Hi guys! Because of the hurricane I've been without internet for DAYS. And although I lost the majority of my sanity, I had a TON of time to work on the fanfic! Um not much to say about this chapter, I'm actually really proud of how it turned out! I added more of my own tone in to it, so lemme know what you think! I was looking through the reviews too and I just wanted to shout out to DxfallenangelxD and EvansLuver14. Seriously guys, I can always expect a wonderful comment from you two! Thanks so much! Oh and thanks for all the new follows! You're the best guys! Feedback and constructive criticism are always appreciated! Review please! ~ Tea

Chapter Seven . Sweet Nothings

- Maka -

When Maka had at last emerged from her bedroom to see the kitchen chair left disregarded and apartment abandoned, she couldn't help but succumb to a melancholy. She had to admit, it surprised her to see that he had stayed for so long and even changed into a "costume". Such inconsiderate behavior from her lackadaisical partner was expected considering he carried the name 'Soul Eater Evans' in such an egotistical way. And this, is exactly what left her in such a dispirited mood. Maka had always harbored these insecurities upon first partnering up with Soul. Whether it be his devilish good looks (which Maka admitted to...internally of course), popularity, or title as Death-Scythe, Maka was nothing much to compare. Although, if she were to defend herself it was she who made Soul a Death-Scythe, she was able to wield a weapon and be one, she had a Grigori soul, and, to much of her boasting, she was the top of her class. However, these attributes didn't seem be in the least bit appealing considering the fact it was Soul who still accumulated the partner requests in his locker.

This depression was short-lived, Maka realized, as soon as she, Liz, and Patti had arrived at the Halloween party. She didn't comprehend the extent of their torturous make-over, despite both Liz and Patti's exuberant compliments on the way there. As soon as Maka swung open the front doors, she was at last able to revel in the stunned expressions. Her mother always said to enjoy things in moderation, and, try as she might, Maka found herself soaking in all the ogles and gaping stares. She glanced to her friends for confirmation and received matching grins and twinkling eyes.

With her mood rekindled and elated, Maka entered the party with her dynamic duo close behind. It didn't take long for her to overhear compliments being shot over the booming music. Wherever the Meister glanced to she could feel a pair of eyes on her. Some were scornful and jealous; much to Maka's amusement, and others, were eyes bulging, mouth gaping looks full of longing from afar. For the first time, Maka felt confident in her capabilities without feeling the need to tighten her grip on her weapon in the face of uncertainty. These capabilities were much different from those in battle, Maka confirmed with an alluring smile. At last, she qualified as attractive, and, dare she say... seductive.

If the party were to end, Maka could say without a trace of hesitation that it was the most fun she had in a while. But of course, this was only the beginning, so the Meister found herself caught in a wide smile. Although she wasn't much of a party-goer type, Maka could see why so many raved about them. Every inch of Death Mansion had decorations and was accounted for. Maka expected nothing less of the young Shinigami who's infatuation to detail surpassed all others. This party was proof to such meticulous obsessions. If this were any other situation, the constant blaring music, bass humming beneath her feet and loud tipsy voices would have irritated her to no end. But, this was not the case, rather the opposite. The entire atmosphere intoxicated her as much as any drink would and left her feeling ecstatic. Maka jumped to her senses when Liz and Patti carted her away from the dance floor and into a dining room.

"Did you see everyone looking at you?! EHEHEheheh!" Patti swayed side to side in a fit of giggles.

Liz gave a thumbs up and winked. "That asshole doesn't know what he's missing!"

Maka blushed warmly, grateful for her friends. She shook herself, dislodging any nagging thought about Soul. She was in no mood to deal with her thoughtless partner. She apparently looked great and wanted to enjoy herself.

"Hello Maka!" Kidd's voice rose up from the clamor. "Why so gloomy?" He inquired, taking in her forlorn expression.

"Kidd!" Maka exclaimed in surprise, finding herself caught in a warm embrace. She pulled away shortly after and eyed him curiously, a bubble of laughter escaping her as she inspected the vampire get-up. "No reason..." Maka dismissed the topic all together. "This party is fantastic, Kidd. You've really outdone yourself!"

"Thank you Maka!" A pleased smile stretched across Kidd's face. "You look fantastic yourself, especially with that smile." He told her earnestly. "And so do you, Liz, Patti." The Shinigami added in relief, noting their symmetrical outfits. "I'll see you around!" Kidd chimed happily and quickly vanished into the crowd.

"Come on, Maka! There's a section strictly for Shibusen students. We'll find the rest of the gang there!" Liz spoke up.

The three of them made their way through the throngs of teenagers. Maka gaped at the number of people who could fit in one house. Logically, only a certain amount could specifically aggregate before -god damn. Here Maka was, at a party, thinking about the technicalities of things. Maybe now she understood why people drank. Tonight was turning out as quite the enlightening night for this inexperienced Meister.

Maka weaved through the crowds, a small smile tugging at the edges of her lips when those she passed did a double-take. She was grateful for Liz's steady grip or she would have faltered over in embarrassment. With each surprised expression she got, her curiosity only spiked further. She had no idea what she looked like...until now that is.

Maka stopped dead in her tracks, having caught a blurred glimpse of her reflection from the corner of her eye. Liz and Patti turned around in mutual confusion, but Maka didn't pay them any attention. Her gaze locked on the stranger she saw in the mirror. She wore her dress, or rather, the dress contoured across her body, carving out her every curve and extenuating her limbs. The beautiful stranger leaned forward in awe, mimicking Maka's movement. Her golden hair tumbled down her shoulders and back in delicate curls, cupping around her face. Her eyes; a glimmering emerald hue, hooded beneath thick, curled lashes. Surrounding them was smokey eyeshadow, dappled with sparkles that captured her eyes in a sultry, scorching stare. Her lips, glossed and smooth pursed in a small "o" as she inspected herself. Her entire body illuminated desirably, as if giving off an alluring glow. Everything about the mirror stranger was gorgeous; from her white heels that wrapped around her ankles, up her enticing legs, to her curvy, scrupulous body and chest to her face and hair until the top of her head. Above her head (curtsey of Blair's magic) was a single glowing halo. It remained above her head, gently bobbing up and down, following her every movement. Maka Albarn, was in every aspect, an angel.

"And you wonder why everybody is staring." Liz mused with a wink, gently grabbing Maka's wrist to wheel her to the reserved Shibusen section.

Before long, Maka found herself in the company of her closest friends. And despite her futile attempts to stay completely sober, she had a few drinks. Now, here she was, feeling the wobbly, blurry effects of being tipsy. She didn't like drinking in least; having nearly gagged each time she attempted to take a large gulp to silence her earlier "straight-edge" accusations.

She sat beside Tsubaki who nursed her own drink. Black*Star, completely blacked out, laid sprawled on her lap snoring loudly. Tsubaki shook her head warmly and rubbed his back, having a fierce affection for the clueless ninja that Maka would never understand. "He took a drinking challenge," Tsubaki spoke loud enough so she was heard over the music. "with Soul."

"Soul was here?!" Maka demanded, straightening on her stool.

Tsubaki nodded carefully, afraid she may have strung some raw cord. "I'm surprised he didn't pass out along with Black*Star. Kidd spoke with him earlier and then he rushed out. -Is everything alright, Maka-chan? Why aren't you with him?"

"Do you know where he went, Tsubaki?" Maka jumped to her feet and immediately regretted it. If she thought walking in heels was difficult, doing so tipsy would become mission impossible.

"Um... I think he mentioned getting some air? Maka!" Tsubaki called for her friend, but to no avail. She sighed and watched as she marched off unsteadily.

Maka had no idea where she was going, considering she didn't even know how to get to Kidd's backyard sober. But somehow, luck or not, she found herself opening the door and slipping outside. And true to her word, there he was, leaning against the balcony railing with a glass in hand. Maka narrowed her eyes slightly and approached him slowly. "Soul." Her voice was a lot steadier than she expected it would be.
Maka watched as he blinked in surprise, hearing his name and turned around. Her face was already warm from the alcoholic effects, but it flushed a deeper shade of crimson when his eyes widened and took in her appearance. Maka tried her best to act nonchalant, but couldn't hide the blush that crept up her cheeks. "Soul." She repeated once more, finally stopping when she was a few feet away from him. He had completely swiveled around at this point, so that his back leaned against the railing as he appraised his Meister.

"..Maka"

"Why did you leave?" Maka demanded, narrowing her smoldering eyes.

"I...um, I-I, uh.." Soul tousled around for his words, struggling to keep his gaze unwavering from hers. But even that was difficult.

"Why didn't you wait!" Maka spoke up fiercely, her voice rising. Her earlier anger had resurfaced within her. The Meister arched an eyebrow and glared at her weapon, who still struggled to speak.

Soul stopped his stuttering and growled in frustration. "I didn't feel like waiting anymore." He spat bitterly and took a small sip of his water in attempt to clear his thoughts.

"You could've at least told us! I was almost done too-"

"I don't have to wait on you! I don't have to tell you where or when I'm going all the time! Jesus, you are my Meister but you don't have to control my life. Damn it, Maka!" Soul burst out vehemently, his crimson eyes darkening.

Maka immediately recoiled away from him; his words inflicting an invisible slap on her. She took a step back and gazed up at her partner with shattered jade eyes and a wounded expression.

Soul gauged her reaction and straightened up, realizing what he had done. Intoxicated or not, her quivering bottom lip and big sad eyes was an immediate sober-up. "Oi, Maka..."

"SHUT UP!" Maka shrieked, jerking away from him. Her eyebrows knitted together as she glared up at Soul with two burning eyes. "If that's how you really feel, then why are we even partners?! Why do I deal with you! If you can't stand being around me, then leave!" Maka screamed harshly. Her gaze dropped down and her two hands clenched in tiny, trembling fists. She spoke up once more, only this time all passionate vigor had seeped out of her being. "I'm sorry I've been such a burden for you all this time." Her voice trembled along with her entire body. "You have plenty of partner requests, so I'm sure you'll be able to find one soon. I knew it was only a matter of time before you moved on...f-from me." Her voice broke on the last syllable and as tears pooled around the rims of her eyes and cascaded down her beautiful face.

"I didn't mean...-Maka! Wait!" Soul called out, but a moment too late. He clenched his teeth and watched as she bolted off. "Damn it, so not fucking cool." Soul growled and raked his fingers through his hair.

Maka continued to streak through the cobble streets of Death City, her tears blurring her vision. She had fallen multiple times, scraping her knees with each trip. Eventually, she disregarded her heels somewhere and now ran barefoot, kicking up autumn leaves as she went. She didn't know what upset her more; what Soul had said, or that there was no way to mend their partnership. Having exhausted herself, Maka slumped down to her knees and buried her face in her hands. Sobs racketed throughout her entire body as she sniffed and hiccuped for air. When she opened her eyes, she found a new reason to cry as she gazed down at her mascara smeared palms. She rubbed her face in attempt to clean the makeup that had streamed down from her tears. Quickly giving up, she sighed dismally and slumped her shoulders. After all Liz and Patti's hard work and Maka's attempt to impress everyone here she sat in the middle of the street in a state that was even pitiful to her.

Although her body screamed against it, and a part of her (a sadistic part, that is) wanted to stay sitting here Maka knew she would eventually have to go back to the apartment. And that meant facing Soul. Well, maybe she could get there before him and lock herself in her room. With that in mind, Maka rubbed her cheeks once more and then her temples. Her entire head throbbed in what felt like a premature hangover, despite the fact that her senses were still slurred. Maka groaned, unable to suppress another fit of tears that wretched through her body.

"What's a matter, sweetheart? Boyfriend dump ya?"

Maka stiffened, the gruff voice from behind her sending chills down her spine. She let out a shaky breath; immobile with a sudden overwhelming trepidation. Confirming her nightmare, a clammy hand slipped over her shoulder and brushed across her collarbone.

"Long time no see, Maka Albarn." Along with the hand came a hot breath against the back of her neck. "You're looking rather...exquisite." The man purred. "Just as tempting as your Grigori soul, hmm?"

Maka snapped out of her trance and lunged forward. "SOUL!-" She shrieked at the top of her lungs but choked on a sudden hand around her mouth.

"I'd keep your mouth shut if I were you, sweetheart." Came his angry response. "But no matter, considering the fear wafting from you I doubt anyone will be looking for you. Oh? Am I right? You and I both know your situation is hopeless."

Maka silently cursed her body's betrayal as hot tears streamed down from her eyes; only confirming the mysterious man's accusation. Maka gagged against his grip, choking on a sob. In desperate attempt to escape, she chomped on his fingers, drawing blood.

"SHIT!" The man cursed out harshly and let go.

"SOUL! SOMEBODY HELP ME!" Maka cried out and gasped when a sudden blow to her side smashed her against the ground. She gripped her rips, wheezing for air. Maka scrambled away from the ominous silhouette as a raw cough escaped her. She glanced down to see blood splatter out of her mouth. Black blood.

"No more games, you little bitch!" The man snarled and leaned over Maka, grunting and growling as he kicked her curled up body. Once satisfied he leaned over her, forcing her to press herself against the cold street. With both hands he grabbed her neck and squeezed; cutting off any air.

Maka kicked and writhed beneath him, struggling to fill her lungs. Her vision was quickly depleting and along with it her energy.

"Master Jaesol will purify this world." Her attacker growled gutturally and released one hand to plug her nose shut.

The last thing Maka heard was the distant sound of a blade unsheathing before she subsided into darkness.

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I think I have a cliff-hanger problem.. but alas! The true villain's name has been announced! (DUN DUN DUN) Well, I hope you enjoyed it! Please leave reviews and lovely comments (coughineedthemcoughcough)

P.S - Clammy hands. ew. -squirms away-