I want to apologize if there is any confusion throughout this story. It's my first fanfic and I hope you all enjoy it. :D Again, I apologize. Oh yes! I do not own Soul Eater. Enjoy!

Meanwhile…

After Soul dropped Maka off, he thought it would be nice to take a walk before going home. In Death City, it doesn't normally get hot at night, especially during the spring season. What the hell, Soul thought, it wouldn't hurt anybody. With his hands in his pockets and the moon light flashing his silver-white hair off, Soul thought he looked pretty cool. Maybe more than cool but he wouldn't know since for one, it was night and two, no one was out. Usually on a Friday night, teenagers would be wandering this sidewalk particularly, laughing and goofing around. Strange that it was empty.

Up ahead, Soul would be passing one of Maka's favorite places, the bookstore. Soul could hardly remember the name of it; it was something strange that takes the idea of it being a bookstore away. Soul stopped before actually passing the place. What was it called? Ink? Paper & Cover? Soul wished he had paid attention to Maka when she told him about this place. He felt bad that he couldn't recall a single thing about it beside books being supplied. Soul decided guessing would get him nowhere. At least he had the chance to remember the name since he was by it. Hell, next time when Maka and he go on a date, he could recommend this place and buy a book for her, showing Maka that he does pay attention. The thought of seeing Maka again made Soul feel… wanted. Something that he haven't felt in years. Maka, Soul thought with a smile. That girl certainly has Soul's heart.

"Ahh, this is my daughter's favorite spot," a man with reddish hair explains to a, somewhat tall, black hair lady. The man had his right arm around the lady to balance himself, struggling to walk straight, Soul felt like he seen that man before. The man and lady stopped in front of the store. "I still remember when I first read to her. Her smile so big, she looked so much like her mother." Sniffles and squeak sounded out and the man broke down in front of the bookstore, his knees touching his forehead, rocking back and forth. Soul felt awkward to see this man, a fully grown man, break down into tears in front of Whenever, Wherever. Bingo! That's the name of the bookstore, Soul felt proud of himself for remembering before seeing what the name was.

"It's okay dear," the lady said smoothly, trying to comfort the crying man by kneeling down next to him and patting his back. "I'm sure she doesn't hate you like you think she does."

"No! She does!" The man sobbing through his words," She has that look in her eyes that tell me. She doesn't have to say anything! My ba- ba-baby!" The man cried for a couple of minutes, trying to catch his breath. If Soul knew any better, he should walk away from this before the man loses his dignity. I mean, Soul felt some pity for him but honestly, if that strange man did something wrong that ruin his relationship then of course his daughter would hate it. It's how girls are. Do something wrong once and they hold it against you forever. Soul closed his eyes to deeply inhale, still wondering why he was still here.

"Hey" The man called out. Wonder who he's yelling at. "You. Hey! Crazy hair!" Soul opens his red eyes to stare at the crying man, his voice echoing down the street. What has he gotten himself into? "Come here!" Soul couldn't help but follow the man's order. Seriously a cool guy like him couldn't just ignore the poor fellow.

"Dear! You don't have to bring this random boy into this! It's…"

"Say, are you in a relationship?" Soul was in front of the man now, making that indifferent face of his. He swear that he seen this guy many times before but he doesn't know from where. Soul didn't answer the man's question. There was an utterly silence between them, like they were communicating without words. It was too creepy for Soul. He hardly knows this guy, he thinks.

"Dear, you don't…"

"Take my words of advice," the man got up and stared into Soul's face, imprinting his words onto him. This boy has to know, the man thought. He has to. "Don't let your guard down, even when they don't tell you much. They are as fickle as a pregnant woman who either wants cucumbers or pickles. Either they want cucumbers or pickles. Agh!" The man started doing crazy gesture like clawing at his face and shouting "Gosh damn! Why do they have to be complicated!" or 'Why doesn't she love me?!" This guy was crazy! But where has Soul seen him? "Did you hear me?!" The man quickly grabbed Soul's shoulders, shaking him back and forth.

"Umm. No but…"

"Enough with the food!" The man took a breath before shouting again in Soul's face. Really, this was getting annoying. Soul missed the first part of what the man was saying. "… and whatever you do is worthless! No matter how much you try to do the right thing for her, she just ends up leaving you! I should know! My precious! Even though she was my everything and held my heart in her hands, she left!" The man release Soul and fell to the ground, breaking down once again. "I love her so much it hurts! Why did she have to leave?! I didn't mean to do the thing that I did. It's not right!" Then it hit Soul. He knew who this man was. He's Spirit, Maka's father.

Suddenly everything the man had said hit him. Soul was paying attention before but now that he realize who this person is, he couldn't help but feel that maybe Maka might leave him. Just like 'Spirit' said, girls are fickle. No, Soul didn't want to leave Maka but just, what if? What if Maka leaves him for the school in Massachusetts? What if Maka falls in love with another guy because Soul wasn't cool enough for her? All of these endless possibilities cross Soul's mind, tuning out 'Spirit'. What if Maka this? What if Maka that? Soul likes, no, loves Maka but was he willing to see Maka every once in a while if she does goes to a university in a different state?

Soul started to walk away from 'Spirit' who was still crying over his love. Soul needed some time to think. Really, he wanted the best for Maka. But he just didn't…just… doesn't want to feel… unwanted. More than anything, Maka has fill that empty spot in his heart and if she leaves? Soul wouldn't know what to do with himself.

As Soul walked away with his head down, hands in his pocket, another pair of feet appeared in the distance, clicking on the sidewalk. 'Spirit' was still crying when the clicking got louder. As the unknown person got close to the crying man and his supporter, the lady looked up to see who it was. A smile flickered across her face. It was someone that the man needed to talk to, even if he's an emotional wreck right now.

"Father," whisper the unknown person. The man, or the person who Soul thought was 'Spirit', looked up to see who was whispering. His eyes got bigger as he realizes who it was, standing up to 'fix' himself.

"Tsugumi," the father of Tsugumi monotonely stated. He didn't want his daughter to see him reckless and out of control. He would lose his confidence if his only daughter saw him as who he really is when he's upset. As a man, you can't cry over some little thing, even if that little thing is your daughter.

"Dad, were you crying again?" Tsugumi felt bad that she ran out of her workplace, Here and There, after her shift was over but seriously her father had embarrass her in front of the entire staff. Pulling out his wallet and showing every waiter or waitress that came by his table Tsugumi's baby pictures. Tsugumi couldn't help but feel angry at him. "I'm sorry that I ran out after my shift. I was happy when you first came in, ordered, and everything but the baby's picture" Tsugumi felt her voice rose a little at the end. "Dad, that was embarrassing." Her father grabbed her hand and squeezed, some tears forming in his eyes.

"Tsugumi, I'm sorry about what I did," his voice's smooth and slow, Tsugumi never seen this side of him, a sympathy father. "I was really sad when you gave me that death look after your mother and I paid our bill, but Tsugumi, you have to understand. You're my baby, my precious, my everything. You're just too cute!" Tsugumi's father became all gushy and loving. It was kind of weird in a way but Tsugumi doesn't mind it. It's just his way of showing his affection towards her. Afterwards, Tsugumi hugged her father.

"I forgive you but dad," Tsugumi pulled away and glared in his eyes, the same way her father had done to Soul earlier, "stop showing random people you don't know those pictures, promise?"

"I promise." Tsugumi's father held his daughter for a while until he realize how late it was. "We better get home honey. Dear." The man looked at his wife, Tsugumi's mother. A blush appeared on Mrs. Harudori, looking down to hide it. Mr. Harudori held his hand out, wanting to hold his wife's hand. He hasn't done it in a while and he felt bad that he neglected his action to be a good husband. Mrs. Harudori looked up to see her husband's hand, reaching out for her. She smiled; happy that after all this time, her husband still loves her. Then again, when was there a time that he said he didn't? Never. Mrs. Harudori grabbed Mr. Harudori hand, squeezing it and again cheesy, hoping to never let go. Mr. Harudori smiled as she accepted his hand. He was glad that they decided to take this trip to America. Sadly, Tsugumi's little brother had to stay in Japan because the parents felt it was safe if he stayed home to cure his illness. It was a good thing the family's friend, Akita, could watch over him.

The Harudori Family, except for the poor boy, headed away from the bookstore, smiling and enjoying each other's company. Tsugumi had to wonder, what was her parents doing in front of the bookstore? She likes the bookstore and all but she rather hang out at her workplace. Her parents probably mistake it. Her job and the bookstore do have somewhat similar names. Tsugumi couldn't help but laugh. Sometimes, her family could be misunderstanding at times.

"What's so funny honey?" asked Mr. Harudori, still holding his wife's hand.

"I was wondering if you two knew that you were in front of the bookstore."

"Well, no Tsugumi," answer her mother this time. "We were at your workplace, right love?"

"Of course we were," replied Mr. Harudori," I mean the place that Tsugumi works for is called Whenever, Wherever." Tsugumi's laugh grew louder, having to stop the family from walking. Tsugumi couldn't help it, she held onto her sides and somewhat bent over, trying to breathe as she laughs.

"Mom, Dad. You two are funny. I don't work at Whenever, Wherever" Tsugumi settled down, observing her parent's expression, "I work at Here and There." Tsugumi tilted her head and smile. "I hope you two didn't cause any trouble even though I don't think you would have."

"Well actually," Mrs. Harudori spoke," your father did cause a scene."

"What?! No!" Mr. Harudori losing his emotions again," Don't tell my baby that! She would…"

"But on the bright side, there was only a young boy who witnessed it." A boy? Thought Tsugumi. As Mr. Harudori broke down into a mess, Tsugumi and her mother talked.

"So what did he look like?" Tsugumi was curious. Sure, she didn't know a lot of people, preferably boys, but she was just curious.

"Well," her mother thinking," he was sure a strange looking one. Silver white hair, red eyes…" Tsugumi felt like he knew this person but who?" He was wearing a jacket even though it was spring. Hmm, there was something off about him. Something when he spoke. He only did once and it wasn't a lot of words but something about his teeth, they were… straight? Yes, umm, but they weren't like ours." Mrs. Harudori started thinking aloud, trying to pinpoint how to describe this strange fellow's teeth. At the same time, Tsugumi was trying to figure out if this boy was someone she knew. Maybe she met him once. This is all that Tsugumi knew. He's young, has silver hair and red eyes, was wearing a jacket and has strange teeth. Silver, red, pointy? Tsugumi's eyes widen, she knew exactly who her mother was talking about. Soul.

"Ah! They were…"

"Pointy?" Tsugumi asked, she didn't have to ask but she wanted to make sure.

"Yes!" Mrs. Harudori shouted," that's what his teeth look like. Pointy!" As fast as Mrs. Harudori excitement came, it quickly left, suddenly filling somewhat strange. I hope what her husband had said didn't disturb the boy too much. Sometimes when Mr. Harudori is an emotional wreck, he sure does say some odd things.

"Mom, what's wrong?"

"Oh," Mrs. Harudori turn to look at her husband, who seems to be poking some mushroom with a stick, looking gloomy. Mrs. Harudori didn't know if she should tell Tsugumi the incident. She felt like it was rude to gossip about others but technically, she's only gossiping about her husband. Mrs. Harukdori took a breath before answering Tsugumi's question, "your father said some… sad words of advice to this boy. At the moment it seemed normal but the boy. He just walked away."

"Maybe dad got the best of that boy with too much of his love. Dad does tend to scare away some people." Tsugumi felt like this was not a big deal. It was her father for death's sake. Everything he does is rather… unusual. No matter how much he tries to hide his 'uniqueness', people still notice.

"You're probably right Tsugumi. Love! We should go."

"But… but… Tsugumi… she," sobbed, trying to calm his sadness.

"I love you dad," Tsugumi walked to her father, kneeling down and smile. "No matter what you do, I will always love you. You're my dad," Tsugumi gave him a hug. Mr. Harudori couldn't hold down the tears, it was all too much. He cried into his daughter's arms, feeling her love for him finally.

"Love, we need to go." It was a long night for Mrs. Harudori and honestly, she wanted to go back to the hotel room and sit in the Jacuzzi that was in their room. Mr. Harudori stopped sobbing and broke his embrace with Tsugumi, standing up straight and fixing his appearance.

"Yes dear," Mr. Harudori went back to his habit, talking with a monotone voice. Mrs. Harudori smiles before walking away. Mr. Harudori and Tsugumi follow, leaving like a family.

Minus the son.