Surprise! Yup, you're not dreaming! I updated the story! I knew I wouldn't be around at all tomorrow, so I decided to post a day early! I was so happy to see new followers and favorites -thanks guys! Not to mention the reviews, I love em! I hope you enjoy this chapter. I was pretty stumped at first, I didn't know how I wanted to get the plot going, but I think I managed! In regards to the chapter, I want you to decide what will happen next. So can you please send me a PM saying either "Scenario A" or "Scenario B" I'm not going to tell you what they are, but both of them will drastically throw a twist into the story. ;) Please review review review! ~ Tea

Chapter 3 . Logic over Longing

- Maka -

Sunlight streamed in through the window, slanting across a tangled nest of blankets and limbs. By the way the sun glared down fiercely from it's already high peak, it was obvious that it was late morning. Unaware of the lively morning unfolding, Maka shifted beneath her sheets and let out a deep sigh. She rolled over onto her stomach and rubbed her face in her warm pillow. The Meister fluttered her eyes open slowly, bringing her hands forward to dislodge the sleep from them. She lay still in her bed awhile longer, enjoying the warmth that engulfed her. She felt extremely groggy and slightly disoriented by the brilliant sunlight that pooled across her face. Squinting, she opened her curtain wide and scanned the world outside. Now surprised, Maka whirled around, fixating her gaze on her clock. She had overslept. Not that it mattered, considering it was Saturday, but she never slept in this long. Maka sat up against her pillows and yawned, extending her arms in the arm in a deep stretch. Her body felt completely rejuvenated and well-rested, which naturally put her in a good mood. Maka scanned her room idly and jumped backward in surprise when a pair of yellow eyes beamed expectantly at her, inches from her face . "GAAH!"

"Morning Maka-chan!" Blair purred warmly, swishing her tail cannily. She yawned dramatically, arching back into a stretch. "Bhu-tan was wondering when Maka was going to wake up. She was bored." The black cat pouted playfully, her golden eyes glimmering.

Maka glared at Blair wordlessly, waiting for her heart rate to settle. She rubbed her eyes and ran her fingers through her hair thoughtfully. Maka's anger quickly dissipated as she said, "Sorry. I never expected to sleep in this late..." She trailed off, pursing her lips. The cranking and ticking could almost be heard from Maka's head as she put two and two together, coming to a startling realization. "Oh! Is Soul awake?"

The witch's yellow eyes flashed at the mention of Soul's name. She eyed Maka with bright, curious eyes. Blair's tail swished side to side and a mischievous, knowing smile curled across her face. "Soul-kun?" Blair's ears flicked beneath her hat, toward Maka's door.

Maka craned her head toward her door curiously. Hearing nothing she flicked her gaze back to the cat expectantly. But Maka didn't have to wait any longer for an answer. A loud crash caused her to jerk up in surprise and bring another curly grin to Blair's face. Maka blinked in bewilderment, listening to pans clang loudly and then agitated grumbles from none other than Soul. Maka swung out of her bed to change. She pulled on a pair of dark jeans that contoured along her curves. She got an approving meow from Blair, which was quickly returned with a frosty glare. Maka tugged on a creamy long sleeve t-shirt and swiftly pulled her hair into two pig-tails. She didn't bother glancing at her reflection, or back at the cat on her bed as she left her room.

Maka entered the kitchen with wide, surprised eyes. She watched the scene before her unfold, her eyes slowly narrowing in suspicion the longer she stood there. She couldn't remember the last time Soul had cooked breakfast because he either griped about it so much that Maka did it herself out of aggravation, or he never woke up early enough to do so. The kitchen was a complete maelstrom. The counter had egg yoke, spilled milk, charred black nuggets that seemed to be remains of toast, crumpled paper towels and anything else imaginable scattered across it. A steady stream of smoke billowed from the pan that Soul stood hunched over. Beside him, the trash can was full and overflowing with attempt one, two and three at breakfast. Maka wrinkled her nose at the pungent smell of overcooked food. The only thing that slightly resembled normalcy was the table; set and ready for breakfast to be placed on.

Beside her, Blair bounded into the kitchen, curling around Maka's legs. She glanced up at Soul with glowing eyes and a coy grin.

Soul fumbled over the pan, attempting to spread the eggs around fast enough so they wouldn't become charred like the rest. Common sense disregarded, fueled by his anger, Soul grabbed the pan to move it off the stove. Realization came after the fact that his entire right hand was now swelling with a second-degree burn. "Shiiit!-" Soul dropped the pan instantly and recoiled away from it, cupping his hand with a miserable expression.

Soul's shout snapped Maka immediately out of her daze. She jumped forward, taking charge of the scene. She flicked off the stove, carefully pushed aside the pan and turned on the stove vent. "Let me see." Maka demanded in a concerned tone. She flicked her gaze up at Soul who still stood there clutching his hand. When he extended it forward she took it delicately and turned it over. His palm had swollen into a huge blister that already had opened and exposed the raw skin beneath. Some blisters bubbled on his fingers. It was nothing out of Maka's realm of healing, so for that she let out a sigh of relief. "Go sit down, I'm going to get my first aid kit."

Maka hadn't been gone for more than a minute, but when she returned, Blair was perched on the table mewing persistently at Soul.

"Soul-kun~ are you okay? Are you okay? Bhu-tan can heal you with her magic!" The cat purred again.

"Shut up Blair, I've got it under control!" Maka couldn't explain her sudden, unnecessary spark of anger. She placed her medicine kit on the table on her plate (ironically) and flicked it open. Maka glanced down at Soul's hand, taking it in her own as she perched herself on his leg. "Bare with me." She warned him as she uncapped her water bottle and slowly poured it over his hand. She could feel Soul tense underneath her and let out a quiet hiss.

In response to her thoughts Soul grunted, "I'm fine" in a steady enough tone to surprise her. But Maka knew Soul well enough that he wouldn't confess that it hurt. From her own personal experiences, Maka knew what burns felt like. They were a different kind of pain. A simmering, raw ache. So as she continued to drizzle water over his open blisters she couldn't help but feel sorry for her partner. After all, he was only trying to make breakfast.

A sudden guilt swept over Maka. She should've woken up earlier. If she had, like she normally did, Soul wouldn't be in this position now. Maka frowned at his hand, unable to hide her guilty chagrin. The more she thought about it, the more distracted she became. She would have continued to drift off into her thoughts had not she heard Soul call her name.

"Maka? What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry."

Soul didn't expect that. He glanced down at his Meister with a perplexed expression. "Sorry? Sorry for what?" He inquired curiously, locking his gaze on her upset face.

"If I had woken up earlier, like I normally do you wouldn't have gotten hurt." Maka mumbled in dismay, wrapping Soul's hand very slowly.

Soul couldn't believe what he was hearing. She was apologizing for something that happened on his own stupid behalf. He wanted to shake her and make her realize how ridiculous she was being. And yet, he couldn't shake the feeling of discomfort when he looked at her saddened expression. "You're sorry?" Soul echoed incredulously. With his free hand, Soul put at firm grip on Maka's shoulder, squeezing it until she looked up at him. "Maka, it's not your fault. I wanted to make breakfast to make it up to you for walking in the rain." Soul shrugged and offered her a half-grin. "I'm the one who should be apologizing."

Maka gazed wordlessly up at Soul, studying his crimson eyes. Beneath the maroon hues hid the emotions he so flawlessly concealed behind his aloof demeanor. She eventually nodded half-heartily and quickly flicked her gaze back down to his hand. At last she realized that his hand was still cupped in hers, and his other hand rested on her shoulder. A faint pink tinged Maka's cheeks as she pulled away. She got off Soul, curiously peeking back at him for a second. Glancing away, Maka wondered if he was blushing too, or if was her imagination. She bounded into the kitchen in attempt to avoid the suddenly intense atmosphere. "Well! Let's see what you did manage to make!" She chimed loudly, desperately struggling to lighten things.

Maka grabbed the pan and split the scrambled eggs on their plates. She turned back around, her eyes automatically focusing on Soul who hadn't moved yet and continued to gaze thoughtfully at his bandaged hand in his lap. Maka's chest pinched slightly as she settled down at the table and took a big gulp of her orange juice. "Thank you for breakfast!" Maka smiled brightly.

Soul glanced at her and let out a quiet chuckle. His signature grin split across his face; much to Maka's relief and he quickly flicked his attention to the task at hand; inhaling his food.

The eggs were slightly burned, but Maka ate around the singed parts. She ate most of it, appreciative of his attempt. Hey, it's the thought that counts, right? Maka thought to herself.

Blair, having settled down to watch the whole scene, now jumped back up on the counter near the two and grinned flirtatiously. Her golden eyes flicked between the two and her curly tail swished in a canny way. "Nneey Maka-chan is well rested, huh Soul? What time did you come home?"

Soul, having not spoken up since his food was placed in front of him now stiffened and made a low strangling noise. He glanced up, and swallowed the lump of food in his throat warily as he flicked his gaze between the damn cat and his Meister. He could see the mischievous glimmer in her golden eyes and Soul knew Blair must have saw him last night. He shot a death glare toward the cat, warning her not to play this game.

"Oh! That's right! What time did you come home?" Maka recalled, realizing he was at his detention.

"Late." Soul mumbled, attempting to dismiss the topic.

Maka nodded, "I know that! I stayed up to wait for you but I must have fallen asleep on the couch..." She trailed off, suddenly remembering that she was on the couch last night. How did she get to her room? "How did I...?" The Meister mumbled thoughtfully to herself.

"Ask Soul-kun!" Blair purred loudly, jumping on the table between the two.

"Huh?"

"Shut up you stupid cat!" Soul growled, glaring darkly at the cat.

Cool guy, Soul Eater Evans was actually blushing. Maka blinked her eyes in surprise, staring at the uncharacteristic pink blush. "Black*Star invited us to the basketball court. Everyone's going." Soul suddenly blurt out, relieved to find a distraction from the soon-to-be-dead cat.

Maka inwardly groaned. The thought of having to stagger around the court, being basketball-challenged with Black*Star yelling about did not sound like fun. She didn't say this though. Maka would just bring her book and hope everyone didn't drag her into the game. "Alright, alright, let's go then." She reluctantly agreed. She was surprised again however, when Soul grabbed her and quickly bustled her out of the apartment. Right before he slammed the door, Maka caught Blair's amused expression.

The breeze was chilly, but the ever-present sun made up for it. Maka settled herself on the bench, dismissing Soul, Kidd, Liz and Patty as they romped around the court playfully. Over her book, Maka could hear a pair of footsteps shuffling through the leaves. She didn't have to know who it was, because she knew it would be announced.

"BLACK*STAR HAS ARRIVED!" Boomed the blue-haired ninja.

Maka glanced up hotly, feeling a threat tickle her lips. She was cut short however, when her gaze dropped down between Black*Star and Tsubaki and zoned in on their locked hands. Maka glanced over her shoulder at her friends, searching for an explanation. Each of them shared a approving smile. And just like that, they broke apart and Black*Star bolted toward the court. Maka flicked her gaze to Tsubaki, demanding for an answer, but measuring by the twinkle in her eyes, Maka knew she was going to hear all about it.

Maka closed her book and turned to her best friend, who's face was split in such a wide grin it looked painful. Maka smiled in response and took her hands expectantly.

"Well we're together!" Tsubaki let out an easy-going giggle and watched as her friend's jaw fell off.

"How do you deal with him?" Maka demanded, but her face was teasing.

Tsubaki shrugged and let out a happy sigh. "We work together so well. Not just as partners, but companions and...and lovers." A faint blush rose to the Weapon's cheeks.

Maka eyes widened as she blushed furiously in response. "Do you guys, um, do you?-"

"No no no! Not yet at least.." Tsubaki's face was red, but she recomposed herself quickly. "Black*Star said he didn't want to rush things...which is perfectly fine with me." She shrugged. "But we have...done other stuff." Tsubaki hummed thoughtfully.

Maka shook her head. Okay, hold up. Too much information. She couldn't really see Black*Star having an affectionate, soft side to him. Everything about him was so loud, wild and annoying. And loud. But, nevertheless, she took her friend's word for it. "I'm so happy for you two!" Maka sang, and she meant it. If anyone deserved such happiness, it was Tsubaki in her eyes. The Meister glanced over at the court, hearing Black*Star's cackle. He was in such high spirits that the others had willingly allowed him to play against everyone.

Maka's gaze trailed to Soul, who was in hot pursuit after his friend. His hair was pulled back by his headband. He was in deep jeans, and disregarded his jacket somewhere to expose a black cut-off undershirt. Maka watched as his arm muscles rippled in excursion. A wide, sharp grin plastered across his face as he weaved around the blue-haired ninja and somehow managed to steal the ball with his one hand...-

"So what about you, Maka-chan?" Tsubaki suddenly asked her.

"Me? Huh?" Maka tore her gaze away and met Tsubaki's glimmering eyes.

"Do you like anyone?" The weapon pressed with a coy smile. It said: As if I need to ask.

Maka jerked upright, clutching her book self-consciously. "N-No! W-Why would you think that!" She stuttered, feeling her face warm at such accusation.

Tsubaki sighed. "Really Maka, you're in such denial of your own feelings.

Maka frowned in response and glanced away, only to settle her gaze back on Soul. She sighed in irritation and quickly flicked it away. It wasn't like she was in complete denial. Maka had realized her feelings for Soul went past being just partners a couple years ago, but she decided it wasn't worth over-dramatizing. She knew it would only be one-sided, and her stubborn pride would not allow her to make such a fool out of herself for so long. But even so, Maka had a difficult time putting these feelings past her. "Let's be realistic here. Out of all the swooning flocks of gorgeous girls that like Soul, I am nothing much to compare."

Tsubaki smiled slightly, glad her friend had stopped denying and admitted to it-inadvertently at least. "Don't be so discouraged Maka. Have you noticed anything that might hint toward Soul's feelings?"

"Not really." Maka mumbled, toying with the edges of her pages from the book she clutched. Soul was always so stoic, it was impossible to tell how he really was feeling. She thought back to this morning and how strange it was. She recalled Blair's comment and frowned slightly. What could she mean? Maka pressed her memories further, thinking back to last night. Waiting up for Soul on the couch...on the couch... A sudden blush colored her face. Maka had no memory of going to her room last night except for the hazy memory of Soul peeking in on her and saying goodnight. Soul must have carried her to her room. Why would Soul be so wounded up about something so small? Maka's face darkened as her mind drifted to the possibilities.

"Maka? Maka-chan?" Tsubaki's voice broke through her dumfounded haze.

"Hmm? Huh?"

"Did you think of something? You're blushing a lot."

"N-no, I don't think so." Maka adverted her gaze, feeling her face burn beneath her eyes.

Tsubaki smiled at her friend, not bothering to press her. To save her from cardiac-arrest, Tsubaki changed the topic. "Oh! Maka, are you going to Kidd's Halloween party?"

"Huh? Party? I dunno.."

"Tsubaki giggled gently. "Earth to Maka! It's only the biggest event in Death City. Kidd holds a Halloween party at his mansion every year!"

"Oh?"

"Well? Are you going to go? It'll be so much fun!" Tsubaki grabbed Maka's hand and gave it a encouraging squeeze.

"I'm not sure Tsubaki... parties aren't really my thing." Maka mumbled, glancing down at her book.

"Oh Maka please! You have to come! Please!" Tsubaki pouted. "Tons of kids come. Not just students! It's a blast, Maka!"

Maka groaned dismally and held her head, only to get an immediate chirp of glee in response.

"Come on then!" Tsubaki sang and tugged Maka's hand gently.

"What, where?" Maka looked up at the Weapon in confusion.

"To get your costume, silly!" Tsubaki smiled.

"Right now?"

"Yes right now!"

"But Halloween isn't for a couple more weeks!"

"Yes, but you need to get a costume now or they'll all be taken!" Tsubaki explained patiently.

Maka hung her head in defeat. She grabbed her book and rose to her feet, allowing Tsubaki to pull her along.

"Oi! Maka! Where you going!" Maka heard Soul's voice and turned around. She watched as he jogged off the court and neared them.

"Tsubaki is making me buy a costume for Kidd's Halloween party. I don't have a choice." Maka grumbled, glancing up at him.

"Well alright." Soul brought his hands behind his head nonchalantly. He was slightly out of breath from the game, but otherwise returned back to his normal demeanor. The only thing that hinted toward this morning was his bandaged hand. He flicked his crimson eyes down on his Meister "Don't be too long though, I'll starve." He flashed her his toothy grin.

Maka's face warmed slightly as she swatted at him teasingly. "I wouldn't count on it!" She watched as he chuckled, waved bye and turned back around to the court. He slipped back onto the court, weaving past Kidd and after Black*Star who had ball. It was like fast-pace dance, synchronizing with the movements of all the players.

"You should ask Soul to come with you, Maka." Tsubaki murmured from behind her.

"Yeah, maybe." Maka pulled away from her stare and followed after her friend.

I need your help guys. I have some ideas of what I want everyone's costumes to be, but I would love to know your ideas! If you have any please let me know! I need ideas for all except for, of course, Soul and Maka. (ehehehe) Like I said, I hope you enjoyed the chapter and are enjoying my story! At last, we can see some more serious feelings develop. I'm sorry if you feel like the pace is going slow. I really enjoy stories that give room for character development. Tell me your thoughts! REVIEW! 3