I don't own Soul Eater.

This…is extremely lovey. V. OOC. But we all need it sometimes, so just know that this is one of those times…

Once again unbeta'd, so please forgive or point out any mistakes!

Chapter 6: The Resolution

London, England

February 22nd, 1801

The transition from burning dreams to the still, pre-dawn quiet of London's early morning was lost on Lady Albarn. There was simply no time to appreciate such an effect. The driving need to be with Soul was paramount, fueled both by her own desire, and Tovenaar's magic. She stumbled in the darkness, cursing quietly as she kicked a boot out of her path. In her haste, she ripped her chemise and then donned the first garment to hand. The only item of clothing she took time to locate was the one pair of sturdy boots she owned, purchased during a rare moment of inattention on Lady Ford's part. The thought of Soul barred all others from her mind, and had she ever been a woman to appreciate fashion, she would currently be appalled. Yet none of that mattered at the best of times, and her only purpose now was to reach Soul before the magic that tingled on the inside of her skin either fizzled out, or forced its way through her flesh.

Escaping the townhouse was surprisingly easy, due to the early hour. The servants were still abed, and the key that Maka had pilfered from her father's study nearly a year prior turned smoothly within the lock. Now faced directly with the cold winter air, Maka wrapped her shawl tightly about her shoulders, and set off at a sprint for the Shoppe.

Even moving as quickly as she could, it would still take nearly twenty minutes to reach her destination. It was a thankful thing that Maka tended more to the willowy physique, rather than the full-figured ideal. She kept to the shadows, only merging into the light of the streetlamps when she ran the danger of crossing the paths of prostitutes, their keepers, gamesters, or any flare of malicious intent. Yet at this hour of the morning, such instances were rare – or perhaps she was being protected by the very force that directed her. Either way she kept her pace, breath beginning to catch in her throat, and boots clicking rhythmically against the wide-spaced cobblestones.

Her pace slackened as she turned the corner of - street, and she was within sight of her goal. Soul was there, she could feel him, much the way she had during their dream-adventures. Perhaps he was dreaming still? Or the lights within her were reacting to the lights within him?

"Hey, you! No birds on a street like this, hear me? Come here, ye hussy-"Maka ignored the constable's cries. He was at least forty feet behind her, and as long as he didn't interfere, she wouldn't take offense at his likening her to a lady of the night.

"I mean it, missy! Get your arse back here!"

Oh, foot. Maka gasped for breath as she attempted to run even faster, yet she had expended all her energy prior. She was chilled to the bone, and pain shot up her legs with every step. A quick glance back confirmed her fear – the constable was actively chasing after her, and was now close enough for Maka to sense his intent. Constable or not, this was no gentleman, and his idea of treating a lady with proper respect was to pull her dress back down when he was finished with her. She grit her teeth as she called upon one last burst of speed, and called for Soul the way she had done so during last night's dream.

Soul!

Yet it was not enough. Her boot caught upon a poorly laid stone, and before she could tumble head over heels a large hand fastened itself on her arm. "Told ye to stop runnin', bitch. Too bad ye didn't lissen'-"Maka tried to pull away, but his hold on her was too strong. She opened her mouth to cry out for help, but was deterred by the sound of footsteps on the street behind them…and a wave of the most powerful aura she had ever experienced.

Apart from her shocked inhale, there was no warning. As her attacker turned to face the newcomer, a cloud of substance akin to black dust hit him square in the chest, with force enough to upend him onto his back, several feet away. Thankfully, he had released Maka's arm instinctively, otherwise she would have tumbled headlong after him.

"I believe the lady wants nothing to do with you, sir. Perhaps you should leave before I lose my temper." Maka knew that voice more intimately than she knew her own – even with the dark, fitted hat that hid the bone-colored locks and shadowed his features, she knew it was Soul.

Her eyes lit in relief, and it was all she could do to keep from running over to him. There was a darkness in his expression that helped, however. Clearly, he did not want her hanging over him like a helpless female; not when he had that strange, dark substance in his control, and justice to mete out. She glanced over at the crooked enforcer, taking careful notice of the billowed quality to the inky matter. The constable was clearly terrified, pawing at the shadow even as it dissipated and reformed around his panicked hands.

"What in the blazes? Get this shite off of me!"

Soul's glare cut through the weak light, causing even Maka to shiver. "Leave now, and you'll never have cause to know. This is your last warning."

Sensing that his mysterious attacker was serious, the constable wasted no time in making his escape, slipping and falling onto his belly in his haste. Even with this setback, he was gone in moments. Soul extended his hand, and slowly pulled the cloud back in towards him.

"Soul-"

He stopped her with his left hand, guiding the material into his inner chest pocket with his right. It was only when the substance was safely deposited did he turn to her; exhaustion, fear, and rage in his visage. "What are you doing, running about at this hour in the morning? Do you realize what could have happened to you? And if I had not been here to protect you, you would have – God forbid it ever happen, Maka-"

The magical propulsion that led her to undertake her mad dash through London's streets was back in full force, now that the immediate danger to her person had abated. She experienced every facet of Soul's emotions, yet she was overcome by her own, and the clear, marked desire of the lights. It was precisely as Stein had said, at the very beginning- for the lights ever and always desire to be together- yet Maka did not realize that she had solved the mystery when she threw herself into Soul's arms, cutting off his tirade by rising up on tiptoe to bravely brush her lips against his own. She simply knew that she loved him, and would rather struggle every day than let him out of her life.

As their lips touched there was a bright flash that burned against her shut eyelids. This prompted them to flutter open, allowing her to see the beauty of the lights one last time. Although she could not feel the magic swirling about them, she could feel it through Soul- there was power and purpose, yet there was also unbridled wonder and beauty. Faced with the true magnitude of Tovenaar's abilities, she realized that they had only experienced one facet of his magic; that they had barely scratched the surface of his talent, and his love.

Yet even in the eye of this magical storm, Soul did not step away from his love. Though Tovenaar's power was a profound temptation, he laid kiss after gentle kiss upon Maka's lips, presenting her with every inch of his attention. Maka was humbled by the love she felt in him, so much so that her heart swelled with joy. They did not cease kissing until the magic around them began to wane, colors dimming and blending into the grey morning light.

It was only then that Soul found the strength to pull back from her, resting his forehead lightly on hers. His long fingers traced delicate lines upon her face, tangling gently in her hair. Although he knew it was improper, he could not help but place chaste kisses upon her lips. "I thought you were afraid of me. I thought I had lost you. "

Drunk with joy, Maka giggled quietly, brushing her nose against his own. "No. Never. I can feel you, Soul, I know enough not to fear you. Your abilities are something I will learn to respect, and handle appropriately."

Soul inhaled deeply, arms momentarily clutching tightly about her. "Gods above, Maka. You don't know how good it does my heart to hear that." He kissed her again, deep and lingering, just long enough to turn the giddiness in her head to a delicious heat that stoked in the pit of her stomach.

A sudden realization caused him to pull back, however. "But I'm getting ahead of myself, aren't I? First, there is something I must ask you." He fixed her with his most serious gaze, yet even that was full of hope and promise. Maka's heart fluttered within her chest, instinctively knowing what was to come. She would forgive him for not taking a knee, as London's streets were quite dirty.

"Maka, will you do me the honor-"

"Touching as this moment is – and I wish you both hearty congratulations in advance – it is incumbent on me to warn you both that Lord Albarn will be here in moments…and would not look kindly on such behavior."

Maka and Soul spun to face the newcomer. There stood Stein, an amused glint in his eye, storefront keys in hand. He gave them a twirl as he winked, and then inserted the correct key into the lock. "Perhaps we should await him inside? The morning is quite cool, and the lady's garments do not offer much protection from the elements."

Her godfather's words reminded her of her predicament, and she shuddered. Yet she could not help but begrudge Stein – just a little – for interrupting them. There was simply no other way to take Soul's wording, was there? Her acceptance was a foregone conclusion, of course. No matter his birth or breeding, there was not a shadow of hesitation in her heart. Her father would simply have to accept that she was in love with and would marry a common-born Soul-Eater.

Stein glanced discreetly at the couple, flicking his fingers and muttering commands that would heat and light the room quickly. Spirit's rage would only be abetted by Maka's shivers, after all. "There is much we should speak of, although I doubt this is the time. Tovenaar's history and the dreams you did not witness, for instance. Yet there should be time enough for the most important query before Spirit battens down my door – do you know the current status of Tovenaar's lights?"

Soul glanced down at his love, wrapping his arm around her to share the heat of his body before responding. "They have dispersed; presumably back to their original source. Although a faint trace still lingers…"

Stein nodded firmly eyes alit with scientific fervor. "Indeed. This is most exciting. To my knowledge, no one has ever accomplished what you two have – this more than fulfills my hopes for this particular scientific study! Only time will tell whether that faint trace remains, or if it will progressively weaken. Perhaps my godchild could tell me why this has occurred?"

Maka closed her eyes, deep in thought. Interestingly, what came to her mind's eye was not the terror of last night's nightmare, nor the study, where the culmination of Tovenaar's and Ellsbeth's love took place. Instead, she saw them at their pivotal moment - Tovenaar with his hand outstretched, Ellsbeth in the water. It was their moment of acceptance, of chance and choice and fate. "The lights… do not grant immortality. Nor, do I believe, was that ever the purpose. We did not see Tovenaar create the flask, so I cannot be entirely sure – but I believe he created them to honor their love." She took Soul's hand between her own before she continued. "That is why the lights drew us together, and why they showed us those specific memories. It is also why, when we acknowledged that we truly loved each other, that the lights were…freed."

Stein smiled, delicately twisting the gear at his neck as he did so. "Most impressive, goddaughter. Now, if I could have you step behind me-"

Any further instruction was interrupted by the door flying open, swinging back so forcefully that, upon contact with the wall, it swung back to close upon the face of the opener. Maka scurried behind her godfather, and after she had done so they exchanged a glance that would be described, in a word, as long-suffering. Soul was somewhat less subdued. It was, after all, the first time in his life that Lord Spirit Albarn gave him genuine cause for anxiety.

The door was thrust open again with slightly less force, and Maka's father bustled through before there was another chance to be attacked on the rebound. He descended upon Soul before either Stein or Maka could cry out, and it was only Soul's quick instincts that allowed him to escape the immediate outpouring of Spirit's wrath.

"Give me my daughter!" Spirit descended upon his nemesis, shaping familiar dark matter between his fingertips as he did so. Any residual doubts Maka harbored about her father belonging to the same league as Soul ended. She attempted to run to Soul in order to stop her father's madness, but Stein held her back. He brought a finger to his lips, tilting his head to direct her attention.

Spirit directed the substance at Soul, yet the younger man was able to deflect the attack by sweeping his arms out to the side. "Spirit! Would you misuse the powers of the King's Artifact by attacking the living? Calm down, man. Maka is-"

Spirit howled with rage, and tore his hat from his head in order to throw it to the ground. "What are you doing with her? Don't try to deny it, Stein has seen you together! Stay away from my daughter, Soul-Eater, or by Heaven's grace I swear I shall end you-"

Soul's anger made him foolish. "My intentions for Maka are nothing but honorable. You don't understand, Spirit-"

His eyes narrowed into slits of red, fiery rage. "So you do have designs on my daughter? I will be your doom."

Maka had never been able to recognize her father's emotions so completely. Yet now that she could, she would rather she hadn't – his rage was painful to experience, sharp and jagged and capable of rending his heart in two. Suspecting that she was the only one who could mend this perilous situation, Maka shook off Stein's hold, and calmly walked over to Soul. Her father was so blinded by his rage that he did not recognize her until she stood directly in front of her lover, reaching back to take his hand with hers.

"Hello, Papa. I hear you have been looking for me?" She smiled at his moment of stupefied silence. "As you can see, I am fine. More than fine, truthfully. Although I do not appreciate you threatening my…fiancé." She tightened her grip on Soul's hand as she finished, suddenly rather nervous. He hadn't truly asked her to marry him, after all.

The bloodlust drained from her father's eyes in tandem with the blood from his face. "F-f-f-f-f…fiancé?"

"I told you my intentions were honorable, Albarn-"

"In fact, I request you refrain from engaging in such behavior for the rest of our lives." Maka finished with a dangerous look at her father, daring him to stand against her. It was difficult to hold such a serious expression when Soul's avowal filled her with a wild surge of hope, however.

Spirit began to pace up and down the cluttered space, unconsciously picking out the best path through the rubble. "Darling, you cannot be serious. You don't know what this…man is! He is a Soul-Eater, and-"

"I know what that is, Papa. I know what he does, and what it entails."

"Men like him are monsters! They go against God's law!"

Maka trembled with rage, yet did not stand down. "He is a king's man, through and through! And the only monstrous thing I have witnessed today was your attack on him! Whatever power he may possess, can you deny your own?"

Spirit glanced over at Stein, panic on his features. Stein merely puffed at his cigar, sending a thread of amusement towards his goddaughter. You have him on the ropes, Maka. Keep pushing.

"You have lied to me all my life, father. Soul has never once done so, even when the truth could have cost him everything."

Spirit's veneer of control cracked apart. Maka rocked back on her heels at the strength of his sorrow. "I did not lie to hurt you, darling – merely to protect you! I could not lose you the way I lost your mother. Yet if you stay with him you will be hurt, or hunted, or worse! Kami died because she was married to me. I cannot let the cycle be repeated."

Shaken with the sincerity in his words and his heart, Maka glanced at her godfather. His wry smile was gone now, replaced with dark shadows in his eyes. "Spirit, that is not entirely true. Kami was not killed because of you. It was her choice. You must respect that, and let go."

"If I hadn't encouraged her ability, it would never have happened! If I hadn't allowed her to function as an empath, she would never have chosen death!" His voice was broken, cracking in sorrow and pain. "And I will never let go. Not while she still lingers here-"

"Mother…was an empath?" Her whisper cut through her father's railings. She glanced from him to her godfather, finding confirmation in their expressions. So it was true – her abilities were a gift from her mother! Yet… "How could such a talent ensure her demise? I was told her heart gave out…"

Soul pulled her close to him, wrapping her in his warmth and comfort. She held onto his forearms, grateful for all he gave. Her mother had died when she was quite young, and truthfully she could barely remember her. This bout of weakness was not simply in to mourn her; it was more for unforeseen anxiety over her powers and future. Was there a negative aspect to her talent? Could it be used against her? Why had she never given even a passing thought as to the full ramifications of her skill?

It was Stein who answered her, in a grave tone so at odds with his capricious nature. "You are truly your mother's daughter, Maka. Although your power is augmented by your father's – her ability was much less controlled than yours is, and only manifested with clarity a few times in her life. Unfortunately, the night she died was one of them. As to the specifics of her demise, there is much I cannot say – the details of that final encounter are held confidential by all who serve the King. Yet I can say that she died nobly, in perfect awareness of what her sacrifice entailed. She does not blame Spirit, nor should she. She is at peace."

Maka bowed her head. This, vague as it was, was the most she had ever heard on the subject of her mother's passing, and she needed a moment to process the news. Unfortunately, her father had listened more closely than might be expected, given his usual foolish nature.

"Franken. You do not mean to imply that my daughter is an empath, do you?" His boots clicked against the floor one final time as he paused his pacing, turning to fix his gaze upon his old friend. There was fire in his eyes, flickering in fear and denial. "That is impossible. Maka has never displayed any signs-"

"Father, it is true. I am what he claims."

Spirit ignored her. "She has never said a word about this. It is a gross falsehood.

"I kept my silence because I did not know! It was only through meeting Stein and Soul that I became aware-

"You are not an empath. It is madness to think otherwise. We are done with this discussion, Maka. Now step away from that man, we are leaving-"

He had erected that impenetrable wall again, and Maka could glean nothing from him but his desire to leave. Yet how else could she prove her ability – and her right to remain – if she did not surpass his mental barriers? She had to win against him; otherwise he would attempt to put her beyond Soul's reach…! Knowing everything depended on this, she focused herself, hunching forward to cut herself off from Stein and Soul. Before, she had slipped past his barrier by focusing on the beat of his heart. This was impossible from halfway across the room. All she could feel was the aftereffects of his anger, weaving between them like tendrils of ribbon. Yet what if she grabbed hold of one? Could she follow it back to the source?

"Let us go, Maka. I told you to come away from Soul-"

"Spirit, you cannot be so blind, or so foolish. Not when the boy and I know the truth-"

"I'm never letting her go, Albarn! I will not make your mistakes!"

Yes. Maka wound the ephemeral hate-ribbon around her wrist, unconsciously gripping that same wrist with her fingers as she did. Now they were connected, yet how to get in? Well, she supposed asking nicely wouldn't hurt.

Let me in, Father.

The wall bent, but did not give. She must try harder.

"She's not your daughter, Franken! It is not your place to say what she is and isn't!"

"She is not your wife, Albarn. Telling her to fear me is one thing, but to deny herself is madness!"

Let me in.

"They are in love, old friend. Do you truly think you can stand between them? Think of how Kami's father tried to keep the two of you apart. Would you see history thus repeated?"

"I won't let this happen!"

"LET ME IN!" Maka did not realize she had spoken aloud until it was too late. Her power flared, and her father's barrier gave way at her command. Then she was inside him, plumbing depths she had thought impossible with anyone, let alone her father. Thoughts and memories raced under her touch – herself as a tottering child; clutching to his leg as strangers crowded her; sitting atop his lap as he read her stories. Yet those were not of interest to her. She was here to see her mother, to see why her father feared for her so.

She felt the slack ribbon tighten, and she followed its pull. Images of her mother flooded her vision, until she was nearly lost in the undertow. Kami at their first meeting, eyes flashing and hand arcing towards 'her' face; Kami glancing brazenly through her veil at their wedding; Kami holding a squalling baby in her arms, smiling exhaustedly. With them were her father's somatic recall – how his heart had flipped at her saucy smile, the unbound joy as she said I do, and the fading terror at the prospect of losing his wife in childbirth.

"...Maka!" Soul's voice called to her from far away, but she couldn't follow his call yet. She had to see her father's fear before she left…!

The ribbon pulled her past all these seductive images, until she at last stood in front of Spirit's most carefully guarded image. For a fleeting moment she saw what he feared – her mother's body lying at his feet, cold and lifeless. His despair washed over her like the waves of the sea, and terror mounted in her breast. This was too much. She was too deep, and now that she had experienced this, how could she ever look her father in the eye again?

"Maka!" Soul's voice cut through her reverie. Now that she had accomplished her goal, he echoed through her conscious. "Maka, come back to me!"

Still, she hesitated. There was something seductive about being so firmly ensconced in her father's recollections. Here was where her mother's memory rested and it was here that she could learn of her mother.

Yet if she remained here forever, how could she create new memories with Soul? The ribbon loosened on her wrist, and as he spoke again unwound itself completely. "Come to me, love. Follow the sound of my voice."

Maka closed her eyes, feeling the power thundering through her veins quiet to a dull hum. She imagined it seeping out of out her like mist over the moor, and when she opened her eyes again, she was lying prone on the floor of Stein's Shoppe.

"Darling-" Soul and her father spoke in tandem, and could not help but glare at one another before moving to either side of her. Beyond them, Stein looked on with worry in his gaze.

For a moment the scene swung lazily in front of her, blobs of light and color that finally coalesced into reality. Shaken by the enormity of what she had just done, it took her a moment before she could speak. "Father I'm...I'm sorry. I should not have done that. But I needed you to believe me. And perhaps...perhaps I needed to know."

Spirit bowed his head, yet held her hand tightly within his. "Darling, I- I do not know what to say. You are right; I should not have denied your abilities. I should not have denied you that piece of your mother." His gaze cut to the left, and a shadow passed over it - much as if he were seeing something invisible to her eyes. The lost quality in his expression dissipated as he turned back to Soul. "Yet to choose a Soul-Eater? You don't know the pain it will give you, in the end."

Maka attempted to raise herself, and was assisted by both her father and her suitor. Yet she clung to Soul, and it was his arms that she leaned back upon. She fixed her father with a steady gaze, weak as she felt. "It may be painful, but there is no doubt in my heart or my mind that it would not be worth it. Could you have given up Mama? Would she have given up you?"

Behind her, Maka felt Soul's heart pulse with joy, and she closed her eyes to luxuriate in the warmth of their mutual affections. Acting thus, she missed her father's sorrowful gaze.

"Then you are decided?"

She breathed deeply, a mixture of Soul's scent and his love marking her determination. "I am."

"Then I can do nothing but give you my blessing." Spirit glanced up at his old friend, a hint of a rueful smile playing at his lips. "God and the king forgive me, but I won't stand in your way."

"Papa!" In a move that shocked everyone, Maka threw herself into his arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. Stein and Soul shared an amused glance of their own at Spirit's pleased surprise. "Oh, thank you, thank you!" She pulled back so Spirit could see nothing but her incandescent joy. Yet before he could become too accustomed to her effusive embrace, Maka pulled away entirely and faced her love. He had watched the proceedings with a small smile upon his face, and his eyes softened when they met hers.

"But first…" she stepped close to him, and took his hands with her own. "Someone has something they should finish…" A telling glance down at the floor finished her instruction, and Soul could do nothing but obey. With nary a grumble he bent to one knee, removing his hat before clutching her hand within his.

"My lady. Together we have gone through dangers and hardships that most couples - most people- will never know. Although we have only known each other for a very little time; like you, I harbor no doubts. I love you, Maka. I look forward to spending every day loving you, talking with you, laughing with you, and fighting with you. If our introduction is anything to go by, perhaps even fighting you."

Maka playfully swatted his head with her other hand, yet there was no vehemence in it, and it rested there afterwards, soothing little patterns against the soft shock of his hair.

"I trust you. I love you with everything I am. When I say that I never wish to be parted from you again, I am in earnest. Unorthodox as our life together may be, I would spend it with no one other than you." He brought her hand to his lips and pressed a fervent kiss against it. "Maka. My love. Please...marry me?"

It felt as if her heart were exploding within her chest. For once, her joy was so great that it blocked out all other emotions, and she could sense nothing but her own. Yet it would not do to leave her Soul waiting, and so she sank down to her knees so that they were nearly eye-to-eye. When she got there, however, she found she had very little to say. All she could manage was a whispered assent before she pressed her lips gently yet firmly against his.

Behind them, Stein clapped his friend on the shoulder. "Oh, don't cry, old friend. It could have been worse!"

Spirit whimpered, but the tears did not stop. "My baby! My previous darling will soon be someone else's!" He cried in earnest now, and Stein rolled his eyes. If only the king could see him now…

The young couple broke apart, suddenly conscious that they were proving their affections in front of Maka's father. They rose and exchanged a glance, and at Soul's questioning eyebrows, Maka shrugged. Yet her father's lament over her inelaborate wedding sparked a mischievous comment.

"I must say, Papa, after the initial shock, you're taking this quite well. I had prepared myself for a longer struggle - especially as Soul isn't a noble! I am very pleased to see you handling this in such a mature manner."

There was a very telling silence, wherein all the men struggled to look innocent and yet avoid her gaze all at the same time. Stein was the most successful, and he fixed his assistant with an amused glance. "Oh? So you did not tell her then?"

Soul glanced nervously at Maka. "I- there was no time. I was going to, but…" He trailed off at her raised eyebrows and confused expression. He turned to her and took her hands within his own. "Understand, love, that I wasn't supposed to tell anyone. I threw away that life, and I never thought we would...and of course I was going to tell you, but then you discovered my abilities, and...well, to start with Soul isn't my actual name-"

She placed her fingers against his lips, cutting off his babble with a wry look. "I was never so foolish to believe it was, dearest. A man operating in the underbelly of society must have a secret of two. Is yours that you are of noble birth?"

He wet his lips nervously. "Yes."

She smiled warmly. "Then why should you be so nervous? It will only make our union easier! Although I still hold to a very quiet, private ceremony, with none of the pomp of a public affair-"

"Small chance of that, considering who Soul actually is…" Stein mused, tapping his chin in a mockery of thoughtfulness. He adopted a facade of surprise when the couple turned on him with identical glares. "Oh, don't mind me! I'm just thinking of what on earth we are going to tell your parents...Soul. Especially when the rumors about you are so persistent."

"Rumors? About Soul? But-"

If looks could kill, Soul's glower would be deadly. "I hate you, Stein. Now and forever."

Stein smirked. "I thought you would have reserved that hate for your dear brother, who-"

"Stein!"

"Harbored affections for the same-"

"I am warning you!"

"...woman."

Soul turned to Maka, his nervousness evident. Judging by the flash of comprehension in her eyes, he had bare moments before she put it all together. "I'm Solomon Evans. Please don't be angry. I didn't mean to keep it from you; it is only that I'm so used to hiding it."

His love stared at him with wide, disbelieving eyes. "You...are Solomon Evans."

He nodded nervously. "Yes."

"Truly?"

Her face was clouded, and Stein and Spirit exchanged puzzled expressions as they tried to determine where the problem lay. Surely she should be happy that there was one less obstacle to their union? Their confusion only grew with Maka's unexpected reaction.

"Maka-chop!"

Soul clutched his head. "Ow! See, this is why I didn't want to tell you!"

The two men stared in amazement as Maka lay into her lover, beating him with her fists as well as verbally castigating him. "You… you…! I cannot believe this! I spoke of you, and you never said a word! You rogue! You scoundrel! You-"

It was here that Soul was able to take hold of her arms, and pulled her close to him so that she could gain no more leverage over him. "And it was what you said that made me aware of my love for you. I had no doubts after you told me your fascination with the melody I composed." His eyes grew dark and hooded as he gazed into her faced. "How could I not love you when you accepted me even then?"

"I…it…! It is just so embarrassing!"

"At that I cannot laugh, dearest." With eyes so dark and deep, and a voice so earnest and smooth, Maka's ire was lost. She leaned into him, losing herself in the warmth and desire that flickered between them.

"And on that note, I believe it is time for breakfast. Ah, but before I forget!" Stein rummaged in his pocket, until his face brightened. "For services well rendered: catch!"

He flicked something into the air, and it caught the light as it began to fall. Maka had barely determined the flash of gold was in fact a ring - the ring - before it fell neatly into her hands. She then remembered her original purpose for coming here...and how utterly impossible it would be to follow through with it now.

"What is all this?"

"Didn't your daughter tell you? That's the Ring of Fidelity, and I have a feeling it will be sitting on someone's hand in a matter of moments-"

Her father protested and possibly paled, but Maka paid no notice. The ring sat flat upon her palm, and as yet she felt no compunction to use it. Obviously, she couldn't give it to her father. She knew that now, especially in light of his connection to magic, and the hastily mentioned king's services. Although she wished he would not demean the memory of her mother so, it was his choice to love whom he wished, especially in light of her own unorthodox match. Besides-

Hands cupped her own, shaping her fingers around the ring. She looked up into determined eyes, and a confident, sharp-toothed grin. With one last, steady look, Soul guided her fingers - and thus the ring - to his own left hand. With surprising ease, he maneuvered the Ring of Fidelity onto his ring finger.

"Soul-"

He flexed his hand shut, and then held it up, as if to admire the plain, gold band. "Yes, dearest? I know it's a bit more traditional for the lady to receive the ring, but in this case...I simply couldn't help myself." His grinned wide and wickedly as he embraced her tightly. "It is so you never lose sleep over my honor…as well as my own personal selfishness. No matter what you do, love, you'll never be rid of me now…"

Pure love for him broke upon her like waves upon the shore, so she threaded her fingers into his hair and kissed him. It lasted throughout the duration of many frenzied heartbeats, and she only pulled back when her joy threatened to overflow. "Soul, I-"

"Come on, Spirit. It is time for coffee, and you will only make it worse by staring at them like that!" Stein's stage whisper garnered both their attentions, and the turned to see Spirit weeping openly.

"But...but my baby. She's kissing! Kissing!"

"It was bound to happen sometime, old friend. Perhaps they're only doing it to shock you. We'd better leave before they begin disrobing."

Spirit sputtered, and it caused the two lovers to chuckle quietly. A quiet life did not seem to be in the cards, but neither regretted it much. They clasped hands as they followed Stein into the kitchen, each glorying in the possibilities of the future that lay before them.

…

…

…

…

...

Last chapter – Epilogue, The Wedding. One last secret to be revealed, and Soul's meeting with his family after years apart. And, of course, the actual wedding.

An update! How shocking ;) R&R!