Yikes! Meant to publish this before Christmas. Sorry! Well here's a belated Christmas present for all yall out there! Hope you all had a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

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 4

Come the next morning, Maka was surprised when she woke up on Soul's couch, before she remembered what had transpired between the two the night before.

She hadn't known something as simple as a movie marathon paired with candy and popcorn, all the while talking and leaving commentary on the films, could be that fun. And she couldn't help but smile at the memory. Come 11:30 though she had sluggishly gotten up with every intention of heading home despite her impending drowsiness. Once again, she had found that Soul had more power over her than she would ever care to admit, especially considering that they had just really met hardly a month ago. Within seconds he had convinced her to just stay the night, after all, it was dark and late and she really shouldn't be walking home alone at such an hour. Then again, it had been the second cup of hot chocolate that had really convinced her to stay. She didn't know what Soul put in it, but it was amazing.

"Morning," Soul commented lazily yawning as he walked through the living room to his kitchen.

"Good morning," Maka replied with a bit more enthusiasm. "What are you doing?"

She got up and shuffled into the kitchen drawn by the smell of coffee. "Please tell me you made enough for me," she commented as Soul had yet to say another word.

He merely grunted in reply, and Maka got the distinct feeling that Soul was not a morning person, at least not before he had coffee. She tried not to laugh as he with barely open eyes tried to pour himself a cup. In the end, to keep him from making a mess, or worse, Maka took the coffee pitcher from Soul and poured into his cup before making a cup of her own. She scrunched her nose at the way he drank the stuff black, and instead she fished around in his refrigerator for some milk and then added some sugar as well.

"People who add milk and sugar to their coffee, don't really like coffee," he commented apparently as disgusted with her coffee habits as she was with his.

"Yep," Maka said taking a large gulp and then sighing in contentment. "And I'm okay with that," she added smiling.

He could only smirk in response, obviously amused. "By the way, Merry Christmas Maka."

She grinned, "Merry Christmas Soul."

And then the two of them clinked mugs and took another drink. Ending her sip before Soul, Maka found herself curious. "So what are your plans for the day?"

Such an innocent question, and yet Soul practically started to choke on his coffee in response. Quick to action, Maka immediately started to pat his back, "Slow down then idiot. You're gonna choke to death on Christmas, that isn't cool at all."

Soul shook his head in agreement as he continued to cough. "Sorry, just went down the wrong pipe," he commented, his voice still strained.

Maka laughed slightly, "Just be careful idiot. Coffee is meant to be drank, not inhaled no matter how much you think it might help."

He smirked at her, "I'll try, but no promises," and he was taking another sip of his coffee.

She rolled her eyes in response, "Whatever. So what are your plans for this fine Christmas day?" she asked again, still curious.

This time he didn't choke, but Soul looked beyond uncomfortable with the question. "I don't really have any," he admitted slowly, and much to Maka's surprise before he walked out of the room.

Maka stood frozen for a moment just comprehending Soul's words. "What?" she asked, only to catch a glimpse of his back retreating into the living room. "Soul, how can you have no plans?" she asked rushing to catch up with him.

He plopped down on the couch before taking another long gulp of his coffee closing his eyes seemingly not hearing her questions. "Soul?" she asked quietly taking a seat next to him.

He opened his eyes and glanced over at her after a few minutes of silence. "Why don't you have plans today Soul? Don't you have family or friends to see?" she asked carefully, understanding how Christmas could be a touchy subject due to personal experience.

Soul shifted in his seat. "Maka, who's my best friend?"

"Black Star?" Maka answered wearily.

"Did you know we've been friends since Jr. High, and by the time I met him he already had his God complex?"

Maka shook her head, "I didn't know that. You guys have been friends for a long time."

"Maka, I didn't meet Black Star at school."

She looked at him confused. What could Soul possibly mean by that? "How did you two meet then?" she asked, already knowing by the sad look in Soul's eyes that she wasn't going to like the answer.

Soul sighed, "I met Black Star at the orphanage that we both grew up in." He paused as if expecting Maka to say something, but she was only looking at him concerned as she motioned for him to continue. "My parents and older brother were killed in a random gas station hold up on the way to my brother's first violin recital."

"I'm sorry Soul," Maka said placing her hand on his knee. She could tell he was having a hard time talking about the accident despite it having happened over a decade ago based on when he met Black Star. "You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to."

He shot her a soft smile, "Thanks," and he took a deep breath continuing. "Basically, I've spent every Christmas since with Black Star, but with him and Tusbaki getting so serious, I told him to spend the day with her."

"You're a good friend Soul," Maka commented as her throat tightened. She didn't want to cry, but it was just so damn sad.

"Hey hey, you're not allowed to cry, this is my sob story," Soul joked halfheartedly as he wiped a tear from Maka's cheek with his thumb.

"Sorry," she sobbed out lightly. "It just isn't fair Soul."

He sent her another smile, "Life isn't fair, but we can still make the best of it. And like I said, I've spent every Christmas with Black Star so I wasn't really ever alone."

"No one deserves to be alone on Christmas," Maka said reflecting Soul's words from the previous night, "So you'll just have to come with me to the Mayor's party."

"The Mayor's party?!" Soul repeated looking rather surprised.

Maka laughed rubbing away the last of her tears. Today wasn't a day for tears, it was one for smiles and cheer. After all, it was Christmas. "My friend Liz's little sister Patty is dating Kid, the Mayor's son. So ever since I made friends with her I've spent the day at the Mayor's party," Maka admitted.

"That doesn't mean you can just invite me Maka," Soul reminded still looking surprised by Maka's offer.

She laughed even harder, "No you really must come. Liz tells me every year to bring someone, and every year I show up all by my lonesome self. Won't she be surprised when I show up with you!" Maka exclaimed suddenly exciting. She knew she was a rather predictable person, and for her to show up with someone, especially Soul, she knew Liz would be surprised, and it would be hilarious. Plus, like she had said, no one deserved to be alone on Christmas.

"I'm pretty sure your friend meant for you to bring a date," Soul pointed out, still being stubborn about the entire thing.

"Nonsense," Maka replied waving Soul's worries away, "the Mayor is always inviting people to his parties, he'll never mind having one more, date of mine or not."

Soul shrugged, "Sounds like you're not going to take no for an answer then."

"Nope," Maka responded popping the p. "So I suggest you go get dressed, it's a formal party so dress accordingly."

"You sure are bossy," Soul commented smirking, but he was already standing up and heading to his room.

"If you're not ready in the next thirty minutes, you'll get to see just how bossy I can be," Maka threatened over her shoulder before she settled back down on the couch and took a long sip of coffee, humming in satisfaction.

Soul did indeed managed to get ready in twenty minutes and together the two of them headed back to Maka's place. It took her fairly longer to prepare for the party but it was mostly due to the fact that Soul wouldn't stop touching all of her things.

Whereas Soul's apartment was bare except for the few necessities for living, Maka's was filled with knick knacks she had collected and bought over the years. She had multiple shelves full of romance novels and fairy tales, but she couldn't remember the last time she'd had the time to read any of them. So it didn't really help that Soul kept taking books off the shelves and putting them in other places. At first she thought he was just oblivious to his actions, but when she caught him suppressing a smirk when she placed yet another novel back where it was supposed to go, she caught on rather quickly. The next book he took off her shelf, she just hit him with it before putting it back. After that, he slowed down making her apartment even more of a mess than it already was, as in he no longer touched her books. Everything else was fair game.

He especially seemed interested in all of her picture frames and the photos placed inside. When Maka had come out of her quick shower, she had been pleased to see that Soul hadn't made too much of a mess of her apartment and instead was holding an old picture frame in his hands, merely staring at the photograph in it.

"What are you looking at?" Maka asked hand drying her hair with her towel.

"Is this your parents?" he asked tilting the frame in her direction.

Maka smiled, "Yeah," she said looking down at the old picture of her parents right after they had first gotten married. They were smiling and so happy. "They were so happy and in love when they were younger. Crazy how things change."

She put the picture back from where Soul had found it still smiling sadly. "Why do you have a picture of your parents when they were happy and together, doesn't it just serve as a reminder of what they became?" Soul asked obviously baffled by Maka's actions.

"I don't think so," Maka replied heading back to the bathroom to keep getting ready, "I think it serves a reminder of how good things can be."

After that, things went a bit quicker for Maka on getting ready, and soon they were both heading out the door together. She could tell that Soul was still a bit nervous and uncomfortable with the idea of just showing up, but he knew better than to protest against Maka. It was good that he was beginning to understand just how stubborn she was, Maka mused a tad smug with herself.

Pretty soon, both were ready to go and as neither wanted to call a cab, they headed out to the Mayor's mansion, knowing it was a fairly long walk. Thankfully, neither minded the distance as they had one another to keep each other company. By the time they had reached their destination Maka knew all about how Soul had continued to play the piano whenever he could as a tribute to his family, and he knew how she had absolutely no clue when it came to music, which he found to be quite amusing.

"Maka!" Liz exclaimed a little pink in the cheeks when she answered the door, she then paused seeing Soul, "and a friend?"

He sent Liz a small smile, but it was clear that Soul was second thinking Maka's decision to drag him along. On the other hand, Maka didn't care, "You said to bring someone to the party so I did for once."

Liz shrugged, caring that Maka had brought someone because it was Maka, not because they were technically uninvited. She knew full well that no one would care. If anything the Mayor, and host of the party, would be happy to have another person there. Liz was more concerned about what this meant for Maka.

"The more the merrier," Liz chimed as she stepped aside to allow Maka and Soul to enter. "Excuse me one second while I talk to Maka though," she added once they were inside. With that, she was practically dragging Maka away and around a corner.

"Do you have something you need to tell me?" she immediately demanded once they were alone.

Maka paused slightly confused, "Umm, not really. Unless you're referring to me bringing Soul. Sorry for not letting you know sooner?"

"Of course I'm referring to Soul," Liz hissed. "You actually start dating a guy and fail to mention it to me of all people."

"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa!" Maka instantly exclaimed, "Me and Soul aren't dating."

"Yes, and my name isn't Elizabeth," Liz said sarcastically in response.

"No seriously Liz," Maka said shyly, "We're not dating. Just really good friends."

"Really?" Liz answered slowly, and Maka knew that her friend was thinking and whatever it was, it was probably devious. "Then you wouldn't mind setting him up with… I don't know, me."

"No," Maka reacted without thinking, eyes immediately going wide afterwards in revelation.

"Oh," Liz cooed knowingly.

Maka could feel her cheeks heating up, "That's not what I meant Liz." It was, but there was no way that Maka was going to admit that to Liz.

"Then what exactly did you mean Maka," Liz questioned, her tone suddenly taking a rather serious edge to it. "Because all I know is that you are now constantly with this guy, and it seems like to me that you are actually growing attached to him."

Maka took a deep breath, "Me and Soul aren't like that Liz. I just meant that he would be a terrible match for you. He's not a romantic, but a realist, and we both know that's not your type."

"But it is yours," Liz said back, pure concern shining through her words.

"I don't have a type Liz, cause I don't date," Maka reminded her. "It's okay that I brought Soul today right? He was kinda worried about showing up uninvited honestly."

Liz simply waved her hand, seemingly allowing Maka's lie about not having a type to pass without question. "Yeah, no worries, Mayor Death always appreciates the extra company."

Maka smiled, "Good, then let's get back to this party." And with that, the two of them rejoined Soul, who had been waiting by the door uncomfortably, and then headed into the party.

The day after Christmas Maka groaned as she woke up. She hadn't done any work at all over the last two days, so today going back to work was going to be killer. Thankfully, she didn't have any appointments, but she had so many pairs to put together and set up dates for, that she really couldn't handle anything else at this point.

Knowing that stalling wouldn't help anyone, Maka flung herself out of bed and rushed to get ready for the day. It was early, but any extra time she could get she knew she'd use, and therefore, Maka did not slow down.

She arrived at the office awake and ready to tackle the day and couldn't help but smile at Liz's obviously hung-over form unlocking the door for the two of them. Maka had watched her friend drink way too much eggnog the night before, much to her amusement, and despite several warnings, Liz had indeed ended up with the after affects the next morning.

"Not a word," Liz muttered struggling with the lock much more than usual.

"I didn't say anything," Maka defended, although she was unable to keep the small smirk off her face.

"But you think so loudly, it's impossible to not know what you're thinking," Liz hissed as she gave up and handed her keys to Maka while stepping out of her way.

"That's not me Liz," Maka replied trying to keep the teasing tone out of her voice as she easily unlocked the door, "That's just your own conscience."

Liz scoffed. "I don't have a conscience." Maka grinned as her and Liz entered the office. "Why do we have to work the day after Christmas again?" Liz groaned as she flopped down in her seat.

Maka grinned feeling at once at home. She took a deep breath, "Because there's work to be done and better now than later." And with that, she walked into her office.

"Maka?" Liz called out after her.

She peaked her head back through the door, "Hmm?"

"You know it's okay to fall in love right?"

"Of course it is Liz," Maka answered back, unconcerned with her receptionist's words as she went into her office.

Liz waited to hear the click of Maka's door closing before she said another word. "Then why won't you allow yourself to Maka?" she asked as she laid her head down on her desk, head still pounding.

While Liz's day wore on as she haphazardly tried to do the books and write down her and Maka's upcoming appointments, Maka's day flew by. Having given herself the last two days off, Maka found herself in a new clarity of mind and matching people was being quicker than usual. It wasn't until after Maka and Liz's lunch break that Maka realized Soul hadn't texted her all day. After being in constant contact with the man for the past two days, Maka found herself wanting to maintain some sort of connection to him. Therefore, before she got back to work, she sent him a quick text asking how his first day back at work was.

Then Maka was back to work feeling not only pleased with the work she had already managed to do in one day, but happy for unknown reasons. Shrugging it off, she had continued to work diligently through the afternoon. It wasn't until late that night when Maka was in bed trying to sleep, that she realized Soul had never texted her back. She tried not to think about it not noticing the small frown that had appeared on her face.

It had been a week since Christmas and Maka hadn't heard a peep from Soul, not even on New Year's. She tried not to be too upset about it, but it was frustrating to send a text every day and never get a response. Maka didn't want to seem clingy, after all, she had lived without Soul in her life for years and had been fine, so she knew she could live without the guy.

However, it seemed like every little thing that had happened to her recently she wanted to share with him. She wondered what he would think of a particularly ugly shade of yellow that one of her clients had met with her wearing. She questioned if he would like the new Chinese place she had tried two nights ago. She wanted to hear his opinion of Black Star and Tsubaki moving in with each other so soon after starting to date.

Every little thing that was going on in her life, she found herself wanting to share with him. So it was immensely frustrating that every text she had sent had been promptly ignored by him. It had gotten to the point that she had stopped sending the damn things, because she felt like a fool. She also didn't want to admit how frustrated she was with herself for feeling so dependent on someone she hadn't met that long ago. Even more so, she didn't want to admit how lonely she had begun to feel again.

Liz's schedule had become hectic quickly after Christmas because she was helping Mayor Death with his New Year's Celebration, and so every hour she wasn't at work with Maka, she was busy at the Mayor's mansion. Maka had fallen back into routine and proceeded home every night after work, including on New Year's, and worked late trying to get as far ahead as possible. However, getting ahead in the matchmaking business wasn't exactly a plus, because as new clients came in and signed up, Maka would see better pairs to set up than those she had already planned for, and therefore, she would be forced to go back and redo work that had already been previously done.

Still, Maka was dedicated to her work, and therefore she continued to try and get ahead, only to backtrack and redo couples and date ideas as better ones presented themselves. It was immensely tedious work, and unfortunately with no other social outlet, because she barely saw Tsubaki anymore, she was finding herself rather stressed out. Furthermore, it didn't help when she was given a notice that her apartment was going to be fumigated in a week's time, and she had to find somewhere else to stay.

Simply put, Maka felt as if she was being pulled in a million directions and while she usually reveled in her work, it was beginning to wear on her when she had nothing else besides it.

That was when Tsubaki came by.

It had surprised Maka as they hadn't seen each other since before Christmas, but she had been happy to see her friend, especially when she was so blissful. Maka had known her and Black Star's relationship had been going great, but she hadn't known her friend was constantly glowing because of it. She was immensely proud, not only because she had set the two up, but because Tsubaki had finally found someone who would love her the way she had always needed.

However, the visit was short lived as Tsubaki actually had to head to work. She had asked Maka for a favor though. Apparently, Black Star had been concerned about Soul over the last week because the guy was on a case and he didn't think that Soul was eating enough. It surprised Maka to hear that Black Star had been so worried about Soul, but she supposed thinking about their past that they were rather close. Anyway, Tsubaki had purposely made some extra food for Soul, but wasn't able to drop it off because she actually didn't know where the station was, and unsurprisingly neither did Black Star.

Therefore, the only solution she had been able to come up with was to ask Maka if she could deliver the food. Tusbaki knew of Maka's relationship with her father, but also knew Maka's compassion would outweigh her distaste for her papa. Unable to say no, Maka had indeed agreed to take the food to Soul. She figured if nothing else, it was practically on her way home and would save Tsubaki some time. With much thanks, Tsubaki had then departed back to her own work.

Maka tried to act as if knowing she was going to see Soul didn't affect her, but she couldn't deny the small smile that kept growing on her face. Then she would remember how he hadn't texted her back and a small frown would form instead. She honestly didn't know how to feel about seeing the guy after no contact the entire week. In the end, she admitted to herself if nothing else, she had missed talking with Soul.

So when Maka had shown up at the Police Station holding a basket with Tusbaki's food in it, she tried not to feel nervous. She walked into the station looking as confident as possible. What she had found, was a bit more hectic than she ever remembered the place being.

Officers were running around yelling out orders or just shouting in general. There were papers being ruffled, paperwork being filled out, coffee being drank loudly by a group obviously on break, officers constantly entering and leaving the station, and so much more that Maka had a hard time taking it all in.

"Maka!" she suddenly heard someone call out.

She turned to find not Soul, but Kilik jogging over to her. "Long time no see, how have you been?" he asked with a smile.

Maka was not fooled though. She could see the bags under Kilik's eyes and knew that he was probably having a hard time adjusting to single fatherhood. They had been high school friends, and she knew that he was a good guy and would be able to handle it in the long run. Kilik had always been a tough guy, and while he was a softie with his kids, he could handle just about anything.

"I'm good," Maka replied cheerfully. "Been busy with the holiday season honestly. Everybody seems to be looking for 'the one' when the holidays roll around. It's almost as bad as the weeks leading up to Valentine's Day."

He chuckled at that, "I can only imagine."

"Well how bout you then," Maka asked smiling. "Looking forward to getting back out there in the dating world?" While many would have been more careful about the subject of dating with a recently divorced man, Maka knew Kilik well enough to know he would hate it if she danced around the subject with him.

Kilik smiled, obviously appreciative of Maka's honesty with him, "I've been thinking about it, but honestly I'm not too much in a rush. Plus I haven't a clue who would take the kids while I was out. They can be quite a handful," he admitted making a thoughtful face.

Maka laughed, "Well, I'd love to set you up with someone sometime if you didn't mind," she offered. "Plus, I'm sure I could handle the little monsters while you were out."

"Oh no Maka, that'd be way too much," Kilik said smiling appreciatively as he shook his head.

"It's no big deal," she immediately insisted already putting together a profile for him mentally. "It's my job, and I like to do it."

He was hesitant, but Maka knew he would submit, considering anyone who allowed her to talk about dating in front of them actually wanted her to set them up with someone, even if they didn't know it themselves. "Fine, but only if the girl is kickass," he said holding out his hand for her to shake.

She immediately took it in her own. "Deal."

"Well," Kilik continued as they dropped hands, "what brings you down to the station. I'm sure you're not down here just to set me up with someone," he chuckled lightly at that. "You here to see your dad?"

"Oh no!" Maka quickly exclaimed. "I'm actually here to see Soul, do you know where I'd find him."

If Kilik was surprised by Maka's admittance of who she really wanted to see, he didn't show it. Then again, he had never been the type to judge. "Yeah, I can show you the way."

He then proceeded to head through the mess of officers on coffee break, down a couple halls, and with a few simple turns they were standing in front of a desk covered in papers and surrounded by boards filled with papers, pictures, notes, and more. However, there was no Soul.

"Well, this is his desk, but I'm not sure where he is…" Kilik trailed off looking around. Maka did the same.

She really didn't want to have come all the way to the station only to find that Soul wasn't there at all. How was she supposed to get him the food Tsubaki made now? She supposed that she knew where he lived, but hadn't he said that when he was on a case he practically lived at his office? She wasn't really sure of anything anymore.

Thankfully, that was when Spirit Albarn, Maka's father, came storming in with Soul close on his heels.

"I know that he's the one who did it though sir!"

"That's great Evans," Spirit snapped, "Now just find me some actual evidence!"

Soul groaned, and gave a quick wave to Maka and Kilik before turning back to Maka's father. She was shocked to see him act so nonchalantly toward her. But then again, her own father hadn't even noticed her presence.

It was surreal to Maka as she watched her father and Soul argue back and forth, both just as passionate about their work as the other. She knew that Soul was nothing like her womanizing father, but in this setting, they were the exact same, just polar opposites in viewpoint.

"Look, I know you're always right on your hunches Evans," Spirit admitted harshly, "But until we have any evidence that he's our guy, I'm not arresting anyone," and then he proceeded to storm out of the room still not noticing Maka. She was even more stumped by that, then Soul not seeing her. After all, her father was the clingiest person she had ever met, so for him to not see her was rather unreal.

Meanwhile, Soul groaned loudly before plopping down at his desk holding his head in his hands. For a second the muffled noises of the rest of the station filled his office. "Kilik, could you-"

"Get you another cup of coffee?" Kilik finished grinning, "Sounds like you need it. I'll be right back," and then he was out of the room and it was just Maka and Soul.

"Maka, what are you-" This time, it was Soul who cut off himself, as his head whipped up in surprise, eyes wide in shock. "Maka!" he exclaimed practically jumping from his chair.

Maka had to hold back a giggle, "Good to see that I warrant more than a quick wave," she said teasingly.

Soul shook his head, "Sorry, I just noticed you were there. I mean I saw you when I came in, but I," he was obviously struggling for words, and Maka suddenly found herself rather proud of the way she had made him practically speechless as he stumbled over his words.

"Soul, I get it," she laughed, unable to take his rambling anymore. "How many times do you think I've managed to get sucked into work like that."

He froze for a moment before it became clear to him that she wasn't mad at him, and then he grinned. "Sorry, just been crazy busy. What are you doing here by the way," he asked plopping back in his seat.

Maka realized looking at Soul, she had never seen him as exhausted and strung out as he appeared before her now. If Kilik had small bags under his eyes, then Soul's eyes had bags the size of trash bags under them. His appearance was slightly more disheveled than usual, but based on the way he always dressed immaculate every time she had ever seen him, she supposed that this was about as messy that he let himself get. Even his hair seemed droopy, not having its usual spikes.

"Black Star was worried so he sent Tsubaki with food to me to give to you because neither knew where the station was," she recounted setting the basket of food on Soul's desk on as little paper as she could.

Soul shook his head, "Dumbass, I've given him the address a hundred times and he always manages to lose it."

Maka's eye caught with Soul's suddenly, and she felt her cheeks heat up unsurprisingly. "I was also kinda worried," she admitted hurriedly.

Soul's confused expression quickly told her that he didn't understand why she would be concerned. "You haven't answered any of my texts the last week," she confessed quietly.

"Fuck!" and he was suddenly rummaging around on his desk. "Sorry," he said not looking up. "I tend to forget about everything else when I'm on a case."

"No worries, as long as you take care of yourself," she answered cheerfully. She tried not to think of how these last five minutes with Soul seemed to make her relax more than she had all week.

"Ah ha!" he exclaimed, pulling out his phone from his seemingly endless pile of work. He frowned, "It's dead."

She couldn't help but laugh at that, "You really do lose yourself in your work don't you," she asked as she took the phone from his hand and grabbed his charger, that had just happened to fall off the desk during his rummaging, and plugged it into the wall.

"Have you been eating either?"

The loud rumble that suddenly came from his stomach couldn't have had better timing. She laughed as Soul blushed obviously embarrassed. "It's a good thing that Tsubaki sent me with food or you would probably never eat," she said heading for the door. "Do I need to threaten to show up with lunch for you tomorrow to make you eat?" she said flirtatiously from the doorway.

"Is that a threat or a promise?" he shot right back.

Maka froze surprised. She hadn't actually expected him to want her to come by. After all, he had just ignored her for the last week, on accident, but all the same. As she looked into Soul's eyes, she saw that he was nervous despite trying to come across confident. He knew he had messed up, and of all the ways to mess up, she understood this the most. How many times had she blown off her friends for work? She had lost count. Plus, she reasoned, it was nice to see someone as passionate and dedicated to their work as she was.

"Chinese food okay?" she simply asked.

"It's perfect," he said smirking.

"Okay," she said with a slight nod as she slipped out of his office.

She knew she was blushing, but for once she allowed herself to enjoy the moment and not overthink it. She had been wrong after all, Soul had missed her, or else she'd highly doubt that he would have invited her to lunch as soon as tomorrow. Humming to herself she smiled looking forward to the next day, despite the teasing she would receive from Liz.

"MAKA!"

"Shit!" Maka cursed. It seemed that her father had finally discovered her presence in the station. Therefore, she made a quick exit, knowing that a confrontation from her father in the station of all places would not go over well.

I should be updating sooner rather than later. Hope you enjoyed! :D