"Maka, I have to say, I didn't expect to meet you here. Pandora of all places! But I'm glad I did," Maka felt the pressure on her arm tightening, her eyes watching what was happening in front of her. He swayed his hair to the side, wiping the sweat in his hair off. Maka felt like she was having an out of body experience, watching him and herself. "Maka I think we should…" He stopped there with a slight smile on his face. He slowly started to lean in.

Maka's heart started to race but for the wrong reason. She was terrified. She shouldn't have put herself in this situation. She shouldn't have had those jagers or those other shots with him. Maka could barely protect herself. Hiro started to lean in, about to kiss Maka. She felt his leg invading her space and trying to move her ankles apart. Hiro and Maka were in an empty section of the club, away from the music playing. Hiro didn't trap her in a corner like you would see in a movie but he held her against a wall. There was light but it was dim, too dim for anyone to see. Hiro was inches away.

"It's okay Maka," Hiro tried to lighten the mood," we're just having fun." Maka moved her head to the side, trying to, in any way she could, escape Hiro. He wasn't who he was a few hours ago. He turned into a monster. Maka pushed her head back against the wall, feeling the pressure of the wall crushing her skull.

"It's okay," Hiro whispered before he closed his eyes and Maka could hear his breathing.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Maka tried to calm her breathing but they were centimeters away from each other lips, Maka sucked in all the air she could. She needed someone to see them, someone to help her. Someone like…

"Hey!" Someone barked from behind Hiro. Maka felt Hiro lip barely touching her before he turned around. Hiro release Maka arms. Maka tried to breathe.

"We're a little busy," Hiro said like he was proud of it.

"You sure about that?" The voice answered back. Hiro took a step forward as the person did the same.

"Well yeah! Come on man, I was about to…" the person grabbed Hiro's collar and pulled Hiro up.

"Get your face fix?" Maka moved away from Hiro and moved to go behind the person who was trying to help her out. The person started to notice Maka moving and after she was completely away from the wall and almost side with Hiro, the person pulled Hiro's collar to the side, opposite of Maka and grabbed her hand and ran. Maka almost tripped as they begin to run faster. She couldn't clearly see her protector. His open black shirt flew behind him like a cape. The two ran to a door that was in the back of the club, used for an exit. If Maka crossed this door, she has a good feeling that she wouldn't be able to get back in through it.

"Come on." The person said. Maka was probably slow because she felt her dress coming up too high. Her other hand was trying to hold it all down, even if it was dark. The person opened the door and pulled Maka out with him, leading them to an alley.

The moon was bright as Maka adjusted her eyes. The person took a right turn that lead down to the street where the club has not connected to. The two started to slow their run into a quick walk. Maka could see the alley fading as more lights appeared before them at the end. As they walked on the sidewalk, Maka looked up at the protector and saw a familiar characteristic, white, crazy hair.

On the sidewalk, Maka and Soul let go of one another. Maka was behind Soul, shocked and puzzled. Soul turned around to face Maka with his head low. Maka was silent for a while but she shouldn't be rude.

"Thank you."

"It's cool." Soul looked at Maka but avoid her eyes. Maka watched him as he searched her face. "He didn't…"

"No," she whispered. Her heart was racing. Minutes ago, her heart was racing because of being terrified and useless. Her heart was racing now because she was saved by Soul. Maka continued to watch him. "I should go back to the girls. Thank you again."

Maka waved at Soul and took a couple of steps. Maka couldn't walk properly and it wasn't because of the shoes. She was lost and the drinks from before made it difficult for her to think. Maka heard him clear his throat. Maka stopped.

"You should stick around with me for a while," Soul said in a low tone "you need to eat something." Maka turned to Soul, debating if she should. Soul broke her heart. It didn't matter to her that it happened years ago, he broke it and sometimes Maka wonders if her heart ever repaired itself.

While Maka stared at Soul, Soul couldn't believe he saved Maka. When he saw Hiro holding a girl hostage, Soul had to do something. Soul thought the girl wasn't originally from Death City since she was with Hiro. Soul is not saying that Hiro is the type to be committing a sexual harassment toward girls but Hiro is the type to start thinking with a different brain, if you get my drift. Soul was as surprise as Maka. For Soul to see that Maka was the girl Hiro hooked on, it was unbelievable.

"Okay," Maka said, walking towards Soul. Maka did not want to be with Soul but Soul was right. She needed food since she was hungry. Maybe the food would absorb the alcohol she had during the night and she would be able to actually function properly. Soul's eyes wondered to Maka's, making eye contact, another thing that shocked Soul. Maka was going to be with him despite what he has done to her. Maka smiled. "Where should we go? Death Diner?"

Soul, trying to be normal, nodded and put his hands in his pocket. Maka came to Soul's side, leaving a huge gap in between them. Maybe tonight, tonight would be the time for them to repair the broken bond they had between them.

"When did the burgers here get this big?!" Maka stared at her order, a typical double cheeseburger with fries. Nothing too odd. Soul's order though was a mystery. Soul order a couple of beers already, some fries as well, and a milkshake. Well maybe the meal was mysterious to Maka.

"Since always." Soul took a couple of gulps of his drink and swipes his fries into his ice cream. Maka made a face as he ate the ice cream cover fries. Soul saw her face and ate more, trying to gross her out. To him, the fries were pretty damn good but to make them perfect, he just needed some ice cream.

Since Maka agreed with Soul to eat something, there's been an awkward moment that would pass but come again. Like now for example. Maka didn't know what to say to Soul. They both haven't seen each other for four years. She can't exactly jump right into the conversation of 'what's up?' Maka knows she can but these four years have made a bigger hole and she just felt like Soul was a whole different person. Also, Maka didn't know what they were. Were Soul and her friends? Acquaintances? Maka bite into her cheeseburger.

Soul continued to drink, swipe, and chew. Soul didn't want to say anything to Maka. He was scared that if he did, he might bring up some things that should have been left unsaid. He was fine with the way things are. At least Maka is safe and he doesn't have to go and save her again. But what if he hadn't been at Pandora, would Maka have been in deep trouble? Before Soul saved Maka, he was actually going to Pandora to get a few drinks. Earlier in the evening, his girlfriend, ex- girlfriend he should say, came over to talk with him. When his ex and him talk, it's usually not a good thing. Soul had a feeling something was wrong but pretended to be blind by it. His ex- girlfriend told him that she was seeing someone else when Soul and her had that break. During that break, she had done things that were not safe and now, she was expecting. Afterward, Soul and the ex- girlfriend agreed that it would be best for her as well as him to not see each other anymore. She had to go live this life that she created for herself while Soul was alone.

As the result caused by what happen earlier in the evening, Soul is with Maka, having a midnight snack. Maka was almost done with her meal, devouring the cheeseburger and now trying to finish her fries slowly. Soul was done with one beer and was starting to drink the other. Maka continued to wonder about what to say.

"Can we get a check?" Soul asked as a waitress passed by.

"Of course, it will be a sec." The waitress walked away and Soul continued to eat the odd fries. When the check comes, Maka is not too sure about what to do. Should she leave after paying? Soul doesn't seem to have any interest in speaking with you and she didn't blame him. Remembering what she saw a couple of days ago, Maka knew that Soul has a girlfriend. Maka ate the last of her fries, pretending it was Hiro's lips, not to be too violent.

"Where are you staying?" Soul asked as he lifted his drink and drank. Maka snapped out of her thoughts and answered him.

"Spirits."

"That's across town." Maka nodded. Maybe she should stay at the Thompson's house or Tsubaki's. It was more or less walking distant if Maka was not buzzed. "You can stay in my guest room until tomorrow." Maka took a glance at him, figuring out if she heard correctly.

"I can what?"

"Stay at my place. Spirit wouldn't like to see you like this." Soul said. Maka laughed. He was right. Spirit wouldn't appreciate that his daughter is a dressing like a woman that she is plus if he see Maka with Soul, prepare for a war.

"Is it alright with you? If I stay?" The waitress came back with the check, disrupting the conversation. She handed it to Soul and smiled. Soul took it, said his "thank you", looked at the price, and paid.

"Yeah, it's alright with me."

"You sure? I can go to one of the girls' house. I don't want to be an interference…"

"Maka," Soul said with a harsh tone, "it's fine. You're staying with me."

Soul finished his beer and stood up. Maka stood as well, going toward the exit of the diner. As they both reached outside, none of them spoke to one another. They stared at what was in front of them, not speaking to one another. They walked towards Soul's house and Maka felt in the pit of her stomach some butterflies. She was excited. She has never been to Soul's house before but she was also scared. Why did Soul say it was fine for her to sleepover?

Maka sat uncomfortably on Soul's couch. Soul was in the kitchen, grabbing a drink for her and himself. Maka could hear the glass clicking and the sounds of bottles being lifted. Her eyes wander around the room. The walls were gray and on the two opposite walls, there were odd paintings in red or black. Maka looked in front of her. On a shelf, there was a record player and a stereo. CDs and records were arranged underneath. Maka didn't realize how much music Soul had until now. Maka tried to see from afar the titles on the CDs.

In the kitchen, Soul was making himself a mix. He didn't exactly know what he mixed but it all tasted the same to him. For Maka's drink, he made a cuba libre. He added only a little bit of rum and more coke. He wanted to be safe and for sure, he did not want to get Maka drunk. After finishing the drinks, Soul grabbed them and left the kitchen.

Maka heard the kitchen become quiet but continued to see the titles. She could only make out a couple of names but it wasn't her taste in music. A glass appears in front of Maka's face, she turned to look at the drink. It was the cuba libre she asked for. She grabbed and looked at Soul.

"Thanks." Soul nodded and headed his destination to a loveseat that was in the corner of the room. Maka sipped on her drink. It tasted like coke and she can barely make out the rum. It was better than all rum with hints of coke.

Soul watched Maka drink her cuba libre. It was strange to him that Maka was here. He wasn't expecting how the day would end. He hoped that nothing awkward would happen to them. Nothing will happen between us.

"Which one is you favorite?" Maka asked, eyeing the albums. Soul turned to the album as well, taking a chug of his drink. Soul didn't know which one was his favorite. He could say all of the albums were.

"I would have to say Duke Ellington Presents…" Soul answered. He took another gulp. He was starting to not feel anything and he liked it. It made him feel calm.

"Can you play it?" Maka asked. She wished that she wasn't asking him so many questions but Maka wanted to see Soul's world. She wanted to hear what it may sound like.

"Yeah. I can" Soul got up from the love seat and watched towards the albums. It's been a while since he actually played this album in particular. He pulled the album out and the record itself. It's was big but normal. Soul carefully held it and places the record in the player, placing the needle down on the first song. The music started to play.

Maka listened. It was a strange beginning, sounded like the artist was pressing random keys on the piano. She could hear a tune come in and out. She was trying to make sense of it. It was different from what she listens to before. Maka leaned back into the couch and opened her ears.

Soul was in the kitchen, making another drink. He heard the keys of the piano jump from the walls of the living room, he could hear the harsh tones of the notes. Sometimes Soul feels like this in the piano room. Soul would press a few keys he thought would work well and make some tune but then fall apart and start at square one again. Soul liked it still.

After finishing his business, Soul walked back to see Maka looking like she's asleep. Her back was touching the cushion now and her eyes were closed. Maka's face seemed relax and peaceful. Soul wished he could be like that. What stopped him was all the damn things he worried over. Soul dranked as he looked away from Maka and turns to the speakers, listening as well. His favorite song on the album was going to come up after a couple of songs. He drank to waste time for it to come.

Maka could feel the tone of the keys vibrate through her bones. She felt like she was watching someone play for her. She sipped on her drink but slowly. She felt very at ease. From what happen earlier in the night, she was glad she was here. She felt safe, even though it was awkward at the moment.

After a while, the two lost themselves in the music like they were being controlled. Soul tapped on his pants, pressing done as hard or as soft as he could. Maka continue to imagine watching someone, someone she knew. A new song began to play.

A clarinet sounded out, echoing and catching Maka off guard. It was different. Maka opened her eyes. She felt like everything was moving even though it was still. In front of her, Maka watched Soul conducting with his finger, stopping once in a while to appreciate a note that was hit. Maka watched his hands move, becoming magical. She felt like she was in a concert. Soul turned around to Maka, his eyes half daze. His put his hand out.

"Care to dance?" Maka smiled and nodded yes. She put her drink on the floor and grabbed his hand, feeling a warm tingling feeling shoot down her fingertips. Soul slightly pulled Maka up as Maka placed her right hand on Soul's left shoulder. Soul moved his hand on her hips, releasing Maka's left hand. She joined her two hands together and they escaped into the music.

Maka and Soul danced, forgetting the years between them, forgetting the night, and relaxing. Maka stared into Soul's eyes, being hypnotized by the red. As for Soul, he was falling for the green, falling deeper and deeper. He couldn't look away.

Maka could feel her heart beating. Ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum. She felt the butterflies in her stomach flying rapidly. She felt the bones in her body become jelly, she was afraid that she might actually collapse in front of Soul. She tightens her arms around Soul's neck. Soul could feel the tightening. He felt closer, he felt safe. More importantly, he felt wanted.

The trombone has stopped playing and the trumpet rushed in. Soul could hear his pulse racing. Do it. Soul wanted to touch her. He wanted to feel her warmth. Soul stop as the trumpet continued to play. Maka stopped with Soul, her arms still wrapped around his neck. Soul's hand held her side. He was going to do it. He was going to break what they been missing. Soul leaned in, pulling Maka towards him. They looked at each other as the trumpets faded in. Maka wanted to know what Soul was going to do.

But before she could say anything, Soul kissed Maka passionately as the trumpets hit their high point of the song. His lips finally connected with her, they both blended as one. Maka's arms tighten even more as Soul finally wrapped his arms around her waist. Time stopped for them, everything was forgotten. It was just Soul and Maka. No one else.

Soul picked Maka up, causing Maka to wrap her legs around Soul so she wouldn't fall. Their kiss became more intense in that instant. It was as though their lips were trying to not to let go of one another. Soul walked to his bedroom.

Soul gently place Maka in the bed, afraid he might break her. Her hands fell to the side, resting next to her head. Maka had an idea what was going to happen and to be truthful, she didn't mind.

That kiss, there was something different about it. She wanted him, more of him. She felt like she needed him and that he was what she needed all these years. Soul and Maka took one last kiss before separating. Soul couldn't believe how beautiful she was. Soul wanted her as well. He wanted to touch her skin, her nose, her lips, hair, everything. She was the only person who can actually make him feel like he was a part of something. He needed her.

"Soul?" Maka whispered as she felt her heart trying to climb out from not having a lot of room to move.

"Yes Maka?"

"I'm falling…" Soul kissed Maka again, cutting her off. He knew what she was going to say and he didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing for him to hear them. Maka kissed him back, he knew how she felt and in a way, she felt like he was falling too.

From the other room, an old tune started to play. Everything but you.

Oh with a la la. We can all guess what is happening! Maka won't be sleeping in the guest room now. Ha ha. This had to be my most challenging chapter ever. I hope you all enjoy!

P.S. If sections of this chapter had a song, it would be One Hundred Sleepless Nights by Pierce the Veil. :D

P.S.S. If you are interested to know the point when Soul and Maka kiss inthe song, it's My Funny Valentine By Duke Ellington and the Orchestra around 4:42. Thanks!