I do not own Soul Eater in any form. This is a work of fanfiction.

...

Chapter 3: Back on track

Tsubaki started to spend time with the Yukkuri, who were very happy to have a home. She even bought a Yukkuri phrase book, so she could understand what they were meaning. "It's amazing how you can use your hair to interact with things around you."

The Reimu looked at her and waved her hair braid like it was a hand. "Hello Mrs Human!" She said happily.

"Hello! Are you all..." She stopped, looking in the book. "Taking it easy?"

"Oh yesh. Very easy. Baby is taking it easy too."

Maka walked over, curious about the conversation. "They're cute little creatures, aren't they?" She wondered out loud.

"Yeah, the book says they can be pretty smart too."

The Marisa and baby Reimu came over to say hello. "How are you, Mrs Humans?" Marisa asked.

"Pretty well. Uhh, easy."

Tsubaki looked and saw their litter tray was starting to fill up, so she emptied it into a bag to be used in the garden. She placed the bag in a box on the back deck and returned to the kitchen for some coffee. She saw Maka looking worried while she looked into her own coffee mug. "What's the matter?" Tsubaki asked as she flavored her coffee.

"I'm kinda nervous. After... you know."

"Look, I already said I'll give you another chance, okay? I... Know you're legitimately upset, and I know you admit your fault. I'm willing to leave that in the past if you are."

Maka started to look relieved. "I can agree to that."

Tsubaki gave her a light hug. "I'm not leaving you. Just calm down and we can get past this."

Maka put her mug down and returned the hug. "I swear I don't deserve you. I can't imagine what I'd do without you though."

Maka felt her phone buzzing in her pocket and checked it to see a message from Soul. "Who's that from?" Tsubaki asked.

"From Soul. He said the band he plays in is going to be playing a show in town soon. He's inviting us."

"Neat. I wonder if we can get Black Star to show up too. He likes that kind of music."

"Really? I always took him as a rock and metal sort of guy."

"In public, yes. But you've got to remember how close we were. I know that about him from our old connection."

Maka got another message from Soul. "He's asking if he can arrange to have a small party here. I guess that's fine by me."

"Heh as long as he brings the food. Which I'm sure he will."

...

A day before the band was supposed to play, Soul showed up and had the caterers show up a few minutes after he did. Maka and Tsubaki had cleared room in the kitchen and living room for them to set up. The Yukkuri were watching in amazement as the food and drinks were brought in. They were assured that they would have some prepared for them. Many of the others showed up. Kid and the Thompson sisters, Professor Stein and Marie , Sid and Naigus along with the rest of the old class showed.

Soul greeted both of the ladies with a hug. Maka stepped aside to secure some food for the Yukkuri and Soul remained aside to talk with Tsubaki. So, I take it she told you?"

"Yeah. The night of." Tsubaki answered, with a look of acceptance on her face. "But you know how you can tell everything about a weapon or meister?"

"Of course. We all do. Except for that time I tried partnering with Black Star." He chuckled.

"Well, I felt that with her. I could have sworn she felt like she was going to kill herself."

Soul almost spat out his drink. "Really?"

"I felt it when she held my hand for the first time after that. She had brought those cute little creatures home in an obvious attempt at winning me back. I mean, it kinda worked. Plus, they're really cute little things."

Soul looked at Maka as she was giving the Yukkuri their promised food. "She looks a lot better than she sounded that night."

"I'm giving her another chance. I feel like she'll make it, though."

"So, bit of a personal question, so feel free to not answer it. Have you two... Been together yet?"

"We haven't yet. I've been getting by with myself, but I'm still holding out hope that we will do something soon."

"If she doesn't treat you like you're worth my weight in gold, she's a fool."

Maka walked back over and took Tsubaki by the hand. She almost tried to kiss her on the cheek but figured she shouldn't try her luck just yet. Hearing a knock at the door, Tsubaki went to answer. Black Star had made it after all. She met him with a warm hug and invited him in.

Right away, he noticed the Yukkuri and went over to pet them. They were all very happy to be getting the attention. "I love these little things. They're so cute and love everyone." He said as he was lightly rubbing the baby's cheek.

"Glad you could make it." Maka told him.

Soul got everyone's attention and raised his glass. "I'm not gonna go into detail, but I wanted all of you to know I'm dedicating tomorrow's concert to all of you. We've all basically and literally gone through hell together. Even when facing the greatest evil the world has known for centuries, not once did I ever question the loyalty and bravery of everyone here today. A toast, to lifelong friends."

Everyone raised their glasses and cheered.

Maka and Tsubaki mingled with the others for a good while. They went to talk to Stein and Marie, noticing her baby bump getting bigger. "Not too much longer, huh?" Tsubaki asked.

"Couple of months." Marie answered with a smile. "I'm pretty sure he knows the gender by now, but doesn't want to say." She said, nudging Stein with her elbow.

"Do I look like the type of person to know that?" He asked with a light chuckle.

"You've dissected and reassembled yourself and your weapon, you've got a large bolt through your head and I could've sworn you've collected something from me to find out."

"Okay, so I know. You'll find out soon." He said with a smug look.

...

The next evening, everyone gathered at the concert hall. Soul gave everyone backstage passes for the show, along with having another catered party backstage. Death the Kid started partying early when he found a bottle of lucky number 8 vodka. "Ugh, this stuff is strong, but I love that the number eight is involved."

The curtain parted and Soul's band was met with thunderous applause. He stepped up to the mic and sipped his drink. "How's everyone feeling tonight?" He asked the crowd, which responded with another round of cheers and applause. "Ah, us as well. I talked it over with everyone and they let me have this one. I have an incredible group of friends that are with me here tonight. These men and women mean the world to me. They've gone well above and beyond the call for me and for each other. I would like to dedicate tonight to them. Now, let's get this show started."

Everyone partied and mingled backstage while the band played. Maka made sure to stay close by Tsubaki. She felt better when they sat together on the couch and Tsubaki put her arm around her. Maka rested her head on her shoulder and Tsubaki pulled her in tight. She looked down at Maka and kissed her forehead. "You're not trying to get a peek, are you?" Tsubaki laughed.

Maka jumped up and looked her in the eye. "No, no I wasn't. Sorry."

"I know, I'm just messing with you." She laughed again.

Intermission came up and the band broke for a bit. Soul went over and hung out with everyone and took a drink with them. "I see Kid found the vodka." He laughed, noticing that Kid was half out of it.

"No fair. I can't drink for now." Marie huffed.

"Hey, I'm not drinking anything alcoholic. Solidarity." Stein said as he sipped his drink. "Wait. Did someone spike this?" He asked, taking another sip. "No."

Kid offered to spike it, but he declined, so Marie didn't feel left out.

...

After the show, everyone thanked Soul and then went for home. When Maka and Tsubaki got home, they closed and locked the door, kicked off their shoes and stepped into the kitchen to have some coffee. Maka hugged Tsubaki tightly and looked her in the eye. She but up enough nerve and closed her eyes and went in for a deep, loving kiss. Tsubaki, being tired of waiting, returned the kiss and started slipping her tongue in. Maka looked her in the eye again. "I'm not sure what made you want to stay with me, but I can't possibly thank you enough. I love you. I know I've hurt you, and I'm willing to do anything to make it up to you."

"I know. I felt a resonance with you when we held hands that time after the mistake. I could feel your soul. I know that you're genuinely upset at yourself. I know all of that. If you want to make it up to me, just promise me one thing."

"Anything." Maka whispered as she rested her head on her shoulder.

"Promise me that you'll never wander again. That if you ever want to feel the touch of another human being, that you'll come to me. I'm your woman and yours only. I'd love the chance.

Still unsure about sexual relations with another woman, yet still in love with the woman in her arms, she knew her answer. She could also feel the love and affection through their souls that she felt through the hug. "I've never been with another woman, so I don't know how I'll handle that. But you are my woman and I am yours. Next time I want something, I'll come to you."

Tsubaki kissed her cheek. "I don't want you to feel like you owe it to me. I want it to be natural."

"I do owe you, though. You've been loyal to me since day one. Since even before we started dating. I feel ashamed that it's taken this long and this much for me to realize that I'm with you. Only you. Next time, I'll ask you."

They shared another kiss, forgetting about the coffee. They headed to bed together as they had before. Tsubaki held onto Maka as tight as she could. "Love you."