13: In Which Maka Meets Soul's Family and Everything Goes Horribly Wrong

"Another party?" Maka asked.

They were all sitting in the back corner of the coffee shop at the largest table on a cloudy Friday afternoon. Even with the setup the group of teens had to pull up a bunch of seats to accommodate themselves. Angela, Brasa, and Åska were running around the table giggling while Tsubaki tried to keep them under control. Thankfully there was only one old couple sitting on the far side of the coffee shop who were all smiles at the children's antics.

Soul nodded. "Yeah, a party. You got sick before the last one and didn't come, but my family's hosting a second one. And you're invited. Naturally."

"What kind of party?" Maka asked him.

Soul waved his hand vaguely. "You know, like any old party."

Kid frowned. "It's not just 'any old party,' Soul. The least you can do is be truthful."

"Okay, fine, so it's not a party for friends, per say," Soul grumbled. "My parents are having an important dinner meeting so they're inviting a bunch of highbrow assholes to our home to entertain them. It's stuffy and annoying. But the good thing is that they're letting me invite my friends so long as you all look like you belong. And we can probably hang out in the basement or something if it gets too boring. There, happy?"

"It was explained neatly and precisely, thank you."

"Yeah yeah, whatever. Anyway, I'm inviting everyone here."

Maka was frowning slightly. "When is it?" she asked.

"Tonight. Don't worry. Miss Marie and Dr. Stein already gave everyone the night off so you can come. Why?"

"I can't possibly show up in this!" she insisted.

Her friends all looked her up and down. There was a voice of consensus.

"I could lend you a party dress," suggested Jackie. "I think I have something in your size. It's purple though, so I'm not sure if it's your color."

"I can't."

"Well why not?" asked Patty. "You'd look cute in more color! Like pink, or green, or yellow!"

"Well, it's part of the job description," said Kim. "The whole black dress thing. Even if she wanted to, there are traditions. Unless you're okay with breaking them?"

Maka shook her head. "I'd rather not…"

"So why not wear another dress that's black?"

Everyone turned to Kid. He flushed a bit, but continued. "The tradition states that you wear a black dress, right? From what I gather as an outsider, there's no clear-cut rule stating what kind of dress you wear as long as it's black. So you can bend the rules and wear a black evening dress of some kind."

"That's...actually a pretty good idea," Kim said.

"What do you think, Maka?" Tsubaki asked.

Maka nodded. "I think that could work. I would feel alright if the dress was black. I just don't know where I'm going to get a black evening dress this late? How am I supposed to afford something like that?"

Soul grinned. "Leave that part to me. It just has to be black, right?"

"But—"

"Trust me."

Maka agreed. "Okay. What time is this party?"

"It starts at six. Food is served at seven."

"Six?!" Maka looked at the clock. It clearly read 2:18. "Are you sure you can find a dress in that short of time."

"I'm Soloman Evans. My family name alone will get me access to any store in this city. Trust me. I said I'm going to get you a black evening dress and I'll get you a black evening dress. Now all I need are your measurements."

Maka wasn't quite sure what Soul meant by his big declaration, but she went along with it and hurried to her room with Tsubaki to get her tape measurer.

マカの宅急便

Maka finished cleaning up at five, took a shower, and had her hair dry by five twenty. She paced nervously behind the counter. Blair watched her walk back and forth, but decided not to comment. Maka only paced when she was extremely angry or extremely nervous, and both were not great times to interrupt her.

Right at five thirty there was a knock on her door. Maka opened it to find none other than Soul. He came by with a bag from a French designer and the most successful grin on his face.

"I had it rush adjusted," he said. "Hopefully it fits."

"You really didn't have to," Maka said as she took the thing from his arms. "I probably could've found something nice enough downtown."

"I wanted to. Think of you wearing this—" Soul tapped the bag. "—as the rain check I asked for. That and I need to impress my parents, don't I? Their opinion on witches is a bit…old-fashioned."

"Ah."

Maka knew what that meant. She didn't want to think about it.

"So to make them see that you're not just some enchantress I took the liberty of finding you the best black evening dress in town. The style's not exactly in, but I think it'll suit you."

"Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

"You look fancy."

It was true. Soul was wearing a very fitted pinstripe suit with a black tie and red shirt. The shirt was the same deep color as his eyes and complimented him well. His dress shoes were as shiny as black beetles. Somehow the dark colors made a dramatic contrast with his alabaster hair. And his hair wasn't gelled up for once. It hung around his head like a jagged halo. Somehow he looked more like Wes. Maka could see the resemblance now; Soul would probably look a lot like his brother once he was older.

Soul shrugged, which made his whole jacket jerk up and down. "I have to. We're going to a stupid rich-kids' soirée." He looked at the bag in Maka's hands pointedly. "Are you gonna take a look at it or what?"

Maka peeked into the bag, gasping. Inside was a long black dress, just as Soul had promised her. It was frilly on the bottom. Maka could see it was made of two layers, a bottom one consisting of a puffy dark grey material, and the top being ink black silk. A thick ribbon wrapped around the waist that could be tied into the back. The dress had long black sleeves. Her hands would be covered by the underlayer, Maka noted.

But that wasn't what got Maka to gasp, No, what shocked her most was the fact that her shoulders were only covered by the sheer layer of grey cloth as well.

"You can't expect me t-to wear this!" she choked out.

Soul had the nerve to look confused. "Why not? It's black, just like I promised."

"But it's so…" So what? Suggestive? Revealing? "…mature?"

Soul smirked. "You'll look fine. Besides, the chiffon was the most conservative covering I could find on such short notice. Now go put it on. We haven't got much time. Here, I even got you matching shoes."

Heels. Maka swallowed. She'd never worn heels like these before. The straps looked like they would tangle up her ankles and break them.

But Soul was looking at her expectantly and Kid's car was parked right outside so Maka had no choice but to head to the bathroom to change. Blair followed her as she shut the door and locked it.

Maka pulled out the dress with a sigh. Thanks to the way it hugged there was no way she could wear her own underclothes with it. It seemed someone else had noticed too. There was a paper bag at the bottom of the dress bag with a note taped to it.

Maka,
I figured Soul wouldn't understand the finer workings of women's underclothes so I put some of my old ones in here. Don't worry; the panties are new.
—Tsubaki

Inside was a small strapless bra (also black), grey pantyhose that matched the chiffon, and a pair of conservative black panties. Maka sent Tsubaki a silent thank you before stripping and changing into them.

"I feel like I'm playing dress-up like when I was a little girl," she said to Blair, who was sitting patiently on the counter.

The cat seemed very amused. "You didn't tell me you were going to wear something like that."

"Don't remind me!"

"It's very sexy."

"Blair!"

As Blair cackled at her, Maka pulled on the shoes and tied them carefully. The pinched her toes a bit, but it was as bearable as new heels could get. Maka took an experimental lap around the small bathroom, giggling at the way she clomped.

"I probably look ridiculous," she said aloud.

"You do."

"You're absolutely no help, you know that?"

Blair gave a little harrumph and sat still. Maka scratched her under her chin as an apology.

It took a few tries before Maka was able to force the dress over her head without it hooking onto anything. The main struggle was getting her hands and arms into the sleeves. Once that was done Maka was able to adjust the rest of the dress. She tugged at the bottom to make sure if fluffed out properly. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror.

"Isn't that something?" she said to herself. Blair mewed in agreement.

Yet there was one final hurdle Maka needed to clear: the zipper. She was able to get it halfway up her back until she couldn't reach it. Maka tried over and over again, but the little metal thing was stubborn and would not give.

There was a bang on the door. "Oi, Maka! What's taking so long?"

Maka jumped at the shout, face coloring. Right, Soul was waiting. She wasn't pleased by the sudden voice from behind the bathroom door. Blair looked down from Maka's feet.

"Are you going to let him in?"

"Absolutely not!" she hissed.

Maka fumbled behind her more furiously, but the zipper continued to evade her. Groaning in frustration she sat on the edge of the bathtub. It was no use. Here she was, dress wide open wearing Tsubaki's old strapless trainer bra and some pantyhoes with shoes that pinched her toes. All for what? Seeing some fancy bourgeoisies who just happened to be the parents of her friend.

The knock came again, lighter this time. Soul's voice was edged with concern,

"Hey, are you okay in there?"

"Please don't come in," she groaned. "It's embarrassing. I can't possibly come out like this."

There was an awkward pause.

"Um, listen. It was uncool of me to spring this party thing on you all of a sudden. But I really do want you to come and maybe have a good time. So it'd help if you could come out and we can go. I promise I won't laugh, whatever it is. Okay?"

He wasn't very good at comforting her, but at least he was trying. Deep down Soul was a gentleman after all. Maka sighed and unlocked the door.

"Don't you dare tell anyone what I'm asking you to do," she warned.

He replied with, "I swear on my life."

"Okay." Maka opened the door and turned so she didn't have to face him. "Zip me up?"

Her entire back was probably flushed from embarrassment. Though she couldn't see Soul's face Maka hoped he was equally flustered. He sounded like it, judging from the choking noise she heard.

"S-sure. Cool. Yeah."

Soul placed one hand on Maka's shoulder blade to hold the top of the dress shut. His hand was dry and surprisingly warm. Maka closed her eyes and held her breath. It would all be over in a second. She felt Soul fumbling around her lower back for a moment.

"What's taking so long?"

Soul grumbled, "The zipper's stuck."

Maka felt her face turn the color of beets. "I knew I shouldn't have asked you! Get out! Find Tsubaki and have her help me instead!"

"Hold up! If you thrash around so much it'll rip!" He groaned. "Oh my god Maka, just gimme a second will ya? Hold still!"

"Unhand me! This was a terrible idea! What if somebody sees us?"

"The only reason anyone'd look is because your making such a racket. Let me try again! Come on you stupid little—"

The sound of the zipper going up all the way made both teens freeze. Soul still had one hand planted on Maka's shoulder still, the other having pulled the zipper up. Maka was leaned against the counter with both hands gripping the edge of the sink. Blair was watching them with the smuggest smile on her face.

"Nice," she said before exiting. They watched her leave.

After a long frozen moment Maka cleared her throat. "Can I turn around now?"

"Almost done," Soul said softly as he tied the ribbon. "It's not too tight, is it?"

Maka shook her head.

"Are you ready to go now?" he murmured into her shoulder.

Maka shivered, and nodded. Soul's warm hands left her back.

"Alrighty then. Turn around. I want to see what you look like in that dress."

Taking a deep breath, the witch turned. Maka stood stone still as Soul surveyed the work. He was tapping his chin with a slight frown. She wasn't sure how to react.

See, I knew this dress wasn't right for me.

"Well?" she asked.

"Hold up… It's missing something..." Soul dug around in his inner coat pocket before pulling out two black ribbons. "Here. For your hair. They'll match the look."

Maka took them from his shaking hands and undid her hair. She carefully retied it while looking in the mirror. Once she was done she turned around again and looked at Soul. Soul let one hand tug a bit at her right pigtail. The motion was the gentlest thing Maka had ever seen him do in his life.

"Perfect," he murmured, barely under his breath.

"Now how do I look?" Maka whispered, frozen in place.

"You look…"

Skinny. Girly. Weak, her brain supplied.

"...great. Really great."

Maka was practically gaping at Soul, whose eyes weren't leaving her. He looked pretty awkward as well. Soul's expression reminded her a bit of a fish out of water. She couldn't help but blush at the way Soul stared.

The moment was broken by a loud honk from out front. Finally realizing how compromising they looked Soul and Maka broke apart. As if remembering how to compose himself, Soul cleared his throat and turned away. One of his hands scratched at the back of his neck. Maka glanced up at him and almost laughed at his tomato-red face.

"T-that's to say you don't look completely uncool," he said, then lamely added, "tiny tits."

Maka smacked him across the head. "Come on. Knowing Liz, she'll keep honking until the neighbors complain."

"Alright."

Soul followed Maka out of the store. Liz kept laying on the horn until she saw them.

"What took you two so long? We were about to send Tsubaki in to check on you."

"Nothing," they said too fast in unison, which only made the older girl raise her eyebrows in disbelief. Still, she made no comment as they clambered into the backseat. The only person there was Patty.

"Where's everyone else?" Maka asked.

"Tsubaki lives close enough that she and Black*Star are getting a ride from her parents instead," said Kid from the passenger seat. "Everyone else secured rides. We'll meet them there."

"Sounds good."

The drive was about fifteen minutes on the freeway. Maka watched as the center of Dödenstad grew further and further away. Liz obviously knew where she was going. She got off on the first exit from town and went down a dark road near the woods. They drove up a hill to where a mansion suddenly appeared.

"This is where you live?" she asked Soul, amazed.

He shrugged. "I guess."

"How do you get into town."

"Tezca. He's our driver. Whenever I leave he drives me. But there's also a bus stop at the bottom of the hill since this is still technically city limits."

Liz parked the car in front of the well-lit driveway. She, Kid, and Patty left first, the two girls flanking the shorter boy. Maka was about to follow them in when Soul grabbed her wrist. He looked a bit worried.

"Try not to speak too much. And follow my lead."

"What?"

"Trust me," he whispered hurriedly. "It'll go much smoother if you do."

"Okay…?"

Maka followed Soul up the white steps that lead to the mansion. It was several stories high and reminded her a bit of the castles she would read about in her old children's books. Soul took her arm as they entered the foyer. A man in a tailored tailcoat bowed as Soul and Maka entered.

"Welcome back, young Master Evans."

"Thanks Kingly," he replied to the butler. "Is Mother here?"

"The Mistress is in the drawing room, sir."

"Thanks Kingly. I'll go see her now."

The man bowed and left. Maka couldn't help but smile a bit.

"Well that was very formal. I didn't know you had manners, Soul."

He shushed her, looking around. Seeing no one else was around Soul relaxed a bit. "I told you you shouldn't speak. What if someone heard? Listen, here in my house we can't act like we always do. It would be seen as…shameful. I don't want any dirty rumors going around, alright?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"It's fine. It's your first time here. Just, try not to say anything unless you're asked," he said again. He held out his arm. "Take my hand, and don't say a word. I'll be your escort for the night."

Maka pursed her lips but stayed by Soul. He led them into a large ballroom. The polished floor reflected the light of the chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Several circle tables lined the walls. A large window on the far end overlooked the distant city. There was a grand piano in front of it, a musician playing quiet jazz. A buffet of small foods lined the wall. Maka saw Black*Star stuffing his face, with many onlookers giving him disapproving looks.

"Fancy," she breathed. Soul chuckled.

"Alright, I see one parental unit. Let's get this over with."

He guided Maka to where a woman in a long plum-colored dress was sitting. Her curly blonde hair was pinned up stylishly, lips painted a deep purple. She had Wes's pale eyes and the boy's wiry build. Maka figured this must be Soul's mother.

She looked up when the two came over.

"Solomon, my son," she said in a rich Italian accent. Soul took her hand and kissed it.

"Mother."

She sat up straighter. "Solomon, who is this girl?"

"Mother, this is my new friend Maka Albarn. Maka, this is my mother, Giovanna Evans."

Maka curtsied. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Evans."

"A black dress?"

"Maka didn't want to break some traditions she upholds while in public," Soul explained before Maka could. "I took the liberty to find her something suitable for this evening."

"You do have an eye for a dress, I can give you that. So she is a, you know, one of those?"

"A witch?" Soul nodded. "Yes Mother, she is."

"Let her answer for herself, Solomon. That was very rude of you."

He bowed his head slightly. "Forgive me. Maka?"

The girl froze for a moment, but she smiled as genuinely as she could. "Yes Mrs. Evans, I'm a witch. Well, a witch-in-training, to be specific. I moved to Dödenstad three weeks ago to do a year of independent study."

"Oh really. Of what sort?"

"Magic, Mrs. Evans. I'm currently studying herbology and potion making, but my main skill is flying. I actually started a delivery service here."

"Is it hard work?"

Maka smiled a little more at the memory of her first delivery. "It was a bit hard at first, but many good things have come out of it. I've met many wonderful people, including Wes. Soul told me that he's his older brother."

"Oh, you've met Wesley as well. How…delightful." Mrs. Evans said it in a way that sounded more pained than delighted. Maka wasn't sure what to make of the situation.

She decided to try and be polite.

"Yes. Wes was very hospitable. Will he be joining us tonight?"

"Ah, no. Wesley is a bit of a free spirit. He said he's very busy and would not be able to come tonight." Mrs. Evans sighed. "A shame, really. I have a few associates who were very interested in having him tour in Italy for a bit."

"Wow, Italy!"

"It is where I was born, and where I lived until I met my husband. Tell me, have you ever been there?" Mrs. Evans asked.

Maka shook her head. "No ma'am. I actually grew up in the countryside. Coming to Dödenstad was my first big trip."

"Ah, the country. How quaint. Tell me, did you have schooling there?"

"I did go to school, yes. But I learned all my magic from my mother."

"Do they teach you anything good?"

"I can read and I know my sums," Maka replied curtly.

"So no languages?"

"I know the Old Tongue, which is necessary for any witch."

Giovanna gave her a condescending smile. Maka was coming to like Mrs. Evans less and less. It seemed Soul picked up on her discomfort and interrupted.

"Will Father be joining us soon, Mother?"

The woman tittered. "Goodness no! Your father is currently doing business. He has no time to mingle with your…friends. He will call for you when he's ready to speak."

Soul nodded. "Thank you, Mother. Excuse me."

He gave her what seemed to be an obligatory kiss on the cheek before guiding Maka away with a hand on the small of her back.

It was strange to see Soul so stiff. Maka shifted over slightly to nudge him in the shoulder. He looked down and gave her a quick smirk. Good. He was still in there.

"Let's eat," he said. "I'll get you a plate. Why don't you sit with Tsubaki and Black*Star?"

"Okay." Maka took a seat by her friend as Soul went to the buffet. Tsubaki gave her a small smile.

"How is it so far?"

"Mrs. Evans hates me," Maka groaned.

Tsubaki laughed a bit. "Honestly she hates almost everyone. I'm not surprised with Black*Star though. He has no table manners."

Black*Star tried to interject and managed to choke on whatever was in his stuffed cheeks. Tsubaki rolled her eyes and handed her boyfriend a glass of water.

"See what I mean?"

Maka smiled. "You look beautiful, Tsubaki!"

The girl laughed, thumbing at the silver dress. "Thank you. And the dress Soul found for you is lovely. I helped him pick it."

"Thank you for that. And thank you for the underclothes. I needed it."

Tsubaki smiled again as Soul joined them with two plates and two tiny forks to accompany them. He set one down in front of Maka before taking a seat.

Maka happily ate the cheeses and fruits and fine meats, but her face contorted into displeasure as she took a bite of the salmon.

"You okay?" Soul asked at her scrunched face.

"I've never had raw fish before," she explained.

He grinned. "Well now you have. Do you like it?"

"Not really…"

"Then gimme your plate. I'll finish it up for you. Also, that black stuff's caviar. It's probably not your type of flavor so you may not want to eat the crackers."

"Caviar?"

"Some shark egg. It's pretty hard to get, apparently."

Maka shuddered a bit at the thought. "No thank you. Honestly, do you guys not eat good food?"

"Define 'good,'" he joked as he ate. "But I know what you mean. I'm never full after these parties. It's impossible to eat anything quickly and the portions are too small."

"Doesn't stop me!" Black*Star loudly declared as he headed back to the table. Tsubaki muttered a quiet 'oh no' under her breath before excusing herself and following Black*Star. Soul and Maka laughed a bit.

Maka slowly found herself relaxing. She nodded along to the music, trying to ignore her sore feet and constricted stomach. Despite being in uncomfortable clothing with uncomfortable people around her having Soul there made it bearable.

"Care to dance?" he asked when the song changed to something more rhythmic.

Maka blushed. "I don't know how." None of this is a world which I belong in.

"It's not that hard. You just have to sway back and forth a little." Soul held out his hand. "C'mon, once won't kill you. I promise. Just follow my lead."

"If you insist. Though I can't promise the safety of your feet."

"It's a risk I'm willing to take," he declared before leading her to the center of the dance floor. He put one hand on her waist and took her other hand. "Here, place your hand here. And I'll lead, okay?"

"Okay."

They swayed to the beat, Soul pulling her along. Maka was able to get a hang of the swaying after a bit. It was a bit like how magic flowed, except she had no control over it.

"Ow!"

"Sorry!" Maka gasped as she took her heel off of Soul's foot.

He grinned past the tears. "No worried. I said it was a risk I was willing to take."

The song ended and flowed into a new one. Soul's face turned to displeasure.

"Is something wrong?" Maka asked.

"This guy sucks at playing," Soul replied. "The tempo's awkward. How uncool."

Maka remembered a prior conversation she'd had with Wes. "You play the piano, right? Why don't you play it?"

"Maybe someday. I'm not in the mood to play in front of a bunch of people right now. Or ever. But maybe someday just for you."

"I expect it, then."

Their moment was interrupted by the butler. He seemed to appear out of nowhere and cleared his throat.

"Young Master Evans, a word?"

Soul frowned. "What is it, Kingly?"

The butler bowed his head a little. "Forgive me for interrupting your dance, young master, but your parents requested your presence in the upstairs study. They said immediately."

Soul sighed, pulling away from Maka. "I'm sorry. I'll be back as soon as possible."

She shook her head. "It's okay. I know you can't help it."

Soul gave her one more apologetic smile before leaving. Maka watched as he headed out of the room and up the stairs. She stood at the center of the dance floor, unsure what to do. That was until a voice called from the corner.

"You there. Young lady!"

Maka turned to the voice. Sitting in a very Victorianesque dress the color of lilacs was a harsh looking woman. She looked to be in her seventies, seated in a high-back chair at one of the tables. She beckoned Maka over.

"May I have a word?"

Maka swallowed and walked over to the elderly lady. She gestured to the empty chair across from her.

"Take a seat, please."

Maka sat. She watched the woman before her. She seemed to carry a kind of strength about her despite her age. Maka focused in on her soul. It was very familiar to a certain someone she knew. Maka blinked and met the woman's droopy-eyed gaze. Yes, there was a resemblance.

"Are you Soul's grandmother?"

"Why aren't you an observant one? Yes, I am. So he's gone and called himself Soul?"

"Solomon?"

"No need to correct yourself. He is who he is. A little shit."

Maka gasped at the comment. "Ma'am!"

The woman took a casual sip of wine. "You can call me Nana. That's what all my grandchildren call me when we're not surrounded by the family's judgment." She glanced at Maka's sitting form. "No need to be so formal around me dear. I may have grown up in a time where manners were more important than today, but I've seen the world change enough to know young people aren't going to be as old-fashioned as me."

The woman laughed at Maka's relieved expression. "I take it you aren't used to this type of gathering, dear?"

"Not at all. I grew up in the countryside. When we would have a party it was usually outside in the spring or summer. Everyone would dance, there would be more food than needed, all the kids would run around without shoes on, and the men would get so drunk no one would work the next day!"

Nana laughed heartily. "Ah, if I were young I would've liked to have a life like that. Unfortunately, I was born an Evans. Not the worst curse to carry, but not the best either."

"I'm sorry to hear that."

"Don't be. It's something I've accepted too many year ago." Nana took another sip of wine. "So you're the new witch that my grandson's been infatuated with?"

Maka blushed. "We're just friends."

"Of course dear."

"Besides, he's definitely not my type. He does nothing but insult me, he can be downright rude, and he's so dumb sometimes. I honestly don't understand Soul at all!"

"That's just how boys are dear. Wait a few more years. Hopefully by then he's figured out his own problems. Like the one he's dealing with right now." Nana looked towards the stairs. "What on earth is taking that boy so long? He's usually down within a couple of minutes. And he hasn't greeted me yet."

"I'll go up and see if he's done," Maka announced. She stood up. "Thank you so much for meeting with me, Nana. I'm glad we could talk."

"You keep that boy out of trouble, hear? He's not one to show his true colors until he trusts you. But I can tell you're special. I've never seen him act so naturally at one of these events. You're good for him."

Maka thanked her for the compliment before leaving the room. No one stopped her as she ascended the steps and took a left down the hallway. She wasn't able to find the study so she went back the other way. There was a door cracked open. Light was streaming out of it. That must be the study. Maka was about to knock when she heard an angry shout.

"For the last time, I'm NOT going to some fancy school where they train me up to be a gentleman or whatever. I don't want to live that sort of life pretending to be someone I'm not, okay?"

Soul? Maka knew she shouldn't, but she leaned in to peek through the crack.

The study was a red: red carpet, mahogany desk and chairs, blood-red drapes covering the window, and burgundy wallpaper. The only other color in the room was the lamplight, which glowed yellow under the green shades. Soul was standing in front of the desk by a taller man Maka figured was his father. He was broad-shouldered with the same stark white hair his sons possessed. His face was drawn into a frown.

"Solomon, we've been over this," he said in a deep voice.

"No, you've been over this. Both of you. I'm done." There was a pause, then, "Besides, I had Sid enroll me to the local public school here in Dödenstad."

"I cannot believe you!" his father hissed. "We tried to give you some liberties, and you have taken them all much too far. First you insisted on wearing that ridiculous garbage you have the audacity to call clothing. And in the presence of our guests too."

"That was a one-time thing," Soul growled back. "Besides, I already told you it was an accident. I forgot you were having guests over for dinner. If I knew I would've changed!"

"Secondly," his father continued, "you have blatantly disrespected your mother and me.

"Thirdly, your lack of respect for the education we have been giving you. You know full well we've decided that La conservatoire de la musique classique amateur in Paris is where you shall continue. You know full well maestro Jean Donnadieu has agreed to be your instructor. He even came to hear your last performance with Wesley. Both your mother and I, as well as your brother, have studied under him."

"And how many times have I told you I don't WANT to be a musician?" Soul demanded, slamming a fist on the table. "I want to stay here in Dödenstad! I want to be around my friends and play piano when I want to, not because I have to! I want to learn how to build planes and become a pilot."

"A pilot?" his mother asked from her seat next to his father. "Don't be ridiculous. What on earth would you do as a pilot?"

"Oh I don't know, fly? Isn't that what pilots do?" Sarcasm dripped off his voice.

"Do not speak to your mother with such a tone. Honestly, have you never learned?"

"I don't care. I'm going to stay here in Dödenstad and there's no way you'll stop me."

"Is it that witch?"

He spat the word witch as if it were poison. Maka flinched a bit. Soul did too. His anger only seemed to increase.

"Don't you dare say a single word about Maka," he threatened. "She has nothing to do with this."

"She has everything to do with this the moment you brought her into our home! You know how witches are. They tempt men to bed with them and leave them with nothing but a mark of shame. They enchant you, force you to do their bidding. The magic burns away their humanity. They crave the souls of innocents."

"She's not evil, Father!" Soul cried out.

"Don't raise your voice at your father," his mother snapped back.

Soul was obviously agitated, running a hand through his hair. "Mother, Father, Maka is thirteen. Even if she was capable of 'tempting me' I doubt she would. Not until she's older. And by then we'd be too close of friends for her to even want to take advantage of me."

"Listen to what he's saying. I bet she's already put him under her spell."

Soul was groaning. "For the last time Mother, she's not an enchantress. She's thirteen. A girl. A kid like me. Even if she did have the power to enchant me why would she?"

"Maybe she's after our wealth," Mrs. Evans gasped. "She could be trying to ruin our name through our son!"

"Oh my god, seriously?" Soul muttered. "Alright, so let's just say witches are awful people who are selfish, undesirable, and use their magic as a crutch to get what they want like you've been telling me all my life. Hypothetically. Let's pretend Maka is just like that. Even if she did 'put me under her spell' there's nothing she can get from me. I've got barely any connections compared to the both of you. There's no reason for her to want me."

"She could be patient," his father said. "She could be waiting until you're both eighteen and able to wed. Then that witch could steal everything from us."

"For the love of god, Maka's not like that. She's just a witch. She's not that different from other humans except she can fly and make a few potions. Honestly, she's more like a silly little girl with no formal education, tiny tits and fat ankles who wouldn't be able to attract a guy even with magic."

At that Maka flinched away from the door. In the process her foot banged against it. Three pairs of eyes turned to the door. Mr. Evans was the one to open it.

"Who the hell are you? Who gave you permission to be here?"

"Maka?"

Soul looked beyond shocked to see her there. Maka straightened up, a bit pale but able to keep the quiver out of her voice.

"I was sent by Nan—Solomon's grandmother. She wanted to have a word with him."

Giovanna sighed. "Honestly dear, how hard is it for your mother to get Kingly to come up instead. Rather than sending this witch up."

"So you're the witch?" He looked her up and down. "I see what my son means. You're not exactly the image of a temptress."

"Nor do I plan on being one. Good evening."

With that Maka turned and hurried down the stairs towards the front door. She twisted her ankle on one of the stairs and hissed at the pain, but she stood up and made it to the door.

"Wait! Maka! Hey, Maka! I said wait!"

Her arm was yanked harshly as Soul whipped her around to face him. Maka could make out a flash of worry across his face before she turned away.

"What is it, Soul?"

"How long were you out there?" he asked. "How much did you hear?"

"Enough." She stood up straight. "I'm going home."

"Like hell you're leaving!"

"And who are you to stop me?"

He blanched at that one, obviously not expecting the fire in Maka's voice. Maka took a deep breath, stared into his eyes, and continued.

"You have no right to command me. I'm not your puppet, or your pet, or your toy, or your woman. I don't know what kind of assumptions your parents had about our relationship. To be frank, I don't want to know. But what I can tell you is that I'm proud to be a witch and I'm proud to be following in my mother's footsteps. I'm upset your parents made these judgments about me without even trying to get to know me, but I'm more hurt that you said those things about me in front of them. So if you don't mind, I'd like to leave this awful party and go home."

Soul ran up in front of her. "You know I don't think of you like my parents do, right? I only did that to make them shut up."

"I don't care, Soul!"

He backed off a bit in shock. Maka gritted her teeth and looked him dead in the eye.

"I. Don't. Care."

His face mirrored her anger and frustration. "Why not?"

"Because no matter what your intention was my feelings were still hurt!" She shoved him over with both hands. "Now get out of my way and leave me alone!"

The walk home was agonizing, especially along unfamiliar streets in heels. Maka ended up peeling the shoes off and carrying them in her hands. It took over an hour before she made it back to the café. By then the cloudy sky gave way to sheets of heavy rain. She was soaked to the bone as she opened the door to the café.

Miss Marie was sitting in the living room watching the evening program. She looked up as Maka walked in.

"Maka! I wasn't expecting you home so soon. I'm about to make some tea, if you'd like."

Maka forced a smile and shook her head. "No thank you. I'm very tired, so I'm going to go to bed early. Goodnight."

Thankfully Marie didn't ask any questions. "Alright then. Make sure you dry off properly. And take a shower if you need to!"

Maka headed into her room and stripped off the sopping clothing. She hung them up to dry. The shoes were thrown in a corner. Maka ripped out the hair ribbons, wincing as she pulled a few hairs with them, and brushed the wet tangles furiously. She slipped on her nightdress and curled up under the blankets.

Once in the safe cocoon of her comforter Maka finally pulled the pillow over her head and screamed out all of her frustration. The only living being to witness her was Blair, and the cat only came under the covers to lick away Maka's tears until she fell asleep.

I feel like every time I consider anything about the Evans family I get a bad image. I'm sure they're not all terrible or anything. But I needed to have the plot move along. It can't be all happy, eh? Also, hooray for Nana.

Next chapter: Maka gets sick and Soul visits her (once she's better).