I wish I had started with something like this… I really like this idea. I don't own~! Enough said!
A little girl with platinum blonde wild hair rain through a familiar apartment, stopping at the kitchen where a taller, older woman with darker blonde hair was starting on dinner.
"Mommy, where is Bu-tan?"
The woman turned, revealing her beautiful moss green eyes finding her daughter's matching ones. "I think she went to work already…"
The girl frowned a bit. "Okay…" The woman saw that the little girl had a piece of paper in her hand.
"What's that, Celeste?"
Celeste handed her mother the paper, which read, 'Maka Albarn: The Best Mommy in the World."
"Oh, Celeste. How sweet! You're writing a paper about me?"
"I wanted to surprise you when I got the award for best in the third grade for you…"
Maka kneeled down in front of Celeste. "You are so sweet. I'll always treasure the paper, even if you don't win the award."
"But I'll win it for you, Mommy!"
Maka smiled and stood up, turning back to the food she was preparing.
"Mommy, where's Daddy?"
Maka looked at her child, and kneeled down again, hugging her child close. "I don't know… I could never find him when I tried to look for him. I like to think that he left for an important reason. But I don't know if we'll ever know for sure…"
Celeste hugged her mother back tightly. "He'll come back, Mommy… He has to."
Maka kissed her daughter's head and smiled. "I'm sure he will. Now, let me finish dinner, okay?"
Celeste nodded and ran out of the kitchen. Maka let her brave face fall as her daughter left. It had been eight years. Almost a decade. If he wasn't back now, he wasn't coming back…
After dinner, Celeste took her bath and afterward tried to sneak to her room.
"Celeste, come take your medicine."
Celeste sighed loudly. "Mommy! It's nasty!"
"Dr. Stein made it especially for you."
"But Ogre hasn't come back in a long time!"
"Because you take your medicine." Maka said as she gave Celeste two pills and a glass of water.
"Can Dr. Stein make them flavored and chewable?"
Maka smiled. "I'll see what I can do…"
Celeste smiled and took the pills and water from her mother. When she was done, Maka took the cup back, kissed her daughter on the head, and sent her off to her room.
Sighing, Maka watched her daughter close the door. Her blood… it wasn't completely black. But maybe the diluted madness was enough. Dr. Stein had assured her the madness would wane as she got older, but after an episode at school, she couldn't take the chance. So… she got a diluted version of the medication designed originally for her father.
He had left before it was finished. Before either of them knew about it.
A moment later, a purple cat with a large witch's hat strolled through an unlocked window.
"Oh, Blair. You're back."
"Bu-tan's here! And I'm hungry."
"Your dinner is on the stove." Maka said with a tired smile. Blair looked at Maka with concern.
"Are you okay, hon?"
"She asked about her father… where he was and such."
"Oh my. What did you say?"
"The truth. I don't know where he is, and for some reason, 'the human radar' can't find him. He doesn't want to be found. No matter how much I want to find him. I want him to meet his daughter, to see how everything's changed."
"That's right… He left before she was born."
"Blair, he had to have a good reason. I know Soul. He wouldn't just leave without a reason."
"After eight years, you still trust him so much?"
"I can't not trust him. I love him, and he's the father of my child. We've been through too much together for me to just give up on him." Maka felt her tears start rolling down her cheeks, making Blair transform to wrap her arms the scythe meister. Maka never cried. Ever.
Celeste watched through her cracked door. Maybe her mom was too tired to notice. Her mom always knew when she was up. Closing her door, she made a promise to herself to find her daddy. For her mommy's sake.
The next day, as Celeste was walking home from school with her friends, she tried what her mother was proficient at: Soul Perception. Her friends looked at her with confusion.
"Celeste, what are you doing?"
"Looking for my daddy… Don't break my concentration."
Celeste looked at as many souls as possible for a young girl. But seeing as she didn't know she was looking for, finding her father became more difficult.
But she found a soul that felt… nostalgically familiar.
She came out of her trance and broke out in a run.
"Celeste, where are you going?!"
"I dunno yet! I'll talk to you guys tomorrow!"
Her friends blinked and watched as Celeste ran. It was as if her feet took over, running straight to the correct destination she'd need to be at. Before she knew it, she bumped into man much taller than herself (though all grownups were talker than her at some degree) and looked up. He had snow white hair, red irises, was dressed in dark wash jeans, a white shirt and a black jacket, and was holding a large duffle bag.
"S-sorry…"
The man smirked, revealing his pointed teeth. "It's fine munchkin. You must be in a rush somewhere."
"I'm on my way to find my daddy for my mommy!"
"Really? Do you need any help?"
Celeste smiled. "Yeah! Hold on, let me find him first."
The man watched the child close her eyes to concentrate. That was when he knew. She looked just like her mother, just without pigtails and lighter hair.
"Are you using Soul Perception?"
"Yeah! My mommy taught it to me."
"Is your mommy… Is she Maka Albarn?"
"Yeah! You know her?"
The man nodded. "Very well. We were very close."
"Then do you know who my daddy is?!"
The man hesitated, but kneeled down to the girl's level and nodded once. "But, before I can tell you anything, can you show me to your mommy?"
"How do I know I can trust you…?"
"Well… Does your mommy still have Blair? The talking cat with the witch's hat?"
"Yeah! I love Bu-tan! But Mommy's still at work right now. We'll have to wait a little bit… But I can show you where I live! Bu-tan should be home!"
"Are you sure?"
Celeste nodded. "Of course! Come on!"
Celeste grabbed the man's hand and started walking down the street, humming a tune.
"What's your name?"
Celeste looked at the man happily. "Celeste Albarn! What's yours?"
The man smiled. "You can just call me Soul."
"Okay, Mr. Soul! It's nice to meet you!"
"Likewise, Celeste. So… how old are you…?"
"Eight. I'm in the third grade. I'm one of the smartest kids in my school, too."
"Your mother used to be that way too. She's very smart."
Celeste blushed and smiled. "I know. I want to be just like Mommy. She is the best mommy in the world!"
The girl led Soul to the apartment where she and her mother lived with Blair. Taking out her key, she unlocked and opened the door, finding Blair sitting on the couch she turned to see the little girl smiling at her.
"Did you have a good day at school today?"
"I had a good day. And I met a friend of Mommy's."
"Really?" Blair said as she got up from her seat. Upon seeing Soul, she paused. Soul smiled.
"Hey Blair…"
"Hi… when did you get back…?"
"A couple hours ago… Celeste found me using Soul Perception…"
Blair nodded then smiled at Celeste. "Okay, Celeste! Homework time! Go sit at the kitchen table and get to work!"
Celeste nodded, leaving the two for the kitchen.
"You got a lotta nerve showing up here."
Soul nodded. "I bet Maka hates me."
Blair shook her head. "She and Celeste both have been waiting for you. Black Star, Tsubaki and Kid are highly disappointed, but would listen to your argument. Liz and Patty want to beat you senseless. And Spirit… well, you don't want to see Spirit."
Soul nodded. "I didn't tell her who I was…"
"Why not?"
"I need to talk to Maka first. I want to explain myself."
"She's your daughter!"
"I know, Blair! I just… I couldn't trust myself."
Blair sighed, and went to the telephone, quickly dialing a number.
"Hi Maka! …No, everything is fine! … Yes, Celeste is home safely. But it seems she picked up a stray… Mhmm… He ran away a while ago but Celeste found him using Soul Perception. I think you need to get here immediately… Okay, see you soon."
"Good news Celeste!" Blair called. "Mommy will be here in twenty minutes."
"She's gonna be early! I better finish soon!"
Soul tensed. After eight years, only twenty more minutes and he'd see Maka again. He and missed her so much. And he had never loved another. He had even missed the birth of his own child. All because of his black blood. He was terrified of his madness. It had been getting worse and worse.
He didn't want to hurt his family.
So he left.
In hindsight, that was probably a bad decision.
Twenty minutes later, everyone heard the door become unlocked, and Blair rain to the door.
"Hi, Maka."
"Hi. Now what is this about a stray? She has you. Why-"
"Mommy!"
Maka smiled. "Hey, baby! How was your day?"
"Good! I found someone who said he knows you!"
"Really?"
Celeste nodded. "Come on! I'll show you!" She dragged her mother to the main room, and when Maka saw the guest in question, she froze.
"He said he knows daddy. Does he?"
Maka nodded. "He knows daddy…"
Soul, who hadn't stopped watching Maka, straightened his shirt. This was finally happening.
"Hi, Maka… Um… Long time, no see…"
Maka strolled towards him, easily picking up a thick book on her way, and when she got to him, she crashed it on his head. Celeste gasped sharply, but Blair gave a small smile. This was as happy as it would get reunion wise.
Soul collapsed on the ground, semi-conscious. Maka squatted next to him with a warm smile.
"Still the same huh?"
"I-I guess I deserved that…"
"Darn right… But welcome home."
Soul smiled and sat up. "Thanks…"
"So, when did you get in?"
"A few hours ago."
Maka nodded. "And Celeste?"
"I… I haven't told her… I wanted to talk to you first… Then…I want to spend some time with her…"
Maka smiled. "Okay. Where are you staying?"
"Probably that hotel on the edge of town."
"No, you can just sleep on the couch. Save some money." She turned to her daughter. "Now come here, Missy."
Celeste goose-stepped to her mother. "I know… I'm not supposed to talk to strangers… Or let them in the house… But-"
"How did you find Soul?"
"Soul Perception…"
"Did I tell you how smart and talented you are? But I want you to be more careful when you do that, understand?"
"You're not gonna Mommy-chop me…?"
"Hm… Not this time. Now did you finish your homework?"
Celeste looked at the floor. "Not yet…"
"Then I guess I won't take you to the piano room at school today…"
Celeste's eyes widened. "No! I'll finish right now! I promise!" She looked at Soul. "Do you want to come too, Mr. Soul?"
"Uh… sure, munchkin. Why not?"
Celeste smiled before running back to her seat to finish her homework.
"She likes the piano?"
Maka nodded. "She doesn't have a technique, but she has a few melodies that she makes up. They're actually pretty good. I think you'd enjoy them."
After ten minutes, Celeste finished her homework and made her way over to her mother excitedly.
"Now?!"
"Yes, now." Maka laughed. Celeste stole her mother's hand and ran out the door, with Soul being left to follow. Blair watched them, and after she was sure they were gone, she went to the phone. A call had to be made, unfortunately…
The trio went to an empty part of Shibusen, finding an empty piano room. Celeste ran to it, and quickly pushed up the fall, revealing the ebony and ivory keys. She found notes that were pleasing to her ears. After playing a few, she found a good tempo, and smiling to herself, she played the melody.
"She is pretty good."
"Uh huh. Just like her Daddy."
Soul gave a tight smirk. "Maka, for eight years… I've wanted to say how sorry I am… And how pathetic I was to leave…"
"Well… WHY did you leave…?"
"Because-"
"So, you are here."
Soul turned to find an individual with jet black hair, save for the three striped lines around his head. His golden eyes were dead as they watched Soul.
"Kid…"
"Yes, well it HAS been a while. Eight years if Celeste's age is right… Ah, such a beautiful number… Wasted on the likes of you."
"Kid…" Maka started. "Not in front of Celeste…"
"Ah, yes. My apologies…"
"Uncle Kid!"
Kid's expression softened when he heard that title. "Hello, Celeste." He kneeled down, and the little girl ran into his arms.
"How was school?"
"Good! And I used Soul Perception today!"
"You did? Are you as good as your mother?"
"Not yet! But I found Mr. Soul!"
Kid looked, or rather, glared, at Soul. "Really?"
"Are you and Mr. Soul friends?"
"We were… But something happened and I haven't seen him in a long time."
"What happened?"
Maka glared at Kid, making him sigh quietly and smiled at Celeste. "It's a grown-up matter."
Celeste gave a pout, but nodded. "Fine…" She looked at Soul. "Do you play the piano?"
"Yeah, a little…"
Celeste smiled."Come play with me."
"Who told you, Kid?"
"Who else? That housecat of yours…"
"Damn… she has a huge mouth… Do you know if she's told anyone else?"
"No."
"Well, you can tell the rest of the team, but until I say otherwise, keep your distance. And under no circumstances will you tell my father, understood?"
"Yes, ma'am." Kid replied, then smirked. "You know, I may be the Shinigami, but you'll always be the leader of our team…"
Maka smiled. "Thanks Kid." She turned back to watch Soul interacting with their daughter for the next hour, before rounding them up to go home. They found Blair was gone, and Maka just hoped Blair would keep her mouth shut, with her favorite client.
"What's for dinner, Mommy?"
"Oh, shoot! I forgot to go to the store…"
"I have ramen noodles if you want."
Celeste blinked. "What's that?"
"Maka, you've never fed this child ramen noodles?"
"Soul, why would I do that?"
"I wanna try it, Mommy!"
"Celeste…"
"Please?!"
"…Fine. But only because I have nothing else here to eat for you…"
Soul pulled out three Styrofoam bowls and handed them to Maka, who gave a sigh. The food was ready in five minutes, and Maka called everyone to the table.
"So, Mr. Soul, do you know Uncle Black Star, too?"
"Yup. And Aunt Tsubaki, Aunt Liz, Aunt Patty, and Grandpa. I even know Shinigami-sama."
"I bet you don't know Dr. Stein and Ms. Marie!"
"Sure I do, squirt."
Celeste smiled. "You know everyone!"
"Uh huh. But most importantly, I know your mommy and know who you are."
Celeste blushed and continued to eat. After about an hour of TV, Maka sent Celeste to the bathroom for her bath.
"She's such a good kid…"
"Well, I try. It really does take a village… Everyone raised her a little."
"But me…"
"Soul, I didn't-"
"I know… I just… I'm not her dad. I have no relationship with her. I didn't even send a damn card! I'm pathetic…"
"You never explained why Soul…"
"My black blood… It was getting worse and worse every day. I couldn't control it as well as I thought. It was getting more violent, making ME more violent. I had to leave… to keep you two safe from me…"
"You idiot. You could have told me…"
"Ogre was starting to pull strings… I couldn't risk it… Or that's what I told myself…"
Maka leaned over and wrapped her arms around Soul. "You're so stupid. Didn't you know I- we- were here for you…?"
"I'm so sorry, Maka…"
Maka just held on tighter, making sure he wouldn't leave. Soul wrapped his arms around Maka's waist. He was so stupid.
"Mommy?"
Maka jumped and looked at her daughter, releasing Soul. "Hey, baby. Ready for your medicine?"
Celeste nodded with a shy smile, and watched her mother get up and go to the kitchen. Celeste sat next to Soul, still smiling.
"Do you love my mommy, Mr. Soul?"
Soul smiled. "I do love your mommy, squirt." He said watching Maka. "I really do."
Celeste blushed and smiled as her mother came with medicine and a small cup of water. She looked at the pill. "Did you ask Dr. Stein?"
Maka sighed. "Well… I asked him…"
"And…?"
"He told me to ask what flavors you want." Maka smiled. Celeste gave a huge smile before taking the pill from her mother's hand, and taking her medicine.
"Hey, Celeste. Do you think you'll have homework tomorrow?"
Celeste shook her head. "I don't get homework on Fridays."
"Then, I was wondering if you would like to go out on a date with me tomorrow after school?"
Celeste blushed and turned to her mother. "C-can I?"
"Of course." Maka smiled. "I hope you two have fun."
"And then we'll all go out to dinner after?"
Soul chuckled. "If you want. Sure we can."
Celeste smiled widely. "You're so cool, Mr. Soul."
"Not as cool as you, munchkin."
Celeste giggled before running to her room. Soul looked at his daughter as she ran to her room.
"What is her medicine for? Is she sick?"
"She has… Dark Blood. It's a mix of our blood, but it's enough to draw out the madness. She takes her medicine every night before she goes to bed, and it stays in her system for twenty-four hours."
"He made it just for her?"
"For both of you. Her medicine is more diluted, because yours was too strong… But I'm sure Dr. Stein still has the original formula, I'm sure. He gave it to me as a kind of baby shower gift."
"Wow… I missed a lot…"
Maka smiled. "Let me get you some blankets for the couch. Then we can spend all night catching up."
Soul smiled back. "Okay. I'd like that."
After getting the blankets, the two sat on the couch, mainly talking about Celeste and her accomplishments. About an hour later, a knock came to the door.
"Who would be here at ten at night?" Maka mused as she got to the door. Looking out the peephole for a second, she opened the door slightly. "Papa, what are-"
A red haired older man pushed his way through the door, his suit reeking of alcohol, and his blue eyes darting and watery.
"Where is he Maka?"
"Papa-"
"Maka, don't protect him! He left you pregnant by yourself! I need to have a word with him!"
"Could you lower your voice? Celeste is sleeping."
Spirit recognized that voice anywhere. That ungrateful, octopus headed shit who left his pregnant, teenage daughter by herself.
"You dare have my grand-daughter's name touch your disgusting lips?!"
"Papa, please! Not so loud! He's right. She's sleeping."
Spirit glanced at his daughter, the grabbed Soul by his collar and dragged him outside.
"I have often wondered when you'd come back… Why did you come back?"
Soul remained silent.
"Nothing to say? Well don't worry. I got plenty to say to you." He threw Soul to the ground hard enough that he skid. "You left eight years ago… leaving behind a job to do, responsibilities, but most important, my pregnant eighteen year old daughter to raise a baby by herself!"
Soul still didn't respond.
"How dare you come back after eight years? And try to jump back into my baby's life?"
"I left your daughter and mine for their safety. I was losing it, and if I stayed. I would've killed both our daughters and myself. So you can kick my ass all you want. Hell, I'll even beg on my knees if that's what you want. But please, please don't make me leave."
Spirit eyed Soul, but stayed silent.
"I met my daughter today… She's so smart, and talented. And I realized I should I have fought more to be there for her. For her and Maka. And I want to get to know her. She's such a perfect child. I know why you always doted on Maka now."
"Why should I even consider not sending you away?"
"Well, for one thing, Celeste and I have a date tomorrow. But honestly Spirit, I'm not gonna lie. I love Maka, and I've only just met Celeste, but I know I love her, too. And if I ever leave again, those two are coming with me."
Maka, who had been watching the entire time, felt a tear roll down her cheek. This was the Soul she knew. The one she missed. The one she loved.
Spirit looked at Maka, and his scowl melted. She was in love. And she had fallen all over again.
"Fine." He simply replied before walking away. Soul let out a deep breath.
"Scary huh?" Maka smiled.
"I thought he was going to kill me…"
"Let's go back inside. It's a little chilly, even for May."
Celeste woke up excited for the day, and for her 'date'. She reminded Maka and Soul all throughout breakfast, and her way to the bus. And before Maka left for work at Shibusen, she told Soul what time Celeste got out of class. After both females left, a familiar purple cat strolled in.
"They're gone?"
"Scared because you came out of your bag?"
"I was worried and Spirit made me drink to loosen up. Before I knew it, I told him and he was gone…"
"Thanks for almost killing me…"
"Sorry about that…"
"And you told Kid?"
Blair gazed at the floor. "They are friends, and they're involved in raising Celeste…"
Soul looked at Blair and sighed. "I'm not mad… I have no right to be. I know you did it out of love."
"Thanks."
Soul nodded as he folded up blankets and put them on the edge of the couch.
"So, what are you and Celeste going to do on your date?"
"Whatever she wants. But I don't want to overkill anything. I'll probably spend the day walking around town to see what's here…"
"Well not much has changed. But have fun."
Soul grabbed his jacket and made his way out the door, meandering around the city. Blair was right. Not much has changed. He found himself at the part that he and Maka had their first date and sat on a comfy looking bench.
"I didn't think I'd see you so soon."
Soul turned to see a muscular, blue haired, green eyed man with a star scar on his right shoulder, only the bottom being shown because of his shirt.
"Oh, hey Black Star."
Black Star sat down next to Soul and glanced at him. "Kid said something about you being back. How was the trip?"
"Difficult to say the least…"
"I won't bug you or grill you. I'm sure you've been through enough. But have you gotten to know Celeste?"
"Black Star, she's amazing. So beautiful and talented. How could I have helped make someone so perfect?"
"She is something else…"
"So, how is Tsubaki?"
"At Shibusen, working. She became a counselor at the school as well as a substitute Death Scythe for East Asia, and I help Sid out when I'm not on a mission."
"Good. I'm glad to hear things are alright."
"Have you run into Spirit yet?"
"He came over last night to chew me out… Can't say I didn't deserve it… I was almost scared shitless…"
"So, what are your plans now that you're here?"
"Well, first I need to reconnect with Maka and make a relationship with Celeste. Then I need to talk to Shinigami-sama to see if I can work under Spirit somehow. If not, I can find something to do."
"So, no more unscheduled trips?"
"As long as my sanity doesn't wane, and I heard Dr. Stein has something for that now."
"Damn straight. You two have always been the first out of our group, you know that?"
"Really?"
"Sure. You two were the first to get ninety-nine souls, first to have a near death experience, first to because a Death Scythe, first to have a kid…"
"Guess you're right… And I left it all behind…"
"Don't do that yourself. You had your reasons, and you came back. I assume because you couldn't stop thinking about them?"
"Every day I thought of them…"
"And like I said, you're back now. Plus Shinigami-sama would understand if you explained yourself."
Soul nodded. "By the way, where's the flower shop again?"
Maka made her way from her classroom where she taught to the faculty gym.
"Wait, Maka."
Said person turned to see Kid making his way towards her.
"Hey, Kid."
Kid nodded a greeting. "My father wants to have a word with you."
"Me? Why?"
"You're father told him that a certain person has returned. He wants to understand better, I suppose."
Maka nodded, and changed direction to walk with Kid.
"Do you hate him, Kid?"
Kid glanced at Maka. "No, of course I don't. I just… I need to understand. It was too out of character for him."
Maka nodded again. "He said he wants to be in Celeste's life, though. He wants to make a difference. He still wants to do his job as a Death Scythe, even if he's a sub…"
Kid put a hand on Maka's shoulder. "I'm sure we will figure something out. I will do everything in my power to help. I promise."
Maka smiled. "Thank you so much."
The two came into Shinigami-sama's room of mirrors, finding him drinking tea. He looked up with what she assumed was a smile.
"Hello, hello, hello! How ya doing?!"
"Good morning, Shinigami-sama. How can I help you?"
"Come take a seat. Have some tea!"
Maka did as she was asked, gibing a smile as he poured her tea.
"So, even before your father told me, I've noticed that Soul has returned."
"Yes, sir."
"I'll get straight to the point, then. Your father is not going to be here forever, and Kid is still learning, so I'll be here for a little longer. I want you and Soul to begin training so that you two can begin to take over his duties. Would you be up to that?"
"O-Of course!" Maka smiled. "We'll work as hard as we need to! I promise!"
"Good, good! Now, how is your daughter?"
Soul waited outside the school for Celeste, fiddling with an orange lily in his hand.
"Mr. Soul! You came!"
Soul looked up and smiled. "I said I would, munchkin. And this is for you." He said, handing her the flower. "Now our date's official."
Celeste blushed and she took the flower in one hand, and Soul's hand with the other.
"So, what do you want to do Celeste?"
"We can do anything?"
"Anything."
"Then, the bookstore, then ice cream?" She asked shyly which made Soul smile.
"I'll buy you the book you want. But you gotta promise to read it cover to cover. Promise?"
"I promise!"
The two spent an hour and a half at the bookstore, Celeste wanting to pick out the PERFECT book. After that, they found an ice cream parlor where they each got a scoop.
"Mr. Soul… I have a question."
"Sure, Squirt. Fire away."
"You… um… you know my daddy right?"
"Mhmm…"
"Is he… Is he like you…?"
Soul paused and watched his daughter blush. "What do you mean?"
"Well… I kinda don't wanna meet my daddy if he isn't like you. You're so nice and cool… And you love Mommy a lot… And you make us happy…"
Soul felt his eyes water up. This squirt was gonna make him cry. Now he knew how Spirit felt…
"How about you, me, and Mommy talk about it at dinner tonight? Then I'll answer all your questions, okay?"
Celeste held out her pinky. "Pinky swear?"
Soul wrapped his pinky around Celeste's with a smile. "Pinky swear."
Maka walked into the apartment and found Blair roaming out to meet her.
"You look happy, Maka."
"I am. Shinigami-sama wants Soul and I to start training with him and Papa to become an official Death Scythe again!"
"Good! By the way, you have a gift on the coffee table."
"I do?"
Blair nodded and made her way to Maka's room. Maka went to the living room and found a bouquet of lilies with a mote attached reading,
'I know this won't excuse anything, but I just wanted to let you know I still care. I'm willing to try hard because you and Celeste are my world now.'
As Maka smiled at the note, she heard Celeste and Soul walk through the door, the former holding a huge book.
"What's this, Celeste?"
"Mr. Soul bought me a book, but only if I read it from cover to cover! So I picked the thickest book I could find so I'd never have to stop reading! It's full of fairy tales!"
"How nice. Did you thank him?"
Celeste nodded before running to her room. Maka faintly noticed a lily in her daughter's hair.
"So, ho was the date?"
"I think she enjoyed herself. I see you got my flowers."
"Mhm. Their beautiful."
Soul smiled. "Celeste asked me something today. She asked if her daddy was like me… And if he wasn't, she wouldn't want to meet him."
Maka sat down on the couch, and Soul followed suit. "That's a good thing, right?" She asked with a smile.
"It's the best news I ever heard, honestly…"
"How about this? Shinigami-sama wants us to start training under Papa so that you could eventually take his place."
"You mean… as his main weapon?"
"I think so. We have a meeting next Tuesday."
"No joke?" Soul said not able to contain his smile. She felt him wrap his arms around her, holding her tight. "This is amazing…"
"It is, isn't it…?"
"Things are definitely looking up…" He said as he pulled apart.
Maka nodded. "Oh, I got these for you." She pulled a pill bottle out of her pocket. "These are experimental because he hasn't had a chance to examine you…"
Soul took the bottle and looked at it. "Thanks."
Maka smiled. "So, when do you want to go out for dinner?"
"Well, it's five o' clock now. How about 6:30?"
Maka nodded, and at 6:30, the three of them went out to a restaurant. After ordering their dinner, Celeste looked up from her coloring sheet tentatively.
"S-so, Mr. Soul… y-you said we'd talk about my daddy…"
Soul looked at Celeste and smiled. "I did promise that, didn't I?"
Celeste nodded nervously, then looked at her mother. "Is that alright, Mommy?"
"Of course." Maka smiled. "What do you want to know?"
"Well… Is he anything like Mr. Soul…?"
"He's very much like Mr. Soul." Maka nodded. "In fact…" She leaned down to her daughter's ear, whispering something. Celeste looked up at Soul and blinked once before getting up and going to Soul, who leaned down to her.
"Celeste-chop!"
Soul felt the little girl bring her hand down on the top of his head.
"Huh…?"
"Why didn't you say you were my daddy? I was looking for you the whole time!"
"I'm sorry. I had to settle some things first before I could tell you."
Celeste puffed out her cheeks. "Then I won't ask where you were, as long as you promise not to leave again."
"If I ever leave again, you and your mommy are coming with me. I swear on that."
Celeste gave a huge smile. "Good. You promised."
Soul nodded and pat his daughter on the head.
"So, are you and Mommy gonna get married now?"
Soul choked on his spit, and Maka turned incredibly red. Celeste looked between her parents, becoming incredibly confused. "I-isn't that what Mommies and Daddies do…?"
"W-well… it is… but-" Soul was cut off as plate were placed on the table. "Time to eat, munchkin!"
"O-okay…" Celeste went back to her seat and started to eat. Maka and Soul looked at each other nervously before turning back to their plates.
After dinner, the new family walked back to their apartment.
"Daddy, read my a story!"
Soul blinked a bit, then smiled. That was something he wouldn't mind getting used to.
"Not so fast, young lady. Bath, then medicine, THEN story time."
"But, Mommy-"
"Not buts. Go on."
"Okay…"
Soul watched as Celeste went to her room to get her night clothes. Maka drew her a bath, and came back out after she was sure her daughter was situated in the bath.
"You're like a pro." Soul admired, making Maka laugh.
"Every day I play by ear."
"So…" Soul started as he sat on the couch. "How do you feel about Celeste's question?"
"O-oh… um… well…" Maka sat next to him.
"I mean, I know you've never been the marrying type, and I don't want to rush anything, of course."
"Of course!"
"Maybe we just… play by ear with this, too?"
"Yeah… maybe…"
Soul smirked. "Or maybe I do this."
Maka looked up just in time to have Soul meet his lips to hers. It wasn't forceful. He was never forceful. That's what she loved. What she missed. The sweet feeling. The purity and joy of just being with him. She missed it more than she realized.
After a long moment, Soul pulled apart and looked at Maka, who was speechless.
"I missed you, Maka… So, so much…"
"I missed you, too…" Maka said as she started to tear up. "So much that it hurt…" She felt herself being pulled into Soul's arms.
"I was so stupid and uncool for leaving…"
"You totally were."
Soul chuckled, leaving room for a pregnant pause.
"I would, you know."
Soul pulled apart. "Huh?"
"Well, I'm not the marrying type… But I would marry you. Not now. But I would."
"Y-you would…?"
"Mhm…"
Maka stood up when she heard the water drain in the bathroom to go check on Celeste. "You are the only one I could ever see myself marrying."
Soul felt a huge smile form on his face. This was the start of a beautiful life. He could tell.
This story took up 20 pages… That is one of the longest one shots I have ever done… And I have another one that is just probably longer than this one. So, hopefully I can get to working on that one too. But I started summer school, so I don't know how feasible it will be. I know, it seems like I never stop school, heh. Ah well…