Music of Our Hearts: Chapter 2:

Soul sighed heavily, rubbing his head which only messed up his hair even further. He felt much better now that he was washed and cleaned after walking up that tremendous staircase although it didn't do much to stifle his nerves as he waited at the piano for Wes to return.

People were already appearing in the grand hall, glancing at him from time to time as they wondered if he was going to start playing. Their attention was only making him wince as though their gaze burned straight into him.

His attention however was taken to a small commotion on the other side of the hall. From what Soul could see, a man seemed to be harassing a young girl, their conversation was inaudible but eventually the man left, looking depressed.

Soul chuckled to himself, You go girl. Don't let those jerks take you for granted.

He noticed Wes as he walked over to him. "Ready to go? We'll be performing as soon as Lord Death introduces us." He said with a certain eagerness that Soul couldn't understand however it seemed to fade slightly when he saw how distasteful of it Soul was. "Don't chuck." He said with a chuckle as he noticed that he was looking rather green.

"Not helping.." Soul muttered quietly.

Wes opened his mouth to say something but Lord Death cut him off as he started his speech.

He stood at the front centre of the stage, his comical hands extended in welcome. "Welcome~ Welcome~ I'm glad that you could all come out tonight on this occasion like every few months. We have a special treat tonight from the Evans brother, Wes and Soul.

Wes and Soul bowed to the audience as they were introduced to the crowd of people who watched eagerly.

Lord Death moved to the side of the stage, watching the two as they began getting into position, Soul sitting at the piano with his fingers resting on the keys lightly and Wes propped his violin onto his shoulder, resting his chin on the rest. Every bone in Soul's body screamed out failure but he pushed it away, he wouldn't let Wes beat him, and if he does... He was just going to have to get better.

With determination, he began playing an intro and Wes began accompanying, creating a lovely harmony between the two. Soul's shoulders tensed but he forced himself to relax as he knew he wouldn't be able to do his best if he were stressed.

You can do it... You can do it.. He urged himself, Keep it up, you're doing good...

After a few minutes which seemed to drag on for an eternity to Soul, the piece was completed and the applause from the crowd was deafening which made pride well him inside of him.

He took a few deep breathes, feeling rather giddy as Wes chuckled, patting his shoulder. "You did good." He said with a proud smile.

Lord Death nodded to them, "Excellent work you two. Soul, you've definitely been practising." He complimented before turning to the crowd. "With that, please enjoy the rest of the evening."

Wes gave his shoulder another tug before walking away to a group of people talking, leaving Soul at his place at the piano, too stunned to even move. He doubted that his legs would hold him right now anyway. Despite how the crowd applauded... He still felt doubt creeping up on his abilities...

"Hello." A voice said behind him, pulling him from his thoughts. He spun on the stool, seeing the girl from before who was being harassed by that old guy. She wore a black dress, and her blonde hair was done up in two pigtails at the sides. "You did a good job." She beamed at him.

Soul felt his face heat up a little, unsure how to react to the compliment. "Th-Thanks..."

She held out her hand for him to shake. "I'm Maka Albarn." She said, still beaming.

"Soul...Evans." He replied, shaking her hand. He smiled, revealing his pointed teeth.

"So, are you a weapon or a meister?" She asked, holding her hands behind her back. She didn't seem to have any issue with casual conversation.

"Ah... Neither. I don't go to school here. Lord Death just asked that we perform for the party." He explained, rubbing the back of his neck."

Maka nodded to show she understood. "I see. Well I'm a meister although I don't have a weapon yet.. I just can't seem to find the right person." She said, giving an awkward chuckle.

Soul smirked slightly, "What about that red haired guy who was harassing you?"

Maka pouted and looked away, "Thats my father." She muttered dryly.

Soul nearly fell out of his seat, "That was your father? It totally looked like he was hitting on you! And isn't that Lord Death's Death Scythe or something?" He wasn't entirely sure how it all worked but he had heard rumours...

Maka sighed, "Yeah... and he's got issues."

"MAKA!?" A voice shouted out from the crowd making Maka's skin crawl as a shudder went up her spine.

"Hide me." She almost pleaded to Soul, glancing over her shoulder to see her father pushing through the crowd as he looked for her.

"He's that bad...?" Soul arched a brow, almost disblieving.

She nodded, "Mhm.."

He shook his head, standing up. "Damn..." He grabbed her hand and pulled her along the stage, and on the outskirts of the crowd to avoid her father however as they passed the buffee table something grabbed his attention and he circled back, "Sashimi..." He says almost dreamily, loading up a plate.

"Raw fish...?" Maka frowned distastefully.

"Yep." Soul had his load and continued walking.

"Gross..." Maka crinkled her nose, watching him a moment before walking after him onto one of the various balconies and Maka finally took a moment to relax, letting out a sigh of relief as she leant against the railing.

"What does that creep want?" Soul asked as he stuffed a piece of sashimi in his mouth.

"He wants to dance with me like we used to..." She muttered, shuddering at the thought.

"Why do you hate him so much? Must be recent.." He said, waving his fork, his mouth full.

"Cause he cheated on Mama... lots." She said spitefully, looking out over Death City.

Her answer almost made him drop his fork, "And he thinks he can still be okay with you?"

She nodded almost regretfully. "I wish I were with Mama but she travels a lot and I need to do my schooling here at Shibusen."

Soul nodded understandingly, "Hey, if it were my way, I would be happy to be your partner, unfortunately, I'm no weapon."

Maka glanced to him and smiled a bit, "Thanks, although... something tells me you might just be."

"Huh? How do you know?" Soul asked, almost shocked.

"Woman's intuition." She said with a smirk.