Soul Eater characters will never belong to me *weeps*

CHAPTER 3: The Butterfly Effect

Maka found herself shuffling through the shelves in a pharmacy. It was early in the morning, and she was the first customer. It was exactly what she wanted. Awkwardly, she scanned through the labels hurriedly, praying urgently that no kind assistants would come along to help her.

No way will I tell her what I want!

Using the internet, she had found a pharmacy situated in some regional area just beyond the central city. It was all that she could to avoid bumping into familiar faces.

And she had made sure she slept in her own bedroom the night before, so she didn't have to creep out of Soul's arms when she wakes up, and suffer his interrogation of where she thought she was going.

Ah ha! Found it!

Maka quickly swiped the offending product off the top shelf and made her way to the counter.

OK, final obstacle. Gotta be discreet. Don't make small talk!

A sleepy-looking counter girl simply scanned the box and placed it into a bag.

"That'll be 15 bucks."

Maka mutely handed her the cash and then almost high-tailed out of the pharmacy.

"PHEW!!!"

Releasing her tension with a big sigh of relief, she bent over and clutched her knees, almost laughing at her current plight.

"What are you doing?"

"AH!!"

Maka fell onto the ground in surprise as she blinked at the owner of the voice.

"O-Ox?"

"Yeah, you looked like you were hurling. Are you alright?"

"E-Eh? Oh yes, I-I'm fine. Don't worry about it."

"Your face looks really flushed. Are you sick?"

Maka really wanted to punch Ox. They weren't on bad terms, but they weren't exactly chummy either.

Why is he so concerned with me now? This is not the best time!"

"Look Ox, I'm really OK. Fit as anything! Now I really need to run. Talk to you next time!"

"What are you hiding?"

Maka positively broke into a cold sweat. Her mouth felt very dry. As she turned around stiffly to face Ox, she realised he was staring at her bag suspiciously.

"You've been acting very weird. You're usually weird anyway, but now..."

"Why is it your business anyway?"

"Why are you so defensive?"

Ox started to walk towards Maka, and she quickly retreated from him, clutching the bag to her chest.

"Don't come over!"

Ox stopped and looked at her intently.

"You're really being very strange today, Maka. What's going on?"

Maka knew she was bad with lying. She was also terrible with hiding her emotions. She couldn't keep her cool under pressure, especially when she didn't want anyone to see what she bought.

"A-Anyway, what are you doing here in this region?"

"Trying to change the subject, Miss Goody-Two-Shoes?"

"It is still a valid question, Mr Nosy Parker."

Ox shrugged and smirked slightly.

"Well, I came to meet Jacqueline. We have a mission to complete together, and this is the region which comes under our investigation."

"Jacqueline? Well, that's really nice. You must be happy."

"Of course. It's easier to work together with someone whom you enjoy being with, and we can synchronise our souls through teamwork very well."

"Ah, that's great. Eh, so I guess I'll be going. I don't want to interrupt your time with her."

"You still haven't told me why you're here. Isn't there a pharmacy located in the University too?"

Maka paled as Ox peered intently at her bag. She thought it could self-combust under his piercing stare. He pushed his glasses up his nose slowly.

She knew it was her guilty demeanour that aroused Ox's suspicions.

"I didn't know you were Maka's mother. Hello, Aunt Kami."

A smooth sarcastic tone drifted from behind her, and Maka held her breath.

Wait, it couldn't be... but he wouldn't have known...

Maka watched as a tall striding figure walked past her, and she looked up to see that white-haired lad now standing in front of her, with a possessive and protective demeanour that only he was capable of conveying without words.

"S-Soul..."

"Man, do you always have to pick a quarrel or argument with each other? Grow up, really."

"He started it!"

Maka pouted as she pointed at Ox with a vengeance. Soul sighed silently to himself. Ox adjusted his glasses as he regarded Soul carefully.

"Your meister is acting very weirdly. I've never seen her so flustered before. Or suspicious. She's hiding something in that bag."

Soul looked to the object in question and Maka turned away from him.

Guilt all over her face. Maka, don't be such an open book.

"Whatever it is, I think it's none of your business in the first place, Ox. I can take it from here."

"None of my business? She travelled far to get here, and she was acting all nervous. This area, incidentally, is under my jurisdiction since it's been allocated to Jacqueline and I. Seriously, it's not like I wanted to know. If only we had taken care of that stupid Kishin and-"

"Yes Ox, but we're not in the mood for another of your lectures. Save it for your students, you crazy lecturer."

"Oh, so you're all being big and mighty huh, Mr Big Shot Deathscythe."

Soul sighed out loud, wondering why he was stuck in this situation.

"C'mon Maka, let's get out of here. I'm starvin'."

He could hear Ox screech in indignation at being ignored. He smiled wickedly to himself.

* * * * * *

Maka was silent throughout the journey home, as he rode them back in his motorcycle. Soul wasn't sure if he should pry, seeing how she was excessively cautious with her bag. Still, curiousity was winning against caution.

And Maka hadn't asked him immediately why he followed her. That was a rare omission from her.

Once he let them in, he threw the keys onto the couch carelessly and flicked the door shut. As Maka walked past him, he reached out and held her hand gently, stopping her.

"Soul, I-I need to go back to my room."

"What is in that bag?"

He felt the girl sigh in exasperation and released her hand as she turned around. Expressive emerald-green eyes peered straight into him as she slowly unwrapped the bag from its object.

"A-A pill box?"

"It's contraceptive pills. Happy?"

Maka blushed brightly as she quickly shoved the object back into the bag.

That was really, really embarrassing. Geez.

"Hey, look at me."

"What!?"

"You should have just told me. I could have accompanied you to the pharmacy, or I could pick them up myself."

"NO! Erm... no. Soul, it's better if I do this by myself. It's less conspicuous."

"Less conspicuous? You mean that little interaction with Ox didn't teach you anything?"

Maka groaned softly to herself, squeezing her eyes shut in mortification just recalling that scenario.

"Look Maka, I'm also involved in this. It's my responsibility as much as yours."

"But you'll just stride up to the school pharmacy at lecture intervals where there's tons of other students around, and swing that box in full view!"

Soul raised an eyebrow at that flustered outburst and choked back a guffaw.

"Now what!?"

"You seriously think I'll do that? Geez, obviously I won't. They'll know I'm getting those for you."

Maka's mouth opened in surprise.

Of course, of course he won't. I'm an idiot. Soul's much more sensitive and aware of his surroundings than I.

"You need to give me more credit than that. And I won't want Spirit to catch hold of me either. It'll be the end of me, I know."

"Soul, you're right. I-I'm sorry."

Soul walked over to Maka and affectionately placed his hand on her head.

"By the way, why don't you just place orders online so you don't have to pop into pharmacies?"

"I'll love to, but I don't have a credit card."

"You should have just discussed all these issues with me. I'll apply for one now, and I'll get a supplementary card under your name."

"No, I refuse. I don't want to use your money."

Looking into his girlfriend's determined eyes, Soul wondered why he was so in love with a stubborn mule.

"Y'know, you're very uncute when you say things like that."

Maka stuck her tongue out at him as she weaselled out of his touch and went into the kitchen.

I'm going to apply for one anyway.

* * * * * *

"Soul-kun! Kyaaaa!"

The freshmen (or specifically, the ladies) in University were smitten with Soul, and would always scream excitedly whenever he was in sight. It didn't bother the recipient one bit, he was usually in a daze when he was on school grounds anyway.

This day was no different.

As the couple was making their way to their respective lectures, 2 girls giggled to themselves as they walked by. Maka cast a glance up at Soul, and realised he was not aware of the reactions he was causing.

"Soul?"

"Hmm?"

Crimson-red eyes immediately turned to her, they seemingly springing to life at her voice. His demeanour was always cool and collected, but his eyes were fiery and intense. Maka knew those eyes very well, they melted her self-consciousness whenever they were focused on her.

She couldn't help but feel strangely happy.

"Why are you smiling to yourself?"

"Nothing."

Maka looked up and Soul was a little taken aback. Her face was an expression of joy and happiness. It was a rarity, since this girl was always worried and cautious.

"Care to share with me later?"

"It'll depend on my mood then."

Maka grinned widely as she bid farewell to him and pushed open the lecture doors to her Meisters' Advanced Lecture on Witches' Souls. Soul waved goodbye casually and shuffled on.

Wonder what was on her mind. I'll really need to pry on this one.

"Yo!"

Soul looked to see his old pal standing in front of him.

"Yo."

A high-five with perfect synchronisation occurred.

"You walked Maka to this lecture? Man, you're such a gentleman huh."

"None of your business, Black Star. You're in this lecture too?"

"Yeah, what a pain. They say I need some points or credits if I want to make it out of this college. I don't need dumb papers to reap some souls, do I? As if these papers are gonna save my ass when I'm fighting out there."

"Well, you know the gist. Just bear with it."

"Hey, we ought to catch up. Haven't seen you for some time."

"Of course, anything for some good 'ol crazy fun."

"Will call you in a bit. Gah, I'm late again! Sensei is gonna kill me."

Soul chuckled to himself as he watched Black Star stumble into the lecture hall. He was really glad his Meister wasn't Black Star. Life just wouldn't be the same.

"Hello Soul-kun."

Soul turned around to see Tsubaki greeting him with a gentle bow.

"Hello Tsubaki, shall we go?"

* * * * * *

As Soul and Tsubaki walked into the next building for their Weapons' Lecture on Synchronising Souls to Amplify Attacks & Defences, some girls whispered in soft tones amongst each other. Tsubaki noticed that they were all eyeing Soul excitedly, and smiled gently to herself.

"Soul-kun, have you noticed that you're a popular guy on campus?"

The scythe weapon cracked a confident smile, which lighted up his face in a wickedly handsome way. He glanced sideways at the soft spoken multi-skilled ninja weaponry.

"I always knew."

Tsubaki chuckled softly.

"Maka once told me, well, in passing, that you seemed oblivious. It seems that you haven't been fully honest with her."

"I gotta read her moods, y'know. She's not exactly the most self-assured girl around, and with stupid Spirit's track record, I have to unpick all the damage he caused on his little girl. Once our relationship is in the open, I'll make sure I pound some repentance into Spirit's head."

"You pretend not to notice the attention whenever you're around her?"

"Yeah, I won't hurt her. And anyway, I'm not interested in those fawning girls. I'm sure it'll pass."

"What about Maka?"

"Huh?"

"Maka's pretty popular herself."

"I know, but she's so clueless. I don't really need to be worried."

"I see."

"Hey Tsubaki, how much does Maka tell you about us?"

"Are you concerned?"

"Well, a little. I know girls talk about everything apparently, but I don't know about Maka when it comes to revealing stuffs to others. She's pretty closed up."

"She tells me enough."

"Heh, what an ambiguously safe answer."

Tsubaki stuck her tongue out sheepishly.

"I know Maka's safe with you. You must take good care of her. She's really strong, but also delicate at the same time."

"I know, Tsubaki. I know."

* * * * * *

"Why won't you lend me your notes, you stingy poker!?"

"Because you lost mine when you borrowed them for the lecture on Technician-Weapon History!"

Black Star pffted loudly as Maka huffed in retort. Lecture had ended as students streamed out into the open – some were yawning, some were chatting, and others were just glad that they had some free time finally.

"Stingy poker."

"Prick."

Both Technicians walked side-by-side as they continued hurling insults at each other, their friendship so comfortable and easy, with no grudges or menace.

"Hey, what are you and Soul doing these days? I find it so difficult to catch him for a quick meal."

"E-Eh? Well, just hanging out at home. You're welcomed to pop over any time."

"Are you sure about that? I won't be 'disturbing' the both of you, eh?"

"What!? What do you mean, Black Star!? How much do you know?"

"You've just affirmed what I suspected. Thank you, Maka Albarn."

"Argh! Don't talk in riddles!"

"I didn't. You simply assumed."

"MAKA CHOP!"

Black Star squatted on the ground nursing a bump on his head, his eyes in tears.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR!?"

"For being stupid."

Maka grinned with satisfaction, relieved at the opportunity to utilise her trademark attack after so long. Soul had swept her away with these newfound emotions, feelings, words and touches. She didn't find the need to use it on him recently.

"You're not a girl, I swear. You're so different from Tsubaki, I'm glad she's my Weapon."

Black Star continued to nurse his bump as he stood up again, staring at Maka.

"Well, sorry for not acting like one. But I am definitely a girl. You're lucky that Tsubaki sticks by you. Thank your stars every day."

"I don't need you to tell me. And I definitely know you're a girl, or else Soul wouldn't be caught dead around you acting-"

"H-Hi Maka-chan!"

Tsubaki jumped in all of a sudden and her hand was strategically cupped over Black Star's mouth.

"HNSJFGHHH!"

"Ah. Ha. Ha. Black Star is so funny, isn't he?"

"Eh? Tsubaki-chan, what's going on?"

Maka looked confused as she tried to decipher what Black Star was going to say.

"It's just Black Star shooting his motor mouth off. Don't mind him, Maka-chan."

"Eh? Soul... your lecture is finished too?"

"Yeah, I walked out with Tsubaki and could hear Black Star and you from miles away. Geez, both of you should watch yourselves. You're seniors, for crying out loud."

"He started it!"

Soul groaned and buried his face with one hand.

I've heard that one before.

"Well anyway, let me take Black Star with me before any damage is done. I'll see you around, Maka-chan, Soul-kun. Take care!"

"Seeya!"

"Ou."

Maka waved as Soul smiled and shoved his hands into his pockets.

"Ready to go home?"

"Yep!"

* * * * * *

"What are you doing?"

"Preparing notes for tomorrow's lecture. Ox showed me his preparations today, and it was 50 pages long. What a show-off."

"Well, aren't you the show-off too? You're making yours 51 pages long right?"

Maka pouted as she spun her chair around to glare at Soul.

"Are you here to make fun of me?"

"No, I'm here to tell you that I booked tickets to a piano concerto next month."

"Oh... really?"

"Yep, you and I are going. You need to dress well, so you get an excuse to buy a new outfit. Make it sexy too, so it'll keep me enticed all night."

Maka blushed and smacked him playfully on his arm.

"Well, we'll see about that."

"Hey, can I sleep with you tonight?"

"You need a human bolster? Or did you hear some creepy stori- OW!"

Maka winced as Soul delivered a soft blow to the top of her head with his fist.

"I miss you, you idiot."

"But we see each other everyday."

"I miss holding you. I miss being close to you. I want to hear your breath."

Maka felt embarrassed as she quickly spun her chair back to her notes.

"Whatever. You do what you want, Soul."

Soul grinned as he noticed her fumbling with her pen.

I just love to tease you, oh yes I do.

* * * * * *

In Death City, they have advanced medicinal breakthroughs and discoveries (what with human-evolved weapons and all), and magical concoctions combined with state-of-the-art equipment to create the most efficient medicines in the world.

What Maka has bought from the pharmacy is a form of contraception called O-Break. What this does is to halt her ovation cycle so that her reproduction system is 'freezed'. This symptom will occur 5 minutes after ingesting the pill, and the effect will last for 5 days. It is a secure form of contraception, which tons of women use safely and without repercussions.

Maka debated furiously within herself, whether she should swallow the pill for tonight. She wasn't sure if Soul was feeling frisky. After that little incident in Soul's inner world, they hadn't touched each other that way, and Soul wanting to sleep in her room could relay a need from him for her. She was also too self-conscious to ask him what he had in mind.

Should I? What does he want tonight? I don't know!

"Maka, when are you coming in? Don't tell me you're making notes in the bathroom as well."

"I'm not! I'll be in soon."

Maka flustered a bit more as she stared intently at that little pill in her palm.

Tell me the answer. Should I or shouldn't I?

The bathroom door suddenly swung open and Maka jumped in surprise. An impatient Soul scratched the back of his head, curiously regarding her reaction with growing suspicion.

Why do you think people can see through you? You're so easy to read, Maka.

Maka had quickly flung her hands backwards, hiding them from Soul. She blushed as she looked for a quick exit.

"What are you hiding?"

"N-Nothing."

"And you wonder why Ox cornered you the other day. You look like you are harbouring Kishin or something. Show me."

"NO!"

"Be a good girl now."

"Why did you come in anyway!?"

"I needed to use the toilet, but since you sidetracked me now, I'll settle your issue first."

"W-Wait, Soul... ah, don't!"

Maka knew she couldn't overpower Soul as his strong hands pried hers open, firmly but without hurting her. He took the pill with his fingers and looked at her questioningly.

"Is this... the pill?"

"Don't ask the obvious."

"Maka, look at me and give me a straight answer."

"Y-yes."

"So you were about to take it?"

"I don't know."

"Huh?"

"I didn't know if I should, because I wasn't sure what we were going to do."

Soul broke into a devilish grin. He finally understood what was in Maka's head, and he was going to have a lot of fun.

"Because I suggested that I was going to sleep in your room?"

"Erm... yes."

"You expected I wasn't going to keep my hands to myself eh."

"N-No! But, but I couldn't discount the possibility. The first time I was lucky, nothing happened. And then the second time, I don't know if it would affect our physical states, but again, nothing happened. And... and I don't want to be caught unprepared again."

"Hmm, I'll like to have twins - a boy and a girl, hopefully one of them is a Weapon like myself."

"Eh?"

"Wouldn't you?"

"S-Soul! This is not the time to discuss about this!"

Maka bit her lip and covered her face with her hands, burning up with embarrassment. She wasn't taught about protection or even the birds and the bees by anyone. All she had were vague suggestions on forums and lengthy articles which she scoured and read online, or asking Tsubaki her questions 'on behalf of a friend'.

Of course, Tsubaki didn't blow her cover.

She knew Soul treated her kindly, more lovingly and preciously than anyone else. She appreciated it, and she reacted to his love, hopefully with the same passion that he had for her. But she never knew if it was enough, whether she was behaving in 'the right way' for him.

She had more questions than answers for herself, ever since she embarked on this journey with Soul. The paradox lied in the fact that she had opened herself up to him in more ways than one, but found that there were more things she couldn't find herself asking him.

"Maka, you've blown this thing out of proportion."

"Mhgo awalhy (go away)."

"Can't hear you, you're muffled. Why do you always talk when you cover your face?"

Soul embraced Maka gently and stroked her beautiful honeycombed-coloured hair slowly.

"I know you need time, Maka. I'll give you all the time you need. I know you're not being shy just to be modest or cute. I know you genuinely feel confused, befuddled, strange. You're the type of girl who looks strong but you're really fragile."

Maka remained silent as she listened to his slow, steady voice. It was low and confident, alluring and soothing at the same time.

"I love you so much I can never get enough of you, but that doesn't mean I lose all restraint. I read your body language and moods as much as I can. I know when you are being embarrassed, I know when you want me to do things to you, or to stop what I'm doing. I may seem like I'm forceful, but tell me, have I ever made you to do something against your will?"

"Mphno."

"I assume that's a no. I can't hear you properly."

"No."

Maka repeated again as she uncovered her face.

"Good, it means I haven't read you wrongly. I may make mistakes, and that's when you need to tell me. I may give you time to adjust, but you also need to accept this new person that you're evolving into. We're not who we used to be in the past, even if we aren't together as a couple."

"Soul, I understand. I know you're patient with me, even I can feel that I'm purposely refusing to accept this new status quo. I... I don't know why I'm so reluctant."

"You're probably afraid."

"Afraid?"

"I assume your mother was just like you. She was beautiful, strong, independent, smart and cute. And then she fell in love with her Weapon, she married him, they had a child together. In the end, she was betrayed."

Maka looked down at her fingers, her memory replaying in her mind like an old movie. She didn't understand why her father continued to drink and behave intimately with other women. She knew her father loved them dearly, that love had never ceased. And yet, that behaviour outside the house was puzzling and disturbing.

"I don't get it, Soul. He still loves us so much, I know he'll die for us without hesitation. And yet, why?"

Soul knew who Maka was referring to, but he kept quiet. Maka was probably questioning herself instead of him.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. You probably don't want to be involved with someone like me, who has so many issues. I didn't even know they still affected me in this time and day."

"They say that what a person encountered during childhood is usually long-lasting. It's the truth with most people. You're not the only one, I have my issues too."

"Soul too?"

"Yeah, I was estranged from my family when I was very young. But you came into my life and slowly changed me. Without even realising it, I was already yours."

"I didn't do much."

"You don't give yourself much credit. Geez, you strive so hard to gain acknowledgement from everyone else. You need to give yourself a break."

"I don't do that!"

"You do. And the next time you're in doubt about things like these, you talk to ME."

Soul clutched the pill and placed it into the pill box.

"Eh?"

"You're not taking it tonight."

"I-I'm not? So..."

"Yes, it means we're not doing anything."

"Ah..."

"Talk to me next time, so you don't frown to yourself in the mirror. It's very unsightly."

"What!?"

"Now get out of the bathroom, I need to pee."

"SOUL!"

* * * * * *

"Still angry?"

"Hmph!"

Soul chuckled to himself as he stared at Maka's back. She was lying down, facing away from him, her long hair cascading lightly onto her bedsheets. Soul lifted a few strands and ran them through his fingers lightly, grasping a few and bringing them to his face. He inhaled the sweet lavender aroma she used as her shampoo, and muttered softly.

"Your hair smells lovely."

"I'm not budging."

"I know."

"Go to sleep, we have an early start tomorrow."

"You do that, I'll just keep playing with your hair."

Maka flipped around furiously and glared at Soul.

"You won't get to do that now, ha!"

"Now I get to see your face, even better."

Maka's eyes opened wide in surprise and then with disappointment - at herself for playing into Soul's hands again.

"Aren't you a lovely thing to tease with?"

"Argh, go away."

"At least let me snuggle up to you."

"No."

Maka allowed Soul's strong arms to wrap around her gently, and felt herself pulled towards him. She had to give up.

"Then you'll just have to snuggle up to me, Maka."

Maka didn't respond, she was biting her lip. Soul cupped her face with his hands and captured a chaste kiss from his surprised lover.

"Good night, my dear."

After a momentary lapse of rebellious silence, Maka finally gave in...

"Good night, Soul."

... albeit with a small voice.

* * * * * *

Editor's Notes:

Oh my goodness, I must be crazy to have waited this long to write an update. I hope nobody was waiting eagerly for it, because I can't imagine anyone wanting to read my stories! -embarrassed- I was very busy preparing 3 assignments which were all due on 15th Jan, so I was stuck in my room writing essays after essays. It wasn't awesome at all.

Still, I hope this chapter lives up to most people's expectations! I wanted to explore our favourite couple's feelings and the real-life fears/consequences that they must face, because of their actions. I like to put fictional characters into simulated realistic environments (I'm no sadist, although I love Junjou Romantica... ahem!).

I'm itching to write about Kid, so he'll make his belated appearance soon. ^__^

Thank you for the kind suggestions and reviews so far, I really appreciate them, and I do read and take each and every one of them into account!