The week flew be relatively quick, it was filled with tears and laughs as the ups and downs of every ones emotions played off each other. Maka and I were able to avoid the other side of the family, Wes helped a lot and we spent most our time helping Mom. We helped, making sure flowers and other things were put together. Aunt Faith took Maka a one afternoon to buy a dress since Maka didn't have anything black, I spent that afternoon with Ashley helping her with her transformation speed. We got some looks from the Evans side but brushed them off not caring what they thought. I told Ashley about our friends and how we would watch out for her when she came to the academy.

The night before the memorial, the phone was ringing none stop with people calling to confirm the time and place, more relatives, friends and even business associates where calling to let us know they were coming. Mom finally turned off the ringer and let the machine pick up. We all went to bed exhausted and dreading the next forty-eight hours.

The memorial was set for one o'clock but that ment the family getting up early so we could be down at the church by ten. I sat with Maka next to me on the piano bench watching everyone pointing fingers and talking with people about where things should go and what needed to be done. Maka took a hold of my hand and I closed my eyes, drifting off to the familiar, the red and black room. I sighed in the quietness of my soul. I was still sitting at the piano with Maka next to me but we were alone. We only got a couple of minutes of silence though, a familiar voice snapping us out of my sanctuary.

"They're doing that freaky soul resonance thing aren't they?" I hear Wes ask.

"Yes it's a kind of meditation for us at the DWMA." Kid's voice explained.

I open my eyes to find Wes, Kid, Tsubaki, and Black*Star all standing around us.

"What are you guys doing here?"

"Well we wanted to pay our respects." Tsubaki says.

"Yeah, your Dad was a cool guy." Black*Star adds.

"I wanted to offer my experience of dealing with the loss of a Father." Kid says.

"Thank you for coming." I say.

"You ready Brother? Mom would like you to play while people are coming in."

"We'll catch up after the memorial." Kid says as he pushes Black*Star to his seat, Tsubaki in toe.

Maka smiles at me and puts her hand on my leg as I start to play. I stick to classics playing softly so people can still talk. I watch as Kid offers his condolences to my family even the Evans side accepts his words while staring at the three rings that encircle his head, which wasn't to strange next to the blue haired boy.

Black*Star actually made it through the service without causing an out burst and the services went off with out a hitch I found myself tearing up when people talked about him and how much his family ment to him, especially recently after his reconnection. Maka hugged me; she kept telling me that it was ok to cry. I held it together for the most part, I didn't get uncontrollable sobs and was able to get up and talk with people when they approached me. I tried to stay positive and the rest of the ceremony went by quickly.

Maka and I ended up standing by our friends, one of the few groups of people who knew the truth about my relationship with my Father.

"That was a beautiful service." Kid says.

"Your compliments should go to my Mother." I say.

Just then I see my Mother saying good bye to the last of the guests, she turns and walks our direction.

"Black*Star, Tsubaki, thank you for coming."

"Wouldn't have missed it for any reason Mrs. Evans." Tsubaki says accepting the hug presented to her.

"Oh please call me Grace and this must be the young man I need to thank for getting Soul and Maka to me so quickly."

"Lovely ceremony Grace, you can call me Kid since we are all friends here." Kid says.

"Thank you, I wish Frank could have met you." Mom says starting to tear up.

"Oh my is this the famous Lord Death?" I hear Grams.

I turn to see her pulling Aunt Faith over to our slowly growing group.

"Kid I'd like you to meet my Grandmother Misty Hubbard, and my Aunt Faith." I do the introductions.

"Please, you can call me Grams, everyone else does."

"Then please call me Kid."

"Oh and this is Black*Star and his weapon partner Tsubaki." I add forgetting that only Mom and Wes have met them.

"Nice to meet you." Grams says.

"Nice to meet you too." Tsubaki says.

"Tsubaki, Black*Star!"

"How you doing Wes?" Black*Star asks.

"All things considering." Tsubaki adds.

The three of them go off to talk about what ever.

"Kid there is some business I'd like to discuss later but first you should meet the subject of that business. I'd like you to meet my little cousin Ashley, she's a weapon too." I say.

Ashley came out from behind her mother.

"Hello there Ashley, are you wanting to come join us at the DWMA?"

Ashley shook her head shyly.

"Well, I hope your motivation towards your academics are better then your cousins."

"Shut it Kid." I say teasingly which earns me a smack upside the head.

"Don't be to disrespectful to Lord Death." Grams says.

"You think I'm disrespectful? You should hear the way his weapons talk to him."

"Where is Liz and Patty?" Maka asks.

"I left them with Ilona, we are learning to use each others weapons, The Wicked Truth are outside, they said they didn't feel comfortable being present." Kid explained.

"How's the training going?" Maka asks.

"Well, surprisingly, never thought I'd be a close range melee Meister but it's not bad with the right weapons, all thought I do have to say my wrists hurt."

"Ilona's got strong wrists huh?" I raise my eyebrows.

"Soul, don't insinuate those kinds of things one in front of your family, two in front of a child, and three inside a church." Kid says.

"Who was insinuating? I was just stating a fact that to be able to swing two broad swords around Ilona must have strong wrists."

"Fine my apologies for taking it wrongly."

I grin. "Shall we all make our way back to the house? I'm sure the other half is going to love meeting all my academy buddies."

Grams and Aunt Faith laugh, "Only a couple more days." Mom says.

We collect Black*Star, Tsubaki ad Wes and head back to the house. Just as I thought Grandmother Evans, Uncle Richard and the pre-kishins I have to call cousins are already at the house and have taken over the front living room.

I walk in with new confidence due to the conversation we had had when she first got here as well as all the things people told me about how Dad had completely changed his mind about me and all the great things they had heard about me, he really had changed. I had warned everyone about this side of the family so they were prepared, Maka even warned Tsubaki about her experience with the cousins.

I approached my Grandmother to do the proper thing. "Grandmother Evans these are my comrades, Black*Star and his weapon partner Tsubaki, and this is our Lord Death and his weapons The Wicked Truth." I turn to look at Kid, "This is my Grandmother Lillian Evans, she believes that the DWMA is a place for freaks to gather and play games."

"My condolences about your son and your unfathomable stupidity." Kid says.

The look on her face is priceless and I walk away smiling knowing that Kid would give her the DWMA History for dummies version in a proper way, nothing better for Granny Evans.

Black*Star and Tsubaki followed Maka and I across the room to the group of three, oblivious to our approach.

"Hey guys, how has your stay been? I wanted you to meet some friends of mine, one of which you will not look at, just as you are not to look at Maka, the other sees himself as Maka's bother and if there's any thing scarier then a pissed off fiancé who can turn into a weapon it's a bother who holds the title of a ninja assassin who has godly powers. Meet Tsubaki a weapon who can hold her own and her partner Black*Star, oh and by the way they know."

I walk away knowing Black*Star would set them even straighter then Wes and I did. I pull Maka along, passing by Uncle Richard who has been really quiet.

"Better pay attention Uncle Richard, you might learn something."

I pass by Wes on our way up the stairs and he gives me a high five and a grin.

"We may or may not be back down, I'm getting a headache." I say to Wes, "thank you all for coming it would have ment so much to him." I say to everyone.

I get a hand wave from Black*Star as he continues to talk to the three stooges and a head nod from Kid who is still educating a naive woman, which from the looks of it is a story that even Excalibur would get tired of listening to.

I strip down into my boxers, pulled back the covers of our bed and lay down. I hadn't lied my head really was starting to hurt; Maka came out of the bathroom with a closed fist and a glass of water.

"Here take some meds." She says handing me the pills and the glass of water.

I take the meds and lay back down, "Are you not going to come lay down with me?"

"Oh I could." She says with a smile, "Let me change."

I watch as she walks back into the bathroom, she closes the door just a little so I can't see directly into the small room, but at the angle I'm at I can see the mirror which reflects into the bathroom. I watch Maka unzip the dress and pull it off her body, she takes off her bra revealing her beautiful breasts before covering them up with one of my t-shirts. The light is turned off and the door opens.

Maka walks over and climbs into the bed next to me. Before she can snuggle into me I turn and rest my head on her shoulder, her hand reflexively goes to my hair, she starts to run her fingers through it in a sort of petting that feels good, I close my eyes and drift off feeling the drugs kicking in.

Something pulls me into consciousness, I can tell I'm laying on my back and that Maka is snuggled up at my side, I feel her move , her nose caressing my neck before I feel her hot breath and then her lips, Oh that feels good. Her hand is resting on my bare chest and her leg is draped over my lower half, she moves said leg, rubbing me gently.

"Maka…" I whisper.

"I'm sorry." She says pulling back.

My body moves automatically follows hers, like two magnets trying to be pulled apart but failing.

"Don't be sorry."

"I should have thought about talking to you first, you might not even want to do this, this soon after…"

"Because of my Dad? Maka, just because he's gone does not mean we have to stop living. I don't know if there is some rule that says you have to wait a certain length of time before you can have sex again but you know me I'm a rule breaker, always doing what works for me, so if you're ok after what you went thought then I'm telling you I'm ready to continue on living."

She smiles; I lean down and kiss her with a heat that had been put on the back burner for far too long. Her hands are in my hair, twirling the strands around her fingers. My hand slides down finding the bottom of the shirt. I start to sit up, breaking the kiss, Maka half sits up and pulls the t-shirt over her head and tosses it. I move my hand up her stomach, over the scare, over her ribs coming to rest on her breast. I lean down and kiss her again, rubbing my thumb over her nipple giving me a moan.

I start to move so my body is over her, putting one leg between her legs, the other on the out side. I lower my mouth putting it over her breast, licking the nipple, she moans again, rocking her hips and finding my leg was in just the right spot, she continues to rub herself against my leg while I play with her nipple. I could feel the heat from her core and was starting to feel the dampness that was collecting on the cotton from her efforts. I come up off her breast and kiss my way to her neck, I slide my hand down her body halting her hips and slipping my hand under the cotton barrier.

I find her clit aroused and ready, with two fingers one on each side of the little nib I begin to massage. I feel the breath leave Maka's body in more ways then one, the feel of the sound vibrates in her throat against my lips while they're pressed hard against delicate skin. Her hands react, pulling my hair. My fingers are lengthening their stroke as the tips dip down and start to enter her before retreating only to caress her clit before repeating the movement. This starts off slow but I quickly speed u and Maka if left panting. Her hips start to move against my hand, her breath catches and I can tell she's about to come undone. I stop the assault on her neck, moving to her mouth to muffle her moans. She cries into my mouth as she comes, my fingers slipping inside massaging the spot just inside as her body tightens around my fingers. Once I know she's done being loud I let her go, her mouth openly taking in air. I pull my hand free and watch her recuperate while I take my boxers off. I hook my fingers in the waist band of her underwear and pull them down getting some help from her; I throw them in the same direction as the rest of our clothes.

I move my leg that was on the outside to the inside and slowly brought my body down, my lips meeting her stomach and working their way up the middle, I reach me neck kissing it extra slowly before moving on to her lips.

Maka pulls away from the kiss, "Should I return the favor?"

"No, that was an insurance policy, incase I can't control myself."

"I hope you can, cause I'm not ready for this to end."

I start to push myself into her, for getting how tight she can be. I get about halfway before I have to retreat and start again this time getting further, I continue this game of give and take, Maka's under me thrusting her hips up to meet mine. I slowly start to increase my speed getting it to a good rhythm, but have to slow down after a few minutes, I concentrate on grinding on her clit earning me some frantic moans, letting my body take over, it starts to speed up again finding that rhythm again, I quickly slow it down repeating my cool down of grinding and getting wonderful noises out of her. This time around I feel her body tense up and again I have to muffle her cries with my mouth, kissing her until she stops wiggling. I kiss down her chin and onto her neck gently nipping being very cautious not to leave any marks. I start to move again, slow at first working my way into it.

I start to roll my stomach muscles allowing me t keep kissing her neck with out moving while still thrusting, her hips help and I have to let go of her neck to let out a breath as I start to feel it, growing in the pit of my stomach. I let out a breath as my breathing picks up, Maka moans in response. We are breathing together an we both lean in to kiss, opening our resonance link, my mind is flooded with her feelings both emotionally and physically.

Our breathing quickens, brains over loading not knowing how to react with the thoughts and feelings of the other. I'm reaching my peak, feeling her reach hers.

I start to come, continuing to thrust slowly, feeling everything Maka's feeling, hot liquid, sliding, I feel her tighten, she feels herself tighten, my toes curl, or are those her toes? My hands hurt from gripping the sheets, I'm not releasing anymore fluid but I'm still feeling my orgasm as Maka is feeling hers, maybe it was just hers, either way I'm enjoying it as I continue to slowly thrust into her. She grips my hips and stops my movement as we both start to come down from our high. I pull free of her and she moves her leg so I can lie down next to her. I catch a glimpse of the clock before I'm fully down, 4:11 AM. My head hits the pillow, Maka rolls into my arms and we both pass out as if we had been using our link for hours.

I woke up the next morning; Maka still snuggled up to me, her warm breath lightly grazing my neck proving that she is still asleep. I start rubbing her side with my hand causing her to shiver and snuggle in even further as if she could climb into my skin with me, it makes me smile.

Her lips are on my neck again and I know now she's no longer asleep. She kisses the skin as her leg crosses over my body along with her arm; she starts to slide herself on top of me bringing her lips to my ear.

"I'm going to go take a shower before we go down for breakfast, would you like to join me?"

I started to nod and she starts to slip off me, I grab her hips firmly placing her on the spot I wanted her to be on. She closes her eyes taking in a breath, letting it out as she opens her eyes. Maka leans down to kiss me which I do hungrily as I flip her over, she lets out a sound of surprise that turns into moans as I'm already rubbing against her core, finding the entrance and pushing myself inside. Maka breaks the kiss with a loud moan, her hands going to my hips as they start to fiercely pump into her.

"Soul…" She moans loudly, but doesn't tell me to slow down, but I know that tone in her voice, I slow down, still thrusting in hard. She starts to move her hips, my breathing changes; my eyes close and I grip the sheets.

"If you…ahh…finger nails…back…" Maka tries to say.

"If you're still…thinking I'm not…doing a good enough job." I change my thrusts and start to grind against her.

"Ahhh…!"

"That's better." I say as Maka continues to cry out.

I move my lips to her neck, licking it, the taste of sweat coating my tongue. Her hands have lost the battle and are making there way up my back, I add a bit of an upward thrust, her hands jump to their posts, fingers gripping my back as Maka screams, I cut it short putting my lips on hers. I feel her body reacting, hips moving franticly, fingers turn into nails; she turns her head breaking the kiss.

"Fuck…coming…ahh…fuck harder!" She cries.

I wait a few seconds, feeling her come as blood runs down my back, before speeding up my thrusts, changing it back to a normal thrust with less grinding. Her hips are moving at a different pace, letting me go deep on every other thrust. It was my turn to come undone, my breathing starts to catch and my moans turn into growls.

I thrust in deeply, feeling the end of her, coming, "Mmmmm…fuck…Maka."

I shudder letting my body trust the few more times it needs to. Maka moves her hands from my back to my hair guiding me down to her shoulder; I happily let myself fall as I'm catching my breath. I nuzzle my nose into her neck.

"Soul, we should get up and shower before they all start to worry."

"Yeah, your probably right… five more minutes, I don't think my legs will work right now."

Maka laughs, "Soul, when we get home, if you're ready, we should get back to training and collecting souls."

"Always thinking of work."

"Well…I just…"

"Maka, I get it, we have a job to do and some normalcy will be good just like this…"

I kiss her neck bringing the flesh into my mouth, gently biting.

"Soul…No more, I don't think my body could take anymore."

"Only one way to find out." I whisper in her ear.

"How are you recouped already?"

"Magic." I whisper.

"Soul…" Maka whines.

I roll off her, lying on my back, "Fine go take your shower."

She puts her leg over me having to climb over me to get to the bathroom. I grab her hips putting her core against my still hard member.

"Soul." She says with her eyes closed.

"Maka?" I say with a grin.

She looks down at me, "We can't do this again."

"We?... You're the one."

"Shut up." She says as she continues to grind.

Maka slides far enough forward so I'm set up for entry, one thing I like about her, when she's on top she make the calls. She pushes me in moaning as she does so, my hands are on her hips helping to find our rhythm. It doesn't take long before she is tightening and moaning. While she's recouping I sit up so I can kiss, lick, and bite, so hard not to leave marks. I keep her hips moving by pulling her into me to help keep my mind distracted from biting down, but the more I kiss her neck the more I want to taste her. I settle for kissing her lips.

Maka wraps her legs around me so she can use her legs to help me keep her moving; she pulls away from my mouth, "kiss my neck."

"Can't…"

"I'll wear my hair down, Soul just do it, you won't be satisfied until you do."

She was right, I'm back at her neck kissing and licking, our movements speed up as Maka's following me lead and I'm getting excited. I pick a spot between her hair line and shoulder that is further back so it will be easer to hide with her hair. I feel her body tighten, her pulse jumps against my tongue, I take the flesh into my mouth and slowly add pressure. Maka starts to moan and the second I taste the sweet copper I feel her release, seconds later I follow, letting myself drain into her, I keep gentle pressure o her neck while our orgasms fade. I let go a few seconds later, licking it, savoring the taste.

Maka's limp in my lap, "Now we can go shower, I really need some food since we skipped dinner last night."

Maka smiles against my neck, "Well until I can move you're stuck."

I start to move to the edge of the bed, "Guess I'll carry you to the shower."

I stand up gaining my balance before walking both of us to the bathroom. I set her down on the counter, pulling out of her before turning to the tub and starting the water.

"Damn it, I did it again." Maka says, disappointment in her voice, "And I got blood in your hair."

I turn to face her after turning on the shower, wrapping her in my arms, "I let you do it because I enjoy it." I say.

She gives me a pouty lip, "At this rate I'll cause more damage then a kishin."

"That means two things, one we are so good no kishin can take us down, and two we are so good to each other that we have a hard time resisting our body's natural reactions to so much pleasure." I lick her bite mark to emphasize my point. "Now get in the shower and help me wash my back." I say turning and stepping into the shower.

Maka gets in and helps clean up my back, we take turns washing our hair and other body parts causally trying not to arouse the other again. We're in the clear when both of us are dried off and fully dressed. We walk down stairs hand in hand and headed for the dinning room. I could hear voices before I opened the door.

Black*Star, Tsubaki, Wes, and Mom are at one end of the table talking about passed assignments. Kid is talking with Grams and Aunt Faith about Ashley's enrollment, the girl in question is sitting with the Wicked Truth who are discussing close range weapon combat, I really hope they're not scaring her. When they see us they all stop their conversations.

"How's your head this morning?" Kid asks.

"Feeling better, what I need now is some food, please tell me Black*Star hasn't ate it all."

"Hahaha, close, but I knew you'd need sustenance, so I held back." Black*Star says.

Shit did they hear us?

Maka and I sit down and two trays are brought out, eggs, bacon, French toast, fruit, it all looks good, I start to eat, listening to everyone chatting away, until I realize half of our guests are not present.

"Hey Mom, where did the other half go?"

"They went home early thanks to Kid and Black*Star." She smiles.

"We are sorry for running them off." Kid says.

"No. I really mean to thank you to the both of you." Mom says, "You did a good thing."

"Speaking of leaving…" I say.

"Yes, we will be leaving this afternoon. Black*Star and Tsubaki have a warrant to execute and I must get back to the girls and get Ashley's enrollment papers started so she can start Monday."

"Do you have room for two more passengers?" I ask.

"Soul you can take as much time as you need…"

"Guys I need some normal…isn't that what you told us Kid?"

"I did, however there were things that needed to be done."

"Kid, Maka and I have training and souls to collect, we still have goals."

Kid nods, "Very well then, if you'll all excuse me I will let our pilot know we will have two others." He starts to get up to leave. "Oh reminds me, Soul, losing my Father has been the hardest thing for me to go through if you ever need to talk about stuff I'm all ears, this goes for you too Wes, from one son who has lost his Father to another."

"Thank you Kid." Wes says.

"Thanks." I say.

Kid leaves the dinning room followed by the Wicked Truth.

"So your going to get you witch soul?" Maka asks.

"Yep, then Tsubaki will be a Demon Death Weapon!" Black*Star yells.

"Why is she a demon?" Ashley asks.

"Tsubaki has multiple weapon forms because of her family's blood line." Maka explains.

"Oh." Ashley says still a little confused.

"Don't worry about it, she's the only one we know of and she's on our side." I smile.

"Well, we better go get packed." Tsubaki says.

"Yep." Black*Star adds.

The two of them get up and leave.

"Why do I feel like we are being set up for some important family meeting?" I ask.

"Well that's our queue, come on girls." Gram says.

"Should I go?" Maka asks.

"No, you're a part of this." Mom says.

I take Maka's hand.

I assume that Grace was going to read Frank's will or at least the part of it that was for Wes and Soul, but why was I apart of it?

"Maka after you opened my husband's eyes to what a wonderful person our son was, and after your announcement that the two of you were getting married, Frank felt that he had some revising to do. Soul, Maka and you will be getting a art of your Fathers money, now he knew you would not want it just sitting around so he put it into a ever growing savings account for you to use when you need it, or for your future children to use, Wes he has done the same for you." Grace explains handing Wes some papers.

"How much are we takin?" Soul asks.

"According to this, you and Maka don't ever have to put your lives on the line again if you don't want to and you could still live comfortably for the rest of your lives." Wes says as he passes down the papers to Soul.

Soul looks them over, "What about you Mom, you have this big house…"

"Don't worry; your Father had taken care of me as well." Grace explains.

"Mom, this is a lot of money." Soul says.

"And he wanted to make sure both his children were taken care of. Oh that reminds me, he also left this." She hands a paper down to Soul who looks at it. "He wanted to give back to the people who believed in you when he didn't."

"This…this is too much." Soul stands up." I will give this to Kid, he will know what should be done with it but Maka and I don't really need any of this, we have a house and everything we could ever want…"

"Then save it for the future, your Father was very excited by the thought of having grandchildren and now you have the means to take the time off to do so when you two are ready. He understood that your lives are the dangerous kind and he didn't want to see one of you work the dangerous job without the other while juggling trying to have and raise children."

"But…" Soul starts.

I grab his hand, "We never talked about it because we are just now planning a wedding but when the time is right, I would like it if we both could take a three year break and start a family, now we have more then enough to do that." I say blushing a bit, I had not ment to have this conversation this soon or in front of his family but…

He nods, "Ok, but lets get out of here before she tries to give us a vacation home or something."

I smile and stand up to follow him out.

"Love you guys; let us know if you need anything." Soul says.

"Make sure you come give me love before you leave." Grace says.

"Will do Mom." Soul says over his shoulder.