AU and characters may be slightly OOC because of it. This isn't just a story on love. In fact, I feel like it's more about growing up. There will only be 6 chapters to this fic.
I do not own Soul Eater.
Moving On and Letting Go
Chapter 3
After that night, Maka did not expect to see Soul anytime soon if ever again. It was not a conscious decision, rather than she simply did not have the time. With Christmas a week and a half away she had to finish setting up and planning so many dates that she simply did not have the time to think about anything else.
"Maka you'll be coming by for Christmas right?" Liz asked as Maka between her meetings.
She paused having to think about it. With the way new clients had been signing up left and right, she was getting a bit buried in work and quite honestly she could use the day off to catch up. It was tradition for Maka to use Christmas Eve as a work day, but she could use the extra hours on Christmas too if she was being honest with herself.
"Maka, don't even think about saying no," Liz interrupted her train of thought. "Christmas is meant to be spent with people, even if they aren't your family, so you're coming over to the Mayor's house whether you like it or not."
Maka frowned, "But Liz-"
"No buts," Liz cut in raising an eyebrow at her friend. "I don't complain about you working Christmas Eve but I will have none of that on Christmas day, unless your mom is coming in town, then you can see her."
"No, she's not," Maka sighed reminded that her mom actually hadn't sent her a postcard in months. "Are you sure it's not intruding though?"
Placing her hands on her hips Liz replied smirking, "Every year you ask me that, and every year I remind you that you're practically family idiot. Hell, you should bring a date this year!"
Maka smiled at that, "Fine fine I'll come, but don't expect me until lunch time, and dateless, you know I don't date," and with that she turned to walk back into her office and begin the interview process once again.
"You're no fun," Liz called after her before getting back to the books.
The day dragged on, but now having solid plans for Christmas Maka felt reenergized. Since her mama and papa had split up when she was in high school she had always dreaded Christmas. Papa had always tried to make such a big deal out of it being a family holiday, so the fact that her mama was never there only made things awkward for Maka.
The moment that they had divorced her mama had ran off, telling Maka that she needed to live her own life for once rather than just being Spirit's wife. While at the time Maka had admired her mom for having such a sense of independence, she now knew that it wasn't independence as much as a lack of responsibility. After all, she had still been a young girl and could have really used an adult female presence in her life. Now she simply got postcards from her mama every once in a while from all around the world as if it was meant to comfort her. Instead it only mad her angry that her mom couldn't even take the time to write to her, only signing the back of each postcard.
That paired with her father's continuing womanizing manners while Maka was still in high school meant that Christmas was more awkward than cheerful. Therefore, the moment that Maka had graduated high school she had moved out and never once came home for Christmas choosing instead to spend the day in solitude studying or working, at least until she had befriended Liz. Then only Christmas Eve was spent that way while Christmas was spent at the Mayor Death's mansion with the Mayor Death, Kid, Patty, Liz, and whomever else the Mayor was subject to invite.
Maka found that now she enjoyed Christmas much more, especially because she never knew who she would meet. The Mayor had a ridiculous list of connections so Maka had made acquaintances from all over.
By the time it was seven o'clock and closing time, Maka felt exhausted, but happy. It had been a successful day and she felt very accomplished despite the pile of profiles and work she had to do that night.
"Maka, you might want to come see this," Liz said amusingly from the front room.
Honestly, Maka was surprised that her friend was still there. Most of the time come seven, Liz was packed up ready to go and yelling her good-byes. Therefore, Maka was surprised when she came into the front room and it looked like Liz wasn't even close to packed up. "What's up?"
Liz grinned almost sinisterly, "Now Maka, I know that we haven't gotten to talk a lot lately especially about the Gala."
Maka instantly groaned. Ever since the Gala Liz had been bugging her about how she had danced all night with Soul, although Liz didn't have a clue as to who he was. Therefore, her immediate reaction was to bug Maka about anything and everything having to do with Soul.
"I already told you that nothing happened that night," Maka whined already turning back to her office. She really didn't need to deal with one of Liz's interrogations at the moment. She had way too much work to do.
"Maka, Maka, Maka," Liz said shaking her head, ignoring the fact that Maka had already turned away from her. "You know I actually was starting to believe you, but then Mr. Evans came and has been currently pacing outside the door for the last ten minutes."
Maka froze and looked back over her shoulder. "What?"
Liz smirked once again, "I think you have some explaining to do Maka."
Looking back and forth between Liz and the door, Maka felt like her stomach had just gone on a rollercoaster. "There's no way," she whispered under her breath before walking over to her door, and sure enough right outside was Soul looking very concerned at the ground facing to the right of her. She watched as he tapped his foot a couple of times, looked up sharply, turned around and started to the door looking determined. Of course, Maka immediately squeaked and jumped out of the way of the door sure that Soul was about to come in. However, he never did.
Liz laughed at her, but Maka merely glared at the girl before looking out the door again. Soul was once again looking unsure of himself as he scratched the back of his head looking down.
Maka looked over at her secretary, "You said this has been going on for ten minutes."
Nodding, Liz was finally getting together her things. "Yep, I suggest you do something about it, cause he obviously likes you."
A blush stained Maka's cheeks as she adamantly shook her head. "No he doesn't. I'm sure there's a perfect explanation for," she gestured to the door, "this."
Liz laughed obviously not believing Maka, but she didn't really care. She was more interested in the reason that Soul was at her business again seemingly nervous. Opening the door, Maka realized she didn't have a clue of what to say. Soul's back was turned to her, but upon hearing the bell ring, he quickly whipped around and went wide-eyed in surprise.
"Hey," he greeted casually, though Maka could see by the way his back was straight that he was nervous.
"Hey," Maka smiled back, "you know that you can come in to wait if you want right?"
He opened his mouth as if to say something before shutting it and smiling. "Yeah, that would be the smart thing to do."
"Yeah, too bad it only took you ten minutes and an invitation to do so," Maka responded back smirking.
Soul laughed good-naturedly before following Maka back inside.
They didn't even have a moment to themselves before Liz was practically on top of Soul. "Hello, I'm Liz, Maka's receptionist. Though you probably already knew that from last time you came in. I've heard so much about you," she hurriedly said while holding out her hand.
Soul looked at Liz with slight trepidation, but took her hand all the same. "Good to meet you under better circumstances," he admitted.
"No problem at all, but if you'll excuse me I'm just on my way out," Liz said grabbing the door and walking out. "Don't do anything I wouldn't Maka," she called back over her shoulder laughing all the while.
As the door closed behind her, Soul simply couldn't resist, especially because of the blush now apparent on Maka's cheeks. "What wouldn't she do?"
Maka bit her lips, "Honestly I don't know," she admitted wearily causing Soul to bark out a laugh.
Then came the awkward silence. Maka didn't have a clue of what to say now that she was alone with Soul, and he seemed to be having the same problem. She couldn't help but notice how good he looked in his pedestrian clothes once again. While she had enjoyed the view of him in a pinstriped suit at the Gala, his staple black jacket and jeans were obviously a bit more his style. Currently he was slightly slouched and looked rather comfortable as so. Maka had to resist the urge to frown at the fact that despite his bad posture, he was still slightly taller than herself. Why did she have to stop growing after high school?!
"Uh," Maka started, "Would you mind me packing up my stuff as we talk?"
Soul jumped slightly, "Oh, yeah. Sorry about that. I didn't mean to interrupt anything. Please do what you need to do."
"Thanks," Maka answered, "I'm just packing up for the day to go home," she said as she turned around and headed back into her office. She was happy to see that Soul followed her without having to be invited.
"So what will you do for the rest of the night now that you're off work?" he asked curiously.
Maka shrugged despite knowing that she would just be working from home. "Whatever I want to do I guess," she answered.
"Then why are you packing all those files to take home," Soul motioned to Maka's stack of papers that she was currently throwing into her work bag.
"Just some work that I might go over if I feel like it," she tried to reason, but she knew she was blushing from embarrassment.
"You like to work a lot don't you?" Soul asked as he took a seat while waiting for her to finish up.
Maka sighed, "Yes, but it's only because I like helping people okay?"
Soul nodded, "Fine by me, that's actually why I came to see you."
"Yes," Maka immediately answered, pleased to steer the conversation away from herself. "Not to sound rude, but why exactly are you here Soul."
He smirked, "You mean I can't just come visit you whenever I like?" he asked.
Maka raised one eyebrow in response, "Why would you?"
Soul blinked for a moment and then continued on ignoring Maka's last question. "Look, just don't get weirded out until I finish explaining okay?"
Maka nodded in response and sat down in her chair sensing that this conversation was going to last a while. "Mkay."
Taking a deep breath, Soul started. "Every year on Christmas Eve I volunteer at the homeless shelter giving out food and stuff, and every year I can't find anyone to join me, and I was wondering if you would?"
She just sat there in surprise for a moment. Of all the things that she thought that Soul might say, that was certainly not expected. She answered with her first response, "How do you know I don't already have plans?" It wasn't said defensively, but with a tone of surprise.
Soul absentmindedly scratched the back of his neck, "See I knew you'd be smart enough to see that, and that's why I was … well yeah," he said gesturing to the door.
Maka nodded understanding, but wanted him to continue.
"Look, we don't just sit around in the office gossiping all day at the police station, but we all kinda tend to get to know each other's business," Soul admitted carefully.
Nodding again, Maka knew exactly what Soul meant. She remembered just how well her father knew everyone in the department with himself. It was one of the perks of the job, the comradery.
"Well after the Christmas party it became clear to me just how," Soul paused obviously trying to put things delicately, "estranged," he said glancing at Maka, "you are with your father."
"That's putting it nicer than I would even," Maka said smiling lightly.
Soul smirked, "Well, yeah. But anyway, I couldn't help but ask around just what you and your father did for Christmas."
"And that's not gossiping," Maka said slyly.
"Naw," Soul waved her off, "It's just looking out for a friend."
Maka couldn't help but blush at Soul's comment. Thankfully for her, he didn't seem to notice, or he just ignored it and continued to speak. "Anyway, so after talking to Kilik, he's just one of the officers at the station."
She nodded, "Yeah, I know Kilik. We went to high school together. How are him and his kids, Raijin and Kamika I believe?"
Soul smiled, "Yeah, those two are bastards."
Maka frowned.
He immediately rephrased, "But very cute bastards." Maka laughed at that, and he continued, "Kilik's doing good. I mean the whole divorce thing has been hard, but he got sole custody of the kids, which we all know he needed."
"Yep, I never liked her with him, but I couldn't say anything. It would have overstepped boundaries ya know? But it's good to hear they're doing so well."
"Oh yeah, the guy was like a zombie a few months ago. It's been nice seeing him get back to being himself," Soul sighed. "But anyway, I digress. Point is I was talking to Kilik and he's the one who told me just well that…" Soul paused looking for the right words. "That your father didn't spend the holidays with you basically."
Maka nodded in confirmation.
"And then when I asked him what you did do for Christmas, he didn't know," Soul continued, "And so I figured, I liked hanging with you the other night, and why not invite you to do the whole volunteering thing. Though I hadn't thought about if you just spent Christmas with your mom," Soul suddenly added, as if he had just realized his mistake.
"No," Maka quickly replied, "I haven't seen my mama since the divorce."
Soul's eyes widened in surprise, "You're kidding."
She just shook her head. "Nope, the moment the papers were signed she took off wanting to see the world and find herself, she said."
"Damn, Maka," Soul said completely baffled. "Sorry, but that's a pretty shitty move to pull on a kid."
"Yeah, I was in high school at the time though so I just thought I had the coolest mom ever at first," Maka found herself admitting, much to her surprise. She didn't really like to talk her family, so it was weird that somehow she found herself not minding with Soul. "Don't worry, I got over that pretty fast."
"Still sucks Maka," Soul said smiling sadly at her.
Noticing how heavy the topic had gotten, Maka was quick to throw the conversation back to Soul. "What about your parents? Why aren't you spending Christmas Eve with them?" she asked trying to sound upbeat.
Soul looked down biting his lips slightly. Then next thing Maka knew he was standing up, "How bout this, I'll tell you," he paused for dramatic affect leaning over Maka's desk slightly, "on Christmas Eve when you come help me at the homeless shelter."
Maka couldn't help but laugh. "Fine fine, I'll come help you out," she said admitting defeat, and yet somehow it didn't feel like it.
After they discussed the details, actually deciding to meet at the station and walk over together, Maka and Soul parted ways.
The next day when Liz quizzed Maka about what had occurred between her and Soul, she eventually disclosed him convincing her to volunteer with him on Christmas Eve. Liz simply smirked in response.
"You like this guy."
Maka tried to argue, "No, he's just cool."
Liz raised an eyebrow at Maka, "I had to fight to get you to take off work and come spend Christmas with me like you have since you met me." Maka tried not to fidget under Liz's scrutiny. "But in comes this guy and with just a few sweet words he's managed to get you to take off Christmas Eve, which you always work on don't try to deny it, even though you only met him a couple days ago." Liz looked back down at her work but continued. "Don't forget you're not the only one who can see a match waiting to happen."
"It's not like that Liz," Maka replied in a no nonsense tone. But she couldn't help but worry that Liz was right, and she knew better than to get caught up in a relationship.
Surprisingly to Maka, the next week and a half passed fairly quickly and before she knew it, it was Christmas Eve. She tried not to be disappointed when she didn't receive another postcard from her mama, but some reactions aren't that simple to get rid of. However, she refused to let herself dwell on sad thoughts as she remembered her plans for the day.
Ever since Soul had suckered her into volunteering with him she had been trying to deny her excitement for Christmas Eve. Furthermore, they had begun talking on a daily basis now. He had called her office the day after they had made plans, much to Liz's delight, and had left his phone number for Maka. After that the texting had begun.
The first few days it had just been texting. She'd whine about a rude client, and he'd text back sympathies and stories of unruly criminals, sometimes old and sometimes recent. Maka found herself craving his texts and any information from him, although she could only check in between client's appointments. She didn't like feeling dependent on anyone, but with Soul it was such give and take that she felt as if it was alright. After all, as long as she didn't become more invested in this relationship than him, then she couldn't get hurt.
However, she was extremely pleased when Soul began calling her after work. The first time all he did was rant and rave about her father and all the stupid things he had said and done all day. She had laughed understanding how the man could get under his skin. When she had come into work the next morning Liz had commented about her looking happier than she had seen her in a long time. Maka could only blush and duck into her office after that kind of remark. She tried to see in the mirror what Liz saw, but all she saw was herself, same as always, though the permanent smile might have had something to do with it.
When Soul called her again that night just to talk, she was practically gushing the next morning, and she knew it. She tried to keep herself in check, but Maka knew what was happening. She was actually falling for a guy. If Liz noticed anything more about Maka being different, she chose to keep her comments to herself. Although she did remind Maka on several occasions that the bringing a date to the Christmas celebration was an open offer. Maka always laughed at that. After all, she wouldn't ever bring someone that she would consider a friend, much less a date. Plus she knew exactly who Liz was implying, and she was sure that Soul had family and friends of his own to attend to on that day.
Still, the morning of Christmas Eve found Maka trying a little harder than usual putting together an outfit and taking a bit more time with her hair as she braided it and tied a green ribbon to the end. Her and Soul had agreed to meet up at 10 a.m. at the station, so for the first time since she had started her own business, Maka hadn't even bothered bringing home any of her client's files, though she had made a mental note that she could still stop by the office and pick some up if needed.
Maka arrived promptly on time to the station dressed in green and red for the occasion. Thankfully, it wasn't too cold outside, as Death City it hardly ever got cold enough for snow. However, there was a slightly crispy winter breeze that had Maka bundled up a little more than usual.
Soul reached the station only mere minutes after Maka, looking a bit winded after he ran up to her.
She laughed, "Did you run the whole way here or something?"
Soul was currently leaning over breathing hard and it took a minute for him to respond. "Alarm clock didn't go off," he said as if that explained everything.
Thankfully, Maka didn't need much more of an explanation as she knew exactly what he meant.
After Soul caught his breath, the two of them headed to the homeless shelter talking and taking their time. It was pleasant, and Maka couldn't help but feel happy with everything in that moment.
As the day progressed with them each serving food to the homeless of Death City, Maka found herself wondering why she had ever done anything else on Christmas Eve. The men and women were just so thankfully to each of the volunteers, and their smiles cheered Maka more than she thought possible. The kindness she saw pass between the people eating was truly heartfelt. Perhaps it was just the Christmas spirit coming out in everyone but Maka could only hope that it was so much more. Plus, Soul was even better with the people than her. He seemed to know some personally, and she couldn't help but wonder if it was due to him meeting them on the job, or just from volunteering a lot.
One old man, who shuffled through the line looking as if he was dead on his feet, asked Soul how work was. Soul had smiled back in response telling the guy that he hadn't found anything new, but he would be the first to know. The old man had only looked up at Soul thankfully before taking his plate to go sit down.
Maka flashed him a questioning look.
"Mr. Gulfston," Soul answered. "Believe it or not, I met him when I was just a kid." Soul served the next man in line as Maka continued to stare at him. "He was actually a part of high society," he mentioned with a sad smile on his face.
Maka served someone else with a smile and 'Merry Christmas,' but turned back to Soul immediately after. "What happened?"
"Life," Soul said, almost as if he knew too well. Maka was surprised by the blatant sadness in Soul's voice. Looking at the way his crimson eyes darkened, she wondered not for the first time if there was something more to Soul than he let on. "The man's only daughter had just started to attend Death University, and within the first week her dead body showed up in a dumpster."
Maka couldn't help but gasp as her eyes widened. Soul didn't stop though as he lowered his eyes completely unfocused.
"She had been stabbed seven times and her hair had been cut, but there was no other damage, and no evidence as to who it could possibly be," Soul said shaking his head in clear disgust. "The man broke down. His daughter and only other family had been his life, so he spent everything he had on trying to figure out who did it to her."
She looked over at Mr. Gulfston and Maka felt as if crying for the man. Even from where she was standing, she could see the sadness in his eyes. He may have been smiling and laughing with the others at his table, but he was clearly still shaken by what had happened to his child.
"Unfortunately, some cases aren't meant to be solved, and most likely we'll never know who killed the girl," Soul admitted ruefully.
"How can you say that," she demanded, "I mean, how long ago did it happen, maybe some new evidence will turn up."
Soul tried to smile at her, but it came out more pitying than hopeful. "It happened ten years ago Maka."
Maka's heart sank. She always tried to stay positive, but she knew how unlikely it would be for anything more to be found on the case. After all, growing up, her father had been the police chief.
"That's so sad Soul."
"I know," he agreed sorrowfully. "Unfortunately you get used to it."
"That's not something anyone should ever get used to," Maka commented looking up at Soul sadly.
He caught her eyes with his own and smiled, "Hey hey, don't you start worrying about me, I'm used to it and see the best in the situation."
"What could possibly be good about that entire scenario?"
Soul smiled a bit more as he looked over at the old man. "As sad as it is, it is also nice to see just how much people can care about one another. You know, loving someone so much that you fall apart when they are gone. Scary, but beautiful right?"
"That's kinda dark Soul," Maka admitted wearily.
He looked at her from the corner of his eye, "But you don't really seem to mind, do you." He said it as a statement, and not as a question, and Maka knew he was correct.
She blushed and not being able to come up with a good comeback resorted to just sticking out her tongue at Soul. He laughed, and after that things lightened up quite a bit. Instead of focusing on the sad backgrounds of the people surrounding her, Maka absorbed just how happy they all were, despite their unfortunate circumstances. The smiles and laughter around her made Maka realize that even when things were going completely terrible, there was always something to smile about, and it made her smile even more.
By the time her and Soul's shift was over, Maka didn't want to go. As she bid the strangers goodbye, many were quick to smiles and give her waves in return, and she knew she would cherish them forever.
"I should have known you'd enjoy helping other people so much," Soul commented smirking at her as they walked back to the station. Maka had figured they would just separate ways once there.
She giggled, "Of course I like helping people, why else do you think I'm a matchmaker," she posed the question.
"Because you're a romantic sap," he shot back with a smirk.
Maka merely shoved him a little with her shoulder as they walked, yet she was still smiling. "Nope, I like to help people idiot."
Soul smiled honestly, "Maka, if you just wanted to help people then you would have become a social worker or police officer or something. So why did you become a matchmaker?"
In all of Maka's like, she had actually never been asked that question. She'd always been so good at the skill that no one had ever bothered her as to why she had wanted to pursue it. Now that she thought about it, she wasn't really sure. Shrugging, Maka tried to put her feelings into words. "I guess it started when I was just a kid. I loved reading fairytale novels," she peered up at Soul, "You know the ones that the princess is in danger and the prince comes riding in to save the day and the two fall helplessly in love and live happily after."
Maka frowned looking down and away from Soul, "And then my parents got divorced, and I realized the hard truth about love." She focused back forward, eyes hardening. "Love doesn't work out most of the time, and it gets really messy for everyone involved when it does fail."
"I think that's why I became a matchmaker," she said looking up at Soul once again, blushing slightly when she saw that his eyes were still trained on her. "Because then every day I get the chance to prove to myself that love really does exist."
Soul was smiling, and truthfully Maka wasn't quite sure as to why, but it was making her feel extremely uncomfortable. "Of course, it helps that I'm good at reading people. Liz likes to joke that I have Soul Perception or something," Maka rambled looking back down at the ground as she shuffled forward.
"Oh really," Soul challenged bending over as he walked so that his face was close to Maka's.
"Yes really," Maka replied as her eyes narrowed at Soul.
"Then give me a demonstration, tell me everything you know about me that I didn't tell you," he challenged.
Unfortunately, they had just arrived at the station, and where they were supposed to split. "Sorry Soul, maybe next time cause this is my stop."
"You're stopping at the police station?"
Maka frowned, "No, this is just where I head home."
"Then don't" Soul said simply.
At first, Maka thought he was joking. But as she stared into his eyes, she realized he was completely serious. "Why shouldn't I go home?" She didn't know what kind of answer she wanted, but he wasn't really explaining the problem with her going home.
"Then I can't see you anymore today."
Maka blushed. Despite Soul's smirk, she could tell he was being honest and not wanting to leave her yet. "Then what do you suggest I do?"
"Come back home with me." It wasn't a request, it was a statement, one that Maka couldn't help but blush at, especially what it could be suggesting. "I don't mean anything dirty Maka," Soul added rolling his eyes at her. She hadn't realized she was that easy to read.
"No, that's not what I was thinking," she protested, "I just should really be going home to get some work done."
"Take the day off Maka, you work way too hard, and it's Christmas Eve," Soul said with a hint of whine in his voice.
"I don't know Soul," Maka admitted slowly. Though honestly, it wasn't the work she was starting to worry about, but the fact that this man could manipulate her so easily to his will. She was getting too close, and should probably take a step back.
"Come on Maka, no one should be alone on Christmas Eve."
Maka's breath caught in her throat and before she could say another word, she knew that she would be going home with this man. She didn't want to be alone, not today. "Okay," Maka answered in a meek voice.
Soul's broad grin made it entirely worth it.
The walk back to Soul's apartment was short and Maka was thankful for it. At some point the wind had picked up and the wind chill was teeth chattering now.
"Make yourself at home," Soul said as he entered his apartment slipping off the scarf he'd been wearing and throwing it over a peg along with his jacket. "I'm gonna make some hot chocolate, want any?"
"Sure," Maka said entering Soul's apartment at a much slower pace. She had never actually been to a man's apartment, and what she saw did not line up with what she had expected. Everything was so pristine and clean, and black and white. It had a modern look to it that wasn't uncomfortable, just seemingly unused. Quite the opposite of her messy apartment that was old, dark, and homey. Soul's looked almost new. She slowly took off her own scarf and jacket and placed them on the wall peg next to Soul's.
Taking another look around, Maka realized the apartment had the potential to be homey, it just was so empty. He had end tables that had nothing on them and a completely empty cabinet against one of his walls. It just looked unlived in.
"Soul," Maka called out, too curious to stay silent.
"Yeah," he called back from the kitchen.
"Why is this cabinet completely empty?"
Maka heard a loud crashing noise from the kitchen and jumped before running in to check on Soul. "You alright," she asked just as she entered the kitchen. It looked like Soul had merely dropped a few glasses that hadn't shattered, thankfully.
Soul looked slightly shaken, but otherwise unharmed. "Sorry, just being clumsy," he replied slowly picking up the glasses and rinsing them off. "What did you say?"
Meanwhile, Maka had been looking around the kitchen. It was fuller than the living room just because there were all the necessary items for a kitchen to have. All the same, the walls were blank and Soul's table was stark and empty, not even having a tablecloth on it. "Why is your house so empty?" she couldn't help but voice her thoughts.
Soul looked uncomfortable with the question. "Hadn't really noticed honestly," he said looking around.
Maka raised an eyebrow at him, "Really?"
Sighing, Soul turned away from Maka as the hot chocolate finished heating up. He poured it into the two glasses and handed one to Maka with a small smile. She took a careful sip, as he finally spoke. "I'm not really here most of the time."
"Then where are you?" she asked curiously rather than judgmental.
"At the station working," Soul admitted as he gestured back toward the living room. Both walked slowly together to the couch that despite looking rather unused also looked extremely comfortable to Maka. "When I get involved in a case I tend to get a one track mind to solve it and more often than not I end up sleeping on a cot at the office."
Maka smiled at that. She more than anyone could understand getting caught up at work. It just showed how passionate Soul was about his job, which she appreciated.
"I'm kind of a workaholic," Soul said chuckling. "If you really want to see my living space you should just see my desk at work, it's a complete disaster."
She giggled, "You're talking to the person who wanted to go home and work on Christmas Eve, so don't worry about being a workaholic."
"True, but tonight neither of us are going to work."
"Then what are we going to do?" Maka asked humming as the hot chocolate warmed her stomach.
Soul shrugged, "Anything we want to."
Maka couldn't help but laugh.