Chapter 5: The Drama Begins - Maka might just die?
Soul was dragging Maka down the hallways of the DWMA, laughing to himself. Of course, he felt bad for getting his partner stuck in this situation, but damn, was it hilarious.
"Maka, don't be so down in the dumps. It can't be that bad, can it?" Soul had tried to cheer her up several times since they'd walked away from Professor Stein, with no immediate success. "Maka, talk to me, this isn't cool."
Maka groaned and continued to drag her feet, slouching with her head down. She looked like she'd just found out that Asura wasn't actually dead, and she would have to face him again. "Soul, how could you understand, you never will..."
"Hey, don't take this out on me, Maka. Look, maybe this will help smooth some things over." Soul let go of Maka's hand that he was dragging and put his arm around her.
She just shook her head. "There's no way. That man is getting nothing out of me tonight."
So there's something to get, huh? Soul looked at his meister curiously. She was still hanging her head somberly.
"Come on, let's go out for something to eat tonight before our lessons. You need something to cheer you up."
When they arrived at the restaurant, Maka and Soul together were turning a lot of heads. Maka, who was oblivious to this, answered the waitress's greeting of "Table for two tonight?" and followed her absently. Soul, however noticed the once over that the waitress gave him, and that all the guys turned to look at Maka as they passed the tables. He saw a table full of girls a little older than them, ones who obviously weren't students at the Academy, blush and put their heads together to talk.
"Well, here's your table!" There was a single red rose in a vase, along with two large white candles on either side of the vase. Soul smiled at the romantic setting, and to add to it, he pulled out Maka's chair for her, gesturing for her to sit down. She gave him a small smile and nodded politely. Soul sat down across from her. "Anything I can get started for you yet?"
"No, thanks. Not yet. Maka?" Soul raised an eyebrow at her.
She shook her head.
"Alright, well I'll be back to take care of you in a few!" The waitress tucked away her order-taking notepad and walked off. Soul could have sworn she swung her hips a little too much to be normal.
Turning his head away, he looked at Maka. In the low candlelight of the restaurant she looked fantastic and somewhat mysterious. It reminded him of the kindness that lit up her eyes whenever she saw Crona or talked to Tsubaki. Now, however, the flickering flame reflecting in her green eyes was full of sadness.
"Hey."
She looked up at his voice.
"Just cheer up, right now, for me." Soul pleaded. "I want to make you as happy as I can before tonight, and if you don't cooperate it won't happen."
Maka sighed and smiled at him.
"There we go. So can I ask you something? I don't want to pry, I'm actually curious."
"What is it? Maka tilted her head to the side questioningly.
"What are your lessons about, for the girls?"
Maka laughed. "Gee Soul, I dunno if I'm allowed to say. It might be against the girl code or something." She giggled.
Soul huffed. "Fine then, it's not like I care that much."
"Oh, calm down. I was just kidding." Maka rolled her eyes. "What do you want to know, anyway?"
He shrugged. "Just in general what you girls talk about."
"Probably the same things as you."
Soul raised his eyebrows at her. "What kind of answer is that?"
"I thought you said you didn't care?" She stuck her tongue out at him playfully just as the waitress came back. She threw Maka a look of distaste.
"Decided what you want to drink?"
Soul gestured for Maka to order first. "Oh, umm, jasmine tea please."
"And you, sir?"
"Coffee, please."
"Cream or sugar?
"Black."
The waitress wrote it all down. "Okay, be right back with that."
She left again, this time tossing long brown hair over her shoulder. Soul just rolled his eyes.
"Anyway, I don't care that much, I'm just curious." Soul stared into Maka's eyes, and she blushed a rosy pink. She couldn't hide it from him when he was sitting across from her like that.
Hmm, wonder what that was about, Soul thought.
Maka bit her lip. When he looks at me like that, it's like he's reading my emotions and staring into my soul.
Recovering, Maka stuck her tongue out again. "Curiosity killed the cat, you know." This reminded her of Blair. "Hey, speaking of, still no word from our cat?"
"Maka, you did ask me about it this morning. I've been with you ever since."
"Ohh... Right." Maka smiled sheepishly. Damn, you're such an idiot, she thought.
"What do you feel like eating?" He asked.
"Hmm..." Maka opened up her menu and scanned it. "The red curry sounds good, with chicken. What about you?"
"I think I'm just gonna get the steak, like usual." Soul offered her his usual crooked smile.
Maka laughed. "That is your favorite." It was true. This outing wasn't exactly a special occasion for the two of them; but they were dressed differently, and for some reason, the atmosphere seemed different.
The waitress approached with their drinks. She set them down and pulled out her notepad again. "Oh by the way, my name is Risa, if you need anything, honey." She was looking directly at Soul.
It wasn't until then that Maka realized this chick was flirting with Soul. Her Soul.
Wait, no, Maka. He's not your property.
Soul was playing along. "Alright, Risa." He smiled at her in his usual fashion. "You taking orders?"
"From you?" She winked. "Of course."
Maka refrained from gagging.
"I'll have to go with the steak, then." Soul handed his menu to the waitress. "And my partner will have the red curry with chicken."
Still looking at Soul, the waitress asked. "How many stars of spice would you like on that, honey?"
Maka cleared her throat. "On the curry? Four, please."
The waitress flashed Maka an annoyed look and then scribbled on her notepad. "Okay, I'll bring it to you when it's all dished up and ready." She winked at Soul again.
When she walked away, Soul breathed out a sigh and slumped forward onto the table.
"What a sleaze." He rolled his eyes.
Maka felt her jaw drop, then she quickly closed it before he looked up at her. She laughed. "Geez, Soul, the poor girl is just begging for you attention." Not that you weren't giving it to her.
"I don't really know why, I guess I'm just that cool." He grinned at Maka. "But usually the waitresses at this restaurant don't act like that."
Maka nodded. "Yeah, but there are plenty where they do..."
The two of them glanced at each other and laughed out loud.
"Hey, you never answered my question, Maka." Soul raised an eyebrow at her. "About your lessons."
Maka shrugged. "I did. We probably do the same things you do."
"Do you even know what we do?"
Maka furrowed her eyebrows. "Touche. What do you do? If you tell me, I'll tell you." She smiled.
Soul waved his hands. "No, no, I asked first."
"No way," She laughed, "I'm not saying anything, then."
Frustrated, Soul reached to take a drink of his coffee, then saw next to it a bowl of cream and sugar packets. Huh, he thought, I'm pretty sure I said black...
Just then the waitress passed their table. "Oh, I brought those for you in case you decided you wanted something sweet." The waitress wiggled her eyebrows and strutted off.
Maka clenched her fists and glared at her retreating back. Soul shuddered.
"What a creep." They both said, and then laughed.
They sat in silence for a few seconds, sipping their drinks. Finally, Soul couldn't take it anymore.
"Maka, just tell me already. It can't be that embarrassing or anything."
Maka's eyes grew wide and she shook her head. "It's worse than you would think."
"Yeah, our lesson wasn't too fantastically cool either." Soul agreed.
They both took a drink from their cups, considering.
"Let's just drop it," Maka decided, "or it'll end up eating at us for a long time."
Soul chuckled. "Yeah, I don't think either of us are going to let up anytime soon."
Maka nodded. She was too stubborn, and he was just too... cool.
Their food arrived, a mingle of scents that they took in appreciatively. The waitress dropped off Maka's first, then directed her body towards Soul.
"Here you go, honey. Can I ask your name?"
"Soul. Soul Eater."
She raised her eyebrows suspiciously. "Are you trying to joke with me?"
"No," Maka piped up, "he's completely serious. And I'm Maka, Maka Albarn."
The waitress froze and turned towards her. "Maka... I've heard that name before."
Maka offered her a devilish grin. "I'm sure you have."
Soul was confused. "When?" He didn't think average people in Death City would know anything specific about Maka and her battle against the kishin.
The waitress was fuming. "I can't believe I didn't recognize you... Of course, I've seen your picture..."
Maka frowned. "What was that?"
Risa tilted her head and stared at Maka. "You're Spirit's daughter, the Death Scythe's daughter, right?"
Maka's face went white. "You... You know him?"
Risa laughed. "He's never talked about me to you? Wow."
"We don't talk all too often."
"Hmm, that way he talks about you it seems like you two are a happy family..." The waitress frowned. "Well, sometimes. Anyway, he comes to visit Blair, my sister Arisa, and I at ChupaCabra's all the time!"
"B-Blair?" Maka's eyes widened.
"Yeah, she's this magic cat girl."
"I know who she is." Maka snapped.
Why does she have to take the attention of Soul and Papa? Not that I care about Papa as much as Soul, but... He is my dad.
"What's your issue, girl?" Risa gave her a skeptical look. "I know your mom and dad are divorced and all, but aren't you over it by now?"
Maka looked down at her food to hide her eyes. "Thanks for our food. You can go now."
Soul bit his lip and got a sad look in his eyes. He wanted to comfort Maka, but he wasn't sure what had upset her.
"Whatever, girl." The waitress left, rolling her eyes. Then she turned her head and winked at Soul. He glared at her when she turned.
"Maka, are you okay?" He knew the answer, but he wanted to console her.
"I...don't really know." She replied honestly. "Something feels wrong, but... I don't know what, exactly."
"Well, let's eat and forget about her, and Blair." Soul suggested.
Maka finally looked up at him. "Soul, what happened to Blair?"
Soul was the one to avert his eyes for once. "I dunno. Maybe she's just lounging at her work."
Maka frowned, still uncertain what to think of this barely noticeable secrecy. "Look, if there's something you're trying to keep from me-"
"Maka, let's just eat." Soul looked at her full in the face, eyes pleading. "Okay?"
Surprised, she nodded. "Okay."
They removed their tableware from their folded napkins and dug in, Maka with chopsticks and Soul with a fork and knife. For awhile, they ate and drank without speaking. It wasn't an uncomfortable silence. but a thoughtful one. The two partners sensed something changing, but neither of them could grasp exactly what it was about, or what was even changing. Halfway through their meal, Soul spoke.
"Want to taste this? It's awesome."
Maka giggled. "Sure thing. Here, taste mine, too."
They grabbed their dining utensils and took some of their own food. Not realizing the other meant to do the same, they both reached to feed each other at the same time, and ended up in a very strange position; Maka with her chopsticks in Soul's mouth, and Soul with his fork in Maka's mouth. Their eyes widened as they looked at each other and then away quickly, blushing.
"Looks like you two are on a date."
As Maka and Soul were both mid-swallow when they heard Ox's voice, they both started to choke as they turned towards him.
Coughing, Maka greeted him. "Hey, Ox."
He had with him his partner and weapon, Harvar, as well as Kim and Jacqueline. They were all dressed much more casually then Soul and Maka.
Soul was wiping the wetness out of his eyes from his choking. "Hey guys."
Ox raised his eyebrows. "You're not denying you two are on a date, then? You're dressed awfully nice."
Maka almost choked again. Neither her or Soul had heard clearly what Ox had said before.
She smiled awkwardly and waved her hands in front of her. "No, no, uhh... We were just stopping to eat before our lessons tonight." Yikes, I just made it worse, mentioning our lessons, Maka groaned internally.
"Yeah, she's telling the truth." Soul rubbed the back of his neck. "Just grabbing some food. And we sorta just ended up dressing nice today. It's cool."
Maka looked down at her outfit. She had totally forgotten about her abnormal attire. "Yeah, why would we go out on a date, anyway? It's not like we're dating, and we live together. We'd never go out on a date."
She says that like it's definitely never going to happen, Soul felt that one sting. Great one, Soul, you should have just told Ox he was right.
"Oh, sure." Kim rolled her eyes. "You're so naive, Maka. It makes me wonder why you're known as top of our class, best meister, blah, blah."
Maka gaped at her. "Kim, did I do something to make you mad at me?" She asked.
Kim tossed her hair and turned. "Come on, guys, let's go to our table."
Ox turned to follow her immediately after she turned, but then paused. "Yeah, Maka, I don't see how you're so great either." And he walked away.
Harvar offered Maka an apologetic look, then followed with Jacqueline on his arm.
Soul followed them with his eyes, then laughed out loud. "I hope you won't let that bother you, Maka. I don't know why Kim's being a complete bitch, but... It's totally not cool."
Maka scoffed. "Ox is pathetic, agreeing with everything she says. He's so smart, and she's so superficial. He's wasting his time on her."
Soul stopped laughing and searched Maka's face for anything beneath her compliments for Ox. She and Ox were indeed on the same level of book smarts, but when it came to common sense, Maka scored much higher. Soul hoped that she realized that, and hoped she wasn't pining after someone as ridiculous as Ox. That idiot was never going to take his Maka away.
Whoa, Soul, don't go there... yet.
When they had both cleared their plates, Soul stretched and yawned.
"Hey, what's the time?" Maka asked.
Soul looked around at the clock on the wall behind Maka. Six o'clock, exactly.
"Six." Soul said. "Stein said to be back at seven, right?"
She nodded, and as a waiter passed their table, Soul flagged him down. "Can you tell Risa to bring us our check?"
"Sure thing."
When he walked away, Maka suddenly smiled to herself. "Did you like the curry?" She asked.
Soul laughed again. He always found himself laughing with Maka, unless she was pissed at him. "It was great, what I actually got to enjoy, anyway."
Maka laughed with him. "The steak was nice, too."
Risa approached their table and threw down the check. "So whad'ya say, Soul?" She smiled at him seductively. "Got a number to give me?"
Soul rolled his eyes. "Yeah, right. Like you need my number, you work at a cabaret club." He took out his wallet and threw down a twenty and a ten to pay for their meal. "Come on Maka, let's go."
When Maka and Soul arrived at the DWMA on Soul's motorbike, they parted ways. Soul headed for their usual classroom, and Maka headed for the Death room, as Stein had told that her lesson would take place there. They agreed to meet back on the steps when their classes were over, and to wait for each other. Right before they went separate directions, Soul turned Maka towards him and brushed two fingers against her cheek, smiling at her. She gazed up at him in wonder, searching in his eyes for a reason to explain this gentle touch. Before she could find anything, he said "good luck, Maka" and turned away, hands in his pockets. She stood there watching him for a few seconds, awestruck, before turning and going a different direction.
"See you later, Soul." She whispered to herself.
She headed to the Death room as quickly as possible, unsure of the time. They had left around six o'clock, but as she carried no time-telling device with her, she had no clue how long their ride to the DWMA had been. As she took the pathway to Lord Death's chamber, she heard voices, including her father's.
"I just don't know what to do, Lord Death, sir." He sounded extremely distressed. What could be wrong? Maka wondered.
"Maybe you should just ignore it, Spirit." Maka smelled cigarette smoke and identified this voice as Professor Stein.
"Stein, you're crazy. I love her, I always will, how can I ignore it?" Maka could hear her Papa pacing.
Next came Lord Death's voice. "Look, Spirit, perhaps you should just meet with her. The worst that could happen is-"
"Is that she could just leave me in the dust again, and maybe take Maka away with her?" Spirit was trembling, Maka could hear it in his voice. "I can't let that happen, it's completely..."
"You don't know for sure that that is what will happen, Spirit. You need to look at all the possibilities." Lord Death was trying to console him.
He wouldn't hear it. "I can't take my chances like that, I can't lose Maka."
"Well, this is interesting, isn't it." Maka's blood boiled at the amusement she heard in Stein's voice. "You could gamble everything, and end up losing Maka along with her. Or you could come out of the gamble with the two people you love most back in your life. What will you do?"
Spirit just sobbed.
"Why don't you find out what she wants before you do anything else?" Death advised.
"She left me a note on my doorstep giving me a time and place to meet. I have no way of contacting her."
"You could ask-" Lord Death started.
"No." Spirit interrupted firmly. "I'm not telling anyone else about this. Mind you, you keep it to yourself too, Stein. I don't think she wants anyone to know that she's here."
"Yeah, yeah, keep your tie on."
"Look, it's 6:50, we'd better clear out before our little meister comes, Stein." Lord Death quickly changed the subject. "And you have things to do anyway, yes?"
There was a silence, and Maka figured Stein must have nodded. "Much, much to do."
"Well, let's go then."
Maka gasped and hurried backwards as silently as she could into the corridor before the one which led to the Death room. When they approached she stepped out as if she'd been walking the whole time. "Oh, good evening. Lord Death, Professor."
"Good evening, Maka!" Death bounced around cheerily, as if the previous subject hadn't concerned her in the slightest. "Ready for your lesson?"
"Ready as I'll ever be." Maka shifted her eyes away from Stein. She knew that he would not miss anything in her eyes, and even if Lord Death could see her mixed emotions, he wouldn't bring it up to purposely embarrass her. But Stein would.
"Have a good night, Maka." Stein patted her shoulder as he walked by her, then glanced back to see Maka trembling.
Just get through with it, Maka. Don't let Papa see you this way.
Unaware of Stein watching her, Maka lifted her chin and walked onward to the Death room. Stein smiled and turned to follow Lord Death out.
Soul entered the Crescent Moon classroom warily, a little unnerved by the silence of the school. He closed the door behind him, and the sound made him jump. He hoped Maka was okay. He breathed out a sigh. Relax.
"Good evening, Soul!" A cheery voice said behind him. He jumped, turning around quickly, then sighed again when he saw that it was Marie.
"Evening, Professor." He waved.
She looked concerned. "Are you okay, Soul?" She asked. "You did know I was teaching you tonight, right?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. No worries."
She nodded and smiled warmly.
"What are we learning today, teach?" He walked over to the desk in the front of the room. Marie pointed to a seat across from her own behind the desk.
"Tea?" She asked, offering the pot and a cup.
"Alright, sure."
She poured him a cup, her hand steady. "Today you're free to ask me whatever questions you like, although, according to Stein, I should be talking to you about something specific." The way her eyes closed cheerily reminded Soul of Maka, when she was really happy. He shook the thought from his mind. The last thing he needed was for one of the teachers to know for certain about his feelings for Maka.
"Really? What?" He was curious as to what Stein might be assuming about his style.
"It's...Well, it's about Maka."
"MAKA!"
As soon as she entered the Death room, her father was going berserk over her.
"Hey, Papa." His ludicrous attitude just annoyed her even further.
"Oh, Maka, you look so cute!" Spirit ran over to her and squeezed her tight, making her squirm.
"Papa, let go of me!" She shouted, shoving him away. Tears gathered in his eyes, and Maka realized he was probably still sensitive from his conversation with Lord Death and Stein. Just keep your cool, Maka. Don't let him get anything out of you.
However, Spirit composed himself as best as he could and turned towards a kotatsu, all laid out with tea and candles. He pointed at a black silky pillow for Maka to sit on. She removed her shoes and settled down, pouring herself some tea.
"What inspired the, er, outift, Maka?" Spirit asked awkwardly.
Maka blushed and remembered once more the clothes she'd put on to try and dress just as nicely as Soul. "Just felt like dressing up for once... You know... Some variety." She said lamely.
"Well... Okay."
Maka looked up at him. "What is this lesson about today?" She asked accusingly.
He shrunk back at her hard words, upset. "Basically you have the freedom to ask whatever you want to know. About anything related to guys."
Maka laughed. "And they trusted you to give me the right answers?"
Spirit frowned. "Maka, I know you're never going to trust me again. But I want you to believe me when I say that your mother is the only woman I've ever truly fallen in love with."
Maka glared into her tea. Talk all you want, I'm sick of your lying.
"Drink your tea, Maka."
Don't tell me what to do. She drank. "I don't have any questions for you, Papa."
"Well, we have a whole two hours, so you have time to think about it."
Soul involuntarily spit his tea everywhere.
"Maka?" He paused and wiped his mouth. "W-What about her?"
He realized his surprise could either reveal his feelings for her or make it seem like feelings for her were impossible. He wondered which one Miss Marie saw.
"Soul, calm down for a second!" She shook her head, laughing. "It's just some questions. But those can wait until after your questions are asked."
Soul sipped his tea and found himself relaxing. He downed the rest of his cup in a huge gulp, and Marie offered him more.
"I guess my number one question," Soul began, "is how to even get a girl to notice you as a romantic option in the first place."
Marie considered this. "It really depends on the person. Some girls can be really naive, others may just be playing hard to get."
Naive, Soul recalled Kim using the word about Maka. "Well, what do you do in either situation?" Maka could be playing hard to get; she was stubborn and hot-headed. Maybe she didn't want to land herself in a position like her mother's.
"Honestly?" Marie sighed. "If she's naive, all she really needs is true romance, for you to indulge her in every possible way."
Soul nodded. If she'll let me take her out on a date. "And if she's playing hard to get?"
"You have to impress her enough to make her want you back and not play hard to get. If you're boring her to death, she'll want to move on with her life."
Maka can't just move on. I'm her weapon.
Right?
Maka continuously glared into her tea. Annoyed, she decided to down all of it. Spirit reached for the pot to pour his daughter more tea, but Maka beat him to it and grabbed it. She poured and drank. After a long time of silence, she finally spoke.
"So, Papa," she said, putting her tea down. "What's been going on in your life, lately?"
She saw his eyes flash with fear for a moment, then he swallowed and said, "Well, naturally I've mostly been here with Lord Death. Of course, a few days ago I taught the boys lesson." He shook his head. "We're not talking about me, Maka."
Maka narrowed her eyes. "Oh, but we are. We are talking about you."
Spirit's eyes widened. Maka took another swig of tea, downing it like whiskey. "You see, we don't really talk about you that often. There's some things lately that have really been pissing me off."
"Maka-" Spirit started, but she held up a shushing finger to his mouth.
"For instance, you seeing Blair all the time? That's so weird, Papa, she like... lives with me." She poured herself more tea.
"Does she, anymore?" Spirit said under his breath. Loud enough for her to hear, he said, "Maka, I don't think that's really relevant-"
"Ohh," Maka growled, "Oh really? Because I think the reason I'm so afraid of being in love is because of you, Papa."
Spirit froze. "M-Maka... That's not-"
"Not what?" Maka had fire in her eyes, the flames of the candles flickering. They looked like two menacing forest fires burning, two forests that Spirit had held dear in his heart, but now were going to be the death of him. "Not relevant? It's pretty damn relevant, Papa."
She drank more of her tea, then looked at him again. The fire was gone, replaced by hurt.
"I have a question."
Surprised by the mood swing, Spirit proceeded with caution. "Y-Yes, Maka?"
"When is the last time you saw Mama?"
Soul took a nervous sip of tea. "Miss Marie... Where do I start?"
She smiled at him and placed a hand on his. "Soul, from these questions I take it that you're interested in someone. I can't help you unless you tell me."
Dammit, he thought. Those eyes are so... Persuasive.
"Of course, if you'd rather keep it to yourself, that's okay, too."
Would it really be so bad if she knew?
"Can... Can you promise not to tell anyone else?" Soul felt vulnerable, but he knew it was only because Marie was so much older and she probably already knew anyway. Around Maka, he could keep his cool.
"Always, Soul. You can come to me with anything, and I promise you complete confidentiality."
"Well, you know how you wanted to talk about Maka?" Soul squirmed around in his chair.
Marie nodded, encouraging him.
"I... I think I might be in love with her."
"You think?" Marie raised her eyebrows. "You know, if you're in the moment and you tell a girl that you think you're in love with her, it won't go over very well."
Soul took a deep breath. "No, I don't think. I know. I'm in love with Maka Albarn, and I'm not going to deny it anymore."
Spirit wondered if Maka had somehow heard the conversation between him and his two friends. Then he recalled her question. "Before she left, Maka. You've asked me this before."
Maka sighed. "Right. I know. I'm sorry."
"I need to say something, Maka." Spirit was completely serious now. "Please, listen."
She looked at him curiously, sipping her tea. "Okay, Papa. I'm listening."
He nodded, determined. "Maka, you know that I love you. More than anything in this world. And I just want you to remember. I don't care how much you hate me, think I'm disgusting... Whatever. You will always be my precious daughter. And I will always protect you."
Maka quickly hid her eyes. She was tearing up, but she didn't want her dad to know it.
"Geez, Papa. When did you get all mushy?"
Spirit laughed, then looked at her seriously. "Maka, do you understand what I'm saying?"
She nodded. "I don't want to make you sad, Papa. I'm sorry if I ever do. I just get so angry about Mama... And I feel hurt, hurt worse than any physical pain. Worse than the kishin hurt me."
He whispered now. "I'm so sorry, Maka."
She shook her head. "Let me finish."
Spirit nodded, quiet.
"You know what hurts worse, even more than knowing what happened between you and her?" She paused, drinking from her cup. "Seeing any of my friends hurt. Soul transforming before my eyes to take the blow. Medusa nearly killing Crona. Seeing them all, lying around me, lifeless. That's what hurts more than anything."
Maka's father nodded. "Maka... You think I don't understand? Every time you kids go on a mission it scares all of us half to death. Being your father..." He lost his words then, because Maka was giving him a look of appreciation, one he hadn't seen in a long time.
Spirit remembered the words of Medusa.
You can have my hand-me-downs.
You damn witch!
I'm a father, Spirit thought, And I care about Maka so much. I need to help her find a love, one that lasts longer than my own.
He watched her drink more tea, seeking comfort in it. "Maka, can you tell me something?"
"Hmm?"
Spirit hesitated. "You care about all of your friends." She looked up. "Is there someone... In particular... That you care about, more than a friend?" He looked at her, nervous of her reaction.
To his surprise, she sighed. "Papa, excuse me for not trusting you with that information. Not yet."
Frustrated, Spirit sighed, too. "Maka, it's really important that I help-"
Maka stood up. "Help?" She laughed, and it was tantalizing. "I can't get help from you, Papa. Not about boys."
"Why not?" Spirit probed.
"Because... Because... Because, you're keeping secrets from ME!" Maka turned away from him, folding her arms. "It's not fair, and I can't trust you."
Spirit felt guilt clawing at his gut. "What do you want to know, Maka?"
"It isn't like you'll tell me, anyway. I can't stand this." Spirit heard tears in his daughter's voice.
"Maka-"
"Papa, why?" She turned, her eyes shining, tear tracks on her face. "Why can't you just tell me? Why can't you be honest with us?"
Us?
"Maka, I-"
"I don't want to hear excuses!" Maka yelled. She turned away from him again. "I need answers, Papa."
"Answers to what?" He finally managed a sentence.
She turned back and walked around the kotatsu to stand in front of him and look into his eyes. He saw fire there again.
"Why don't you just tell me that Mama is here again?"
Spirit was dumbstruck. So she had heard the conversation. "Maka-" He tried.
"That voice! I can tell you're making excuses. You've always avoided her, you've always avoided my questions. Why did you cheat on her? Why did she leave me with you?"
Spirit grabbed his daughter's shoulders. "Maka, I was afraid. Afraid that you would never speak to me again, or would never want to speak to her again. That you would end up like Soul, without a family to speak of-"
"Don't you dare bring Soul's situation into this." Maka growled. "He's my only real family, him and all of my friends. Mama left. You're a liar. I'm trapped in the indecision. How can I even believe what you said before, about loving me and protecting me?"
"Why would I lie about-"
"Why would you lie? Why did you lie about all those women, cheating on Mom?"
"Because I loved her. And I loved you. I didn't want you two to hurt."
Maka was pale as snow. "Then why... the hell... did you do it in the first place?"
She turned away, tears in her eyes again. she walked towards the entrance of the Death room. Then she stopped, and spoke without turning around again.
"I hope you know that loving a man is going to be nearly impossible for me. Because of you."
She started to leave. Spirit looked at his watch and saw that it was 8:51. "Maka!" He called. He ran after her and grabbed her arm. "Give Soul a chance," he pleaded, "he's exactly what you need."
Maka's eyes grew wide, and Spirit saw fear in them. Fear, and then more anger. "Leave me the hell alone. Leave Soul alone, too. I don't want to talk to you, or see you, until you can be honest with me."
She stormed out, running as fast as she could, sobbing.
Spirit remembered the words Kima, his ex-wife, had spoken before she had left.
Leave me the hell alone, Spirit. Leave my child and I alone. I'm going far away from here. Don't speak to me ever again. Not until you can tell me the truth.
And she had walked out the door, crying the tears of the heartbreak that Maka now felt.
Soul walked down the hallways towards the stairs. He'd left the classroom at 9:05. He hoped Maka hadn't been waiting a long time.
I'm going to show her that I love her.
When he found her, he wasn't expecting to see her huddled next to a pillar, sobbing into her arms. He ran to her, falling to his knees, and leaning over her. He put an arm around her.
"Maka," he tried to soothe, "Maka, I'm here. It's okay."
Maka hiccuped and shook her head. "S-Soul." She choked.
"Maka?" Soul was extremely worried. "Let's go home."
"Kay." Maka felt herself being lifted into her weapon's arms, cradled like a baby. She buried her face in his chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. He carried her down the steps and to where he had parked his bike.
"Hold on tight, Maka." They sped off, racing towards home. Although he assumed Maka believed the loud engine and blowing wind would disguise her sobs, she was wrong. Soul could hear her crying and feel her tears on his back.
What happened?
When they reached the apartment, he carried her up to it and unlocked the door. When he stepped inside, closing the door behind him, he brushed his fingers against Maka's tear streaked face.
"I'll make us some tea." Soul walked into their apartment and set her down gently on the sofa.
"Soul..." Maka reached for him when he started to walk away.
"Yeah, Maka?"
"Could you make... Coffee... Instead?" She dropped her hand that reached for him. "I'm not in the mood for tea."
Soul nodded. "No problem."
As he poured water into their coffee maker, which usually only he used, he wondered what could have gone wrong with Maka's lesson. The list goes on and on, Soul admitted to himself.
When the coffee pot ding'd, Soul got up and poured Maka a large cup. He added some cream and brought it to her. "Careful, it's really hot." He warned. "Just take little sips." He remembered how he had chugged his tea during the lesson, wondering if Maka had done the same.
After she had gulped half the cup down, Maka looked up at him. He was sitting next to her, keeping a close watch.
"I think I'm going to shower." Maka told him. Soul nodded, looking a little concerned.
"You alright?" He asked.
She smiled a little. "Uh huh."
She set her coffee down and got up, almost falling over again. Soul grabbed her arm to help her balance, and she blushed.
"Sorry." She grimaced at Soul. Walking over to the bathroom, she wrung her hands and opened the door, shutting it and locking it behind her. Deciding against this, in case she needed Soul, she unlocked it quietly.
She rested her elbows on the counter, putting her head in her hands. She felt the tears coming back. She didn't try to fight them; she was alone now, where Soul couldn't see her cry. She started the hot water running and ran her fingers through her hair to pull out her ponytail. Undressing, she left her clothes all over the floor and tried not to look at her swollen eyes and shining face in the mirror. As the shower started to get steamy, she stepped in and sighed, the hot water coating her body in a sudden burst of energy.
It couldn't distract her, however, from the thoughts that kept running through her head.
Mom might be back...
I can't leave with her. I don't know her anymore.
They both lied to me.
Papa thinks Soul is... Good for me?
She felt lightheaded as everything surrounded her; the steam, the thoughts, the hate and the love. How did all of this happen so fast? Before, she had a drive, a drive to destroy evil and become powerful. Suddenly she was this shipwreck in a sea of emotions, emotions that were crashing around her.
How do I fight this?
Usually, she used Soul to fight. Soul guided her, protected her, and extended her power.
Can he protect me now? Does he love me back?
Maka didn't realize she was falling until she hit the ground, hard. The water was coming down on her back now, hot and burning. She was so distracted that she thought someone had pushed her, and she screamed.
"Soul!" She screamed, blood-curdling, frightening. "Soul!"
She heard running, footsteps, the door bolted open. "Maka?" He called out from the doorway. The shower curtain was closed, but he still didn't want to invade her privacy. "Maka? Are you hurt?"
"Soul, help me..."
"Maka, are you laying down in there?"
She screamed again. The water was becoming unbearable.
"Maka!" Soul's voice broke through the pain, shattered it like glass. "Turn off the water. Reach up and turn the faucet!"
She did so, reaching, stretching. The pain was gone, and she felt now the awkwardness of lying on the shower bottom.
"I'll turn around so you can get a towel. Then come into my room, okay?"
She nodded, and Soul knew she had agreed. He turned and left, opening his bedroom door and quickly lighting some candles that smelled of vanilla. Waving the match he had used to put it out, he went back to the bathroom to check that Maka was coming. He walked in the find her with a towel wrapped around her body, tears falling onto her crossed arms. He put an arm around her again, leading her to his bedroom.
"Lay down on my bed, Maka, on your stomach."
She didn't question him. She laid on his bed, surprised at how comforting it was to be there.
"I'm going to give you a back massage, okay? Like you used to do when you'd wake me up from nightmares, when we first started living together. Remember?"
She remembered. This atmosphere, the candles, the smells, it was all the same. Only now, Maka was the one with the nightmares. The fears.
"Lie still, and relax." Soul whispered in her ear. She shivered, and the sensations distracted her from her dark thoughts.
She felt the towel being slid down to the very bottom of her back, but no further. Then strong fingers, ones that worked the piano like a baker worked dough, kneaded gently into her back. He caressed, rubbed, and did little circles with his thumbs all over her back. She would shiver every once in awhile, enjoying his touch.
He leaned down over her ear and kissed her neck, ever so gently. "It's going to be okay, Maka. I promise."
Maka recognized the words, taken out of her own mouth when she had spoken to Crona. She realized just how similar she and Crona were right now. She was weak, she had shut down any sense of happiness in her body.
He started to rub her shoulders, and she groaned as his hands worked all of the tightness right from her body. She felt herself melt underneath his grip, and she longed to turn over and look at him in the eyes.
He leaned into her again, kissing her neck and down her back, on her spine. "Maka..." He said quietly. He ran his hands up and down her back lightly, then buried his nose in her hair. He breathed in her smell, sweet and soft, the way you would expect a puffy white cloud on a summer day to smell. Maka moaned softly, closing her eyes and indulging in Soul's actions. Neither of them stopped to wonder what was happening.
"Soul..." Maka wanted again to turn over and see his eyes.
"Yeah?"
She hadn't expected an immediate response, but she took advantage of it. "Let me turn over."
He removed his hands from her body and she pulled the towel up over her breasts, and rolled over in his bed. Soul admired her beauty, even though her eyes were puffy and her hair was messy. He sat down on the bed next to her.
"Soul..." She looked into his eyes and reached for his hand. He let her take it, and she brought it up to her lips and kissed it gently. "Don't leave, please."
Soul laughed softly. "I'm not going anywhere, Maka. This is my bedroom.'
Maka furrowed her eyebrows and kissed his hand again. "I mean, don't leave me."
Soul smiled and laid down next to her, never pulling his hand away. "I won't. I promise. I'm your weapon, Maka, and weapons protect their meisters. That's how it works, and that's how it's always worked."
Maka closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his hand a final time. "Thank you, Soul."
"I'm always here for you, Maka."
As she drifted to sleep, her grip on his hand loosened. He pulled it away and grabbed a blanket to put over her. The last thing he needed was to wake up with her towel unraveled and receiving a Maka-chop, along with being called a pervert. He laid down next to her, under a different blanket, and made sure she was asleep.
When he was certain, he whispered, "I love you, Maka Albarn." And kissed her cheek. Soon afterwards, he fell asleep.