Author's Note: I know I haven't updated this story in a while, but rest assured I plan on updating it from now on. Sorry for everyone that wanted me to continue this story long ago. I hope you enjoy!

I'm walking to the restaurant Stein said we'd dine at earlier in the day. I'm wearing a loose fitting aqua dress. When I go out I dress up. It's just a thing I do. Some people don't dress up but it doesn't bother me, I like to look good. I enter the restaurant and see Stein at a table nearby. He's waving and I approach him. I see his mouth drop when he catches a glance at me. I can tell he's impressed. I sit down and he seems to gain some composure.

"Jilly, nice of you to come."

I nod and grab at the menu that's sitting on the table. I sneak a look at Stein as I'm looking at the menu. He just seems to be deciding what he wants to eat. I sigh, that's no fun. I was hoping for some romance tonight but even I know that was a stretch. Stein's a scientist after all and he doesn't really seem to understand much about love. At least that's what I've heard from Spirit. He was Stein's weapon back in the day. So I guess he would know the most about Stein. Still I wonder why he even asked me out, if he's so incapable of love. It's a mystery alright but I'm not sure if asking him myself would benefit me in any way. After all it might just make him mad. I'd be safer by asking Spirit or one of the other teachers. So as I decide on what to eat, all these thoughts race through my head like wasps. It's quite annoying actually. I finally pick something to eat and rest my menu on the table. Stein is looking at his menu and then he sets it down as well.

"Have you decided what you want to eat?" I ask him casually.

He nods absently. I wonder what he's thinking about. He glances at me, a cigarette hanging out of his mouth. I knew he liked to smoke but who likes to do that when they're about to eat?

He clears his throat then and says, "Do you want to know why I asked you out?"

I'm so shocked that he would ask me that, that I'm barely able to manage a nod.

He smiles slowly and replies, "Well I'm not too good with people and I wanted to get better."

I nod, urging him to continue.

"It's just that you seem to be the most intelligent woman I know and I'd like to get to know you. Plus getting to know you will help me with my people skills."

So that's why he asked me out. It wasn't because he liked me romantically more that he liked me on an intelligence level. I can't say I'm not disappointed because I am but at the same time I'm flattered. He did after all just call me the most intelligent woman he's ever met. That at least makes me happy.

Our food arrives shortly after we have discussed our students. Stein comments on some of the students I know, such as Soul, Maka, Black Star, and Death the Kid. He says that Black Star is a brat but has potential to be a great meister. I'm not so sure about the great meister part but I do agree that he has potential. Stein then goes into great detail how we teachers should treat their students. I agree on most of his points. He sounds like he's a good teacher. Of course he's just a substitute but he sounds like he really understands his kids.

I take a bite of my food and chat pleasantly to Stein. He seems to be loosening up. It's nice seeing him not so tense, like he usually is. His demeanor changes as the meal continues. He smiles more and laughs at some of my jokes. He looks more and more handsome as the night continues. I know it's because I was already attracted to him, but learning more about him makes him look that much more attractive.

The meal ends then and as we're walking out of the restaurant we run into Spirit. Stein looks surprised and I know I look the same way.

"Hey Stein, Jilly," Spirit says nodding at us.

"What's wrong Spirit?" Stein says, obviously noticing that something is up.

Spirit sighs and says, "Well Lord Death wanted to see you two but I also need some advice."

Stein looks amused. "Well spill it Spirit, what's up?"

Spirit looks haggard and then says, "It's Maka, she's ignoring me as usual but the worst part is that her and Soul have started going out and she didn't tell me! What kind of father am I? I didn't even know that until Blair told me."

I nod sympathetic. I'm not a parent so I'm not sure how to react but I know having someone you love ignore you and forget to tell you the details of their life, especially when you're really close, must hurt.

Stein sighs, "Spirit, I wouldn't worry. They were bound go out. Didn't you notice how close they were getting?"

Spirit shakes his head, "I knew they would, it's just shouldn't Maka have told me?"

Stein shrugs then, "She might have wanted to tell you in her own way. When did you find out about them going out?" Stein blows a puff of smoke from his cigarette then.

"I found out three days after the fact."

Stein nods, "See? Maka was probably shy about the recent turn of events and didn't know how to tell you. I'm sure she would have told you if you gave her a chance."

Spirit nods, "Thanks Stein."

He leaves then and I turn to Stein. "Shouldn't we head to the academy?"

Stein nods, "I'm not sure what Death needs us for but we mustn't ignore him when he calls."

We arrive at the academy quickly and wait for Lord Death to appear. He does after several minutes. "Ah, it's nice to see you Stein and Jilly."

We both nod and I cut to the chase, "What did you need us for Death?"

"I'm glad you asked Jilly. I want you to live with Stein."

"What?" I ask, my eyes popping out of my head I'm sure.

Stein looks dumbfounded.

"It's just that I want you two to become partners. Ever since Asura got loose I need you two extra vigilant. Stein is a great Meister and you my dear Jilly are a grand weapon."

I nod, it makes sense. "So when would you like me to move in?" I ask.

"I'd prefer for you to move in as soon as possible but if you need some time don't sweat it. Asura is still alive yes but he's not shown his face in a while so don't worry yet."

I nod and Stein glances at me. I wonder what he's thinking about. He seems to be contemplating something. What I don't know. Death flashes out then leaving me and Stein alone.

I cough softly and say, "So you're going to be my Meister?"

He nods, "It looks that way."

"How do you feel about that?" I ask, hesitant about what he'll say.

"It'd be my honor to wield you." I smile and feel better already. I can tell Stein and I will get along fine in his house. I wonder how well but that's for the future.