HOLY MOLY. I don't know why, but this took FOREVER. My hands are crying out as I type this. Anyways, AHA! I managed to post it on a Friday for once... despite it being a little late. Oh welll. Umm in regards to the story, I dunno. The best way I can describe this chapter is a intense writing zone with nonstop typing. I made sure to go back and fix some things, but I'm sorry if it's still a little messy. I hope you enjoy the chapter! This might be the most SoMa one yet! Maybee.. OH. Thanks everyone for your support and all the new followers! Means a lot! Just out of curiosity: For every chapter I make I type up quickie "warm-up" SoMa one-shots. Would you be interested in reading them? They're separate from the story, but some are inspired by it but I would make a completely separate thing for it. (Every chapter would be a different one-shot) You want? Yes? No? - Lemme know! And of course, reviews please! ~ Tea

Chapter Five . What's Unspoken

- Maka -

Maka let out an exasperated sigh and hung her head. She peeked up through her bangs and caught Tsubaki's sympathetic smile. She opened her mouth to comfort the desperate, uncomfortable Meister, but Maka quickly interjected. "This is hopeless! I've already tried on twelve other dresses! Let's just stop now, before any pride I may still have left is gone." She grumbled bitterly, swatting at the overwhelming explosion of ruffles that suffocated her entire body.

"You look like a grape! EHEhehehe..!" Patti giggled and clapped her hands, appraising the purple dress.

Maka's eyebrow twitched in irritation. Liz and Patti had met up with them awhile ago. Their knowledge about fashion and critical eye did not bring any of the encouragement the self-conscious Meister needed. "Why am I even trying on dresses! I thought this was a costume party?!" Maka threw her arms in the air.

Tsubaki clasped her hands together patiently. "Well, you want to look good!" She nodded, offering her friend an easy smile.

"Well yeah but..-"

"No buts!" Liz's voice suddenly spoke up. She had turned her attention back down to her perfectly painted nails and hadn't spoken up until this point. "Well? Do you have any idea of what you want to dress up as?"

"Um.. no... not r-really.."

"Exactly. So that's why we're here!" Liz stared at Maka with glimmering eyes. "Think about yourself. What can you see yourself being?"

After a long pause, Maka stuck her finger in the air. "Oh!" Her face fell and voice became a sudden depressed mutter: "A Human Radar."

Tsubaki covered her quivering lips as a giggle whispered past them.

Maka hung her head once more, feeling her face warm. She shuffled her bare feet around thoughtfully, conjuring anything she could be. The only thing that came to mind were insults from Soul and Black*Star; all of which we making her mood worsen. Maka blinked and jerked up in sudden realization. "My soul!" She squeaked and glanced around at all her friends. Seeing the puzzled expressions Maka continued on: "I have a Grigori Soul... it has "wings". Black*Star and Soul called me an 'Angel', remember?"

"That's it!" Liz shot up, her eyes widening. She bolted off, disappearing in the store. She came back moments later, breathless and urgently wheeling Maka back into the changing room. "Here, try this one." Liz shoved the dress into Maka's hands and slammed the door in her face without a moment to spare. She turned and settled herself back beside her sister, gazing at the door expectantly.

"Ready?" Tsubaki called curiously.

"Yeah, in a minute!" Maka huffed, wiggling into the dress. She opened the door slowly, watching as their jaws gaped open and eyes widened. "Well?" Maka pressed nervously. The dress had an alluring presence. The sensual white dress had a sweetheart neckline that caught her breasts and held them tightly against her chest. It had one sleeve, draping gently below her shoulder before it tightened and wrapped around her arm in a thin white lace. It contoured down her stomach, curving along her hips before ruffling out and stopping at a dangerous length at the middle of her thigh. The ruffles, unlike earlier dresses were small and soft. Woven over was lace that matched her arm and integrated throughout the entire dress, which, was subtle enough to keep eyes lingering.

"Oh my god, Maka." Tsubaki breathed.

"You look hot!" Patti chirped gleefully.

Liz winked and gave her a thumbs up. "That's the one."

Maka blushed pleasingly at the compliments and glanced down at her folded hands. She was glad to have gotten approval from her friends, but she wasn't completely satisfied. In a quiet, hesitating tone she peered up at her companions and asked, "Do you think Soul will like it?"

Liz snorted, "If he can keep it on you long enough to look at it!"

Maka squeaked in embarrassment, her face flushing deeply.

Tsubaki laughed warmly, watching in amusement.

"Now change out of that! We still have to get you some shoes and accessories!" Liz jumped back up, her shopping vigor coming alive. She stomped off, now on a hunt.

"Yay!" Patti sang and skipped off.

Tsubaki giggled and shuffled after the two.

Maka, now feeling confident, grinned and waved them off. She went back into the changing room and appraised her reflection one last time. As she swiveled around smiling at her reflection, excitement started to bubble within her chest. She couldn't wait for the party.

Blair made her way along the cobblestone street, swaying her hips as she went. She could feel gazes off all kinds of men watching her, but she thought nothing of it. She glanced into the stores idly, watching the people within them as went. To her surprise, she recognized Maka's friends bustling within the store. Blair blinked and stopped in her tracks, peering through the window curiously. She watched as Maka's friends held up jewelry and compared it with wide grins. Blair's eyebrows furrowed in confusion until suddenly, there was Maka bounding toward them with a lacy white bundle draped over her arm. "Oh!" Blair purred mischievously, her golden eyes twinkling. She stepped away from the window and pursed her lips thoughtfully. It seemed she would have to pay her favorite store a visit.

Maka hadn't realized how long they had spent in the store. She was trapped. First, in the changing room, being forced to try on every kind of silk, ruffles and scales and now, she had to stand frozen while everyone draped necklaces and earrings on her. She let out a dreary sigh and rubbed her temples. She glanced out the window thoughtlessly, appraising the darkness in a surprised stupor. "What time is it?!" Maka asked loudly, turning toward her friends desperately.

"Almost 8, why?" Liz replied automatically, keeping her attention on the jewelry.

"I promised Soul I'd be home to make dinner!" Maka cried, realizing that she hadn't even gotten food to make dinner. "I have to go!" Maka fumbled to collect everything in her arms. She dropped everything on the counter and quickly paid, regretting to glance at the total amount. She grabbed the bag and made a mad-dash toward the door.

"Remember Maka, we'll be coming over your apartment before the party to help you get ready!" Liz called.

"Buhbye!" Patti smiled brightly.

"Bye Maka-chan!" Tsubaki called, smiling as her best friend propelled out of the store and down the empty street.

Maka groaned and walked toward her apartment. Her legs swiftly bounded in front of her, willingly her body to quicken its pace. Soul would be so pissed. Maka shook her head again and continued ahead, gripping her bag protectively. The streets of Death City were empty for the most part. An occasional car zoomed by, or random stranger walked by. Maka didn't think much of them. She was on a set path and her mind was completely preoccupied with the thoughts that overwhelmed them. A gentle breeze made her look up, however. Maka tugged at her thin long sleeve shirt, now regretting not bringing a jacket. It was Autumn after all, so she expected this kind of chilly weather at night. Above her, the moon's glow illuminated the streets in a pale hue. Small flames flickered from street lanterns, and shadows, stretched out everywhere danced and tormented the eye. Maka was not afraid of being alone. She would admit (to herself at least), she would rather be in the company of her partner. But, she was confident in her abilities to stand alone. And it seemed that her confidence was to be tested.

Maka stopped in her tracks, feeling her Soul perception waver dauntingly. The Meister glanced around with suspicious narrow eyes. She saw no immediate threat, but she felt it. "Who's there?" Maka called out firmly, her hands tightening into matching fists. When no response came, Maka shouted out to the unforgiving darkness once more, this time provoking it. "Who's there?! Hiding as yourself, you coward!"

"Well, aren't you brave." A deep, velvet man's voice rose from behind her.

Maka whirled around in surprise, choking back on a cold shadow that loomed over her. She threw her fist in the air and hollered out, but to no avail. Her bag dropped to the street as a large, cold hand grasped around her neck and hoisted her up. Maka struggled against the attacker's grip, his hands were like chains; cutting off any access of air. In desperate attempt to flee, Maka thrust her foot in the air and slammed it into him, which, hopefully was his crotch. Luck was on her side, as the attacker released her and staggered backward with a grunt. Maka fell down, scraping her knees, elbows and cheek as she landed. She staggered back to her feet and lunged forward but a sudden grip around her ankle sent her flinging backward. Her shirt rolled up against the cobblestone and her stomach and back were at the mercy of the jagged rocks as she dragged against it. "S-Soul!" She cried out for help, but even she knew he wouldn't hear or feel her presence.

"Grigori soul holder." The man hissed, peeling the young Meister off the ground and bringing her to his hidden face.

Maka, defiant and stubborn in the face of danger, glared at him. She swished her tongue around in her mouth and in a swift shot, spit in his face. Her attacked let out an enraged growl, sounding nothing like a human. Realizing her grave mistake, Maka fought against his grip, kicking and screaming. She cried out when his blunt nails dug into her collarbone and broke skin.

A sudden light glowed from behind the man, making him a black silhouette and concealing his entire appearance. He growled in irritation, glancing toward the car. Maka cringed against his hot breath as he hissed, "Chance saved you tonight, but fate will bring me back to you, Maka Albarn." With that, he dropped her and vanished just before the car zoomed by.

Maka crumpled against the street, gazing down at her scraped palms. Her vision quickly obscured as fat tears filled the brims of her olive eyes and dribbled off her face. Her tears stung all the cuts on her face, made no effort to swipe them away. Overwhelmed by fear, she stayed shriveled on the street and continued to sob.

Maka had no sense of time, or how late she really was when she finally mustered up enough strength and courage to stumble to her feet and grab her bag. She limped the rest of her way to her apartment, becoming aware of her wounds and where bruises would be forming. When at last she slipped the key into the lock and swung open the door, the young Meister was about to collapse. As she closed the door, her eyes immediately fell on Soul who glanced up from the couch; his crimson eyes piercing and unforgiving.

"What the hell, Maka! Where have you-"

Maka leaned against the door and slumped down to her knees. Emotionally and physically shot, the Meister found herself crying again - if only a little.

"Maka! Are you okay!?" Soul jumped from the couch and ran to his partner. As soon as he bent down beside her, Soul realized she had injuries. "What happened?! Maka?!" Soul's hands went to grab her shoulders, but he stopped short, seeing the rips in her shirt. For the first time, his gaze trailed across her, noting all the cuts on her cheek, hands and arms, but the most disturbing was the scratches along her collarbone and bruises on her neck. Shaped like fingers. "Who did this to you." Soul demanded in a low growl, his eyes darkening.

Maka rubbed her eyes wearily, gazing up at Soul with tear-filled eyes. Her bottom lip quivered as she opened her mouth to explain, but the only sound that escaped her was a small cry.

"Jesus Maka." Soul searched her eyes, his eyebrows knitting together in worry. "C'mere." The Weapon bent forward and scooped up his Meister; precariously carrying her weight. He made sure not to jostle her too much as he made his way for the bathroom. He avoided brushing against any of her wounds. He placed her down, propping her against the shower wall. Soul sat beside her and opened the first aid kid. He grabbed a facecloth and ran it under warm water before hovering back over Maka. He met her weak gaze, only cleaning her wounds when she finally gave him a meek nod. Soul made sure not to rub her raw skin too roughly. He cleaned her scraped knees and forearms. Taking her hands in his own he patted the cloth along them before rubbing her neck. These gestures would seem intimate to others, but both partners were so in-tune with each other, it didn't bother them. Or at least, so they thought. Soul hesitated for a brief moment before he rested his hand on her collarbone and gently stroked at the scratches. Carefully, he lowered his hand, pushing aside the edge of her shirt to clean the scratches beneath it. When he glanced back up he met his Meister's gaze it was foggy and unfocused. She wasn't looking at him, she was looking at his soul. Soul shifted his weight and rubbed her cut cheek, making sure not to break his gaze. "Maka? You okay?" He asked quietly, his becoming dry under her stare.

Maka nodded and somehow managed to find her voice. She cleared her throat and grimaced; it felt like it was shredded. And yet, it was quickly forgotten as soon as she glanced back up at her partner. "Someone jumped me." Her voice quivered, and she could feel Soul's body tense beside her. "I'm not sure who it was, but they know me." Maka murmured, a fearful shudder convulsing throughout her body.

A gentle hand on her scraped cheek made her look up. "Don't be scared, Maka." Soul stared at his Meister with an immense intensity that she had to look away. Maka felt her face warm as she let out a shaky breath. And with that, the two had fallen back into a contemplative silence. Every once in a while she twitched or grimaced as he put medicine on her wounds and bandaged them. She watched his hands skillfully wrap her wounds, his long fingers gliding across her bruised skin. "Do you have any other injuries?" It took Maka a moment to process what he was saying.

"Um, not really. A few scrapes on my stomach but they're nothing." Maka brushed them off.

"Let me see." Soul coaxed.

Maka hesitated for a moment, feeling a hot blush rise to her cheeks. She bent down and lifted her shirt up to the bottom of her bra, exposing her scraped stomach.

Soul ran the facecloth underneath fresh warm water, squeezing it until it no longer drained red. He bent down beside Maka once more and wrapped his hand in it, before rubbing her stomach. The cuts weren't serious, but Soul made sure to clean them regardless. This time, he couldn't bring himself to look up at his Meister. He kept his gaze fixated on her exposed abdomen, noting the sensation of his hand (although wrapped in the cloth) running over her toned abs. He could feel his face warm the slightest, and if she were to call him out on it, he wouldn't have any cool response. Not cool.

"Thanks Soul." Maka let out a gentle sigh. She had to admit, the warm water felt good on her cut up stomach. When he finished he made a hasty clean up for reasons unknown to Maka as she assessed her bandaged, battered body.

As if to read her thoughts, Soul flicked his gaze down at Maka and a pointy grin flashed across his face. "You're a wreck, you know that?"

Maka laughed half-heartily and fumbled to her feet (with Soul's assistance). She grabbed her shopping bag that she left by the door and wordlessly dismissed herself to her room. Maka changed into Soul's baggy t-shirt and a pair of her sweatpants. She left her room and entered the kitchen, gaining a confused look from Soul in response. "I'm making you dinner." Maka replied matter-of-factly, being too exhausted to argue. She searched the fridge for anything to cook, and ended up re-heating leftover pizza for him. Tired and numb, Maka shuffled to the table and handed him his plate. She sat across from him, but it only took a few minutes of watching him inhale his food for her eyes to begin to droop.

"So that's where my shirt has been." Soul teased, a smile forming as he watched his Meister sway sleepily. She grumbled in response and Soul chuckled. He finished his pizza and his gaze returned to his Meister, feeling more at ease now that she was better. He bent down and helped her up and walk to her room until she sat on her bed.

Making no complaints, Maka climbed into her bed, burying herself beneath her covers and shifted around until she found a comfortable position. Her back and stomach burned, all of her cuts were stinging and soon-to-be bruises were aching. She tucked her chin underneath her comforter and flicked her jade eyes up at Soul who was still standing beside her bed.

"You sure you're okay Maka?" Soul ran his fingers through his spiky white hair. His crimson eyes settled on his partner, searching for any signs of distress or pain. (Even if they didn't show it)

"Nnhey...Soul?"

"Yeah?"

"Are you going to Kidd's Halloween party?"

"Are you?"

"Mhmm.."

"Want me to come with you?"

"S-sure."

"Alright." Soul shrugged nonchalantly and shoved his hands in his pockets. "Well, night Maka." He turned to leave.

"S-soul?"

"Hmm?"

Maka felt her face warm. She tucked herself further behind her blanket and glanced down at her hands. "C-c-can you, um, can you..."

Soul turned back around to stare at his Meister expectantly as she stuttered for words. He studied her face and for a split second fear seeped into her olive eyes. "Yeah, sure." Soul mumbled, realizing what she was trying to ask for. He sat down on the edge of her bed and flicked his gaze back at her. "Better?"

Maka nodded, unable to hide her embarrassment. Her little body could no longer bare the exhaustion and her eyes quickly began to droop once more. At first, the young Meister fell into a restless sleep. She tossed about, turning slightly and realizing this, she would wake up in a jolt of pain. She immediately met crimson eyes that watched her expectantly as soon as she stirred. Within seconds she slipped into a unconscious state. Maka awoke once more, this time by her horrific nightmares. Her eyes scanned her room in a delirious sleep-panic until she locked her gaze with one crimson eye that peeked open. Soul had moved to the other side of the bed, still sitting at the end of it, but now he was leaning against the wall beside her window. The moon glowed in past her curtains and made his maroon eyes glow devilishly. Maka let out a gentle breath, her sense of security returning just as she subsided back into sleep. The last thing she saw was Soul blink both of his eyes open and a faint glimmer of white as the smallest of smiles crept across his face and he murmured something.

HOW DARE YOU CUT IT OFF LIKE THAT TEA. Heheh, I know, I'm bad. I wonder what our Soulllll said? Maybe: Oh Maka I love you with a burning passion mwah mwah marry me lets have sex k. ...don't we all wish. _' Til next time! Review please! xoxo